cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural Selection and Neuropsychiatric Disease: Theory, Observation, and Emerging Genetic Findings

Abstract Significantly lower fecundity has been repeatedly and consistently documented by epidemiologic study for many severe neuropsychiatric diagnoses such as schizophrenia and autism. Natural selection is effective at eliminating or limiting the frequency of alleles predisposing to conditions with such reduced fitness, but it is noteworthy that such conditions continue to persist in all populations of the world with high, and perhaps increasing, prevalence. Whereas this apparent conundrum has been debated theoretically for many years, in this chapter we review prior hypotheses surrounding natural selection and neuropsychiatric disease and revisit them in light of the empirical genetic architecture that has only begun to emerge clearly in the past few years.
Underlying causes of the magnetic behavior in surface patterned NiFe2O4 thin films

Surface patterned NiFe2O4 thin films exhibited large reduction in coercivity as compared with the films without surface patterning. Chemical analysis of the films revealed that there was no diffusion between the film and the substrate. Additional heating was shown to improve saturation magnetization without adverse effect on coercivity. The process of imprinting was eliminated as the possible cause of the phenomena as the flat stamp did not alter the magnetic properties of the film. Finally, it was shown that the orientation of the features with respect to the magnetic field does not have a significant effect on the magnetic response.
Evaluation of Boundary Dam spillway using an Autonomous Sensor Fish Device

Abstract Fish passage conditions over spillways are important for the operations of hydroelectric dams because spillways are usually considered as a common alternative passage route to divert fish from the turbines. The objectives of this study were to determine the relative potential of fish injury during spillway passage both before and after the installation of baffle blocks at Boundary Dam, and to provide validation data for a model being used to predict total dissolved gas levels. Sensor Fish were deployed through a release system mounted on the face of the dam in the forebay. Three treatments, based on the lateral position on the spillway, were evaluated for both the baseline and post-modification evaluations: Left Middle, Right Middle, and Right. No significant acceleration events were detected in the forebay, gate, or transition regions for any release location; events were only observed on the chute and in the tailrace. Baseline acceleration events observed in the chute region were all classified as strikes, whereas post-modification events included strike and shear on the chute. While the addition of baffle blocks increased the number of severe events observed on the spillway chute, overall fewer events were observed in the tailrace post-modification. Analysis of lateral positioning of passage indicated that the Right Middle treatment was potentially less injurious to fish based on relative frequency of severe events at each location. The construction of baffle blocks on the spillway visibly changed the flow regime. Prior to installation the flow jet was relatively thin, impacting the tailrace as a coherent stream that plunged deeply, possibly contributing to total dissolved gas production. Following baffle block construction, the discharge jet was more fragmented, potentially disrupting the plunge depth and decreasing the time that bubbles would be at depth in the plunge pool. The results in this study support the expected performance of the modified spillway chute: the addition of the baffle blocks generally lessened the depth and impact of entry. This study provides information that can be used to help design and operate spillways for improving fish passage conditions.
Abstract #5642: Synergistic chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines to a PARP inhibitor, cisplatin and gemcitabine

Basal-like subtype of breast cancer characterized by a \#8220;triple negative\#8221; (TN) phenotype show an expression profile similar to breast cancers with BRCA1 mutations. These cancers are often associated with a poor outcome and are resistant to current treatment options. Previously, it has been shown that BRCA1-deficient cells are sensitive to cisplatin and PARP inhibition. Our recent studies show that these cells are more sensitive to gemcitabine compared to wild-type BRCA1 cells. We thus hypothesized that the TN phenotype would also render cellular sensitivity to cisplatin, gemcitabine and PARP inhibitors. In the present study, we compared the sensitivity of a panel of breast cancer cell lines with TN status (HCC38, HCC1143, HCC1806, MDAMB468, and hs578t) to other breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and BT474) towards the PARP inhibitor PJ34, gemcitabine and cisplatin. We found that the TN cell lines were more sensitive to PJ34, gemcitabine and cisplatin compared to other breast cancer cell lines. Combination treatment of these drugs showed that PJ34 was synergistic with gemcitabine (1.2 - 9.6 nM) and cisplatin (12.5 and 25 \#956;M) in MDAMB468 cells with a similar synergistic effect in HCC1806 cells. Since PARP and gemcitabine play a major role in DNA repair and inhibition of DNA synthesis, we investigated the effect of PJ34 and gemcitabine on DNA damage. PJ34 and gemcitabine treatment for 24 h significantly increased the number of \#947;H2AX-positive cells in TN cell lines. Additionally, TN cells treated with either PJ34 or gemcitabine failed to repair UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. These results suggest that the synergistic effect observed with PJ34 or gemcitabine and cisplatin may be due to inefficient nucleotide excision repair in TN breast cancer cells. Meta-analysis of published microarray data for expression changes common to the TN and BRCA1-mutated cell lines identified p63 to be significantly overexpressed (p Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 5642.
Dark revelations of the [SU(3)]3 and [SU(3)]4 gauge extensions of the standard model

