cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward the development of punishment equivalencies: Male and female inmates rate the severity of alternative sanctions compared to prison

According to a survey of 415 male and female inmates serving brief prison terms for nonviolent offenses, inmates perceive several alternative sanctions as significantly more punitive than imprisonment. Women rate alternatives as less punitive than do men, and are more amenable to participating in them. We find that prison and probation do not necessarily define the high and low extremes along a continuum of sanction severity, and we show for the first time how female inmates rank the punitiveness of criminal sanctions. Findings bear on the eventual development of meaningful punishment equivalencies and a valid continuum of criminal sanctions while raising doubts about the value of brief prison terms as a specific deterrent to crime. Our results also support consideration of gender differences in punishment and deterrence. We critique the problems associated with research on offenders' perceptions of the severity of sanctions, and discuss implications for deterrence theory and corrections policy.
Finite element modeling of residual stresses in machining induced by cutting using a tool with finite edge radius

Abstract A thermal elastic-viscoplastic finite element model is used to evaluate the residual stresses remaining in a machined component. An improvement in the accuracy of the predicted residual stresses is obtained by: (a) using a modified Johnson–Cook material model that is augmented by a linearly elastic component to describe the material behavior as non-Newtonian fluid; (b) using a remeshing scheme to simulate the material flow in the vicinity of the rounded cutting tool edge without the use of a separation criterion; (c) properly accounting for the unloading path, and (d) considering the thermomechanical coupling effect on deformation. Case studies are performed to study the influence of sequential cuts, cutting conditions, etc., on the residual stresses induced by orthogonal machining.
Chiral-selective aminoacylation of an RNA minihelix: Mechanistic features and chiral suppression

Aminoacylation of RNA minihelices is speculated to be a key step in the transition from the putative RNA world to the theater of proteins. This reaction affords the opportunity to make chiral selection of an l- or d-amino acid and thus determine the ultimate chirality that is incorporated into proteins. Previous work showed chiral preference of aminoacylation with a nonprotein, nonribozyme, RNA-directed aminoacylation system. This preference was, in turn, determined by the preexisting chirality of the RNA. The α-amino group attached to the asymmetric α-carbon of the amino acid was an obvious candidate to play a role in chiral selectivity through interactions with the RNA. Also not clear was whether a simple manipulation could change the chiral selectivity, thereby giving insight into the basis of chiral selection in the first place. Here we show, surprisingly, no role for the free α-amino group in chiral selection. However, by a sequence manipulation, chiral preference was suppressed and partly reversed. This result and those with further RNA constructs support the idea that the chiral preference for an l-amino acid in these constructs depends on avoiding a sugar-pucker-sensitive steric clash between a pendant group of a base with the amino acid side chain.
Barriers to interbreeding in the Eriophyllum lanatum (Asteraceae, Helenieae) species complex

Sampling 426 plants from 271 populations of Eriophyllum lanatum, a western North American species complex, revealed 195 diploid (x = 8), 61 tetraploid, ten hexaploid, and five octoploid populations. Polyploids were ∼400% more frequent in taxonomic intermediates. One to four supernumerary chromosomes were found in 13% of the populations. Artificial hybridizations were made in 58 of the 65 possible diploid-level combinations involving the ten varieties of E. lanatum and E. confertiflorum var. confertiflorum. Aberrations, mostly failure to pair normally, were observed in diakinesis or M(1) cells of progeny in 23 of 99 crosses. Studies of pollen stainability in cotton blue-lactophenol and other fertility indicators in 886 F(1)'s from 191 crosses involving 81 populations showed that strong (22-40% pollen stainability) to weak (60-76% pollen stainability) barriers to interbreeding existed among diploids of the E. lanatum varieties and among them and E. confertiflorum var. confertiflorum. Pollen stainability was much higher in progenies of tetraploid, hexaploid, and octoploid intra- and interspecific crosses involving E. confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum, E. jepsonii, and E. latilobum than in diploid ones, supporting the hypothesis that polyploidy has mainly served to stabilize the products of intervarietal and interspecific hybridizations.
Testing the accuracy of correlations for multicomponent mass transport of adsorbed gases in metal-organic frameworks: diffusion of H2/CH4 mixtures in CuBTC.

