cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of 4-deoxythreonic acid present in human urine using HPLC and NMR techniques.

Abstract The 1 H NMR spectrum of urine exhibits a large number of detectable and quantifiable metabolites and hence urine metabolite profiling is potentially useful for the study of systems biology and the discovery of biomarkers for drug development or clinical applications. While a number of metabolites (50–100) are readily detectable in urine by NMR, a much larger number is potentially available if lower concentration species can be detected unambiguously. Lower concentration metabolites are thought to be more specific to certain disease states and thus it is important to detect these metabolites with certainty. We report the identification of 4-deoxythreonic acid, a relatively low concentration endogenous metabolite that has not been previously identified in the 1 H NMR spectrum of human urine. The use of HPLC and NMR spectroscopy facilitated the unequivocal and non-invasive identification of the molecule in urine which is complicated by extensive peak overlap and multiple, similar resonances from other metabolites such as 3-hydroxybutanoic acid. High-resolution detection and good sensitivity were achieved by the combination of multiple chromatographic fraction collection, sample pre-concentration, and the use of a cryogenically cooled NMR probe.
The non-cognitive challenge to a liberal egalitarian education

Political liberalism, conceived of as a response to the diversity of conceptions of the good in multicultural societies, aims to put forward a proposal for how to organize political institutions th...
Cognitive skills and gesture–speech redundancy: Formulation difficulty or communicative strategy?

Speakers sometimes convey information in their gestures that they do not convey in the accompanying speech. The present study examined whether individual differences in the production of non-redundant gesture–speech combinations are related to individual differences in speakers’ spatial and verbal skills. We classified speakers as spatial dominant, verbal dominant, or equally matched on the basis of the difference in their performance on a spatial visualization test and a verbal fluency test. We used the coding procedure developed by Alibali et al. (2009) to code speakers’ gesture–speech redundancy as they narrated an animated cartoon. Spatial-dominant speakers produced a higher proportion of non-redundant gesture–speech combinations than other speakers. The results suggest that some speakers may use non-redundant gesture–speech combinations as a communicative strategy that enables them to capitalize on their strong imagistic representations.
EPR Study of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) of Styrene

We observed EPR signal of copper(II) species in the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene. The steady state concentration of copper(II) species is approximately 4-6% of the original copper(I) species
Fetal and neonatal bone health: update on bone growth and manifestations in health and disease

The neonatal period is classically described as the first 28 days of life, but owing to the fact that changes in skeletal tissue occur at a somewhat slower pace than those of other organ systems, events of the first few months are considered herein. Neonatal bone health is a problem of growing interest and concern because of the increasing recognition of its impact upon childhood, adolescent and even adult bone health. Osteoporosis in adulthood often has its roots in childhood and some forms may be prevented by proper attention to neonatal and childhood bone health. The premature infant likely suffers lifelong decreased bone mineral density as a result of its early birth and lack of adequate mineral stores that are typically present in full-term infants. Adequate embryogenesis, growth and development of the skeletal system are multifactorial and under the influence of a host of genes, growth factors and enzymes. The evaluation of skeletal dysplasias and their recognition are beyond the scope of this paper and will not be considered in this discussion. Here the focus will be on the adequacy of mineralization and metabolic aspects of the growth and development of the fetal and neonatal skeleton, the effect of birth, both preterm and term, maternal illness and health as well as infant diseases.
Efficiency, Corporate Power, and the Bigness Complex

It has become fashionable in some circles to embrace corporate bigness and to deride traditional economic concerns about excessive firm size, market concentration, and merger-induced industrial consolidations. On the right, devotees of recrudescent economic Darwinism-the socalled new learning-insist that corporate size and industry concentration are determined solely by the dictates of economic efficiency. Chicago school economists assert that "concentration occurs and persists where that is the efficient industry structure for producing and distributing a product. ... Concentration persists only where it brings efficiencies or is the consequence of superior management" (Brozen 1982, 56-67). They devoutly believe that "concentration brings progress and lower prices for consumers" ("Bold departures" 1981). They disparage those who "fail to see the obvious point that . . . larger size shows greater efficiency" (Bork 1979, 86). They denounce the traditional role of merger policy in combating trends toward higher industry concentration. Instead they insist that the very existence of consolidation trends "is prima facie evidence that greater concentration . . . is socially desirable. The trend indicates that there are emerging efficiencies or economies of scale-whether due to engineering and production developments, new distributive techniques, or new control and management tools -which make larger size more efficient" (Bork 1978, 205-6). They also demand that antitrust policy be strictly limited to the prosecution of blatant price-fixing conspiracies, while treating existing industry structures as sacrosanct.
Recent Developments in High Intensity Ion Beam Production and Preacceleration

