cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-orthogonal constrained independent vector analysis: Application to data fusion

The existence of complementary information across multiple sensors has driven the proliferation of multivariate datasets. Exploitation of this common information, while minimizing the assumptions imposed on the data has led to the popularity of data-driven methods. Independent vector analysis (IVA), in particular, provides a flexible and effective approach for the fusion of multivariate data. In many practical applications, important prior information about the data exists and incorporating this information into the IVA model is expected to yield improved separation performance. In this paper, we propose a general formulation for non-orthogonal constrained IVA (C-IVA) framework that can incorporate prior information about either the sources or the mixing coefficients into the IVA cost function. A powerful decoupling method is the major enabling factor in this task. We demonstrate the improved performance of C-IVA over the unconstrained IVA model using both simulated as well as real medical imaging data.
Robustness of adaptive control of robots: Theory and experiment

It is well known in adaptive control theory that the performance of adaptive controllers can be highly sensitive to the modeling assumptions used to prove convergence. In this paper we discuss the robustness of adaptive control of rigid robots and methods for improving robustness in the face of unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented. Robustness is achieved by modifying the rigid control algorithm in two important ways. First, the rigid robot control law is incorporated into a composite slow/fast control law by adding to it a “fast” control to damp the joint oscillations. Second, so-called σ-modification is used to ensure boundedness of the estimated parameters.
New Architecture for Reagentless, Protein-Based Electrochemical Biosensors.

Here we demonstrate a new class of reagentless, single-step sensors for the detection of proteins and peptides that is the electrochemical analog of fluorescence polarization (fluorescence anisotropy), a versatile optical approach widely employed to this same end. Our electrochemical sensors consist of a redox-reporter-modified protein (the “receptor”) site-specifically anchored to an electrode via a short, flexible polypeptide linker. Interaction of the receptor with its binding partner alters the efficiency with which the reporter approaches the electrode surface, thus causing a change in redox current upon voltammetric interrogation. As our first proof-of-principle we employed the bacterial chemotaxis protein CheY as our receptor. Interaction with either of CheY’s two binding partners, the P2 domain of the chemotaxis kinase, CheA, or the 16-residue “target region” of the flagellar switch protein, FliM, leads to easily measurable changes in output current that trace Langmuir isotherms within error of th...
Nursing Education to Reduce Use of Tobacco and Alternative Tobacco Products: Change Is Imperative.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To assess perceived tobacco educational preparation of undergraduate and graduate nurses in a la...
Influence of Food and Industrial Grade Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Microbial Diversity and Phenotypic Response in Model Septic System

Abstract This investigation focused on the affect that food-grade (FG) titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs), commonly found in consumer products, can have on the instrumental biological process of degrading household waste in septic systems. Microbial communities are instrumental in the sustainability of natural and engineered environments by degrading organic matter to products easily removed by other organisms. Wastewater treatment is one such engineered environment, where large-scale facilities use activated sludge and other processes to reduce organic matter and waste reintroduced into water systems. TiO2 NPs represent a commonly detected contaminant in the wastewater influent reaching treatment facilities. However, while influence of TiO2 NPs in large-scale, multistage treatment operations has been well studied, decentralized septic systems, utilized in 25% of U.S. homes, are neglected. Unlike centralized water treatment facilities, septic system function is entirely dependent on the health of...
Autonomous and Handmaiden Science: St. Thomas Aquinas and William of Ockham on the Physics of the Eucharist

It is a commonplace of the history of science that the rise of modern science involved the breaking off of the specific disciplines of modern science from theology and from philosophy in general.1 This is supposed by some to have occurred mainly in the seventeenth century and later and by others to have had its origins in the Middle Ages or earlier. Sociologists of science have suggested various external social or cultural factors that might have allowed or supported such specialization. In his classical study of seventeenth century England, Robert Merton pointed to religious, economic, and technological factors.2 In a more recent study extending to the medieval origins of specialization, Joseph Ben-David suggests that the medieval university guilds acted as a buffer between the practical goals of public service set by outside society for university graduates and the individual professor who might be inclined to pursue his special interests in conjunction with colleagues.3
Sulfide analysis by the silver sulfide-silver electrode

The study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the silver sulfide-silver electrode for measuringsulfldes in foods by means of the electromotive force of the cell saturated calomel electrode/S2−/Ag2S, Ag. The electrode response to sulfide ion activity over the pH interval 3 to 12 was determined, and procedures for the standardization of the silver sulfide-silver electrode are discussed.
Evaluating Depth-Based Computer Vision Methods for Fall Detection under Occlusions

