cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4 – The Judiciary

The U.S. judiciary system perfectly embodies the principles of separation of powers and federalism. Regarding separation of powers: Just as Article I of the Constitution established the legislative branch (Congress) and Article II established the executive branch headed by the President, Article III established the third branch: the federal court system. Article III literally creates “the judicial power of the United States.” Federalism also is central to American courts, reflected in the fact that there are actually two judicial systems in the United States: federal and state. (The constitution of each state establishes the state’s court system.)
Ectonucleotidases in Intestinal and Hepatic Inflammation

Purinergic signaling modulates systemic and local inflammatory responses. Extracellular nucleotides, including eATP, promote inflammation, at least in part via the inflammasome upon engagement of P2 purinergic receptors. In contrast, adenosine generated during eATP phosphohydrolysis by ectonucleotidases, triggers immunosuppressive/anti-inflammatory pathways. Mounting evidence supports the role of ectonucleotidases, especially ENTPD1/CD39 and CD73, in the control of several inflammatory conditions, ranging from infectious disease, organ fibrosis to oncogenesis. Our experimental data generated over the years have indicated both CD39 and CD73 serve as pivotal regulators of intestinal and hepatic inflammation. In this context, immune cell responses are regulated by the balance between eATP and adenosine, potentially impacting disease outcomes as in gastrointestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemia reperfusion injury of the bowel and liver, autoimmune or viral hepatitis and other inflammatory conditions, such as cancer. In this review, we report the most recent discoveries on the role of ENTPD1/CD39, CD73, and other ectonucleotidases in the regulation of intestinal and hepatic inflammation. We discuss the present knowledge, highlight the most intriguing and promising experimental data and comment on important aspects that still need to be addressed to develop purinergic-based therapies for these important illnesses.
TASecure: Temperature-Aware Secure Deletion Scheme for Solid State Drives

With the increasing concerns of security, the secure deletion for SSDs becomes very costly due to its out-of-place update (i.e., an update is performed in a new location leaving the old data un-touched). Some previous studies used a combined erase-based and cryptography-based method to find a heuristic deletion scheme. However, the deletion overhead is still large since a key may be associated with too many pages. Therefore, how to reduce the secure deletion overhead further is becoming an interesting research issue. In this paper, a temperature-aware secure deletion scheme (TASecure) is proposed. Data with the same temperature are stored in the same region in order to reduce the overhead of secure deletion. The temperature of a data is referred to the frequency of the data is updated. Moreover, the regions based on their temperature are associated with different numbers of keys and are applied with different secure deletion schemes. Finally, the experimental results indicate that our proposed secure deletion scheme can reduce the secure deletion cost about 1.2x to 19x compared to previous studies.
Hypoglycemic Activity of a Series of α-Alkylthio and α-Alkoxy Carboxylic Acids Related to Ciglitazone

The thiazolidinedione moiety of ciglitazone and its analogues can be replaced by an α-alkoxy or α-thioether carboxylic acid group. The influence of the nature of the R group, the length of the connector to the aromatic backbone of the molecule, and the stereochemistry have been studied. The most potent compounds have glucose-lowering activity at doses as low as 0.01 mg/kg.
Ability of the PILOT score to predict 6-month functional outcome in pediatric patients with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Purpose To assess the Pediatric Intensity Level of Therapy (PILOT) score alone and in combination with Emergency Department (ED) GCS and Rotterdam score of initial head CT to predict functional outcomes in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Children (n = 108) aged 31 months–15 years with moderate to severe TBI were prospectively enrolled at two sites. The ability of PILOT, ED GCS, and Rotterdam scores to predict the 6-month Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale (PIFOS) was evaluated using multivariable regression models with enrollment site, age, and sex as covariates. Results PILOT total (sum) score was more predictive of PIFOS (R2 = 0.23) compared to mean (R2 = 0.20) or peak daily PILOT scores (R2 = 0.11). PILOT total score predicted PIFOS better than ED GCS (R2 = 0.01) or Rotterdam score (R2 = 0.06) and was similar to PILOT, ED GCS, and Rotterdam score combined. PILOT total score performed better in patients with intracranial pressure monitors (n = 30, R2 = 0.28, slope = 0.30) than without (n = 78, R2 = 0.09, slope = 0.36). Conclusions The PILOT score correlated moderately with functional outcome following TBI and outperformed other common predictors. PILOT may be a useful predictor or moderator of functional outcomes. Level of evidence Prognosis study, Level II.
Potential survival benefits from optimized chemotherapy implementation in advanced ovarian cancer: Projections from a microsimulation model