Some high intensity ion sources, applicable for particle accelerators, are evaluated in terms of extracted beam emittance and source "brightness". Specifically recent results obtained with the duoplasmatron ion source, with and without large plasma expansion cup, are given. It is indicated that a high intensity "rectilinear" ion beam may be obtained from an expanded plasma with a high gradient accelerator structure. Recent approaches to air insulated columns are given, mainly related to the BNL preaccelerator design.
Retention of Labelled Deoxyribonucleic Acid following Irradiation: a Statistical Consideration

THE spleen is a highly radiosensitive organ showing an early and pronounced decrease in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis and extensive involution following relatively low doses of ionizing radiation1–3. Although its role in modifying the radiation response of the animal is not completely understood, it has been shown to play an important part in the immunological4 and haemopoietic5 mechanisms of mammals.
Incorporating Service Degradations into a Security Plan

Computer systems invest substantial resources in securing their services. Costs of failure prevention are balanced against those of detection and recovery, both of which typically involve substantial degradations. Most computer users consider degradations of service to be insidious and injurious. Yet, degradations commonly assist in both the prevention and the curtailment of failures. Their toleration enables service continuation following fault activation, during which degradations are monitored for symptoms of security breaches. A systematic approach to degradations should be incorporated into security plans. We propose a template in which service degradations are classified according to their usage and their impact on services within the different stages of a system's lifecycle. Such standardization will promote system security.
The relationship of flow rate to glycosylation of human parotid amylase

Abstract Human parotid saliva was collected without exogenous stimulation (3–5 ml/hr) and with sour-lemon drop stimulation (60 ml/hr). Amylase was isolated from both and separated into isoenzyme families A and B by Bio-Gel filtration. The relative proportions of family A , the glycosylated form, and family B , the non-glycosylated form, were the same in stimulated and unstimulated saliva. The amount of covalently-linked neutral sugars was also the same in family A from stimulated and unstimulated saliva.
Mysterious computational complexity of particle filters

Particle filtering (PF) is a relatively new method to solve the nonlinear filtering problem, which is very general and easy to code. The main issue with PF is the large computational complexity. In particular, for typical low dimensional tracking problems, the PF requires 2 to 4 orders of magnitude more computer throughput than the EKF, to achieve the same accuracy. It has been asserted that the PF avoids the curse of dimensionality, but there is no formula or theorem that bounds or approximates the computational complexity of the PF as a function of dimension (d). In this paper, we will derive a simple back-of-the-envelope formula that explains why a carefully designed PF should mitigate the curse of dimensionality for typical tracking problems, but that it does not avoid the curse of dimensionality in general. This new theory is related to the fact that the volume of the d dimensional unit sphere is an amazingly small fraction of the d dimensional unit cube, for large d.
Transition‐Metal Complexes as Enzyme‐Like Reagents for Protein Cleavage: Complex cis‐[Pt(en)(H2O)2]2+ as a New Methionine‐Specific Protease

Complex cis-[Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) promotes selective hydrolytic cleavage of two proteins, horse cytochrome c and bovine beta-casein. The cleavage is completed in 24 h under relatively mild conditions, at about pH 2.5, and a temperature as low as 40 degrees C. The results of HPLC and TSDS PAGE separations, MALDI mass spectrometry, and Edman sequencing showed that cleavage occurred exclusively at the peptide bond involving the C-terminus of each methionine residue, both such residues in cytochrome c and all six such residues in beta-casein. While having the same selectivity as cyanogen bromide (CNBr), the most common chemical protease, cis-[Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) has several advantages. It is nonvolatile, easy to handle, and recyclable. Its cleavage is residue-selective, the rest of the polypeptide backbone remains intact, and the other side chains remain unmodified. It is applied in approximately equimolar amounts with respect to methionine residues, creates free amino and carboxylic groups, and cleaves even the Met-Pro bond, which is resistant to CNBr and most proteolytic enzymes. Finally the complex also works in the presence of the denaturing reagent sodium dodecyl sulfate. Experiments with the synthetic peptides, AcAla-Lys-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Met-Ala-Ala-Arg-Ala (termed Met-peptide) and AcVal-Lys-Gly-Gly-His-Ala-Lys-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Met-Ala-Ala-Arg-Ala (termed HisMet-peptide) as substrates, revealed structural and mechanistic features of the proteolytic reactions. We explain why two similar complexes with similar metal ions, cis-[Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) and cis-[Pd(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), differ in selectivity as proteolytic reagents. The selectivity of cleavage is governed by the selectivity of the cis-[Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) binding to the methionine side chain. The proteolytic activity is governed by the modes of coordination, which control the approach of the anchored Pt(II) ion to the scissile peptide bond. The cleavage occurs with a small, but significant, catalytic turnover of more than 18 after 7 days. The ability of cis-[Pt(en)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) to cleave proteins at relatively few sites, with explicable selectivity and catalytic turnover, bodes well for its use in biochemical practice.
Purification and characterization of an Ah receptor binding factor in chromatin.