Falls are one of the major risks for seniors living alone at home. Fall detection has been widely studied in the computer vision community, especially since the advent of affordable depth sensing technology like the Kinect. Most existing methods assume that the whole fall process is visible to the camera. This is not always the case, however, since the end of the fall can be completely occluded by a certain object, like a bed. For a system to be usable in real life, the occlusion problem must be addressed. To quantify the challenges and assess performance in this topic, we present an occluded fall detection benchmark dataset containing 60 occluded falls for which the end of the fall is completely occluded. We also evaluate four existing fall detection methods using a single depth camera [1–4] on this benchmark dataset.
Biphasic modulation of GABAA receptor binding by steroids suggests functional correlates

Neuroactive steroids and other positive modulators of GABAA receptors showed regional variation in both the efficacy and potency for modulation of [35S]TBPS binding to rat brain membrane homogenates, with biphasic concentration-dependence. GABA present in the binding assays prevented the enhancement phase of the steroid concentration-dependence plot while the antagonists bicuculline and RU5135 prevented the inhibition phase. Using recombinant GABAA receptors, expressed in insect cell line Sf9 using baculovirus, enhancement by steroids of [35S]TBPS binding was sensitive to the presence of the γ2 subunit and the nature of the α subunit (α1β2γ2S > α1β2, α6β2, α6β2γ2S, and α6β2δ). As in cerebellum, addition of RU5135 reduced the inhibitory phase and revealed a small enhancement of TBPS binding by neuroactive steroids. The subunit-dependent interactions of steroid and GABA site ligands are consistent with a three-state model in which the receptor mono-liganded by GABA or steroid has a different affinity for TBPS than the resting state, and the receptor biliganded by GABA, steroid, or both has little affinity for TBPS.
Pheochromocytoma. Special considerations in children.

The most common pediatric genitourinary tumors—neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor—are unique to the pediatric population. Other genitourinary tumors, such as pheochromocytoma, occur in adults as well. Indeed, pheochromocytoma is more common in adults than children, and most data on its behavior and management have been obtained from the adult population. The average age of patients with pediatric pheochromocytomas is 11 years, although the tumor can occur at any age. There are some epidemiologic differences between its behavior in the pediatric and adult populations. In 1963 Stackpole and co-workers 35 reviewed the first 100 cases of pediatric pheochromocytoma reported in the literature. In comparison with the findings in adults, there was a male propensity (2:1), an increased incidence of bilaterality (20%), and a lower incidence of malignancy (3.5%). 36 Subsequent reports on pediatric pheochromocytoma have described highly variable findings 6,8,12,20,22,31,32,37 (Table 1); however, most studies have confirmed a male preponderance and a greater tendency for familial occurrence and multifocality, including an increased incidence of extra-adrenal tumors. Because of inadequate follow-up, the incidence of malignancy may be underestimated in the literature for children and adults. Recent studies suggest that children and adults have a similar risk of harboring a malignant pheochromocytoma. While our understanding of pheochromocytoma is derived from experience in adult patients, the differences in the behavior of this tumor in children require special consideration in the management of the pediatric population.
Geochemical sourcing of runoff from a young volcanic watershed to an impacted coral reef in Pelekane Bay, Hawaii.

Abstract Runoff of sediment and other contaminants from developed watersheds threatens coastal ecosystems and services. A sediment geochemical sourcing study was undertaken on a sediment-impacted coral reef flat to identify terrestrial sediment sources and how these changed over time. Geochemical signatures were identified for watershed soils that formed on Hawaiian basaltic and alkalic lavas using relatively immobile compatible (Ni, Sc) and incompatible (Nb, REE, Th) elements quantified by ICP-MS in total decompositions of the fine fraction of surface soils. Some soils also contained ash from late-erupting cinder cones that added alkalic geochemical signatures, resulting in distinctive mixed signatures near these geologic features. Sediment was collected in Pelekane Bay using sediment traps during winter 2010–2011 and a sediment core in order to geochemically source runoff entering the bay. Geochemical signatures in trapped sediment showed that runoff predominantly originated from the lower watershed along a highway corridor rather than from the upper watershed or areas with alkalic lavas. Soil in the highway corridor also contained Zn above levels of concern for aquatic organisms and anthropogenic Pb, indications that runoff control measures could reduce the exposure of the reef community to potentially toxic metals and other road-associated contaminants. The upper portion of a 60-yr long sediment record from Pelekane Bay was disturbed by tsunamigenic waves from the Tohoku earthquake, and the remainder was likely subject to mixing by winter waves that averaged out geochemical variations. On average, watershed regions with basaltic soils were the predominant source of runoff to the bay over the past 60 years. By linking sediment runoff to geographic regions or features in watersheds, geochemical sourcing can provide insights that allow resource managers to direct runoff mitigation and soil conservation efforts to areas where they will be most effective.
The effect of bio-derived additives on fatty acid methyl esters for improved biodiesel cold flow properties