Background Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages, when survival is poor. Treatment advances have been made, but are inconsistently implemented. Our purpose was to project the maximum life expectancy gains that could be achieved in women with stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer if the implementation of available chemotherapy regimens could be optimized. Methods We used a microsimulation model to estimate life expectancy benefits associated with “optimized” implementation of four post-operative chemotherapy options: standard intravenous chemotherapy; intraperitoneal + intravenous chemotherapy; bevacizumab + intravenous chemotherapy; and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy + intravenous chemotherapy. Optimized implementation was defined as follows. Patients triaged to primary cytoreductive surgery received intraperitoneal + intravenous chemotherapy if optimally or completely cytoreduced, and bevacizumab + intravenous chemotherapy if suboptimally cytoreduced. Patients triaged to neoadjuvant chemotherapy received hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at interval cytoreductive surgery if optimally or completely cytoreduced, and standard IV chemotherapy if suboptimally cytoreduced. Life expectancy associated with optimized implementation was compared with that of current utilization practices, estimated using published literature and the National Cancer Database. Effects of model uncertainty were evaluated in sensitivity analyses. Results Life expectancy associated with optimized implementation vs. current practice was 76.7 vs. 64.5 months (life expectancy gain = 12.2 months). Providing intraperitoneal + intravenous chemotherapy to all eligible patients was the largest driver of life expectancy gains, due to both the potential benefit conferred by intraperitoneal + intravenous chemotherapy and the proportion of eligible women who do not receive intraperitoneal + intravenous chemotherapy in current practice. Conclusion Population-level life expectancy in stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer could be substantially improved through greater uptake of available chemotherapy regimens.
Oxycodone Decreases Dendritic Complexity in Female but not Male Rat Striatal Neurons In Vitro

The use of oxycodone in the past two decades has dramatically risen, yet the amount of research regarding how it impacts neuronal health is lacking. As prescription use and misuse in women of reproductive age increases there has been a corresponding increase in the number of infants who have been exposed to oxycodone in utero. Given the critical role of the striatum in motor control and reward regulation, the aim of the current study was to examine the effects of oxycodone on developing rat striatal neurons. Sex-specific effects of oxycodone on neuronal cytoarchitecture were examined in cultured rat striatal neurons with a primary focus on dendritic arborization. Neurons were extracted from either male or female embryonic day 18 rat striata and cultured and exposed to varying concentrations of oxycodone over a ten-day period. Dendritic complexity of the neurons was measured using Sholl analysis. Results indicate that oxycodone inhibits dendritic complexity in a dose-dependent manner in female but not male striatal neurons. Additional analysis indicated the number of non-primary dendrites in female striatal neurons significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of oxycodone, while the number of primary dendrites as well as the length of primary and non-primary dendrites was unaffected by oxycodone treatment in both sexes. These in vitro findings demonstrate sex-specific effects of oxycodone on the development of striatal dendritic architecture which may be important for understanding the effects of oxycodone exposure in utero.
Dynamic Paired-Behaviors in Effective Clinical Instruction

Background: Pedagogical strategies related to clinical instruction are needed to improve students' education in the clinical setting. Description: In this article, we use the relevant literature to...
Perceptions and experiences of using mobile technology for medication adherence among older adults with coronary heart disease: A qualitative study:

Objective Medication non-adherence is linked to adverse clinical outcomes (i.e. rehospitalization, mortality) among patients with coronary heart disease. Given its global adoption and growing popularity among older adults, mobile technology may be an effective strategy to improve medication adherence. The aim of this article is to present the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of individuals with coronary heart disease about using text messaging and mobile phone applications for medication adherence. Methods We recruited 28 participants (veterans and non-veterans) with a history of coronary heart disease and antiplatelet medication use in Northern California. We formed six focus groups of individuals who participated in three sessions (total 18 sessions). We analyzed our data using grounded theory. Results The median age was 69.5 ± 10.8 years for non-veterans (50% male) and 70 ± 8.6 years for veterans (100% male). In the first session, we found that participants perceived text message reminders as a convenient, easy, and flexible tool to establish a routine for taking medications. In the second session, participants were eager to use applications for their greater interactivity, individualized health monitoring, and personalized medication information. The third session, participants shared preferred features (i.e. drug interactions, tracking symptoms) after using two applications at home for 2 weeks. Conclusions Older adults are engaged and can be proficient mobile technology users. Text messaging and mobile phone applications are perceived as helpful tools for medication adherence. Future research should include rigorous clinical trials to test the efficacy of mobile health technology to promote medication adherence in populations that require strict medication adherence.
Nonprofit Service Continuity and Responses in the Pandemic: Disruptions, Ambiguity, Innovation and Challenges.

This Viewpoint essay examines the service delivery responses of nonprofit organizations that offer homeless support services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Government mandates and severe human needs have forced nonprofits to adapt quickly. Literature reviews provide little information about how nonprofits should manage service continuity under pandemics. Data collected from websites and interviews with nonprofits executives provide an understanding of adaptions and innovations. The study uses a crisis response model: "Disruptions-Ambiguities-Innovations-Challenges" (DAIC) to demonstrate how social service nonprofits are responding to challenges under COVID-19. Lessons learned are useful for scholars and practitioners to understand ways nonprofits have remained agile and innovative. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Iatrogenic bladder rupture in individuals with disability related to spinal cord injury and chronic indwelling urethral catheters.