Abstract Dioxin induces biological responses through interaction with a specific intracellular receptor, the Ah receptor, and the subsequent interaction of the Ah receptor with chromatin. We previously reported the binding of the Ah receptor, partially purified from rabbit liver, to receptor binding factors (termed AhRBFs) in chromatin. Rabbit liver chromatin proteins (CP) were isolated by adsorption of chromatin to hydroxylapatite followed by sequential extraction with 3 M NaCl and 1–8 M guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl). In the present study, we continued the purification of the CP5 fraction, which exhibited AhRBF activity. The proteins in CP5 were separated by CL-Sepharose 6B column chromatography resolving lower molecular weight fractions. To assay for receptor binding, a portion of each CL-Sepharose 6B fraction was reconstituted to rabbit doublestranded DNA (dsDNA) using a reverse gradient dialysis of 7.5 to 0.0 M GdnHCl. These reconstituted chromatins were then examined for binding to [ 3 H]-2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo -p- dioxin ([3H]TCDD)-receptor complexes by the streptomycin filter binding assay. Two protein fractions with a molecular weight in the range of 10,000–14,000 demonstrated high affinity binding to the Ah receptor. The binding of AhRBFs reconstituted to dsDNA was shown, by competition experiments with Ah receptor bound by unlabeled TCDD (TCDD-R), to be > 90% specific for [3H]TCDD-R. Further purification was achieved by preparative SDS-PAGE, and AhRBF activity was attributed to two fractions with molecular weights between 12,000 and 10,000. A 12 kDa protein with AhRBF activity was found to have an isoelectric point (pI) of ⩾ 10. The 12 kDa AhRBF was sequenced by Edman degradation after cyanogen bromide cleavage and identified as histone H4. Although histone H4 has been postulated to interact with transcription factors in a variety of systems, this is the first report of a specific interaction of AhR with histone H4.
Inheritance of Promiscuous Nodulation in Soybean

The development of functional root nodules resulting in N 2 fixation in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can be induced by two strains of rhizobia, Bradyrhizobium japonicum (B. japonicum) and Bradyrhizobium spp. (cowpea-type). Genetic control of response to each type has been recognized in soybeans with two categories identified after inoculation with cowpea-type rhizobial strains: (i) promiscuous, which produces functional nodules, N 2 fixation, and green leaves; and (ii) nonpromiscuous, which forms no or nonfunctional nodules and yellow leaves. Using leaf color, segregation patterns indicated that non-promiscuity was dominant with two alleles segregating at each of two independent loci. With this genetic model, the expression of promiscuity requires the presence of both recessive alleles at each locus. Since the cowpea strain is indigenous to the soils in many tropical areas, especially Africa, the development of promiscuous soybean cultivars would greatly increase soybean production without commercial seed inoculation.
Prehypertension: Progression to Hypertension and Management Considerations

Prehypertension is a designation used by the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure to describe untreated adults with blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. As the term implies, prehypertension frequently progresses to hypertension, though weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes can lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of progression to hypertension. Prehypertension often occurs along with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia and impaired glucose metabolism. Prehypertension also carries independent cardiovascular risk. Recent clinical trials indicate that drug therapy should be considered for stable patients with prehypertension at high risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke. Whether using antihypertensive medication in lower risk persons with prehypertension is advantageous is not known.
High-performance, energy-efficient platforms using in-socket FPGA accelerators

Growing demand for energy-efficient, high-performance systems has resulted in the growth of innovative heterogeneous computing system architectures that use FPGAs. FPGA-based architectures enable designers to implement custom instruction streams executing on potentially thousands of compute elements. Traditionally, FPGAs have been used as compute elements on PCI devices; however, this does not allow the FPGAs to be co-processors. This paper describes a high-performance system architecture that is based on the Intel® Xeon® platform in which one or more FPGAs, acting as application accelerators, replace one or more processors in a dual/multi-processor (DP/MP) platform. The FPGA is thus connected directly to the Front Side Bus (FSB) and enjoys the same privileges as a processor, i.e., full participation in the coherency protocol, unrestricted access to system memory and to other processors via the high bandwidth, and low latency connection to the FSB. In addition, we also describe a software layer called the "Accelerator Abstraction Layer (AAL)", which provides a uniform, hardware- and/or platform-independent application interface. Applications written on AAL can be ported to multiple platforms that have different types of accelerators and the application does not have to be modified. In addition, the AAL also enables the developer/user to reprogram the FPGA on the fly (analogous to an operating system context switch) thereby utilizing the programmable nature of the FPGA. The resulting hardware/software stack creates a flexible and powerful platform for accelerator innovation and deployment.
Flow visualization of the influence of compatibilizing agents on the mixing of elastomer blends and the effect on phase morphology

