cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The response of 8th nerve fibers to horizontal sinusoidal oscillation in the alert monkey

1. The activity of single units in the vestibular nerve was recorded in alert monkeys in stationary positions and during horizontal sinusoidal angular rotations at frequencies ranging from 0.10 to 4.0 Hz. 2. All units encountered had a spontaneous discharge rate which varied from 48.61 to 178.25 spikes/sec. The regularity of firing for each unit also varied. 3. To ipsilateral rotation of the animal the units responded with an increase in firing rate. Rotations in the opposite direction decreased the firing rate relative to the spontaneous discharge rate. The unit response was indicative of imposed velocity rather than acceleration or position. The harmonic distortion of the unit response was not a function of frequency of oscillation. For 43 units at 0.78 Hz the harmonic distortion averaged 23.9% 4. There was some correlation between the regularity of spontaneous discharge of each unit and the degree of diminished phase lag at higher frequencies of oscillation. Those units with the most irregular spontaneous discharge patterns were most likely to exhibit a diminishing phase lagre: acceleration as frequency of oscillation increased beyond 0.5 Hz. 5. No unit activity related to eye movements was encountered in the vestibular nerve.
DPPC: Dynamic Power Partitioning and Control for Improved Chip Multiprocessor Performance

A key challenge in chip multiprocessor (CMP) design is to optimize the performance within a power budget limited by the CMP’s cooling, packaging, and power supply capacities. Most existing solutions rely solely on dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) to adapt the power consumption of CPU cores, without coordinating with the last-level on-chip (e.g., L2) cache. This paper proposes DPPC, a chip-level power partitioning and control strategy that can dynamically and explicitly partition the chip-level power budget among different CPU cores and the shared last-level cache in a CMP based on the workload characteristics measured online. DPPC features a novel performance-power model and an online model estimator to quantitatively estimate the performance contributed by each core and the cache with their respective local power budgets. DPPC then re-partitions the chip-level power budget among them for optimized CMP performance. The partitioned local power budgets for the CPU cores and cache are precisely enforced by power control algorithms designed rigorously based on feedback control theory. Our extensive experimental results demonstrate that DPPC achieves better CMP performance, within a given power budget, than several state-of-the-art power control solutions for both SPEC CPU2006 benchmarks and multi-threaded SPLASH-2 workloads.
Comb-like polymers and graft copolymers from macromers

A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) macromer containing styrene (PPO-St) as a polymerizable group was prepared from a PPO containing phenol and p-bromophenoxy groups as the two chain ends. The main reaction consists of the quantitative etherification of the phenol chain end with chloromethylstyrene in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate as a phase transfer catalyst. Preliminary data on radical polymerization of PPO-St demonstrates that under suitable polymerization conditions comb-like PPO can be obtained with 46% yield and polymerization degree of about 34.
Outbursts from a Black Hole via Alfvén Wave to Electromagnetic Wave Mode Conversion

A new mechanism for outbursts from a black hole is proposed. A recent work on general relativistic plasma equilibria around a black hole has shown the possibility of equilibrium presence of matter and magnetic fields in the neighborhood of the event horizon, even where the corpuscular equilibrium is not allowed (r < 3Rs, where Rs is the Schwarzschild radius). A large-amplitude Alfven pulse in the black hole electron-positron atmosphere that propagates away from the hole into lower magnetic field regions can experience resonance and mode-convert itself into a large-amplitude electromagnetic (EM) pulse. It is shown theoretically and computationally that through this process a large amount of mass can be picked up by the solitary EM pulse capable of traveling in a vacuum, with which particles are accelerated to relativistic energies. Photon spectra are obtained not inconsistent with observation, which follow a multiple power law with log-log slopes of approximately -1, before a "knee" in the spectrum at energies slightly greater than 1 MeV. It is suggested that this may be a possible mechanism for the outbursts of the black hole binary GRO J1655-40.
Fusiform gyrus volume reduction in first-episode schizophrenia: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background The fusiform gyrus (occipitotemporal gyrus) is thought to be critical for face recognition and may possibly be associated with impaired facial recognition and interpretation of facial expression in schizophrenia. of postmortem studies have suggested that fusiform gyrus volume is reduced in schizophrenia, but there have been no in vivo structural studies of the fusiform gyrus in schizophrenia using magnetic resonance imaging. Methods High–spatial resolution magnetic resonance images were used to measure the gray matter volume of the fusiform gyrus in 22 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (first hospitalization), 20 with first-episode affective psychosis(mainly manic), and 24 control subjects. Results Patients with first-episode schizophrenia had overall smaller relative volumes (absolute volume/intracranial contents) of fusiform gyrus gray matter compared with controls (9%) and patients with affective psychosis (7%). For the left fusiform gyrus, patients with schizophrenia showed an 11% reduction compared with controls and patients with affective psychosis. Right fusiform gyrus volume differed in patients with schizophrenia only compared with controls(8%). Conclusion Schizophrenia is associated with a bilateral reduction in fusiform gyrus gray matter volume that is evident at the time of first hospitalization and is different from the presentation of affective psychosis.
Signature size distributions for diesel and gasoline engine exhaust particulate matter

