cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Excitation in Electron Transport through Carbon Nanotube Quantum Dots.

Electron transport in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is extremely sensitive to environmental effects. SWCNTs experiencing an inhomogeneous environment are effectively subjected to a disorder potential, which can lead to localized electronic states. An important element of the physical picture of such states localized on the nanometer-scale is the existence of a local vibronic mainfold resulting from the localization-enhanced electron-vibrational coupling. In this Letter, scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) is used to study the quantum-confined electronic states in SWCNTs deposited on the Au(111) surface. STS spectra show the vibrational overtones identified as D-band Kekule vibrational modes and K-point transverse out-of plane phonons. The presence of these vibrational modes in the STS spectra suggests rippling distortion and dimerization of carbon atoms on the SWCNT surface. The present study thus, for the first time, experimentally connects the properties of well-defined localized electronic states to the properties of their associated vibronic states.
EPR of europium amide: Eu(NH2)2

Abstract The x -band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of europium amide [Eu (NH 2 ) 2 ] has been observed at room temperature and at liquid nitrogen temperature. The Lorentzian shaped line is approximately 1000 G wide and the effective g factor is 2.015 ± 0.008. No spectral changes were noted with temperature. The theory of Anderson and Weiss [ Rev. Mod. Phys. 25, 269 (1953)] is used to account for the linewidth in terms of an exchange interaction. The interpretation suggests that europium (II) amide is ferromagnetic and long-range order will occur in the 10–50°K range. A comparison of the physical properties of this compared with other divalent europium (II) compounds is also presented.
Selective accumulation of the fluorescent pH indicator, BCECF, in vacuoles of maize root-hair cells

Summary The vacuolar-type H+ -ATPase localized on the tonoplast membrane is believed to regulate aciditywithin the vacuolar lumen. However, the ability to monitor vacuolar pH in situ can be difficult because of the use of destructive assays based on cell sap pH or accumulation of weak bases, or elicit ion of wound responses after impaling cells with a pH-sensing microelectrode. The goal of our present study was to identify a fluorescent pH probe that is localized in vacuoles of (Zea mays L.) root cells. When excised corn root segments were exposed to the ester derivative of 2′,7′ -bis-2-(carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) for 30 to 60 min, the root-hair cells preferentially became fluorescent. The distribution of the fluorescence within cells followed closest to that of the vacuole when fluorescent and phase contrast images were compared. The ratio of the fluorescence intensities at 535 nm using excitation wavelengths of 440 and 490 nm varied directly with pH between 4.5 and 7.5. The ratio of fluorescent intensities of BCECF-Iabeled root-hair cells indicated that the majority of the dye was localized in a compartment with an average pH of 5.8. The above data indicated that the BCECF was localized in the vacuoles of root-hair cells from maize seedlings, and the changes in the fluorescence ratio of BCECF may provide a means of monitoring changes of vacuolar pH in situ.
Switchable Solvents Consisting of Amidine/Alcohol or Guanidine/Alcohol Mixtures

Liquids that consist of a mixture of an alcohol and either an amidine or a guanidine have been developed to switch from a low-polarity form to a high-polarity ionic liquid upon treatment with CO2 at atmospheric pressure. Treatment with N2 and/or mild heat (50−60 °C) reverses the process. These liquids can be used as switchable solvents to dissolve and then precipitate a solute or to dissolve reagents for a chemical synthesis and then precipitate the product.
Polymer-Supported pH Sensors Based on Hydrophobically Bound Luminescent Ruthenium(II) Complexes

A new luminescence intensity-based sensor-polymer support system is described. The pH-sensitive element is [Ru(phen)2[phen(OH)2]]2+ or [Ru(Ph2phen)2[phen(OH)2]]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, Ph2phen = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and phen(OH)2 = 4,7-dihydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline) immobilized on a polymer built from a four-function cyclic methyl siloxane ring polymer having (SiRCH3O)4 units with poly(ethylene oxide) cross-linkers. Hydrophobic binding of the sensor to the polymer is used to avoid the need for covalent chemistry. These sensor systems have a usable sensitivity over the 2−8 pH range, but are most usable in the 2−6 pH range. Response times for thick films (250 μM) are rapid (several minutes).
Application of antenna in strain measurement

A multi-band antenna which can be used as a passive strain measurement device is presented. The dimensions of the antenna will change when different strains are applied, resulting in changes in the resonant frequencies. The proposed antenna resonates at multiple frequencies. By creating slots on the patch of the antenna, these resonant frequencies shift to a higher or a lower value for different strain orientation along the length or width. By measuring the resonant frequencies of the antenna, the corresponding strain applied to the antenna is identified, leading to the strain measurement. To verify our design concept, a prototype antenna was fabricated using Rogers RT/duroid substrate with a thickness of 0.254mm. The total length and width of the antenna is 19.8mm and 17.9mm, respectively. The simulated and measured results along with the mechanical testing procedure have been presented, which are consistent with each other.
Bone marrow stromal cell lines with lymphopoietic activity express high levels of a pre-B neoplasia-associated molecule