Introduction Bladder rupture in patients with indwelling urethral catheters is rare. Herein, we describe two spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction managed with chronic indwelling catheters who presented with extraperitoneal bladder rupture related to bladder instillation. One case was during continuous bladder irrigation for hematuria, the other during routine cystography. Case presentation One patient is a tetraplegic male with a C5 ASIA impairment scale (AIS) SCI and a chronic catheter who presented with gross hematuria and autonomic dysreflexia (AD). Continuous irrigation was complicated by ongoing AD and poor catheter drainage. A CT scan revealed an extraperitoneal bladder rupture which was managed with surgical repair and suprapubic catheter. The second patient is a tetraplegic female who underwent gravity cystography to evaluate for vesicoureteric reflux. She experienced AD, followed by a witnessed extraperitoneal rupture. The rupture resolved with continued catheter drainage. No long term complications were noted. Discussion We present two cases of extraperitoneal rupture in chronically catheterized SCI patients following bladder instillation. Both patients were undergoing instillation of fluid through balloon catheters which likely occluded the outlet. We believe that rupture in both cases was iatrogenic, from elevated intravesical pressures during gravity instillation of fluid. Both patients experienced AD during these events. A procedure involving bladder instillation in chronically catheterized SCI patients should be performed by providers familiar with management of AD. Risk factors for iatrogenic bladder rupture during instillation procedures likely include chronic catheterization, small bladder capacity, instillation under significant pressure, and occlusion of the bladder outlet by a balloon catheter.
Regarding Immigrant Detention

East of San Diego, on former Kumeyaay land, the US side of the border with Mexico is a vast industrial zone of warehouses and shipping container yards that roaring trucks crisscross incessantly. Th...
D-IDS for Cyber-Physical DER Modbus System - Architecture, Modeling, Testbed-based Evaluation

Increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution networks expands the cyberattack surface. Moreover, the widely used standard protocols for communicating DER inverters such as Modbus is more vulnerable to data-integrity attacks and denial of service (DoS) attacks because of its native clear-text packet format. This paper proposes a distributed intrusion detection system (D-IDS) architecture and algorithms for detecting anomalies on the DER Modbus communication. We devised a model-based approach to define physics-based threshold bands for analog data points and transaction-based threshold bands for both the analog and discrete data points. The proposed IDS algorithm uses the model- based approach to develop Modbus-specific IDS rule sets, which can enhance the detection accuracy of the anomalies either by data-integrity attacks or maloperation on cyber-physical DER Modbus devices. Further, the IDS algorithm autogenerates the Modbus-specific IDS rulesets in compliance with various open- source IDS rule syntax formats, such as Snort and Suricata, for seamless integration and mitigation of semantic/syntax errors in the development and production environment. We considered the IEEE 13-bus distribution grid, including DERs, as a case study. We conducted various DoS type attacks and data-integrity attacks on the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) CPS DER testbed at ISU to evaluate the proposed D-IDS. Consequently, we computed the performance metrics such as IDS detection accuracy, IDS detection rate, and end-to-end latency. The results demonstrated that 100% detection accuracy, 100% detection rate for 60k DoS packets, 99.96% detection rate for 80k DoS packets, and 0.25 ms end-to-end latency between DERs to Control Center.
Influence of weaning strategy on behavior, humoral indicators of stress, growth, and carcass characteristics.

Weaning is one of the most stressful events a calf experiences in our current beef production system. Its effects may include reduced feed intake, increased activity, slower growth, and increased susceptibility to disease. This study was designed to evaluate weaning after a 7-d placement of nose flaps at 7 mo (N, n = 40) and delaying weaning by 49 d relative to 7-mo weaning (D, n = 39) as alternatives to the industry standard; abrupt weaning at 7 mo of age (A, n = 39). The 4-yr trial utilized Angus and Angus X Senepol steer calves. Calves were randomly assigned to weaning strategy after being stratified by dam parity (heifer/cow), hair coat phenotype (normal/slick), and body weight. Behavioral observations were made on five steers per strategy group per year over the weeks surrounding weaning. Activity levels were determined by accelerometers worn on neck collars. Blood samples were obtained from the observed cattle during the last 2 yr to determine haptoglobin and cortisol concentration. Once weaned, the steers were followed through finishing and carcass characteristics obtained at harvest. Twelve of 38 steers in the N group had sores in their nostrils from the nose flaps when the flaps were removed at weaning of A/N (237 ± 3 d of age). The A and D calves were more active than N calves in the first 2 to 3 d after weaning but settled down to similar activity levels to N by the day 4. The A and D groups were more vocal than N during the same time frame. Cortisol and haptoglobin remained within normal reference ranges. Average daily body weight gain (ADG) was greater for D than A, who in turn had greater ADG than N during the first 42 d after A and N calves were weaned (0.69, 0.54, and 0.37 kg/d for D, A, and N, respectively; P 0.2). Based on ADG during the 42 d after weaning, we recommend delaying weaning when available pasture and cow body condition support this strategy. When conditions do not permit delayed weaning, abrupt weaning may be the next viable option based on animal welfare concerns and increased handling to place and remove the flaps. Nose flaps reduced vocalization at weaning but resulted in less postweaning ADG. Based on our data, we suggest that abrupt weaning under the conditions of this study, is less stressful than we perceive it to be, based on calf behavior.
Twenty Years of Business Information Literacy Research: A Scoping Review