The effect of several different potential compatibilizing agents on the rate of mixing and phase morphologies of immiscible blends of ethylene propylene (EPM) and acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) copolymers of varying nitrile content is described. Flow visualization investigations using an internal mixer with glass windows have been used to show that these agents increase the rate of homogenization of EPM-NBR blends. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study on the morphology of the EPM-NBR blends shows that the choice of a suitable compatibilizing agent results in a final dispersion of NBR particles inside the EPM phase with an average size even as low as 0.5 to 1 μm. Chlorinated polyethylene (CM) has been found to be the most effective in increasing mixing rate and reducing the scales of morphology. However, for NBRs with low acrylonitrile concentration, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloroprene (CR), hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR), arid polybutadiene (BR) were also found to act as suitable compatibilizing agents.
Development of reactive thin film polymer brush membranes to prevent biofouling

Abstract In an effort to reduce biofouling and enhance membrane cleaning and flux recovery, a positively charged polymer was grafted onto a membrane surface in order to inhibit bacterial growth. This modified membrane was compared to a negatively charged polymer and the native membrane surface with respect to potential to reduce bacterial growth and biofouling of a microfiltration membrane. Monomer units were grafted on 0.1 μM pore size polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membrane with [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (AETMA) (positively charged, hydrophilic) and acrylic acid (AA) (negatively charged, hydrophilic) by initiating the co-polymerization reaction using ultraviolet radiation. Variation of reaction times from 5 to 15 min yielded grafted amounts ranging from 50 to 350 μg/cm 2 . After acrylic acid modification, the membranes were more negatively charged, while the charge reversed to positive (∼+30 mV) after modification with AETMA. The hydrophilicity of the membranes increased upon modification for each monomer with the contact angle decreasing from 68° to 54°. For all modified membranes, the initial membrane permeability decreased with increasing degree of grafting, however the flux in presence of Escherichia coli was 30–200% higher for the AETMA-modified membranes when compared to the unmodified membrane flux. AA-modified membranes had relatively low flux when compared to the AETMA-modified membranes and did not exhibit significant flux decline during the E. coli filtration. The flux recovery after chemical cleaning was greater than 80% for AETMA-modified membranes, suggesting that most of the fouling is reversible, whereas recovery of unmodified membrane flux was
Intra-stimulation discharges: An overlooked cortical electrographic entity triggered by direct electrical stimulation

Abstract Objective Intra-stimulation discharges (IDs) can occur during language mapping, are largely unrecognized, and may precede the occurrence of after-discharges (ADs) and seizures. This study aimed to identify predictors of ID occurrence and determine whether IDs increase the probability of triggered ADs. Methods A total of 332 stimulation events performed during language mapping were analyzed in 3 patients who underwent intracranial EEG recordings during evaluations for epilepsy surgery. IDs were identified in 76 stimulation events. The relationships between IDs and the stimulus current intensity, stimulation duration, and proximity to regions of abnormal cortical excitability [characterized by the presence of baseline epileptiform discharges (BEDs)] were determined using regression analysis. Results The presence of BEDs in close proximity to stimulation, an increase in stimulus intensity by 1 mA, and an increase in stimulation duration by 1 s independently increased the odds of triggering IDs by 7.40, 1.37, and 1.39 times, respectively. All IDs were triggered during stimulations in the temporal lobe. The occurrence of IDs increased the odds of triggering ADs 5-fold. Conclusions Longer stimulations, higher currents, and the presence of BEDs at the stimulation site increase the probability of ID occurrence, which in turn increases the probability of triggering ADs. Significance Attention to IDs may improve the safety and precision of neurophysiologic mapping.
Neurogenin3 and Hepatic Nuclear Factor 1 Cooperate in Activating Pancreatic Expression of Pax4

During fetal development, paired/homeodomain transcription factor Pax4 controls the formation of the insulin-producing β cells and the somatostatin-producing δ cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Targeting of Pax4 expression to the islet lineage in the fetal pancreas depends on a short sequence located ∼2 kb upstream of the transcription initiation site of the PAX4 gene. This short sequence contains binding sites for homeodomain transcription factors PDX1 and hepatic nuclear factor (HNF)1, nuclear receptor HNF4α, and basic helix-loop-helix factor Neurogenin3. In the current study we demonstrate that the HNF1α and Neurogenin3 binding sites are critical for activity of the region through synergy between the two proteins. Synergy involves a physical interaction between the factors and requires the activation domains of both factors. Furthermore, exogenous expression of Neurogenin3 is sufficient to induce expression of the endogenous pax4 gene in the mouse pancreatic ductal cell line mPAC, which already expresses HNF1α, whereas expression of both Neurogenin3 and HNF1α are necessary to activate the pax4 gene in the fibroblast cell line NIH3T3. These data demonstrate how Neurogenin3 and HNF1α activate the pax4 gene during the cascade of gene expression events that control pancreatic endocrine cell development.
Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in the midgut of Manduca sexta.