Mass transport of chemical mixtures in nanoporous materials is important in applications such as membrane separations, but measuring diffusion of mixtures experimentally is challenging. Methods that can predict multicomponent diffusion coefficients from single-component data can be extremely useful if these methods are known to be accurate. We present the first test of a method of this kind for molecules adsorbed in a metal−organic framework (MOF). Specifically, we examine the method proposed by Skoulidas, Sholl, and Krishna (SSK) (Langmuir, 2003, 19, 7977) by comparing predictions made with this method to molecular simulations of mixture transport of H2/CH4 mixtures in CuBTC. These calculations provide the first direct information on mixture transport of any species in a MOF. The predictions of the SSK approach are in good agreement with our direct simulations of binary diffusion, suggesting that this approach may be a powerful one for examining multicomponent diffusion in MOFs. We also use our molecular...
Fitness Effects of Transgenic Disease Resistance in Sunflowers

Fears about transgene escape have focused attention on the potential for hybridization between crops and their wild relatives. Although transgenes will often escape from cultivation ( [1][1] ), their rate of spread will be mainly governed by their fitness effects, not the migration rate ( [2][2] ).
Optimized mesh and texture multiplexing for progressive textured model transmission

An optimized scheme of multiplexing coded mesh and texture data to facilitate progressive transmission of 3D textured models is proposed in this work. The mesh and texture data of a 3D textured model are fed into their respective compression modules and represented by a series of levels of details. Then, for a given viewpoint, a rate-distortion surface can be generated based on the multiplexing of mesh and texture data in different details. The distortion is calculated by measuring the visual quality of rendered images. Furthermore, an optimal path over the rate-distortion surface is determined by the steepest descent algorithm. When the mesh and texture data streams are transmitted in a certain ratio along the optimal path, it is guaranteed that the rendered images have the best visual quality perceived from the given viewpoint. To deal with an arbitrary viewpoint, we propose a hierarchical sampling algorithm so that the optimal path can be interpolated from finite sampling points. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can provide the best visual quality of a 3D textured model for any observation point at any bit rate.
What does music mood mean for real users

Mood has recently received increasing attention as an interesting approach for organizing and accessing music. Our understanding of how users determine and describe music mood, however, is not fully developed. In this exploratory study, we investigate the concept of music mood from the end-user's perspective. In particular, we want to see how users describe music mood in their own terms as they react to different musical features. We investigate this by asking users to provide mood tags for various cover versions of the same song. The findings suggest that users rely on a small limited set of mood terms, although they do use a wide variety of terms. Typically, certain moods seem to carry over multiple cover versions despite differences in musical features. Along with lyrics, tempo, instrumentation, and delivery, factors like sources of mood, genre, musical expectancy, cultural context, etc. also seem to affect how people feel about music.
Stereochemical heterogeneity in verongid sponge metabolites. Absolute stereochemistry of (+)-fistularin-3 and (+)-11-epi-fistularin-3 by microscale LCMS-Marfey's analysis

The absolute configurations of fistularin-3, 11-epi-fistularin-3, and a related bis-oxazolidinone were determined by microscale hydrolysis followed by derivatization with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-l-alaninamide. Samples of fistularin-3 from Verongid marine sponges collected in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Baia de Todos os Santos (Brazil), and the Key Largo, Florida (USA) varied in configuration at C11, a phenomenon that may be attributed to the involvement of stereochemically promiscuous hydroxylase enzymes. Variability in C11 configuration in fistularin-3 samples may have been overlooked in previously reported encounters due to the similarity of spectroscopic properties of fistularin-3 and 11-epi-fistularin-3 and their coelution under chromatographic conditions. Stereochemical heterogeneity at C11 in fistularin-3 samples suggests a possibility of a native biotransformation of suitable precursor in Verongid sponges by their associated microbial flora.
The Snake-in-the-Box problem

The Snake-in-the-Box problem finds its roots in graph theory and computer science with applications in electrical engineering, coding theory, analog-to-digital conversion, disjunctive normal form simplification, electronic combination locking, and computer network topologies. This fascinating problem has puzzled scholars for over 50 years, but research has produced steady progress. Here, we provide an overview of the problem, its history, and current research, including a potential solution.
A Batching Approach to Quantile Estimation in Regenerative Simulations

This paper presents a new method, called the batch quantile method, for estimating quantiles in regenerative simulations. The quantile estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal, and the method can be easily implemented and does not require prior knowledge of the range of values the data will assume. Empirical studies show adequate coverage of confidence intervals when batches of 50 cycles or more are used.
Effects of Elevated CO2 and O3 on a Variant of the Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract Global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] increased 20% in the last century and is expected to increase another 48% by 2050. Surface concentrations of ozone [O3] also are increasing rapidly in agricultural areas of the northern hemisphere and are expected to increase another 20% by 2050. To better understand the combined impact of increased [CO2] and [O3] on crop production in the Midwest, we used a 32-ha experimental field planted with soybean (Glycines max L. Merr.). The field included sixteen 21.3-m-diameter plots using free air gas concentration enrichment (FACE) to simulate the changes in atmospheric composition forecast for 2050. We evaluated the impact of elevated [CO2] and [O3] singly and in combination on adult and egg densities of the variant western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. During 2003–2004, each of the four blocks included four plots, representing the four treatments (ambient atmospheric control, elevated [O3], elevated [CO2], and an elevated ...
The Subtelomere of Oryza sativa Chromosome 3 Short Arm as a Hot Bed of New Gene Origination in Rice

