cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A sensitive method to detect initiation of growth in Streptococcus gordonii using ribosomal RNA operon-reporter gene fusions.

A system for studying the early growth response of Streptococcus gordonii to environmental stimuli has been developed. A reporter gene, encoding α-amylase, has been integrated into an rRNA operon to monitor changes in cellular physiology associated with the initiation of growth. Two such strains with single integrants have been characterized during the transition from lag phase to exponential growth. Synthesis of the reporter is correlated to growth initiation in both strains, and the reporter enzyme is detectable with sufficient sensitivity. Comparison of the expression profiles of the two rrn operons containing the reporter gene suggests that they are differentially expressed over the course of growth.
A possible oviraptorosaur from the Late Cretaceous of northwestern Argentina

ABSTRACT A newly discovered cervical vertebra from the Upper Cretaceous Lecho Formation of northwestern Argentina (Estancia El Brete) bears pneumatic foramina and epipophyses, and is assigned to the Theropoda. Although isolated, this specimen is significant because it is different from all described theropod cervical material from South America, most likely representing a new taxon. The El Brete specimen most closely resembles the cervical vertebrae of Chirostenotes, oviraptorids, and therizinosaurids. A cladistic analysis of cervical morphology groups the new specimen with those of the Laurasian oviraptorosaurs, suggesting the presence of this group of nonavian theropods in the Cretaceous of Gondwana.
Quantum phase retrieval of a Rydberg wave packet using a half-cycle pulse.

A terahertz half-cycle pulse was used to retrieve information stored as quantum phase in an $N$-state Rydberg atom data register. The register was prepared as a wave packet with one state phase reversed from the others (the ``marked bit''). A half-cycle pulse then drove a significant portion of the electron probability into the flipped state via multimode interference.
Age‐related differences in brain electrical activity of healthy subjects

A combined neurophysiological (electroencephalographic [EEG] and sensory evoked potential) and neuropsychological investigation was performed on 63 healthy men ranging in age from 30 to 80 years. Although alpha frequency diminished slightly with age, neither amplitude nor frequency demonstrated a high age correlation. Alpha blocking, in contrast, did correlate with age, in the direction of reduced alpha reactivity. EEG background activity underwent significant age-correlated change, consisting of reductions in slow activity and augmentation of fast activity i.e., EEG desynchronization. Previously reported age-related EEG slowing may be related to the presence of disease in the populations studied. Topographic analysis revealed that the greatest change occurred in the temporal lobes. More change was noted either early or late in the age span, suggesting that aging is a nonlinear process. More features were derived from the right hemisphere than from the left, suggesting that the aging process is not completely symmetrical.
Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Current Generation in Light and Darkness

PENN and Hagins first demonstrated a sustained “dark” voltage along the axis of rat retinal rods which results from membrane current leaving the inner segment and entering the outer segment1,2. They also found that the response to light (receptor potential) is a reduction in this “dark” voltage which does not alter its spatial distribution. I have examined the retinal “dark” voltage and the light-evoked receptor potential in terms of possible passive and active transport mechanisms of electrogenesis.
Recrystallization of W-1 wt pct ThO2 wire

The recrystallization behavior of W-l wt pct ThO2 wires of two sizes, 0.457 and 0.178 mm (18 and 7 mil), was studied using optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, hardness, and resistivity ratio techniques. For the 0.178 mm wire the effects of heating rate were also analyzed. Recrystallization of the 18 mil wire is characterized by rather gradual changes in hardness, resistivity ratio, and microstructure leading to a small recrystallized grain size. The 0.178 mm wire, on the other hand, exhibits more abrupt changes in resistivity ratio and hardness which coincide with the development of a recrystallized structure having a large grain-size range. Variation of heating rates between about 150,000°C/min and 500°C/min did not significantly affect the grain structure or hardness achieved for annealing temperatures of 2000°, 2500°, and 2700°C. However, very slow heating rates, less than 10°C/min, were shown to prevent the formation of large grains in the 0.178 mm wire. These results are explained on the basis of differences in the effectiveness of ThO2 particles in hindering grain boundary motion.
Interaction between platelet receptor and iloprost isomers

Iloprost, a stable analog of prostacyclin, has been used for studying the interaction between prostacyclin and its effector cells such as platelets and vascular cells. The compound is usually prepared as a mixture of 16(S) and 16(R) stereoisomers. In this work, we compared the biological activity and platelet receptor binding characteristics between the two isomers. The 16(S) isomer was 20-times more potent than the 16(R) in inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Equilibrium binding of iloprost isomers to platelet membrane receptors measured by rapid filtration method revealed that the specific binding data of 16(S) isomer was fit for a single binding species with Kd of 13.4 nM and Bmax 665 fmol/mg protein. By contrast, the Kd and Bmax of 16(R) isomer were 288 nM and 425 fmol/mg, respectively. To further assess different binding behavior of these two isomers, association rate was measured. The observed association rate of the S isomer was 0.036 s-1 and 0.001 s-1 for the R isomer at 15 nM iloprost and 2 mg/ml platelet membrane proteins. We postulate that the striking difference in the association rate with resultant difference in binding affinity and biologic activity between the two isomers was due to fitting of the molecule to the receptor channel. The 16(S) form has a more favorable orientation for fitting into the receptor. We conclude that the two iloprost isomers must be considered as two entirely different compounds when iloprost is used as the ligand for quantifying prostacyclin receptor binding.
Interest-rate targeting