Objective – This study analyzes and synthesizes the business information literacy (BIL) literature, with a focus on trends in publication type, study design, research topic, and recommendations for practice. Methods – The scoping review method was used to build a dataset of 135 journal articles and conference papers. The following databases were searched for relevant literature published between 2000 and 2019: Library and Information Science Source, Science Direct, ProQuest Central, Project Muse, and the Ticker journal site. Included items were published in peer reviewed journals or conference proceedings and focused on academic libraries. Items about public or school libraries were excluded, as were items published in trade publications. A cited reference search was conducted for each publication in the review dataset. Results – Surveys were, by far, the most common research method in the BIL literature. Themes related to collaboration were prevalent, and a large number of publications had multiple authors or were about collaborative efforts to teach BIL. Many of the recommendations for practice from the literature were related to collaboration as well; recommendations related to teaching methods and strategies were also common. Adoption of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education in BIL appears slow, and the citations have decreased steadily since 2016. The majority of the most impactful BIL articles, as measured by citation counts, presented original research. Conclusions – This study synthesizes two decades of literature and contributes to the evidence based library and information science literature. The findings of this scoping review illustrate the importance of collaboration, interest in teaching methods and strategies, appreciation for practical application literature, and hesitation about the Framework.
Therapeutic Equivalence Using a Rich Family of Prior Distributions

Therapeutic Equivalence in some contexts occurs when functions of parameters such as differences or ratios lie within some specified confidence region. A specific class of parametric discrepancy measures is examined. One then applies the Bayesian neighborhood null hypothesis theory to derive posterior confidence regions on these measures. Data from a leukemia clinical trial is used to demonstrate conditions under which equivalent survival benefit of two treatments is achieved. All results are derived numerically with conditions under which the posterior distributions approximate standard F-ratios. The achieved goal is that of establishing therapeutic equivalence using a rich family of prior distributions.
Damia: a data mashup fabric for intranet applications

Damia is a lightweight enterprise data integration service where line of business users can create and catalog high value data feeds for consumption by situational applications. Damia is inspired by the Web 2.0 mashup phenomenon. It consists of (1) a browser-based user-interface that allows for the specification of data mashups as data flowfgraphs using a set of operators, (2) a server with an execution engine, as well as (3) APIs for searching, debugging, executing and managing mashups. Damia offers a framework and functionality for dynamic entity resolution, streaming and other higher value features particularly important in the enterprise domain. Damia is currently in perpetual beta in the IBM Intranet. In this demonstration, we showcase the creation and execution of several enterprise data mashups, thereby illustrating the architecture and features of the overall Damia system.
The Constitutional Rights of Politically Incorrect Groups: Christian Legal Society v. Walker as an Illustration

As Christian Legal Society v. Walker illustrates, controversy often arises in public colleges and universities when student-led political or religious groups espouse viewpoints or advocate practices that differ from, or are allegedly offensive to, others in campus communities. When “politically incorrect” student groups exist, their “politically correct” opponents within the student body, the faculty, and even the administration may urge university officials to refuse to grant them formal recognition, demand that they no longer advocate their beliefs or cease their allegedly discriminatory practices, refuse to allow them access to a facilities, and/ or deny them funding. Yet, as the Seventh Circuit held in Walker, “politically incorrect” student organizations have substantial constitutional rights that public institutions may not deny. The purpose of this essay is to explore the constitutional rights of politically incorrect organizations through the lens of the Seventh Circuit’s decision in Walker. In doing so, it seeks to provide guidance to public university counsel and administrators who confront demands to do something about those groups that are offensive. This essay’s purpose is accomplished in two parts. Part I discusses Walker and the reasoning of both the Seventh Circuit and the dissent. Part II draws upon Walker and Supreme Court case law to offer some reflections on the rights of “politically” incorrect student organizations.
The Overregulation of Pharmacy Practice

Many professions are highly regulated, yet few are regulated to the degree pharmacy is. Not only are there large numbers of regulations, but the regulations are so detailed they dictate precisely how pharmacists are to perform both dispensing and clinical services. As a result, pharmacists end up trying to meet the requirements of the regulations rather than exercising professional judgment and providing true pharmaceutical care. Many of the regulations are unnecessary intrusions into the practice of pharmacy and tend to diminish its professionalism.
Implications of the 1400 MHz flare emission from AD Leo for the emission mechanism and flare environment

High brightness temperature spikes have been observed during a radio flare on the M-dwarf flare star AD Leo (Lang et al. 1983). Their high brightness temperature (>1013 K) and circular polarization indicate that a coherent radiation mechanism must be responsible for the spike emission. The underlying flare emission, which is identified with a low polarization, gradual component, was found not to be spiky to within the 200 ms time resolution of the observations. This note is concerned primarily with this non-spiky emission.
Development of the College Descriptive Index: A Measure of Student Satisfaction.