Despite general observations of non-random genomic distribution of new genes, it is unclear whether or not new genes preferentially occur in certain genomic regions driven by related molecular mechanisms. Using 1.5 Mb of genomic sequences from short arms of chromosome 3 of Oryza glaberrima and O. punctata, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis with the reference O. sativa ssp. japonica genome. We identified a 60-kb segment located in the middle of the subtelomeric region of chromosome 3, which is unique to the species O. sativa. The region contained gene duplicates that occurred in Asian cultivated rice species that diverged from the ancestor of Asian and African cultivated rice one million years ago (MYA). For the 12 genes and one complete retrotransposon identified in this segment in O. sativa ssp. japonica, we searched for their parental genes. The high similarity between duplicated paralogs further supports the recent origination of these genes. We found that this segment was recently generated through multiple independent gene recombination and transposon insertion events. Among the 12 genes, we found that five had chimeric gene structures derived from multiple parental genes. Nine out of the 12 new genes seem to be functional, as suggested by Ka/Ks analysis and the presence of cDNA and/or MPSS data. Furthermore, for the eight transcribed genes, at least two genes could be classified as defense or stress response-related genes. Given these findings, and the fact that subtelomeres are associated with high rates of recombination and transcription, it is likely that subtelomeres may facilitate gene recombination and transposon insertions and serve as hot spots for new gene origination in rice genomes.
Long‐term changes in the areal hypolimnetic oxygen deficit (AHOD) of Onondaga Lake: Evidence of sediment feedback

Long-term trends in the rate of depletion of hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen (DO) are documented for ionically enriched hypereutrophic Onondaga Lake, New York, for the 1978‐2002 interval. Depletion rates, represented as areal hypolimnetic oxygen deficits (AHOD, g m 22 d 21 ), are calculated on the basis of weekly DO profiles of 1-m resolution and estimates of coincident inputs of DO from overlying layers driven by vertical mixing. Vertical mixing inputs of DO are important in this system, representing from 15% to 37% (mean 25%) of AHOD. Interannual variations in hypolimnetic temperatures have comparatively minor (66%) effects on AHOD. AHOD decreased 49%, from an average of 2.12 g m 22 d 21 for the 1978‐1986 interval, to an average of 1.08 g m 22 d 21 for the 1997‐ 2002 interval. This decrease was driven by an abrupt decrease in the deposition of particulate organic carbon into the hypolimnion starting in 1987. The magnitude of the decrease in AHOD closes reasonably well with decreases in both primary production in the trophogenic zone and organic carbon deposition to the tropholytic zone. The time course of the decrease in AHOD is consistent with localization of oxygen-demanding processes within the lake sediments, reflecting the progression of sediment diagenesis. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a fundamental resource of lakes that has profound effects on lake chemistry and biology (Wetzel 2001). Most hypolimnia are isolated from the important oxygen source of photosynthesis and potential inputs of DO from atmospheric exchange. Oxygen consumption in hypolimnia and sediments reflects decomposition of settling and deposited particulate organic matter that is formed mostly through primary production in the overlying trophogenic zone (Hutchinson 1957). The rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion has long been recognized as an integrator of lake metabolism. The evolution of these concepts and various calculation protocols to quantify the rate of DO depletion as an index, or even an indirect measure (Hutchinson 1938; Mortimer 1941), of primary production has been reviewed by Wetzel (2001). The rate of loss of the mass of DO, normalized for the surface area of the hypolimnion, described as the areal hypolimnetic oxygen deficit (AHOD, g m
Evaluation of Possible Carcinogenic Risk to Humans Based on Liver Tumors in Rodent Assays The Two-Year Bioassay Is No Longer Necessary

The two-year rodent bioassay remains the mainstay for carcinogenicity testing, although numerous difficulties have been identified. Fundamentally, a chemical can increase the risk of cancer (1) by damaging DNA directly (DNA reactive) or (2) indirectly by increasing the number of DNA replications (non-DNA reactive). Mechanistic research has identified numerous precursor lesions in the sequence of key events necessary for neoplasia development. Based on these concepts, the author has proposed a short-term (thirteen-week) assay for screening for carcinogenic potential based on a mode of action analysis and on readily available, identifiable preneoplastic changes. A screening assay that detects all potential rodent hepatocarcinogens has been previously identified (Toxicol Pathol 32 [2004], 393-401) including increased liver weight, hepatocellular necrosis, hypertrophy, and cytomegaly. Labeling index for DNA replication might supply additional support. These markers have high sensitivity but low specificity. However, most chemicals can be appropriately classified as to their mode(s) of action for hepatocarcinogenesis with follow-up mechanistic studies, and a rational evaluation of their relevance to humans can be made. A similar process can be envisioned for other tissues for evaluation for carcinogenic potential.
Compartmentalization of Cardiac β-Adrenergic Inotropy Modulation by Phosphodiesterase Type 5

