cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superconductivity and normal state conduction mechanism in oxidized thin aluminum films

Measurements are presented which show that, as thin Al films are oxidized more and more, there is an increasing negative temperature coefficient of resistance below about 50°K. These increases in resistance with decreasing temperature can be significant in heavily oxidized films, and a discussion is given of how this increasing normal state resistance influences the paraconductivity above Tc and affects estimates of the parameter τ0 of the Aslamazov-Larkin theory.
Problem-based teaching / learning methods and cases for millennial generation engineering students interested in sustainable green engineering

Millennial generation students (who were born after 1982), are used to dealing with a large number of choices, because they understand the power of 3D interactive simulation and the Internet. They are very visually focused, because this is the video gaming generation. They are keen to learn about sustainable green engineering and service methods, tools and solutions and then work for a ‘green company’. They want personalized, customized products, processes and service, and their education process is not an exception. They look for technical details, and they want to see it all, immediately, and virtually… They look for good quality and low cost, ease of use. They do not like to read traditional static textbooks that often list mathematical equations without letting them test the active code with their own data. They like to continuously explore, experiment, get involved and test first hand rather than follow the traditional path. They also have less need and desire to conform, and they expect instant gratification. They are often impatient, and want it immediately…
Application of sustained off-resonance irradiation: The beat frequency measurement and radial separation of mass-selected ions

Newer applications of sustained off-resonance irradiation (SORI) in Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) spectrometry are described. SORI induced circular gyrations of ions with their cyclotron radii varying sinusoidally at the corresponding beat frequency. The beat is observed in the temporal variation of FT-ICR peak height as a function of the duration of the SORI burst, and it allows the direct measurement of the beat frequency. The effective cyclotron frequency is determined from the measured beat frequency and the applied burst frequency. The frequency uncertainty is greatly reduced by nearly 3 orders of magnitude compared with the uncertainty in FT-ICR peak frequency that fluctuates with the rf burst duration. In addition, the oscillating cyclotron radii of the irradiated ions allow the radial separation of mass-selected ions so that the mass-selective photodissociation can be carried out with m-bromotoluene ions.
Termites, soil fertility and carbon cycling in dry tropical Africa: a hypothesis

Termites, particularly the mound building, fungus growing Macrotermitinae, reach densities of up to 400 termites m−2 in soils of dry tropical Africa. The influence of Macrotermi tinae in increasing certain soil nutrients in mounds compared to adjacent soils has been documented, but the links between litter harvesting by termites, soil fertility, and global C cycling have not been explored. This study reviews the evidence from soil science, ecology and atmos pheric chemistry and generates hypotheses to explain the role of termites in dry tropical eco systems. It is suggested that termite activity exhaustively partitions litterfall among adjacent com peting colonies, where it is so thoroughly decomposed that little or no organic C is incorporated into the soils. Associated N, P, and cations build up in the mounds, but C apparently is emitted as CO2 and CH4 from the mounds. While not adequate to calculate nutrient fluxes through termites, the data available support the argument that termites contribute significantly to atmospheric fluxes of CO2 and CH4. Moreover, they suggest a coupling of regional soil forming processes and the global C budget.
Prediction of long‐term polyethylene wear in total hip arthroplasty, based on early wear measurements made using digital image analysis

The capability to reliably predict long-term in vivo wear of polyethylene would be of great value for the early identification of problematic total hip designs. Formal quantitative estimates of long-term polyethylene wear were made from a series of 197 patients who had a total hip arthroplasty and who were followed for a minimum of 10 years; the estimates were based on the wear that was apparent radiographically at nominally 2 years after the operation. A newly developed digital image-analysis edge-detection procedure was applied to 1,237 archived follow-up radiographs. The edge-detection measurements were analyzed with a robust regression random-coefficients statistical formulation developed especially to address the distributions of wear rate observed across this population over time. Formal regression equations were reported, which can be used to estimate late-wear depth for a patient radiographed at a 2-year follow-up visit. Series wide, the correlation between predicted and observed wear depths was 0.73 at 4 years, with a correlation decline of approximately 0.03 per additional year.
Analysis of the Molecular Weight Distributions of Aminolyzed Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) by Using Gel Permeation Chromatography

Abstract The molecular weight distributions of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers aminolyzed with selected primary amines (namely, methylamine, ethylamine, n-butylamine, and ethanolamine) were determined by using gel permeation chromatography. Initially the shape of the differential molecular weight distribution (DMWD) curve did not change although its peak shifted to lower molecular weights. As aminolysis continued, a shoulder appeared on the DMWD curve. Its appearance seemed to coincide with an increase in the density of the product. Ultimately, distinct molecular populations could be identified in the treated polymer depending on the severity of the aminolysis and the selectivity of the particular amine. The lowest is thought to represent primarily crystalline residues and has a peak molecular weight of 3400. The relations between M n and ultimate tenacity and breaking strain for the aminolyzed products were linear.
Plasticity of olfactory output circuits related to early olfactory learning