Abstract The paper develops a model in which the monetary authority successfully targets the nominal interest rate, while also holding down the forecast variance of the price level. The latter objective pins down the extent of monetary accommodation to shifts in the demand for money and other shocks, and thereby makes determinate the levels of money and prices at each date. Empirical evidence for the United States suggests that the model's predictions accord reasonably well with observed behavior for nominal interest rates, growth rates of the monetary base, and rates of inflation.
Influence of interpregnancy interval on neonatal morbidity

Objective We sought to assess the influence of birth spacing on neonatal morbidity, stratified by gestational age at birth. Study Design This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using Ohio birth records, 2006 through 2011. We compared various interpregnancy interval (IPI) lengths in multiparous mothers with the rate and risk of adverse newborn outcomes. The frequency of neonatal intensive care unit admission or neonatal transport to a tertiary care facility was calculated for births occurring after IPI lengths: Results We analyzed 395,146 birth outcomes of singleton nonanomalous neonates born to multiparous mothers. The frequency and adjusted odds of neonatal morbidity were lowest following IPI of 12 to Conclusion IPI length is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity, independent of gestational age at birth. Counseling women to plan an optimal amount of time between pregnancies is important for newborn health.
Accelerating memory decryption and authentication with frequent value prediction

This paper presents a novel architectural technique to hide fetch latency overhead of hardware encrypted and authenticated memory. A number of recent secure processor designs have used memory block encryption and authentication to protect un-trusted external memory. However, the latency overhead of certain encryption modes or authentication schemes can be intolerably high. This paper proposes novel techniques called frequent value ciphertext speculation and frequent value MAC speculation that synergistically combine value prediction and the inherently pipelined cryptography hardware to address the issue of latency for memory decryption and authentication. Without sacrificing security, frequent value ciphertext speculation can speed up memory decryption or MAC integrity verification by speculatively encrypting predictable memory values and comparing the result ciphertext with the fetched ciphertext. In MAC speculation, a secure processor pre-computes MAC for speculated frequent values and compares the MAC result with the fetched MAC from memory. Using SPEC2000 benchmark suite and detailed architecture simulator, our results show that ciphertext speculation and MAC speculation can significantly improve performance for direct memory encryption modes based on only 8 most frequent 64-bit values. For eight benchmark programs, the speedup is over 10\% and some benchmark programs achieve more than 20% speedup. For counter mode encrypted memory, MAC speculation can also significantly reduce the authentication overhead.
The transstenotic pressure gradient trend as a predictor of acute complications after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

The transstenotic pressure gradient recorded during coronary angioplasty (PTCA) reflects the dynamic relationship that exists between coronary blood flow and the effective cross-sectional area of the arterial lumen. An apparent relationship between the dynamic behavior of the pressure gradient and subsequent acute vessel closure was observed in our catheterization laboratory. We therefore examined the usefulness of the pressure gradient trend in predicting acute complications after 463 attempted PTCA procedures. Two pressure gradient trend patterns were identified: (1) a rising trend pattern identified by an increasing pressure gradient in the interval after deflation of the angioplasty, and (2) a stable trend pattern identified by a constant or decreasing pressure gradient. The incidence of acute vessel closure (17% vs 4%, p = .0001), emergency CABG (5.6% versus 1%, p less than .05), and myocardial infarction (13% versus 2%, p less than .0001) after the PTCA procedure was significantly higher among patients with rising trend patterns when compared with patients with stable trend patterns. Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors for an acute closure event as rising trend pattern (p less than .001), post-PTCA gradient (p less than .05), and post-PTCA percent diameter stenosis (p less than .02). Independent predictors for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting and myocardial infarction were post-PTCA gradient (p less than .001) and a rising trend pattern (odds ratio = 2.91, p less than .001), respectively. The dynamic behavior of the gradient trend provides additional useful information about the results of dilatation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improved mean field studies of SU(N) chiral models and comparison with numerical simulations

Abstract SU( N ) × SU( N ) matrix models are investigated using a systematic expansion around the classical mean field result. One-loop corrections for N = 2−5, and ∞ are computed for the two-, three-, and four-dimensional models. The results are in good agreement with numerical simulations of these models.
EPILEPSIES WITH PARTIAL SEIZURES IN CHILDHOOD