Background— Recent cell-based studies have found that cGMP synthesis and hydrolysis by phosphodiesterase (PDE) appear compartmentalized, with nitric oxide synthase–derived and/or PDE type 5 (PDE-5)–hydrolyzable cGMP undetected at the sarcolemmal membrane in contrast to cGMP stimulated by natriuretic peptide. In the present study, we determine the functional significance of such compartments with a comparison of β-adrenergic modulation by PDE-5 inhibition to that of natriuretic peptide stimulation in both cardiomyocytes and intact hearts. The potential role of differential cGMP and protein kinase G stimulation by these 2 modulators was also studied. Methods and Results— Intact C57/BL6 mouse hearts were studied with pressure-volume analysis, and adult isolated myocytes were studied with fluorescence microscopy. PDE-5 inhibition with 0.1 to 1 μmol/L sildenafil (SIL) suppressed isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated contractility, whereas 10 μmol/L atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) had no effect. ISO suppression by SI...
Dilatometric constant for polymerization of α‐methylstyrene

By measurement of the specific volume of solutions of poly-α-methylstyrene in α-methylstyrene monomer at 25°C, the dilatometric constant was found to be KD = (0.002007 ± 0.000030)%−1. Estimation of the temperature dependence resulted in the equation (KD)t = 1.81 × 10−3 + 7.82 + 10−6t, where t denotes temperature in °C.
An Equation for Estimating Hand Activity Level Based on Measured Hand Speed and Duty Cycle

We are developing video processing algorithms for automatically measuring the ACGIH TLV® hand activity level (HAL) using marker-less tracking of hand movements. An equation for computing HAL ratings directly from tracked kinematics, rather than using a frequency-duty cycle (DC) look-up table, more readily lends itself to automated processing. Videos from the 33 Latko et al. (1997) jobs were digitized and analyzed using marker-less tracking, and hand root mean square (RMS) speed (S) was measured. A linear regression model was developed for predicting the average observer rated HAL based on the measured hand RMS speed and DC. Since the videos did not contain distance calibration, speed was quantified in pixels/s and normalized by the distance of each worker’s hand breadth, measured in pixels. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed using the US Army (1991) hand anthropometry data to determine how variation is introduced in the equation as hand breadth varies. The resulting equation was HAL= −1.06 + 0.0047 S ...
Joint estimation of time delay and frequency delay in impulsive noise using fractional lower order statistics

New methods for time delay estimation and joint estimation of time delay and frequency delay in the presence of impulsive noise are introduced. First, degradation of the conventional approaches based on second-order statistics is shown both theoretically and experimentally. Then, a new class of robust algorithms are developed using the theory of alpha-stable distributions, including the fractional lower order covariance (FLOC) method, which is formulated for the time delay estimation problem and the fractional lower order ambiguity function (FLOAF), which is defined for the joint estimation of time delay and frequency delay. It is shown that these new methods are robust for both Gaussian and non-Gaussian impulsive noise environments. The improved performance is clearly demonstrated through detailed analysis and comprehensive simulations with computer-generated data as well as actual radar and sonar clutter data.
An examination of population changes in Alabama's Black Belt counties: 1960-1970 and 1970-1980.

Population changes in 11 Alabama Black Belt counties are examined by comparing annual average birth, death, and migration rates during the 1960s with those of the 1970s. The specific focus of the study is migration patterns among the nonwhite segment of the population. Data from the 1980 and earlier censuses are utilized, along with birth and death data from Alabama vital statistics reports. Average annual migration rates for each of the two decades are derived. The results indicate that net migration losses among nonwhites declined substantially during the 1970s compared with the 1960s and that in two Black. Belt counties there was a reversal from heavy net losses to moderate net gains. Whites, on a county‐to‐county basis, however, were generally characterized by significantly higher rates of loss during the 1970s than in the 1960s. The substantial reduction in outmigration rates among nonwhites is tentatively attributed to political and economic advances coupled with increased employment opportunities i...
Bioabsorbable anterior lumbar plate fixation in conjunction with cage-assisted anterior interbody fusion

Object. An in vitro biomechanical study was conducted to determine the effects of anterior stabilization on cage-assisted lumbar interbody fusion biomechanics in a multilevel human cadaveric lumbar spine model. Methods. Three spine conditions were compared: harvested, bilateral multilevel cages (CAGES), and CAGES with bioabsorbable anterior plates (CBAP), tested under flexion—extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Measurements included vertebral motion, applied load, and bending/rotational moments. Application of anterior fixation decreased local motion and increased stiffness of the instrumented levels. Clinically, this spinal stability may serve to promote fusion. Conclusions. Coupled with the bioabsorbability of the plating material, the bioabsorbable anterior lumbar plating system is considered biomechanically advantageous.
Elevated pulse pressure is associated with age-related decline in language ability