Abstract The size distributions of diesel exhaust particulate matter measured from a large number of vehicles and test engines, using a variety of diesel fuels, collapse onto a single characteristic lognormal distribution, when normalized by total particle number and plotted against a scaled diameter. Distinctly different characteristic distributions are observed for direct injection and for port injection gasoline vehicles. These signature distributions are compared to numerically calculated self-preserving size distributions which incorporate fractal dimensions ⩽3 to describe the dendritic nature of soot. However, the coagulation models alone are incapable of reproducing the observed characteristic distributions; compared to the diesel engine data they are conspicuously asymmetric and too steep on the large particle diameter side of the distribution. We discuss the possibility that soot oxidation also plays a role in determining the shape of the characteristic distributions, and the possibility that these signatures could be utilized to distinguish soot emissions from other aerosols.
Oxidation behavior of particulate and fibrous silicon carbide

Abstract The oxidation behavior of particulate, whisker and fibrous forms of silicon carbide to be used as reinforcements in ceramic matrix composites has been studied in flowing air. Oxidation rates below 1200°C obeyed a parabolic rate law but at higher temperatures the kinetics were controlled by the formation of a viscous silica glass which resulted in bonding between the particles and loss of surface area.
Towards an understanding of the poliovirus replication complex: the solution structure of the soluble domain of the poliovirus 3A protein.

Poliovirus is a positive-strand RNA virus and the prototypical member of the Picornaviridae family. Upon infection, the viral RNA genome is translated from a single open reading frame into a polypeptide which undergoes a series of cleavages to ultimately form four structural and seven non-structural proteins. A replication complex is then formed which replicates the viral genome into negative and positive strands for further translation, replication, and packaging into viral progeny. Poliovirus 3A protein (3A) is a critical component of the viral replication complex and is the putative target of enviroxime, an antiviral drug shown to block viral replication. 3A also inhibits host cell endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi apparatus transport, a function which may play a key role in viral evasion from the host immune response. 3A, an 87-residue protein consisting of a soluble N terminus and a hydrophobic C terminus, is formed by the cleavage of the precursor protein 3AB into 3A and 3B (VPg). Although they differ by only 22 residues, the precursor protein 3AB and its cleavage product 3A have distinct functions in viral replication. We have determined the structure of the soluble, N-terminal domain of 3A (3A-N) using NMR spectroscopy. We show that 3A-N exists as a symmetric dimer, and each monomer consists of an α-helical hairpin with unstructured, yet functional, N- and C termini. We also show that the 3A-N structure contains a negatively charged surface patch and provides a context for interpreting the biochemical characteristics of a number of previously reported 3A and 3AB mutants.
Drawing polygons given angle sequences

This paper presents an algorithm that, given a sequence of exterior angles summing to 2π, construct a simple polygon having that sequence of exterior angles
Trisomy 8 in alveolar soft part sarcoma

Cytogenetic studies were performed on an alveolar soft part sarcoma of a 6-year-old boy. An extra chromosome 8 was present in 26 of 28 metaphases analyzed.
Modeling Ad Libitum dry matter intake by ruminants as regulated by distension and chemostatic feedbacks

Ruminant intake and digestion of dry matter was simulated using the proportions of masticated dry matter in three particle-size classes as well as the concentration of neutral detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter disappearance. This approach permitted the simulation of digesta flow through the rumen and intestines, intake, in vivo digestion, and fecal output. Distension and chemostatic feedback controls allowed simulation of the interaction of energy demand and rumen capacity in regulating ad libitum intake. Results indicated that a linear relationship between digestibility and animal intake does not necessarily imply an absence of chemostatic effects. In addition, the similar fecal outputs of animals fed forages of varying digestibilities were viewed as an effect of limited rates of ruminal digestion and passage rather than a cause of lower animal intake rates. Simulations of particle-size reductions such as might occur due to increased mastication or from mechanical grinding or pelleting resulted in declines in percent digestibility and increased rates of digestion due to an increased rate of passage.
Homework and domestic work

