cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metalloproteases see the light

Small-molecule probes that chemically tag targets by virtue of their enzymatic activities offer a means to focus system-wide experiments and provide functional information for entire families of proteins. Recent advances in the design and application of light-activated probes that target metalloproteases have created the opportunity to study this medically important family of enzymes in unprecedented detail.
Effect of Dicing Technique on the Fracture Strength of Si Dies With Emphasis on Multi-Modal Failure Distribution

The ball-on-ring (BOR) and 3-point bending (3PB) tests were used in this study to characterize the effect of dicing process on the fracture strength of Si dies. Dies prepared by a blade dicing process and a laser dicing process were studied. The edge-initiated fracture was distinguished from the surface-initiated fracture by the fractographic analysis. The fracture strength distributions related to surface flaws in the 3PB test as well as the BOR test were consistent regardless of dicing process. For the edge defect-induced failure mode, on the other hand, blade-sawn dies showed wider spread distribution than laser-sawn dies. It was due to the scattered nature in size and location of edge flaws induced by blade dicing. The laser-sawn dies showed a tighter distribution of the die strength although the average die strength was slightly lower than that of the blade-sawn dies. This work successfully demonstrated that the die failure caused by the edge defects can be deconvoluted from the 3PB test data by using the fractographic observation.© 2009 ASME
Ondansetron-Induced Multifocal Encephalopathy

We treated a patient who developed transient multifocal encephalopathy with extrapyramidal symptoms (oromandibular dystonia, oculogyric crisis, and limb dystonia) in temporal proximity to ondansetron administration on emergence from general anesthesia. No other medications known to cause extrapyramidal reactions were administered. Although these symptoms resolved fully, the presentation was dramatic and resembled the symptoms of structural brain injury. Ondansetron is used frequently as an antiemetic agent in many clinical settings and is not limited to surgical patients. Therefore, the entire medical community should be cognizant of this potential adverse reaction.
Implantable biomimetic electronics as neural prostheses for lost memory function

The talk presents results of a multi-disciplinary project that is developing a microchip-based neural prosthesis for the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for the formation of long-term memories. Damage to the hippocampus is frequently associated with epilepsy, stroke, and dementia (Alzheimer's disease), and is considered to underlie the memory deficits related to these neurological conditions.The essential goals of Dr. Bergers multi-laboratory effort include:1. experimental study of neuron and neural network function - how does the hippocampus encode information?2. formulation of biologically realistic models of neural system dynamics - can that encoding process be described mathematically to realize a predictive model of how the hippocampus responds to any event?3. microchip implementation of neural system models - can the mathematical model be realized as a set of electronic circuits to achieve parallel processing, rapid computational speed, and miniaturization?4. creation of hybrid neuron-silicon interfaces - can structural and functional connections between electronic devices and neural tissue be achieved for long-term, bi-directional communication with the brain?By integrating solutions to these component problems, we are realizing a microchip-based model of hippocampal nonlinear dynamics that can perform the same function as part of the hippocampus. Through bi-directional communication with other neural tissue that normally provides the inputs and outputs to/from a damaged hippocampal area, the biomimetic model could serve as a neural prosthesis. A proof-of-concept is presented in which the CA3 region of the hippocampal slice is surgically removed, and is replaced by a microchip model of CA3 nonlinear dynamics the "hybrid" hippocampal circuit displays normal physiological properties. Major strides also have been made in creating "hybrid electro-biological" systems in the behaving animal, and these are described as well.
Use of influence diagrams and neural networks in modeling LPCVD

An adaptive learning architecture has been developed for modeling manufacturing processes involving several controlling variables. Experimental results of applying the new architecture to process modeling and recipe synthesis for LPCVD (low-pressure chemical vapor deposition) of undoped polysilicon are described. Control parameters considered are pressure, temperature, gas-flow rate, wafer position, and time. Models for both deposition rate and final mechanical stress in the film have been developed. By using the generalization ability of neural networks in the synthesis algorithm, this architecture can produce new recipes for the process. Two such recipes have been generated for the LPCVD process. One is a zero-stress polysilicon film receipt; the second is a uniform deposition rate receipt based on the use of a nonuniform temperature distribution during deposition. >
Modeling by analogy: a case-based approach to automated linear program formulation

Developing a user-friendly modeling environment has been a focus of recent research. One technique widely used in human modeling processes but virtually unexplored in existing model management literature is the application of analogical thinking to improve the productivity of model formulation. Modeling by analogy is a process by which model builders transform modeling knowledge obtained from previous experience to build models for new problems that share significant features with the previously formulated ones. It overcomes certain human cognitive limitations and reduces the need for repetitive trials. The author examines the process of modeling by analogy, explores how this approach can be applied to the formulation of linear programs, and discusses issues involved in supporting modeling by analogy. >
The Future of Faculty Development: Where Are We Going?.