Recent research suggests that pulse pressure (PP), a putative marker of vascular integrity, may be associated with brain microvascular damage and age-related cognitive decline. Thus, the present study examined the relationship between PP and cognition in a sample of healthy nondemented older adults. One hundred nine participants were administered neurological and neuropsychological evaluations and determined to be nondemented. Regression analyses were used to examine the relationships among pulse pressure (PP) [systolic blood pressure (SBP) – diastolic blood pressure (DBP)], age, and cognition. PP and related measures were inversely correlated with global cognitive functioning and scores on a composite measure of language function, even after adjusting for age, education, and relevant vascular risk factors. Results indicate that increases in the pulsatile component of blood pressure may convey added risk of global cognitive decline and specific impairment in language abilities.
Recent trends in atmospheric methyl bromide: analysis of post-Montreal Protocol variability

The atmospheric methyl bromide (CH3Br) bur- den has declined in recent years, in response to the phaseout of agricultural and structural fumigation consumption under the amendments to the Montreal Protocol. The timing and magnitude of this decrease represents an opportunity to ex- amine our current understanding of atmospheric CH3Br and its budget, response to the phaseout, and response to interan- nual variability in biomass burning and global OH. In this study, simulations obtained from a time-dependent global model of atmospheric CH3Br emissions and uptake are com- pared to observations from the NOAA flask network. The model includes a detailed gridded ocean model coupled to a time-dependant atmospheric 2-box model. The phaseout of CH3Br production for agricultural uses began in 1998, con- current with the pulse in biomass burning associated with the 1998 El Ni˜ no. The combined effects of three factors (biomass burning, global OH, and anthropogenic phaseout) appear to explain most of the observed atmospheric methyl bromide variability over the 1997-2008 period. The global budget remains imbalanced, with a large missing source in- dicated. The missing source does not exhibit a systematic decline during the phaseout period, and therefore, is not the result of significantly underestimating non-QPS agricultural CH3Br emissions. The model results suggest that the oceans should be less undersaturated than before the phaseout be- gan.
Towards the Design of a Nanocomputer

As the miniaturization of the silicon circuitry is going towards the physical limit of the molecular structure, chemical and electronics collaborative research are mainly focused on the development of synthetic molecules with capabilities of assuming two or more different stable states. The growing of these molecules in a defined flat or three-dimensional structure allows further interesting computing applications. The assumed state from each cell will be a consequence of the states of the neighboring cells according to a defined truth table. These on-going promising research projects ignite the possibility of building a nanocomputer (nanocalculator). The purpose of this paper is to present a study of the logic design of a basic computer in nanospace using M- and N-hypercube cells as building blocks.
Differing views of soil and pedogenesis by two masters: Darwin and Dokuchaev

article i nfo Charles Darwin and Vasily Dokuchaev made early and important, but quite different, contributions to pedogenic theory. Their major contributions were bothwritten asbooks —Darwin's,1881TheFormationofVegetableMould, Through the Action of Worms, With Observation on Their Habits, and Dokuchaev's, 1883 Russian Chernozem. Although most soil scientists are familiar with Dokuchaev's legacy and lasting impact, far fewer know about or value equally Darwin's "worm book." Dokuchaev's factorial approach to soil science, drawn from observations across the Eurasian steppe, helped map, classify, and place economic value on soils, while also providing key insight into their formation. This approach gained visibility in the 1930s and 1940s, when personnel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and some aca- demic pedologists, recognized its utility for soil survey and for interpreting pedogenesis. Jenny's (1941) book, Factors of Soil Formation, helped the model to gain acceptance, and it eventually became entrenched as the core ped- ogenic model for North America, if not the world. Dokuchaev's legacy is tied to this model. Alternatively, Darwin's main contribution to the field was to shed light on soil processes, particularly faunal mixing (bioturbation) and the textural sorting itcan produce. Although Darwin's findingsfosteredanarray of multidisciplinary studiesonpedogenicprocesses during the ensuing 50 years, his work languished in the broad shadow cast by Dokuchaev's model. In 1975, Darwin's ideas reappeared inSoil Taxonomy —associated with rudimentary biomantle concepts. Recently, empowered with new concepts and language, bioturbation concepts have gained considerable traction. We briefly summarize the backgrounds of Darwin and Dokuchaev, and compare their fundamentally different approaches to pedogenesis. But insofar as Dokuchaev's approach is more mainstream, we emphasize Darwin's, for balance. We show how Darwin's model, updated with current understandings of biomantle formation, is allowing new questions to be asked about pedogenesis and landscape evolution, and formerly intractable ones to be answered. We stress the profound role of conceptual models in guiding explanatory thought, and end by positing that both Darwin's and Dokuchaev's approaches, while different in their basic structure and goals, provide together a more complete view of pedogenesis than either can do singly.
Recovery of Pavlovian sign-tracking (autoshaping) following the discontinuation of inter-trial interval food in rats.