Abstract Midgut preparations from Manduca sexta larvae exhibit potent cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity. The enzyme exhibits a pH optimum at pH 8·8 and the assay reaction is linear for at least 30 min. Enzyme activity is greatest in larvae during the second day of the fourth and fifth instars and decreases at the end of the instar. Midgut cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity rises again in the pharate pupa and during pharate adult development. Whether these alterations in emzyme activity reflect humorally controlled morphogenetic changes in the midgut or are involved in the physiological functions of the midgut is as yet not known.
Studying the pulverization mechanisms of low-cross-link-density natural rubber with and without carbon black

The effects of the temperature in the different heating zones and the rotating speed of the screw in the Solid State Shear Extrusion (SSSE) process were studied to obtain a better understanding of the pulverization mechanisms of the low-cross-link-density natural rubber. Results showed that providing a range of both temperature and normal stress was required to pulverize cross-linked natural rubber, but shear stress plays the most important role to produce fine particles. Two rubber samples were provided with the same composition, but one with carbon black (CB) and the other one without, and were pulverized at the same process conditions to show the effect of the material mechanical properties on the produced particles' average size. The average produced particle size of the sample without CB was considerably smaller than the one with, and they were electrostatically charged. Based on this result, under combination of the shear and normal stresses, adding hard particles (in this case CB) to the cross-linked rubber increases its dissipation energy, therefore less energy is restored for the material fracture.
Generational Increases in Agentic Self-evaluations among American College Students, 1966–2009

Compared to previous generations, more American college students now rate themselves as above average on attributes such as academic ability, drive to achieve, leadership ability, public speaking ability, self-confidence, and writing ability (based on a nationally representative sample collected 1966–2009; N = 6.5 million). These birth cohort differences are similar with controls for race and gender and occurred despite the college population becoming less selective. Trends in positive self-views are correlated with grade inflation (which increased d = 0.81), but are not explained by changes in objective performance (e.g., SAT scores have declined, d = −0.22) or effort (time spent studying is down, d = − 0.31). Broad cultural shifts emphasizing positive self-views have apparently resulted in enhanced self-evaluations on agentic domains. Self-evaluations on communal attributes, such as understanding others, cooperativeness, and spirituality, either decreased or were unchanged.
TRANSVERSE ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE OF THE SQUID GIANT AXON

The impedance of the excised giant axon from hindmost stellar nerve of Loligo pealii has been measured over the frequency range from 1 to 2500 kilocycles per second. The measurements have been made with the current flow perpendicular to the axis of the axon to permit a relatively simple analysis of the data. It has been found that the axon membrane has a polarization impedance with an average phase angle of 76° and an average capacity of 1.1µf./cm2 at 1 kilocycle. The direct current resistance of the membrane could not be measured, but was greater than 3 ohm cm.2 and the average internal specific resistance was four times that of sea water. There was no detectable change in the membrane impedance when the axon lost excitability, but some time later it decreased to zero.
The Impartiality of the Speaker of the House of Commons

Austen outlines the evolution of a non-partisan Speaker of the Commons in Parliament, which was a long and slow process from the time it was first established as such in 1377.
Quality of Worklife for Nurses: An Ethical Perspective

Much has been written regarding the global nurse shortage. Frequently, authors and speakers who represent the discipline of nursing raise the topic of contextual barriers and limitations experienced in the practice setting as potential for the de-valuing of human dignity in the worklife of nurses. Quality of worklife issues arise and are reflected in observations of an ever-present difficulty with recruitment and retention of professional nurses in a multitude of global healthcare settings. This column is intended to begin a dialogue about the valuing of human dignity for nurses and the quality-of-life issues that surface as described by nurses and healthcare recipients that dramatically influence the quality of nursing practice from the humanbecoming school of thought.
Simulation of hard triatomic and tetratomic molecules. A test of associating fluid theories

Results of isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo simulations for hard tangent homonuclear triatomic and tetratomic molecules are presented for fixed and flexible angle models. The simulation results are compared to the prediction of Wertheim's first (TPT1) and second-order (TPT2) thermodynamic perturbation theory for associating fluids and the Zhou and Stell approach. The theories are applied for hard spheres with two association sites in the limit of complete bonding. Both TPT2 and the Zhou-Stell theories produce equations of similar structure and are able to predict the density and bond angle dependence of the simulation results. Extensions of the theories to linear and branched hard chains, fused sphere molecules and mixtures are discussed and compared to new and existing simulation results.
Factors influencing pursuit ability in infantile nystagmus syndrome: Target timing and foveation capability

