cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Rabbinic Exegesis on Noah's Son Ham and the So-Called ‘Hamitic Myth’

L'A. propose une analyse de l'exegese des passages relatifs a Ham en Genese 9-10 a travers les premieres sources rabbiniques, notamment Genese Rabbah et les deux Talmud, mais aussi la litterature Tanhuma Yelammdenu. L'A. tente de savoir quel a ete l'impact de cette litterature sur le developpement des ideologies juive et europeenne. Il definit ce qu'on appelle le mythe hamitique, analyse les sources bibliques qui soutiennent la controverse. Il semble que l'hermeneutique rabbinique soit a l'origine de conceptions erronees, notamment dans ses rapports avec l'ecriture de l'histoire
Silicon microsurgery‐force sensor based on diffractive optical MEMS encoders

This paper presents a micrograting‐based force sensor integrated with a surface micromachined silicon‐nitride probe suitable for characterizing microsurgery force on a single cell or embryo. The probe is supported by springs of a known spring constant, and the surgical penetration force is determined from displacement measurements. The optical‐encoder force sensor exhibits configurable sensitivity and dynamic range, allowing monitoring over a wide range of forces. The periodicity of the encoder response can be used for calibration of the injector displacement and to obtain information about the localized elastic properties of the target. We used a force sensor with a measured spring constant of 1.85 N/m for penetration force measurements on Drosophila embryos, and found a penetration force of 52.5 μN (±13.2 percent) and a membrane displacement of 58 μm (±5.2 percent).
How Newly Acquainted Dyads Develop Shared Stereotypic Impressions through Conversation

This study investigated how feelings of closeness at initial acquaintance encourage the development of shared stereotypic impressions of others through conversation. At least early in a relationship, closer dyads may be especially inclined to get along with one another. In order to satisfy this goal, they should focus their conversations around easily agreed upon stereotypic attributes and spontaneously express agreement about those attributes. As a consequence, the shared impressions that they form should be relatively stereotypic. In this study, closeness was manipulated in previously unacquainted college-age dyads, who then discussed their impressions of an elderly woman. Closer dyads allocated more discussion time to stereotypic attributes, expressed agreement about those attributes, invoked stereotypic exemplars, and ultimately formed more stereotypic shared impressions. The discussion considers study limitations and possible boundary conditions of the effects, as well as implications for the transmi...
Arkansas tries the merit system

Year's trial in first southern state to accept an improved civil service plan shows significant accomplishments and more efficient state administration.
Rate of formation of toluene from ethylbenzene

The rate of formation of toluene from ethylbenzene was studied at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range of 600-725/sup 0/C in conventional flow equipment. Residence times were 0.55-1.7 s, and initial partial pressures of ethylbenzene (H/sub 2/O diluent) were 0.05-0.17 atm. The rate of appearance of toluene measures (1) the rate of the reaction C/sub 6/H/sub 5/C/sub 2/H/sub 5/ ..-->.. C/sub 6/H/sub 5/CH/sub 3/ + CH/sub 3/, with log k = 15.70 - 74.49 +/- 3.2/theta. From the activation energy, E/sub 0/ for the decomposition is estimated to be 72.2 +/- 3.2 kcal/mol. The results are compatible with those of Esteban et al. (2), for which regression analysis gives log k/sub 1/ = 14.79 - 70.76/theta. A composite, log k = 15.10 - 72.0/theta, fits both sets of data and is experimentally indistinguishable from Robaugh and Stein's (3) recent estimate by the VLPP technique or other estimates in the literature (4-6). In light of the high overall conversion of ethylbenzene studied (2-80%), the industrial-type flow equipment, and the widely differing methods of characterization and analysis, the excellent agreement with the results of (2,3,5) is worthy of note. The data are compatible with current estimates of the heat of formation ofmore » benzyl radicals (6,7).« less
Hazing: Hidden campus crime

Initiation traditions and rites of passage are important for group and team membership, but the violent behavior and alcohol abuse involved in hazing constitute serious campus crime. This chapter helps campus administrators develop new strategies for attacking the hidden crime of hazing.
Familial pancreatic carcinoma in Jews

Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most fatal of all gastrointestinal cancers, wherein its mortality compares strikingly with its incidence. Unfortunately, 80--90% of PCs are diagnosed in the nonresectable stage. While the lifetime risk of PC in developed countries is approximately 1–3%, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among both males and females in Western countries. It occurs in excess in Jews. Approximately 5–10% of PC shows familial clustering. Examination of such familial clusters must take into consideration cancers of diverse anatomic sites, such as malignant melanoma in the familial atypical multiple melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome due to the CDKN2A (p16) germline mutation, and combinations of colorectal and endometrial carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and several other cancers in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), which are due to mismatch repair germline mutations, the most common of which are MSH2 and MLH1. Other hereditary disorders predisposing to PC include Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, due to the STK11 mutation, familial pancreatitis due to the cationic trypsinogen gene, site-specific familial pancreatic cancer which may be due to the 4q32–34 mutation, hereditary breast–ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome that is due to BRCA2 and possibly some families with HBOC that is due to BRCA1, familial adenomatous polyposis due to the ATP gene, and ataxia telangiectasia due to the ATM germline mutation. This extant heterogeneity mandates that the physician be knowledgeable about these PC-prone syndromes which play such an important role when considering the differential diagnosis of hereditary PC. Unfortunately, there are no PC screening programs with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. However, the gold standard for screening at this time is endoscopic ultrasound. Clearly, there is a great need for the development of novel screening approaches with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Further research is needed to elucidate those etiologic factors that contribute to the apparent excess of PC in Ashkenazi Jews. Attention should also be given to the search for mutations predisposing to PC in Jews so that opportunities to learn more about the disease's pathogenesis, as well as screening and control, may take place.
Nonlinear measures for characterizing rough surface morphologies

We develop an approach for characterizing the morphology of rough surfaces based on the analysis of the scaling properties of contour loops, i.e., loops of constant height. Given a height profile of the surface we perform independent measurements of the fractal dimension of contour loops, and the exponent that characterizes their size distribution. Scaling formulas are derived, and used to relate these two geometrical exponents to the roughness exponent of a self-affine surface, thus providing independent measurements of this important quantity. Furthermore, we define the scale-dependent curvature, and demonstrate that by measuring its third moment departures of the height fluctuations from Gaussian behavior can be ascertained. These nonlinear measures are used to characterize the morphology of computer generated Gaussian rough surfaces, surfaces obtained in numerical simulations of a simple growth model, and surfaces observed by scanning-tunneling microscopes. For experimentally realized surfaces the self-affine scaling is cut off by a correlation length, and we generalize our theory of contour loops to take this into account.
The effect of femoral neck osteotomy on femoral component position of a primary cementless total hip arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to quantify the femoral canal diameter and version at different femoral neck osteotomy locations, and to investigate the effect of the osteotomy plane on femoral component position in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional models were reconstructed in 15 patients (19 hips) who underwent primary cementless THA with tapered non-anatomical femoral stem. On the pre-operative models, the osteotomy plane was simulated at different levels (−5, 0, 5, and 10 mm from the femoral saddle [piriformis fossa]) and angles (30, 40, 50, and 60° from the femoral anatomical axis). Medullary canal version and mediolateral diameter were measured on the osteotomy surfaces. On the postoperative models, the femoral neck osteotomy plane, stem anteversion and alignment were measured. The average canal diameter ranged from 22.8 to 26.3 mm at different osteotomy levels and from 20.8 to 29.0 mm at different osteotomy angles. The average canal version ranged from 11.4 to 23.2° at different resection levels and from 12.8 to 21° at different resection angles. The femoral stem anteversion was correlated with neck osteotomy angle (R = 0.72), whereas stem alignment in frontal plane (varus/valgus) was correlated with neck osteotomy level (R = 0.87). The femoral neck osteotomy plane in THA affects the postoperative stem position due to the complex morphology of the proximal femoral medullary canal, suggesting that both femoral neck resection level and angle should be considered in optimizing femoral component alignment in THA patients.
Achievement Goal Orientation and Situational Motivation for a Low-Stakes Test of Content Knowledge

Objective. To determine the extent of the relationship between students’ inherent motivation to achieve in a doctor of pharmacy program and their motivation to achieve on a single low-stakes test of content knowledge. Method. The Attitude Toward Learning Questionnaire (ATL) was administered to 66 third-year pharmacy students at the beginning of the spring 2011 semester, and the Student Opinion Scale (SOS) was administered to the same group immediately following completion of the Pharmacy Curricular Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). Results. Significant differences were found in performance approach and work avoidance based on situational motivation scores. Situational motivation was also found to be directly correlated with performance and mastery approaches and inversely correlated with work avoidance. Criteria were met for predicting importance and effort from performance and mastery approaches and work avoidance scores of pharmacy students. Conclusions. The ability to predict pharmacy students’ motivation to perform on a low-stakes standardized test of content knowledge increases the test’s usefulness as a measure of curricular effectiveness.
Aspects of ALE matrix models and twisted matrix strings

We examine several aspects of the formulation of M(atrix)-theory on ALE spaces. We argue for the existence of massless vector multiplets in the resolved ${A}_{n\ensuremath{-}1}$ spaces, as required by enhanced gauge symmetry in M-theory, and that these states might have the correct gravitational interactions. We propose a matrix model which describes M-theory on an ALE space in the presence of wrapped membranes. We also consider orbifold descriptions of matrix string theories, as well as more exotic orbifolds of these models, and present a classification of twisted matrix string theories according to Reid's exact sequences of surface quotient singularities.
Dietary calcium and manganese effects on menstrual cycle symptoms