Abstract In pigeons, Pavlovian autoshaped keypecking produced by keylight-food pairings has been eliminated by introducing food during periods between CS presentations (i.e., during the inter-trial intervals). Keypecking eliminated in this manner reappears when the inter-trial USs are discontinued even though the CS is no longer paired with US. The present experiment investigated whether this recovery of responding produced by discontinuing unpaired inter-trial US presentations could be extended to another species, rats, within a Pavlovian sign-tracking paradigm. Rats were initially trained on a procedure where insertion of one retractable lever (CS+) was followed, response independently, with food, while insertion of another lever (CS−) was not paired with food. Rats quickly came to contact the CS+ lever at high rates, but contacted the CS− lever infrequently. In the next phase, CS+ was no longer followed by food. Explicitly unpaired food was presented only during the inter-trial intervals when both levers were absent. This treatment essentially eliminated the sign-tracking response. In the final phase, the unpaired inter-trial food presentations were discontinued while both CSs continued to be presented without food. This produced a significant recovery of the sign-tracking elicited by the CS+ lever, extending the species generality of the Pavlovian resurgence phenomenon that has previously only been reported in pigeons, to rats.
Tracking flux melting and melt percolation in supra-subduction peridotites (Josephine ophiolite, USA)

Here, we investigate the scale and nature of melting and melt percolation processes recorded by 17 supra-subduction peridotites collected in a ~70 km2 area in the northern portion of the Josephine ophiolite (Western USA). We present major and trace element variations in whole rocks; major elements in olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and spinel; and trace elements [including rare earth element (REE)] in clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene. In the Josephine peridotites, compositional variability occurs at different scales. On the one hand, large systematic changes from depleted to fertile peridotites occur on large kilometer scales. Field, petrological and geochemical data can be consistently explained if the Josephine mantle experienced variable degrees of hydrous flux melting (10 to >20–23 %), and we argue that small fractions of subduction-derived fluids (0.015–0.1 wt%) were pervasive in the ~70 km2 studied area, and continuously supplied during wedge melting. Fluid localization probably led to increased extent of flux melting in the harzburgitic areas. On the other hand, in single outcrops, sharp transitions from dunite to harzburgite to lherzolite and olivine websterite can be found on meter to centimeter scales. Thus, some fertile samples may reflect limited degrees of refertilization at the outcrop scale. In addition, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in ultra-depleted harzburgites (Spinel Cr# > 58) show variable degrees of LREE enrichment, which reflect percolation of and partial re-equilibration with, small fractions of boninite melt. Because the enriched samples also show the highest spinel Cr#, we argue that these enrichments are local features connected to the presence of dunite channels nearby. Lastly, trace element concentrations of pyroxenes in Josephine harzburgites show that they are one of the most depleted harzburgites among worldwide ophiolitic peridotites, indicating particularly high degrees of melting, potentially past the exhaustion of clinopyroxene.
α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists for Cognitive Enhancement in Schizophrenia

α7-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neurocognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia that are often resistant to existing antipsychotic drugs. Molecular evidence for involvement in schizophrenia of CHRNA7, the gene for the receptor subunit, in the neurobiology of deficits in attention is a critical rationale for the clinical study of α7-nicotinic receptor agonists to improve neurocognition. Initial clinical trials show enhancement of inhibitory neuron function related to sensory gating and increased attention and working memory, as well as improvement in negative symptoms such as anhedonia and alogia. Further development of this therapeutic strategy requires assessment of interactions with patients' heavy cigarette smoking and the relationship of this mechanism to the therapeutic effects of clozapine and olanzapine, both highly effective therapeutics with significant side effects.
On-demand optical immobilization of Caenorhabditis elegans for high-resolution imaging and microinjection

This paper describes a novel selective immobilization technique based on optical control of the sol–gel transition of thermoreversible Pluronic gel, which provides a simple, versatile, and biocompatible approach for high-resolution imaging and microinjection of Caenorhabditis elegans.
Anaerobic oxidation of arsenite linked to chlorate reduction.