This study details the development of a multidimensional measure of students' satisfaction with their college experience. The eight scale dimensions of the College Descriptive Index were found to b...
Paternal incarceration and trajectories of marijuana and other illegal drug use from adolescence into young adulthood: evidence from longitudinal panels of males and females in the United States

Aims One‐eighth of young adults in the United States report that their biological father has ever been incarcerated (FEI). This study is the first to examine associations between FEI and trajectories of substance use during the transition from adolescence into young adulthood for the US population. Design Using multi‐level modeling techniques, trajectories of marijuana and other illegal drug use are examined, with FEI as the primary independent variable. Setting Data are from the first three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of US adolescents beginning in 1995. Participants Panels of 7157 males and 7997 females followed from adolescence (7th–12th grades) into early adulthood (ages 18–27 years). Measurements Dependent variables included an ordinal measure of marijuana frequency of use in last thirty days, and a dichotomous measure for whether respondent had any use in the last thirty days of illegal drugs such crystal meth, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, PCP, LSD, speed, and ecstasy. Findings Among males and females, respectively, FEI is associated with an increased frequency of marijuana use, and increased odds of any other illegal drug use. Interactions between FEI and age further reveal that FEI is associated with an accentuated trajectory (i.e. a steeper slope) of marijuana use, and an elevated risk (i.e. higher mean level) of other illegal drug use. Conclusions Analysis provides some of the first evidence that paternal incarceration is significantly associated with drug use among U.S. males and females, even after controlling for a number of family background, parental, and individual characteristics.
Evolutionary changes in the timing of gut morphogenesis in larvae of the marine annelid Streblospio benedicti.

SUMMARY The planktonic larvae of marine invertebrates are diverse in their nutritional modes, suggesting that evolutionary transitions in larval nutritional mode have been frequent. One approach to identifying the developmental changes that play important roles in such transitions is to compare “intermediate” larval forms to closely related larvae representative of their common ancestor. Here we make such a comparison between obligately planktotrophic and facultatively feeding larvae of the poecilogonous polychaete annelid Streblospio benedicti. We used feeding experiments to show that the derived, facultatively feeding larvae of this species develop the ability to feed at a later developmental stage (five muscle bands) than planktotrophic larvae (two to three muscle bands). This delay in the onset of feeding ability does not appear to be caused by delay in the formation of particle capture structures, but instead by delay in the development of a continuous, functional gut. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that evolutionary increases in egg size in annelids lead predictably to heterochronic delays in gut development, and hence to transitions in larval nutritional mode.
Gaussian Upper Bounds for the Heat Kernel and for Its Derivatives on a Riemannian Manifold

Gaussian upper bounds of the heat kernel and of its time derivatives on a complete non-compact Riemannian manifold are shown to follow from certain diagonal estimates
tert‐Butyl (E)‐4‐Iodo‐2‐methyl‐2‐butenoate

[53689-87-5] C9H15IO2 (MW 282.12) InChI = 1S/C9H15IO2/c1-7(5-6-10)8(11)12-9(2,3)4/h5H,6H2,1-4H3/b7-5+ InChIKey = UCEMUYZJXSEGHM-FNORWQNLSA-N (regioselective annulations;1 methyl vinyl ketone equivalent2) Alternate Name: tert-butyl γ-iodotiglate. Physical Data: bp 80 °C/0.005 mmHg.1 Preparative Method: treatment of Chloroacetaldehyde with the phosphorane shown in eq 1 followed by halogen exchange with Sodium Iodide/acetone affords the title reagent in 76% overall yield.1, 2 (1)
Smart Biomaterials and Biosensors: Intelligent Properties of Biomolecules and Cells in Hybrid Devices

