cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INFANTILE METHEMOGLOBINEMIA : REEXAMINING THE ROLE OF DRINKING WATER NITRATES

Ingestion of nitrates in drinking water has long been thought to be a primary cause of acquired infantile methemoglobinemia, often called blue baby syndrome. However, recent research and a review of historical cases offer a more complex picture of the causes of infantile methemoglobinemia. Gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and the ensuing overproduction of nitric oxide may be the cause of many cases of infantile methemoglobinemia previously attributed to drinking water nitrates. If so, current limits on allowable levels of nitrates in drinking water, which are based solely on the health threat of infantile methemoglobinemia, may be unnecessarily strict.
Structure of a stabilizing disulfide bridge mutant that closes the active-site cleft of T4 lysozyme.

The engineered disulfide bridge between residues 21 and 142 of phage T4 lysozyme spans the active-site cleft and can be used as a switch to control the activity of the enzyme (Matsumura, M. & Matthews, B.W., 1989, Science 243, 792-794). In the oxidized form the disulfide increases the melting temperature of the protein by 11 degrees C at pH 2. The crystal structure of this mutant lysozyme has been determined in both the reduced and oxidized forms. In the reduced form, the crystal structure of the mutant is shown to be extremely similar to that of wild type. In the oxidized form, however, the formation of the disulfide bridge causes the alpha-carbons of Cys 21 and Cys 142, on opposite sides of the active-site cleft, to move toward each other by 2.5 A. In association with this movement, the amino-terminal domain of the protein undergoes a rigid-body rotation of 5.1 degrees relative to the carboxy-terminal domain. This rotation occurs about an axis passing through the junction of the amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal domains and is also close to the axis that best fits the apparent thermal motion of the amino-terminal domain seen previously in crystals of wild-type lysozyme. Even though the engineered Cys 21-Cys 142 disulfide links together the amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal domains of T4 lysozyme, it does not reduce the apparent mobility of the one domain relative to the other. The pronounced "hinge-bending" mobility of the amino-terminal domain that is suggested by the crystallographic thermal parameters of wild-type lysozyme persists in the oxidized (and reduced) mutant structures. In the immediate vicinity of the introduced disulfide bridge the mutant structure is more mobile (or disordered) than wild type, so much so that the exact conformation of Cys 21 remains obscure. As with the previously described disulfide bridge between residues 9 and 164 of T4 lysozyme (Pjura, P.E., Matsumura, M., Wozniak, J.A., & Matthews, B.W., 1990, Biochemistry 29, 2592-2598), the engineered cross-link substantially enhances the stability of the protein without making the folded structure more rigid.
Which States Will Restrict Abortions? Predictions from Votes in the House of Representatives

In response to the Supreme Court's rulings in Webster v. Reproductive Services and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, which increased the ability of states to restrict abortions, many state legislatures have reexamined their abortion policies. Several recent studies use a variety of methods to predict whether states will restrict abortion access. These studies have utilized congressional votes on abortion legislation, past state laws restricting abortions, or current attitudes by state legislators and governors. Each method has its merits and limitations. This paper uses recent votes in the states' House of Representatives pertaining to abortion issues to predict the likelihood of significant abortion restrictions. These results are compared with rankings from other recent studies.
A fast versatile instrument for dynamic optical tomography

Instrumentation suitable for acquiring fast (up to 150 Hz) multi-source, multi-detector optical measurements from tissues having arbitrary geometries is described. The design rationale and measured performance features of first- and second-generation systems are given. Also shown are representative images derived from experimental studies.
Anomalous Renal Effects of Tin Protoporphyrin in a Murine Model of Sickle Cell Disease

In human and murine models of sickle cell disease (SCD), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is induced in the kidney, an organ commonly involved in SCD. The present study assessed the role of HO-1 by using a competitive inhibitor of HO activity, tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), in protocols affording a composite, clinically relevant analysis of the kidney in SCD under unstressed and stressed conditions. Whereas short-term administration of SnPP exerted comparable renal hemodynamic effects in wild-type and sickle mice, chronic administration of SnPP exerted divergent effects: SnPP provoked tubulointerstitial inflammation and up-regulation of injury-related genes in wild-type mice, whereas in sickle mice SnPP reduced expression of injury-related genes and vascular congestion without provoking tubulointerstitial inflammation. SnPP also protected against the heightened sensitivity to renal ischemia observed in sickle mice, preventing ischemia-induced worsening of renal injury in sickle mice above that observed in wild-type mice. Effective and comparable inhibition of HO activity by SnPP in wild-type and sickle mice was confirmed. These findings suggest that induction of HO-1, at least as assessed by this approach, may contribute to renal injury in this murine model of SCD and uncover an experimental maneuver that protects the kidney in murine SCD.
PIQ > VIQ Discrepancy as a Correlate of Social Problem Solving and Aggression in Delinquent Adolescent Males:

Numerous studies have established an association between a PIQ > VIQ discrepancy and juvenile delinquency. However, the reasons for this connection are unclear. In this study, we investigated the PIQ > VIQ discrepancy in a sample of 95 male adolescent delinquents and found that it was related not only to delinquency but also to social problem solving. We found that the PIQ > VIQ discrepancy was related to greater hostile attributional bias on a social problem-solving task. However, we did not find a link between the PIQ > VIQ discrepancy and measures of aggression.
Low-voltage electro-optic modulator in SBN:60

Electro-optic intensity modulators have been produced in LiNbO/sub 3/, LiTaO/sub 3/, and SBN:60 substrates using strain-induced waveguides formed by the magnetron deposition of a surface metal film. Record low pi-voltage (0.25 V) and low propagation loss (<0.2 dB/cm) have been demonstrated in SBN:60.
Properties of the transition amplitude for two-nucleon transfer reactions

Abstract A general discussion is given of the angular momentum structure of the transition amplitude for two-nucleon transfer, particularly in light-ion-induced reactions. For example, it is shown that, within the model which is usually assumed, the relative phase between simultaneous and sequential transfer parts of the amplitude, for a given two-nucleon configuration, cannot depend upon the value of J , the total angular momentum transfer. A dependence on the oddness or evenness of J can emerge when there are additional sources of angular momentum transfer. Some of these are indicated.
Optimization of stochastic systems

This paper gives a short survey of Monte Carlo algorithms for stochastic optimization. Both discrete and continuous parameter stochastic optimization are discussed, with emphasis on the analysis of convergence rate. Some future research directions for the area are also indicated.
Electrochemical effects in the chemical-mechanical polishing of copper for integrated circuits

Chemical-mechanical polishing of copper in ammonia based solutions has been studied using electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical potential, linear polarization resistance, and potentiodynamic polarization. A copper rotating disk electrode was used to simulate polishing conditions. Measurements made on sputter-coated wafers during polishing were used for comparison. The dissolution of copper is limited by transport of Cu(NH3)2 + from the surface, and the removal rate of copper during polishing is controlled in the solution by the formation of copper ammine complexes.
Urban Space, Belonging, and Inequality in Multi-Ethnic Housing Estates of Melaka, Malaysia

Through ethnographic inquiry, this article explores the dynamics of urban space and ethnicity in a multi-ethnic and predominantly middle-class neighborhood in Melaka, Malaysia. Chinese developers and Malay political officials contributed to the social production of the built environment in the neighborhood, including several housing estates, commercial shop lots, religious institutions, kindergartens, and day care centers. Indians, Malays, Chinese, and Christians mark and claim spaces with polysemous symbols entailing shared meanings of protection and representation of their respective categories. While the Malay-dominated government and Chinese capital have established stable religious institutions, Indians are struggling to maintain two unregistered temples. Chinese and Indians interact in many contexts producing a shared politically marginalized identity of Malaysian citizens. International students, mostly Arabs and Africans of various nationalities, produce a politically marginalized identity of non-...
PRISM: A data management system for high‐throughput proteomics

Advanced proteomic research efforts involving areas such as systems biology or biomarker discovery are enabled by the use of high level informatics tools that allow the effective analysis of large quantities of differing types of data originating from various studies. Performing such analyses on a large scale is not feasible without a computational platform that performs data processing and management tasks. Such a platform must be able to provide high-throughput operation while having sufficient flexibility to accommodate evolving data analysis tools and methodologies. The Proteomics Research Information Storage and Management system (PRISM) provides a platform that serves the needs of the accurate mass and time tag approach developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. PRISM incorporates a diverse set of analysis tools and allows a wide range of operations to be incorporated by using a state machine that is accessible to independent, distributed computational nodes. The system has scaled well as data volume has increased over several years, while allowing adaptability for incorporating new and improved data analysis tools for more effective proteomics research.
Control of vesicle formation by chemical switching

Abstract The formation and collapse of liposomes is controlled by the existing balance between polar headgroup and hydrophobic tail. Alteration of the headgroup's charge state can be controlled, for example by redox-switching, which in turn permits regulation of aggregate formation.
Purported Mcl-1 inhibitor marinopyrrole A fails to show selective cytotoxicity for Mcl-1-dependent cell lines.