Abstract Bone marrow stromal cell lines have been isolated that directly support B lymphopoiesis in vitro. Single B-lineage precursors proliferate and differentiate on certain of these stromal cell lines to establish long-term B-lineage cultures. These lymphopoietic stromal cells produce novel soluble factors that support proliferation of in vitro established pre-B cell populations. Lymphoid populations established on lymphopoietic stromal cell lines lack surface lg-bearing cells, but give rise to surface lg + cells when transferred to mixed bone marrow feeder layers. Several stromal lines expressed a B-lineage neoplasia marker detected by the monoclonal antibody MAb6C3. Remarkably, only the 6C3Ag hi stromal lines supported long-term proliferation of B-lineage cells. We propose that the 6C3 antigen-bearing molecule may play a role in stromal cell-dependent, pre-B cell proliferation, as well as in neoplastic proliferation of pre-B leukemias.
The effects of controlled deep breathing on smoking withdrawal symptoms in dependent smokers

This study was designed to assess the effect of controlled deep breathing on smoking withdrawal symptoms. In two laboratory sessions, dependent smokers refrained from smoking for 4 h. During a deep breathing session, participants were instructed to take a series of deep breaths every 30 min. During a control session, participants sat quietly. Controlled deep breathing significantly reduced smoking withdrawal symptoms, including craving for cigarettes and negative affect (tense, irritable), while resulting in the maintenance of baseline arousal (wide awake, able to concentrate) levels. Furthermore, a history of heavy smoking was associated with greater increases in arousal during the deep breathing session. The results of this preliminary study suggest that controlled deep breathing may be useful for relieving symptoms of smoking withdrawal.
Effect of the syndesmotic screw on ankle motion.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of syndesmotic screw fixation on ankle motion. Eight unpaired osteoligamentous cadaver ankles were tested. The study quantified ankle flexion, talar tilt, ankle drawer, and tibiotalar rotation for each specimen using an MTS biomechanical testing system. Each specimen was tested under a 15-kg and a 70-kg axial load. The testing was repeated after the placement of a syndesmotic screw, a 4.5-mm cortical screw, in accordance with AO technique. There was a statistically significant decrease (P < .05) in tibiotalar external rotation. There was no statistical difference in ankle flexion. There was a significant decrease in the anterior and the posterior drawer tests with the foot in plantar flexion. These were the most significant results. Syndesmotic screw fixation is used for the internal fixation of certain unstable ankle fractures. Opinions differ as to whether the screw should be removed at 6 weeks (prior to weightbearing) or left in place indefinitely. ...
A universal primer mixture for sequence determination at the 3' ends of cDNAs

We have devised a universal primer which can be used to sequence the 3'-ends of cloned cDNAs containing a polyA tail. The primer consists of an equimolar mixture of three primers: 20 T nucleotides followed by either an A, C, or G nucleotide (5'----3'). With this primer mixture and the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method, we determined the 3'-terminal sequence of human beta-actin cDNA in an Okayama-Berg vector, in four parallel sets of reactions containing either a single primer (T20G, T20C, or T20A) or an equimolar mixture of all three primers. Priming with both T20A and the triple mixture gave clearly readable results that agree with the known sequence of the human beta-actin gene, and we have applied this method successfully to several other cDNAs in the Okayama-Berg expression vector. Use of this universal primer mixture facilitates determination of sequences at the 3'-ends of cDNAs while by-passing the polyA tail region.
Auditory sensitivity in the fish-catching bat, Noctilio leporinus

Behavioral and auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiograms are described for the fish-catching bat,Noctilio leporinus, which uses short constant frequency/frequency modulated (short-CF/FM) sonar pulses with a CF component of 56–59 kHz, followed by an FM sweep down to 28–32 kHz. Social communication signals contain the frequencies found in sonar pulses, but may extend to lower frequencies (16 kHz). 2. Behavioral thresholds, obtained by operant conditioning in three bats, display maximum sensitivity in the region of the bats' CF sonar component, but show good sensitivity (thresholds less than 10 dB SPL) between 32 and 57 kHz. Below 24 to 32 kHz, sensitivity declined at a rate of 35 to 45 dB/octave. No response was obtained below 1 kHz. 3. The most prominent feature of the behavioral audiogram is an abrupt increase in threshold above 56 to 58 kHz, with an initial roll-off as high as 550 dB/octave. A threshold ‘plateau’ exists between 64 and 96 kHz, but sensitivity declines rapidly above 96 kHz. No response was obtained above 120 kHz. 4. ABR audiograms were obtained in two animals in which behavioral thresholds had been measured previously. These display a broadly tuned peak of maximum sensitivity at 24 kHz and a more sharply tuned sensitivity peak in the region between 56 and 59 kHz. No responses were obtained below 1 kHz or above 96 kHz. 5. Differences in the shape of the behavioral and ABR threshold curves are discussed. It is suggested that the two sensitivity peaks in the ABR may result from a disproportionately large representation of frequencies corresponding to social communication signals (24 kHz) and the bat's CF sonar pulse (56 to 59 kHz). 6. The behavioral audiogram ofN. leporinus is compared to those of other bats, and functional implications are discussed.
Structure and function of the adenovirus origin of replication