We wished to determine the influential factors for Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome (INS) subjects' ability to acquire and pursue moving targets using predictions from the behavioral Ocular Motor System (OMS) model and data from INS subjects. Ocular motor simulations using a behavioral OMS model were performed in MATLAB Simulink. Eye-movement recordings were performed using a high-speed digital video system. We studied five INS subjects who pursued a 10 degrees /s ramp target to both left and right. We measured their target-acquisition times based on position criteria. The following parameters were studied: Lt (measured from the target-ramp initiation to the first on-target foveation period), target pursuit direction, and foveation-period pursuit gain. Analyses and simulations were performed in MATLAB environment using OMLAB software (OMtools, download from http://www.omlab.org). Ramp-target timing influenced target-acquisition time; the closer to the intrinsic saccades in the waveform the ramp stimuli started, the longer was Lt. However, arriving at the target position may not guarantee its foveation. Foveation-period pursuit gains vs. target or slow-phase direction had an idiosyncratic relationship for each subject. Adjustments to the model's Fixation subsystem reproduced the idiosyncratic foveation-period pursuit gains; the gain of the Smooth Pursuit subsystem was maintained at its normal value. The model output predicted a steady-state error when target initiation occurred during intrinsic saccades, consistent with human data. We conclude that INS subjects acquire ramp targets with longer latency for target initiations during or near the intrinsic saccades, consistent with the findings in our step-stimuli timing study. This effect might be due to the interaction between the saccadic and pursuit systems. The combined effects of target timing and Fixation-subsystem gain determined how fast and how well the INS subjects pursued ramp stimuli during their foveations periods (i.e., their foveation-period pursuit gain). The OMS model again demonstrated its behavioral characteristics and prediction capabilities (e.g., steady-state error) and revealed an important interaction between the Fixation and Smooth Pursuit subsystems.
Moldability of Tackified Fiber Preforms in Liquid Composite Molding

In this work, the effectiveness of using a reactive (bismaleimide) and a non-reactive (polymethylmethacrylate) tackifier in controlling preform springback is investigated using a 6k, 4HS woven graphite fiber mat. Effects of tackifier on preform permeability and fiber wetting are also addressed. Preform springback occurs when the force exerted by the compressed fibers, upon release of an externally applied load, is greater than the "holding" force provided by the tackifier. The latter depends upon the tackifier modulus and the wetted surface area of the preform. The surface area of the pre-form covered by the tackifier can be either interor intralayer, depending upon the rheological properties of the tackifier and the preforming conditions. For the same tackifier concentration, better springback control is achieved when tackifier is inside the fiber tows. Moreover, since mold filling is governed primarily by resin flow between the fiber tows, permeability or flow resistance is not affected much by intra-la...
The Bacterial Virulence Factor Lymphostatin Compromises Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function by Modulating Rho GTPases

Lymphocyte inhibitory factor A (lifA) in Citrobacter rodentium encodes the large toxin lymphostatin, which contains two enzymatic motifs associated with bacterial pathogenesis, a glucosyltransferase and a protease. Our aim was to determine the effects of each lymphostatin motif on intestinal epithelial-barrier function. In-frame mutations of C. rodentium lifA glucosyltransferase (CrGlM21) and protease (CrPrM5) were generated by homologous recombination. Infection of both model intestinal epithelial monolayers and mice with C. rodentium wild type resulted in compromised epithelial barrier function and mislocalization of key intercellular junction proteins in the tight junction and adherens junction. In contrast, CrGlM21 was impaired in its ability to reduce barrier function and influenced the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. CrPrM5 demonstrated decreased effects on the adherens junction proteins β-catenin and E-cadherin. Analysis of the mechanisms revealed that C. rodentium wild type differentially influenced Rho GTPase activation, suppressed Cdc42 activation, and induced Rho GTPase activation. CrGlM21 lost its suppressive effects on Cdc42 activation, whereas CrPrM5 was unable to activate Rho signaling. Rescue experiments using constitutively active Cdc42 or C3 exotoxin to inhibit Rho GTPase supported a role of Rho GTPases in the epithelial barrier compromise induced by C. rodentium. Taken together, our results suggest that lymphostatin is a bacterial virulence factor that contributes to the disruption of intestinal epithelial-barrier function via the modulation of Rho GTPase activities.
An infant-based assessment of early lexicon acquisition

The majority of research on the acquisition of spoken language has focused on language production, due to difficulties in the assessment of comprehension. A primary limitation to comprehension assessment is maintaining the interest and attention of younger infants. We have developed an assessment procedure that addresses the need for an extensive performance-based measure of comprehension in the 2nd year of life. In the interest of developing an engaging approach that takes into account infants' limited attention capabilities, we designed an assessment based on touchscreen technology. This approach builds upon prior research by combining standardization and complexity with an engaging infant-friendly interface. Data suggest that the touchscreen procedure is effective in eliciting and maintaining infant attention and will yield more extensive and reliable estimates of early comprehension than do other procedures. The software to implement the assessment is available free of charge for academic purposes.
An auto-switched mode CMOS image sensor for high dynamic range scientific imaging applications

