cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photon Counting CT: Clinical Applications and Future Developments

The use of a photon counting detector in CT (PCD CT) is currently the subject of intense investigation and development. In this review article, we will describe potential clinical applications of this technology with a particular focus on the experience of our own institution with a prototype PCD CT scanner. Photon counting detectors (PCDs) have three primary advantages over conventional, energy integrating detectors (EIDs): 1) they provide spectral information without need for a dedicated dual-energy protocol; 2) they are immune to electronic noise; and 3) they can be made very high resolution without significant compromises to quantum efficiency. These advantages translate into several clinical applications. Metal artifacts, beam hardening artifacts, and noise streaks from photon starvation can be better mitigated using PCD CT. Certain incidental findings can be better characterized using the spectral information from PCD CT. High-contrast, high-resolution structures, such as the temporal bone can be better visualized using PCD CT and at greatly reduced dose. We also discuss new possibilities on the horizon, including new contrast agents, and how anticipated improvements in PCD CT will translate to performance in these applications.
Identification of QTLs associated with Sclerotinia blight resistance in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Sclerotinia blight caused by Sclerotinia minor (Jagger) is a significant threat to peanut production; therefore varietal improvement toward this disease is needed. To date, there have been no reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with Sclerotinia blight resistance in peanut. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify QTLs for Sclerotinia blight resistance. A total of 90 F2:6 recombinant inbred lines, derived from a released cultivar Tamrun OL07 and a breeding line Tx964117, were used as mapping population and field experiments were conducted in 2010, 2012 and 2018 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville, Texas. A genetic map was developed using 1211 SNP markers based on double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq). In total, seven QTLs were identified, two QTLs from 2010 and five QTLs from 2018, with LOD score values of 3.2 to 7.2 and explaining 6.6–25.6% phenotypic variance. Among these QTLs, three were detected in common by WinQTLCart and R/qtl. Interestingly, one of the QTLs coincides with a previously reported peanut Leaf spot resistance QTL. The findings from this study not only provide insights into disease resistant QTLs in peanut but can also be used as potential targets for breeding programs to enhance Sclerotinia blight resistance through molecular breeding.
COVID-19's Impact on the 2020-2021 Resident Match: A Survey of Otolaryngology Program Directors.

Objective:To determine the impact coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) will have on the 2020-2021 otolaryngology (OTO-HNS) resident application cycle.Methods:A cross-sectional survey targeting OT...
Ways to Prevent the Risk for Cancer and Catch Cancer Early

The possibility of getting cancer is affected by many factors, including age, lifestyle, weight, environmental factors, and family history and genetic predisposition. Some things cannot be controlled.
Assessment of subjective audio quality from EEG brain responses using time-space-frequency analysis

In this paper, we consider the problem of quantifying changes in the perceived quality of audio by directly measuring the brainwave responses of human subjects using a highresolution electro-encephelogram (EEG). Specifically, human subjects are presented with audio whose quality varies with time while being monitored by a 128-channel EEG; some of the time, they move a slider bar up and down to indicate their perception of the changing quality while at other times they listen passively. Our focus here is to identify low-level features in the brainwave responses that correlate well with temporal quality variations across multiple base audio sequences and different test subjects with our ultimate goal being to implement a classifier based on such features. The results presented here attempt to quantify the quality classification performance versus the perceptual uncertainty of the subjective data. We find that the proposed approach is much more effective in estimating the perceptual quality for one of the two distortion types considered, frequency truncation, than it is for the other type, scalar quantization.
Chapter 4 Endocrine regulation of sea urchin reproduction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the putative chemical messengers and their potential regulatory mechanisms in the control of sea-urchin reproduction. Sea-urchin reproduction is characterized by specific cycles of gametogenesis and nutritive phagocyte growth and depletion. Seasonal changes in environmental factors—such as photoperiod, temperature, and salinity—influence reproduction within a population. The nutritional condition also affects gametogenesis. The environmental and nutritional effects on the physiology and morphology of the gonads suggest that these exogenous cues are transduced to endogenous factors that regulate reproduction in the adult sea urchin. Diet plays a vital role in the stimulation and maintenance of gonad production and is one parameter that is easily manipulated in aquaculture. The formulated feeds supplemented with steroids affect gametogenesis and nutrient allocation to nutritive phagocytes. Sex steroids, proteins, catecholaminergic, and cholingeric factors all play roles in regulating various aspects of gonad function. Examination of these chemical messengers in the context of gonad production, gametogenesis, and nutrient translocation allows the generation of new hypotheses for research into the manipulation of gonad production and regulation of gametogenesis.
Exercise Recovery, Lactate Removal, and Subsequent High Intensity Exercise Performance.

