cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Security-Adaptive Voltage Conversion as a Lightweight Countermeasure Against LPA Attacks

A voltage converter with adaptive security features is proposed as a lightweight countermeasure against leakage power analysis (LPA) attacks. When an LPA attack is sensed by the proposed security-adaptive (SA) voltage converter, a discharging resistor starts sinking redundant current to alter the signature of the load power dissipation. The power dissipation induced by the discharging resistor is scrambled by the SA voltage converter to maximize the amount of the inserted noise to the input power profile of the cryptographic against LPA attacks. As compared with a conventional cryptographic circuit that does not house any countermeasure, the lowest measurement-to-disclose value of a cryptographic circuit that employs the proposed voltage converter can be enhanced over 6145 times against LPA attacks.
Surface pressure distribution on patterned cylinders under simulated atmospheric boundary layer winds

Summary Extensive research has been previously conducted on pressure distribution of cylindrical models under uniform and laminar flow conditions. However, typical civil structures such as high-rise buildings or towers are under the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) conditions. Knowing this, the present research aims to quantify the effectiveness of surface patterns in reducing the suction zone under a simulated ABL condition. Two different surface patterns, U-grooved and V-grooved, were selected to be tested in wind tunnel. In addition to patterned cylinders, tests were also conducted on a smooth-surfaced cylinder, serving as the control of the experiment. An array of roughness elements was placed at the upstream end of the test section with the purpose of inducing ABL winds within the test section. Without the ABL wind, the cylinder covered in V-grooved riblets was most effective in reducing the suction zone followed by the U-grooved cylinder. With the simulated ABL condition, V-grooved cylinder continued to show decreased suction although the amount of decrease was less. Both grooved cylinders showed decreased peak pressure coefficients under the ABL condition compared to the non-ABL condition.
Firearm Prevalence and Homicide: An Examination of Urban and Suburban Counties

Examinations of firearm prevalence and crime have produced mixed results. The mixed research results and lack of knowledge about the amount of firearms in the United States make it difficult for re...
Review of “DreamMakers: Innovating for the Greater Good” by Michele Hunt, DreamMakers (dreammakers.org)

Hunt, Michele DreamMakers: Innovating for the Greater Good. Saltaire, UK: Greenleaf Publishing; 2017. 200 pages, ISBN13-978-1-78353-568-2
Butt Why? Exploring factors associated with cigarette scavenging behaviors among adult smokers enrolling in a clinical trial for smoking cessation.

Abstract Introduction Cigarette smoking is associated with many adverse health effects and is an important public health concern. Increased understanding of smokers' behavior is central to developing effective interventions. Cigarette scavenging, a behavior that involves smoking shared or previously used cigarettes has thus far only been shown to be prevalent among homeless or incarcerated populations. The current study examines whether cigarette scavenging is prevalent in a more general population of adult smokers enrolling in a smoking cessation clinical trial, and whether engagement in this behavior is associated with demographic or smoking-related psychosocial factors. Methods Baseline data was obtained from adult smokers (N = 227) enrolling in a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation. Cigarette scavenging was assessed using three items: a) sharing a cigarette with a stranger; b) smoking a “found” cigarette and c) smoking a previously used cigarette “butt”. Participants who endorsed engaging in at least one of these three behaviors were categorized as a scavenger. Results Approximately 32% of participants endorsed at least one cigarette scavenging behavior. A multiple logistic regression analysis found that scavengers were more likely to be: men (p Conclusions Scavenging is common among adult smokers. Interventions that address cigarette scavenging behaviors may better meet the needs of this unique smoking subgroup.
Obesity Does Not Increase Operative Time in Otologic Surgery: An Analysis of 5125 Cases.