Abstract Olfactory preference learning begins in utero and continues neonatally, allowing young rats to become attracted to the odors of their mother. Such learning is critical for nursing and the maintenance of periodic contact with the mother. The developing olfactory system is responsive to a variety of maternal, as well as non-maternal odors, and olfactory preferences to these odors persist into adulthood. If olfactory learning occurs via one naris before the commissural connections develop, these memories are retained on that side of the brain. Once the connections have developed, the untrained side of the brain can access olfactory memories on the contralateral side. Odor preferences formed early in life provoke an enhanced response in the olfactory bulb, measured by increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in specific areas of the glomerular layer. The region of the glomerular layer producing this enhanced activity is enlarged and the output signal from neurons in that part of the bulb is altered by early learning. This type of learning shares mechanisms both with other forms of developmental plasticity and with adult olfactory learning.
Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase mediates gp120IIIB- and nucleoside analogue-induced sensory neuron toxicity

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological symptom in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here, we examine possible mechanisms of gp120 and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in the pathogenesis of AIDS peripheral neuropathy. Neonatal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were found to undergo apoptosis in response to chronic treatment with gp120IIIB, an effect enhanced by the co-application of hCD4, as well as upon exposure to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI). DRG neurons were rescued from the neurotoxic effects of these agents by CEP-1347, an inhibitor of the mixed lineage kinases (MLKs), upstream activators of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. In addition, gp120- or ddI-mediated toxicity were also inhibited by neuronal expression of dominant negative versions of the MLKs. Our results suggest that both gp120 and the NRTIs cause sensory neuron apoptosis through the activation of the JNK pathway, and that CEP-1347-like compounds may serve as a therapeutic option in patients with AIDS-associated peripheral neuropathy.
Xenobiotic receptor meets NF-κB, a collision in the small bowel

It has long been appreciated that inflammation and infection reduce drug metabolism and that exposure to drug metabolism-inducing xenobiotics can impair immune function. A new study reveals the mutual repression between the xenobiotic nuclear receptor PXR/SXR and NF-κB signaling pathways, providing a molecular mechanism linking xenobiotic metabolism and inflammation (Zhou et al., 2006).
BME analysis of spatiotemporal particulate matter distributions in North Carolina

Abstract Spatiotemporal maps of particulate matter (PM) concentrations contribute considerably to the understanding of the underlying natural processes and the adequate assessment of the PM health effects. These maps should be derived using an approach that combines rigorous mathematical formulation with sound science. To achieve such a task, the PM10 distribution in the state of North Carolina is studied using the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) mapping method. This method is based on a realistic representation of the spatiotemporal domain, which can integrate rigorously and efficiently various forms of physical knowledge and sources of uncertainty. BME offers a complete characterization of PM10 concentration patterns in terms of multi-point probability distributions and allows considerable flexibility regarding the choice of the appropriate concentration estimates. The PM10 maps show significant variability both spatially and temporally, a finding that may be associated with geographical characteristics, climatic changes, seasonal patterns, and random fluctuations. The inherently spatiotemporal nature of PM10 variation is demonstrated by means of theoretical considerations as well as in terms of the more accurate PM10 predictions of composite space/time analysis compared to spatial estimation. It is shown that the study of PM10 distributions in North Carolina can be improved by properly incorporating uncertain data into the mapping process, whereas more informative estimates are generated by considering soft data at the estimation points. Uncertainty maps illustrate the significance of stochastic PM10 characterization in space/time, and identify limitations associated with inadequate interpolation techniques. Stochastic PM10 analysis has important applications in the optimization of monitoring networks in space and time, environmental risk assessment, health management and administration, etc.
Interaction Sites of the COOH-terminal Region of the γ Subunit of cGMP Phosphodiesterase with the GTP-bound α Subunit of Transducin