In this concluding chapter, the authors point readers to innovations in faculty development that are appearing on the horizon, in the context of changes and challenges confronting higher education institutions. Additional thoughts are presented about the structures and processes in the practice of faculty development that need attention, including those related to pressing issues in the field as a profession.
A direct particle-based computational framework for electrically enhanced thermo-mechanical sintering of powdered materials

As a method for bonding powdered materials, sintering has distinct advantages, such as the production of a near final-shape of the desired product, without the need for significant post-processing. However, sintering has certain deficiencies, such as incomplete or weak bonding. Research is ongoing to improve the process. One approach to improve sintering processes of powdered materials is via electrically enhanced bonding, whereby electricity is pumped through the material, while it is compressed in a press, in order to induce Joule-heating. This paper develops a computationally based model for the direct simulation of electrically enhanced sintering of powdered materials using particle-based methods. The overall approach is to construct three coupled sub-models which primarily involve: (a) particle-to-particle mechanical contact, (b) particle-to-particle thermal exchange and (c) particle-to-particle electrical current flow. These physical processes are strongly coupled, since the dynamics dictates which ...
Robust performance control of electrohydraulic actuators for camshaft machining

Summary form only given. Nonlinear dynamics of the electrohydraulic servoactuator are represented by linear models corresponding to different ranges of motion. Model uncertainty bounds are determined for each amplitude range and the corresponding robust performance controllers are designed. The controllers designed from the larger amplitude models provide robust performance for a wider range of reference signals, as demonstrated by the experimental sensitivity functions. The robust performance controllers are implemented with the corresponding repetitive controllers and feedforward controllers for the manufacturing application of non-circular turning for camshaft machining. The tracking performance results are obtained for reference cam profiles of five different scalings. For the larger reference cam trajectories, the best performance is obtained using the controllers designed from the larger model amplitude ranges. These observations validate the modeling of the electrohydraulic system using linear models for different input amplitude ranges.
When Victims Don't Cry: Children's Understandings of Victimization, Compliance, and Subversion

How do children understand situations in which the targets of moral transgressions do not complain about the way they are treated? One –hundred and twenty participants aged 5, 7, 10, 13, and 16 years were interviewed about hypothetical situations in which one child (“transgressor”) made an apparently unfair demand of another child (“victim”), who then responded by either resisting, complying, or subverting. In general, 5-year-olds judged compliance positively and resistance negatively and 7- to 16-year-olds judged resistance positively and compliance negatively; all but 16-year-olds judged subversion negatively. Most participants judged the transgressor's actions negatively, regardless of how the victim had responded. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for children's developing understandings of victimization.
Parallel FoxP1 and FoxP2 Expression in Songbird and Human Brain Predicts Functional Interaction

Humans and songbirds are two of the rare animal groups that modify their innate vocalizations. The identification of FOXP2 as the monogenetic locus of a human speech disorder exhibited by members of the family referred to as KE enables the first examination of whether molecular mechanisms for vocal learning are shared between humans and songbirds. Here, in situ hybridization analyses for FoxP1 and FoxP2 in a songbird reveal a corticostriatal expression pattern congruent with the abnormalities in brain structures of affected KE family members. The overlap in FoxP1 and FoxP2 expression observed in the songbird suggests that combinatorial regulation by these molecules during neural development and within vocal control structures may occur. In support of this idea, we find that FOXP1 and FOXP2 expression patterns in human fetal brain are strikingly similar to those in the songbird, including localization to subcortical structures that function in sensorimotor integration and the control of skilled, coordinated movement. The specific colocalization of FoxP1 and FoxP2 found in several structures in the bird and human brain predicts that mutations in FOXP1 could also be related to speech disorders.
Regional Dialects in the Contact Call of a Parrot

This study describes a system of regional dialects in the contact call of a parrot, the yellow-naped amazon (Amazona auropalliata). Spectrographic cross-correlation analyses of calls from multiple adults at 16 roosts in Costa Rica reveal two distinct patterns of geographic variation in call structure: first, variation in the basic structure of the call by which roosts can be classified into three distinct dialects, and second, finescale variation of call structure among roosts within a dialect. Some birds at roosts bordering two dialects use the calls of both neighbouring dialects interchangeably. These results suggest that there are two distinct processes governing the diffusion of call types among roosts, with dialect borders acting as barriers to the spread of foreign calls. Such a dialect system could be maintained through either reduced dispersal of birds across dialect boundaries or alternatively, by reduced diffusion of call types. These two possibilities have different implications for the genetic isolation of populations and thus for both speciation and learning. This pattern is broadly similar to those seen in some songbirds and may be maintained in a similar manner.
Development of a naval railgun