Abstract In order to examine the effects of different recoveries from high intensity short duration exercise on lactate removal and subsequent performance, 11 subjects completed 8 experimental sessions. Each subject completed an initial all-out pedaling task against 5.5 kg resistance (Monark bicycle ergometer) for 1 min followed by a randomly assigned recovery pattern and a repeat of the all-out exercise task. The main effects examined were active (1.0 kg, 60 rpm) vs passive recovery, inhalation of inhalation of oxygen vs room air during recovery, and 10- vs-20-min duration of recovery. Pedal revolutions were analyzed on a 6- by 6-sec and on a cumulative basis. Blood lactate concentrations were determined during rest, the 3rd–4th, 9th–10th, and 19th–20th min of recovery. Results revealed significant main effects for active vs passive recovery and for 10- vs 20-min recovery, with active and 20-min recovery resulting in significantly higher postrecovery pedal revolutions (p < .001) and enhanced rates of lac...
Cultural Beliefs and Attitudes about Disability in East Africa

This interpretive literature review of cultural beliefs and attitudes about disability in East Africa identified themes in four categories including (a) the causes of disability, (b) attitudes towards disability, (c) treatment of people with disabilities, and (d) language about disability. Referencing the medical, social, and pluralistic frameworks for conceptualizing disability, the authors sought to compare and contrast East Africa with perspectives about disability common in the developed world. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Coupled and decoupled responses of continental and marine organic‐sedimentary systems through the Paleocene‐Eocene thermal maximum, New Jersey margin, USA

[1] The flux of sediment and organic carbon from continents to the coastal ocean is an important factor governing organic burial in coastal sediments, and these systems preserve important records of environmental and biogeochemical conditions during past global change events. Burial of organic materials in coastal systems can be promoted by chemical resilience or through protection by association with mineral surfaces, but the role and influence of these processes on organic records from ancient sediments is poorly known. We studied sediment and organic matter burial as particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-bound organic matter (MOM) in near-shore marine sediments from the Wilson Lake core (New Jersey, USA) that span the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), a climatic perturbation 55.9 Myr ago. Our results show that distinct POM and MOM fractions can be isolated from sediments. Both fractions appear to be dominated by terrestrial material, but POM consisted primarily of recently synthesized material whereas MOM included a significant fraction of pre-aged organic matter from soils or ancient sediments. Variation in organic burial through the PETM is associated with changes in inorganic nitrogen burial, clay mineralogy, and clastic grain size that we associate with enhanced continental weathering, erosion and redeposition of ancient kaolinites, and eustatic sea level variation, respectively. These results provide a new perspective on factors governing carbon burial and carbon isotope records in ancient marine margin settings and offer information on rate and phasing of late Paleocene/early Eocene Earth system changes that may constrain interpretations of the cause of the PETM climate change event.
Global Atmospheric Circulation Patterns and Relationships to Arctic Freshwater Fluxes

The large-scale atmospheric circulation affects the Arctic Ocean’s freshwater fluxes in at least three ways. First, the circulation controls the direct fluxes of precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) at the Arctic Ocean’s surface through the pattern of atmospheric moisture inflow and its convergence over the Arctic Ocean. Second, the circulation determines P and E over the Arctic terrestrial watersheds; the net P-E eventually reaches the Arctic Ocean as river runoff. Third, the large-scale circulation provides the wind-forcing that drives the advective fluxes of sea ice and ocean freshwater anomalies into and out of the Arctic (e.g., through Bering and Fram Straits) as well as from one portion of the Arctic Ocean to another. The atmospheric thermal anomalies resulting from the large-scale circulation also modify the freshwater fluxes in the Arctic Ocean through the freezing and melting of sea ice. This thermodynamic forcing is often correlated with the wind-driven forcing on interannual timescales.
Theory, Identity, Vocation: Three Models of Christian Legal Scholarship