In photoreceptor cells, visual transduction occurs through photoexcitation of rhodopsin, GTP activation of the alpha subunit of transducin, and interaction between GTP-bound transducin alpha subunit and the inhibitory gamma subunit of phosphodiesterase. The gamma subunit of phosphodiesterase, in turn, accelerates the hydrolysis of GTP on the alpha subunit of transducin. Within the COOH-terminal residues (46-87) of the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit, Trp-70 has been implicated in phosphodiesterase activation, transducin alpha subunit-phosphodiesterase gamma subunit interaction, and the GTP hydrolysis accelerating activity. We have derivatized the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit with a reversible photoactivatable reagent, [125I]N-[(3-iodo-4-azidophenylpropionamido-S-(2-thiopyridyl) ]cysteine ([125I]ACTP), at cysteine (Cys-68). A light-dependent, cross-linked complex of guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate-bound transducin alpha subunit and ACTPderivatized phosphodiesterase gamma subunit formed after photolysis of a 1:1 stoichiometic complex of the two proteins. The specificity of complex formation between the transducin alpha subunit and the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit was demonstrated by specific protection by the C68A mutant of the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit. The cross-linked complex was treated with beta-mercaptoethanol to transfer the 125I photomoiety from the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit to the transducin alpha subunit. Combined techniques involving electrophoresis, chemical and enzymatic cleavage, and chemical and radiosequencing were used to identify photoinsertion sites on the alpha3 and alpha4/beta6 regions of the transducin alpha subunit. Three photo-labeled residues, His-244 (alpha3 helix), Met-308, and Arg-310 (alpha4/beta6 interface), were specifically identified as photoinsertion sites. Utilizing the crystal structure coordinates of the GTP-bound transducin alpha subunit and molecular modeling, we conclude that Cys-68 of the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit is located at a position between the exposed face of the alpha3 and alpha4 helices of the transducin alpha subunit. We propose that the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit interacts with GTP-bound transducin alpha subunit at multiple sites in which the cysteine 68 to tryptophan 70 sequence of the phosphodiesterase gamma subunit, which is critical for GTP hydrolysis accelerating activity, interacts in the alpha3/alpha4/beta6 region of GTP-bound transducin alpha subunit.
The Concept of Intentional Action: A Case Study in the Uses of Folk Psychology

It is widely believed that the primary function of folk psychology lies in the prediction, explanation and control of behavior. A question arises, however, as to whether folk psychology has also been shaped in fundamental ways by the various other roles it plays in people’s lives. Here I approach that question by considering one particular aspect of folk psychology – the distinction between intentional and unintentional behaviors. The aim is to determine whether this distinction is best understood as a tool used in prediction, explanation and control or whether it has been shaped in fundamental ways by some other aspect of its use.
Childhood onset generalised dystonia can be modelled by increased gain in the indirect basal ganglia pathway

Clinical experience suggests an important role of the indirect basal ganglia pathway in the genesis of childhood onset generalised dystonia, but it has been difficult to reconcile the increased muscle activity in dystonia with the current model of basal ganglia function in which the indirect pathway is considered primarily inhibitory. The aim of this study was to present a modification of the direct–indirect pathway model, in which the indirect pathway is inverting rather than purely inhibitory, so that while high signals are inhibited, low signals are amplified. As the basal ganglia may be a feedback loop that modifies cortical activity, instability from excessive gain in this feedback loop could explain features of dystonia. A detailed mathematical model is provided, together with simulations of cortical cell population spiking behaviour when connected through a basal ganglia loop. The simulations show that increased gain in the indirect pathway relative to the direct pathway can lead to unstable uncontrolled synchronous oscillations in cortex and basal ganglia. This behaviour could result in dystonia. The model provides a consistent explanation for the association of dystonia with parkinsonism and disorders characterised by dopamine depletion, the ability to treat some dystonias with dopamine, the ability of neuroleptic drug treatment to cause an acute dystonic reaction treatable with anticholinergic drugs, and the ability of pallidotomy or deep brain stimulation of the internal pallidum to alleviate symptoms of generalised dystonia.
Mothers' Spanking of 3-Year-Old Children and Subsequent Risk of Children's Aggressive Behavior

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to examine the association between the use of corporal punishment (CP) against 3-year-old children and subsequent aggressive behavior among those children. METHODS: Respondents (N = 2461) participated in the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study (1998–2005), a population-based, birth cohort study of children born in 20 large US cities. Maternal reports of CP, children9s aggressive behaviors at 3 and 5 years of age, and a host of key demographic features and potential confounding factors, including maternal child physical maltreatment, psychological maltreatment, and neglect, intimate partner aggression victimization, stress, depression, substance use, and consideration of abortion, were assessed. RESULTS: Frequent use of CP (ie, mother9s use of spanking more than twice in the previous month) when the child was 3 years of age was associated with increased risk for higher levels of child aggression when the child was 5 years of age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.49 [95% confidence interval: 1.2–1.8]; P CONCLUSIONS: Despite American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to the contrary, most parents in the United States approve of and have used CP as a form of child discipline. The current findings suggest that even minor forms of CP, such as spanking, increase risk for increased child aggressive behavior. Importantly, these findings cannot be attributed to possible confounding effects of a host of other maternal parenting risk factors.
Equilibrium properties of liquids containing supercritical substances