The U.S. Navy is considering the development of electromagnetic railguns for future ships for naval surface-fire support (NSFS) and other missions. To reach long ranges, muzzle velocities in excess of 2000 m/s with projectile flight mass of 16 kg and above are needed. Relatively high firing rates are desired; typically 6-12 rounds per minute, so substantial power demands will be made on the ship. For an electrically driven ship, as in the DD(X) concepts presently being explored by the Navy, an existing electrical infrastructure would be in place that could be modified to recharge the pulsed power supplies for the railgun. This study focused on the railgun, the pulsed power system needed to drive the gun, the power system needed to restore the energy required to match the firing rate, and special ship interfaces. Railgun concepts and sizing for the NSFS mission were undertaken, and research and development issues of importance for the success of a future system were identified. Recommendations for analytical and experimental studies that should be undertaken to further address these issues are provided.
Maternal attachment to handicapped infants and the relationship to social support

The parent-infant attachment of 36 mothers with and without a handicapped infant was compared. A prospective, longitudinal design was employed with data collection at 1, 6, and 12 months postpartum. There were significant differences in attachment at 1 month, with mothers of handicapped infants exhibiting fewer attachment behaviors; there were no differences at 6 or 12 months. When the effects of the mother's prenatal social support were partialed out, there were no longer significant differences between the two groups, suggesting that social support buffers the effects of having a handicapped infant on attachment.
Effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on tallgrass prairie plant–herbivore interactions

Complex relationships occur among plants, mycorrhizal fungi, and herbivores. By altering plant nutrient status, mycorrhizas may alter herbivory or plant tolerance to herbivory via compensatory regrowth. We examined these interactions by assessing grasshopper preference and plant growth and fungal colonization responses to herbivory under mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal conditions within tallgrass prairie microcosms. Mycorrhizal symbiosis increased plant regrowth following defoliation, and some strongly mycotrophic plant species showed overcompensation in response to herbivory when they were mycorrhizal. Although grasshoppers spent more time on mycorrhizal plants, herbivory intensity did not differ between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. Aboveground herbivory by grasshoppers significantly increased mycorrhizal fungal colonization of plant roots. Thus mycorrhizas may greatly benefit plants subjected to herbivory by stimulating compensatory growth, and herbivores, in turn, may increase the development of the symbiosis. Our results also indicate strong interspecific differences among tallgrass prairie plant species in their responses to the interaction of aboveground herbivores and mycorrhizal symbionts.
Gran Sasso Physics

A description is given of the Gran Sasso Laboratory and the approved physics program. The four major detectors, LVD, ICARUS, MACRO and GALLEX are described. The programs of neutrino physics, particle physics, astrophysics, cosmic ray physics, nuclear physics and geophysics are outlined. The physics topics of neutrino oscillations, dark matter, solar neutrinos, and proton decay are discussed in some detail.
A new balanced gate for structural testing

A new circuit realization is presented for a family of gates that results in a simple test for structural integrity of a CMOS circuit. The gate during normal operation behaves like an ordinary CMOS gate. However, in the test mode a nominal voltage of 2.5 V on the inputs of the gate would result in a 2.5-V output if no stuck-at faults are present. A combinational circuit designed exclusively with this type of a gate can be tested for all stuck-at faults using a single test vector of 2.5 V on all primary inputs. It is shown that a 100% fault coverage is obtained at the gate level (90% at the transistor level) for a combinational circuit regardless of its size, function, and complexity. >
Agriparticulate Reference Materials: Theory of the in situ Native Standard Method to Verify Particulate Burden in Cotton

A fundamental approach is presented to verify the total particulate burden in cotton reference material. The method is founded on a null hypothesis. The hypothesis states that upon rendering a cotton free of foreign material, the recoverable particulate-lint ith property constant λi (for example, color) of the calibrated mixture is equal to that for the in situ particulate constant, ψi. Cotton is mechanically cleaned by cycling through a mechanical cleaner. Particulates recoverable from cleaning are added back to the cleaned lint, and the ith property is measured to facilitate computation of λi. Cleaned lint spiked with recoverable particulates constitutes a native standard. Assuming that λi = ψi, an apparent particulate concentration in the uncleaned material is computed by measuring the in situ property value. The spiking process is repeated, and different properties are measured. Means of apparent in situ partioulate levels as determined from various properties are measured. Means of apparent in situ p...
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2 stabilizes phosphoglycerate kinase 2 mRNA in murine male germ cells by binding to its 3'UTR.