This paper presents a CMOS image sensor with auto-switched mode readout architecture for high throughput and high dynamic range scientific imaging applications. The proposed readout circuit compares background illumination with a threshold level and automatically adjusts the pixel array to operate in either linear or logarithmic mode by feeding back a mode switching control signal. This novel readout architecture allows simultaneous linear-logarithmic operation of each pixel, resulting in direct readout of image sequence covering a dynamic range of 121 dB. A chip consisting of 16 times 16 8-T pixel array and the proposed readout circuit has been designed and fabricated using AMI 0.5 mum technology. The chip has been verified for imaging clusters of nano particles (CoFe2O4) illuminated using bright green LED. Experiment results confirm high dynamic range performance due to linear-logarithmic auto-switched mode operation.
A Naturally Occurring hPMS2 Mutation Can Confer a Dominant Negative Mutator Phenotype

ABSTRACT Defects in mismatch repair (MMR) genes result in a mutator phenotype by inducing microsatellite instability (MI), a characteristic of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCC) and a subset of sporadic colon tumors. Present models describing the mechanism by which germ line mutations in MMR genes predispose kindreds to HNPCC suggest a “two-hit” inactivation of both alleles of a particular MMR gene. Here we present experimental evidence that a nonsense mutation at codon 134 of the hPMS2 gene is sufficient to reduce MMR and induce MI in cells containing a wild-type hPMS2 allele. These results have significant implications for understanding the relationship between mutagenesis and carcinogenesis and the ability to generate mammalian cells with mutator phenotypes.
Sequential decoding for efficient communication from deep space

A system based on sequential decoding and utilizing binary phase-shift keying and 8-level quantized decisions is proposed for deep-space communication. Theoretical analyses augmented by a program of computer Simulation promise operation within 3-4 dB of the channel capacity of an infinite bandwidth additive white Gaussian noise channel. A low probability of erasure is achieved by the suggested use of occasional off-line decoding. A negligible probability of error is readily achieved. Channel coherence is examined and quadratic and decision-directed methods of achieving a phase reference are compared. Extensive symbol interleaving is suggested and an analysis included of the required phase reference signal-to-noise ratio.
Aspects of the Immunology of the Tumor-Host Relationship and Responsiveness to Modified Lymphoma Cells

There are various approaches to cancer immunotherapy currently under investigation by many groups. We are studying use of modified cells from the tumor to be treated. Immunization with modified cells may be useful in two situations: 1. When an immune response occurs as part of the natural reaction of the host to tumor, the strength of the response may be increased; 2. in the absence of a host response, the possibility exists that an altered tumor cell preparation could be used to break the unresponsive state.
A Porphyrin Pathway Impairment Is Responsible for the Phenotype of a Dominant Disease Lesion Mimic Mutant of Maize

The maize lesion mimic gene Les22 is defined by dominant mutations and characterized by the production of minute necrotic spots on leaves in a developmentally specified and light-dependent manner. Phenotypically, Les22 lesions resemble those that are triggered during a hypersensitive disease resistance response of plants to pathogens. We have cloned Les22 by using a Mutator-tagging technique. It encodes uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of chlorophyll and heme in plants. Urod mutations in humans are also dominant and cause the metabolic disorder porphyria, which manifests itself as light-induced skin morbidity resulting from an excessive accumulation of photoexcitable uroporphyrin. The phenotypic and genetic similarities between porphyria and Les22 along with our observation that Les22 is also associated with an accumulation of uroporphyrin revealed what appears to be a case of natural porphyria in plants.
Aids to computer-based multimedia learning.

Computer-based multimedia learning environments — consisting of pictures (such as animation) and words (such as narration) — offer a potentially powerful venue for improving student understanding. How can we use words and pictures to help people understand how scientific systems work, such as how a lightning storm develops, how the human respiratory system operates, or how a bicycle tire pump works? This paper presents a cognitive theory of multimedia learning which draws on dual coding theory, cognitive load theory, and constructivist learning theory. Based on the theory, principles of instructional design for fostering multimedia learning are derived and tested. The multiple representation principle states that it is better to present an explanation in words and pictures than solely in words. The contiguity principle is that it is better to present corresponding words and pictures simultaneously rather than separately when giving a multimedia explanation. The coherence principle is that multimedia explanations are better understood when they include few rather than many extraneous words and sounds. The modality principle is that it is better to present words as auditory narration than as visual on-screen text. The redundancy principle is that it is better to present animation and narration than to present animation, narration, and on-screen text. By beginning with a cognitive theory of how learners process multimedia information, we have been able to conduct focused research that yields some preliminary principles of instructional design for multimedia messages.  2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Clinical Pharmacology and Dynamics of Marihuana Cigarette Smoking