A two-parameter, corresponding-states form for direct correlation function integrals in liquids is applied to many types of systems with one substance being supercritical. This gives a quantitative correlation for volumetric behavior, pure and mixed solvent Henry's constants, and Henry's Law deviations over wide ranges of conditions using only pure-component information and a single binary parameter. Details of the method and results are given for H2, N2, CO, CH4, and other gases in pure and mixed simple, polar, and aqueous solvents and coal oils. Because of its reliable predictive capability, the present approach can serve as a generator of data for parameter estimation by other models such as equations of state.
Ion beam analysis of thin doped ZnO layers

Abstract Thin films of ZnO and its ternary alloys Mg x Zn 1− x O have broad applications in transducers, resonators and filters. Similarly, transition metal- [TM-] doped ZnO is a promising candidate diluted magnetic semiconductor material for spintronic and spin-photonic applications. ZnO is a wide band gap semiconductor with direct energy band gap of 3.32 eV which can be increased upon Mg doping. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) with 2 MeV He ions has been used to monitor the thermal diffusion doping process of ZnO films grown on R-sapphire and silicon substrates. Concentration profiles of Mg and TM doping materials are measured as a function of processing conditions. This is a difficult case of RBS analysis as the signal of the TM dopants overlap significantly with that of Zn. Details of RBS spectra collection and analysis will be discussed. Results are compared with XPS measurements of dopant concentration and chemical state in the surface and near surface regions.
Self-Concept in Gifted Children: Differential Impact in Boys and Girls

Gifted 9-12-year-old children were compared with non-gifted children on three paper and pencil measures of self-concept. Additional personality and behavioral information on each child was provided by his/her mother and teacher. Giftedness seemed to be an advantage for girls but not for boys. Gifted girls de- scribed themselves as having a more positive self- concept and a more internal locus of control than did non-gifted girls. No such differences were found with boys. In fact, gifted boys gave some evidence of lower self-satisfaction, particularly in areas of physi- cal strength and aggressiveness, when compared to non-gifted boys. Mothers and teachers similarly re- ported fewer problem areas for gifted girls bu t no such differences between gifted and non-gifted boys. The findings are discussed in the context of cultural sex-
Administration of Saccharin to Neonatal Mice Influences Body Composition of Adult Males and Reduces Body Weight of Females

Nutritional or pharmacological perturbations during perinatal growth can cause persistent effects on the function of white adipose tissue, altering susceptibility to obesity later in life. Previous studies have established that saccharin, a nonnutritive sweetener, inhibits lipolysis in mature adipocytes and stimulates adipogenesis. Thus, the current study tested whether neonatal exposure to saccharin via maternal lactation increased susceptibility of mice to diet-induced obesity. Saccharin decreased body weight of female mice beginning postnatal week 3. Decreased liver weights on week 14 corroborated this diminished body weight. Initially, saccharin also reduced male mouse body weight. By week 5, weights transiently rebounded above controls, and by week 14, male body weights did not differ. Body composition analysis revealed that saccharin increased lean and decreased fat mass of male mice, the latter due to decreased adipocyte size and epididymal, perirenal, and sc adipose weights. A mild improvement in glucose tolerance without a change in insulin sensitivity or secretion aligned with this leaner phenotype. Interestingly, microcomputed tomography analysis indicated that saccharin also increased cortical and trabecular bone mass of male mice and modified cortical bone alone in female mice. A modest increase in circulating testosterone may contribute to the leaner phenotype in male mice. Accordingly, the current study established a developmental period in which saccharin at high concentrations reduces adiposity and increases lean and bone mass in male mice while decreasing generalized growth in female mice.
An acoustic lens sonar using micromechanical hydrophones for unmanned undersea vehicles

The system design of an acoustic lens sonar using micromechanical hydrophones is examined for a mission as the forward-looking sonar on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Micromechanical hydrophone technology combined with an acoustic lens system can provide a high sensitivity, high resolution imaging sonar system. As the micromachining technology matures, more electronic functions can be integrated on-chip. The partitioning of electronics into on-chip and off-chip blocks is examined. The sensors are small, fluid-filled condenser microphones fabricated on silicon chips. Draper's developmental work in micromechanical hydrophones is discussed, and sensor performance and optimization are presented for the acoustic lens application. An acoustic lens sonar with a central classification region using thousands of closely spaced sensor elements to provide very high resolution in azimuth and elevation for precision vehicle maneuvers such as rendezvous and docking is described. >
Design, optimization, analysis and control topics in nanotechnology ad MEMS courses