OBJECTIVES A large shoulder can impact otologic surgical access. The physical obstruction of a large shoulder may force the surgeon to adjust his or her posture or hand position. We sought to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on operative time in tympanoplasties and tympanomastoidectomies. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING National surgical quality improvement program dataset (NSQIP) 2011 to 2014. PATIENTS Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patients undergoing tympanoplasties and tympanomastoidectomies. INTERVENTIONS Otologic surgery as indicated by CPT code. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Targeted variables included height, weight, and operative time. BMI was stratified to assess a range of body compositions ( 30-35, >35-40, >40). Categorical variables were compared using χ tests and continuous variables were compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Correlation between operative time and BMI was assessed using Spearman's rho. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the variables affecting operative time. Surgical complications were assessed in binary logistic regression using the enter method. Two-tailed significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS Two surgical groups were identified: tympanoplasty (n = 3,508) and tympanomastoidectomy (n = 1,617). There was not a significant difference in mean operative time across the BMI subgroups for either surgical group (p = 0.617, 0.859, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed no significant difference in operative times based on BMI classification. CONCLUSIONS The body habitus of obese patients may force the otologic surgeon to adapt, but obese patients do not have a statistically significant longer mean operative time for tympanoplasties and tympanomastoidectomies than patients with a lower BMI.
Dispersion curves for Lamb wave propagation in prestressed plates using a semi-analytical finite element analysis

Acoustoelastic techniques have been recently used to characterize the state of prestress in structures such as plates. The velocity of guided wave modes propagating through plates is sensitive to the magnitude and orientation of the initial state of stress. Dispersion curves for phase velocities of plate guided waves can be computed using the superposition of partial bulk waves (SPBW) method. Here, a semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method is formulated for the acoustoelastic problem of guided waves in weakly nonlinear elastic plates. The SAFE formulation is shown to provide phase velocity dispersion curve results identical with those provided by the SPBW method for the problem of a plate under a uniaxial and uniform tensile stress. Analytical phase and group velocity dispersion curves are also obtained for a plate with an initial prestress gradient through its thickness using the SAFE method. The magnitude of the prestress gradient is shown to have a significant effect on phase and group velocities of the fundamental and first order Lamb modes, only in certain frequency-thickness regimes.
Lymphoid origin of a lineage of intrinsically activated plasmacytoid dendritic cell in mice and humans

We identified a mouse pDC lineage derived exclusively from the common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) that is dependent on expression of Bcl11a. CLP-derived pDC have a unique gene expression profile that includes hallmark B cell genes not normally expressed in pDCs and therefore we refer to this lineage as 9B-pDCs9. Unlike classical pDC, B-pDC express an inherent activation signature, localize preferentially to secondary lymphoid organs and expand more robustly and also induce increased T cell proliferation relative to classical pDCs following Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) engagement. B-pDCs lack IFN-α; secretion but instead express a distinct cytokine profile and display high levels of the cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase Axl. Murine B-pDCs represent a CLP-derived DC lineage that is genetically, phenotypically, and functionally homologous to an AXL+ DC subtype recently discovered in human blood.
Heart repair via cardiomyocyte-secreted vesicles.

The sustained delivery of extracellular vesicles, secreted by induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes, through a hydrogel patch promotes cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction in rats.
Application of RKH space methods to the filtering problem for linear hereditary systems

The paper contains three novel results, explicit descriptions of the spaces and inner products arising from covariance functions for vector valued linear hereditary stochastic systems, an explicit formula for the solution of the filtering problem, and suggestions for the numerical implementation of the filter. The work follows E. Parzen's outline of first finding a reproducing kernel Hilbert space representation of the stochastic process and then using the projection theorem to obtain the solution.
Adaptation Layer Based Hybrid Communication Architecture: Practical Approach in ADAS&ME

Connected vehicles are an essential part of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). A number of communication technologies exist that can complement each other or serve as an alternative. Keeping that in mind, to get the most benefit for a connected vehicle, a hybrid communication paradigm where multiple communication technologies are used in parallel is considered as the natural way forward.
Recent Progress in Studies on a Bioactive Pigment (“Alpha Pigment”) Isolated from Cecal Contents of Germfree Rodents