We have studied the dynamics of marihuana smoking, the plasma concentration of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the pharmacologic effects produced by the sequential smoking of two 1% marihuana cigarettes at a 2-hour interval. Three males and three females, experienced marihuana smokers, participated in the study. The results indicate that each subject smoked his or her two cigarettes at a similar rate. The THC plasma concentrations produced by the smoking of the second cigarette were slightly lower than those produced by the first cigarette. The levels of the psychologic "high" caused by the two cigarettes were similar. However, the first cigarette accelerated the heart twice as much as the second cigarette. Between males and females there were marked differences in the rate at which the cigarettes were smoked. In particular, males took more puffs, took them more often, and consumed the cigarettes more rapidly than females. The plasma concentrations of THC, the self-reported psychologic effects, and the heart rate acceleration produced by the smoking of the two cigarettes were identical between the sexes.
Apply the Electrorheological Effect to Produce Three-Dimensional Photonic Crystals for Laser Applications

We have applied the electrorheological (ER) effect to produce three-dimensional (3-D) photonic crystals for laser applications. When polyester resin is in a strong electric field, bubbles are generated as a result of a chemical reaction. Because the resin has much high dielectric constant and conductivity than that of the bubbles, the bubbles are negatively polarized. Strong dipolar interactions force the bubbles align in the field direction to form chains and aggregate into a body-centered tetragonal lattice. This crystallization process can be controlled by varying the electric field strength, temperature, and amount of hardener. The final product, a 3-D photonic crystal, has good optical properties for laser applications.
Higher Education for African Americans before the Civil Rights Era, 1900–1964. Edited by Marybeth Gasman and Roger L. Geiger. (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 2012. Pp. 200. $34.95.)

Both the histories of higher education and of African American education have flourished in recent years, producing rich bodies of scholarship; this volume of essays nicely melds them together. Coe...
Thermal decyanation, a new organic reaction. II

When heated in solution at about 160°C, pyridine quaternary salts of bromomalonamides lose 1 mole of cyanic or isocyanic acid almost quantitatively in a manner quite analogous to the decarboxylation of an acid. By DTA and DSC, the crystalline salts are stable up to their melting points (>220°C) at which temperatures concurrent fusion and decyanation processes occur (endotherm); these are immediately followed by an exotherm related to the trimerization of cyanic acid. TGA measurements on the solid salts do not clearly define the loss of 1 mole of cyanic acid because in the solid state, thermal decyanation is accompanied to some extent by other pyrolytic reactions. Preparative methods for quaternizing poly(4-vinylpyridine) with bromomalonamide are described and two polymeric quaternary salts (33 and 100% substituted) were prepared and analyzed. These polyelectrolytes are water soluble and upon the addition of base the yellow polymeric nitrogen ylids are generated. Infrared spectra on the polymeric quaternary salts and visible spectra on the polymeric ylids are included. The ylid chromophore has an e = 1800 at λmax = 415 nm. The dilute solution viscosity behavior of these polymers in H2O and in 0.05N KBr is typical of polyelectrolytes. Both polymers in dilute solution show a maximum in ηsp versus pH plots. In water, the viscosity of these polymers decreases with time, and it is proven that this results from a conformational change which accompanies amide hydrolysis rather than polymer backbone degradation. Glass transitions are not detectable by DTA but both polymers show well-defined trimerization exotherms for cyanic acid starting at 170–175°C. Thus, decyanation of the solid polymeric quaternary salts is more analogous to decyanation of the crystalline quaternarys in solution than as solids. TGA measurements on the polymers show weight losses which are of the correct order of magnitude and in the correct temperature range for monodecyanation. Some data are presented which suggest that perhaps a second mole of cyanic acid is lost at about 250°C. Quaternization of poly(4-vinylpyridine) with bromomalonamide reduces its gross decomposition temperature from 385°C to about 285–317°C. It is demonstrated how thermal decyanation can be used for the in situ generation of cyanic acid for the modification of organic compounds. The preparation of a partial urethane of poly(vinyl alcohol) using this method is described. We have also shown that aliphatic quaternary salts can be prepared and that they too undergo the decyanation reaction.
Using local area networks to improve learning efficiency

Connectivity is rapidly becoming an ever more important word to the business community. The last decade has seen tremendous growth in the use and development of local area network (LAN) technology. Along with this growth, it has become easier to install LANs, making this technology available to anyone willing to explore it. The education community is also realizing the power of connectivity through LANs and is beginning to find new and useful ways to employ them. This paper chronicles how the United States Military Academy employs local area networks to improve learning efficiency.