Abstract Biodiesel is a promising replacement for petroleum based diesel in a number of different applications. Although biodiesel offers numerous advantages over petrodiesel, one of its major disadvantages is its inferior cold flow properties. Additives are often added to biodiesel to remediate issues with cold flow and other problematic properties. This work explored the feasibility of using compounds derived from bio-based sources as an additive for biodiesel. Specifically, the additive’s efficacy in reducing the cloud point of model biodiesels was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. Each of the additives studied depressed the biodiesel cloud point, although most of the additives showed diminishing returns above a certain weight percent. For many of the additives, the mechanism of cloud point depression was found to be dilution. For these additives, their efficacy was hampered by self-association, a phenomenon confirmed by thermodynamic modeling. However, tripropionin and dimethyl azelate, molecules of similar size to the FAMEs in the biodiesel studied in this work, interfered with the development of a critical nucleus, causing more significant depressions in the cloud point. Overall, a thermodynamic model based on ideal solution theory was able to accurately predict cloud points for most mixtures studied. Large deviations were observed for systems with significant amounts of self-association and/or cocrystallization.
Metasurface Optics for Ultra-Compact Augmented Reality (AR) Visors

We propose to design the next generation of metasurface near-eye visors which will circumvent real-world distortions and provide a large field of view, as needed for an immersive AR experience. © 2019 The Author(s)
Cervicovaginal fluid proteomic analysis to identify potential biomarkers for preterm birth.

Abstract Background Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early identification of at-risk women by reliable screening tests could reduce the SPTB rate, but conventional methods such as obstetrical history and maternal cervical length screening identify only a minority of SPTB cases. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) might prove to be a useful, readily available biological fluid for identifying SPTB biomarkers. Objective To identify CVF biomarkers of early SPTB in a high-risk cohort of pregnant women with a history of SPTB using targeted and shotgun proteomic analyses. Study Design A nested case control study (cases = SPTB Results For targeted proteomics, CVF samples from 33 cases and 32 controls at 190/7-236/7 weeks, and 16 cases and 14 controls at 280/7-316/7 weeks from the same pregnancies, were analyzed. When samples were compared between cases and controls, the relative abundance of five proteins was greater (P=0.02-0.05) in cases at both visits, while the relative abundance of one protein was lower (P=0.03) in cases at both visits. For shotgun proteomics analyses, CVF samples were pooled for nine SPTB cases and nine term delivery controls at each study visit. Shotgun proteomics yielded 28 proteins that were detected at levels >2x higher and one protein that was detected at a level Conclusions Potential biomarkers of SPTB were identified by targeted and shotgun proteomics analyses in CVF samples from high-risk, asymptomatic women. Many of the proteins detected at higher levels in CVF samples from SPTB cases are extracellular matrix proteins and/or regulate cell membrane physiology. These proteins have substantial biological interest, but validation ELISA for five of these proteins did not yield clinically useful biomarkers for SPTB.
White Rage, White Liberals, and the Making of the Second Ghetto:

This article offers comment on the legacy of Arnold Hirsch’s Making the Second Ghetto. First, it explores the debate over agency that emerged after the book’s publication, defending Hirsch’s decisi...
Reorientation Times for Solid State Electrolyte Solvents and Electrolytes From NMR Spin Lattice Relaxation Studies

Ionic and molecular plastic crystals have been studied recently as solid electrolytes or solvents, but the specific role of molecular reorientation has not been clarified. We use NMR spin-lattice relaxation times (T1 minima) to compare the time scale for magnetic fluctuations in a plastic crystal solvent to the molecular reorientation times, as established by dielectric spectroscopy. We focus on a mixture of succinonitrile and glutaronitrile, in which the rotationally disordered phase is stabilized against crystallization. Reorientation times can then be studied over 13 orders of magnitude, down to the glass transition temperature at 144 K. For each nucleus, 1H and 13C, the most probable magnetic fluctuation time is found to be slightly shorter than the reorientation time, but with practically indistinguishable temperature dependence. This facilitates investigation of the relation of solvent reorientation to ion conductivity relaxation times in ionic conducting systems in which the conductivity swamps the dielectric signature of solvent reorientation.
A meta-analysis of the outcomes of bullying prevention programs on subtypes of traditional bullying victimization: Verbal, relational, and physical

Abstract This paper presents the results from a meta-analytical review of the effectiveness of bullying prevention programs on three subtypes of traditional bullying victimization: physical, verbal, and relational. A systematic search of three online databases was conducted for bullying prevention program evaluations published between 1990 and 2018. The search yielded a final sample of 33 articles that met the identified inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that bullying prevention programs are effective at reducing physical and relational forms of bullying victimization, but not verbal forms, at least in the United States. The results found that youth who participated in a prevention program, both inside and outside of the United States had 32% higher odds of a reduction in relational and physical bullying victimization compared to the control group, and 28% higher odds of a reduction in verbal bullying victimization for programs implemented outside the United States. The US programs were not effective with verbal bullying victimization. Future research could explore this potential gap related to verbal bullying victimization, and the difference in findings between studies conducted in the United States and those conducted internationally.
A Conserved Role for Vezatin Proteins in Cargo-Specific Regulation of Retrograde Axonal Transport