This study assesses two competing theories about the extent to which homework-paid work in the home-helps integrate work and domestic roles for men and women. Contrasting male and female homeworkers with their counterparts working outside the home, it supports some aspects of both the resource and role overload theories, but predominantly the role overload perspective. Homeworkers, especially in the working class, experience less interference between job and family life, but perform more housework and child care. They have no more leisure time nor greater marital satisfaction than those working outside the home, but receive more family assistance with their paid jobs, suggesting that they combine tasks from their 'first" and "second shifts." Working at home does not break down gender roles in domestic life. Despite time saved from commuting, male homeworkers perform no more housework than comparable men working outside the home. Thus, the gender division of unpaid household labor is not simply a matter of resources or spatial logistics.
Next generation materials for thermal interface and high density energy storage applications via liquid phase sintering

With the continuing increase in power dissipation requirements of electronic devices, there is a need to develop new thermal interface materials (TIM) with much higher thermal conductivity (K) than that available from conventional TIMs. Recently, liquid phase sintering (LPS) has been proposed as a new paradigm for designing next generation composite-solder TIMs with a radically different microstructure from those of conventional solder-TIMs. LPS metallic composites are also attractive as phase change materials (PCM) for thermal energy storage, where the latent heat absorbed by the one of the phases upon melting can be stored for later retrieval and/or conversion to other forms of energy. The principal advantage of metallic PCMs over other materials include: (i) much greater energy storage per unit volume than organic PCMs; and (ii) much higher thermal conductivity than both organics and inorganic salt PCMs, which allow rapid heating and energy capture. This paper presents recent results on the development of metallic TIM and PCMs for energy storage, processed by LPS of a high melting phase (HMP) with a low melting phase (LMP). A discussion of processing issues, resultant properties, and modeling results expounding the benefits of these materials is presented.
Coalescence of Two Viscous Cylinders by Capillarity: Part II, Shape Evolution

The theoretical geometry of the creeping plane-flow coalescence of two viscous cylinders driven by surface tension is described. Normalized results are given for initial diameter ratios D = (1,2,5,20, [infinity]). Typical shapes are displayed. Time-dependencies of geometric features, and interrelationships between them, are presented graphically. The following features are noted: the relationships between reduced time and most dimensions depend rather weakly on D. There is no undercutting at the neck. Two-dimensional Frenkel theory is seriously incorrect. The theory describes experiments accurately for small times, but differences eventually appear. Their sources are uncertain.
Identification of a new glutathione S-transferase from rat liver cytosol.

A new glutathione S-transferase has been purified to homogeneity from 105,000 × g supernatant of Sprague-Dawley rat liver homogenates. The purified enzyme exhibited specific activities of approximately 1.8, and 0.12 μmoles. min−1. mg−1 toward 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene and cumene hydroperoxide respectively. The SDS gel electrophoresis data on subunit composition revealed that the new transferase is composed of two subunits with an identical Mr of 24,400 (Yα Family). Our invitro translation experiments with rat liver poly(A) RNAs and substrate specificity data suggest that this subunit is different from the previously reported Ya, Yb and Yc subunits of rat liver glutathione S-transferases. Comparatively, the new isozyme showed significant activity toward 1,2 epoxy-3-(P-nitrophenoxy)-propane, ethacrynic acid and P-nitrophenyl acetate, 0.4, 0.34 and 0.18 μ moles. min−1. mg−1 respectively.
Digital microfluidic chips for chemical and biological applications

The advent of digital microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technology offers an excellent platform for developing diagnostic applications. In diagnostics raw physiological samples must be introduced onto the chip and then further processed by lysing blood cells and extracting DNA. However, types of applications that can be implemented on a digital microfluidic platform are largely determined by detection or sensor technology as well as the compatibility of the liquids with electrowetting. In this paper we will focus on analyte detection technologies and discuss suitable applications, both potential and demonstrated, based on digital microfluidics.
Dalfampridine: a brief review of its mechanism of action and efficacy as a treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis.

AbstractBackground:Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause progressive walking impairment that contributes to disability, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine), a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker, has been shown to improve walking in patients with MS, as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.Objective:To summarize knowledge about the mechanism of action of dalfampridine in the context of clinical evidence of walking improvement in MS patients.Methods:Although this was not a systematic review, which is the primary limitation of this study, searches of PubMed were performed using relevant search terms to identify studies that examined the mechanism of action related to MS and its effects in patients with MS in clinical trials.Results:Voltage-gated potassium channels represent a family of related proteins that span cell membranes, open and close in response to changes in the transmembrane potential, and help regulate ionic potassium currents. Action po...
Etiologic and pathogenetic factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

The most important causes of rotator cuff tendinopathy are believed to be the intrinsic condition of the tendon, the presence or absence of an external structure directly impinging on the tendon, and the mechanical loading environment of the tendon. Intrinsic injury, extrinsic compression, or combinations thereof can incite changes in the supraspinatus tendon. Using an animal model, factors believed to be important in the etiology of rotator cuff tendinopathy can be tested both qualitatively and quantitatively. Different approaches toward prevention and treatment of rotator cuff disease may be employed as we acquire a better understanding of the disease and its causes.
Split singularities and the competition between crack penetration and debond at a bimaterial interface