Abstract Efficient initiation of adenovirus DNA replication requires the presence of specific terminal nucleotide sequences that collectively constitute the viral origin of replication. Using plasmids with deletions or base substitutions in a cloned segment of DNA derived from the terminus of the adenovirus 2 genome, we have demonstrated that the origin contains two functionally distinct regions. The first 18 bp of the viral genome are sufficient to support a limited degree of initiation. However, the presence of a sequence in the region between nucleotides 19 and 67 greatly enhances the efficiency of the initiation reaction. This region contains a specific binding site for a protein present in uninfected cells (K D = 2 × 10 −11 M). The bound protein protects the DNA segment between base pairs 19 and 43 from attack by DNAase I. Studies with deletion mutants indicate that binding of the cellular protein is responsible for the enhancement of initiation.
Multiphase materials with lignin: 1. Blends of hydroxypropyl lignin with poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract Polymer blends consisting of hydroxypropyl lignin (HPL) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared by injection moulding and by solution casting (tetrahydrofuran and chloroform). Blend morphology and material properties were determined by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and tensile testing. Results were interpreted in relation to HPL content, HPL molecular weight and method of preparation. All blends produced two-phase materials with morphology varying with method of preparation and HPL content. A surprising degree of compatibility was revealed by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis). The behaviour suggests significant plasticization or antiplasticization for all blends. Even the highly phase-separated solution-cast blends showed single T g values at all HPL contents. These results were explained with transitional smearing, and with some degree of polymer-polymer interaction. The addition of HPL to PMMA was found to cause an increase in modulus and a decrease in ultimate properties. Blends prepared by injection moulding had consistently better material properties than those prepared by solution casting.
New evidence for pre-Wisconsin flooding in the channeled scabland of eastern Washington

Flood-gravel deposits capped by loess sequences that display well-developed argillic, calcic, and petrocalcic paleosols indicate pre-Wisconsin catastrophic flooding in the Cheney-Palouse tract of the channeled scabland, eastern Washington. The most complete stratigraphic exposure reveals two flood-gravel units, one of pre-Wisconsin age and the other representing the last major phase of scabland flooding (late Wisconsin). The two gravel units are separated by three loess units. Each period of loess deposition was followed by a soil-forming interval. The older of the two flood-gravel units contains cobbles of an early pre-Palouse Formation (that is, pre-Bull Lake) loess. It is capped by a loess unit displaying superimposed argillic and petrocalcic soil horizons. Above the petrocalcic horizon are two younger layers of loess (the Palouse Formation), each of which displays a paleosol having a weakly developed argillic B horizon and a calcic C horizon. These units are overlain by gravel from the last major phase of scabland flooding, which is, in turn, overlain by late Wisconsin and Holocene loess. The earliest flood probably carved part of the Cheney-Palouse scabland morphology during a glaciation prior to that responsible for the Palouse Formation.
Double-resonance frequency shift in a hydrogen maser

We use the dressed-atom formalism to calculate the frequency shift in a hydrogen maser induced by applied radiation near the Zeeman frequency, and find excellent agreement with a previous calculation made in the bare-atom basis. The maser oscillates on the $\ensuremath{\Delta}F=1,$ $\ensuremath{\Delta}{m}_{F}=0$ hyperfine transition, while the applied field is swept through the $F=1,$ $\ensuremath{\Delta}{m}_{F}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ Zeeman resonance. We determine the effect of the applied field on the Zeeman levels using the dressed-atom picture, and then calculate the maser frequency shift by coupling the dressed states to the microwave cavity. Qualitatively, the dressed-atom analysis gives a simpler physical interpretation of this double-resonance process, which has applications in precision hydrogen Zeeman spectroscopy, e.g., in fundamental symmetry tests.
Mechanism-based inactivation by aromatization of the transaminase BioA involved in biotin biosynthesis in Mycobaterium tuberculosis.

BioA catalyzes the second step of biotin biosynthesis, and this enzyme represents a potential target to develop new antitubercular agents. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and biochemical characterization of a mechanism-based inhibitor (1) featuring a 3,6-dihydropyrid-2-one heterocycle that covalently modifies the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) cofactor of BioA through aromatization. The structure of the PLP adduct was confirmed by MS/MS and X-ray crystallography at 1.94 A resolution. Inactivation of BioA by 1 was time- and concentration-dependent and protected by substrate. We used a conditional knock-down mutant of M. tuberculosis to demonstrate the antitubercular activity of 1 correlated with BioA expression, and these results provide support for the designed mechanism of action.
Position/Rate Haptic Control of a Hydraulic Forklift