Individual seizures are described as either partial (localization related) or generalized depending on whether a localized area of cerebral cortex is symptomatically involved sufficient to impart to the seizure a focal signature or whether sufficient cortex is involved sufficiently rapidly to appear as if generalized from the outset. This distinction is of some diagnostic and therapeutic importance. However, it has become evident that the prognosis of the patient's epilepsy is less a function of the seizure type than it is of the etiology and of the nature of the syndrome that the seizures represent. This approach is stressed in this chapter as is the regret that there is frequently a delay in the acknowledgment of the usefulness of a new drug in childhood epilepsies, as exemplified by lamotrigine. (J Child Neurol 1997;12(Suppl 1):S19-S22).
LEFT CORONARY ARTERY ANGLE OF TAKEOFF IN PATIENTS WITH TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES AFTER ARTERIAL SWITCH OPERATION IS NOT RELATED TO FUNCTION BUT IS RELATED TO LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS: A CMR STUDY

Pts with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) may have varied coronary artery patterns; reimplantation during arterial switch operation (ASO) may necessitate acute angles of takeoff from the aortic root impacting left ventricular (LV) performance. Retrospective review of CMR scans from 2005–
The effect of caffeine on fragile X expression

Caffeine has been reported to enhance the expression of the fragile X [fra(X)] and common fragile sites in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures (PBLC) treated with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR). One of the effects of caffeine on replicating cells is inhibition of DNA repair suggesting that fragile sites may be regions of DNA with a high rate of misreplication under the conditions of thymidylate stress induced by FUdR. We have studied the effect of caffeine on the expression of the fra(X) and common folate-dependent fragile sites in PBLC from two fra(X) expressing individuals and in five lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) established from individuals in families in which the fra(X) is segregating. Caffeine did not enhance the expression of the fra(X) in the PBLC or in the three LCL from fra(X) expressing individuals nor did it elicit fra(X) expression in LCL from a non-expressing obligate-carrier female and a transmitting male. However, in all cultures there was a marked increase of common fragile site expression due to caffeine treatment. These data suggest that the mechanism of expression of the common fragile sites and the fra(X) may be quite different.
274 DRENERGIC RECEPTOR IN MAMALIAN PLACENTA: COMPARISON OF RAT, GUINEA PIG, RABBIT, HUMAN AND TROPHOBLASTIC TUMORS

274 DRENERGIC RECEPTOR IN MAMALIAN PLACENTA: COMPARISON OF RAT, GUINEA PIG, RABBIT, HUMAN AND TROPHOBLASTIC TUMORS
Local order and defects in MBE-grown a-GaAs

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR), and 71 Ga and 75 As nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements have been performed on a 20μ thick film of a-GaAs deposited on a SiO 2 substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The ESR spectrum exhibits the four-line S = 1 2 , I = 3 2 hyperfine pattern characteristic of the singly ionized arsenic antisite defect (As Ga ) commonly observed in crystalline GaAs. The concentration of As Ga centers is estimated to be 10 17 −10 18 cm −3 which is 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than those typically found in as-grown (unirradiated) crystalline samples. 71 Ga and 75 As NMR linewidths suggest substantial quadrupole broadening due to slight deviations from crystalline bonding parameters, but with overall preservation of short-range tetrahedral order.
Parabolic recovery of boundary gradients

A parabolic recovery procedure suited for shear stress and heat flux recovery on surfaces from linear element data is proposed. The information required consists of the usual unknowns at points, as well as gradients recovered at the points that are one layer away from the wall. The procedure has been in use for some time and has consistently delivered superior results as compared with the usual wall shear stress and heat flux obtained from linear finite element method shape functions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using superfluid mixtures to probe convective instabilities

When the height d of a convecting layer of a dilute solution of 3He in superfluid 4He is much greater than a characteristic dissipation length λ0, the superfluid mixture behaves as if it were a single-component classical fluid, but one with the extraordinarily broad and interesting Prandtl number range of 0.04 < Pr < 1.5. We have made the first direct measurements of λ0 by observing its effect on the critical Rayleigh number Rc, thus determining quantitatively how closely superfluid mixture convection matches standard Rayleigh-Benard convection. Two-fluid effects can be only a few percent for 1.0 < T < 2.0 K. We also report a series of measurements near the crossing of the skewed-varicose and oscillatory instabilities showing the effects of instability competition.
Update of the AN/AVS-7 Head-Up Display program

The AN/AVS-7 head up display (HUD) system is designed to enhance night vision goggle pilotage by superimposing aircraft, navigation and flight symbology on the aviator's night vision imaging system. The AN/AVS-7 system is produced by AEL Industries Inc., Cross Systems Division under a five year production contract with the Army's Communications and Electronics Command. The program is managed by the Army's Project Manager for Night Vision, Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition.
Discrete phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein isoform expression in mouse tooth development.

Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) phosphorylation plays a central role in mediating cell cycle G1/S stage transition, together with E2F transcription factors. The binding of pRb to E2F is thought to be controlled by the sequential and cumulative phosphorylation of pRb at various amino acids. In addition to well characterized roles as a tumor suppressor, pRb has more recently been implicated in osteoprogenitor and other types of stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation, thereby influencing the morphogenesis of developing organs. In this study, we present data characterizing the expression of pRb and three phosphorylated pRb (ppRb) isoforms—ppRbS780, ppRbS795, ppRbS807/811—in developmentally staged mouse molar and incisor teeth. Our results reveal distinct developmental expression patterns for individual ppRb isoforms in dental epithelial and dental mesenchymal cell differentiation, suggesting discrete functions in tooth development.
On Union-Closed Families, I

A union closed familyAis a finite family of sets such that the union of any two sets inAis also inA. The conjecture under consideration is Conjecture 1: For every union closed familyA, there exists somexcontained in at least half the members ofA. We study the structure of such families (as partially ordered sets), and verify the conjecture for a large number of cases.
Expression of herpes simplex virus type 2 protein ICP10 PK rescues neurons from apoptosis due to serum deprivation or genetic defects.

Previous studies have shown that the herpes simplex virus type 2 protein kinase ICP10 PK activates the Ras/MEK/MAPK pathway in nonneuronal cells. Here we report that ectopically expressed ICP10 PK has anti-apoptotic activity in various paradigms of neuronal cell death. Neuronally differentiated PC12 cells and primary murine hippocampal cultures transfected with an expression vector for ICP10 PK were protected from cell death resulting from growth factor withdrawal. Protection from apoptosis was also seen in ICP10 PK-transfected hippocampal neurons from the trisomy 16 mouse, a naturally occuring genetic abnormality the human analog of which is Down syndrome. Cells transfected with an expression vector for a mutant that lacks kinase activity were not protected, although it was expressed as well as ICP10 PK. The data indicate that ICP10 PK has a broad anti-apoptotic activity in neuronal cells which depends on a functional PK.
Rotordynamic analysis of machines on active magnetic bearings: comparison to fluid film bearing machines and vibration specifications

This article considers rotordynamic modelling of a flexible rotor supported on active magnetic bearings (AMBs) and compares the process to a similar process for fluid film bearings (FFBs). Currently, vibration specification standards are good for industrial FFB supported rotors but are not adequate for active magnetic bearing supported rotors. This article discusses comparative studies of rotors on AMBs and FFBs involving critical speeds, AMB and FFB stiffness and damping values, mode shapes, and forced response. One objective is to assist in better communication between mechanical engineers who typically design and operate industrial machines and controls and engineers (usually electrical engineers) who design and produce AMBs. The stability of AMB machines subject to internal cross-coupled stiffness such as in seals is not considered in this work, except for the introduction.
Enumeration of IgE secreting B cells. A filter spot-ELISA.

To assess the frequency of IgE producing cells in humans a filter immunoplaque assay has been developed to detect IgE secretion from individual B lymphocytes in unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC were incubated in microfilter plates containing nitrocellulose membranes coated with polyclonal anti-human IgE antibody, and the IgE production by a single cell was detected using a specific anti-human IgE monoclonal antibody followed by enzymatic development. The products of the enzymatic reaction were visualized as blue plaques on the membranes. The assay was both sensitive and specific as determined by: (1) a near 1:! correlation between direct cell counts of an IgE producing myeloma cell line (U266) and the number of plaques in the filter immunoassay; and (2) the absence of detectable plaques generated by human B cells transformed by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and producing only IgG or IgM. The presence of other cell types in PBMC did not affect the ability to detect IgE secreting cells. Replicate cultures of highly purified B lymphocytes, first transformed with EBV and then stimulated with recombinant human interleukin-4, produced IgE levels in culture supernatants that correlated closely with the number of IgE producing cells (r=0.93; P<0.001). Furthermore, using the same transformed cells, the number of IgE secreting cells assessed by the immunoplaque assay was significantly correlated (r=0.94; P=0.002) with the number of IgE producing cells assessed by immunofluorescence staining of intracytoplasmic IgE. This assay provides a simple and direct method to asses the frequency of IgE producing lymphocytes in humans.
Share repurchases and intangible assets

Abstract Firms with more intangible assets are more likely to repurchase shares and have more positive repurchase announcement returns, as predicted. Because intangibles generally are unrecognized, share repurchases represent a potential cost to an incomprehensive accounting model. Idle cash is positively related to repurchase likelihood and negatively related to announcement returns, as predicted. Contrary to predictions, general information asymmetry is negatively related to repurchase likelihood, but announcement returns are positively related, as predicted. Tests include controls for stock option plans, dividends, and book-to-market ratios, which generally are significant as predicted. Using change variables in the repurchase likelihood tests yields consistent inferences.
Die swell and recoverable shear strain in polyethylene extrusion