For a crack impinging upon a bimaterial interface at an angle, the singular stress field is a linear superposition of two modes, usually of unequal exponents, either a pair of complex conjugates, or two unequal real numbers. In the latter case, a stronger and a weaker singularity coexist (known as split singularities). We define a dimensionless parameter, called the local mode mixity, to characterize the proportion of the two modes at the length scale where the processes of fracture occur. We show that the weaker singularity can readily affect whether the crack will penetrate, or debond, the interface.
RSSsite: a reference database and prediction tool for the identification of cryptic Recombination Signal Sequences in human and murine genomes

Recombination signal sequences (RSSs) flanking V, D and J gene segments are recognized and cut by the VDJ recombinase during development of B and T lymphocytes. All RSSs are composed of seven conserved nucleotides, followed by a spacer (containing either 12 ± 1 or 23 ± 1 poorly conserved nucleotides) and a conserved nonamer. Errors in V(D)J recombination, including cleavage of cryptic RSS outside the immunoglobulin and T cell receptor loci, are associated with oncogenic translocations observed in some lymphoid malignancies. We present in this paper the RSSsite web server, which is available from the address http://www.itb.cnr.it/rss. RSSsite consists of a web-accessible database, RSSdb, for the identification of pre-computed potential RSSs, and of the related search tool, DnaGrab, which allows the scoring of potential RSSs in user-supplied sequences. This latter algorithm makes use of probability models, which can be recasted to Bayesian network, taking into account correlations between groups of positions of a sequence, developed starting from specific reference sets of RSSs. In validation laboratory experiments, we selected 33 predicted cryptic RSSs (cRSSs) from 11 chromosomal regions outside the immunoglobulin and TCR loci for functional testing.
Detection of hepatitis B virus transcriptional activity: An hypothesis

This paper outlines a method of demonstrating hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related transcriptional activity based on the random amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) protocol. Following RNA extraction from the appropriate tissue, cDNA is synthesized using a long oligo d(T) based primer containing unique 5' oligonucleotide sequences. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is then carried out using virus-specific oligonucleotides and standard PCR (∼20 base pairs) oligonucleotides homologous to 5' regions of the long oligo-d(T) primer used to initiate the cDNA reaction. This technique is particularly applicable to the study of HBV transcription in small samples of tissue, for example, from renal biopsies obtained from patients with HBV-related nephritis.
La poesía de Rita María Magdaleno: en busca del corazón materno

“La poesia de Rita Maria Magdaleno: en busca del corazon materno”. En su poemario Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, & My Mother (2003), Magdaleno, poeta chicana de Arizona, busca a su madre, un avatar de la Malinche. Los lectores reconoceran temas de la literatura chicana: la frontera como escenografia, el amor entre el conquistador y la mujer nativa, la mujer embarazada, abandonada por el soldado extranjero. Sin embargo, esta tematica sufre un enajenamiento revelador al trasladarse a Alemania. Despues de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el conquistador, un soldado chicano de Arizona, se enamora de una adolescente alemana. Cuando no la lleva consigo a EEUU, ella, aunque indocumentada, lo sigue con la hija. El efecto se parece al Unheimlich de Freud, puesto al dia por Homi Bhabha. La reunion con su familia materna en 1989 guia a Magdaleno a la historia del nazismo, una ideologia que puede leerse como un reflejo del nacionalismo cultural chicano. Al frustrarse la reunion con su madre, Magdaleno logra un tipo de reencuentro en un subtexto de metaforas de la naturaleza.
Use of a Pyrimidine Nucleoside That Functions as a Bidentate Hydrogen Bond Donor for the Recognition of Isolated or Contiguous G-C Base Pairs by Oligonucleotide-Directed Triplex Formation

Synthesis of the nucleoside building block of the 6-keto derivative of 2'-deoxy-5-methylcytidine (m5oxC) as an analog of an N3-protonated cytosine derivative is described. A series of 15mer oligonucleotides containing either four or six m5oxC residues has been prepared by chemical synthesis. Complexation of the 15 residue oligonucleotides with target 25mer duplexes results in DNA triplexes containing T-A-T and m5oxC-G-C base triplets. When the m5oxC-G-C base triplets are present in sequence positions that alternate with TAT base triplets, DNA triplexes are formed with Tm values that are pH independent in the range 6.4-8.5. A 25mer DNA duplex containing a series of five contiguous G-C base pairs cannot be effectively targeted with either m5C or M5oxC in the third strand. In the former case charge-charge repulsion effects likely lead to destabilization of the complex, while in the latter case ineffective base stacking may be to blame. However, if the m5C and M5oxC residues are present in the third strand in alternate sequence positions, then DNA triplexes can be formed with contiguous G-C targets even at pH 8.0.
Designing Biologically-inspired Smart Building Systems: Processes and Guidelines