This paper discusses the use of a systems theory, design coverage and control topics in nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) courses developed and offered in the College of Engineering in RIT. The multidisciplinary nano and microengineering have accomplished a phenomenal growth over the last twenty years due to the rapid advances in microelectronics, molecular technologies, bulk and surface micromachining, computer-aided-design (CAD), etc. Recent fundamental and applied research and developments in molecular electronics and informatics have been notably contributed to the current progress. Enabling nano/micro engineering utilizes and depends on the fundamentals, software and hardware. These prominent developments largely depend on modern engineering and science providing the end-users with the needed technologies and design concurrency. With the increasing demands in high-performance envisioned nanosystems and emerged microsystems, designers apply new concepts. The role of nanotechnology and MEMS courses in the engineering curriculum is examined. We discuss the integration of design, optimization, control and analysis topics in Nano Science, Engineering and Technology (NanoSET) and MEMS courses. The MEMS curriculum consists of three courses, e.g., MEMS design, MEMS fabrication and MEMS systems evaluation. We stress the need for systems theory, in addition to basic fundamentals coverage and fabrication emphasis. The developed courses ensure the overall educational, professional and curriculum objectives.
Analog VLSI systems for image acquisition and fast early vision processing

This article describes a project to design and build prototype analog early vision systems that are remarkably low-power, small, and fast. Three chips are described in detail. A continuous-time CMOS imager and processor chip uses a fully parallel 2-D resistive grid to find an object's position and orientation at 5000 frames/second, using only 30 milliwatts of power. A CMOS/CCD imager and processor chip does high-speed image smoothing and segmentation in a clocked, fully parallel 2-D array. And a chip that merges imperfect depth and slope data to produce an accurate depth map is under development in switched-capacitor CMOS technology.
Quality assurance considerations in conducting the Ames Test

This paper provides general and specific guidance for the development and implementation of a quality assurance program for Ames testing. An effective quality assurance program is needed to assure that data produced from short-term mutagenicity testing (e.g., the Ames test) are of known quality and comparable among laboratories conducting the testing. The success of such a program begins with a personal and organizational commitment to data quality. Next, standardized procedures for the conduct and control of the testing process should be adopted and rigidly followed. Finally, participation in an external quality assurance program is necessary for independent confirmation of testing performance and confirmation of interlaboratory data comparability. Comparability of test data is required if there is to be confidence in the results of testing activities and acceptance of the resulting interpretation of test findings. Detailed quality control procedures are outlined for the Ames test. These include procedures for confirming the genotype and responsiveness of tester strains, confirming the absence of bacterial contamination, providing appropriate positive and negative test controls, confirming the enzymatic activity of metabolic activators, and determining the adequacy of test data. The functions and responsibilities of an effective quality assurance program are outlined. Primary functions include development ofmore » standards based upon technically attainable criteria, assistance to participating laboratories in adopting those standards, and independent evaluation of the success of the laboratories in meeting those standards. 10 references, 1 figure, 2 tables.« less
Surgical management of lateral skull base defects.

Objectives/Hypothesis We sought to analyze key factors that influence the management of lateral skull base defects and implement an algorithm to improve outcomes of reconstruction. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Single tertiary academic referral center. Methods Adults who underwent temporal bone resection were included. Variables included tumor characteristics, ablative procedure, reconstructive method, and wound complications. Results Seventy-one patients were studied. Lateral temporal bone resection was performed in 55 patients (77%), subtotal temporal bone resection in 14 (20%), and total petrosectomy in two (3%). Primary closure was achieved in 46 patients (35%), with rotational muscle flaps in 21 (46%). The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) was used in nine patients (13%) without major complications. Single-stage free tissue transfer was undertaken in 10 patients (14%) with no flap failures. Primary closure was achieved in 16 of 32 of previously untreated cases (50%) compared to nine of 39 cases of previously treated disease (23%) (P = 0.03). Pedicled or free flaps were used in 18 of 39 cases of previously treated disease (46%) compared to three of 32 previously untreated cases (9%) (P < 0.001). Pedicled or free flaps were used in 13 of 22 cases (59%) in which partial or total auriculectomy was performed, whereas primary closure was achieved in 39 of 49 cases (80%) in which the pinna was preserved (P < 0.001). Conclusion Advanced tumors that require adjuvant therapy, revision cases for recurrent disease, and cases involving auriculectomy warrant free flap or PMMF reconstruction, with the latter preferred in poor free flap candidates. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2015
Structure of p-shell hypernuclei and the spin-dependence of YN interactions from γ-ray spectroscopy

Abstract Shell-model calculations that include both Λ and Σ configurations with p-shell cores are used to interpret γ-ray transitions in Li Λ 7 , Be Λ 9 , B Λ 10 , B Λ 11 , C Λ 12 , N Λ 15 , and O Λ 16 observed with the Hyperball array of Ge detectors. It is shown that the data puts strong constraints on the spin dependence of the ΛN effective interaction.
Roles and regulation of the Drosophila centromere cohesion protein MEI-S332 family