Purported Mcl-1 inhibitor marinopyrrole A fails to show selective cytotoxicity for Mcl-1-dependent cell lines
Vibration analysis of laminated anisotropic shells of revolution

Abstract An efficient computational procedure is presented for the free vibration analysis of laminated anisotropic shells of revolution, and for assessing the sensitivity of their response to anisotropic (nonorthotropic) material coefficients. The analytical formulation is based on a form of the Sanders-Budiansky shell theory including the effects of both the transverse shear deformation and the laminated anisotropic material response. The fundamental unknowns consist of the eight stress resultants, the eight strain components, and the five generalized displacements of the shell. Each of the shell variables is expressed in terms of trigonometric functions in the circumferential coordinate and a three-field mixed finite element model is used for the discretization in the meridional direction. The three key elements of the procedure are: (a) use of three-field mixed finite element models in the meridional direction with discontinuous stress resultants and strain components at the element interfaces, thereby allowing the elimination of the stress resultants and strain components on the element level; (b) operator splitting, or decomposition of the material stiffness matrix of the shell into the sum of an orthotropic and nonorthotropic (anisotropic) parts, thereby uncoupling the governing finite element equations corresponding to the symmetric and antisymmetric vibrations for each Fourier harmonic; and (c) application of a reduction method through the successive use of the finite element method and the classical Bubnov-Galerkin technique. The potential of the proposed procedure is discussed and numerical results are presented to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Studies in Magnetochemical Engineering: Part IV. A Fluidized-Bed Superconducting Magnetic Separation Process for Dry Coal Desulfurization*

Abstract This paper describes the development and demonstration of a fluidized-bed, superconducting magnetic separation process for desulfurization of dry pulverized coal for utility boiler applications (typically ground to 70 – 80 minus 200-mesh, or below 0.074 mm). Experimental results have shown significant advantages for several processing methods and equipment innovations, such as using a superconducting magnetic field, a fluidized-bed separator matrix, and an automatic internal vibration/washing system, in maximizing the sulfur reduction, Btu recovery and processing throughput. Without any external size classification and ultra-fines removal prior to magnetic separation, the process can reduce the sulfur dioxide emission level (lb SO2 per million Btu, or g SO2 per million joule) of several pulverized Eastern coals by 30 to 55% and achieve an average Btu recovery of 85 to 90%. Ranges of major operating variables for optimizing the process performance have been identified. The process appears to be an effective dry magnetic method for fine coal desulfurization.
Amlodipine treatment of cocaine dependence.

Preclinical studies indicate that dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonists modulate dopamine neurotransmitter function and can reduce cocaine-reinforced behaviors. Amlodipine, a long-acting...
Is the Democratic Party’s superdelegate system unfair to voters?

Among the reasons for the historic nature of the 2008 Democratic primary race was the attention paid to the “superdelegates”. The competitiveness of the primary and the important role the superdelegates played has led to calls for reform. This paper develops a formal model that explains why superdelegates selected one candidate over the other and why some superdelegates committed early in the primary season while others waited. Hypotheses are tested using an original dataset collected during the 2008 Democratic primary. The results suggest that although some superdelegates made their decision based on personal, idiosyncratic factors, for many superdelegates, Democratic voters played the most important role in their commitment process.
Regional and seasonal variations of surface reflectance from satellite observations at 0.6 micron

A global series of seasonal visible surface reflectance maps derived from NOAA-5 Scanning Radiometer observations is presented. Methods for isolating clear-sky observations from satellite data are evaluated and the magnitude of atmospheric effects (Rayleigh scattering and ozone absorption) are presented. A preliminary analysis of digital vegetation and soils data bases, which were analyzed in conjunction with the satellite observations, is discussed. Regional and global reflectance homogeneity of land-cover types, and snow brightening for types, are presented. Results demonstrate that the statistical approach for isolating clear-sky radiances used in this study obtains accurate enough values for each location to allow meaningful measurements of seasonal, spatial and ecosystem variations in surface reflectance.
Weeding out dangerous alloresponses by graft engineering

Comment on Amrolia et al, page [1797][1] Hematopoietic stem cell grafts engineered to eliminate graft-versus-host alloreactivity rapidly restore cell-mediated immunity in human leukocyte antigen–mismatched pediatric transplant patients. There is a high mortality rate from treatment failure in
Advanced Manufacturing Policies and Paradigms for Innovation

Manufacturing in the United States is usually not pictured as part of the innovation process. This is a fragmented, disconnected view; innovation demands to be looked at as a system, from early-stage research through production. In contrast, Germany has a culture of engineering and Japan of artisanship and quality that embrace histories of production innovation and manufacturing success. Both nations have higher-wage and higher-cost manufacturing sectors than the United States, yet they have run major trade surpluses in manufactured goods, whereas the United States has run large deficits ( 1 , 2 ).
Volitional Control of Movement: The Physiology of Free Will

This review deals with the physiology of the initiation of a voluntary movement and the appreciation of whether it is voluntary or not. I argue that free will is not a driving force for movement, but a conscious awareness concerning the nature of the movement. Movement initiation and the perception of willing the movement can be separately manipulated. Movement is generated subconsciously, and the conscious sense of volition comes later, but the exact time of this event is difficult to assess because of the potentially illusory nature of introspection. Neurological disorders of volition are also reviewed. The evidence suggests that movement is initiated in the frontal lobe, particularly the mesial areas, and the sense of volition arises as the result of a corollary discharge likely involving multiple areas with reciprocal connections including those in the parietal lobe and insular cortex.
Conformationally constrained α-boc-aminophosphonates via transition metal-catalyzed/curtius rearrangement strategies