The present paper treats die swell as unretarded recovery of elastic strain imparted during flow into and through the die. Three mechanistic models are developed. All three models treat the material as an elastic solid for the purpose of elucidating die swell, and two models utilize rubber-like elasticity theory. Equations relating swelling ratio, recoverable shear strain (SR), axial normal stress, shear stress, and shear modulus are derived for the three models. While the forms of the results differ somewhat from model to model, the numerical results are quite similar. Experimental die swell data were obtained for four high density polyethylene resins in several large L/D capillaries using an Instron Capillary Rheometer. A procedure for obtaining equilibrium, or strain-free, values of the swelling ratio by annealing the extrudates above the melting point is discussed. Values of SR and normal stress were calculated and compared to corresponding quantities obtained directly from measurements using a cone-and-plate Weissenberg Rheogoniometer. Excellent agreement between results from the widely divergent methods of measurement was obtained.
A colon tumor model for anticancer agent evaluation

Colon tumors of mice were induced with 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine, N-nitroso-N-methylurethane, methylnitrosourea, and 4-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Of 82 transplantation attempts, four were successful, and the four tumors have been maintained as distinct tumor lines by subcutaneous transplantation. The tumors graded from II, adenocarcinoma, to IV, undifferentiated carcinoma. Volume-doubling times varied over a three-fold range, and metastatic potential ranged from 5 to about 100%. The tumors responded to treatment with some of the same agents found to be active in man. These included cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and certain nitrosoureas. Preliminary evidence suggests that these tumor lines may be useful as experimental models.
Multimodel Combination Techniques for Analysis of Hydrological Simulations: Application to Distributed Model Intercomparison Project Results

This paper examines several multimodel combination techniques that are used for streamflow forecasting: the simple model average (SMA), the multimodel superensemble (MMSE), modified multimodel superensemble (M3SE), and the weighted average method (WAM). These model combination techniques were evaluated using the results from the Distributed Model Intercomparison Project (DMIP), an international project sponsored by the National Weather Service (NWS) Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD). All of the multimodel combination results were obtained using uncalibrated DMIP model simulations and were compared against the best-uncalibrated as well as the best-calibrated individual model results. The purpose of this study is to understand how different combination techniques affect the accuracy levels of the multimodel simulations. This study revealed that the multimodel simulations obtained from uncalibrated single-model simulations are generally better than any single-member model simulations, even the bestcalibrated single-model simulations. Furthermore, more sophisticated multimodel combination techniques that incorporated bias correction step work better than simple multimodel average simulations or multimodel simulations without bias correction.
Design for a goal-oriented telerobotic system

Robotic systems will play an increasingly important role in space operations. This paper describes the objective and design of a proposed goal-oriented telerobotic system for space operations. This design effort encompasses the elements of the system executive and user interface, and the distribution and general structure of the knowledge bases, the displays, and the task sequencing. The objective of the design effort is to provide an evolutionary structure for a telerobotic system, i.e., one that can progress from strictly teleoperated through phases of serving as an assistant, a colleague, and an expert, to eventually serve as a truly autonomous unit, requiring only minimal supervision. A preliminary design for such a system involving 'mixed initiative', or the flexible shared control between the human operator and the software system, is complete and described in this paper.
Phase instabilities in irradiated simple Fe-Cr-Mn low activation alloys

Abstract The Fe-Mn system has been proposed to replace the Fe-Ni system in fusion applications to achieve greatly reduced levels of long-term radioactivity. The in-reactor stability of simple Fe-Mn and Fe-Cr-Mn alloys is therefore being studied to determine the nature of the driving forces tending to destabilize these alloys. The results of this study indicate that simple Fe-Cr-Mn alloys exhibit during irradiation a greater level of potential phase instabilities than do comparable Fe-Cr-Ni alloys, requiring careful attention in the development of solute-stabilized alloys.
“Electron conic” signatures observed in the nightside auroral zone and over the polar cap

The high altitude plasma instrument, i.e., five electrostatic analyzers, on board the DE 1 satellite obtained data on electron conical distributions during two nightside auroral zone passes and one polar cap pass. The southern orbit apogee was 675 km, the northern, 24,000 km. Electrons confined to the outside of the loss cone were the highest energy particles detected. The upward integrated flux was greater than the downward flux, indicating the presence of a heating process perpendicular to the geomagnetic field.
Can CellBazaar Survive without an Urban Market—and Fulfill Its Development Potential? (Innovations Case Discussion: CellBazaar)