Active transport of organelles within axons is critical for neuronal health. Retrograde axonal transport, in particular, relays neurotrophic signals received by axon terminals to the nucleus and circulates new material among en passant synapses. A single motor protein complex, cytoplasmic dynein, is responsible for nearly all retrograde transport within axons: its linkage to and transport of diverse cargos is achieved by cargo-specific regulators. Here we identify Vezatin as a conserved regulator of retrograde axonal transport. Vertebrate Vezatin (Vezt) is required for the maturation and maintenance of cell-cell junctions and has not previously been implicated in axonal transport. However, a related fungal protein, VezA, has been shown to regulate retrograde transport of endosomes in hyphae. In a forward genetic screen, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the Drosophilavezatin-like (vezl) gene. We here show that vezl loss prevents a subset of endosomes, including signaling endosomes containing activated BMP receptors, from initiating transport out of motor neuron terminal boutons. vezl loss also decreases the transport of endosomes and dense core vesicles (DCVs) but not mitochondria within axon shafts. We disrupted vezt in zebrafish and found that vezt loss specifically impairs the retrograde axonal movement of late endosomes, causing their accumulation in axon terminals. Our work establishes a conserved, cargo-specific role for Vezatin proteins in retrograde axonal transport.
Low Variability of Blood Pressure Predicts Abnormal Electroencephalogram in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the role of an objective physiologic biomarker, arterial blood pressure variability, for the early identification of adverse short-term electroencephalogram (EEG) outcomes in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Study Design In this multicenter observational study, we analyzed blood pressure of infants meeting these criteria: (1) neonatal encephalopathy determined by modified Sarnat exam, (2) continuous mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) data between 18 and 27 hours after birth, and (3) continuous EEG performed for at least 48 hours. Adverse outcome was defined as moderate–severe grade EEG at 48 hours. Standardized signal preprocessing was used; the power spectral density was computed without interpolation. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to identify which MABP time and frequency domain metrics provided improved predictive power for adverse outcomes compared with standard clinical predictors (5-minute Apgar score and cord pH) using receiver operator characteristic analysis. Results Ninety-one infants met inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age was 38.4 ± 1.8 weeks, the mean birth weight was 3,260 ± 591 g, 52/91 (57%) of infants were males, the mean cord pH was 6.95 ± 0.21, and 10/91 (11%) of infants died. At 48 hours, 58% of infants had normal or mildly abnormal EEG background and 42% had moderate or severe EEG backgrounds. Clinical predictor variables (10-minute Apgar score, Sarnat stage, and cord pH) were modestly predictive of 48 hours EEG outcome with area under curve (AUC) of 0.66 to 0.68. A composite model of clinical and optimal time- and frequency-domain blood pressure variability had a substantially improved AUC of 0.86. Conclusion Time- and frequency-domain blood pressure variability biomarkers offer a substantial improvement in prediction of later adverse EEG outcomes over perinatal clinical variables in a two-center cohort of infants with HIE. Key Points
Barriers to the Use of Active Surveillance for Thyroid Cancer: Results of a Physician Survey.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine physician-reported use of and barriers to active surveillance for thyroid cancer. Summary background data It is not clear whether active surveillance for thyroid cancer is widely used. Methods Surgeons and endocrinologists identified by thyroid cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County were surveyed between 2018 and 2019. Multivariable weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine physician acceptance and use of active surveillance. Results Of the 654 eligible physicians identified, 448 responded to the survey (69% response rate). The majority (76%) believed that active surveillance was an appropriate management option, but only 44% used it in their practice. Characteristics of physicians who stated that active surveillance was appropriate management, but did not report using it included more years in practice (reference group 50 patients per year [OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.16-0.71)] compared to ≤10, with no significant difference in those seeing 31 to 50 patients. Physicians reported multiple barriers to implementing active surveillance including patient does not want (80.3%), loss to follow-up concern (78.4%), more patient worry (57.6%), and malpractice lawsuit concern (50.9%). Conclusion and relevance Despite most physicians considering active surveillance to be appropriate management, more than half are not using it. Addressing existing barriers is key to improving uptake.
Development and Initial Validation of Differential Diagnostic Indices for the MMPI-2-RF:

In this article, I discuss construction of a set of weighted indices for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) designed to provide direct guidance in three specific differential diagnostic problems. I created a calibration data set using a combined sample of mental health patients (n = 2,043). Using the MMPI-2-RF's Substantive Scales as a pool of potential predictors, I applied the lasso, a penalized regression technique, to derive three logistic regression equations differentiating three major diagnostic groups (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) from one another. Then, I extracted empirically derived beta weights from these equations and used them to create composite differential diagnostic indices, which I scored in a separate holdout validation data set (n = 873). The differential diagnostic indices performed well in the validation data set (schizophrenia vs. bipolar area under the curve [AUC] = .76; schizophrenia vs. major depression AUC = .90; bipolar vs. major depression AUC = .75). Moreover, they substantially outperformed any single existing MMPI-2-RF scale in the same differential diagnostic tasks. In addition to discussing the development and initial validation of these indices, I present methods for deriving clinically referenced standard scores and diagnostic classification probabilities for obtained raw index scores.
Effects of telemedicine triage on efficiency and cost-effectiveness in spinal care.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Ambulatory spine referral triage must be optimized to improve both quality of care and access to specialists. PURPOSE To evaluate cost savings in an existing model of telemedicine/electronic-triage for ambulatory spine referrals. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review. Institutional spine center. PATIENT SAMPLE All patients/referrals made to the institutional spine center of a tertiary medical center from 2011 to 2014 were included in the data analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES Cost savings and efficiency was evaluated based upon intake to appointment time, rate of referral to surgeons versus nonoperative providers, additional testing required, and extrapolated cost savings based on estimated avoidance of unnecessary office visits and travel. METHODS All ambulatory spine referrals electronically triaged (E-triaged) from 2011 to 2014 were analyzed. The E-triage database was mined for data from intake until triage completion. Hospital electronic medical record system was mined for data on initial clinic visit, tests ordered, follow-up appointments, and presence of surgical encounters. Financial savings from avoiding unnecessary visits were estimated. RESULTS There were 16,174 records created from 2011 to 2014, of which 10,832 were E-triaged by spine surgeons. E-triage generated 3,718 nonoperative provider visits within our healthcare system. The “saved” surgical consult that was avoided resulted in total estimated savings of $793,835 to the patient population; 4,446 patients were deemed surgical and were offered appointments with a spine surgeon. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate triage of ambulatory spine referrals improves access and quality of care. E-triage resulted in $800,000 cost savings. Further studies are required to fully evaluate the effects of an E-triage system on ambulatory spinal care.
Metalloproteinases in Ovarian Cancer.

Proteases play a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer. Pericellular protein degradation and fragmentation along with remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is accomplished by numerous proteases that are present in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. Several proteolytic processes have been linked to cancer progression, particularly those facilitated by the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. These proteases have been linked to enhanced migratory ability, extracellular matrix breakdown, and development of support systems for tumors. Several studies have reported the direct involvement of MMPs with ovarian cancer, as well as their mechanisms of action in the tumor microenvironment. MMPs play a key role in upregulating transcription factors, as well as the breakdown of structural proteins like collagen. Proteolytic mechanisms have been shown to enhance the ability of ovarian cancer cells to migrate and adhere to secondary sites allowing for efficient metastasis. Furthermore, angiogenesis for tumor growth and development of metastatic implants is influenced by upregulation of certain proteases, including MMPs. While proteases are produced normally in vivo, they can be upregulated by cancer-associated mutations, tumor–microenvironment interaction, stress-induced catecholamine production, and age-related pathologies. This review outlines the important role of proteases throughout ovarian cancer progression and metastasis.
Bodily Self-Disturbances in Schizophrenia: A Comparative Study of South Korea and the USA.

Background Bodily self-disturbances are highly salient to the phenomenology of schizophrenia (SZ) but difficult to quantify owing to the subjective nature of these experiences that challenge verbal descriptions. The Benson et al. [PsyCh J. 2019 Mar;8(1):110-21] Body Disturbances Inventory (B-BODI) provides visual aids to help participants access the frequency, distressfulness, and vividness of subjective self-experiences with good reliability and validity in North American samples. However, the concept of the self and, accordingly, the conceptualization of self-disorders are influenced by culture. Therefore, we examined self-disturbances in individuals with SZ and control (CO) participants in 2 distinct cultures. Methods B-BODI was administered to South Korean and North American participants, with and without SZ. Severity of symptoms in diagnosed individuals with SZ and schizotypy in CO was assessed. We also assessed perceived social isolation and mood in all participants. Results Endorsement and frequency of bodily self-disturbances in SZ were similar in both cultures. In contrast, there were significant cultural differences in the degree of distress and vividness of self-disturbances. Bodily self-disturbances were experienced as more vivid and distressing to Americans than Koreans, regardless of diagnosis. For both cultures, B-BODI scores were associated with positive, but not negative, symptoms in SZ. For CO, elevated schizotypy was associated with B-BODI scores. Mood and loneliness were not associated with B-BODI scores. Conclusion SZ reported overall increased levels of bodily self-disturbances compared with CO, regardless of culture. However, there were cultural differences in one's emotional reaction to these experiences. Americans were more distressed by self-disturbances and experienced them more vividly than Koreans. These findings suggest that Americans may be less accepting of anomalous bodily self-experiences relative to Koreans. Last, B-BODI appears to be a useful tool for future cross-cultural studies of SZ phenomenology.
Activating dinitrogen for chemical looping ammonia Synthesis: Mn nitride layer growth modeling