Two theoretically well-motivated gauge extensions of the standard model are SU(3) C ×SU(3) L ×SU(3) R S U ( 3 ) C × S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R and SU(3) q ×SU(3) L ×SU(3) l ×SU(3) R S U ( 3 ) q × S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) l × S U ( 3 ) R , where SU(3) q S U ( 3 ) q is the same as SU(3) C S U ( 3 ) C and SU(3) l S U ( 3 ) l is its color leptonic counterpart. Each has three variations, according to how SU(3) R S U ( 3 ) R is broken. It is shown here for the first time that a built-in dark U(1) D U ( 1 ) D gauge symmetry exists in all six versions. However, the corresponding symmetry breaking pattern does not reduce properly to that of the standard model, unless an additional Z 2 ′ symmetry is defined, so that U ( 1 ) D × Z 2 ′ is broken to Z 2 Z 2 dark parity. The available dark matter candidates in each case include fermions, scalars, as well as vector gauge bosons . This work points to the possible unity of matter with dark matter, the origin of which may not be ad hoc .
Stepping Outside the Normed Sample: Implications for Validity.

ABSTRACTWe present considerations for validity when a population outside of a normed sample is assessed and those data are interpreted. Using a career group counseling example exploring life satisfaction changes as evidenced by the Quality of Life Inventory (Frisch, 1994), we showcase qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore how normative data could be a useful comparison to a dissimilar sample.
‘… The point is to change it’ – Yes, but in what direction and how? Intellectual activism as a way of ‘walking the talk’ of critical work in business schools:

This article is a call to embrace and work towards a specific form of intellectual activism in business schools. Based on the inspiring work of Professor Patricia Hill Collins and other Black feminist and post-colonial scholars, intellectual activism is here defined as ‘the myriad ways in which people place the power of their ideas in service to social justice’. This article calls for and delineates a positive response to the current crisis by identifying key features and areas of work that scholars can engage with in ‘walking the talk’ of critical work in business schools.
A comparison of Intelligent Mapper and document similarity scores for mapping local radiology terms to LOINC.

We developed a program for mapping local radiology system terms to LOINC that returns a ranked list of candidate LOINC codes based on document similarity scores. We compared the performance of this program with the Intelligent Mapper (IM) program in mapping diagnostic radiology terms to LOINC. The cosine similarity score ranked the correct LOINC code first in 34% of the terms in our development set and 39% of the terms from our test set, compared with IM’s ranking of the correct LOINC code first in 83% of the terms in our development set and 92% of the terms in our test set. This study demonstrates the challenges in using document similarity scores for mapping to LOINC. Because vocabulary mapping is a resourceintensive step in integrating data from disparate systems, we need continued refinement of automated tools to help reduce the effort required.
Women Leaders as Negotiators: An Assessment of Power: As an Interpreter of Emotions, Performance, and Results at the Bargaining Table

The main aim of this research paper is an exploration and recognition of negotiation as a leadership skill in the hands of women and how women take up negotiation differently than men. The paper addresses accounts of female leadership using the example of a large U.S. organization, which is considered a pioneer in its inclusiveness policies. The research methodology is based on a qualitative approach, which includes the use of interviews in the working environment of the target group of eight women individuals aged 41 to 57 (members of the prominent female pool - partners/leaders at the above organization), a global leader in professional services. The results show that negotiation skills can serve as a most effective means to women at the bargaining table on the path to leadership and help them unleash their hidden power. It also suggests that women differ in their negotiating approaches. The research implies that emotions and the ways in which women can learn to better use their emotional intelligence skills at the bargaining table can decrease the negative backlash phenomenon. The paper concludes that gender is an important factor on the path to power and the exercise of leadership. Negotiation is an imperative skill for women leaders to possess and to constantly improve. Recent research evidence suggests that the application of aggressive masculine ways in organizations and economies so far has proven unsustainable given the size of today’s globalized economic crisis. Helping women pursue their new roles as leaders, by making improved use of their principled way of thinking during negotiations and innate emotional intelligence skills can have long-term positive results for their organizations and eventually, economies and societies. Men who desire more work-life balance in their lives can help in sustaining results too. The results indicate an opportunity for policy makers and governments to create policies that will encourage women to remain a strong part of the talent pool developing into future leaders.
Nanophthalmos: a perspective on identification and therapy