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study was designed to determine whether dietary calcium and manganese affect menstrual symptoms in healthy women. STUDY DESIGN: Ten women with normal menstrual cycles completed the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire each cycle during a 169-day, live-in metabolic study of calcium and manganese nutrition. Women were assigned in a double-blind, Latin-square manner to each of four 39-day dietary periods: 587 or 1336 mg calcium per day with 1.0 or 5.6 mg manganese per day. Responses were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Increasing calcium intake reduced mood, concentration, and behavior symptoms generally ( p ≤ 0.05), reduced pain during the menstrual phase of the cycle ( p = 0.034), and reduced water retention during the premenstrual phase ( p = 0.041). In spite of increasing calcium intake, lower dietary manganese increased mood and pain symptoms during the premenstrual phase ( p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary calcium and manganese may have a functional role in the manifestation of symptomatology typically associated with menstrual distress.
The sporicidal activity of yellow-cedar heartwood, essential oil and wood constituents towards Phytophthora ramorum in culture

Summary In this paper, we demonstrate that 140 mg/kg of essential oil from the wood of yellow-cedar, incense cedar, Port-Orford-cedar or western juniper strongly inhibits zoospore germination and hyphal growth of Phytophthora ramorum in culture. Four individual compounds in yellow-cedar heartwood were also tested. Zoospore germination was reduced to 0% with 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg of nootkatin, carvacrol and valencene, respectively. Nootkatone was the least active compound, with 3.5% zoospore germination at 1000 mg/kg. Sporangia germination was 0% with 500 mg/kg of nootkatin or carvacrol. The disruption of the zoospore outer membrane and the loss of sporangial contents were often observed and indicative of sporicidal activity. Hyphal growth was inhibited by 99.9% with 50 mg/kg of nootkatin or 500 mg/kg of carvacrol, but growth resumed upon removing the inhibitors. The zoosporicidal activity of yellow-cedar heartwood shavings stored dry for approximately 10 years was consistent with the quantity of extractable compounds they contained. Thus, spreading fresh shavings or chips of yellow-cedar heartwood with appreciable higher concentrations of the active compounds, over areas in infection zones where spores might be difficult to control such as trails and parking lots used by hikers and bicyclists, might be useful as part of an integrated program to minimize P. ramorum spore distribution.
The Promise of Democratic Silences

Political scientists and theorists have generally approached silence in one of two broad ways. Some have envisioned silence as representing apathy, indifference, ignorance, or general acceptance of the status quo. Alternatively, others have theorized silence as evidence of the workings of power—the phenomenon of “being silenced.” Neither approach has explored the ways that silence might be mobilized and practiced democratically. Instead of organizing democratic theory and politics exclusively around the power of speech, it might be useful to explore the promise of silence as a practice of resistance and empowerment in a garrulous world. This article puts forth four “insubordinate silences” that attempt to empower, protest, resist, and refuse. These silences challenge us to think in new ways about democracy, speech, silence, and participation.
Is the gene pool of influenza viruses in shorebirds and gulls different from that in wild ducks

Evidence is presented for a second major gene pool of influenza A viruses in nature. Shorebirds and gulls harbor influenza viruses when sampled in the spring and fall. Approximately half of the viruses isolated have the potential to infect ducks but the remainder do not. The hemagglutinin subtypes that are prevalent in wild ducks were rare or absent in shorebirds and gulls.
Environmental Ethics and Size

Environmental policy has a size bias. Small organisms, such as microorganisms, command less attention from environmentalists than larger organisms, such as birds and large mammals. A simple thought experiment involving microscopic polar bears and giant microorganisms illustrates the importance of size in environmental ethics. Given the positive correlation between body size and brain size, there is probably a basis for a size bias in environmental ethics using ethical frameworks based on conations. This paper examines the relevance of the size of organisms in environmental ethics. It emphasizes the need to understand the theoretical reasons for the importance of size, and not to base a size bias merely on a subjective anthropocentric prejudice favouring large organisms.
Impact analysis based on a global hierarchical Object Graph

During impact analysis on object-oriented code, statically extracting dependencies is often complicated by subclassing, programming to interfaces, aliasing, and collections, among others. When a tool recommends a large number of types or does not rank its recommendations, it may lead developers to explore more irrelevant code.
Effects of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine on yohimbine-induced anxiety in panic disorder

To assess the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake blocker fluvoxamine on noradrenergic function in patients with panic disorder, an intravenous yohimbine challenge test was administered to eight patients with panic disorder before and after 8 weeks of fluvoxamine treatment and to a parallel group of eight patients treated with placebo. Fluvoxamine treatment reduced yohimbine-induced anxiety while placebo treatment had no effect on this variable. Both fluvoxamine and placebo treatment had little effect on biochemical or physiologic responses to yohimbine.
Oral cancer and smokeless tobacco: Literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract The use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is considered as a major risk factor for oral cancer. In this paper, a detailed review is provided on the major results of the available published analytic epidemiological studies on the hypothetical association between the risk of oral cancer and the use of SLT. Meta-analysis is then used to summarize the major findings of these studies. It is observed from our literature survey and meta-analysis that the quality and major findings of the studies reviewed are quite variable.
Resonant raman scattering from heme proteins: Polarization dispersion and α band splitting