We have reported that cecal contents of germfree rats and mice contain an excess of various bioactive substances in comparison to conventional controls. One of these substances has recently been identified as a fecal kallikrein (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 147; 83, 1967). A pigment fraction isolated by centrifugation and column chromatography (“alpha pigment”) caused vasodilation and a stimulatory effect on the spontaneous rhythmic contraction of intestinal villi in anesthesized dogs and occasionally exerted inhibitory effects to epinephrine on rat blood pressure. The same pigment fraction isolated from conventional control animals proved inactive (Fed. Proc., 26: 383, 1967). Germfree alpha pigment in the listed effects showed a close similarity to those of ferritin and apofer-ritin in their vasodepressor (VDM) form. In reduced form all three agents were active; in oxidized form all three were inert. Antifer-ritin serum neutralized these substances. The light absorption spectra of trypsinized ferritin and apoferritin indicated similarity to that of alpha pigment. The toxicity of germfree cecal contents previously described (Nature, 205:571, 1965) could be demonstrated in this pigment fraction.
Macrolide derivatives reduce proinflammatory macrophage activation and macrophage‐mediated neurotoxicity

Introduction Azithromycin (AZM) and other macrolide antibiotics are applied as immunomodulatory treatments for CNS disorders. The immunomodulatory and antibiotic properties of AZM are purportedly independent. Aims To improve the efficacy and reduce antibiotic resistance risk of AZM-based therapies, we evaluated the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties of novel AZM derivatives. We semisynthetically prepared derivatives by altering sugar moieties established as important for inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated in vitro with proinflammatory, M1, stimuli (LPS + INF-gamma) with and without derivative costimulation. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production, IL-12 and IL-10, respectively, was quantified using ELISA. Neuron culture treatment with BMDM supernatant was used to assess derivative neuroprotective potential. Results Azithromycin and some derivatives increased IL-10 and reduced IL-12 production of M1 macrophages. IL-10/IL-12 cytokine shifts closely correlated with the ability of AZM and derivatives to mitigate macrophage neurotoxicity. Conclusions Sugar moieties that bind bacterial ribosomal complexes can be modified in a manner that retains AZM immunomodulation and neuroprotection. Since the effects of BMDMs in vitro are predictive of CNS macrophage responses, our results open new therapeutic avenues for managing maladaptive CNS inflammation and support utilization of IL-10/12 cytokine profiles as indicators of macrophage polarization and neurotoxicity.
Crafting argumentation: two multilingual writers’ discursive choices in online discussions and persuasive essays

Online discussions have emerged as one of the most popular practices of writing in academic contexts in the twenty-first century. Nevertheless, we know little about the rhetorical features and comp...
Horizonality and Defeasibility

The anticipation of the typical under the assumption of the non-occurrence of the atypical is the experiential schema governing the individuation of ordinary enduring objects and their properties. Against this background, a primitive form of “if-and-only-if” consciousness is implicit in our everyday perceptual intentions. The thematization of the fact that perception operates under this proto-tentative structure occurs at the level of reflection and is expressed by defeasible judgments of the form “if p, then q, unless r,” or “if p, then q provided that not-r”. Here I will argue that what is made thematic by judgments containing such restrictive clauses is the structure of unpredictability inherent in what Husserl calls the horizon of latency and, indirectly, the world as background of normality.
Thermomechanical detwinning of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x single crystals

A method for the complete removal of twins from single crystals of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−xis described. The process depends on ferroelastic behavior found to exist in the phase, and should be generally applicable to the layered perovskite-type phases containing accommodation twins resulting from a tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transformation on cooling. The twin-free, superconducting single crystals will enable investigation ofa–banisotropy of properties as well as crystal structure determination without complication by the presence of microtwins.
An improved synthesis of (±)-dihydroactinidiolide