Microorganisms play a significant role in the speciation and mobility of arsenic in the environment. In this study, the oxidation of arsenite [As(III)] to arsenate [As(V)] linked to chlorate (ClO3−) reduction was shown to be catalyzed by sludge samples, enrichment cultures (ECs), and pure cultures incubated under anaerobic conditions. No activity was observed in treatments lacking inoculum or with heat-killed sludge, or in controls lacking ClO3−. The As(III) oxidation was linked to the complete reduction of ClO3− to Cl−, and the molar ratio of As(V) formed to ClO3− consumed approached the theoretical value of 3:1 assuming the e− equivalents from As(III) were used to completely reduce ClO3−. In keeping with O2 as a putative intermediate of ClO3− reduction, the ECs could also oxidize As(III) to As(V) with O2 at low concentrations. Low levels of organic carbon were essential in heterotrophic ECs but not in autotrophic ECs. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries indicated that the ECs were dominated by clones of Rhodocyclaceae (including Dechloromonas, Azospira, and Azonexus phylotypes) and Stenotrophomonas under autotrophic conditions. Additional phylotypes (Alicycliphilus, Agrobacterium, and Pseudoxanthomonas) were identified in heterotrophic ECs. Two isolated autotrophic pure cultures, Dechloromonas sp. strain ECC1-pb1 and Azospira sp. strain ECC1-pb2, were able to grow by linking the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) with the reduction of ClO3−. The presence of the arsenite oxidase subunit A (aroA) gene was demonstrated with PCR in the ECs and pure cultures. This study demonstrates that ClO3− is an alternative electron acceptor to support the microbial oxidation of As(III).
A communications interface for systems application architecture

The requirements for program-to-program communication that prompted the creation of the communications interface for IBM's Systems Application Architecture (SAA), the considerations that went into the design of its function, and the basic concepts of the interface are discussed. An example of two programs using the Communications Interface is also included. The authors conclude that the evolving SAA Common Programming Interface and the Communications Interface within it provide a programming environment of languages and services for development of application programs that span systems. >
Patient vaccination education program through an introductory pharmacy practice experience

Abstract Background Despite the fact that the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine is recommended for all persons aged 60 years and older to prevent and lessen the severity of shingles, the vast majority of eligible adults remain unvaccinated. Objective To assess student knowledge, confidence, and experiences and preceptor perceptions of a student-led HZ vaccination education program (VEP). Materials and methods A total of 137 immunization-certified student pharmacists and 51 preceptors participated in a structured Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) VEP in community pharmacies in May–August 2013. Student knowledge and confidence in providing patient education was measured pre- and post-intervention. Preceptor perceptions were measured using an online survey and student experiences were captured through post-intervention reflections. Results Student knowledge improved significantly from pre-test (11.04 ± 2.31) to post-test (12.48 ± 2.11) ( p p Conclusions Improvements in students' knowledge and confidence after participating in the HZ VEP, as well as positive perceptions of the program by students and preceptors, suggest that the program provided a beneficial learning experience.
Selected Neurological Problems in the Elderly

Neurological disorders are not uncommon in the elderly. Fortunately, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have reduced both morbidity and mortality associated with these problems. Alterations in the peripheral and central nervous system, however, remain a leading cause of institutionalization and altered life style in the elderly.
Energy flow considerations and thermal fluctuational opening of DNA base pairs at a replicating fork: unwinding consistent with observed replication rates.

Abstract The effect of an open loop of various sizes on the thermal stability of the adjoining intact base pairs in a duplex DNA chain is studied in a lattice model of Poly(dG) · Poly(dC). We find that for a Y-shaped fork configuration the thermal fluctuation at the fork is so enhanced that the life time of the adjoining base pair is much smaller than the 1 millisecond time scale associated with helicase separation of a base pair in some systems. Our analysis indicates that thermal fluctuational base pair opening may be of importance in facilitating the enzyme unwinding process during chain elongation of a replicating DNA. It is most likely that the thermal fluctuational opening of the base pair at the junction of a replicating fork is fast enough so that a DNA unwinding enzyme can encounter an unstacked base pair with reasonable probability. This conclusion can explain several experimental observations regarding the temporal relationship between ATP hydrolysis by accessory proteins and primer elongation ...
Changes in the Electric Field at an Injury Site During Healing Under Electrical Stimulation

Changes in the electrical properties of tissue during healing should affect the electric field and current density distributions produced by applied electric or magnetic fields. The electric field produced at a fracture site by surface electrodes is found using a finite-difference method, implemented with a commerically-available spread-sheet program on a microcomputer. The method is first validated by application to a two-layer cylinder. The model considered is the healing of a tibia fracture in an irregularly-shaped, anisotropic model of the human calf. Variations of the three components of the electric field throughout the calf due to the healing are examined. Significant changes are found at the fracture site and in its vicinity. Similar results should be observed with other forms of electromagnetic stimulation.
Market Economy, Democracy, or Rule of Law? What Should Be Prioritized to Promote Development?