Abstract A new polarization phenomenon, a dip in ρ l for excitation in the α band, is reported for heme protein resonance Raman spectra. Interference between nearly-degenerate excited electronic states can explain this effect.
Thermodynamics of hydrogen atom transfer to a high-valent iron imido complex.

Thermodynamic investigations relevant to hydrogen atom transfer by the high-valent iron imido complex [LMesFe⋮NAd]OTf have been undertaken. The complex is found to be weakly oxidizing by cyclic voltammetry (E1/2 = −0.98 V vs Cp2Fe+/Cp2Fe in MeCN). A combination of experimental and computational studies has been used to determine the acidity of LMesFe−N(H)Ad+ (pKa = 37 in MeCN), allowing the N−H BDFE (88(5) kcal/mol) to be calculated from a thermodynamic cycle. Consistent with this value, [LMesFe⋮NAd]OTf reacts with 9,10-dihydroanthracene (C−H BDE = 78(1) kcal/mol) to form anthracene.
Acute acid exposure increases rabbit esophageal cell proliferation

Abstract In the present study we examined whether an acute infusion of HCI into the esophagus of rabbits would cause an increase in esophageal cellular proliferation independent of morphologic evidence of cell injury. To examine this question, the distal two thirds of the rabbit esophagus was infused for 1 hour with either 40 mmol/L HCI or NSS (control), and cellular proliferation was studied 24 and 48 hours later by using bromodeoxyuridine (BrDu) to label the nuclei of dividing cells and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) enzyme activity as a biochemical index of cell division. Although there was no gross or microscopic evidence of cell necrosis or mucosal inflammation 24 hours after H + infusion, BrDu labeling of basal cell nuclei was significantly greater 24 hours after H + infusion (31% ± 6%) as compared with that in control animals infused with NSS (15% ± 4%). This increase in labeling index was paralleled by a threefold greater ODC enzyme activity at 24 hours with H + infusion. Rete pegs were infrequent in control tissues (4 ± 4 rete pegs per 100 μm of esophageal length) or in animals examined 24 hours after acid exposure (4 ± 2 rete pegs per 100 μm). However, rete pegs were very prominent 48 hours after acid infusion (22 ± 6 rete pegs per 100 μm). A short exposure to acid can cause a significant increase in mucosal proliferation independent of injury, suggesting that esophageal cell acidification either directly or indirectly acts as a tissue mitogen.
Hunters' and Other Citizens' Reactions to Discovery of CWD in Central New York

The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in New York in March 2005 resulted in a major effort by state and federal natural resource agencies to contain the disease, protect wild deer herds, and inform the public about the disease. One of the most urgent information needs of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) concerned the level of awareness of CWD among hunters and other New York residents. A “rapid response” survey effort was designed jointly by staff from the Human Dimensions Research Unit at Cornell University and NYSDEC. The survey assessed the effect of the discovery of CWD on hunters' plans to hunt deer in fall 2005. The results showed hunters were much more aware of the discovery of CWD than the general public. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) was perceived by most respondents as a highly credible source of information on CWD, and the various agencies were rated above the midpoint between not trusting at all and greatly trusting information on CWD.
Quality of stored corn (maize) as influenced by Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. and several management practices

Abstract The impact of several simulated management practices (malathion treatment, temperature, moisture content, hybrid, and surface disinfection) for Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on the quality (biochemical composition) and germination of corn (maize) was studied. Quality was evaluated on the basis of protein, ash, lipid, and total nonstructural carbohydrates content, weight loss, and germination. When the abiotio conditions were favorable for S. zeamais oviposition, larval development, and progeny emergence, the ash, lipid, and protein content of the kernels was increased, as was kernel weight loss. Germination and dry matter were significantly decreased when progeny were present. The differences in nutritional parameters observed here were generally very small, although highly statistically significant. It is not clear whether these differences are biologically significant, although we feel that they indicate meaningful changes that may occur in corn nutrition and quality following infestation by S. zeamais for several generations.
Adjustable bandpass filter employing a prism.

A system employing a prism has been developed and used as a variable, wide bandpass filter for the visible and near ir. The bandpass is determined by adjusting a pair of slits placed in the focal plane of the system. Mirrors near the focal plane displace the beam and direct it back through the prism, and an un-dispersed image of the entrance slit is formed for all wavelengths within the bandpass. When used to prevent overlapping orders in a grating spectrometer, the system has several advantages over conventional prism systems used for this purpose.
An investigation of the difficulty of computer-based case simulations.