Abstract An improved synthesis of (±)-aeginetolide (2) and (±)-dihydroactinidiolide (1) from 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-acetaldehyde (4) has been achieved.
A Sociocognitive perspective of rape avoidance behavior: Relationships with sexual self-schemas

Abstract Rape avoidance behaviors are burdensome and may prevent women from fully participating in society. In this study, we investigated links between sexual self-schemas and rape avoidance behavior among college women (N = 871), while controlling for relationship status and self-reported rape victimization. Rape avoidance behavior was not associated with relationship status or self-reported rape victimization but was associated with greater relationship exclusivity, sexual restraint, and emotional investment. Sexual self-schemas were associated with avoiding strange men, avoiding appearing sexually receptive, and avoiding being alone but not with awareness of surroundings/defensive preparedness. The results of this study suggest that women with sexual self-schemas that emphasize the importance of romance, loyalty, and abstinence may be assuming more of the burdensome behaviors of rape avoidance.
Individualized functional networks reconfigure with cognitive state.

Abstract There is extensive evidence that functional organization of the human brain varies dynamically as the brain switches between task demands, or cognitive states. This functional organization also varies across subjects, even when engaged in similar tasks. To date, the functional network organization of the brain has been considered static. In this work, we use fMRI data obtained across multiple cognitive states (task-evoked and rest conditions) and across multiple subjects, to measure state- and subject-specific functional network parcellation (the assignment of nodes to networks). Our parcellation approach provides a measure of how node-to-network assignment (NNA) changes across states and across subjects. We demonstrate that the brain's functional networks are not spatially fixed, but that many nodes change their network membership as a function of cognitive state. Such reconfigurations are highly robust and reliable to the extent that they can be used to predict cognitive state with up to 97% accuracy. Our findings suggest that if functional networks are to be defined via functional clustering of nodes, then it is essential to consider that such definitions may be fluid and cognitive-state dependent.
Acute effects of softball pitching to fatigue on the glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion

BACKGROUND: The effects of baseball pitching on the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) range of motion (ROM) have been widely studied. Specifically, internal rotation (IR) ROM reduction of the pitching arm, an adaptation to repeated overhead throwing, is linked to increased risk of injuries in baseball pitchers. However, there is a lack of literature on the effects of softball pitching on the GHJ ROM. HYPOTHESIS: Softball pitching to fatigue will result in significant reduction of GHJ supine IR ROM. DESIGN: Test–retest, quasi-experimental study. METHODS: Twelve softball pitchers (age: 19.5 ± 1.8 years) volunteered to participate in this study. GHJ ROM in supine IR, horizontal adduction, low flexion (shoulder joint flexed to 60°; added IR), extension with IR (shoulder joint abducted to 60° in the plane of scapula and then horizontally abducted 90° with the elbow maintained in 90° flexion; add GH IR), and supine external rotation were compared before and after a single bout of softball pitching to fatigue or a maximum of 100 pitches, whichever occurred first. RESULTS: Maximum ROM change post softball pitching was observed in horizontal adduction but not in supine IR. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum ROM change was observed in horizontal adduction. Supine IR ROM measurement may not be appropriate for assessing softball pitchers' shoulder ROM because this measurement was not affected by the softball pitching.
GRABB—A Computer Code for Simulating Fission Gas Dispostion in Oxide Fuel During Fast Thermal Transient

A fission gas code, GRABB, is developed to model intragranular and grain boundary fission gas development and release in a fast thermal transient. Transient direct electrical heating fission gas data, test 33, is simulated with GRABB and GRASS-SST. The computations show that accurate fuel modeling requires consideration of grain edge fission gas and a grain surface bubble interlinkage mechanism. Swelling data are slightly better predicted by GRABB than by GRASS-SST. Both codes underestimate the low temperature gas release data. The GRAS-SSST code underestimates the intermediate temperature gas release while GRABB predictions are within the scatter of the data. The high temperature gas release is overestimated by GRASS-SST while GRABB underestimates it.
A Comparison of Perceived and Observed Learning from Professional Development: Relationships among Self-Reports, Direct Assessments, and Teacher Characteristics.