founder of CellBazaar. Mr. Quadir was helping me balance a plate of snacks and soda with one hand and then, at my request, used his other to command the screen of his cell phone to shine the interface of CellBazaar: indeed, CellBazaar was and is his market-in-a-pocket. His story, and that of his co-author Naeem Mohaiemen, is one of innovation, synthesis, an ability to mobilize critical technical, commercial, and government contacts, and sheer persistence. It is also part manifesto and part mystery, each considered later. First, let us review CellBazaar’s accomplishments. From a business perspective, much has happened. The leaders of CellBazaar locked in the infrastructure of the telecommunications giant, GrameenPhone, with a three-year exclusive contract, and reconciled multiple platforms, technologies, and user needs in order to forge a market of 1.5 million customers (one percent of the entire population of Bangladesh). They overcame administrative red tape blocking important legal status and protections (FDI) and intellectual property rights. And, they mobilized the voluntary talent and zeal of many foreign experts who helped to develop CellBazaar’s product offering and sales approach. This array of results is inspiring, and itillustrates the design process of a brand new solution for users in a market once defined exclusively by expensive gobetweens. The CellBazaar story offers a good reason for tying rural producers to both rural and urban markets. First, there is demand in the countryside to get a better deal. Farmers, local retailers, and factory workers all labor to find ways to spend less and earn more. A lack of information stands in their way. The middleman with slightly better information than his peers has become the chokepoint in the pas-
Signatures of rapid evolution in urban and rural transcriptomes of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in the New York metropolitan area.

Urbanization is a major cause of ecological degradation around the world, and human settlement in large cities is accelerating. New York City (NYC) is one of the oldest and most urbanized cities in North America, but still maintains 20% vegetation cover and substantial populations of some native wildlife. The white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, is a common resident of NYC’s forest fragments and an emerging model system for examining the evolutionary consequences of urbanization. In this study, we developed transcriptomic resources for urban P. leucopus to examine evolutionary changes in protein-coding regions for an exemplar “urban adapter.” We used Roche 454 GS FLX+ high throughput sequencing to derive transcriptomes from multiple tissues from individuals across both urban and rural populations. From these data, we identified 31,015 SNPs and several candidate genes potentially experiencing positive selection in urban populations of P. leucopus. These candidate genes are involved in xenobiotic metabolism, innate immune response, demethylation activity, and other important biological phenomena in novel urban environments. This study is one of the first to report candidate genes exhibiting signatures of directional selection in divergent urban ecosystems.
X-linked Megalocornea Associated with the Novel CHRDL1 Gene Mutation p.(Pro56Leu*8)

AbstractBackground: The genetic basis of X-linked megalocornea (MGC1) was reported in 2012 to be caused by mutations in the CHRDL1 gene. We sought to confirm that mutations in CHRDL1 are associated with MGC1 in a previously unreported pedigree.Materials and Methods: Slit lamp examination, corneal pachymetry, corneal topography and DNA collection for screening of the CHRDL1 gene were performed for members of an affected family.Results: Examination of a woman and her four sons, ranging in age between 3 and 15 years, demonstrated horizontal corneal diameters of 14 mm in three of the four sons and a normal corneal diameter of 12 mm in the mother and other son. Central corneal thickness in the individuals with enlarged corneal diameters averaged 474 microns, compared to 604 microns in their unaffected brother. Corneal topographic imaging demonstrated an average K value of 44.4 D in the affected individuals compared with 41.6 D in their unaffected sibling. Screening of the CHRDL1 gene demonstrated the novel hem...
Oligothiophenes End-Capped by Nitriles. Preparation and Crystal Structures of α,ω-Dicyanooligothiophenes NC(C4H2S)nCN (n = 3−6)

The synthesis of dicyanooligothiophenes NC(C4H2S)nCN (n = 3−6) is reported. For n = 3, 4, and 5 the dinitriles are generated by treatment of the corresponding dibromo compounds with copper(I) cyanide in quinoline. For n = 6 the preparation involves the Ni-catalyzed coupling of 5-bromo-2,2‘:5‘,2‘‘-terthiophene-5‘‘-carbonitrile. The structures of all four dicyano derivatives have been determined by X-ray crystallography. For n = 3, the space group is monoclinic C2/c, with a = 18.363(7), b = 11.8356(9), c = 30.666(4) A, β = 102.15(2)°, V = 6515(3) A3, Z = 20. For n = 4 the space group is triclinic P1, a = 7.3254(9), b = 7.8658(6), c = 8.1813(8) A, α = 64.706(8), β = 76.059(8), γ = 76.692(8)°, V = 409.29(7) A3, Z = 1. For n = 5 the space group is monoclinic C2/c, with a = 13.633(4), b = 11.706(5), c = 37.073(8) A, β = 90.22(2)°, V = 5929(3) A3, Z = 12. For n = 6, the space group is monoclinic P21/a, with a = 13.8962(14), b = 5.9100(16), c = 14.0798(16) A, β = 98.446(4)°, V = 1143.8(4) A3, Z = 2. In all four ...
Selected Influences on Solo and Small-Ensemble Festival Ratings: Replication and Extension

With this study, we replicated and extended the work of Bergee and Platt (2003). Analyzing ratings outcomes of 7,355 small-ensemble and solo events from two consecutive midwestern state festivals (2001 and 2002), Bergee and Platt found statistically significant differences in the main effects of time of day, type of event (solo/ensemble), and school size. In the replication phase of the present study, we used their procedures to analyze data from the 2003 festival (N=3,853), finding significant differences in the same three main effects and also performing medium (vocal/instrumental). In both studies, the type of event by performing medium interaction was significant. The extension phase consisted of applying logistic regression techniques to the fitting of a theoretical model of prediction. Two variables were added to the original four-geographical location and district level of expenditure per average daily attendance. All main effects except geographical location (eliminated owing to high collinearity)...
Performance characteristics of end-stations in an ATM network as viewed for applications and network