Abstract The mRNA that encodes the testis-specific protein phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK2) is a long-lived mRNA that is transcribed in meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells. Pgk2 mRNA is present in germ cells for up to 2 wk before its protein product is detected. Using affinity chromatography with the 3′-UTR of the Pgk2 mRNA, several proteins, including the RNA-binding protein, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2 (PTBP2), were identified in mouse testis extracts. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that PTBP2 binds to Pgk2 mRNA in the testis and RNA gel shifts demonstrated that PTBP2, but not PTBP1, binds to a specific region of the Pgk2 3′-UTR. Recombinant PTBP2 increased the stability of reporter constructs that contained the 3′-UTR Pgk2 sequence element in both testis extracts and transfected HeLa cells. We propose that PTBP2 is a trans-acting factor that helps to stabilize Pgk2 mRNA in male mouse germ cells.
Do allelic variants of the connexin37 1019 gene polymorphism differentially predict for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction

A C1019T polymorphism in the human connexin37 (hCx37) gene has been associated with cardiovascular risk, but it remains debatable whether the 1019C or the 1019T allele carries this risk. Here, we investigated whether these allelic variants are differentially predictive of increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 781 Swiss participants, including 597 patients diagnosed with CAD, 50% who reported previous MI, and 184 control subjects were genotyped. Patients in the +CAD group had a higher frequency of the Cx37-1019C allele (70.3% versus 65.0%, p=0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that the hCx37-C1019T polymorphism is an independent predictor of CAD (odds ratio=2.13, confidence interval=1.31-3.46 and p<0.01). Moreover, this polymorphism is not associated with any of the other characteristics examined, including gender, age, body-mass-index, diabetes, total/HDL/LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apoA-I, apoB, hypertension and cigarette smoking. In comparison with the -CAD group, we observed an increase of the Cx37-1019C allele in the +MI +CAD subgroup (71.2% versus 65.0%, p=0.002) but not in the -MI +CAD subgroup. Allelic frequency comparisons of these three subgroups predicted that this polymorphism is also an independent risk factor for MI. In conclusion, our results reveal the importance of screening the Cx37-1019C allele for both CAD and MI risk assessments.
Evaluation of the Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen (ORF73) of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus by Peptide Mapping and Bacterially Expressed Recombinant Western Blot Assay

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus open-reading frame (ORF) 73 encodes a latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) that is the basis for several serologic assays. Immunoreactive epitopes were searched for by peptide mapping, and 171 cleavable, biotinylated 17-mer peptides offset by 5 residues were synthesized and screened with human serum samples by ELISA. The initial screen, which used highly reactive serum diluted 1:500, identified 38 immunoreactive peptides. These were subsequently tested on additional serum samples diluted 1:40. Thirteen peptides were more reactive with serum samples from patients with KS than with control serum samples. No single epitope was recognized by most KS patient serum samples. Combined use of these peptides did not increase test sensitivity to that of current indirect immunofluorescence assays for LANA (80%-90%). For comparison, full-length ORF73 was expressed in bacteria and analyzed by Western blot. The overall sensitivity was 67% (range, 100% among US patients with classic KS to 52% among Italian patients with classic KS). These studies suggest that LANA immunoreactivity may be due to variations in patient response or conformational epitopes.
Why Not NIMBY

This paper develops responses to several critics who commented on an earlier paper that we published in this journal (Feldman and Turner 2010). In that paper, we argued that there is nothing necessarily wrong with NIMBY claims or those who make them. The critics raised some important issues, such as whether “NIMBY” is essentially a pejorative term; the possibility that NIMBY claimants are saying something deep about the noncomparability of places; what exactly it means for policy makers to defer to a NIMBY claim; the relationship between NIMBY and environmental justice claims; and whether there is any principled way to distinguish good from bad NIMBY claims. We explore these issues further, and in the course of responding to the critics, we develop some further reasons for skepticism about the prospects for distinguishing good from bad NIMBY claims in a principled way.
Incremental binding-space match: the linearized matchbox algorithm

A new binding-space algorithm conjunctive match is introduced. Known as the linearized match box, it improves on the parallel match box algorithm by reducing broadcast cost, better adapting it to serial computers. Cost estimates are presented that help determine the applicability of linearized match box for particular rule problems. Linearized match box has been implemented, and its utility in overcoming PRODIGY's control knowledge bottleneck is discussed. >
Disease and Dowry: Community Context, Gender, and Adult Health in India