The success of professional development programs has typically been determined based on their impact on teacher learning, without much attention being given to the data sources used. Large-scale st...
A 0.065-mm 3 Monolithically-Integrated Ultrasonic Wireless Sensing Mote for Real-Time Physiological Temperature Monitoring

Accurate monitoring of physiological temperature is important for many biomedical applications, including monitoring of core body temperature, detecting tissue pathologies, and evaluating surgical procedures involving thermal treatment such as hyperthermia therapy and tissue ablation. Many of these applications can benefit from replacing external temperature probes with injectable wireless devices. Here we present such a device for real-time in vivo temperature monitoring that relies on “chip-as-system” integration. With an on-chip piezoelectric transducer and measuring only 380 μm × 300 μm × 570 μm, the 0.065-mm3 monolithic device, in the form of a mote, harvests ultrasound energy for power and transmits temperature data through acoustic backscattering. Containing a low-power temperature sensor implemented with a subthreshold oscillator and consuming 0.813 nW at 37 °C, the mote achieves line sensitivity of 0.088 °C/V, temperature error of +0.22/−0.28 °C, and a resolution of 0.0078 °C rms. A long-term measurement with the mote reveals an Allan deviation floor of <138.6 ppm, indicating the feasibility of using the mote for continuous physiological temperature monitoring.
Organizing for performance: coalition effectiveness on the battlefield:

States often fight side-by-side on the battlefield. As detailed in our new dataset, Belligerents in Battle, 178 of the 480 major land battles fought during interstate wars waged between 1900 and 20...
Structure of greenhouse gas-consuming microbial communities in surface soils of a nitrogen-removing experimental drainfield

Abstract Septic systems represent a source of greenhouse gases generated by microbial processes as wastewater constituents are degraded. Both aerobic and anerobic wastewater transformation processes can generate nitrous oxide and methane, both of which are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs). To understand how microbial communities in the surface soils above shallow drainfields contribute to methane and nitrous oxide consumption, we measured greenhouse gas surface flux and below-ground concentrations and compared them to the microbial communities present using functional genes pmoA and nosZ. These genes encode portions of particulate methane monooxygenase and nitrous oxide reductase, respectively, serving as a potential sink for the respective greenhouse gases. We assessed the surface soils above three drainfields served by a single household: an experimental layered passive N-reducing drainfield, a control conventional drainfield, and a reserve drainfield not in use but otherwise identical to the control. We found that neither GHG flux, below-ground concentration or soil properties varied among drainfield types, nor did methane oxidizing and nitrous oxide reducing communities vary by drainfield type. We found differences in pmoA and nosZ communities based on depth from the soil surface, and differences in nosZ communities based on whether the sample came from the rhizosphere or surrounding bulk soils. Type I methanotrophs (Gammaproteobacteria) were more abundant in the upper and middle portions of the soil above the drainfield. In general, we found no relationship in community composition for either gene based on GHG flux or below-ground concentration or soil properties (bulk density, organic matter, above-ground biomass). This is the first study to assess these communities in the surface soils above an experimental working drainfield, and more research is needed to understand the dynamics of greenhouse gas production and consumption in these systems.
The association between neurocognition and sexual abuse within a children’s psychiatric inpatient program

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the detrimental effects of sexual abuse on neuropsychological variables including child’s intelligence, executive functioning (EF), and learning/m...
Frequency of Prescription Claims for Drugs that May Interact with Janus Kinase Inhibitors Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the US.