Intelligent properties represent discipline-independent definitions for complex behaviors of natural (biomacromolecules, cells, organisms), artificial, (algorithms, devices) and hybrid (biosensors) systems. Intelligent properties can be thought of as subproperties of complex adaptive systems that possess: (i) self-maintenance, (ii) adaptivity, (iii) information preservation, and (iv) spontaneous increase in complexity. The intelligent subproperties include self-assembly, self-organization, self-repair, self-replication, self-maintenance, redundancy, self-diagnosis, recognition, learning, adaptivity, information storage, signaling, and evolution, to name a few. The properties of biomacromolecules, their complexes, cells, signaling networks, and organism subsystems are discussed within the context of their intelligent properties. Specific biomacromolecules' intelligent properties (e.g. DNA, bacteriorhodopsin) offer a range of application and hybrid device opportunities in creating nanostructures, nanocomputing, microelectronics, optical memory designs, and biosensors. Important biosensor nucleic acid and protein class examples are presented that have basic research and clinical applications. Sophisticated levels of intelligent properties exist within evolved control networks in cells. Therefore, cells have added value integrated into smart biosensors. Cellular networks evolved to control important cellular functions and specific examples of gene regulatory control elements are described. Some naturally occurring smart biomaterials have evolved intelligent properties that play critical roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of an organism. An example is the fibrin gel, critical for blood clotting and wound repair. Our aim has been to better integrate molecular and cellular biochemistry with other scientific disciplines within the context of their applications, interfaces, and shared properties by providing a more universal property language —the intelligent properties—to enrich our understanding of biomolecular systems. Keywords: intelligent properties; DNA; proteins; cells; biosensors; nanotechnology; bacteriorhodopsin; fibrin
The spatial pattern of RNA in fully grown oocytes of an amphibian, Xenopus laevis

The possibility that maternal RNA may be localized in specific oocyte regions was examined in fully grown oocytes of Xenopus laevis. These oocytes were subdivided into six regions perpendicular to their animal-vegetal axis. Each region was analyzed to determine the amount of total cellular RNA, poly(A)+RNA, and newly synthesized ribosomal RNA. As would be expected from current evidence, total cellular RNA was found to exist in a gradient-like fashion, highest at the animal pole and lowest at the vegetal pole. However, poly(A)+RNA and newly synthesized ribosomal RNA had significantly different spatial patterns from each other and from total cellular RNA. In addition, evidence suggests that newly synthesized ribosomal RNA requires two to three days before it is uniformly distributed within the oocyte. These results suggest that a mechanism may exist to create different spatial patterns for different classes of RNA.
Tradeoff between CE and CB SiGe HBTs for Power Amplification in Terms of Frequency-Dependent Linearity and Power-Gain Characteristics

The tradeoff between common-emitter (CE) and common-base (CB) SiGe HBTs for power amplification in terms of frequency-dependent linearity and power-gain characteristics is investigated. When both CE the CB HBTs are impedance-matched for maximum output power (Pout), the CB configuration exhibits higher power gain, however, with higher third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) than that of the CE configuration at high operation frequencies. At low operation frequencies, the CE configuration can exhibit the superiority on both power gain and IMD3 characteristics. New analytical expressions for IMD3 are derived and experimentally verified for the study of the frequency-dependent linearity characteristics of different configurations
Anisotropy in the Shape of the Electron-Hole-Droplet Cloud in Germanium

Using a special infrared scanning technique we have produced photographs of the electron-hole-droplet cloud in unstressed Ge. Contrary to past beliefs, the cloud of droplets resulting from focused-laser surface excitation in neither spherical, hemispherical, nor cylindrically symmetric about the excitation point. The observed concentration of droplets along certain crystal-symmetry axes provides compelling evidence for a phonon wind which pushes droplets into the sample.
Role of hot carriers in the interfacial transport in amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon heterostructure solar cells

The transport of photogenerated minority carriers (photocarriers) across the heterointerface of amorphous silicon (a-Si) and crystalline silicon (c-Si) in a-Si/c-Si heterostructure solar cell is shown in this work to critically depend on the non-Maxwellian energy distribution function (EDF) of those carriers impinging on the heterointerface. A theoretical model is presented that integrates the effect of the high electric field inversion region upon EDF of the impinging carriers with the transmission probability of those carriers across the heterointerface. The transport of the photocarriers across the high electric field inversion region is simulated by the full solution of the Boltzmann transport equation by Monte Carlo (MC) technique while the transmission probability of carriers across the heterointerface is calculated through the percolation path technique. The results are discussed under two different condition of band bending; strongly inverted and weakly inverted c-Si surface. The results comparing different conditions of band bending show that the energy distribution of the carriers impinging on the heterointerface is non-Maxwellian and the integrated photocarrier collection increases with the strength of the inversion field since the carrier population is weighted toward higher energy where the transmission probability through the barrier is higher. Thus, we demonstrate that hot carriers play an important role in heterostructure cell operation.
Relationship of calculating the Jacobian matrices of nonlinear systems and population coding algorithms in neurobiology