Recognizably Christian scholarship is becoming more commonplace in the American legal academy, yet little systematic attention has been given to fundamental questions of approach. This article highlights moments of continuity and discontinuity between Christian legal scholarship and its secular counterparts. Contrary to the expectations generated by contemporary political debate, the distinctive contribution of Christian legal scholarship is not primarily to provide ammunition for political programs of the right or the left, but to situate law and human legal practices within a larger story about the world. This article develops three models of Christian legal scholarship - theory, identity and vocation. I employ these models - each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses - to argue that failure to address foundational questions about knowing and learning undermines much of the potential distinctiveness of Christian scholarship because that scholarship remains unconsciously subject to modern/postmodern assumptions. Specifically, Christian legal scholars have sometimes acted as if they believed that human beings could attain godlike knowledge, assuming a posture of transcendence over and above the world rather than of participation within it. This tendency is exhibited primarily in the theory model. Christian legal scholarship that loses touch with the participatory nature of human knowing leaves insufficient place for disagreement on legal and political arrangements and easily degenerates into theologically unwarranted claims about what God requires of the legal system. Identity models of Christian legal scholarship follow the lead of postmodern critics of the enlightenment in asserting that reason and objectivity are not neutral, self-defining ideas. While this move helps scholars avoid the making of unwarranted universal claims, its besetting temptation is undue skepticism and nihilism. Even so, the identity model helpfully calls attention to particulars of the Christian narrative that help explain our legal practices. The model also frames human law in a particular historical perspective that is at odds with both modernity's undue epistemological optimism and postmodern despair. Finally, a vocation model emphasizes that legal scholarship is one of many human (and not merely Christian) callings, the point of which, as with other such callings, is the glory and enjoyment of God. In order to know what pleases God, the scholar will need to study the Scriptures and theology; he or she will need the church. But the scholar will also need to study God's creation, including not only the world God has made directly, but also those relevant human institutions that, in God's providence, inhabit it. On this view, there is no reason to prescribe a uniform methodology for Christian legal scholars, nor should we necessarily expect widespread agreement among Christians on contestible legal issues.
Measuring and Promoting Acceptance of Young Children with Disabilities

The results of two studies are presented: (a) an examination of the reliability of the Acceptance Scale for Kindergartners with a sample of non-Caucasian, low socioeconomic status (SES) children, and (b) the efficacy of an intervention designed to promote acceptance of young children with disabilities with this new sample. Results indicate that the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarten—Revised is reliable and that various components of a special friends intervention yield differential results. Specifically, results indicate that children exposed to individual components of the intervention had short-term gains in acceptance of individuals with disabilities, while children exposed to the whole intervention had short-term and long-term gains in acceptance. Exposure to the whole program is more effective than any of the individual components in producing greater changes in levels of acceptance of young children with disabilities.
The effect of ion pairing on the EPR spectrum of the pyracene anion. II

Abstract It is shown experimentally by means of EPR spectra of partially deuterated pyracene anions that in the ion pair the average position of the K counterion is above or below the center of the plane containing the carbon atoms of the anion. When there is an alternating linewidth effect the counterion jumps between these positions.
Optical mapping of cardiac electrical stimulation

Abstract Optical mapping has been used to determine changes in transmembrane voltage during electrical stimulation pulses (ΔV m ) and whether ΔV m depends on fiber orientation, as predicted from bidomain models. Fiber orientation in an approximately 1 cm 2 mm mapped region on the rabbit left or right ventricular epicardium was estimated optically from the fast axis of action potential (AP) propagation. Hearts were paced outside of the region to produce APs. Unipolar stimulation (S2) was then applied early in the AP, when tissue was refractory, so that ΔV m was not obscured by a new AP. Anodal S2 produced negative ΔV m near a point S2 electrode and away from it in the direction perpendicular to the fibers. Anodal S2 produced reversal of the sign of ΔV m about 1 mm from the electrode in the direction parallel to the fibers, such that a positive ΔV m existed about 1–5 mm away from the electrode. Reversal of the sign of ΔV m in the direction parallel to the fibers also occurred with cathodal S2, which produced a negative ΔV m away from the electrode parallel to the fibers. The results indicate a “dogbone” pattern of ΔV m , as predicted from bidomain models that have resistance anisotropy ratios of trabecular muscles (ie, an intracellular ratio that does not equal the extracellular ratio). Thus, optical mapping can indicate fiber orientation and ΔV m , and the ΔV m during unipolar stimulation reverses sign on the axis parallel to the fibers, which differs from one-dimensional model predictions. The ΔV m agrees with multidimensional bidomain model predictions that have unequal resistance anisotropy.
Abstinence from moderate alcohol self-administration alters progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in multiple brain regions of male and female P rats.