This study describes the frequency of prescription claims for drugs that may interact with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors among adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a large US claims database. This observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study of the IBM® MarketScan® Research Commercial and the Medicare Supplemental Database included adults (≥ 18 years) with ≥ 2 outpatient claims 30 or more days apart or ≥ 1 inpatient visit claim with an RA diagnosis between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2017 (the index period). During the study period, from January 1, 2013 to March 31, 2018, strong organic anion transporter (OAT3) inhibitors, strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors, and moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors in combination with strong CYP2C19 inhibitors, were identified as drugs with potential for drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with JAK inhibitors approved for RA treatment in the US. Descriptive statistics were conducted. A total of 152,853 patients met eligibility criteria. Approximately 76% were women and the median age was 57 years. Of these patients, < 0.1% had a claim for a strong OAT3 inhibitor, and 1% had claims for the combination of a strong CYP3A4 and strong CYP2C19 inhibitor; 3% of patients had a claim for a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and almost 10% had claims for both a moderate CYP3A4 and a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor. Up to 10% of RA patients have been prescribed a drug with a potential JAK interaction. Rheumatologists should consider potential DDIs when managing patients with RA.
Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Pediatric Safety Studies Submitted to the FDA

Corticosteroid use has been associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis suppression which can predispose the pediatric patient to multiple immune- and growth-related adverse effects. The objectives of this review were to identify the pediatric drug development programs involving corticosteroids and the associated pediatric HPA axis suppression studies submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), capture FDA guidance topic related recommendations, and determine the consistency of HPA axis data in prescription corticosteroid labeling. A review of FDA submissions from January 2002 to July 2018 involving corticosteroid products and HPA axis testing in pediatric patients was conducted. The adrenal function testing methods, number of pediatric HPA axis dedicated studies, duration of these studies, and the labeling outcomes were assessed. Of the 437 total drug products that were submitted to FDA, only 36 products were corticosteroids or a corticosteroid combination product yielding a total of 83 pediatric clinical studies. Twenty-four of the 36 products included 37 HPA axis suppression dedicated studies which employed different measurement methods. The pediatric HPA axis suppression trial data collected did not necessitate any new actionable recommendations in the FDA labeling. Future pediatric drug development program goals would be to determine whether HPA axis suppression studies should be conducted, establish optimal testing methods if HPA axis testing is performed, continue to update guidances for industry, and actionable labeling recommendations. However, regulatory policy related to conducting pediatric HPA axis studies requires additional scientific research and discussion by the pediatric drug development community.
Sub-nanometer scale investigation of in situ wettability using environmental transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract Hypothesis Contact angle measurements alongside Young’s equation have been frequently used to quantitatively characterize the wettabilities of solid surfaces. In the literature, the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models have been proposed to account for surface roughness and chemical heterogeneity, while precursor film models have been developed to account for stress singularity. However, the majority of these models were derived based on theoretical analysis or indirect experimental measurements. We hypothesize that sub-nanometer-scale in situ investigations will elucidate additional complexities that impact wettability characterization. Experiments To develop further insights into in situ wettability, we provide the first direct experimental observation of fluid-solid occupancies at three-phase contacts at sub-nanometer resolution, using environmental transmission electron microscopy. Findings Considering the partially spreading phenomenon and capillarity, we provide an improved physics-based interpretation of measuring the sub-nanometer-scale contact angle at the inflection point of the fluid-fluid interface. The difference between this angle and the commonly-used apparent one measured at a lower resolution is also discussed. Furthermore, we provide direct experimental evidence for the density differences between the adsorbed wetting film and the bulk wetting phase. For the effect of surface roughness, the applicability of the Wenzel model is discussed based on the observed in situ solid-fluid occupancies.
Wave-PIM: Accelerating Wave Simulation Using Processing-in-Memory