Traffic shaping at a (traffic) source station as a prominent congestion control solution in ATM networks. The "leaky bucket" scheme in conjunction with a cell spacer is an extensively studied and used mechanism for such a traffic shaping. By dimensioning the leaky bucket and spacer parameters, a source station attempts to regulate the behavior of its own traffic in order to conform to a "good behavior" contract with the network. In this paper, we study the effect of the a single source's traffic characteristics and its leaky bucket parameters on the maximum burst size and the burst size distribution as seen by the network. The theoretical upper bound for the burst size is derived and simulation is used to study the effect of leaky bucket parameters on probability distribution of burst sizes. It is shown that while traffic shaping is done to abide to negotiated traffic characteristics, traffic shaping can lead to large queues of cells and result in large cell delay and delay jitter in the source station. >
Learning in mean-field oscillator games

This research concerns a noncooperative dynamic game with large number of oscillators. The states are interpreted as the phase angles for a collection of non-homogeneous oscillators, and in this way the model may be regarded as an extension of the classical coupled oscillator model of Kuramoto.
Integrated Strategy and International Trade Disputes: The Kodak‐Fujifilm Case

This paper examines the integration of market and nonmarket strategies in a setting involving market competition and international trade policy where governments serve as bargaining agents for firms. In the case modeled, the Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak) filed a Section 301 petition under US trade law against practices of Fuji Photo Film Company (Fujifilm) in the Japanese distribution system that Kodak alleges constitute trade barriers. The model has four components. The market model characterizes the competition between Fujifilm and Kodak, incorporating characteristics descriptive of the demand and market structure in Japan. Enforcement of an international trade agreement focusing on practices in a distribution system are problematic, so the second model characterizes the sustainability of concessions obtained through a trade agreement using a repeated game extension of the market model. The third model characterizes the bargaining between the US and Japanese governments using the preferences induced by the market model and the limits on sustainable concessions characterized in the second model. Using a common-agency framework, the fourth model represents the nonmarket competition between the two firms as they work to influence the bargaining positions of the governments. The result is a model in which market and nonmarket strategies are integrated in a formal theory of the resolution of trade disputes and the subsequent effects on market competition. The equilibrium characterized allows a comparative statics analysis of the synergies between market and nonmarket strategies.
History and Expansion of Section 504 Student Eligibility: Implications for School Nurses:

This article presents an explanation of the eligibility criteria for K-12 students under Section 504 and its sister statute, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The explanation shows the evolving application of Section 504 to students in terms of three phases: awareness, constriction, and expansion. The latest phase, expansion, started with the January 1, 2009, effective date of the ADA Amendments (ADAA), which dramatically reversed the previous phase of judicial constriction of the eligibility criteria. The changes affect two of the three criteria in the definition of disability under Section 504 and the ADA: (a) an expanded list of illustrations of “major life activities” and (b) much less restrictive standards for interpreting “substantially limits.” As a result, the school nurse plays a more critical role as a member of or consultant to the school teams that determine student eligibility for and the contents appropriate in 504 Plans.
Comparing the Delivery of Albuterol Metered-Dose Inhaler via an Adapter and Spacer Device in an in vitro Infant Ventilator Lung Model

OBJECTIVE:To compare the delivery of an albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) (Ventolin) via an Aerochamber (Monaghan) with an inline adapter (Medicomp Straight Swivel) in an in vitro infant lung model.METHODS:An in vitro infant lung model was modified to compare the delivery of albuterol MDI 10 inhalations via an Aerochamber with an inline adapter. The adapter and Aerochamber were placed at the endotracheal tube. A 1000 mL intravenous bag filled with 500 mL deionized water was attached to a 3.5 mm endotracheal tube (10 cm length). An Infant Bear Cub ventilator was used at the following settings: positive inspiratory pressure 20 cm H2O, intermittent mandatory ventilation 40 breaths/min, positive end expiratory pressure 4 cm H2O, and inspiratory time 0.5 second. Each device was run at least 10 times and assayed in duplicate by HPLC. An unpaired Student's t-test was used to analyze the statistical significance of the data.RESULTS:There was significantly greater delivery of albuterol with the Aerochamber (19....
Evaluation of sub-zero and residence times after continuous versus multiple intermittent cryogen spray cooling exposure on human skin phantom