A transition metal-catalyzed/Curtius rearrangement sequence toward the development of conformationally constrained α-Boc-aminophosphonates 2−6 is described. An approach using the versatile tert-butylphosphonoacetate moieties 1a and 1b to derive an array of mono- and bicyclic α-Boc-aminophosphonate systems is presented. Conformational constraint is incorporated using either the ring-closing metathesis reaction catalyzed by the first generation Grubbs catalyst or intramolecular cyclopropanation mediated by Rh2(OAc)4. Using the tert-butyl ester functionality in 1a or 1b as a potential amino group, the Curtius rearrangement provides an efficient route toward the target α-Boc-aminophosphonates.
A faster migrating variant masquerades as NICD when performing in vitro γ-secretase assays with bacterially expressed notch substrates

Intramembrane proteolysis is a new and rapidly growing field. In vitro assays utilizing recombinant substrates for γ-secretase, an intramembrane-cleaving enzyme, are critically important in order to characterize the biochemical properties of this unusual enzyme. Several recombinant Notch proteins of varying length are commonly used as in vitro substrates for CHAPSO-solubilized γ-secretase. Here we report that several recombinant Notch constructs undergo limited or no proteolysis in vitro. Instead, upon incubation with or without γ-secretase, variants of the intact protein migrate during SDS−PAGE at the location expected for the γ-secretase specific cleavage products. In addition, we show that addition of aspartyl- and γ-secretase specific protease inhibitors are able to retard the formation of these variants independent of γ-secretase, which could lead to the erroneous conclusion that Notch cleavage by solubilized γ-secretase was achieved in vitro even when no proteolysis occurred. In contrast, substrates...
Is our absence as conspicuous as we think? Overestimating the salience and impact of one’s absence from a group

Abstract This research provides evidence that people overestimate the salience to others of their own absence from a group. Although individuals regard the removal of someone else from a group to be less salient than the addition of that person, they regard their own removal as every bit as salient as their addition (Study 1). Those absent from a group also expect their absence to be salient in the eyes of others, overestimating the extent to which their absence will be noticed by others (Study 2), and rating their absence as having had a larger impact on the group’s subsequent functioning than others do (Study 3). Discussion focuses on individuals’ assessments of their absence as an example of a broader egocentrism in social judgment.
Prolog and Geometry Projects

Prolog is a userful tool for geometry and graphics implementations because its primitives, such as unification, match the requiements of many geometric algorithms. During the last two years, we have implemented programs to solve several problems in Prolog, including a subset of the Graphical Kernel System, convex-hull calculation, planar graph traversal, recognition of groupings of objects, Boolean combinations of polygons using multiple precision rational numbers, and cartographic map overlay. Certain paradigms or standard forms of geometric programming in Prolog are becoming evident. They include applying a function to every element of a set, executing a procedure so long as a certain geometric pattern exists, and using unification to propagate a transitive function. This article describes the experiences, including paradigms of programming that seem useful, and finally lists what we see as a advantaes and disadvantages of Prolog.
Atmospheric Trace Gases in the Southern Hemisphere

ATMOSPHERIC trace gases can be used in the study of many worldwide problems. Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide have been suggested as a cause of ground level global warming through the “greenhouse” effect1. Variations in total ozone, to a large extent, control the ultraviolet radiation Received at ground level2. Certain inert gases such as radon3, Argon-37 (ref. 4) and Freon-11 (ref. 4) have been suggested as tracers of large scale atmospheric motions and diffusion rates. The worldwide distributions of carbon monoxide can shed light on the relative contribution of man-made and natural sources of that gas. Air-sea interaction including evaporation rates in hurricanes can be deduced from tritiated water vapour5 and radon6, for example.
A task-based cognitive model for user-network interaction: defining a task taxonomy to guide the interface designer

Abstract Consistency has generally been viewed as a desirable characteristic of human-computer interfaces. Its significance is increased in the design of interfaces to open network environments, involving heterogeneous assortments of hardware and software, lack of central authority, and a constantly changing (and growing) user community. This paper addresses consistency with respect to the tasks that an interface should support in the virtual communication link between a user and any network-based application. A cognitive model was constructed to provide a meaningful framework for the development of a hierarchically structured set of tasks. An initial set of 143 tasks was composed and defined. Then, using an extensive questionnaire, a group of expert users of computer networks was asked to evaluate the hypothesized tasks. This process resulted in a task hierarchy with 89 leaf nodes representing basic tasks. The task definitions are outlined in an appendix. The cognitive model, task sets and task evaluation technique are intended to have practical utility for engineers, system designers, and software developers of user interfaces to complex systems. To illustrate their use, a prototype system was implemented and is briefly described.
Wave Energy Dissipation by Intertidal Sand Waves on a Mixed-Sediment Beach