Abstract The earth-abundant transition metal manganese (Mn) has been shown to activate dinitrogen (N2) and store nitrogen (N) as nitride for subsequent chemical reaction, for example, to produce ammonia (NH3). Chemical looping ammonia synthesis (CLAS) is a practical way to use Mn nitride by contacting nitride with gaseous hydrogen (H2) to produce ammonia (NH3). Here, the dynamic process of N atoms penetrating into solid Mn has been investigated. Nitride layer growth was modeled to quantitate and predict the storage of activated N in Mn towards designing CLAS systems. The N diffusion coefficient ( D N ) and reaction rate constant K for the first-order nitridation reaction were estimated at 6.2±5.5 × 10-11 m2/s and 4.1±3.5 × 10-4 s-1, respectively, at atmospheric pressure and 700°C. Assuming spherical particles of Mn with a diameter of
The Kingdom of Ends

Philosophers of the British and American analytic school have, quite understandably, taken much interest in the formulations of the Categorical Imperative concerned with universal law and laws of nature. Recital of standard objections to these formulas is now part of almost every elementary course in the history of ethics. Polite notice is often given to Kant’s injunction to treat humanity as an end in itself, but little attention, unfortunately, has been paid to the imperative to regard oneself a legislating member of a possible kingdom of ends. I propose to sketch an interpretation, or reconstruction, of this form of the Categorical Imperative, treating it, as at least in part it was meant to be treated, as a guide for moral living. More specifically, I want to suggest that the formula of the kingdom of ends combines the main ideas of the other formulations, just as Kant implies that it should, and that his formula is in important respects an improvement over the much discussed first formulation. At the end I shall consider two natural objections to the kingdom of ends principle. These objections, unlike the familiar objections to the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative, raise questions about the most central features of Kant’s ethical theory.
Antiguidade grega como um instrumento de compreensão do presente: análise de uma prática

No Brasil, a antiguidade e historicamente trabalhada em sala de aula de forma superficial, exotica, generalista e sem uma analise mais aprofundada. Isso se deve a costumeira falta de qualidade do material didatico disponivel e a dificuldade encontrada pelos professores para entrar em contato com uma historiografia atualizada e critica em portugues. Assim, os alunos nao chegam a compreender os significados e os usos que podem surgir do estudo dessa antiguidade. Apos uma pratica docente sobre a Grecia Antiga, analisamos o uso que os alunos fizeram do aparato conceitual da antiguidade grega para a compreensao da sua propria realidade. Para isso, analisamos o conteudo de avaliacoes escritas produzidas dentro dessa proposta por estudantes de uma turma de Primeiro Ano do Ensino Medio de uma escola publica estadual, em Caxias do Sul, RS. Isso e feito com apoio de concepcoes atualizadas de pesquisa e de ensino de Historia Antiga produzidas por especialistas brasileiros.
Gruppe der Adenoviren

Die Gruppe der Adenoviren besteht aus uber 30 verschiedenen Serotypen, von denen einige akute respiratorische Erkrankungen und fieberhafte Katarrhe hervorrufen, andere verursachen eine Pharyngitis. Einige Adenoviren rufen Erkrankungen des auseren Auges (Conjunctivalsack) hervor. Einzelne Adenoviren konnen als Modell fur krebserzeugende Viren dienen, da sie in Hamstern Tumoren induzieren. Das International Committee an Nomenclature of Viruses (ICNV) hat diese Virusgruppe als Genus anerkannt, wobei Adenovirus Typ 1 des Menschen (Adenovirus h–1) als Prototyp-Species angesehen wird. Adenoviren kommen bei verschiedenen Tieren vor: Huhner, Rinder, Hunde (Virus der infektiosen Hepatitis des Hundes), Nagetiere, Schweine, Affen usw.
P450 Aromatase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Male Rat Germ Cells: Detection by Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification

We have previously demonstrated that cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) protein, an estrogen-synthesizing enzyme, is present and active in germ cells of the adult mouse testis. To establish that P450arom mRNA is expressed in germ cells of other species, we examined expression of P450arom in adult rat germ cells by employing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Total RNA was extracted from Staput separated germ cells and reverse transcribed. The resulting cDNA was amplified by nested PCR reactions using oligonucleotide primers selected from a highly conserved region of the P450arom gene. RT-PCR analysis yielded cDNA products of 334 bp in length that corresponded to the predicted size expected from the final nested amplification. The identity of the germ cell P450arom PCR products was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and direct nucleotide sequencing. Rat genomic DNA was subjected to PCR to verify that P450arom DNA products were not obtained from genomic DNA contamination. Rat genomic DNA yielded a nested PCR product for P450arom of approximately 2000 bp, suggesting that, as is the case with the human P450arom gene, the rat P450arom gene contains an intron in the amplified region. In addition, a semiquantitative technique was utilized to eliminate the possibility that the P450arom RT-PCR products were derived from Leydig cell contamination of Sta-put-separated germ cell preparations. RT-PCR for P450arom and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), a Leydig cell-specific steroidogenic enzyme, was carried out on Sta-put-separated germ cells and interstitial cell preparations containing Leydig cells. P450arom and 3 beta-HSD RT-PCR reactions were stopped at three cycle intervals to detect and compare the earliest appearance of RT-PCR reaction products in various cell types. Results indicated that P450arom mRNA is detected in round spermatids before it is detected in interstitial cells, whereas 3 beta-HSD was detected only in interstitial cells, suggesting that the P450arom mRNA detected in germ cells is not due to interstitial cell contamination of germ cell preparations. Therefore, our results indicate that P450arom mRNA is expressed in adult rat germ cells and that testicular germ cells are a potential source of estrogen in the male reproductive tract.
Shock Synthesis of Nickel Aluminides