Despite growing research on health and residential contexts, relatively little is understood about gendered contexts that are differentially important for women’s and men’s physical health in low- and middle-income countries. This study advances the prior knowledge by examining whether the local frequency of a salient and gendered practice in India—dowry—is associated with gender differences in physical health (acute illness, illness length, and chronic illness). Analyses are conducted using multilevel logistic and negative binomial regression models and national data on men and women across India ( N = 102,763). Results show that as dowry frequency increases in communities, not only do women have a greater likelihood of poor health across all three health outcomes, but men also have a greater likelihood of acute illness and illness length. Men, however, have a lower likelihood of chronic illness as the frequency of dowry increases in communities. In the case of all three health outcomes, results showed consistently wider health gaps between men and women in communities with a higher frequency of dowry.
Transmission loss of space waves propagated over irregular terrain

It is explained why two particular equations be used for a study of space-wave propagation over irregular terrain. It is believed that these two equations provide a method of separating the systematic from the random effects of terrain irregularities. Our development of a transmission loss formula is based upon the determination of a smooth curved surface (either concave or convex) which approximates that part of the actual terrain which is effective in the ground-reflection process and the subsequent use of well-known methods of attenuation calculation applicable to such smooth, curved surfaces.
Reliability of an Illness Severity Measure for Headache in A Population Sample of Migraine Sufferers

Objectives: To examine the reliability and related measurement properties of an illness severity measure for headache derived from responses to a 16-item self-administered questionnaire, the Headac...
Use of Gold Nanoparticles in a Simple Colorimetric and Ultrasensitive Dynamic Light Scattering Assay: Selective Detection of Arsenic in Groundwater

However, these assays are not selective againstalkali-, alkaline-earth- and heavy-transition-metal ions. Suchselectivity is essential for applications to real environmentalsamples. Herein, we report a glutathione (GSH), dithiothrei-tol (DTT), and cysteine (Cys) modified gold-nanoparticle-based dynamic light scattering (DLS) assay for the label-freeselectivedetectionofarsenic,withanexcellentdetectionlimit(10 ppt) and selectivity over other analytes.Dynamic light scattering, also known as photon correla-tion spectroscopy (PCS), is a well-established noninvasivetechniqueformeasuringthesizeofparticlesintherangefrom0.5 nm to 6 mm.
Complex nocturnal visual hallucinations

Abstract Background and purpose To describe the clinical features and associations of complex nocturnal visual hallucinations. Patients and methods We identified 12 patients seen between 1997 and 2004 with complex nocturnal visual hallucinations. Charts were reviewed and data analyzed. Results Of the 12 patients, 11 were women. Vivid, silent, often distorted images of people and animals occurred after waking, disappearing with increased light. Idiopathic hypersomnia, beta blocker use, dementia with Lewy bodies, macular degeneration and anxiety were associated factors. The hallucinations appeared to be a primary parasomnia in four patients with anxiety being the only associated feature. Conclusions Complex nocturnal visual hallucinations represent a well-defined syndrome with diverse causes which should be differentiated from other parasomnias causing arousals.
Impact of parametric mixing of ASE and signal on high-power festoon systems with random dispersion variation

The effect of random dispersion variation on parametric mixing (PM) between amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and signal has been calculated for an optically amplified nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZDSF) and a single-mode fiber (SMF) festoon systems. Computer simulations were run at 2.5, 10, and 40 Gb/s with varying levels of dispersion compensation. Results of these simulations are presented in the form of relative impact on system Q. Statistics have been gathered to determine the impact of dispersion variability on the standard deviation of these Q impairments.
Posterior wall acetabulum fracture–dislocation with subsequent ipsilateral pipkin IV fracture–dislocation: How many hits can a hip take?

The treatment of acetabulum fractures is a technically-demanding task for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. The treatment of femoral head fractures associated with acetabulum fractures, pipkin IV fractures, presents difficulty as usually the femoral head fracture requires treatment through an anterior approach and the acetabulum fracture, which is commonly a posterior wall fracture, requires treatment through a posterior approach. Recently, surgical dislocation of the hip has become an accepted option for treatment of these fractures as it allows treatment of the femoral head fracture and posterior wall acetabulum fracture through one approach. However, dual anterior and posterior approaches are acceptable. We present 15 year follow up of an 18 year old female who underwent open reduction internal fixation of a posterior wall acetabulum fracture through a Kocher–Langenbeck approach. Four months later the patient sustained a second fracture dislocation of the same hip, this time a femoral head fracture with an associated posterior wall acetabulum fracture that was treated with a Kocher–Langenbeck approach for the revision acetabulum and a approach for the femoral head fracture. At fifteen years the patient had a Merle d'Aubigne score of 15 and a Harris hip score of 71. She was gainfully employed and subjectively happy with her surgical result. While treatment of pipkin IV fracture dislocations can be treated through a surgical dislocation of the hip, dual surgical approaches are a viable option in certain cases.
Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Eating Disorder Behaviors in Active Duty Navy Men