Within the surf zone, the energy expended by wave breaking is strongly influenced by nearshore bathymetry, which is often linked to the character and abundance of local sediments. Based upon a continuous, two year record of Argus Beach Monitoring System (ABMS) data on the north shore of Kachemak Bay in southcentral Alaska, we model the enhancement of wave energy dissipation by the presence of intertidal sand waves. Comparison of model results from simulations in the presence and absence of sand waves illustrates that these ephemeral morphological features can offer significant protection to the backing beach and sea cliff through two mechanisms: (1) by moving the locus of wave breaking seaward and (2) by increasing energy expenditure associated with the turbulence of wave breaking. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Nearshore sand along the northern coast of Kachemak Bay, Alaska, is transported as discrete intertidal sand waves that migrate over a coarse cobble substrate (Figure 1). The rate of sand wave migration is strongly seasonal and responds directly to the local environmental conditions (Adams et al., 2004). We hypothesize that the presence of these intertidal sand waves substantially decreases the amount of wave energy delivered to the sea cliffs and the upper beachface. This paper briefly describes the regional geomorphic and oceanographic setting, reviews the results of a sand wave migration study, and applies a wave energy dissipation model to test this hypothesis.
Acculturation, Sexual Behaviors, and Health Care Access Among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States, 2006–2010

Abstract Purpose To examine national estimates of sexual behaviors and health care access by acculturation among adolescents. Methods Using the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth, four acculturation groups of Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites aged 15–24 years were analyzed by sexual behaviors and health care access. Results In analyses adjusted for demographics, English-speaking immigrants, Hispanic natives, and non-Hispanic white youth were less likely to have a partner age difference of ≥6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], .28; 95% confidence interval [CI], .13–.60; AOR, .13; 95% CI, .07–.26; AOR, .16; 95% CI, .08–.32, respectively) and more likely to use a condom at the first vaginal sex (AOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.10–3.61; AOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.33–3.31; AOR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.53–3.74, respectively) than Spanish-speaking immigrants. Non-Hispanic white youth and Hispanic natives were more likely to have a regular place for medical care (AOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.36–3.16; AOR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.36–5.68, respectively) and a chlamydia test in the past 12 months (AOR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.52–8.60; AOR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.32–6.54) than Spanish-speaking immigrants. Conclusions Interventions to reduce risk and increase health care access are needed for immigrant Hispanic youth, particularly Spanish-speaking immigrants.
A study of strategic orientation and product competitive advantage in Chinese emerging market

This study integrates strategic orientation and product innovation literature and proposes a model of studying product competitive advantage, its antecedents (strategic orientation: competitor orientation, customer orientation, and technological orientation) and consequence (product performance). The moderating effects of competitive uncertainty and technology uncertainty on product competitive advantage-performance are also examined. The model is tested with data collected from Chinese firms. The results show that strategic orientations generally contribute to product competitive advantage, with customer orientation’s effect being insignificant because of special conditions in the Chinese emerging market. The moderating effect of competitor uncertainty was confirmed in the study. Technological uncertainty’s moderating effect is conflicting to the hypothesis because of low technology content of the Chinese market. Implications for business managers are also discussed in this study.
Magnetic properties of ACr2Se4 (A = Fe, Co, Ni) and NiCr2S4∗

Abstract The magnetic susceptibilities of ACr 2 Se 4 (A = Fe, Co, Ni) and NiCr 2 S 4 are reported. CoCr 2 Se 4 has a sharp peak in its susceptibility at 199°K and the other three compounds have broad maxima in their susceptibilities between 210 and 270°K. The unusual shapes of the thermomagnetic curves are explained as a result of competing antiferro- and ferromagnetic interactions.
Beyond Courts: Harmonizing Practice and Principles in North America through Investor-State Arbitration

Los sistemas legales de las naciones que componen el TLCAN tienen caracteristicas similares, aunque tambien sus diferencias en terminos de las practicas en las cortes y de los principios sustantivos aplicables son notorias. Sin embargo, dentro del contexto del TLCAN, un sistema de resolucion de controversias que no esta bajo control de ninguna de las naciones que lo conforman (arbitraje inversionista-Estado) esta refinando el concepto de estandar minimo. Los tribunales de arbitraje se guian por fallos arbitrales previos en lo que concierne a conformar el importante cuerpo de la legislacion internacional, y estan desarrollando principios armonicos justos y consistentes para delinear el estandar minimo, en particular sobre la negacion de la justicia.
Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Disruption through Altered Mucosal MicroRNA Expression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infections