In meiosis, a physical attachment, or cohesion, between the centromeres of the sister chromatids is retained until their separation at anaphase II. This cohesion is essential for ensuring accurate segregation of the sister chromatids in meiosis II and avoiding aneuploidy, a condition that can lead to prenatal lethality or birth defects. The Drosophila MEI-S332 protein localizes to centromeres when sister chromatids are attached in mitosis and meiosis, and it is required to maintain cohesion at the centromeres after cohesion along the sister chromatid arms is lost at the metaphase I/anaphase I transition. MEI-S332 is the founding member of a family of proteins that protect centromeric cohesion but whose members also affect kinetochore behaviour and spindle microtubule dynamics. We compare the Drosophila MEI-S332 family members, evaluate the role of MEI-S332 in mitosis and meiosis I, and discuss the regulation of localization of MEI-S332 to the centromere and its dissociation at anaphase. We analyse the relationship between MEI-S332 and cohesin, a protein complex that is also necessary for sister-chromatid cohesion in mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, centromere localization of MEI-S332 is not dependent upon the cohesin complex, and cohesin retains its association with mitotic chromosomes even in the absence of MEI-S332.
Should Drug Therapy Be Personalized Based on Race

The A-HeFT (African American Heart Failure Trial) showed that isosorbide/hydralazine was associated with significant reductions in mortality in African Americans with heart failure compared with placebo. The results of a recently published genetic substudy identified a gene variant related to nitric oxide synthase production that attributed to the treatment response observed in patients enrolled in the A-HeFT. This finding suggests that isosorbide/hydralazine's ability to improve heart failure outcomes is tied to a genetic trait that may be more prevalent in African Americans than whites, but is not necessarily related to perceived race.
For what use are tests of hypotheses and tests of significance

Tests of sharp null hypotheses, although frequently computed, are.rarely appropriate as the major end product of statistical analyses, except possibly in some, areas of the natural sciences. But procedures closely akin to tests, although often less formal, are needed in almost every investigation in which exploratory data analysis is used to help to decide upon the statistical model appropriate for the final analysis. The term “diagnostic check”has been suggested by Box and Jenkins for these procedures. Traditional statistical tests often suggest useful diagnostic checks -and this, in my view, is what tests are mainly good for-but visual examination and interpretation of data plots are often equally important. Biere is also much to be gained by the development of new diagnostic checks, and testing theory may be useful as one guide to this development.
Masking the energy behavior of DES encryption [smart cards]

Smart cards are vulnerable to both invasive and non-invasive attacks. Specifically, non-invasive attacks using power and timing measurements to extract the cryptographic key has drawn a lot of negative publicity for smart card usage. The power measurement techniques rely on the data-dependent energy behavior of the underlying system. Further, power analysis can be used to identify the specific portions of the program being executed to induce timing glitches that may in turn help to bypass key checking. Thus, it is important to mask the energy consumption when executing the encryption algorithms. In this work, we augment the instruction set architecture of a simple five-stage pipelined smart card processor with secure instructions to mask the energy differences due to key-related data-dependent computations in DES encryption. The secure versions operate on the normal and complementary versions of the operands simultaneously to mask the energy variations due to value dependent operations. However, this incurs the penalty of increased overall energy consumption in the data-path components. Consequently, we employ secure versions of instructions only for critical operations; that is we use secure instructions selectively, as directed by an optimizing compiler. Using a cycle-accurate energy simulator, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this enhancement. Our approach achieves the energy masking of critical operations consuming 83% less energy as compared to existing approaches employing dual rail circuits.
Physically large displays improve performance on spatial tasks

Large wall-sized displays are becoming prevalent. Although researchers have articulated qualitative benefits of group work on large displays, little work has been done to quantify the benefits for individual users. In this article we present four experiments comparing the performance of users working on a large projected wall display to that of users working on a standard desktop monitor. In these experiments, we held the visual angle constant by adjusting the viewing distance to each of the displays. Results from the first two experiments suggest that physically large displays, even when viewed at identical visual angles as smaller ones, help users perform better on mental rotation tasks. We show through the experiments how these results may be attributed, at least in part, to large displays immersing users within the problem space and biasing them into using more efficient cognitive strategies. In the latter two experiments, we extend these results, showing the presence of these effects with more complex tasks, such as 3D navigation and mental map formation and memory. Results further show that the effects of physical display size are independent of other factors that may induce immersion, such as interactivity and mental aids within the virtual environments. We conclude with a general discussion of the findings and possibilities for future work.
Cognitive Profile of Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Rethinking Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

The cognitive profiles of children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) have many similarities to those observed in learning disabilities in the general school population, as well as some distinct features. Approximately 30–65 percent of children with NF-1 have learning disabilities; most commonly, they have language and reading disabilities, along with motor, visuomotor, and visuospatial deficits. Similar to learning disabilities in the general population, approximately 50 percent of children with NF-1 have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this article, the genetic and physical characteristics, the diagnostic criteria of NF-1, and the cognitive profile of children with NF-1 (including relationships between neurological abnormalities and cognition) are reviewed. Additionally, the types of educational interventions that would be indicated for children with NF-1 are discussed.
A market analysis of the latter half of the nineteenth‐century American higher education sector