Recently we reported the synthesis of nickel aluminides in a mixture of elemental aluminum and nickel powders under high pressure shock wave loading [1]. The following are selected features of the reactions observed by post-shock analysis of those specimens: 1. The reaction product and yield were sensitively affected by the shock-loading conditions within the specimens. 2. Broadly speaking, there were three regions of product formation: a region of no reaction or sparse local reactions, a region of substantial multiple reactions containing all the products, and a region of Ni3Al in bulk containing unreacted Ni grains. 3. This Bulk Ni3Al was found in a region of high shock-induced mean bulk temperature (above about 500°C), but relatively low pressure (less than 15 GPa) predicted by careful numerical simulation. 4. The microhardness of Ni3Al (440 DPH at 30 pd load) is closed to that produced by rapid solidification method, and suggests a unique character to the shock process and its potential for producing materials with non-equilibrium microstructures and new compounds.
Nonimage-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of palpable axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

Synopsis We report the utility of office-based, nonimaged guided fine needle aspiration of palpable axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. We examine the sensitivity and specificity of this procedure, and examine factors associated with a positive fine needle aspiration biopsy result. Abstract: Although the utility of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of axillary lymph nodes is well established, there is little data on nonimage guided office-based FNA of palpable axillary lymphadenopathy. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of nonimage-guided FNA of axillary lymphadenopathy in patients presenting with breast cancer, and report factors associated with a positive FNA result. Retrospective study of 94 patients who underwent office-based FNA of palpable axillary lymph nodes between 2004 and 2008 was conducted. Cytology results were compared with pathology after axillary sentinel node or lymph node dissection. Nonimage-guided axillary FNA was 86% sensitive and 100% specific. On univariate analysis, patients with positive FNA cytology had larger breast tumors (p = 0.007), more pathologic positive lymph nodes (p < 0.0001), and were more likely to present with a palpable breast mass (p = 0.006) or with radiographic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.002). FNA-positive patients had an increased presence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.001), higher stage of disease (p < 0.001), higher N stage (p < 0.0001), and higher rate of HER2/neu expression (p = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, radiographic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.03) and number of positive lymph nodes (p = 0.04) were associated with a positive FNA result. Nonimage-guided FNA of palpable axillary lymphadenopathy in breast cancer patients is an inexpensive, sensitive, and specific test. Prompt determination of lymph node positivity benefits select patients, permitting avoidance of axillary ultrasound, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or delay in receiving neoadjuvant therapy. This results in time and cost savings for the health care system, and expedites definitive management.
Effect of anisotropy and groundwater system geometry on seepage through lakebeds: 2. Numerical simulation analysis

Abstract The interaction of lakes and groundwater is controlled partly by the geologic framework through which the water flows. Two interrelated geometric factors of the groundwater system that affect flow are overall geometry of the system, and anisotropy of the porous media within the system. Numerical simulation analysis was made for variations in the coefficient of anisotropy for each of several lake and groundwater settings having different geometric configurations. These analyses indicate that, for a given geometric setting, as the anisotropy of geologic materials decreases seepage from a lake decreases and depth of the local groundwater flow system associated with the lake increases. Transformation of scale of groundwater systems that have anisotropic media to isotropic equivalents results in a change in the overall geometry. Because of the different slopes of the water table and lakebed resulting from the scale transformations, a series of numerical experiments were made for various geometric configurations for a given anisotropy. These analyses indicate that as thickness of the groundwater system decreases, relative depth of the local flow system increases and seepage from the lake decreases.
Genetic heterogeneity in benign familial neonatal convulsions: identification of a new locus on chromosome 8q.