Background: Acute and chronic ethanol exposure has been found to decrease hippocampal neurogenesis, reduce dendritic differentiation of new neurons, and increase cell death. Interestingly, abstinence from such treatment increases hippocampal neurogenesis and microglial genesis across several brain regions. The goal of the current investigation was to study cellular alterations on neuro- and cell-genesis during abstinence following alcohol self-administration using alcoholpreferring rats (P rats). Methods: Male and female P rats were given the choice of drinking 10% alcohol in water or pure water for 7 weeks. Social interaction behavioral assessments were conducted at 5 hours upon removal of alcohol, followed by bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 150 mg ⁄ kg · 1 ⁄ d · 14 d) injections to label proliferating cells. Animals were then killed 4 weeks later to conduct immunohistochemical and confocal analyses using antibodies against BrdU and other phenotypic markers (NeuN for mature neurons; Iba-1 for microglia; GFAP for astrocytes; and NG2 for oligodendrocyte progenitors). Results: Mild alcohol withdrawal anxiety was detected by reduction in social interactions. The number of hippocampal BrdU + cells was increased approximately 50% during alcohol abstinence (26 ± 2.8 in controls vs. 39 ± 4 in alcohol group). BrdU + cells were also increased in the substantia nigra (SN) approximately 65% in the alcohol abstinent group (12 ± 1 in controls vs. 19 ± 1.5 in alcohol group). No gender differences were found. Confocal analyses indicated that approximately 75% of co-localization of BrdU + cells with NeuN in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) resulting a net increase in neurogenesis in the alcohol abstinent group compared to controls. In cingulum, greater proportion of BrdU + cells were co-localized with NG2 in the alcohol abstinent group indicating increased differentiation toward oligodendrocyte progenitors in both genders. However, the phenotype of the BrdU + cells in SN and other brain regions were not identified by NeuN, Iba-1, GFAP, or NG2 suggesting that these BrdU + cells probably remain in a nondifferentiated stage. Conclusions: These data indicate that abstinence from moderate alcohol drinking increases hippocampal neurogenesis, cingulate NG2 differentiation, and SN undifferentiated cell proliferation in both males and females. Such cellular alteration during abstinence could contribute to the spontaneous partial restoration of cognitive deficits upon sobriety.
Flow increases with an enlarging intravenous catheter.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the increase inflow of a hydratable enlarging intravenous (IV) catheter in anesthetized patients. Design: A randomized, nonblinded study, with standard Teflon IV catheters used as controls. Setting: Operating room at a university medical center. Patients: Thirty adult patients receiving general anesthesia for lower extremity surgery. Interventions: An IV catheter was placed in the upper extremity, and flow measurements were made by measuring the time for infusion of 250 ml of normal saline within 1 minute after placement and at 1 hour after placement. Measurements and Main Results: The enlarging catheters had a statistically significant average flow increase of 26% after 1 hour indwelling time. The standard Teflon catheters had no statistically significant change in flow after 1 hour. The percentage increase inflow for the enlarging catheters was not as great as previously seen in vitro. Conclusions: Flow through enlarging IV catheters placed in anesthetized patients increases after 1 hour. The percentage increase in flow is not as great as previously seen in vitro and may be due to skin, vein, and subcutaneous tissues preventing complete expansion.
A sediment bioassay using the tubificid oligochaete worm tubifex tubifex

A new technique using the tubificid oligochaete Tubifex tubifex as a standard sediment bioassay is described. The various factors affecting quality assurance and control have been examined, such as the appropriate number of replicates; the sensitivity, discriminatory power, and repeatability of the test; and the effects of temperature, animal size, organic content, density, and duration on the test. The proposed bioassay is simple and straightforward and can be done with readily available and inexpensive equipment. It utilizes reproduction, the most ecologically relevant and sensitive life stage, as an end point and has been shown in the laboratory to be both repeatable and discriminatory. The technique can be recommended for further investigation in field trials and for consideration as part of a suite of assays for use in sediment assessment.
Socioeconomic and Institutional Dimensions of Dam Removals: The Wisconsin Experience

/ There are tens of thousands of small dams in the United States; many of these aging structures are deteriorating. Governments and dam owners face decisions regarding repair or removal of these structures. Along with the many benefits society derives from dams and their impoundments, numerous recent ecological studies are revealing the extensive alteration and degradation of river ecosystems by dams. Dam removal-a principal restoration strategy-is an infrequent event. The major reasons for removal have been public safety and the high costs associated with repair; the goal of river ecosystem restoration now warrants greater attention. Substantial study is being given to the environmental aspects of dams and dam removals, but very little attention has been given to the socioeconomic and institutional dimensions associated with the removal of dams, although these factors play a significant role in the removal decision-making process. Based on a case study of dam removals in Wisconsin-where more than 30 of the state's 3600 small dams have been removed in the past few decades-legal, financial, and socioeconomic issues associated with dam removal are documented and assessed. Dam removal has been complex and contentious, with limited community-based support for removal and loss of the impounded waters. In cases examined here, the estimated costs of repairing a dam averaged more than three times the cost of removal. The availability of governmental financing has been a key determinant in removal decisions. Watershed-scale ecological considerations are not major factors for most local interests. As watershed management and restoration increasingly include dam removal options as part of an integrated strategy, more attention will need to be focused on socioeconomic factors and stakeholder perspectives-variables that strongly influence the viability of this management alternative.KEY WORDS: Dam removal; River restoration; Institutions; Stakeholders
Distance-based indexing for high-dimensional metric spaces