Nanophthalmos is a rare and blinding disease. Diagnostic features include a small eye, small cornea, shallow anterior chamber, narrow angle, high lens/eye volume ratio, and uveal effusion. Intraocular surgery has a high rate of disastrous complications and blindness. The 32 eyes (16 patients) presented are in three categories based on angle closure and intraocular pressure levels. Treatment methods included medication, laser iridotomy and gonioplasty, peripheral iridectomy, filtration surgery, and cataract extraction. Glaucoma medication was effective, although miotics sometimes increased pupillary block. Laser iridotomy was successful in 83% of six eyes; laser gonioplasty in 91.6% of 12 eyes. Peripheral iridectomy succeeded in two of seven eyes, and filtering operations provided tension control in two of five eyes. Thirteen of 15 eyes undergoing filtration surgery suffered severe postoperative visual loss. Cataract extraction improved vision in only three of six eyes. The authors' experience confirms that surgery in nanophthalmic eyes has an extremely high complication rate with disastrous results. Medication and laser therapy are the procedures of choice for angle-closure glaucoma in nanophthalmos.
Variable density, uniform hydrogen plasma source for plasma-based accelerators*

Plasma-based particle accelerators require practical plasma sources with sufficient control of plasma properties to enable implementation 1. This report presents an update of a simple hydrogen plasma source that has been under investigation at USC2. Uniform plasma densities in hydrogen of over $10 ^{18}$ cm-3 have been demonstrated. The presentation will update studies of the uniformity of the plasma, which will be a key issue in implementation. The density can be varied in several ways that are fairly straightforward to implement in a table-top device including pressure, time delay of pulse, and driving pulsed power voltage and current. These are small devices driven by low energy pulsed sources.
Impact of Uncertainty Parameter Distribution on Robust Decision Making Outcomes for Climate Change Adaptation under Deep Uncertainty

Deep uncertainty in future climatic and economic conditions complicates developing infrastructure designed to last several generations, such as water reservoirs. In response, analysts have developed multiple robust decision frameworks to help identify investments and policies that can withstand a wide range of future states. Although these frameworks are adept at supporting decisions where uncertainty cannot be represented probabilistically, analysts necessarily choose probabilistic bounds and distributions for uncertain variables to support exploratory modeling. The implications of these assumptions on the analytical outcomes of robust decision frameworks are rarely evaluated, and little guidance exists in terms of how to select uncertain variable distributions. Here, we evaluate the impact of these choices by following the robust decision-making procedure, using four different assumptions about the probabilistic distribution of exogenous uncertainties in future climatic and economic states. We take a water reservoir system in Ethiopia as our case study, and sample climatic parameters from uniform, normal, extended uniform, and extended normal distributions; we similarly sample two economic parameters. We compute regret and satisficing robustness decision criteria for two performance measures, agricultural water demand coverage and net present value, and perform scenario discovery on the most robust reservoir alternative. We find lower robustness scores resulting from extended parameter distributions and demonstrate that parameter distributions can impact vulnerabilities identified through scenario discovery. Our results suggest that exploratory modeling within robust decision frameworks should sample from extended, uniform parameters distributions.
Prototype of a Military Medic Smartphone Medical Graphical User Interface for Use by Medics in Deployed Environments.

Introduction Prompt and effective combat casualty care is essential for decreasing morbidity and mortality during military operations. Similarly, accurate documentation of injuries and treatments enables quality care, both in the immediate postinjury phase and the longer-term recovery. This article describes efforts to prototype a Military Medic Smartphone (MMS) for use by combat medics and other health care providers who work in austere environments. Materials and methods The MMS design builds on previous electronic health record systems and is based on observations of medic workflows. It provides several functions including a compact yet efficient physiologic monitor, a communications device for telemedicine, a portable reference library, and a recorder of casualty care data from the point of injury rearward to advanced echelons of care. Apps and devices communicate using an open architecture to support different sensors and future expansions. Results The prototype MMS was field tested during live exercises to generate qualitative feedback from potential users, which provided significant guidance for future enhancements. Conclusions The widespread deployment of this type of device will enable more effective health care, limit the impact of battlefield injuries, and save lives.
Obesity and load-induced posttraumatic osteoarthritis in the absence of fracture or surgical trauma.

Osteoarthritis is increasingly viewed as a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypic subgroups. Obesity enhances joint degeneration in mouse models of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Most models of PTOA involve damage to surrounding tissues caused by surgery/fracture; it is unclear if obesity enhances cartilage degeneration in the absence of surgery/fracture. We used a nonsurgical animal model of load-induced PTOA to determine the effect of obesity on cartilage degeneration 2 weeks after loading. Cartilage degeneration was caused by a single bout of cyclic tibial loading at either a high or moderate load magnitude in adult male mice with severe obesity (C57Bl6/J + high-fat diet), mild obesity (toll-like receptor 5 deficient mouse [TLR5KO]), or normal adiposity (C57Bl6/J mice + normal diet and TLR5KO mice in which obesity was prevented by manipulation of the gut microbiome). Two weeks after loading, cartilage degeneration occurred in limbs loaded at a high magnitude, as determined by OARSI scores (P < .001). However, the severity of cartilage damage did not differ among groups. Osteophyte width and synovitis of loaded limbs did not differ among groups. Furthermore, obesity did not enhance cartilage damage in limbs evaluated 6 weeks after loading. Constituents of the gut microbiota differed among groups. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of surgery/fracture, obesity may not influence cartilage loss after a single mechanical insult, suggesting that either damage to surrounding tissues or repeated mechanical insult is necessary for obesity to influence cartilage degeneration. These findings further illustrate heterogeneity in PTOA phenotypes and complex interactions between mechanical/metabolic factors in cartilage loss.
Alternating current liquid metal vortex magnetohydrodynamic generator