Most of the basic features of the American higher education sector started to evolve during the latter half of the nineteenth century. In response to the deficient demand in higher education, the suppliers (higher education institutions) adopted various marketing strategies to stay afloat in the market. Such strategies not only contributed a great deal to stabilise the higher education market, but also had a lasting impact on the higher education sector. This paper examines the way in which the higher education sector endured during the latter half of the nineteenth century. This analysis offers some suggestions for higher education policy‐makers.
Simultaneous structure and control design for a flexible pointing system actuated by active materials

A methodology for simultaneous structure and motion specific tasks with its associated control system is presented in this paper. The methodology is based on the authors' trajectory pattern method (TPM) [1994]. The advocated methodology is illustrated on an important class of problems, namely flexible slewing structures. The class of systems considered encompasses multilink manipulators, high speed positioning stages, and pointing systems to name a few. Specifically, the simultaneous structure and motion specific methodology is applied to a flexible pointing system with added piezoelectric ceramic actuators for vibration damping and pointing purposes.
Mechanisms of Action of Antimicrobials: Focus on Fluoroquinolones

Five bacterial targets have been exploited in the development of antimicrobial drugs: cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, ribonucleic acid synthesis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, and intermediary metabolism. Because resistance to drugs that interact with these targets is widespread, new antimicrobials and an understanding of their mechanisms of action are vital. The fluoroquinolones are the only direct inhibitors of DNA synthesis; by binding to the enzyme-DNA complex, they stabilize DNA strand breaks created by DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Ternary complexes of drug, enzyme, and DNA block progress of the replication fork. Cytotoxicity of fluoroquinolones is likely a 2-step process involving (1) conversion of the topoisomerase-quinolone-DNA complex to an irreversible form and (2) generation of a double-strand break by denaturation of the topoisomerase. The molecular factors necessary for the transition from step 1 to step 2 remain unclear, but downstream pathways for cell death may overlap with those used by other bactericidal antimicrobials. Studies of fluoroquinolone-resistant mutants and purified topoisomerases indicate that many quinolones have differing activities against the two targets. Drugs with similar activities against both targets may prove less likely to select de novo resistance.
Induced resistance against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, by β-aminobutyric acid in citrus.

β-Aminobutyric acid (BABA) is known to induce resistance to microbial pathogens, nematodes and insects in several host plant/pest systems. The present study was undertaken to determine whether a similar effect of BABA occurred against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, in citrus. A 25mM drench application of BABA significantly reduced the number of eggs/plant as compared with a water control, whereas 200 and 100mM applications of BABA reduced the numbers of nymphs/plant and adults/plants, respectively. A 5mM foliar application of BABA significantly reduced the number of adults but not eggs or nymphs when compared with a water control treatment. In addition, leaf-dip bioassays using various concentrations (25–500mM) of BABA indicated no direct toxic effect on 2nd and 5th instar nymphs or adult D. citri. BABA-treated plants were characterized by significantly lower levels of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur and zinc as compared with control plants. The expression level of the PR-2 gene (β-1,3-glucanase) in BABA-treated plants that were also damaged by D. citri adult feeding was significantly higher than in plants exposed to BABA, D. citri feeding alone orcontrol plants. Our results indicate the potential for using BABA as a systemic acquired resistance management tool for D. citri.
Effects of errors on the dynamic aperture of the Advanced Photon Source storage ring

The individual tolerance limits for alignment errors and magnet fabrication errors in the 7-GeV Advanced Photon Source storage ring are determined by computer-simulated tracking. Limits are established for dipole strength and roll errors, quadrupole strength and alignment errors, sextupole strength and alignment errors, as well as higher-order multipole strengths in dipole and quadrupole magnets. The effects of girder misalignments on the dynamic aperture are also studied. Computer simulations are obtained with the tracking program RACETRACK, with errors introduced from a user-defined Gaussian distribution, truncated at +or-5 standard deviation units. >
The widening scope of indications for perversion

Much has changed in clinical practice and theory that bears on the diagnosis and treatment of perversion since Freud's Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905). Definitions of perversion have been freed from assumptions of a heterosexual normality and from moralistic interpretations. The authors endorse the current emphasis on aggression and early narcissistic problems and include the notion of splitting and sexualized scenarios in their definition of perversion. They present several vignettes of male and female patients to demonstrate the debts owed to Freud's theories and the way in which their thinking differs. They emphasize the understanding of the transference-countertransference picture and the patient's management and control of excitement.
The grouped two-sided orthogonal Procrustes problem