In many database applications, one of the common queries is to find approximate matches to a given query item from a collection of data items. For example, given an image database, one may want to retrieve all images that are similar to a given query image. Distance based index structures are proposed for applications where the data domain is high dimensional, or the distance function used to compute distances between data objects is non-Euclidean. In this paper, we introduce a distance based index structure called multi-vantage point (mvp) tree for similarity queries on high-dimensional metric spaces. The mvp-tree uses more than one vantage point to partition the space into spherical cuts at each level. It also utilizes the pre-computed (at construction time) distances between the data points and the vantage points. We have done experiments to compare mvp-trees with vp-trees which have a similar partitioning strategy, but use only one vantage point at each level, and do not make use of the pre-computed distances. Empirical studies show that mvp-tree outperforms the vp-tree 20% to 80% for varying query ranges and different distance distributions.
Why Do We Need a Trial on the Effects of Testosterone Therapy in Older Men

Decreases in levels of sex hormones occur with aging. Observational studies have found associations of low testosterone concentrations in older men with adverse symptoms; however, these associations do not prove causality. Therefore, the question arises whether to treat older men whose serum testosterone is low. In 2009, the Testosterone Trial (T Trial) was funded to examine the efficacy of therapy in 800 elderly men with low testosterone levels; potentially associated symptoms; and abnormalities in physical, sexual, or cognitive function or vitality. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011) 89 1, 29–31. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2010.217
A TEM study of neutron-irradiated iron

Abstract The results of a transmission electron microscopy study of the defect structure in iron neutron-irradiated to low fluences (⩽ 1 dpa) at temperatures of 455–1013 K are presented. The dislocation microstructures coarsen with increasing irradiation temperature from decorated dislocations, through clusters of dislocation loops, to near-edge, interstitial dislocation loops with b = a 〈100〉, and network segments. Significant cavity formation occurred only at 548–723 K, with homogeneous distributions found only at 623 and 673 K. The maximum swelling of 0.07% occurred at 673 K. Large cavities had a truncated octahedral shape with {111} facets and {100} truncations. Damage halos were observed around boron-containing precipitates. The effects of interstitial impurities on microstructural development and the differences in the observed microstructures compared to those in refractory bcc metals are discussed.
Body Proportions in Ancient Andeans From High and Low Altitudes

Living human populations from high altitudes in the Andes exhibit relatively short limbs compared with neighboring groups from lower elevations as adaptations to cold climates characteristic of high-altitude environments. This study compares relative limb lengths and proportions in pre-Contact human skeletons from different altitudes to test whether ecogeographic variation also existed in Andean prehistory. Maximum lengths of the humerus, radius, femur, and tibia, and femoral head breadth are measured in sex-specific groups of adult human skeletons (N = 346) from the central (n = 80) and the south-central (n = 123) Andean coasts, the Atacama Desert at 2,500 m (n = 102), and the southern Peruvian highlands at 2,000–3,800 m (n = 41). To test whether limb lengths vary with altitude, comparisons are made of intralimb proportions, limb lengths against body mass estimates derived from published equations, limb lengths against the geometric mean of all measurements, and principal component analysis. Intralimb proportions do not statistically differ between coastal groups and those from the Atacama Desert, whereas intralimb proportions are significantly shorter in the Peruvian highland sample. Overall body size and limb lengths relative to body size vary along an altitudinal gradient, with larger individuals from coastal environments and smaller individuals with relatively longer limbs for their size from higher elevations. Ecogeographic variation in relation to climate explains the variation in intralimb proportions, and dietary variation may explain the altitudinal cline in body size and limb lengths relative to body size. The potential effects of gene flow on variation in body proportions in Andean prehistory are also explored. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bayesian reference prior analysis for polynomial calibration models

The focus of interest in a statistical calibration problem is the estimation of an unknown regressor valuex0 corresponding to an observed responsey0. A calibration experiment is typically carried out in two stages. At a first stage of data collection, responses are observed corresponding toknown regressor values; from these observations information is obtained about the regression relationship. At a second stage of data collection, one or more responses are observed which correspond to anunknown value of the regressor; estimation of this unknown regressor value is of primary importance. In this paper, we consider the calibration problem for polynomial regression models. In particular, a reference prior and corresponding posterior inferences are derived. The results are illustrated with an example, and comparisons are made between the polynomial reference prior analysis and alternative analyses.
Differential Pulse Polarographic Analysis of Thyroid Hormone: Determination of Iodine, Thyroxine, and Liothyronine

A differential pulse polarographic method for the analysis of thyroid and thyroid tablets for total iodine, thyroxine, and liothyronine is described. The procedure for iodine, which is also applicable to individual tablet assay, consists of ashing the sample, converting iodide to iodate, and analyzing by differential pulse polarography. The procedure for thyroxine and liothyronine involves hydrolysis of the sample with barium hydroxide and isolation and separation of the iodoamino acids using ion exchangers, followed by differential pulse polarographic determination in a supporting electrolyte composed of 0.5 N Na2C03 in 20% propanol containing 1% tetrabutylammonium bromide. The differential pulse polarographic results for iodine agree with values obtained using the USP XIX procedure, and the quantities of thyroxine and liothyronine found agree with literature values.
Dietary ellagic acid reduces the esophageal microsomal metabolism of methylbenzylnitrosamine.