Eating disorders have been widely studied among civilian women and among select groups of men (athletes and wrestlers). Gross disturbances in eating behaviors characterize the conditions of anorexia nervosa (AN), currently seen among 1 to 2% of non-active duty women. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is prevalent among 2% of the female population, and both disorders have a female-to-male ratio of 10:1. Another category of eating disorders known as not otherwise specified (NOS) occurs in between 3 and 35% of the population according to the reported literature. This study examined the prevalence of AN, BN, and NOS among a large sample of active duty Navy men. Multiple military, professional, and behavioral variables were analyzed to promote an increased understanding and awareness of these disorders among active duty men. This was a descriptive, correlational study among 4,800 Navy men targeted from hospitals, clinics, and ships at sea. Anonymous surveys were returned by 28% of prospective subjects (N = 1,425). The study revealed a prevalence of 2.5% for AN, 6.8% for BN, and 40,8% for NOS among active duty Navy men. AN and BN existed without difference among all active duty men regardless of rank/rate, job assignment, or age. Use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, vomiting, and fasting for standards increased during the body measurement and fitness periods, but year-round use of these methods existed at disturbing rates. Multiple logistic regression analysis predicted several factors that might predict the manifestation of eating disorders in this population of active duty members.
Update on azithromycin and cardiac side effects

1. MechanisM of action of azithroMycin Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and the sole member of the azalide subclass. Derived from erythromycin, it has an aza-methyl substitution (insertion of a nitrogen atom) in the macrolide ring. This addition increases the stability of its structure but does not change the mechanism of action(Figure 1). The addition of the second amine group resulted in important advantages over erythromycin, including greater tissue penetration and an extended half-life. 1 Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosome subunit and blocks protein synthesis by inhibiting the transpeptidation/ translocation step. This prevents mRNA translation and ultimately inhibits bacterial growth. Macrolides typically have bacteriostatic activity but can be bactericidal at high enough concentrations and with very susceptible organisms.
Rome, Tenochtitlan, and Beyond: Comparing Empires Across Space and Time

This paper seeks to make a case for expanding the comparative study of premodern empires to include both Old World and New World cases. It explores the utility of concepts such as “empire” and “city-state” for our understanding of ancient Roman and Precolumbian Aztec history. This paper was prepared for the publication of the conference "Altera Roma: art and empire from the Aztecs to New Spain" held at the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA, in May 2010.
An alternative method for computing the median.

The standard method of computing the median (Hays, 1963; Guilford, 1956) requires that the interval boundaries be known or assumes that they are hallway between classes. In situations where there are many tied values, the values are considered to be distributed equally throughout the interval. If the interval boundaries or widths are not known, as is probably the case with most psychological and educational data, the mean between two values may not be the most appropriate boundary because the two adjacent intervals may not be of equal width. The lack of information about the interval widths is usually a principal reason for using the median. I suggest that an alternative approach to interpolation is to consider the distribution density as constant over the observed continuum between the midpoints of the two adjacent intervals. Therefore, the classes with smaller numbers of observations are considered to be smaller in width. The formula for the median from ranked data becomes: Median = VI + {[(R, - Rl)/(Rn - RI)]. (Vh - VO:. Where Vh and VI are the adjacenr values on the high and low side of the median, RI, and RI are the ranks of these values, and R., is the rank of the median. When there are no tied values, the two methods are equivalent. When there are tied values, the median lies other than at the rnidpoinr of an interval, it will lie between the midpoints of two intervals. The interval with the larger number of observations is considered to be larger. For example, consider a five-point aggressive behavior scale with points: none, called others names, threw objects or challenged others, struck a person, and attempted to do physical injury to a person. These categories may be coded as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. A researcher may wish to know the median for comparison between groups. Consider the possibility that the median falls somewhere between 3 and 4, and that the number of observarions in 4 greatly exceeds the number in 3. The method suggested here appears to be more appropriate than the traditional method in such cases because it would consider the fourth category wider than thk third, which appears more tenable than considering them equal. This approach may also be appropriate for other cenriles rhan the median.
Distribution of spore-positive and spore-negative nodules of Alnus incana ssp. rugosa in Maine, USA