Abstract In this paper we examine how the calculation of Jacobian matrices in nonlinear systems is related to population coding algorithms in neurobiology. Population coding algorithms have been designed to retrodict sensory stimuli or predict motor behavior from neuronal responses. We simulate the visuomotor hand movement task of reaching in a plane. Adaptive feedback control updating of joint angles of a three-joint arm was used in the model. The control signal is the dot product between the visual error signal and the Jacobian matrix of the direct kinematic equation of hand movement. The x and y hand trajectories can follow the x and y time series of Lorenz and Ro¨ssler systems of coupled nonlinear equations. In this particular example, the elements of the Jacobian matrix can be estimated from observed changes in joint angles and Cartesian coordinate values of the hand. We also point out how the Jacobian matrices in nonlinear biological systems can be estimated in general from observed time series; e.g. joint angles, Cartesian coordinate values of hand movement, neural or muscle activity. Estimating Jacobian matrices of nonlinear functions from experimental observations can provide not only data analysis but also signal synthesis and can lead to a more realistic modeling of sensorimotor transformations.
Identification of MHC class I sequences in Chinese-origin rhesus macaques

The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is an excellent model for human disease and vaccine research. Two populations exhibiting distinctive morphological and physiological characteristics, Indian- and Chinese-origin rhesus macaques, are commonly used in research. Genetic analysis has focused on the Indian macaque population, but the accessibility of these animals for research is limited. Due to their greater availability, Chinese rhesus macaques are now being used more frequently, particularly in vaccine and biodefense studies, although relatively little is known about their immunogenetics. In this study, we discovered major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cDNAs in 12 Chinese rhesus macaques and detected 41 distinct Mamu-A and Mamu-B sequences. Twenty-seven of these class I cDNAs were novel, while six and eight of these sequences were previously reported in Chinese and Indian rhesus macaques, respectively. We then performed microsatellite analysis on DNA from these 12 animals, as well as an additional 18 animals, and developed sequence specific primer PCR (PCR-SSP) assays for eight cDNAs found in multiple animals. We also examined our cohort for potential admixture of Chinese and Indian origin animals using a recently developed panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The discovery of 27 novel MHC class I sequences in this analysis underscores the genetic diversity of Chinese rhesus macaques and contributes reagents that will be valuable for studying cellular immunology in this population.
A study of the expression of bodily posture

Resume On a projete sur un ecran des photographies d'un mannequin en 347 postures differentes du corps et on a demande a l'observateur de dire dans une serie d'experiences ce que la posture exprimait, et dans une autre serie de rapporter les idees et les emotions que l'observateur lui-meme a eues, et dans une troisieme serie d'imiter la posture vue et de rapporter la signification de la posture eprouvee. Les resultats montrent que l'expression est conditionee par (1) une attitude (Einstellung) de l'observateur, c'est-a-dire, la posture peut etre prise comme une expression d'une fonction ou d'un etat mental, ou elle peut etre prise comme une phase d'un mouvement; (2) une situation que fournit l'observateur, si l'experimentateur ne la fournit pas; (3) la nature de la posture elle-meme. Ces trois conditions sont cependant dependantes l'une de l'autre. Puisque dans nos conditions l'attitude et la situation sont fournies par l'observateur, nulle posture n'est equivoque dans son expression. Les expressions spec...
The Sterol Carrier Protein SCP-x/Pro-SCP-2 Gene Has Transcriptional Activity and Regulates the Alzheimer Disease γ-Secretase

The sterol carrier protein SCP-x/pro-SCP-2 gene is a fusion gene having two initiation sites that generate a long (SCP-x; 58.9-kDa) and a short (pro-SCP-2; 15.4-kDa) product, both containing the common SCP-2 module at the C terminus. Here, we show that SCP-x is processed on the peroxisomal surface to liberate a short C-terminal product of 12.9 kDa. This fragment has DNA binding activity in vivo and in vitro, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, DNA-protein pull-down, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and luciferase reporter activity. In addition, it is preferentially found in the nucleus where it regulates the transcription of CD147, the regulatory subunit of the Alzheimer disease γ-secretase. Overexpression of SCP-x increased, whereas antisense oligonucleotides against scp-x decreased, the generation of the above transcription factor. Both biochemical and genetic approaches indicate that pro-SCP-2 acts as a competitive inhibitor of SCP-x processing, thereby controlling the release of the 12.9-kDa transcriptionally active fragment. The transcription regulatory function of pro-SCP-2 requires a peroxisomal targeting sequence at the C terminus and a 20-amino acid leading sequence at the N terminus. Finally, pro-SCP-2 has also cholesterol carrier activity, which is functionally separated from the transcription regulatory one. In conclusion, we have identified two novel functions (transcriptional and transcription regulatory) of the SCP-x/pro-SCP-2 gene that have impact on γ-secretase activity.
Biodiversity in Mediterranean-climate streams of California