This paper investigates design processes of and guidelines for biologically-inspired smart building systems (BISBS). Within the functional and performance requirements of building systems, biologically-inspired design is explored as the key approach and smart technology as the enabling technology. The Soft Modular Pneumatic System (SMoPS) is developed as a design experiment in order to verify the effectiveness of the BISBS design process. Similarly to how independent cells coordinate with each other to undergo certain tasks in multicellular systems, the SMoPS consists of autonomous modules that collectively achieve assigned functions. Within the soft body of each SMoPS module, sensor, actuation, and control components are integrated which enables the module to kinetically respond to and interact with its environment. The modular design and hierarchical assembly logic contribute to creating a flexible as well as robust building system. Throughout the design process, prototyping, simulation, and animation a...
Reduced nucleus pulposus glycosaminoglycan content alters intervertebral disc dynamic viscoelastic mechanics.

The intervertebral disc functions over a range of dynamic loading regimes including axial loads applied across a spectrum of frequencies at varying compressive loads. Biochemical changes occurring in early degeneration, including reduced nucleus pulposus glycosaminoglycan content, may alter disc mechanical behavior and thus may contribute to the progression of degeneration. The objective of this study was to determine disc dynamic viscoelastic properties under several equilibrium loads and loading frequencies, and further, to determine how reduced nucleus glycosaminoglycan content alters dynamic mechanics. We hypothesized that (1) dynamic stiffness would be elevated with increasing equilibrium load and increasing frequency, (2) the disc would behave more elastically at higher frequencies, and finally, (3) dynamic stiffness would be reduced at low equilibrium loads under all frequencies due to nucleus glycosaminoglycan loss. We mechanically tested control and chondroitinase ABC injected rat lumbar motion segments at several equilibrium loads using oscillatory loading at frequencies ranging from 0.05 to 5 Hz. The rat lumbar disc behaved non-linearly with higher dynamic stiffness at elevated compressive loads irrespective of frequency. Phase angle was not affected by equilibrium load, although it decreased as frequency was increased. Reduced glycosaminoglycan decreased dynamic stiffness at low loads but not at high equilibrium loads and led to increased phase angle at all loads and frequencies. The findings of this study demonstrate the effect of equilibrium load and loading frequencies on dynamic disc mechanics and indicate possible mechanical mechanisms through which disc degeneration can progress.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in children without skin and soft tissue infection: Report of four cases

UNLABELLED Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a fulminant, highly fatal disease characterized by evidence of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus infection and early shock with consecutive organ failure. In adults, affected individuals usually have preceding skin or soft tissue infection. However, in paediatric patients, except for varicella, the background focus is usually respiratory tract infection, and early diagnosis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in such patients is difficult. We report four previously healthy children with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Pharyngitis was identified in three cases. All of them had constitutional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and physical findings of tachycardia and diffuse abdominal tenderness, but no concomitant skin infection. CONCLUSION Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome should be considered in paediatric patients with fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and early shock. Early diagnosis, prompt initiation of antibiotics and aggressive fluid therapy are lifesaving for such patients.
Trop-2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by modulating β1 integrin functions

The molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic dissemination are still not completely understood. We have recently shown that β1 integrin-dependent cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN) and signaling are affected by a transmembrane molecule, Trop-2, which is frequently upregulated in human carcinomas. Here we report that Trop-2 promotes metastatic dissemination of prostate cancer cells in vivo and is abundantly expressed in metastasis from human prostate cancer. We also show here that Trop-2 promotes prostate cancer cell migration on FN, a phenomenon dependent on β1 integrins. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Trop-2 and the α5β1 integrin associate through their extracellular domains, causing relocalization of α5β1 and the β1-associated molecule talin from focal adhesions to the leading edges. Trop-2 effect is specific since this molecule does not modulate migration on vitronectin (VN), does not associate with the major VN receptor, αvβ3 integrin, and does not affect localization of αvβ3 integrin as well as vinculin in focal adhesions. We show that Trop-2 enhances directional prostate cancer cell migration, through modulation of Rac1 GTPase activity. Finally, we demonstrate that Trop-2 induces activation of PAK4, a kinase that has been reported to mediate cancer cell migration. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that β1 integrin-dependent migratory and metastatic competence of prostate cancer cells is enhanced by Trop-2.
Biological effects of DNA damage in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.