This study investigated the characteristics of computer-based case simulations (CCS) that may be associated with case difficulty. Difficulty was defined as the average rating by physicians of examinee performance on a nine-point scale or the passing rate on the cases. Two data sets were used, one from an administration of 18 cases, the other from an administration of 22 cases with 13 cases used on both occasions. Stepwise regression procedures were used separately for case properties and for analytic scoring of key variables to identify the best sets of predictors of case difficulty. Because of the small number of cases, regression results were evaluated for consistency across both data sets and both difficulty measures. For key variables, the best set of predictors included the number of different serious errors of commission, risk items, and benefit items. In general, cases were more difficult for higher values of these variables. For case variables, the only consistent variable was the length of the paragraph that provided patient history, with longer paragraphs associated with more difficult cases. Other variables were less consistent, but were often related to the structure of the simulation or the severity of the patient condition. Although the findings for case variables were limited, the analyses were very helpful in illuminating the interconnections among the variables within cases.
Harmonic signal enhancement in ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry using multiple electrode detection

Abstract Ion cyclotron resonance signals at higher harmonics of the cyclotron frequency are discussed. If dissipation of the charge in an orbiting charge packet depends only on time, the linewidths of the signals at all harmonics are the same. The spacing between mass lines increases with harmonic order, therefore resolution increases linearly with harmonic order. Selection rules are developed for a class of detection schemes that will detect selected harmonics. The detection electrodes for this class of detectors consist of M (where M is an integer) identical electrodes arranged with M-fold symmetry about the axis of the coherent cyclotron motion of the observed ions. The sum of the signals from all the electrodes contains harmonics of order Mk (k is an integer). The difference between the sum of the signals from every other electrode and the sum of the signals from the remaining electrodes contains harmonics of order M(2k − 1)/2 (in this case M must be even). This suggests that it is possible to detect harmonics of arbitrary order in the absence of harmonic signals of lower order. This could be useful in improving resolution in ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy without increasing data acquisition time or magnetic field strength.
Bessie smith: Upsetting the American appetite

(2005). Bessie smith: Upsetting the American appetite. Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 15-35.
Malignant Adrenal Neoplasm Masquerading as Worrisome Adrenal Hemorrhage

Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) associated with adrenal neoplasm is rare. This study assesses the clinical and pathological impact of AH in the setting of malignant adrenal neoplasm to establish management strategies. Patients admitted over a 25-year period with a diagnosis of AH and malignant adrenal neoplasm were retrospectively reviewed. Malignant adrenal neoplasms were reported in 14 of 217 patients (6.4%) presenting with AH. Of these, 4 were women. Mean age was 56 years. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (n = 6), followed by altered mental status and shock (2) and hypercortisolism (1). Five patients were asymptomatic. In 10 patients the adrenal tumor was metastatic. Four patients had adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). All primary adrenal tumors were unilateral. Risk factors for AH were identified in 5 patients (anticoagulation, 3; trauma, 1; and recent surgery, 1). Computed tomography (n = 12) demonstrated adrenal masses ranging in size from 6.8 to 11.0 cm (mean, 9 cm). Nine patients were managed by surgical resection (adrenalectomy, 4; radical nephrectomy, 2; adrenalectomy/splenectomy, 1; adrenalectomy/bowel resection, 1; and laparotomy and packing, 1) Actual survival time ranged from 9 days to 7.8 years (median 329 days). Most patients with AH in the setting of malignant adrenal neoplasm had metastatic tumors to the adrenal glands. These patients do not typically present in hemorrhagic shock, allowing for adequate preoperative evaluation for function and assessment for primary tumors. Long-term survival of these patients is rare.
The small-core approximation and structural phase stability in metals

Abstract Contrary to the recent conclusion of Janak, it is shown that small structure-induced changes in core wavefunctions and energies do not represent a sufficient condition to invalidate the frozen- or small-core approximation in phase-stability calculations on metals. For energy differences among f.c.c., b.c.c. and h.c.p. structures, our studies suggest that the small-core approximation is adequate for core states with a spatial extent as large as the 3d states of Ga.
The Nociceptor Ion Channel TRPA1 Is Potentiated and Inactivated by Permeating Calcium Ions

The transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) channel is the molecular target for environmental irritants and pungent chemicals, such as cinnamaldehyde and mustard oil. Extracellular Ca2+ is a key regulator of TRPA1 activity, both potentiating and subsequently inactivating it. In this report, we provide evidence that the effect of extracellular Ca2+ on these processes is indirect and can be entirely attributed to entry through TRPA1 and subsequent elevation of intracellular calcium. Specifically, we found that in a pore mutant of TRPA1, D918A, in which Ca2+ permeability was greatly reduced, extracellular Ca2+ produced neither potentiation nor inactivation. Both processes were restored by reducing intracellular Ca2+ buffering, which allowed intracellular Ca2+ levels to become elevated upon entry through D918A channels. Application of Ca2+ to the cytosolic face of excised patches was sufficient to produce both potentiation and inactivation of TRPA1 channels. Moreover, in whole cell recordings, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ by UV uncaging of 1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-EDTA-potentiated TRPA1 currents. In addition, our data show that potentiation and inactivation are independent processes. TRPA1 currents could be inactivated by Mg2+, Ba2+, and Ca2+ but potentiated only by Ba2+ and Ca2+. Saturating activation by cinnamaldehyde or mustard oil occluded potentiation but did not interfere with inactivation. Last, neither process was affected by mutation of a putative intracellular Ca2+-binding EF-hand motif. In conclusion, we have further clarified the mechanisms of potentiation and inactivation of TRPA1 using the D918A pore mutant, an important tool for investigating the contribution of Ca2+ influx through TRPA1 to nociceptive signaling.
Energy-aware modeling and scheduling of real-time tasks for dynamic voltage scaling

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is a promising technique for battery-powered systems to conserve energy consumption. Most existing DVS algorithms assume information about task periodicity or a priori knowledge about the task set to be scheduled. This paper presents an analytical model of general tasks for DVS assuming job timing information is known only after a task release. It models the voltage scaling process as a transfer function-based filter system, which facilitates the design of two efficient scaling algorithms. The first is a time-invariant scaling policy based on a voltage scaling function independent of input jobs over time. It is proved to be a generalization of several existing DVS algorithms. A more energy efficient policy is a time-variant scaling algorithm. The algorithm turns out to be a water-filling process of information theory with a low time complexity. It can not only be applied to scheduling based on worst case execution times, but also to online slack distribution when jobs complete earlier. We further establish two relationships between computation capacity and deadline misses. The relationships make it possible to the provisioning of statistical real-time guarantees
Differential aging of the brain: Patterns, cognitive correlates and modifiers

Deciphering the secret of successful aging depends on understanding the patterns and biological underpinnings of cognitive and behavioral changes throughout adulthood. That task is inseparable from comprehending the workings of the brain, the physical substrate of behavior. In this review, we summarize the extant literature on age-related differences and changes in brain structure, including postmortem and noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Among the latter, we survey the evidence from volumetry, diffusion-tensor imaging, and evaluations of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Further, we review the attempts to elucidate the mechanisms of age-related structural changes by measuring metabolic markers of aging through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). We discuss the putative links between the pattern of brain aging and the pattern of cognitive decline and stability. We then present examples of activities and conditions (hypertension, hormone deficiency, aerobic fitness) that may influence the course of normal aging in a positive or negative fashion. Lastly, we speculate on several proposed mechanisms of differential brain aging, including neurotransmitter systems, stress and corticosteroids, microvascular changes, calcium homeostasis, and demyelination. r 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A phase space model of Fourier ptychographic microscopy.

A new computational imaging technique, termed Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM), uses a sequence of low-resolution images captured under varied illumination to iteratively converge upon a high-resolution complex sample estimate. Here, we propose a mathematical model of FPM that explicitly connects its operation to conventional ptychography, a common procedure applied to electron and X-ray diffractive imaging. Our mathematical framework demonstrates that under ideal illumination conditions, conventional ptychography and FPM both produce datasets that are mathematically linked by a linear transformation. We hope this finding encourages the future cross-pollination of ideas between two otherwise unconnected experimental imaging procedures. In addition, the coherence state of the illumination source used by each imaging platform is critical to successful operation, yet currently not well understood. We apply our mathematical framework to demonstrate that partial coherence uniquely alters both conventional ptychography’s and FPM’s captured data, but up to a certain threshold can still lead to accurate resolution-enhanced imaging through appropriate computational post-processing. We verify this theoretical finding through simulation and experiment.
Constrained ${\rm T}p{\rm V}$ Minimization for Enhanced Exploitation of Gradient Sparsity: Application to CT Image Reconstruction

Exploiting sparsity in the image gradient magnitude has proved to be an effective means for reducing the sampling rate in the projection view angle in computed tomography (CT). Most of the image reconstruction algorithms, developed for this purpose, solve a nonsmooth convex optimization problem involving the image total variation (TV). The TV seminorm is the l1 norm of the image gradient magnitude, and reducing the l1 norm is known to encourage sparsity in its argument. Recently, there has been interest in employing nonconvex lp quasinorms with for sparsity exploiting image reconstruction, which is potentially more effective than l1 because nonconvex lp is closer to l0-a direct measure of sparsity. This paper develops algorithms for constrained minimization of the total p-variation (TpV), lp of the image gradient. Use of the algorithms is illustrated in the context of breast CT-an imaging modality that is still in the research phase and for which constraints on X-ray dose are extremely tight. The TpV-based image reconstruction algorithms are demonstrated on computer simulated data for exploiting gradient magnitude sparsity to reduce the projection view angle sampling. The proposed algorithms are applied to projection data from a realistic breast CT simulation, where the total X-ray dose is equivalent to two-view digital mammography. Following the simulation survey, the algorithms are then demonstrated on a clinical breast CT data set.
Laminar flow of a stably stratified fluid past a flat plate