ABSTRACT Epithelial barrier dysfunction during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has largely been attributed to the rapid and severe depletion of CD4 + T cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it is known that changes in mucosal gene expression contribute to intestinal enteropathy, the role of small noncoding RNAs, specifically microRNA (miRNA), has not been investigated. Using the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected nonhuman primate model of HIV pathogenesis, we investigated the effect of viral infection on miRNA expression in intestinal mucosa. SIV infection led to a striking decrease in the expression of mucosal miRNA compared to that in uninfected controls. This decrease coincided with an increase in 5′-3′-exoribonuclease 2 protein and alterations in DICER1 and Argonaute 2 expression. Targets of depleted miRNA belonged to molecular pathways involved in epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and immune response. Decreased expression of several miRNA involved in maintaining epithelial homeostasis in the gut was localized to the proliferative crypt region of the intestinal epithelium. Our findings suggest that SIV-induced decreased expression of miRNA involved in epithelial homeostasis, disrupted expression of miRNA biogenesis machinery, and increased expression of XRN2 are involved in the development of epithelial barrier dysfunction and gastroenteropathy. IMPORTANCE MicroRNA (miRNA) regulate the development and function of intestinal epithelial cells, and many viruses disrupt normal host miRNA expression. In this study, we demonstrate that SIV and HIV disrupt expression of miRNA in the small intestine during infection. The depletion of several key miRNA is localized to the proliferative crypt region of the gut epithelium. These miRNA are known to control expression of genes involved in inflammation, cell death, and epithelial maturation. Our data indicate that this disruption might be caused by altered expression of miRNA biogenesis machinery during infection. These findings suggest that the disruption of miRNA in the small intestine likely plays a role in intestinal enteropathy during HIV infection.
Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs.

Objective—To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess behavior and temperament traits of pet dogs. Design—Cross-sectional survey of dog owners. Animals—1,851 dogs belonging to clients of a veterinary teaching hospital or members of national breed clubs and 203 dogs examined by canine behavior practitioners because of behavior problems. Procedure—Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of 152 items eliciting information on how dogs responded to specific events and situations in their usual environment. Data from completed questionnaires were subjected to factor analysis, and the resulting factors were tested for reliability and validity. Results—Factor analysis yielded 11 factors from 68 of the original questionnaire items that together accounted for 57% of the common variance in questionnaire item scores. Reliability was acceptable for all but 1 of these factors. Behavior problems in 200 of the 203 dogs with behavior problems could be assigned to 7 diagnostic categories that matched...
Recent Advances in Polyoma Virus Research

(1978). Recent Advances in Polyoma Virus Research. CRC Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 263-300.
Exploring the 4th dimension: hippocampus, time, and memory revisited.

Accurate and reliable timing is an essential component of nearly every purposeful behavior. Just as the brain contains mechanisms to track and orient the body in space, so too must it be able to orient itself in time. Coincidence detection – the integration of simultaneous activation of multiple inputs – is a proposed solution to the question of how the brain tracks the duration of events in the seconds-to-minutes range using millisecond-scale neural processes (Matell and Meck, 2000). The striatal beat-frequency (SBF) model is one of the most successful attempts at explaining the neural basis of interval timing in terms of coincidence detection of oscillatory processes (Matell and Meck, 2004; Lustig et al., 2005; Harrington et al., 2010; Oprisan and Buhusi, 2011, submitted). The SBF model involves a set of cortical timekeeper neurons that oscillate at regular, but distinct frequencies, allowing a unique pattern of activation to occur at each point in time. These activation patterns project onto striatal integrators that combine their information with feedback (e.g., reward input) and form the basis of interval timing.
Near-optimal radiation characteristics for diversity antenna design

A recent method has been proposed for determining the optimal radiation characteristics of antennas that maximize the diversity gain for a given antenna aperture and power angular spectrum of the field. Since this approach results in antennas whose current distributions overlap in the aperture, however, the resulting designs are impractical. This paper proposes several methods which construct the radiation characteristics for non-overlapping currents. Computational results show that the resulting diversity performance of the designed antennas is good but sub-optimal.
Nonlinear sonar signal processing

The basic quantities of information theory are entropy and mutual information. We utilize these quantities to analyze sonar signals leading to detection and localization of underwater sources. The entropy of a process having a finite number of sample points is a maximum when the received process consists of noise alone and decreases when a correlated signal is present. The mutual information is a measure of the amount of information that one random variable contains about another random variable. We present the results of analyses of active and passive sonar signals based on nonlinear techniques of entropy and mutual information, and compare them with results by traditional techniques.
Stretch Enhances Contraction of Bovine Coronary Arteries via an NAD(P)H Oxidase–Mediated Activation of the Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade

This study examines the effects of an increase in passive stretch in endothelium-removed bovine coronary artery on oxidant-induced changes in force generation. Increasing passive stretch on the arterial segments from 5 to 20 g for 20 minutes caused a subsequent increase ( P <0.05) in force generation to 30 mmol/L KCl or 0.1 μmol/L serotonin compared with the prestretch control response. Also associated with the passive stretch were increases in superoxide detection by lucigenin and a selective increase in extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation measured by Western analysis. The stretch-induced increase in force generation was eliminated by inhibition of the ERK pathway by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 but not by inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase pathway (SB202190) or c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway (SP200169). Additionally, stretch-induced increases in both ERK phosphorylation and force generation were attenuated by inhibition of tyrosine kinases (genistein), src (PP2), and specific sites on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (AG1478). Probes for oxidant signaling, including NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors (diphenyliodonium and apocynin) or enhancement of peroxide consumption (ebselen) but not inhibition of xanthine oxidase (allopurinol), attenuated the effects of stretch on both ERK phosphorylation and force generation. Furthermore, stretch caused an increase in EGFR phosphorylation and cytosolic to membrane translocation of the p47phox NAD(P)H oxidase subunit. Hydrogen peroxide also elicited contraction through EGFR phosphorylation and ERK. In summary, stretch seems to enhance force generation via ERK signaling through an EGFR/src-dependent mechanism activated by peroxide derived from a stretch-mediated activation of the NAD(P)H oxidase, a response that may contribute to hypertensive alterations in vascular reactivity.
Wellsprings of Political Leadership

To develop a general theory of leadership we must locate the function of political leadership in a theory of historical causation. One may begin by identifying sources of leadership in the wants and needs, aspirations and expectations, of humankind. In helping to gratify these “motive-bases,” leaders move followers “up” the hierarchy of needs and other motivations and thus create new social configurations in which leaders act. As persons–especially children-move “up” through stages of morality, they also create structures of values that both empower and constrain would-be leaders. Leadership over human beings is exercised when would-be leaders, possessing certain motives of their own, mobilize their own psychological, institutional, pohtical, and other resources relevant to potential followers' motive bases in such a way as to satisfy the motives of both leaders and followers. The test of leadership is the achievement of goals of both leaders and followers in a context of open conflict over ends and means, with leaders and followers mutually and freely defining their values and purposes.
Reliability and Lifing Methodologies for Microelectronic Systems

Integration of core electronic functions is progressing at a remarkable rate. The high-end computers that we are using now may be available on a single die by the turn of the century. The effect of this, and other advances on semiconductor assembly and packaging has generated the need for integrated component-level electrical thermal, and mechanical models and simulation methods, as described in the Semiconductor Industry Association national Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors. Although corporate and university research and development in the semiconductor area is intense (there are eight major university-based packaging centers around the world, for example), design/development methodologies that consider the combined and interactive effects of mechanical, thermal and chemical conditions on the reliability and durability of integrated components have been slow to develop. However, such methodologies have been developed for applications of complex composite systems in various other technologies where the operating conditions are similar. The present paper will discuss those developments and the possibility of applying that technology to microelectronic systems.
Compartmental modeling and power flow analysis for state space systems

A connection between arbitrary (not necessarily nonnegative) state space systems and compartmental models is discussed. Specifically, a dynamical model is obtained for the nonnegative diagonal elements of the nonnegative-definite second-moment matrix, which arises from an additive white noise model. Kronecker and Hadamard (Schur) matrix algebra is used to derive the dynamics of the diagonal elements of the second-moment matrix which satisfies a Lyapunov differential equation. Conditions under which the steady-state values of the diagonal elements satisfy a steady-state compartmental model are given. >
The role of BMI change on smoking abstinence in a sample of HIV-infected smokers

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is approximately 40%, significantly higher than that of the general population. Identifying predictors of successful smoking cessation for PLWHA is necessary to alleviate the morbidity and mortality associated with smoking in this population. Weight gain has been associated with smoking relapse in the general population, but has not been studied among PLWHA. Data from 474 PLWHA enrolled in a smoking cessation randomized clinical trial were analyzed to examine the effect of BMI change, from baseline to 3-month follow-up, on smoking outcomes using multiple logistic regression. The odds of 7-day smoking abstinence at 3-month follow-up were 4.22 (95% CI = 1.65, 10.82) times higher for participants classified as BMI decrease and 4.22 (95% CI = 1.62, 11.01) times higher for participants classified as BMI increase as compared to participants with a minimal increase or decrease in BMI. In this sample, both weight gain and loss following smoking cessation were significantly associated with abstinence at 3-month follow-up among HIV-infected smokers. Further research and a better understanding of predictors of abstinence will encourage more tailored interventions, with the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Epilepsy Surgery Quality of Life and Seizure Control Outcomes

A consecutive, retrospective analysis of seizure control and quality of life was performed in 83 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Like Rodney Dangerfield, Commonwealth Coatings 'Don't Get No Respect' – And it Shouldn’t!