Since WWII, several trillion USD have been given to developing countries in official and other development aid. Yet the vast majority of these countries - at least if we look at the vast majority of the people in these countries - is stuck in abject poverty. Most commonly, we cite the lack of democracy as the principal cause of this problem and, whenever we do interfere in a country, we push first and foremost for reasonably free elections as the cure-all. This "liberal peace building" and the premise of "early elections, privatization, trade liberalization" has failed and continues to fail pretty much without fail. The article argues that we put the cart before the horse in development aid and that Rule of Law needs to be established before anything else. In a subsequent piece, published in the Fordham International Law Journal and also available on my SSRN author page, I continue the analysis by discussing what Rule of Law actually means.
A Novel Method for the Implementation of Contact Including Energy Dissipation in Finite Element Methods

A new method for implementing contact/impact in an implicit finite element formulation has recently been developed. The method uses the idea of buoyancy and fluid drag forces to enforce the contact constraint as well as provide a method of dissipating energy due to the contact. Additionally, the method provides a simplified means for accounting for contact friction. The method has potential usefulness in a certain class of problems such as contact with bodies having soft and viscous foundations as well as problems with sliding. In this work, we introduce the method and illustrate it with an example that shows the benefits and utility of the method.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Aurora-A Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Mammalian Aurora family of serine/threonine kinases are master regulators of mitotic progression and are frequently overexpressed in human cancers. Among the three members of the Aurora kinase family (Aurora-A, -B and –C), Aurora-A and Aurora-B are expressed at detectable levels in somatic cells undergoing mitotic cell division. Aberrant Aurora-A kinase activity has been implicated in oncogenic transformation through the development of chromosomal instability (CIN) and tumor cell heterogeneity. Recent studies also reveal a novel non-mitotic role of Aurora-A activity in promoting tumor progression through activation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) reprogramming resulting in the genesis of tumor initiating cells. Therefore, Aurora-A kinase represents an attractive target for cancer therapeutics, and the development of small molecule inhibitors of Aurora-A oncogenic activity may improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. In the present review, we will discuss mitotic and non-mitotic functions of Aurora-A activity in oncogenic transformation and tumor progression. We will also review the current clinical studies evaluating small molecule inhibitors of Aurora-A activity and their efficacy in the management of cancer patients.
Functions for diverse metabolic activities in heterochromatin

Growing evidence demonstrates that metabolism and chromatin dynamics are not separate processes but that they functionally intersect in many ways. For example, the lysine biosynthetic enzyme homocitrate synthase was recently shown to have unexpected functions in DNA damage repair, raising the question of whether other amino acid metabolic enzymes participate in chromatin regulation. Using an in silico screen combined with reporter assays, we discovered that a diverse range of metabolic enzymes function in heterochromatin regulation. Extended analysis of the glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (Gdh1) revealed that it regulates silent information regulator complex recruitment to telomeres and ribosomal DNA. Enhanced N-terminal histone H3 proteolysis is observed in GDH1 mutants, consistent with telomeric silencing defects. A conserved catalytic Asp residue is required for Gdh1's functions in telomeric silencing and H3 clipping. Genetic modulation of α-ketoglutarate levels demonstrates a key regulatory role for this metabolite in telomeric silencing. The metabolic activity of glutamate dehydrogenase thus has important and previously unsuspected roles in regulating chromatin-related processes.
Polarization Dependent Conductivity in Thin Film Pzt Capacitors

Polarization dependent conductivity is a dependence of the low field non switching steady state conduction current through a metal ferroelectric metal (MFM) thin film capacitor on the remanent polarization state of the capacitor. This paper proposes a simple theoretical model based on Schottky barrier formation due to PZT-platinum work function differences and barrier height modulation due to remanent polarization. The model predicts a conduction current dependence on both remanent polarization state and electrode material. Finally, we present experimental data in qualitative agreement with the model.
Role of Double Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions in Atmospheric Chemistry.

ConspectusHydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions are ubiquitous and play a crucial role in chemistries occurring in the atmosphere, biology, and industry. In the atmosphere, the most common and traditional HAT reaction is that associated with the OH radical abstracting a hydrogen atom from the plethora of organic molecules in the troposphere via R–H + OH → R + H2O. This reaction motif involves a single hydrogen transfer. More recently, in the literature, there is an emerging framework for a new class of HAT reactions that involves double hydrogen transfers. These reactions are broadly classified into four categories: (i) addition, (ii) elimination, (iii) substitution, and (iv) rearrangement. Hydration and dehydration are classic examples of addition and elimination reactions, respectively whereas tautomerization or isomerization belongs to a class of rearrangement reactions. Atmospheric acids and water typically mediate these reactions.Organic and inorganic acids are present in appreciable levels in the a...