Abstract A proof of principle for a new mechanical to electrical energy harvesting method using an AC liquid metal vortex magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator has been designed, fabricated, demonstrated, and analyzed. The novel energy harvesting approach uses mechanical force to drive a swirling flow of Galinstan through a cylindrical chamber in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Useful voltage is produced via an integrated liquid switch that causes the internal resistance of the generator to vary in time, leading to a pulsating current that is transformed to higher voltage. An analytical model for the system was developed and validated against experimental results taken with multiple load resistances and transformer windings. The AC generator is capable of delivering power of the order of one watt and voltages of the order of one volt in a compact and versatile package, and it shows substantial promise for previously unaccessible energy harvesting applications including mobile electronics, prosthetics, and industrial machinery. Thus, this generation method would allow for high power density at size and velocity scales where that previously would have been untenable.
A review of chemical and microbial contamination in food: What are the threats to a circular food system?

A circular food system is one in which food waste is processed to recover plant nutrients and returned to the soil to enable the production of more food, rather than being diverted to landfill or incineration. The approach may be used to reduce energy and water use in food production and contribute to the sustainability of the system. Anaerobic digestion and composting are common food waste treatment technologies used to stabilize waste and produce residual materials that can replenish the soil, thus contributing to a circular food system. This approach can only be deemed safe and feasible, however, if food waste is uncontaminated or any contaminants are destroyed during treatment. This review brings together information on several contaminant classes at different stages of the food supply chain, their possible sources, and their fates during composting and digestion. The main aim is to identify factors that could impede the transition towards a safe, reliable and efficient circular food system. We investigated heavy metals, halogenated organic compounds, foodborne pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the food system and their fates during digestion and composting. Production and processing stages were identified as major entry points for these classes of contaminants. Heavy metals and foodborne pathogens pose less risk in a circular system than halogenated organics or antibiotic resistance. Given the diversity of properties among halogenated organic compounds, there is conflicting evidence about their fate during treatment. There are relatively few studies on the fate of ARGs during treatment, and these have produced variable results, indicating a need for more research to clarify their fate in the final products. Repeated land application of contaminated food waste residuals can increase the risk of accumulation and jeopardize the safety of a circular food system. Thus, careful management of the system and research into the fate of the contaminants during treatment is needed.
The Varieties of Resource Experience: Natural Resource Export Structures and the Political Economy of Economic Growth

Many oil, mineral, and plantation crop-based economies experienced a substantial deceleration in growth following the commodity boom and bust of the 1970s and early 1980s. This article illustrates how countries dependent on point source natural resources (those extracted from a narrow geographic or economic base, such as oil and minerals) and plantation crops are predisposed to heightened economic and social divisions and weakened institutional capacity. This in turn impedes their ability to respond effectively to shocks, which previous studies have shown to be essential for sustaining rising levels of prosperity. Analysis of data on classifications of export structure, controlling for a wide array of other potential determinants of governance, shows that point source- and coffee and cocoa-exporting countries do relatively poorly across an array of governance indicators. These governance effects are not associated simply with being a natural resource exporter. Countries with natural resource exports that are diffuse-relying primarily on livestock and agricultural produce from small family farms-do not show the same strong effects-and have had more robust growth recoveries.
How the Management of Children With Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome Has Changed Over Time: Two Decades of Experience From an Italian Center.

Background: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder whose clinical phenotype is closely related to genotype. Methods: A retrospective analysis has been conducted on 22 patients with CCHS, who were referred to the Pediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit of Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital (Italy) for a multidisciplinary follow-up program between 2000 and 2020. Results: Apnea and cyanosis were the most frequent symptoms at onset (91%). Overall, 59% of patients required tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the first months of life. Thirty-two percent of patients had Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) that was associated with longer polyalanine repetitions or non-polyalanine repeat expansion mutations (NPARMs). Polyalanine repeat expansion mutations (PARMs) were more frequent and two novel NPARMs (c.780dupT and C.225-256delCT) were described in 14% of patients. Focal epilepsy was first described in 14% of patients and neurocognitive and neuromotor impairment involved 27% and 23% of children, respectively. Symptoms due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction/dysregulation (ANSD)-including strabismus (27%), dysphagia (27%), abnormal heart rhythm (10%), breath-holding spells (9%), and recurrent seizures due to hypoglycemia (9%)-were associated with an increased number of polyalanine repetitions of exon 3 or NPARMs of PHOX2B gene. Overall, the number of patients with moderate to severe phenotype initially treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) increased over time, and the decannulation program was concluded with 3 patients who started with IMV. Conclusions: Our study confirms that more severe phenotypes of CCHS are related to the number of polyalanine repetitions or to NPARMs. Although invasive ventilation is often required by patients with severe genotype/phenotype, gradual acquisition of specific skills in the management of patients with CCHS and technological improvements in mechanical ventilation allowed us to improve our therapeutic approach in this population.
Kagami-Ogata Syndrome: Case Series and Review of Literature.