Abstract Dietary ellagic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of methylbenzylnitrosamine-induced esophageal carcinoma in the rat. Methylbenzylnitrosamine (MBN) is a naturally occurring carcinogen which requires cytochrome P-450 dependent activation to be mutagenic. We examined whether the reduction in tumor incidence observed with dietary ellagic acid was associated with alterations in the cytochrome P-450 dependent microsomal metabolism of MBN. Dietary ellagic acid was shown to significantly reduce total esophageal and hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 (P
Resultants of partially composed polynomials

We study the structure of resultants of two homogeneous partially composed polynomials. By two homogeneous partially composed polynomials we mean a pair of polynomials of which one does not have any given composition structure and the other is obtained by composing a bivariate homogeneous polynomial with two bivariate homogeneous polynomials. The main contributions are two equivalent formulas, each representing the resultant of two partially composed polynomials as a certain iterated resultant of the component polynomials. Furthermore, in many cases, this iterated resultant can be computed with dramatically increased efficiency, as demonstrated by experiments.
Developmental studies in Smilax (Liliaceae). I: Organography and the shoot apex

Etude comparative de l'organisation apicale des tiges de 4 especes de Smilax, afin de determiner leurs caracteristiques ontogeniques. Bien que ces 4 especes presentent de grandes differences dans leurs anatomies, leurs vigueurs, et leurs ports, elles presentent de grandes similarites de developpement
Effects of Four Psychological Primary Colors on GSR, Heart Rate and Respiration Rate

Judges selected from ISCC-NBS patches those colors which were most representative of red, yellow, green, and blue. These colors were presented for 1 min. each with GSR, heart rate, and respiration ...
Power Reciprocity for Binomial Cyclotomic Integers

Abstract We give an explicit expression for the inversion factor ( α / β ) l ( β / α ) −1 l of the l th power residue symbol over the cyclotomic field of l th roots of unity, when α and β are binomial cyclotomic integers x + yζ n relatively prime to each other and to l . Here l is an odd prime number, ζ a primitive l th root of unity and x , y ∈ Z We note that Eisenstein's reciprocity law extends to the case where primary binomial integers replace rational integers. As an application, we obtain necessary and sufficient congruence conditions for a rational integer to be an l th power residue modulo some prime numbers of the form ( x l +1)/( x +1).
Time series design to evaluate effectiveness of methadone maintenance intervention.

The Box-Jenkins interrupted time series design is suggested for use in evaluating the effects of social program intervention. This paper presents an example of a specific application to methadone m...
Planetary wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere during the Northern Hemisphere winter

The relation between planetary wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere during the Northern Hemisphere winter from December 1981-March 1982 is studied. The Eliassen-Palm (E-P) flux diagnostics was applied to global tropospheric data for 1000 to 100 mb and global stratospheric data for 70 to 0.4 mb. The vertical component of the E-P flux, which is a measure of the vertical propagation of wave activity, and wave driving are examined. It is observed that the magnitude of the vertical component of the E-P flux varies with a period of 10-15 days in both the troposphere and the stratosphere; however, the correlation between the wave activity in the troposphere and stratosphere is different during the pre- and postwarming periods. The two types of correspondence between the wave activity are: (1) an out-of-plane relationship and (2) an upward propagation of wave activity from the troposphere to the stratosphere. The dynamical features of these two periods are described.
A subjective index of American social, economic, and political threat, war and personal violence.

The McCann-Stewin threat index for the United States for the years 1933 to 1986 was not as strongly associated with the nation's suicide and homicide rates as was the military participation ratio.
STIGMA: BARRIER TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ETHNIC MINORITIES

This paper explicates the stigma of mental illness as it is experienced by four ethnic minority groups in the United States. Concerns about prejudice and discrimination among individuals who suffer burdens related to mental illness are delineated. It is proposed that ethnic minority groups, who already confront prejudice and discrimination because of their group affiliation, suffer double stigma when faced with the burdens of mental illness. The potency of the stigma of mental illness is one reason why some ethnic minority group members who would benefit from mental health services elect not to seek or adequately participate in treatment. The combination of stigma and membership in an ethnic minority group can impede treatment and well-being, creating preventable and treatable mortalities and morbidities. The article concludes with recommendations for research and health policy implications.
Independent effects of growth hormone releasing factor on growth hormone release and gene transcription

The synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary is under complex hormonal regulation. The hypothalamic peptides, growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) and somatostatin, respectively stimulate and block GH release. We have shown that treatment of primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells with GHRF stimulates transcription of the GH gene, as well as GH release, and that this reflects the response of pituitary cells in vivo. Gick et al. have shown a stimulation of GH mRNA levels in normal pituitary cells in response to GHRF. Because normal pituitary cells are the physiological target for GHRF and because they exhibit both transcriptional and release responses to the hormone, they provide a valuable system with which to examine the important possibility of a link between hormone synthesis and release in secretory cells. Using this system, we demonstrate here that GHRF stimulates GH gene transcription independently of GH release and, conversely, that other agents can stimulate GH release without affecting transcription of the GH gene.
Cellular events in the reestablishment of a symbiosis between a marine dinoflagellate and a coelenterate.