This paper discusses a haptic control strategy that can switch between position and rate control on the fly. When manipulating a remote device through teleoperation it is often desirable to complete tasks in position mode. This is because the slave is mimicking the motion of the master device (i.e. the human operator). Pure position control breaks down if the slave is a non holonomic device such as a forklift truck, earth moving vehicle or a skid-steer loader and the master has a holonomic robot with a finite workspace. In order to drive around, the forward motion must be controlled in rate mode when the device is move over long distances. Horizontal motion of the vehicle is also used to manipulate the end effector. Since tasks done by end effector are often done in a small region it is desirable to be able to switch into position mode in order to complete tasks with the end effector. Experimental results are presented using a PHANTOM as the haptic display and a Hydraulically Actuate Lifter (HAL) as a remote manipulator. These results show how a position/rate controller would behave in unconstrained motion, in the presence of virtual constraints and while picking up a load with the end effector.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Characterization of the roles of conserved cysteine and histidine residues in poliovirus 2A protease.

Abstract The primary processing of the poliovirus polyprotein is catalyzed by 2A protease (2A pro ) which cleaves at the 1D/2A junction in a very rapid cotranslational reaction. In addition, 2A pro also indirectly induces cleavage of the p220 component of eIF-4F, which results in selective inhibition of host protein synthesis. Earlier studies have indicated that 2A pro is related to 3C protease (3C pro ) and is structurally similar to trypsin-like serine proteases with the substitution of Cysl09 as the nucleophile. We noticed that 2A pro of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses contains a specific motif of Cys55-XaaCys57-Xaa n -Cysl15-Xaa-His117 which is absolutely conserved, but which is not found in viral 3C pro or known cellular serine proteases. To better understand the specific roles these conserved cysteine and histidine residues played in the structure/function of 2A pro , we constructed a series of 2A pro mutants by site-specific mutagenesis and analyzed the mutant enzymes with respect to their biochemical properties. Conservative amino acid replacements at Cys55, Cys57, Cys115, or His117 resulted, in each case, in a complete loss of both in cis and in trans activities of 2A pro . To determine the function of these residues, we examined the biochemical/structural features of 2A pro expressed in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. Gel mobility shift and chemical modification data suggest that these cysteine residues do not form intra-molecular disulfide linkages as a structural feature of 2A pro . However, studies with metal chelators did not eliminate the possibility that 2A pro contains a metal-binding ligand. Finally, our results suggest that these conserved cysteine and histidine residues, including Cys55, Cys57, Cysl15, and Hisl17, are critical in maintaining the active conformation of 2A pro structure and essential in supporting the catalytic activity of 2A pro .
Sons of Sindbad: An Account of Sailing with the Arabs in their Dhows, in the Red Sea, round the Coasts of Arabia, and to Zanzibar and Tanganyika; Pearling in the Persian Gulf; and the Life of the Shipmasters and the Mariners of Kuwait, by Alan Villiers

Sons of Sindbad: An Account of Sailing with the Arabs in their Dhows, in the Red Sea, round the Coasts of Arabia, and to Zanzibar and Tanganyika; Pearling in the Persian Gulf; and the Life of the S...
Neoliberalism, Transnational Education Norms, and Education Spending in the Developing World, 1983-2004

Using the case of education, we consider how global cultural and economic forces affect national education spending policies. Our analysis includes both an historical analysis of the construction and transformation of ideas about education at the global level and a statistical assessment of the implementation of conflicting approaches to state education funding within countries. In the historical analysis, we show how the idea of free education, although institutionalized in international law, was subject to powerful challenges from international financial institutions, which advocated user fees for public services, including education. Ultimately, the principle of free education prevailed despite the financial clout behind the opposing view. Using data from poor- and middle-income countries from 1983 to 2004, we also show that the presence of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) advocating child rights was linked to an increase in the levels of state funding for education. This suggests that embeddedness in global discourses, as evidenced by country-specific linkages to INGOs, is critical in making governments more accountable for supporting institutionalized ideas concerning education.
Technical Note: Influence of Experimental Conditions on the Outcome of Laboratory Investigations Using Natural Coastal Seawaters

Abstract Methods for handling and storing natural coastal seawater, particularly methods for deaeration over time, influenced the chemistry and microflora. Bubbling nitrogen into natural seawater t...
The Epistemological Argument against Desert

Most contemporary political philosophers deny that justice requires giving people what they deserve. According to a familiar anti-desert argument, the influence of genes and environment on people's actions and traits undermines all desert-claims. According to a less familiar – but more plausible – argument, the influence of genes and environment on people's actions and traits undermines some desert-claims (or all desert-claims to an extent). But, it says, we do not know which ones (or to what extent). This article examines this ‘epistemological’ argument against desert. It gives reason to believe that it fails, emphasizing the importance of justice relative to efficiency and attempting to construct a practical way of measuring desert.
CD34 expression in primary cutaneous malignant melanoma: apropos of a case and review of the aberrant melanoma phenotype