Kagami-Ogata syndrome (KOS) (OMIM #608149) is a genetic imprinting disorder affecting chromosome 14 that results in a characteristic phenotype consisting of typical facial features, skeletal abnormalities including rib abnormalities described as “coat hanger ribs,” respiratory distress, abdominal wall defects, polyhydramnios, and developmental delay. First identified by Wang et al in 1991, over 80 cases of KOS have been reported in the literature. KOS, however, continues to remain a rare and potentially underdiagnosed disorder. In this report, we describe two unrelated male infants with differing initial presentations who were both found to have the characteristic “coat hanger” rib appearance on chest X-ray, raising suspicion for KOS. Molecular testing confirmed KOS in each case. In addition to these new cases, we reviewed the existing cases reported in literature. Presence of polyhydramnios, small thorax, curved ribs, and abdominal wall defects must alert the perinatologist toward the possibility of KOS to facilitate appropriate molecular testing. The overall prognosis of KOS remains poor. Early diagnosis allows for counseling by a multidisciplinary team and enables parents to make informed decisions regarding both pregnancy management and postnatal care.
Prediction of porous media fluid flow using physics informed neural networks

Abstract Due to the explosion of the digital age of data, deep learning applications for different physical sciences have gained momentum. In this paper, we implement a physics informed neural network (PINN) technique that incorporates information from the fluid flow physics as well as observed data to model the Buckley-Leverett problem. The classical problem of drainage of gas into a water-filled porous medium is used to validate our implementation. Several cases are tested that signify the importance of the coupling between observed data and physics-informed neural networks for different parameter space. Our results indicate that PINNs are capable of capturing the overall trend of the solution even without observed data but the resolution and accuracy of the solution are improved tremendously with observed data. Adding a small amount of diffusion to the PDE-constrained loss function improved the solution slightly only when observed data were used. Moreover, the PINN is used to solve the inverse problem and infer the most optimal multiphase flow parameters. The performance of the PINN is compared to that of an artificial neural network (ANN) without any physics. We show that the ANN performs comparably well to the PINN when the observed data used to train the ANN include times that span the early- and late-time behavior. As opposed to the PINN, the ANN is not able to predict the solution when only early-time saturation profiles are provided as observed data and extrapolation are needed.
The well-being impacts of tourism: Long-term and short-term effects of tourism development on residents’ happiness

Well-being is considered one of the highest values in human life. Although previous studies have discussed the tourists’ well-being outcomes, the impact of tourism on residents’ happiness has recei...
Gamma Knife surgery–induced meningioma: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique. During the past 30 years, radiosurgery has been performed for a number of intracranial disorders with a generally low incidence of side effects. Although radiation-induced neoplasia following radiotherapy is well documented, there are few reports of this complication following radiosurgery. The authors are engaged in an ongoing project in which they are studying the delayed adverse effects of radiosurgical changes in 2500 patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated within a 30-year period. The cases of 1333 patients treated by the senior author (L.S.) have been reviewed thus far. A subset of 288 patients in this group underwent neuroimaging and participated in clinical follow up for at least 10 years. The authors report two cases of radiosurgically induced neoplasia. In both cases the patient was treated with GKS for an AVM. Longer than 10 years after GKS, each of the patients was found to have an incidental, uniformly enhancing, dura-based mass lesion near the site of the AVM. These lesions displayed the imaging characteristics of a meningioma. Because in both cases the lesion has displayed no evidence of a mass effect, they continue to be followed using serial neuroimaging. These are the fifth and sixth cases meeting the criteria for radiation-induced neoplasms defined by Cahan, et al., in 1998. Although radiosurgery is generally considered quite safe, the incidence of radiation-induced neoplasms is not known. These cases and the few others detailed in the literature emphasize the need for long-term neurosurgical follow-up review in patients after radiosurgery.
Young engineering and science scholars (YESS) reaching outstanding students of limited opportunity

Summary form only given as follows. One reason there are under-represented groups in engineering and science is that many of these highly qualified students come from environments limiting their exposure and support for further study and careers. The YESS program targets students of excellent ability, from under-represented groups, from large urban schools and isolated rural schools with minimal opportunities, and parents with minimal education. Engineering Problem Solving skills are the basis of the in-depth work students do in engineering, physics, biology, and technology.
GaN-based single phase brushless DC motor drive for high-speed applications