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is used to minimize the risk of epidermal damage during various laser dermatologic surgeries. However, as the application of single or multiple cryogen spurts becomes available on some commercial lasers devices, it is necessary to determine the optimal CSC parameters for different laser surgeries. The objective of this study was to measure the time the sprayed surface of a human skin phantom (HSP) remains below water freezing temperature 0°C, referred to as subzero time (ts), and below the cryogen boiling temperature -26°C, referred to as residence time (tr), as well as the minimum surface temperature (Tmin) and the time at which Tmin occurs (tTmin) for two HSP-initial temperatures (20 °C and 70 °C) during and after the application of single (SCS) and multiple cryogen spurts (MCS). For this propose, a HSP was used to measure ts, tr, Tmin, and tTmin for nine sequences: one SCS of ∆tT = TCT = 40 ms; four MCS sequences, all adding to a ∆tT of 40 ms but with different TCT up to 110 ms and, finally; four SCS that matched the TCT of the four MCS sequences, but lead to different ∆tT. Our results show that the differences between SCS and MCS sequences with the same TCT are negligible for all variables measured (ts, tr, Tmin, tTmin). Moreover, in this interval (40 ms≤ TCT ≤ 110 ms), this variables show a remarkable linear dependence with the TCT.
Expanding the zinc-finger recombinase repertoire: directed evolution and mutational analysis of serine recombinase specificity determinants

The serine recombinases are a diverse family of modular enzymes that promote high-fidelity DNA rearrangements between specific target sites. Replacement of their native DNA-binding domains with custom-designed Cys2–His2 zinc-finger proteins results in the creation of engineered zinc-finger recombinases (ZFRs) capable of achieving targeted genetic modifications. The flexibility afforded by zinc-finger domains enables the design of hybrid recombinases that recognize a wide variety of potential target sites; however, this technology remains constrained by the strict recognition specificities imposed by the ZFR catalytic domains. In particular, the ability to fully reprogram serine recombinase catalytic specificity has been impeded by conserved base requirements within each recombinase target site and an incomplete understanding of the factors governing DNA recognition. Here we describe an approach to complement the targeting capacity of ZFRs. Using directed evolution, we isolated mutants of the β and Sin recombinases that specifically recognize target sites previously outside the scope of ZFRs. Additionally, we developed a genetic screen to determine the specific base requirements for site-specific recombination and showed that specificity profiling enables the discovery of unique genomic ZFR substrates. Finally, we conducted an extensive and family-wide mutational analysis of the serine recombinase DNA-binding arm region and uncovered a diverse network of residues that confer target specificity. These results demonstrate that the ZFR repertoire is extensible and highlights the potential of ZFRs as a class of flexible tools for targeted genome engineering.
What aspects of human alcohol use disorders can be modeled using selectively bred rat lines

The use of selective breeding to produce animal models for the study of alcohol abuse and alcoholism represents one of the major advances in the field of alcohol research. Rats selectively bred for alcohol preference and alcohol nonpreference have been useful to both preclinical and clinical investigators in the alcohol research community for studying the behavioral, neurobiological, and molecular basis of alcohol drinking, for identifying the genes that may contribute to the development of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, and for evaluating the utility of drugs aimed at reducing alcohol intake and preventing alcohol relapse. Rats selectively bred for alcohol preference (alcohol preferring or "P" line) have enhanced responsiveness to the low dose reinforcing effects of alcohol, less aversion to moderate/high doses of alcohol, and are able to develop tolerance to the aversive effects of alcohol more rapidly and to maintain tolerance longer than rats selectively bred for alcohol nonpreference (alcohol nonpreferring or "NP" line). The increased potency of low-dose alcohol as a reinforcer for P rats might be expected to foster and maintain alcohol drinking. Weaker aversion to the pharmacological effects of moderate/high doses of alcohol in the P line would allow P rats to drink more alcohol than NP rats before the postingestional effects become aversive. Rapid induction of tolerance to the aversive effects of alcohol with repeated bouts of voluntary alcohol drinking, as well as persistence of alcohol tolerance in rats of the P line might serve to maintain alcohol drinking. These are powerful mechanisms that may serve to promote and maintain a high alcohol drinking behavior. Although these rat lines have been used to address several characteristics of excessive alcohol consumption in humans, they have not yet been used to model several aspects of human alcohol use disorders. New applications of these selectively bred rat lines are discussed which may further our understanding of the factors contributing to alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Extension of the NIST AC-DC Difference Calibration Service for Current to 100 kHz.

The NIST calibration service for ac-dc difference of thermal current converters relies on multijunction thermal converters as the primary standards, and various thermal converters and thermoelements (TEs) as the reference and working standards. Calibrations are performed by comparing the ac-dc difference of a customer’s thermal current converter to the ac-dc difference of a NIST standard current converter. Typical artifacts accepted for calibration include single-junction thermoelements, multijunction thermal converters, and transfer shunts for use with TEs. This paper describes the standards on which the calibration service is based and the results of the study to characterize the NIST standards over the extended frequency range from 50 kHz to 100 kHz at currents from 1 mA to 20 A. The general method for the frequency extension at high frequency involves the use of thermoelements in the 5 mA range, with small frequency dependence, as the starting point for build-up and build-down chains to cover the whole range from 1 mA to 20 A.