Background: The histological diagnosis of malignant melanoma can be challenging. Immunohistochemical techniques may define a critical role in certain cases, specifically in establishing a primary diagnosis of melanoma. CD34 is a hemopoietic stem cell antigen expressed in bone marrow and endothelial cells, and may also be expressed in vascular and spindle cell tumors; it is generally negative in malignant melanoma. Case report: An 83-year-old white female presented with a 3–4 mm area on her right upper back, which had been present for several years. Histologic sections showed a polypoid distortion by sheets and nodules of transformed amelanotic melanocytes lying in intimate apposition to an attenuated epidermis without a concomitant radial growth phase. Tumor cells were extensively S-100 and CD34 positive and showed focal immunoreactivity with melan-A and HMB-45. Discussions: We present a case of malignant melanoma of nodular subtype, which strongly expressed CD34. The spectrum of abnormal phenotypes in malignant melanoma is reviewed, and a possible explanation for the presence of CD34 is discussed. This case demonstrates the potential of malignant melanoma to express CD34, defining an infrequently recognized aberrant phenotype. Whether or not expression of this marker is associated with a more aggressive clinical course remains to be determined.
The geography of happiness: connecting twitter sentiment and expression, demographics, and objective characteristics of place

We conduct a detailed investigation of correlations between real-time expressions of individuals made across the United States and a wide range of emotional, geographic, demographic, and health characteristics. We do so by combining (1) a massive, geo-tagged data set comprising over 80 million words generated in 2011 on the social network service Twitter and (2) annually-surveyed characteristics of all 50 states and close to 400 urban populations. Among many results, we generate taxonomies of states and cities based on their similarities in word use; estimate the happiness levels of states and cities; correlate highly-resolved demographic characteristics with happiness levels; and connect word choice and message length with urban characteristics such as education levels and obesity rates. Our results show how social media may potentially be used to estimate real-time levels and changes in population-scale measures such as obesity rates.
Signal Feature Extraction From Microbarograph Observations Using the Hilbert–Huang Transform

The Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is a relatively new time-frequency analysis tool. We present a new signal feature extraction technique based on HHT. This technique is used to extract diurnal and semidiurnal tides from atmospheric pressure data obtained from a microbarograph stationed at the Arecibo Observatory. Observation of seasonal variations of semidiurnal tides is possible due to the high precision offered by this technique. Furthermore, we apply the signal extraction procedure to isolate and remove high-amplitude disturbance signals from the time-series signal. This is demonstrated by extracting a hurricane event from the pressure data. The superior capabilities of the HHT-based technique to analyze time-varying signals compared to traditional linear techniques such as the wavelet transform and the fast Fourier transform are demonstrated.
THE HUPO Human Plasma Proteome Project

The Human Proteomics Organization (HUPO) Human Plasma Proteome Project (PPP) is a prominent example of the inherently collaborative nature of the overall community effort to characterize the proteome of humans in health and disease. The PPP Pilot Phase, called “Exploring the Human Plasma Proteome”, engaged 55 laboratories, four technical committees, and vendors and sponsors on an international scale. Among other outcomes, the PPP generated a Core Dataset of 3020 proteins identified with two or more peptides, fully accessible at EBI/ PRIDE, ISB/PeptideAtlas, and University of Michigan websites, a rich resource for follow-on analyses. The PPP provided extensive annotation, correlation of number of peptides with protein concentrations measured by immunoassay, an algorithm for choice of a representative protein for multiple proteins matching a given peptide, and independent analyses from the raw spectra. The next phase of the PPP will emphasize standardized procedures for specimen handling, potent new technology platforms for discovery and for targeted proteomics, and robust informatics efforts, including comparative analyses of other biofluids.
Jupiter: The Giant Planet

In writing Jupiter: The Giant Planet, Reta Beebe accepted a tremendous challenge: to encapsulate our current understanding of the entire Jovian system and make it understandable to a diverse audience of both technical and nontechnical readers. She has succeeded remarkably well, and the book will reward readers of all levels of scientific background. The book is a compact, high-quality production, with a handsome cover dominated by Jupiter. The color plates are excellently reproduced and well chosen. The graphics and illustrations are clean and well integrated with the text. Some of the black and white photographs suffer from contrast problems but are mostly adequate for their purpose. A future edition of this work would benefit from using more recent digital versions of the Galilean satellite maps.
The behavioral approach to diagnostics of cyber-physical systems

Computer controlled machinery is perceived as a cyber-physical system. Such systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks of ever-growing sophistication with potentially severe consequences. To address this threat advanced security/status monitoring measures are to be developed and deployed within the framework of industrial control systems. A system diagnostic approach based on modeling and assessment of the overall behavior of the cyber-physical system utilizing system call data of its dedicated computer is presented. The behavior based anomaly/misuse detection procedures, described herein, have resulted in a system diagnostic technology capable of timely detection, identification and prediction of hardware malfunction caused by cyber attacks on its computer control systems. The approach is implemented with a numerically efficient system call processing algorithms for off-line functionality extraction and on-line functionality matching. Implemented in software, our approach was deployed and tested for a flight control computer operating an advanced flight simulator.
Sensory irritation to formaldehyde and acrolein during single and repeated exposures in mice