To investigate the generality of efficient double-strand break repair and damage-induced mutagenesis in hyperthermophilic archaea, we systematically measured the effects of five DNA-damaging agents on Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and compared the results to those obtained for Escherichia coli under corresponding conditions. The observed lethality of γ-radiation was very similar for S. acidocaldarius and E. coli, arguing against unusually efficient double-strand break repair in S. acidocaldarius. In addition, DNA-strand-breaking agents (γ-radiation or bleomycin), as well as DNA-cross-linking agents (mechlorethamine, butadiene diepoxide or cisplatin) stimulated forward mutation, reverse mutation, and formation of recombinants via conjugation in Sulfolobus cells. Although two of the five DNA-damaging agents failed to revert the E. coli auxotrophs under these conditions, all five reverted S. acidocaldarius auxotrophs.
On neural inhibition, contrast effects and visual sensitivity

Abstract Through a reinterpretation of the literature, as well as original experiments, it is shown that bright annular surrounds tend to increase incremental thresholds obtained on dimmer center conditioning fields, but tend to decrease incremental thresholds when the center field is equal to or brighter than the annulus. This is true for white and red flashes with similarly colored surrounds and centers, but green flashes on red conditioning fields are not affected in the same way. It is also shown that flicker threshold modulation is affected by annular surrounds in the same way as simple ΔI′s. An explanation is offered to account for the effects that annular surrounds have on center ΔI′s. Some important implications of this explanation are: (1) the fact that visual thresholds often seem unrelated to field brightness does not imply the existence of different threshold and brightness mechanisms; and (2) the traditional procedure of using visual thresholds to assess the inhibitory effects of interretinal or intraretinal illumination is logically unsound.
Further Comparisons of Semantic Differential Scales and Monopolar Scales: Test-Retest Reliabilities and Order Effects

Self-concepts were measured at several points in time using semantic differential scales and monopolar scales. The subsequent analysis of test-retest correlations, using the same and different item sequences, indicates that semantic differential scales may have higher test-retest reliabilities only when identical sequences of items are used. When different item sequences are used, no difference in reliability was found between scale formats. The heightened reliability of the semantic differential scales under the identical sequence condition suggests the scale draws meaning from the item sequence (an order effect), and thus may be systematically biased.
Energy-efficient reconstruction of compressively sensed bioelectrical signals with stochastic computing circuits

Compressive sensing (CS) allows acquiring sparse signals at sub-Nyquist rate, offering an energy-efficient solution to data acquisition. This is especially important to reduce communication data for mobile medical applications. However, reconstructing the signal from CS is usually left off-line due to the complex computations. In this paper, we integrate two key technologies to enable on-line energy-efficient CS signal reconstruction. These are (1) the use of Bayesian CS Belief Propagation (CS-BP) as the algorithm basis and (2) the novel design of stochastic computing (SC) circuits to efficiently map CS-BP algorithm. The overall signal reconstruction system is implemented with digital SC circuits in 65nm CMOS and recovers compressively sensed electrocardiography (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) signals with 11X to 8X data compression factor. Compared to a conventional binary design, post-layout simulation results show that the proposed stochastic design performs reconstruction with 5X energy-delay product improvement and 2X area reduction.
Patriot Acts Narratives of Post-9/11 Injustice

Patriot Acts: Narratives of Post-9/11 Injustice is a compilation of the stories of individuals whose lives have been unjustly impacted by U.S. counterterrorism policies and practices in the afterma...
Examination of Potential Misrepresentation in CMBS

Although CMBS suffered large scale losses during the past financial crisis, currently, this segment of the structured finance market has almost recovered to its pre-crisis level. While evidence was found regarding the systematic misrepresentation of loan quality information in residential mortgages, there was no evidence of large scale misreporting in CMBS. This paper examines important financial variables reported in commercial mortgages such as Underwritten Net Operating Income (UWNOI). I find that, prior to the financial crisis, UWNOI was consistently over-estimated by an average of 7.8%. This overstatement leads to Loan-to-Value ratio and Debt-Service Coverage Ratio being misreported as 67.1% from 84.2% and DSCR as 1.72 from 1.59. The levels of aggregate over-estimation substantially differed among originators and the variations explained the performance differences between originators. Each 1% increase in over-estimation resulted in a 20% higher likelihood in delinquency. The ratings issued by rating agencies failed to capture the adverse impact from over-estimation on CMBS performance.
Pomegranate’s Neuroprotective Effects against Alzheimer’s Disease Are Mediated by Urolithins, Its Ellagitannin-Gut Microbial Derived Metabolites