The distribution of spore-positive (sp+) and spore-negative (sp−) root nodules ofAlnus incana ssp.rugosa (DuRoi) Clausen (speckled alder) was examined at 29 sites with a wide range of environmental conditions in Maine, USA. These included: pH 3.4 to 7.0, soil texture ranging from coarse gravel to clay to organic soils, elevation from 3 to 591 m and latitude 43 to 47°N. Habitat types included disturbed areas, streamsides, swamps and old fields. Sp (−) nodules were substantially more common, making up 76% of all nodules, whereas only 24% were sp (+). Sp (−) nodules often occurred in pure stands and predominated at disturbed sites with mineral soils at the surface and in old fields and swamps with pH>4.0 Sp (+) nodules were nearly always found in mixture with sp (−) nodules. They occurred primarily at streamside and lakeshore sites where they made up 40% of the nodules and at sites with pH<4.0 regardless of habitat type. It is suggested that sp (−) strains ofFrankia may be maintained at a site by saprophytic growth in soil and thus nodulate newly established hosts, whereas sp (+) strains may be maintained primarily by spore production within nodules and thus depend on extended presence of the host.
Differences between three inbred mouse strains on a wheel-turn avoidance task

C57/BL6, BALB/c and C3H mice were examined for differences in the acquisition and maintenance over sessions of wheel-turn avoidance response. The C57/BL6 s performed best and the BALB/cs worst on the first day. But the BALB/cs reached and maintained the best avoidance level and the C3Hs showed the worst maintenance. Initial day avoidance rates are viewed as related to the compatibility between the initially emitted responses of the different strains to the situation and the specific task-required response. Differential strain response to the US level are suggested as accounting for maintenance level differences.
Novel approaches to diabetes care: a population perspective.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to outline the current state of diabetes in the United States and to explore novel, population-based approaches that involve the patient, provider and community, in the context of the health system, to improve diabetes care. Recent findings Currently, there is sub-optimal delivery of diabetes processes and outcomes in the United States. The US healthcare system remains rooted in acute and episodic care, resulting in consistently low-quality healthcare, and is not equipped to handle the diabetes epidemic. Evidence demonstrates that models of chronic care are needed in order for system changes to occur. Recent studies that have implemented such models are beginning to demonstrate improvements in both process measures and clinical outcomes following interventions which incorporate a comprehensive approach to chronic illness care. Summary Research over the past 5+ years demonstrates that a more comprehensive approach to diabetes care is needed. Only recently have studies been able to validate this concept, however. Applied research that strives to translate available knowledge and operationalize it in clinical and public health practice is needed in order for diabetes care to improve.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal richness declines towards the host species’ range edge

Plant range boundaries are generally considered to reflect abiotic conditions; however, a rise in negative or decline in positive species interactions at range margins may contribute to these stable boundaries. While evidence suggests that pollinator mutualisms may decline near range boundaries, little is known about other important plant mutualisms, including microbial root symbionts. Here, we used molecular methods to characterize root-associated fungal communities in populations of two related temperate tree species from across the species' range in the eastern United States. We found that ectomycorrhizal fungal richness on plant roots declined with distance from the centre of the host species range. These patterns were not evident in nonmycorrhizal fungal communities on roots nor in fungal communities in bulk soil. Climatic and soil chemical variables could not explain these biogeographic patterns, although these abiotic gradients affected other components of the bulk soil and rhizosphere fungal community. Depauperate ectomycorrhizal fungal communities may represent an underappreciated challenge to marginal tree populations, especially as rapid climate change pushes these populations outside their current climate niche.
Immunological Analysis of 1701 Persons Vaccinated with Rabies Vaccine in Guangzhou City

Objective To evaluate the serological status of individuals receiving rabies vaccine at the outpatient department of Guangzhou City Center for Diseases Control and Prevention in 2003.Method Information from 1701 individuals receiving rabies vaccine was obtained from the outpatient department,and the data were analyzed using statistical methods.ELISA method was used to test for the antibody production.Result The rate of seroconversion in various subpopulations of these 1701 vaccinated individuals was in the range of 89.66%～98.41%.The percentage of seroconversion in younger age groups was higher than the elderly.Conclusion The percentage of seroconversion was less than 100%.A booster dose is required for those seronegative individuals.
Employment Transitions, Child Care Conflict, and the Mental Health of Low-Income Urban Women With Children

Abstract Objective Although studies suggest that employment promotes mental health, it is unclear whether this pattern extends to low-income urban women with children who are disproportionately employed in unstable jobs and often unable to obtain child care. In this paper, we consider whether becoming employed reduces symptoms of psychological distress among low-income women with children. We also assess whether having trouble securing adequate child care offsets these benefits. Study Design We use longitudinal data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project, a probability sample of low-income women with children living in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio, to test whether becoming employed reduces symptoms of psychological distress over time and whether having trouble securing child care moderates this association. Results We find that employment is associated with lower levels of distress among women who have no trouble with child care and higher levels of distress among women who struggle with child care. Conclusion Taken together, our results suggest that valuing the benefits of paid work over unpaid work is an oversimplification and that the emphasis on placing poor women with children into paid work could be misguided. Policies that focus on moving low-income women off of government assistance and into paid work could be more effective if greater resources were devoted to increasing access to quality child care.
21st century skills: What are they and how do we assess them?