We pose a modified version of the two-sided orthogonal Procrustes problem subject to a grouping constraint, and offer an efficient solution method. This problem has applications in weighted graph matching. Simulation results indicate that the algorithm can effectively use the grouping information to greatly improve estimation accuracy in the presence of noise.
An exploratory social-emotional prosthetic for autism spectrum disorders

We describe a wearable device that perceives and reports on social-emotional information in realtime human interaction. Using a wearable camera and other sensors combined with machine perception algorithms, the system records and analyzes the facial expressions and head movements of the person with whom the wearer is interacting. We propose the application of the social-emotional prosthetic to assist the growing number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in perceiving communication in a natural rather than a structured environment, bootstrapping their ability to learn and develop in social settings. The wearable device is an exploratory platform for researchers to gain a better understanding of social-emotional communication, enabling new kinds of measurements and interventions that may also help advance the theory of autism.
Creativity, brain, and art: biological and neurological considerations

Creativity is commonly thought of as a positive advance for society that transcends the status quo knowledge. Humans display an inordinate capacity for it in a broad range of activities, with art being only one. Most work on creativity’s neural substrates measures general creativity, and that is done with laboratory tasks, whereas specific creativity in art is gleaned from acquired brain damage, largely in observing established visual artists, and some in visual de novo artists (became artists after the damage). The verb “to create” has been erroneously equated with creativity; creativity, in the classic sense, does not appear to be enhanced following brain damage, regardless of etiology. The turning to communication through art in lieu of language deficits reflects a biological survival strategy. Creativity in art, and in other domains, is most likely dependent on intact and healthy knowledge and semantic conceptual systems, which are represented in several pathways in the cortex. It is adversely affected when these systems are dysfunctional, for congenital reasons (savant autism) or because of acquired brain damage (stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s), whereas inherent artistic talent and skill appear less affected. Clues to the neural substrates of general creativity and specific art creativity can be gleaned from considering that art is produced spontaneously mainly by humans, that there are unique neuroanatomical and neurofunctional organizations in the human brain, and that there are biological antecedents of innovation in animals.
Idiopathic bronchiolitis with features of diffuse panbronchiolitis in an African-American patient with hepatitis C virus infection

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is an idiopathic inflammatory process involving respiratory bronchioles, largely restricted to Japanese people and associated with HLA Bw54. We report a case of idiopathic bronchiolitis with DPB features in an African American with hepatitis C virus infection, correlated with postmortem anatomic findings. The 53-year-old patient presented with shortness of breath and productive cough. Examination revealed hypercapnic respiratory failure. Lung computed tomography showed diffuse centrilobular nodules and branching linear opacities, whereas lung biopsy demonstrated diffuse peribronchiolar fibrosis and chronic inflammation with bronchiolectasis. He died 37 days postadmission. Autopsy revealed numerous bronchiolocentric nodules with bronchiolectasis and sheets of foamy macrophages in alveolar septa and spaces. This is a rare example of idiopathic bronchiolitis with features of DPB in an hepatitis C virus-infected African-American patient. Hepatitis C virus infection is known to be associated with extrahepatic pulmonary manifestations, and DPB may be one of these. Early diagnosis will allow appropriate treatment and may slow the disease progression.
Effect of renal interstitial adenosine infusion on phosphate excretion in diabetes mellitus rats

We previously demonstrated an increased sensitivity of the renal vasculature to adenosine (ADO) mediated via ADO A1 receptors in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Because ADO stimulates Pi reabso...
Rapid loss of vaccine-acquired hepatitis B surface antibody after three doses of hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-infected persons

HIV-infected individuals have poor responses to hepatitis B vaccine and may have decreased durability of post-vaccination immunity. Retrospective chart review was conducted for HIV-1 positive individuals aged ≥18 years who received hepatitis B vaccine at an urban HIV clinic. A total of 309 patients completed three doses and 178 had post-vaccine serology testing after the third dose. In multivariate analysis, time between the third dose and the first post-vaccine serology testing at 180–359 days (OR = 0.077, p = 0.049) and at ≥360 days (OR = 0.065, p = 0.019) were associated with poor vaccine responses. A significant decrease in seropositivity appeared as early as 180 days after the third vaccine dose, suggesting a rapid loss of vaccine-acquired hepatitis B surface antibody in HIV-infected persons. Our findings suggest that hepatitis B surface antibody should be tested at 6 to 12 months after completing primary vaccine series in order to detect early secondary vaccine failure.
Direct estimate of 1:1 stoichiometry of K+-Cl− cotransport in rabbit erythrocytes

This work was undertaken to obtain a direct measure of the stoichiometry of Na+-independent K+-Cl− cotransport (KCC), with rabbit red blood cells as a model system. To determine whether 86Rb+ can b...