It is a well-known fact that wide-bandgap (WBG) materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) have superior characteristics compared to silicon (Si) in power electronics and motor drive applications. Performance of a single-phase brushless high-speed DC motor can be improved by using GaN-based drive since it requires high frequency operation and low conduction and switching losses. This paper discusses the implementation of GaN devices to drive a single-phase brushless DC motor. Control strategies and simulation analysis are presented. Comparison is carried out between GaN-based and Si-based brushless DC motor drive systems and the potential benefits of GaN-based drive system are quantified from the efficiency and loss perspective.
On the sum-capacity of the cognitive interference channel with cognitive-only message sharing

Motivated by the ongoing discussion of spectrum scarcity, this paper considers the K-user cognitive interference channel with K − 1 primary/licensed users and one cognitive/secondary user who has non-causal knowledge of the messages of all primary users. This message sharing mechanism is referred to as cognitive-only message sharing. For certain parameter regimes, the sum-capacity of the symmetric Gaussian noise channel is characterized to within an additive constant gap from an outer bound originally derived for a channel model with cumulative message sharing, which consists of one primary user and K−1 cognitive users where cognitive transmitter i ∈ [2 : K] has non-causal knowledge of the messages of the users with index less than i. The approximately optimal achievability scheme is a combination of simultaneous interference neutralization at the primary receivers, dirty-paper coding to remove the effect of interference at the cognitive receiver, and rate-splitting, where the power splits are chosen such that the signals treated as noise are received below the noise floor of the receiver. This shows that “distributed cognition” may not be necessary in the considered network model since (approximately) the same sum-capacity can be achieved by having only one “globally cognitive” user whose role is to manage all the interference in the network.
In Situ, Real-Time Catabolic Gene Expression: Extraction and Characterization of Naphthalene Dioxygenase mRNA Transcripts from Groundwater

We developed procedures for isolating and characterizing in situ-transcribed mRNA from groundwater microorganisms catabolizing naphthalene at a coal tar waste-contaminated site. Groundwater was pumped through 0.22-μm-pore-size filters, which were then frozen in dry ice-ethanol. RNA was extracted from the frozen filters by boiling sodium dodecyl sulfate lysis and acidic phenol-chloroform extraction. Transcript characterization was performed with a series of PCR primers designed to amplify nahAc homologs. Several primer pairs were found to amplify nahAc homologs representing the entire diversity of the naphthalene-degrading genes. The environmental RNA extract was reverse transcribed, and the resultant mixture of cDNAs was amplified by PCR. A digoxigenin-labeled probe mixture was produced by PCR amplification of groundwater cDNA. This probe mixture hybridized under stringent conditions with the corresponding PCR products from naphthalene-degrading bacteria carrying a variety of nahAc homologs, indicating that diverse dioxygenase transcripts had been retrieved from groundwater. Diluted and undiluted cDNA preparations were independently amplified, and 28 of the resulting PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence comparisons revealed two major groups related to the dioxygenase genes ndoB and dntAc, previously cloned from Pseudomonas putida NCIB 9816-4 and Burkholderia sp. strain DNT, respectively. A distinctive subgroup of sequences was found only in experiments performed with the undiluted cDNA preparation. To our knowledge, these results are the first to directly document in situ transcription of genes encoding naphthalene catabolism at a contaminated site by indigenous microorganisms. The retrieved sequences represent greater diversity than has been detected at the study site by culture-based approaches.
Interaction Between Mismatch Repair and Genetic Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a set of genes that show strong amino acid sequence similarity to MutS and MutL, proteins required for mismatch repair in Escherichia coli. We examined the role of MSH2 and PMS1, yeast homologs of mutS and mutL, respectively, in the repair of base pair mismatches formed during meiotic recombination. By using specifically marked HIS4 and ARG4 alleles, we showed that msh2 mutants displayed a severe defect in the repair of all base pair mismatches as well as 1-, 2- and 4-bp insertion/deletion mispairs. The msh2 and pms1 phenotypes were indistinguishable, suggesting that the wild-type gene products act in the same repair pathway. A comparison of gene conversion events in wild-type and msh2 mutants indicated that mismatch repair plays an important role in genetic recombination. (1) Tetrad analysis at five different loci revealed that, in msh2 mutants, the majority of aberrant segregants displayed a sectored phenotype, consistent with a failure to repair mismatches created during heteroduplex formation. In wild type, base pair mismatches were almost exclusively repaired toward conversion rather than restoration. (2) In msh2 strains 10-19% of the aberrant tetrads were Ab4:4. (3) Polarity gradients at HIS4 and ARG4 were nearly abolished in msh2 mutants. The frequency of gene conversion at the 3' end of these genes was increased and was nearly the frequency observed at the 5' end. (4) Co-conversion studies were consistent with mismatch repair acting to regulate heteroduplex DNA tract length. We favor a model proposing that recombination events occur through the formation and resolution of heteroduplex intermediates and that mismatch repair proteins specifically interact with recombination enzymes to regulate the length of symmetric heteroduplex DNA.
Plagiarism by Adult Learners Online: A case study in detection and remediation