Pomegranate shows neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in several reported animal studies. However, whether its constituent ellagitannins and/or their physiologically relevant gut microbiota-derived metabolites, namely, urolithins (6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one derivatives), are the responsible bioactive constituents is unknown. Therefore, from a pomegranate extract (PE), previously reported by our group to have anti-AD effects in vivo, 21 constituents, which were primarily ellagitannins, were isolated and identified (by HPLC, NMR, and HRESIMS). In silico computational studies, used to predict blood-brain barrier permeability, revealed that none of the PE constituents, but the urolithins, fulfilled criteria required for penetration. Urolithins prevented β-amyloid fibrillation in vitro and methyl-urolithin B (3-methoxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one), but not PE or its predominant ellagitannins, had a protective effect in Caenorhabditis elegans post induction of amyloid β(1-42) induced neurotoxicity and paralysis. Therefore, urolithins are the possible brain absorbable compounds which contribute to pomegranate's anti-AD effects warranting further in vivo studies on these compounds.
Workers Reads History - Unsung Heroes

This paper is dedicated to the men and women who protect our country and are often overlooked - the unsung hero. History always remembers its leaders for their accomplishments even though it may have been at the expense of the citizenry. In Robert Greenleaf’s portrait of a servant leader, it talks about how a good leader will “tap into the deepest desires and aspirations of people and call them forth to, in turn be servants.” What it is saying here is that people will give their lives for a good leader. A servant leader is one who not only leads but serves his people. Yes, history is made from the backs of the unknown citizens and soldiers who served very valiantly under a good leader. Good leaders are visionaries who know how to make things happen and get the job done through characteristics of “trust, bravery, and forgiveness.”(Spears & Lawrence, 2004; Oostinga, 2012)
Coin ToGa: A Coin-Tossing Game

(2003). Coin ToGa: A Coin-Tossing Game. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 183-193.
Automation and orchestration framework for large-scale enterprise cloud migration

With the promise of low-cost access to flexible and elastic compute resources, enterprises are increasingly migrating their existing workloads to cloud environments. However, the heterogeneity and complexity of legacy IT infrastructure make it challenging to streamline processes of migration at an enterprise scale. In this paper, we present Cloud Migration Orchestrator (CMO), a framework for automation and coordination of large-scale cloud migration based on the IBM Business Process Management (BPM) technology with pre-migration analytics. CMO seamlessly automates complex and error-prone tasks, spanning from on-premise data center analysis, using correlations between occurrences of middleware components, to parallel migration execution by integrating various vendor migration tools. CMO offers self-service capability with a “one-click” migration execution and provides a solution for retaining IP addresses to further minimize workload remediation efforts. We present a taxonomy of network challenges, based on experience with migration of legacy environments and discuss how to automate and optimize network configurations. For each step of the migration process, starting from pre-migration assessment through the post-migration configuration, we discuss lessons learned from real-world deployments and demonstrate how the novel CMO framework reduces human activities through automation. Finally, we discuss efficiency of migration capabilities, including a fourfold process improvement (with respect to traditional approaches) using automation and orchestration.
An integrated program of gynecologic research in a community hospital

Abstract A review of our experiences in an integrated program of gynecologic research in a community hospital is presented. We believe that such a program has value, that it can produce worthwhile, if modest, investigations. Our experiences with histochemical changes in the cervix are outlined. Our present program of investigation into ovarian tumorigenesis, as well as the aging process in the human ovary, is mentioned to illustrate the scope of this program.
Heterogeneous Reactions on the Surface of Atmospheric Particles by Situ-IR Spectroscopy Study

Synergistic effects may occur among atmospheric pollutants,which may bring about serious secondary pollution and produce secondary environmental problems.In this experiment,in-situ infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the adsorption process of gaseous pollutants on the surface of carbon particles.The results show that CO2 and NO can be easily adsorbed on particle surface.The adsorption equilibrium time for CO2 on carbon particle surface is shorter than for NO.The adsorption of NO on particles surface is effected by CO2 and SO2,and the adsorption of CO2 is almost not affected by NO and SO2.
Recent Advances in Neurochemistry