Abstract The syndrome of benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures in the first few weeks of life. One locus for BFNC has been mapped to chromosome 20 in several pedigrees, but we have excluded linkage to chromosome 20 in one large kindred. In order to identify this novel BFNC locus, dinucleotide repeat markers distributed throughout the genome were used to screen this family. Maximum pairwise LOD scores of 4.43 were obtained with markers D8S284 and D8S256 on chromosome 8q. Multipoint analysis placed the BFNC locus in the interval spanned by D8S198-D8S274. This study establishes the presence of a new BFNC locus and confirms genetic heterogeneity of this disorder.
Erythropoiesis in the Newt, Triturus Cristatus Laur II. Characteristics of the Erythropoietic Process

In splenectomized newts ( Triturus cristatus Laur.) rendered anaemic by acetylphenylhydrazine (APH), an erythropoietic response is delayed so that the animals are completely devoid of the erythron, including erythrocytes. At 11-14 days after APH, ‘erythroid precursor cells’ (EPC) in the blood signal the occurrence of an erythropoietic response. Ultrastructural studies have shown few or no ribosomes in EPCs, but well developed nucleoli and intense RNA synthesis are seen in these cells. Correlated morphological and cytochemical data indicate the production of ribosomes in EPCs, a process culminating in the formation of basophilic erythroblasts (BE). Microphotometric studies show the accumulation of haem during this interval. Thus, in EPCs and BEs, both ribosomal (rRNA) and messenger (m) RNA are synthesized, making possible the early synthesis of haemoglobin. In subsequent stages, nucleoli exhibit a size decrease, most evident in the particulate component, while all RNA synthesis ceases during the mid-poly-chromatophilic erythroblast (MPE) stage. Coupled with the gradual loss of ribosomes characteristic of this developmental period, the results suggest that rRNA synthesis occurs in EPCs, BEs, and in early polychromatophilic erythroblasts, where it is completed. Haemoglobin mRNA is also formed in these stages since ultrastructural and microphotometric data show the accumulation of haemoglobin. Beyond the MPE, haemoglobin production is dependent upon stable messenger RNA since no RNA synthesis is detected in this period. Ultrastructural studies demonstrate that autophagy may play an important role in the loss of cytoplasmic organelles characteristic of the erythropoietic process. The occurrence of swollen cristae and outer compartment in mitochondria coupled with the presence of myelin-like membrane whorls in association with mitochondria is seen in all erythroid cells except EPCs. Membrane profiles derived from endoplasmic reticulum are frequently encountered in the vicinity of mitochondria and appear to encircle these organelles and adjacent cytoplasm to form autophagic vacuoles. In the process, the limiting membranes assume a dense laminar appearance. Elements of the Golgi complex also display morphological alterations suggestive of degeneration. Cytoplasmic bodies of varying appearance and content, some of which are similar to lysosomes in other cell types, are seen in all erythroid cells. Ferritin is seen in some bodies, in vacuoles, or in aggregates, but does not appear in micropinocytotic vesicles.
Prefrontal Cortex Acetylcholine Release, EEG Slow Waves, and Spindles Are Modulated by M2 Autoreceptors in C57BL/6J Mouse

Recent evidence suggests that muscarinic cholinergic receptors of the M2 subtype serve as autoreceptors modulating acetylcholine (ACh) release in prefrontal cortex. The potential contribution of M2...
Incremental online topological map building with a mobile robot

We present a behavior-based technique for incremental on-line mapping and autonomous navigation for mobile robots, specifically geared for time-critical indoor exploration tasks. The experimental platform used is a Pioneer AT mobile robot endowed with seven sonar transducers, a drift-stabilized gyro, a compass and a pan-tilt color camera. While the thrust of our work is the autonomous generation of real-time topological maps of the environment, both metric and topological descriptions of the environment are created in real time, each preserving its unique representational power and ease-of-use. We also present initial results on multi-robot cooperative topological mapping. The building blocks of the topological map are corridors, junctions and open/closed doors, augmented with absolute heading and metric information. Since the robot does not begin with an a priori map, all environmental features have to be evaluated at run-time to ensure safe navigation and efficient exploration. Our enhanced dead-reckoning algorithm is backed up by the cyclic nature of indoor environments that provides additional hints for self-localization corrections. In addition, domain knowledge (such as perpendicular hallways) is used to actively correct maps as they are built on-line. All navigation, exploration, map building and self-localization capabilities are implemented as tightly-coupled behaviors, run by the onboard CPU.
Glucose metabolism of central nervous tissues in rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Glucose Metabolism of Central Nervous Tissues in Rats with Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis
Conditions for fruit body formation in the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

In Phanerochaete chrysosporium fruit body formations is subject to strong catabolite repression by glucose in the presence of physiological levels of nitrogen. Walseth cellulose was found to be the best source of carbon for the induction of fruit body and consequent basidiospore synthesis. Ejected basidiospores collected from cultures grown under these conditions for two weeks are contaminated with neither conidia nor mycelial fragments and are therefore suitable for genetic analysis of recombination. Under conditions of nitrogen limitation, the glucose catabolite repression of fruit body synthesis was relieved. Exogenous adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate but not other related nucleotides, also relieved glucose catabolite repression of fruit body formation.