Although the California mediterranean climate region is widely considered a biodiversity hotspot for terrestrial plants and vertebrates, freshwater biodiversity in this region is generally not well known. Using information from museum specimen databases, published literature, biological assessment surveys, and specialist’s knowledge, we review freshwater biodiversity for several groups of stream organisms in the med-climate region of California, which includes 2,220 species in 292 families. The groups with the highest diversity of lotic species are aquatic insects and diatoms, which comprise 39 and 36 % of species in our lists, respectively. Sequential floods and drying periods limit the overall biodiversity of many stream organisms in California mediterranean rivers, and continued climate and land-use change may cause disproportionate biodiversity declines in the region. However, only 4 % of lotic species have been evaluated in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and many assessments are outdated. Future development of online databases for botanical and zoological collections will significantly enhance biodiversity and distribution knowledge. This information will enable us to more accurately and efficiently assess the effects of global change on biodiversity of freshwater organisms, to evaluate conservation status of individual taxa, and to set conservation priorities for stream ecosystems.
Angle-multiplexed spatial-spectral interferometry for radially polarized femtosecond pulse characterization

A novel method to simultaneously extract the linear polarization state and spectral phase of an ultrashort laser pulse from an angle-multiplexed spatial-spectral interferometric measurement is proposed and experimentally demonstrated.
Cathodoluminescence zoning and minor elements in forsterites from the Murchison (C2) and Allende (C3V) carbonaceous chondrites

Cathodoluminescence has been applied to look for textural features of olivine in carbonaceous meteorites relevant to the unresolved dispute over the origin of the olivine, whether from a vapor or a liquid. Cathodoluminescence photographs of forsterite grains in Murchison (C2) and Allende (C3) meteorites presented here reveal a blue core with planar boundaries to a red or dark rim. High-precision electron microprobe analyses have been performed which reveal unusually large amounts of the 'minor' elements Al, Ti, and Ca in the blue cores of these forsterites, suggesting formation by crystallization at high temperatures from a source rich in these metals. Following conclusions drawn from previous analyses of olivine in meteorites, it is argued that the minor element signature should be able to characterize olivines in micrometeorites and in deep-sea particles.
Altered functional activity and anoxic tolerance in diabetic rat isolated atria

Functional activities of isolated atria from 4-week diabetic rats and their anoxic tolerance and recovery were compared to those of control rats. The present study showed a two-fold increase in maximum developed contraction force (CF), the rate of force development, and the rate of relaxation in isolated atria from diabetic rat heart over that of the control. The rate of the sinoatrial node was lower in the diabetic. However, this lower rate was not responsible for higher CF of the diabetic isolated atria since the twofold difference was still present when both diabetic and control atria were electrically paced at identical rates. Although the high energy phosphate content of the diabetic isolated atria was lower than that of control (50% lower phosphocreatine and 15% lower ATP), diabetic atria exhibited improved short term anoxic tolerance and recovery compared to that of the control. The recovery from long term anoxia, however, was better in control than in diabetic atria, considering the higher original CF in diabetic atria. The present observations are compatible with better ischemic tolerance and higher basal force development observed by some investigators on diabetic isolated heart preparations but not with impaired contractility reported by others. Possible mechanisms responsible for the observed changes are discussed.
Tape-recorded cuing for time-sampled observations of nonverbal behavior

While much research on nonverbal components of social interaction effectively employs film or videotape recording, a variety of circumstances preclude their use. For those situations that require direct observation of ongoing interactions, a simple technique is proposed that facilitates the reliable judgment of diverse behaviors on a time-sampling basis. This particular technique involves the tape-recorded cuing of exact observation times and instructions, which direct the observer's visual attention to the critical behaviors of specific subjects. The implementation of this technique in one setting and its potential application are briefly discussed.
Laboratory assessment of emission reduction strategies for the agricultural fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin.

With the increased use of the agricultural fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP), it is important that strategies to reduce emissions of these fumigant from soil to the air are assessed to protect air quality. Using an established soil column approach, the following emission reduction strategies were compared to a control: (1) spray application of ammonium thiosulfate to the soil surface; (2) deep injection at 46 cm depth; (3) high density polyethylene sealed over the soil surface; (4) virtually impermeable film sealed over the soil surface; and (5) irrigation with ammonium thiosulfate solution. Relative to the control, 1,3-D emissions were reduced by 26.1, 1.0, 0.01, 94.2, and 42.5%, for treatments 1 through 5, respectively. For CP the reductions were 41.6, 23.3, 94.6, 99.9, and 87.5% for treatments 1 through 5, respectively. Virtually impermeable film gave the greatest reductions for both fumigants, while HDPE was very effective only for CP. Despite offering less significant emissi...
Cooperative learning: A successful college teaching strategy

Based on a review of the literature, cooperative learning strategies seem to be effective in raising the level of university student achievement and attitude. The few studies on commitment and retention show positive anecdotal evidence of the importance of small group structures with those undergraduates surveyed. Six features were found to be present in effective cooperative learning methodology: positive interdependence, individual accountability, a rationale for grouping, structured student interaction, instructor facilitation, and attention to social skills. Further study and review of the attitudinal and achievement potential of cooperative learning structures compared to traditional teaching methodologies seems indicated.