Detecting and combating plagiarism from Web-based sources is a concern for administrators and instructors involved in online distance education. In this paper, we quantify copy-and-paste plagiarism among adult learners in an online geography course offered through Penn State's World Campus Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate program. We also evaluate the effectiveness of an "expectation management" strategy intended to discourage adult learners from unintentional violations. We found that while manual methods detected plagiarism in only about 3 percent of assignments, Turnitin.com revealed a 13 percent plagiarism rate among the same assignments. Our attempts to increase awareness and manage expectations decreased infractions measurably, but not significantly. In contrast, Turnitin.com substantially improved our ability to detect infractions. We conclude that raising awareness and managing expectations about plagiarism may be worthwhile, but is no substitute for systematic detection and vigilant enforcement, even among adult learners.
Plans for HDBase—a research community website for Huntington's Disease

Abstract We are developing a community website, called HDBase, to support basic scientific research on Huntington's Disease (HD). The core of the site is expert-reviewed scientific content consisting of curated bibliographies on topics of interest to HD researches and datasets extracted from those bibliographies. We are presently working on the following content areas: therapeutic studies in mouse, primarily drug screens; HD mouse models; antibodies used in HD research; large scale gene expression studies; and genes and proteins relevant to HD research. We work closely with other public databases to improve their HD coverage and try not to duplicate their efforts. The net effect is that much of our content actually exists as part of other databases. All of the software developed for this project is open source, and the data are similarly provided at no cost.
Calcineurin dependent lytic granule exocytosis in NK-92 Natural Killer cells

Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and natural killer cells (NKs) both kill virus-infected cells and tumor cells by releasing the cytoxic contents of their lytic granules. We recently demonstrated a role for calcineurin in lytic granule exocytosis in TALL-104 human leukemic CTLs [M.J. Grybko, J.P. Bartnik, G.A. Wurth, A.T. Pores-Fernando, A. Zweifach, Calcineurin activation is only one calcium-dependent step in cytotoxic T lymphocyte granule exocytosis, J. Biol. Chem. 282 (2007) 18009-18017]. However, whether calcineurin plays a similar role in NK lytic granule release is not known. We tested whether calcineurin is involved in lytic granule exocytosis in human leukemic NK-92 cells using immunosuppressive drugs that block calcineurin function and by overexpressing a constitutively active calcineurin fusion protein. Our results indicate that calcineurin does play a role in lytic granule exocytosis in NK-92 cells, and suggest that, as was the case in TALL-104 cells, there are likely to be multiple calcium-dependent steps.
Remote Diastereoselective Control via Organoiron Methodology: Stereoselective Preparation of 4,6-, 5,7- and 6,8-dien-2-ol (tricarbonyl) Iron Complexes

Abstract The diastereoselective preparation of 2,3-, 2,4- and 2,5-diol iron complexes was accomplished in the following fashion: (2,4,6-octatriene)Fe(CO) 3 undergoes diastereoselective osmylation to provide (4,6-octadien-2,3-diol)Fe(CO) 3 ; (4-hydroxy-5,7-nonadien-2-one)Fe(CO) 3 may be reduced in a diastereoselective fashion to give mixtures predominating in either the syn - or anti -(5,7-nonadien-2,4-diol)Fe(CO) 3 ; and diastereospecific addition of MeTi(O i Pr) 3 to the lactol of (5-hydroxy-6,8-decadienal)Fe(CO) 3 gives (6,8-decadien-2,5-diol)Fe(CO) 3 . In each of the cases noted above, the hydroxyl group adjacent to the (diene)Fe(CO) 3 group may be removed via ionic hydrogenation. The ionization of this hydroxyl is rationalized on the basis of the intermediacy of a transoid (pentadienyl)Fe(CO) 3 cation species.
Microbial Metabolism of the Plant Phenolic Compounds Ferulic and Syringic Acids under Three Anaerobic Conditions

Ferulic and syringic acids are methoxylated aromatic compounds that often serve as models of the subunits of lignin. Although these compounds have important implications for global carbon cycles, there is limited information on their fate in anoxic environments. Enrichment cultures were established on these two model compounds under methanogenic, sulfidogenic, and denitrifying conditions, using a Raritan River (New Jersey) marsh sediment as the inoculum. All cultures completely degraded ∼1.5 mm of both substrates. Methane production in the methanogenic cultures corresponded to the stoichiometric values expected for complete mineralization to CO2 and CH4. Sulfate and nitrate reduction in their respective cultures were both greater than 60% of the amounts predicted for complete mineralization. Aromatic intermediates of ferulic and syringic acid metabolism were identified, and pathways of degradation under sulfidogenic and denitrifying conditions are proposed. Syringic acid is sequentially O-demethylated to gallic acid under both sulfate and nitrate-reducing conditions before ring cleavage occurs. Ferulic acid undergoes propenoate side chain reduction, O-demethylation, removal of an acetate moiety from the side chain, and decarboxylation to form catechol. Catechol is further degraded under sulfidogenic conditions. Under denitrifying conditions, ferulic acid undergoes loss of an acetate moiety, prior to O-demethylation, to form protocatechuic acid, the last product detected before ring cleavage.
Quantitative image quality of spatially filtered x-ray fluoroscopy