Within 24 h after the initial phagocytotic uptake of freshly isolated (from host tissue) symbiotic algae (Symbiodinium microadriaticum) by the endodermal cells of the polyp (scyphistoma) stage of the jellyfish Cassiopeia xamachana, the algal population was observed to decline despite evidence of algal cell division. Analyses of the frequency of phago-lysosome fusion as an indicator of possible attempts of the host to digest the algae indicated that, although phago-lysosome fusion did occur, the low frequency of occurrence is inconsistent with the interpretation that the animals digested the algae. Animal cell lysosomes were located predominantly at the apices of the endodermal cells, and the symbiotic algae were transported toward the bases of the endodermal cells.
Characterization of akinete differentiation in the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae

Differentiation of akinetes was investigated in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae Stras. In this organism all pre-existing vegetative cells are capable of developing into akinetes. Standard sporulation medium (SSM) was used to synchronously induce the formation of akinetes, while cultures in Allen and Arnon (AA/8) medium were used as controls.This paper describes the changes in photosynthetic pigments and total soluble proteins in these cultures over a 25-day period encompassing akinete differentiation. Heterocyst frequencies and nitrogenase activity were also monitored during the same period in both media. SDS-PAGE results indicated that specific proteins were synthesized in a manner correlated with akinete differentiation. The results demonstrate that in cultures undergoing akinete development, some of the photosynthetic pigments are maintained, nitrogen-fixation and heterocyst differentiation are suppressed, and the cells synthesize a variety of specific proteins.
Glia as a putative target for antidepressant treatments.

Background: Since the early 1950s, various molecular mechanisms have been invoked to explain how antidepressants work. The most recent suggests that pharmacologically stimulated adult neurogenesis might be involved. Surprisingly, in the adult brain, an important source of new neurons and possibly mediators of neurogenesis appears to be glia, i.e., astrocytes. We have recently shown that protracted administration of the antidepressant fluoxetine to adult rats upregulated the astrocytic protein S100β content and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Methods: Rats were treated with fluoxetine for 21 days; before sacrifice bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected to label the proliferating cells. Immunofluorescence was used to identify proliferating BrdU-positive cells, and cells immunopositive for S100β and its receptor receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Results: Typically, S100β-positive cells were observed in the vicinity of BrdU-positive cells. On the other hand, we observed colocalization of RAGE receptors and BrdU immunoreactivities, suggesting that some proliferating cells express these receptors for S100β. RAGE expression by neuronal cells or neuronal precursors and its activation by S100β may promote their survival. Limitations: The anatomical localization of hippocampal S100β, its receptor RAGE, and BrdU-positive cells that we describe in this study is only indicative of a putative role for glia in antidepressant-stimulated neurogenesis. Functional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to directly investigate this role; quantitative assays and time-course studies are also warranted. Conclusion: We propose that a better understanding of glia functioning could establish its role as a target for novel antidepressant treatments.
On population growth near protected areas.

BACKGROUND: Protected areas are the first and often only line of defense in efforts to conserve biodiversity. They might be detrimental or beneficial to rural communities depending on how they alter economic opportunities and access to natural resources. As such protected areas may attract or repel human settlement. Disproportionate increases in population growth near protected area boundaries may threaten their ability to conserve biodiversity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using decadal population datasets we analyze population growth across 45 countries and 304 protected areas. We find no evidence for population growth near protected areas to be greater than growth of rural areas in the same country. Furthermore we argue that what growth does occur near protected areas likely results from a general expansion of nearby population centers. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results contradict those from a recent study by Wittemyer et al. who claim overwhelming evidence for increased human population growth near protected areas. To understand the disagreement we re-analyzed the protected areas in Wittemyer et al.s paper. Their results are simply artifacts of mixing two incompatible datasets. Protected areas may experience unusual population pressures near their edges; indeed individual case studies provide examples. There is no evidence however of a general pattern of disproportionate population growth near protected areas.
Multilayer metal membranes for hydrogen separation