Mice were exposed to various concentrations of formaldehyde or acrolein. Concentration-response relationships were developed by measuring per cent decrease in respiratory rate, indicating upper respiratory tract sensory irritation. Relationships are presented between the concentration associated with a 50% respiratory decrease and TLVs. A summary of other animal inhalation studies is presented. The basis for the acrolein and formaldehyde TLVs are reviewed. Mice exposed for 4 days showed increasing sensitivity daily for both compounds. A re-evaluation of the TLVs is suggested.
A MEMS read-write head for ferroelectric probe storage

We report a novel MEMS read-write head for probe data storage using ferroelectric (FE) media. In our FE storage approach, the minimum bit length is not dependent on the physical dimension of the writer electrode, which simplifies the writer fabrication. FE media has the advantages of high thermal stability, narrow domain walls, and low-voltage writability compared with magnetic storage. A read-write head based on MEMS technology is presented, along with process details. Preliminary test results on a scan stand show an obtainable areal density approaching 1 Tb/in2 with our prototype head and media.
The use of apolipoprotein CII as a genetic marker for myotonic dystrophy.

• In five families we have confirmed the close linkage between the genes for myotonic dystrophy and apolipoprotein Cll. The total maximum lod (log of the odds) score was 3.32 at 0 recombination. We demonstrate that the use of a Ban I restriction site polymorphism for apolipoprotein Cll adds additional useful information when combined with the more commonly used Taq I polymorphism. The potential practical clinical use of these markers for the prenatal diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy is demonstrated.
An interstitial deletion at 8q23.1-q24.12 associated with Langer-Giedion syndrome/ Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) type II and Cornelia de Lange syndrome 4.

Background There are three distinct subtypes of Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS); TRPS type I, TRPS type II and TRPS type III. Features common to all three subtypes include sparse, slowly growing scalp hair, laterally sparse eyebrows, a bulbous tip of the nose (pear-shaped), and protruding ears. Langer–Giedion syndrome (LGS) or TRPS type II is a contiguous gene syndrome on 8q24.1, involving loss of functional copies of the TRPS1 and EXT1 genes. We report a male patient that was referred to the Department of Medical Genetics due to hypotonia and dysmorphic facial features.
Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Sulfur-Rich Compounds

The molecular third-order optical nonlinearity γR (second hyperpolarizability or nonlinear refractive index) was measured for a series of sulfur-rich molecules: sulfur (S8), carbon−sulfur compounds, and metal thiolate clusters. Z-scan techniques (pulse width 27 ps, wavelength 527 nm) were used to measure these properties in solution by comparing the solution to the pure solvent. Our approach is an efficient way to evaluate a number of different compounds and to quickly direct synthetic strategies for improved nonlinear and linear optical properties. The optical nonlinearities were evaluated in terms of figures of merit, |W|/I0 and [T]-1, where |W|/I0 is the ratio of nonlinear refraction to linear absorption and [T]-1 is the ratio of nonlinear refraction to nonlinear absorption. Among the carbon−sulfur compounds, C6S8O2 had the largest figures of merit: |W|/I0 = 4.3 × 10-13 m2 W-1 and [T]-1 > 5. The metal thiolate cluster with the largest second hyperpolarizability was [Zn10S4(SPh)16]4- (γR = −7.8 × 10-5...
Recovering shape and motion from undersea images

Work on the development of passive-vision sensing capabilities that can increase the autonomy of an undersea vehicle is reported. Two classic machine-vision problems for recovering motion and the shape of objects from their images are considered, in light of formulations that incorporate effects due to the illumination attenuation and nonuniform lighting commonly encountered in undersea environments. Based on the formulations, methods are proposed for recovering the orientation of a planar patch from its image shading and for estimating the image motion, a useful tool in dynamic scene analysis. >
Lethal and Other Serious Assaults Disentangling Gender and Context

Women represent a relatively small percentage of known violent offenders, a disproportionality in offending that increases as the severity of the crime increases. The exception is intimate partner homicide where some studies find U.S. rates of offending by women approach those of men. Although the literature makes clear that significant gender differences exist in the commission of homicide, a more contextualized picture of the female offenders and the pathways leading to criminal offending does not exist. This study uses data from one state’s correctional system to examine the circumstances under which females kill or seriously assault intimate partners and, in particular, assesses the tenability of a prevailing stereotype that has been invoked to describe female intimate partner violence.
A framework for the greedy algorithm