The future of neurochemistry rests on furthering our understanding of fundamental biochemical processes as they are integrated into the complex structure of the nervous system. Practical application of this knowledge will be sound and successful as long as it is built on reliable, reproducible experimentation. Hardly any field of organ biochemistry offers the young and the mature biochemist so many exciting, unexplored aspects of research as does the biochemistry of the nervous system under physiologic and pathologic conditions.
Trauma‐ and Stress‐Induced Response in Veterans with Alcohol Dependence and Comorbid Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence (AD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occur, and the co-occurrence is associated with worse prognosis than either disorder absent the other. Craving is an important construct related to relapse, but the relationship between PTSD symptoms, craving, and relapse is not well understood. Several studies have documented the relationship between stress and craving in individuals without comorbid PTSD, but the effect on those with comorbid PTSD is not well known. A small literature suggests that trauma imagery affects craving. This is the first study to explore the effects of trauma-induced and stress-induced scripts on alcohol craving, affect, cardiovascular, and cortisol responses in the laboratory. METHODS: Veterans (n = 25) diagnosed with AD and PTSD who were participating in a randomized clinical treatment trial took part in this laboratory study. Baseline assessment included PTSD symptoms and drinking quantity and frequency over 3 months before study initiation. In the laboratory, participants were exposed to neutral, stressful, and trauma scripts randomly assigned. Main outcomes included craving, anxiety, mood states, salivary cortisol, and cardiovascular responses. RESULTS: Both stress and trauma scripts produced greater increases in craving, negative affect, and cardiovascular reactivity, compared to neutral scripts. Trauma scripts produced significantly stronger craving for alcohol and greater cardiovascular reactivity than stress scripts. Also, trauma-induced but not stress-induced craving was positively correlated with baseline levels of drinking. There were no changes in cortisol levels from pre- to postexposure of any scripts. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight that trauma cues are more salient in inducing alcohol craving than stress cues and higher reactivity is related to more baseline drinking. This finding is consistent with clinical observations that show an association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol relapse. It also underscores the importance of adequate treatment of PTSD as reactivity related to trauma cues and reminders may be an important factor in craving and relapse.Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism. Language: en
Secure data service outsourcing in cloud computing

Cloud computing economically enables a fundamental paradigm of data service outsourcing, which provides lower up-front capital costs and less hands-on management. However, outsourcing data services to the commercial public cloud deprives customers' control over the systems that manage their data, raising security and privacy as the primary obstacles to the adoption of the cloud. To address these challenges, in this dissertation we explore the problem of secure and privacy-assured data service outsourcing in cloud computing. We aim at deploying the most fundamental data services including data storage, search, and sharing on the commercial public cloud, with built-in security and privacy assurance as well as high level service performance, usability, and scalability. Our contributions are as follows: Firstly, we focus on privacy-preserving secure cloud storage auditing to maintain strong storage correctness guarantee, given the difficulty that data files are no longer locally possessed by data owners. We first develop a random-masking sampling approach to allow a third party auditor to perform on-demand privacy-preserving storage correctness auditing on behalf of data owners, without violating owners' data privacy. For storage correctness assurance with data dynamics, we further investigate a novel sequence-enforced Merkle Hash Tree and manipulate it with the random sampling approach to support fully dynamic data operations. Secondly, we focus on privacy-assured and effective cloud data search services with strong privacy-assurance, while enjoying high service-level performance inherently demanded by the large number of data users and huge amount data files. We first investigate a widely applicable fuzzy/similarity keyword search problem, and develop a brand new symbol-based trie-traverse searching approach, where transformed fuzzy keywords extracted from data files are stored using a multi-way tree structure, while protecting keyword privacy. To enable search result relevance ranking, we further investigate secure ranked search, which facilitates efficient server-side result ranking without leaking any keyword related information. Thirdly, we study how to enable scalable and owner-controlled cloud data sharing services, given the challenge that data no longer resides on owners' trusted domain. We first associate data with a set of meaningful attributes, use logical composition of attributes to reflect fine-grained data access, and enforce owner's control via attribute-based encryption. For the inherent scalability requirement of cloud system, we further leverage the cloud as a mediated proxy, to which data owners can delegate most cumbersome data/user management workload, without affecting the underlying data confidentiality.
Polo-like Kinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are highly aggressive, fatal, childhood tumors that arise in the brainstem. DIPGs have no effective treatment, and their location and diffuse nature render them inoperable. Radiation therapy remains the only standard of care for this devastating disease. New therapeutic targets are needed to develop novel therapy for DIPG.
A Universal Code for mRNA Stability

Precise elimination of maternal mRNAs plays a critical role during the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) to promote developmental processing. Two new studies demonstrate that, in eukaryotes, codon-mediated decay is a conserved mechanism to shape maternal mRNA stability by affecting deadenylation rate in a translation-dependent manner. These studies add to a growing body of literature suggesting that translational elongation rates are a major determinant of mRNA stability.
Ancient astronomy revealed

In the autumn of 1900 a team of sponge divers from the small Greek island of Symi, just north of Rhodes, made one of the most spectacular underwater discoveries of modern times. After being blown off course on their journey back to Symi from the southern Mediterranean sponge-fishing grounds, they sheltered near the island of Antikythera, located between the southern tip of the Greek mainland and the north-west corner of Crete. When the winds died down, the team's captain, Dimitrios Kontos, decided to send the divers down in the hope of adding some final sponges to their catch. Instead, Elias Stadiatis, the first diver into the water, spotted a shipwreck on the sea bed.