Laminar flow of a stably stratified fluid with uniform upstream velocity and density gradient past a flat plate is investigated experimentally and theoretically. In the experimental study, the flat plate, parallel to the direction of motion, is towed horizontally at uniform speeds in a tank of stratified salt water at uniform density gradients. The horizontal velocity in front of, above, and behind the flat plate is measured with a flow visualization technique. One of the striking phenomena is the strong upstream influence (the upstream wake) of an obstacle in a flow of stably stratified fluid when the gravity effect is comparable to, or more than the inertial effect. The velocity profiles of the upstream wake and boundary layer above the flat plate are wavy and found to be governed by the ratio of Reynolds number Be to Richardson number Ri. The problem is also analysed theoretically with Boussinesq's approximation and two-parameter perturbation expansions for the upstream wake and the boundary layer. The solutions for the upstream wake and for the boundary layer are compared with measurements.
Changes in CEO compensation structure and the impact on firm performance following CEO turnover

We document changes in compensation structure following CEO turnover and relate them to future performance. Compared to outgoing CEOs, incoming CEOs derive a significantly greater percentage of their compensation from option grants and new stock grants. The voluntary turnover sample shows similar changes in compensation structure while the forced turnover sample results suggest that new stock grants drive the significant increase in incentive compensation following turnover. Post-turnover performance is positively associated with new stock grants as a percentage of total compensation in the full sample and when analyzing forced and voluntary turnovers separately. We find limited evidence that future operating income is positively associ ated with option grants following forced turnover. Post-turnover improvement in operating income is positively associated with an increase in new stock grants for the incoming relative to the outgoing CEO.
Predicting chaotic time series using adaptive wavelet-fuzzy inference system

Predicting traffic flow is of extreme importance in traffic modeling and congestion control. The traffic data usually exhibit chaotic dynamics that can be readily modeled and analyzed using time series. Traditional tools for time series analysis have been focused on exploring the statistical properties of the data. On the other hand, it has been long observed that times series can be considered as the output of nonlinear dynamic system. The development of computational intelligence methodology and its composing methods including fuzzy logic and neural networks has provided a new powerful tool for time series analysis. The paper represents a novel method of using a hybrid networks following the fuzzy logic inference mechanism to predict chaotic times series.
A finite strain continuum damage model for simulating ductile fracture in steels

Abstract A new coupled plasticity-damage model is proposed within a finite deformation framework for modeling ductile fracture in ASTM A36 structural steels. Damage mechanics principles of effective stress and strain equivalence are employed to formulate a new constitutive model for simulating damage due to the physical processes associated with microvoid nucleation, growth and coalescence. A scalar damage variable is used to track the micro-structural changes that occur during the ductile fracture process. The model is calibrated and validated by comparing its response to the results obtained from experimental testing of four symmetrically and asymmetrically notched ASTM A36 steel specimens. The proposed model is shown to successfully model failure due to ductile fracture under stress states typically observed in structural engineering applications.
Equity in Community Forestry: Insights from North and South

SUMMARY Who benefits from community forestry — and who gets left out? Soon after it emerged as a significant trend in the global South in the 1980s, practitioners, advocates and scholars began to ask such questions of community forestry. The distributional impacts of its more recent development in industrialised countries have been less examined. More unusual still has been the explicit attempt to exchange experience between North and South. In response, a symposium was organised to bring together participants of two Ford Foundation-funded projects on community forestry in the US, Nepal, Kenya, and Tanzania. Enriched by additional cases from the United Kingdom and Asia, this introductory article and issue report on the symposium's results. These include the finding that, while community forestry can reduce social inequity, it generally does so by generating positive change at community and higher levels, rather than by delivering benefits directly to poor and marginalised households.
Pyruvate Oxidase Is a Determinant of Avery's Rough Morphology