Perhaps the best known algorithm in combinatorial optimization is the greedy algorithm. A natural question is for which optimization problems does the greedy algorithm produce an optimal solution? In a sense this question is answered by a classical theorem in matroid theory due to Rado and Edmonds. In the matroid case, the greedy algorithm solves the optimization problem for every linear objective function. There are, however, optimization problems for which the greedy algorithm correctly solves the optimization problem for many--but not all--linear weight functions. Our intention is to put the greedy algorithm into a simple framework that includes such situations. For any pair (S,P) consisting of a finite set S together with a set P of partial orderings of S, we define the concepts of greedy set and admissible function. On a greedy set L ⊆ S, the greedy algorithm correctly solves the naturally associated optimization problem for all admissible functions f : S → R. Indeed, when P consists of linear orders, the greedy sets are characterized by this property. A geometric condition sufficient for a set to be greedy is given in terms of a polytope and roots that generalize Lie algebra root systems.
Illusory Sound Perception in Macaque Monkeys

In most natural listening environments, noise occludes objects of interest, and it would be beneficial for an organism to correctly identify those objects. When a sound of interest ("foreground" sound) is interrupted by a loud noise, subjects perceive the entire sound, even if the noise was intense enough to completely mask a part of it. This phenomenon can be exploited to create an illusion: when a silent gap is introduced into the foreground and high-intensity noise is superimposed into the gap, subjects report the foreground as continuing through the noise although that portion of the foreground was deleted. This phenomenon, referred to as auditory induction or amodal completion, is conceptually similar to visual induction, fill-in, illusory motion, and illusory contours. Two rhesus macaque monkeys performed a task designed to assess auditory induction. They were trained to discriminate complete stimuli from those containing a silent gap in the presence of two types of noise. Interrupting noise temporally coincided only with the gap, and in humans this causes induction. Surrounding noise temporally encompassed the entire foreground, and in humans this causes masking without auditory induction. Consistent with previous human psychophysical results, macaques showed better performance with surrounding masking noise than interrupting noise designed to elicit induction. These and other control experiments provide evidence that primates may share a general mechanism to perceptually complete missing sounds.
Teeth and Human Life-History Evolution*

Modern humans differ from wild great apes in gestation length, weaning age, interbirth interval, sexual maturity, and longevity, but evolutionary anthropologists do not know when these distinctive life-history conditions evolved. Dental tissues contain faithful records of birth and incremental growth, and scholars suggest that molar eruption age, tooth wear, growth disturbances, tooth chemistry, and/or tooth calcification may provide insight into the evolution of human life history. However, recent comparative approaches and empirical evidence demonstrate that caution is warranted when inferring hominin weaning ages or interbirth intervals from first molar eruption, tooth wear, or growth disturbances. Fine-scaled studies of tooth chemistry provide direct evidence of weaning. Early hominin tooth calcification is more ape-like than human-like, and fully modern patterns appear only after Neanderthals and Homo sapiens diverged, concurrent with changes in cranial and postcranial development. Additional studies are needed to relate these novel calcification patterns to specific changes in life-history variables.
Linear Realization Theory, Integer Invariants and Feedback Control

The algebraic module theoretic stability framework for linear time-invariant systems is reviewed. The main theme is that Kalman’s algebraic realization theory has evolved much beyond its initial objective of providing an abstract framework for the derivation of mathematical models of systems. It has become a powerful tool for the extraction of structural invariants, permitting the exact characterization of all options for dynamics assignment through internally stable linear dynamic compensation. This characterization is provided by a set of integers—the stability indices of the system.
TiO2 doped UO2 fuels sintered by spark plasma sintering

Abstract UO 2 fuels doped with oxide additives Cr 2 O 3 and TiO 2 display larger grain size, improving fission product retention capability and thus accident tolerance. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was applied to consolidate TiO 2 -doped UO 2 fuel pellets with 0.5 wt % dopant concentration, above its solubility, in order to induce eutectic phase formation and promote sintering kinetics. The grain size can reach 80 μm by sintering at 1700 °C for 20 min, and liquid U–Ti–O eutectic phase occurs at the triple junction of grain boundaries and significantly improves grain growth during sintering. The oxide additive also impedes the reduction of the initial hyperstoichiometric fuel powders to more stoichiometric fuel pellets upon SPS process. Thermal–mechanical properties of the sintered doped fuel pellets including thermal conductivity and hardness are measured and compared with undoped fuel pellets. The enlarged grain size (80 μm) and densification within short sintering duration highlight the immense possibility of SPS in fabricating large grained UO 2 fuel pellets to improve fuel performance.
RECOGNITION AND INFECTION BY SLOW-GROWING RHIZOBIA

A field isolate of R. japonicum has recently been isolated that may help to answer the question of whether or not rhizobia need to attach to the host root surface in some particular way in order to infect and nodulate. This field isolate, designated 1007, was obtained from a large nodule in the crown region of a soybean plant from a local field (S.J. Vesper, T.V. Bhuvaneswari, W.D. Bauer, in preparation).
One-to-One Assistant Engagement in Autism Support Classrooms:

Classroom assistants and one-to-one assistants are an important part of the staffing structure of many autism support classrooms. Limited studies, however, have examined how one-to-one assistants spend their time in the classroom. The purpose of this article was to examine the percentage of time one-to-one assistants were engaged in instruction or support of students with autism and to determine the factors associated with their engagement. Direct observations were conducted in 46 autism support classrooms. Teachers and classroom assistants were engaged in instruction or support 98% and 91% of the time, respectively. One-to-one assistants were engaged in instruction or support 57% of the time. Classroom assistants’ and one-to-one assistants’ engagement was significantly correlated. The low rate of one-to-one assistants’ engagement suggests an inefficient use of an important resource.
Novel archaeal tetraether lipids with a cyclohexyl ring identified in Fayetteville Green Lake, NY, and other sulfidic lacustrine settings

Rationale The meromictic Fayetteville Green Lake (FGL) is of significant geobiological interest because of microbial cycling of sulfur within and below the permanent chemocline and in the euxinic deep waters. Studies of glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) may help shed light on understanding the activity of archaeal communities in these habitats. Methods Normal-phase and reversed-phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis on total lipid extracts of environmental samples revealed series of GDGTs with different biphytane structures. Comparison of the mass spectrum of biphytane obtained from separated novel GDGTs with that of a synthetic C40 biphytane confirms our structural assignments. Results A unique cyclohexyl ring configured in the middle of a C40 biphytane chain was identified in these novel GDGTs. We suggest the trivial name S-GDGTs for these compounds, where ‘S′ stands for ‘sulfidic’ and ‘six-membered ring’. S-GDGT derivatives composed of biphytanes modified with double bonds and cyclopentane rings were also detected in the samples we analyzed. Intact polar lipid precursors of S-GDGT include compounds with mono- and diglycosyl head groups. Conclusions The carbon isotopic composition of S-GDGTs and their occurrence in FGL, Messel Shale as well as Salt Pond and salt marshes on Cape Cod suggest that S-GDGTs may be produced by chemoautotrophic archaea that prefer sulfidic conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal high-fat diet is associated with impaired fetal lung development

Maternal nutrition has a profound long-term impact on infant health. Poor maternal nutrition influences placental development and fetal growth, resulting in low birth weight, which is strongly associated with the risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, asthma, and type 2 diabetes, later in life. Few studies have delineated the mechanisms by which maternal nutrition affects fetal lung development. Here, we report that maternal exposure to a diet high in fat (HFD) causes placental inflammation, resulting in placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and inhibition of fetal lung development. Notably, pre- and postnatal exposure to maternal HFD also results in persistent alveolar simplification in the postnatal period. Our novel findings provide a strong association between maternal diet and fetal lung development.
Designing Counter-Narratives: Constructing Culturally Responsive Curriculum Online

The growing field of online education has developed inside a cultural context rooted in racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of inherent bias. Likewise, the design and development of online curriculum is not excluded from the biases that have historically plagued face-to-face curriculum. In this article, the authors call online teachers into action by encouraging them to adopt an engaged instructional design praxis that builds learning environments inclusive of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. Through the use of culturally responsive teaching, online teachers can create spaces of counter narrative that address curricular blindnesses and promote social justice.
Fetal, Placental, and Maternal Hormones

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of fetal, placental, and maternal hormones. Obstetrical complications frequently occur as varying combinations of abnormal fetal growth, aberrations in the sequencing of fetal maturational endocrine events, or disordered timing of parturition. The placenta, and the fetus and placenta as a cooperative, secretes a diverse profile of polypeptide and steroid hormones into the intervillous space. Measurements of circulating maternal concentrations of these hormones as they change with advancing gestational age can define the passage of normal maturational events or signal the presence of developing fetal complications. Such measurements have become increasingly important in the assessment of the at-risk pregnancy. The chapter reviews the origins, regulatory mechanisms, biosynthetic processes, release, and clinical relevance of polypeptide and steroid hormones secreted by the fetus, placenta, or fetus and placenta from conception until term. Human chorionic gonadotrophin is a double-chain glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 36,000–40,000. The fetal adrenal cortex is the central steroid modulator in the fetal placental complex and is the chief source of circulating fetal steroid precursors.
"Late" Withdrawal Syndrome after Carbamazepine In Utero Exposure in a CYP2C9 Slow Metabolizer Newborn.

We report a case of carbamazepine withdrawal syndrome following in utero exposure to carbamazepine related to a pharmacogenetic predisposition factor. The infant was born at 37 1/7 weeks’ gestation by cesarean section to a mother treated for epilepsy with carbamazepine. One hour and thirty minutes after birth, the infant presented a respiratory distress with severe oxygen desaturation requiring intubation five hours after birth. On the third day of life the infant developed clinical signs of a withdrawal syndrome which resolved progressively after 16 days and symptomatic treatment. The infant genotype analysis showed two low activity CYP2C9 allelic variants (*2/*3) predicting a CYP2C9 slow metabolizer phenotype which could explain reduced carbamazepine elimination and a late and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms observed 3 days after birth. The association of a withdrawal syndrome with carbamazepine exposure has not been previously reported and pharmacogenetic tests might therefore be useful in identifying patients at risk.