ABSTRACTOne of the “hottest” topics in the educational measurement community in the past decade has been the assessment of 21st century skills. This special issue demonstrates work being performed in this realm. The present article provides a context for the four primary articles that follow and a brief but broad view of some models of 21st century skills. The articles that follow are active projects developing assessments that focus on the changing cognitive skills required for this new century. It is clear that education that has emphasized memory and routine problem solving needs a metamorphosis and the measures described in this issue portend a brave new educational world.
Two is not always better than one: Effects of teleoperation and haptic coupling

Human-human dyads have been shown to out-perform individuals in a variety of movement tasks and develop specialized roles through haptic communication. Dyadic collaboration is a promising approach for teleoperated tasks that can benefit from the collaboration of multiple agents. In teleoperation, haptic communication depends on physical properties of the master and slave manipulators, as well as control parameters for position tracking and haptic feedback. We performed experiments to compare the performance of dyads and individuals in a teleoperated 1-degree-of-freedom target acquisition task using the da Vinci Research Kit surgical robot platform. In order to test the role of haptic communication in the collaborative task, two modes of force feedback were implemented for the dyad trials: a strong haptic coupling between the two master manipulators that attempts to simulate a physical link, and a weak haptic coupling that relates position differences through a soft linear spring. Results showed that participants were not able to improve their performance significantly by collaboration, and role specialization was not observed. We hypothesize that this result is due to limited haptic feedback and the dynamics of the teleoperated system. However, we demonstrated that most users accommodated to their partners to some extent, and users who had similar individual performance were more likely to improve as dyads.
An incremental model of syntactic bootstrapping

Syntactic bootstrapping is the hypothesis that learners can use the preliminary syntactic structure of a sentence to identify and characterise the meanings of novel verbs. Previous work has shown that syntactic bootstrapping can begin using only a few seed nouns (Connor et al., 2010; Connor et al., 2012). Here, we relax their key assumption: rather than training the model over the entire corpus at once (batch mode), we train the model incrementally, thus more realistically simulating a human learner. We also improve on the verb prediction method by incorporating the assumption that verb assignments are stable over time. We show that, given a high enough number of seed nouns (around 30), an incremental model achieves similar performance to the batch model. We also find that the number of seed nouns shown to be sufficient in the previous work is not sufficient under the more realistic incremental model. The results demonstrate that adopting more realistic assumptions about the early stages of language acquisition can provide new insights without undermining performance.
Optimal control of a single server in a finite-population queueing network

We study the optimal dynamic assignment of a single server to multiple stations in a finite-population queueing network. The objective is to maximize the long-run average reward/throughput. We use sample-path comparisons to identify conditions on the network structure and service time distributions under which the optimal policy is an index policy. This index policy assigns the server to the non-empty station where it takes the shortest amount of time (in some stochastic sense) to complete a job. For example, in a network of multiple parallel stations, the optimal policy assigns the highest priority to the fastest station if service times can be ordered in likelihood ratios. Finally, by means of a numerical study, we test the shortest-expected-remaining-service-time policy on parallel-series networks with three stations and find that this index policy either coincides with the optimal policy or provides a near-optimal performance.
Characteristics of Indium-Gallium-Nitride Multiple-Quantum-Well Blue Laser Diodes Grown by MOCVD

Room temperature (RT) pulsed operation of blue (420 nm) nitride based multi-quantum well (MQW) laser diodes grown on c-plane sapphire substrates with lifetimes exceeding 6 hours have been demonstrated. Threshold current densities as low as 12.7 kA/cm2 were observed for 10×1200 µm lasers with uncoated reactive ion etched (RIE) facets. The emission is strongly TE polarized and has a sharp transition in the far field pattern above threshold.This work was supported by: DARPA (Dr. Anis Husain, Program Manager), ARO, NSF, HP Labs and Philips. The authors would like to acknowledge Daniel Cohen, Evelyn Hu, Milan Minsky, James Speck, X. Wu, John Bowers, Kehl Sink of UCSB and Bruce Young of Philips Research Labs for useful inputs and discussions.
Employer Reactions to Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: Exploring the Influence of Symptom Severity and Disclosure of Diagnosis During a Simulated Telephone Interview

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of symptom severity and disclosure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) on the perceptions of human resource personnel members (HR...