Abstract A novel multilayer metal membrane has been developed that can be used for the separation of ultra-high purity hydrogen from impure feed streams. The membrane is comprised of very thin layers of dense palladium film deposited on both sides of a thin Group V metal foil, ion-milled prior to the deposition of the palladium. This membrane operates at elevated temperatures on the order of 300 °C and is capable of high rates of hydrogen flow. Flows are dependent on the pressure differential applied to the membrane, but flows of 100 standard cubic centimeters of hydrogen per minute per square centimeter of membrane and higher are regularly observed with differentials of under one atmosphere. Testing of the membrane for a period of 775 h showed stable flows under constant conditions. A membrane system has been successfully applied to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and was tested using a pseudo-reformate feed stream containing 1% carbon monoxide without any degradation in performance.
Autolytic processing of a phosphorothioate diester bond

A small satellite RNA of tobacco ringspot virus replicates in tissues infected with tobacco ringspot virus and accumulates in virus capsids, forming virus-like particles. Previous research showed that multimeric forms of this satellite RNA have tandem repeats of the "monomeric" satellite RNA sequence of 359 or 360 nucleotide residues. The multimeric RNAs undergo autolytic processing at a specific CpA phosphodiester bond, the junction, to generate the monomeric RNA. We substituted phosphorothioate diester bonds for various sets of phosphodiester bonds, in dimeric and truncated forms of the satellite RNA. The degree of reduction in autolytic cleavage varied both with the sites of substitution and the size of the RNA molecules. Analyses of a product of the autolysis reaction suggest that one phosphorothioate diester bond most strongly interferes with processing, the one introduced at the CpA junction during its synthesis from adenosine-5'-0-(1-thiotriphosphate). However, extensive introduction of phosphorothioate diester bonds elsewhere in the molecule also decreased processing, possibly by altering conformation.
Uniform assessment and ranking of opioid Mu receptor binding constants for selected opioid drugs

The safe disposal of unused opioid drugs is an area of regulatory concern. While toilet flushing is recommended for some drugs to prevent accidental exposure, there is a need for data that can support a more consistent disposal policy based on an assessment of relative risk. For drugs acting at the Mu-opioid receptor (MOR), published measurements of binding affinity (K(i)) are incomplete and inconsistent due to differences in methodology and assay system, leading to a wide range of values for the same drug thus precluding a simple and meaningful relative ranking of drug potency. Experiments were conducted to obtain K(i)'s for 19 approved opioid drugs using a single binding assay in a cell membrane preparation expressing recombinant human MOR. The K(i) values obtained ranged from 0.1380 nM (sufentanil) to 12.486 μM (tramadol). The drugs were separated into three categories based upon their K(i) values: K(i) > 100 nM (tramadol, codeine, meperidine, propoxyphene and pentazocine), K(i)=1-100 nM (hydrocodone, oxycodone, diphenoxylate, alfentanil, methadone, nalbuphine, fentanyl and morphine) and K(i) < 1 nM (butorphanol, levorphanol, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, buprenorphine and sufentanil). These data add to the understanding of the pharmacology of opioid drugs and support the development of a more consistent labeling policies regarding safe disposal.
Electron microscopy of isolated chromosomes

Abstract Chromosomes have been isolated from turkey and chicken erythrocytes and from the thymus and liver of the calf by several isolation procedures. Electron microscopy has been used in conjunction with certain chemical and enzyme treatments to determine the organization of the chromosome. Special emphasis has been placed on the use of an electron staining procedure for desoxyribose nucleic acid which has been described by Bretschneider (1). These treatments revealed that the central core of the chromosome consists of a long thin cylindrical structure which has been called the tubule. The tubule is approximately circular with respect to its cross-section and has occasional projections attached to it. The silver staining procedure results in a uniform deposit of silver within the tubule and only after exposure to beams of strong intensity in the electron microscope does localization of silver occur.
Flow injection determination of ergonovine maleate with amperometric detection at the Kel-F-graphite composite electrode.

Abstract The Kel-F-graphite electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of ergonovine maleate in a flowing stream. It was found useful in the analyte concentration range 0.5–20 μ g ml , with a detection limit of 50 ng ml (1.1 × 10−7 M). A procedure was developed for assay of ergonovine maleate in tablets, and the results obtained agreed with those given by the official U.S. Pharmacopeia method.
Resizing information systems personnel after IT outsourcing: exploring psychological contracts, violations, and employee outcomes

A company's IT outsourcing initiatives are often coupled with changes to the in-house IS function, resulting in downsizing of IS personnel and/or reassigning IS employees to other areas in the company or outsourcing firm. I define these activities as IS personnel resizing. In this study, I examine the relationship between IS personnel resizing and employee job outcomes, in the wake of IT outsourcing. I apply a psychological contract lens to understand employment expectations of IS employees and examine the issues that arise when IT-user firms eliminate or reorganize IS personnel.Christina Outlay is a doctoral candidate at University of Illinois at Chicago. Her dissertation advisor is Dr. C. Ranganathan (ranga@uic.edu), Associate Professor, Department of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago. Her expected graduation date is Summer, 2008.