In pioneering studies, Avery et al. identified DNA as the hereditary material (A. T. Avery, C. M. MacLeod, and M. McCarty, J. Exp. Med. 79:137-158, 1944). They demonstrated, by means of variation in colony morphology, that this substance could transform their rough type 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain R36A into a smooth type 3 strain. It has become accepted as fact, from modern textbook accounts of these experiments, that smooth pneumococci make capsule, while rough strains do not. We found that rough-to-smooth morphology conversion did not occur in rough strains R36A and R6 when the ability to synthesize native type 2 capsule was restored. The continued rough morphology of these encapsulated strains was attributed to a second, since-forgotten, morphology-affecting mutation that was sustained by R36A during strain development. We used a new genome-PCR-based approach to identify spxB, the gene encoding pyruvate oxidase, as the mutated locus in R36A and R6 that, with unencapsulation, gives rise to rough colony morphology, as we know it. The variant spxB allele of R36A and R6 is associated with increased cellular pyruvate oxidase activity relative to the ancestral strain D39. Increased pyruvate oxidase activity alters colony shape by mediating cell death. R36A requires a wild-type spxB allele for the expression of smooth type 2 morphology but not for the expression of smooth type 3 morphology, the phenotype monitored by Avery et al. Thus, the mutated spxB allele did not impact their use of smooth morphology to identify the transforming principle.
The Impact of Force on Fingerprint Image Quality, Minutiae Count and Performance

The impact of force on acquiring a high quality fingerprint image has been systematically studied by researchers using single print optical scanners. A previous study examined force levels that ranged from 3N to 21N using a single print optical sensor. A second experiment used force levels ranging from 3N to 11N using a capacitive and optical single print sensor. Additional work has been conducted that looked at smaller increments of force also using an optical sensor. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by using an alternative fingerprint sensor, an alternative force level and compares it to the auto-capture method.
Nf1+/− mast cells induce neurofibroma like phenotypes through secreted TGF-β signaling

Neurofibromas are common tumors found in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. These complex tumors are composed of Schwann cells, mast cells, fibroblasts and perineurial cells embedded in collagen that provide a lattice for tumor invasion. Genetic studies demonstrate that in neurofibromas, nullizygous loss of Nf1 in Schwann cells and haploinsufficiency of Nf1 in non-neuronal cells are required for tumorigenesis. Fibroblasts are a major cellular constituent in neurofibromas and are a source of collagen that constitutes approximately 50% of the dry weight of the tumor. Here, we show that two of the prevalent heterozygous cells found in neurofibromas, mast cells and fibroblasts interact directly to contribute to tumor phenotype. Nf1+/- mast cells secrete elevated concentrations of the profibrotic transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). In response to TGF-beta, both murine Nf1+/- fibroblasts and fibroblasts from human neurofibromas proliferate and synthesize excessive collagen, a hallmark of neurofibromas. We also establish that the TGF-beta response occurs via hyperactivation of a novel Ras-c-abl signaling pathway. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of c-abl reverses fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis to wild-type levels. These studies identify a novel molecular target to inhibit neurofibroma formation.
Underachievement and Creativity: Are Gifted Underachievers Highly Creative?

This literature review synthesizes the available literature that suggests that the underachievement of gifted students may be tied to their inherent and unrecognized creativity. Apparently, many gifted students are underachievers and up to 30% of high school dropouts may be highly gifted. Beginning with the belief that these gifted underachievers may be highly creative, this article first reviews the view that creativity can be a gift, much like intelligence. It then reviews the typical characteristics of gifted underachievers and the similar characteristics of creative underachievers. Finally, it reviews the studies and theories that have shown that once underachievers are placed in an environment that fosters their needs, with motivation, mentors, understanding, freedom, and responsibility, they can become highly productive. Classrooms across the nation are facing ever-increasing pressure to educate every child, especially with the No Child Left Behind (2007) Act. There is a demand for those children wh...
Use of Cohort Information in the Design and Analysis of Case-Control Studies.

Four case studies are presented to illustrate how information available on cohort members can be used to inform the control selection in epidemiologic case-control studies. The basic framework is the nested case-control paradigm and accompanying analysis methods. Empha- sis is on development of intuition for choosing study design candidates, the form of the estimators, and extensions of the basic theory to solve design and analysis problems.
Chairman’s Introductory Remarks Bacterial Polyesters: Past, Present and Future

The observation that a wide variety of bacteria make and store lipophilic inclusion bodies has been known for sixty-five years. That these polyester storage granules were made up of a vast array of polybetahydroxalkanoates that are biosynthetic, biocompatible, and biodegradable thermoplastics of great potential industrial interest is a concept that has burst upon us only in the last several years.
Optimization of sensing receiver for cognitive radio applications

We propose an optimized dedicated broadband sensing receiver architecture for use in cognitive radios supporting delay sensitive applications. Specifically, we first reason the need for a dedicated sensing receiver that employs a combination of coarse and fine scanning to reduce sensing time over a large bandwidth. We derive an expression for mean acquisition/detection time as a function of a number of parameters including the number of coarse and fine frequency bins employed. We then determine the optimal number of coarse and fine bins that minimize the overall detection time required to identify idle channels under various system conditions. Using analytical and simulation results, we quantify the dependence of optimal coarse and fine bin selection on system parameters such as (1) size of FFT used in scanning; (2) probability of detection and false alarm of the underlying sensing algorithm; (3) signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal, and (4) expected number of available channels. The primary contribution of this work lies in a practical realization of an optimal broadband sensing receiver.