One potential method to lower x-ray fluoroscopy dose without compromising image quality is to acquire images at a decreased exposure rate and digitally filter to reduce noise. In both single image frames and image sequences, we investigated the effect of noise-reduction spatial filtering on the detection of stationary cylinders that mimicked arteries, catheters, and guide wires in x-ray imaging. We simulated ideal edge- preserving spatial filters by filtering the noise only and then adding targets for detection. Fitters used were three different center-weighted averagers that reduce pixel noise variance by factors of 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25. Detection performance in unfiltered and spatially filtered noisy image sequences and single frames was measured using a reference/test, 9-alternative, adaptive forced-choice method. Performance level was fixed and results were obtained in the form of signal contrast sensitivity. In single images, the effect of filtering on detection was insignificant at all filtering levels. On the other hand, filtering in image sequences improved detectability by as much as 23%, yielding a potential x-ray dose savings of 34%. Comparing results with the prewhitening matched filter model indicated that human observers have improved detection efficiency in spatially filtered image sequences, as compared to white-noise sequences. We conclude that edge-preserving spatial filtering is more effective in sequences than in single frames. Such filtering can potentially improve image quality in noisy image sequences such as x-ray fluoroscopy.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nb-doped single crystalline MoS2 field effect transistor

We report on the demonstration of a p-type, single crystalline, few layer MoS2 field effect transistor (FET) using Niobium (Nb) as the dopant. The doping concentration was extracted and determined to be ∼3 × 1019/cm3. We also report on bilayer Nb-doped MoS2 FETs with ambipolar conduction. We found that the current ON-OFF ratio of the Nb-doped MoS2 FETs changes significantly as a function of the flake thickness. We attribute this experimental observation to bulk-type electrostatic effect in ultra-thin MoS2 crystals. We provide detailed analytical modeling in support of our claims. Finally, we show that in the presence of heavy doping, even ultra-thin 2D-semiconductors cannot be fully depleted and may behave as a 3D material when used in transistor geometry. Our findings provide important insights into the doping constraints of 2D materials, in general.
Designs on dignity: perceptions of technology among the homeless

Technology, it is argued, has the potential to improve everyone's life: from the workplace, to entertainment, to easing chores around the home. But what of people who have neither job nor home? We undertook a qualitative study of the homeless population in a metropolitan U.S. city to better understand what it means to be homeless and how technology--from cell phones to bus passes--affects their daily lives. The themes we identify provide an array of opportunities for technological interventions that can empower the homeless population. Our investigation also reveals the need to reexamine some of the assumptions made in HCI about the relationship people have with technology. We suggest a broader awareness of the social context of technology use as a critical component when considering design innovation for the homeless.
Cooperativity in the calcium ion-induced quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of a series of normal and GLA-deficient bovine prothrombin fragment 1 molecules

Ca2+ titrations of the intrinsic fluorescence of a series of γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA)-deficient bovine prothrombin fragments 1 yield response Hill plot parameters useful for characterization of the metal ion-binding process. 11-, 10-, and 9-GLA fragments 1 exhibitTm(the (Ca2+)total concentration at which ln (B/F)=0 in the response Hill plot) values between 0.2 and 0.3 mM. A 22-fold increase inTmto 5.4 mM is observed for 8-GLA fragment 1.Tmdecreases to 3.8 mM for the 7- and 6-GLA proteins. The value ofh, about 2.8±0.2 for 11-, 10-, and 9-GLA fragments 1, abruptly decreases to 1.2–1.3 for 8-, 7-, and 6-GLA fragments 1. The observed degree of quenching induced by saturating levels of calcium ions is affected by both changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of the metal ion-free proteins and in the maximum possible degree of quenching in the presence of calcium. The kinetic characteristics of the calcium ion-induced quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of 6-GLA fragment 1 are identical to those observed in 10-GLA fragment 1, suggesting that the fluorescence quenching observed in the 6- and 10-GLA fragments 1, while different in magnitude, involves similar processes. Observation of an abrupt change in the relative electrophoretic mobilities of 11- to 9-GLA fragments 1 compared to 8- to 6-GLA fragments 1, in the absence or presence of Ca2+, suggests the existence of a major protein conformation change which occurs concomitantly with the noted changes inTmandh response Hill plot parameters. Molecular mechanics calculations suggest a structural hypothesis unifying these observations. Central to this model is the presumption of the existence of hydrogen bond-mediated interactions between metal ion-binding sites.