This article makes the case that it’s time for the US Supreme Court to pull the plug on arcane Commonwealth Coatings holding and articulate a clear reasonableness standard; that standard would be applied when a party challenges an Award based on an arbitrator’s failure to disclose a relationship with an arbitration participant.
Highly Accurate 3D Shape and Deformation Measurements Using Fluorescent Stereo Microscopy

Biomechanics has been developing at rapid pace in recent decades. For investigation of the biotissues, biomaterials or biofilms under the microscale or the nanoscale, it urgently demands an accurate measurement technique for three-dimensional (3D) surface profilometry and deformation in real-time. Traditional stereo microscope with stereo-based digital image correlation (DIC) works well on common materials, but it is hard to apply to moisture sample due to the specular reflections which could cause large decorrelation among those stereo images. In this paper, we described a fluorescent stereo microscopy (FSM) measurement method for surface profilometry and deformation based on stereo-based DIC. Due to the complex lens combination of a microscope, the distortion of the optical system is hard to formulate accurately using ordinary distortion models. Thus, it could cause large reconstruction errors, particularly in Z-direction in height. In order to improve the accuracy, a new distortion correction scheme is introduced along with a new calibration board. This distortion correction method is intended for use prior to stereo-vision calibration by mapping sensor coordinates of generic image coordinates to a virtual ideal plane. In order to demonstrate this technique, a sequence pair of images of a biofilm is captured during growth, and the 3D surface profilometry and deformation was measured with high accuracy accordingly. A detailed description of this technique is presented in this paper.
N-Site Insights

Bret Draayer (draayer@physics.semo.edu) is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. From 1992 to 1995 he worked as an engineer at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. He has always had a keen interest in applied mathematics, which he emphasizes in his physics and engineering courses. He also enjoys teaching and jumping on a trampoline with his children while contemplating boundary value problems.
Education Embraced: Substantiating the Educational Foundations of Landmark Education’s Transformative Learning Model

In 2011, Renee Lockwood offered a “dissection of the religio-spiritual dimensions of Landmark Education.” Dissecting her argument suggested a narrow categorization of basic human experiences as religio-spiritual; literature cited was from religious studies absent teaching and learning research. Key distinctions of NRMs (New Religious Movements) and the brief mention of shifting boundaries of secular and sacred generally speaking in western culture were overlooked. Most critiques were of the est training (est) – last offered in 1984, while The Landmark Forum (the Forum) was first offered in 1991. This critique employed instead research of both classic and contemporary scholars who study teaching and learning. Lockwood’s dissection scalpel was ultimately a means to verify the educational substance of Landmark Education’s (Landmark) self-described “breakthrough technology” (2015). Rather, Landmark’s holistic, transformational approach to education is not only appropriate for a culture shaped by the aforementioned shifting boundaries, but also valuable for those concerned about 21st century problems facing humanity.
Anti-Oedipal Dynamics in the Sub-Prime Loan Debacle: The Case of a Study by the Boston Federal Reserve Bank

This chapter looks at the sub-prime loan catastrophe as a product of exclusively maternal psychology, which understands the act of making a loan quite differently than the traditional bi-parental model. For traditional psychology, a loan is a transaction within an objective framework of mutually understood exchange relationships. In exclusively maternal psychology, it is a moral act in which the oppressed are compensated for their oppression at the hands of the father. Repaying the loan is not defined within this framework. This is how loans could be made to people who, it should have been known, would be unable to repay them. I develop this distinction through an analysis of the way an influential study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston was interpreted.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the seismic performance of an A-frame–truss–column hybrid supporting structure:

A hybrid structural system designed for use in large thermal power plants in China to house air-cooled condenser systems is investigated. The hybrid structure consists of a series of metal A-frames...
Team Oral Examinations in Anatomy Promote Broader Outcomes

Traditional anatomy laboratory practical examinations, which are station-based and timed, test only the medical knowledge competency. Team oral examinations, an assessment innovation, provide feedback not only in medical knowledge but also in the competencies of communication skills and professionalism. These presentations at the cadaver promote more collaboration, integration, and comprehensiveness in the study process and allow faculty and students to determine progression through the softer competencies. Although team oral examinations may not work in all aspects of a course, they work especially well for the anatomy of the limbs and are a welcome addition once or twice in a course.
Subdividing non-convex object meshes using a 3D Voronoi volume

We describe a method to subdivide two-manifold, non-convex object meshes using a Voronoi volume. The Voronoi volume is divided into Voronoi subvolumes to a desired density. A depth map mask generated from the object mesh is then used to remove any excess subvolumes that do not intersect the mesh. The mesh is then intersected with each Voronoi subvolume using triangle-triangle intersection. The surface of the object mesh is then reconstructed where the intersection occurred.