Wave simulations are used in many applications: medical imaging, oil and gas exploration, earthquake hazard mitigation, and defense systems, among others. Most of these applications require repeated solutions of the wave equation on supercomputers. Minimizing time to solution and energy consumption are very beneficial in this domain. Data movement overhead is one of the key bottlenecks that affect energy consumption. Processing-in-Memory (PIM) has been a popular choice for deploying data-intensive applications, as a result of its high parallelism, low off-chip data movement and low energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an ISA-based, digital PIM system, to accelerate wave simulations. We fully explore the parallelism inside the algorithm, based on the size of the model and the availability of the PIM resources. We also examine the interconnections to optimize the inter-block data transfer. Our Wave-PIM can achieve an average of 41.98 × speedup, as well as 12.66 × energy savings, compared to the three state-of-the-art GPU platforms.
More Than Numbers:An Intersectional Examination of Media Portrayals of Formerly Incarcerated Women Gladys and Jamie Scott

This study is a textual analysis of newspaper articles from The Clarion-Ledger, a daily mainstream newspaper, and The Jackson Advocate, a Black weekly newspaper, both based in Jackson, Mississippi....
Chloroplast Origins and Evolution

Plastids from extant plants exhibit considerable diversity in morphological and biochemical characters. Although most authors have agreed on xenogenous (endosymbiotic) rather than autogenous origins of plastids (discussed by Doolittle (1982) in ‘The Biology of Cyanobacteria’), details concerning the endosymbiotic events remain unresolved.
Phosphorus Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Phosphoproteins I. CHEMICAL NATURE OF PHOSPHORUS ATOMS IN BOVINE αs-CASEIN

Abstract Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to investigate the chemical nature of the phosphorus atoms in bovine αs-casein. A satisfactory 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum can be obtained in a sample containing 26% by weight of the protein in a 6.5 M urea. The average 31P chemical shift of αs-casein is 221 ppm from PCl3 with a standard deviation of 1 ppm over the pH range 4 to 9. The variations with pH of the phosphorus chemical shift of model compounds adenosine 5'-triphosphate, O-phosphoserine, creatine phosphate, reduced β-diphosphopyridine nucleotide, and sodium pyrophosphate fall into two categories: (a) the chemical shifts in compounds with disubstituted pyrophosphate or phosphodiester linkages remain essentially constant in the pH range 4 to 9, whereas (b) for monoester compounds, there is a relatively large change in chemical shift (greater than 4 ppm) as the pH changes from 3 to 9, i.e. as the phosphate group goes from the singly ionized to the doubly ionized state. This difference (which is to be expected from a priori considerations) suggests that there may be phosphodiester or disubstituted pyrophosphate bonds, or both, in bovine αs-casein. The relation of this type of phosphate linkage to the structure of αs-casein and to its stability in aqueous solution is discussed.
Gene identification in common disorders: a tutorial

The task of identifying genes that predispose to common disorders presents unique challenges because, unlike rare genetic disorders, a number of genes may contribute to a common condition, each gene with a mild/moderate effect. This necessitates the study of large cohorts of subjects and families with and without the disorder of interest. These studies must establish the inherited nature of the condition, using a precise and reproducible method of defining the disorder. Intermediate phenotypes, thought to represent the earliest stages of the condition, may also prove useful in identifying genetic determinants in those at risk, as well as to subclassify affected individuals. In the past, linkage and association studies relied heavily on the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites as genetic markers; currently, interest is growing in the use of haplotypes, which are collections of marker alleles inherited together on a chromosome. By providing coverage across large regions of the genome, haplotypes may increase the ability to identify genetic determinants. Keywords: common disorder; heritability; association; linkage; genome scan; haplotype
Rhythmicity of the intestinal microbiota is regulated by gender and the host circadian clock

In mammals, multiple physiological, metabolic, and behavioral processes are subject to circadian rhythms, adapting to changing light in the environment. Here we analyzed circadian rhythms in the fecal microbiota of mice using deep sequencing, and found that the absolute amount of fecal bacteria and the abundance of Bacteroidetes exhibited circadian rhythmicity, which was more pronounced in female mice. Disruption of the host circadian clock by deletion of Bmal1, a gene encoding a core molecular clock component, abolished rhythmicity in the fecal microbiota composition in both genders. Bmal1 deletion also induced alterations in bacterial abundances in feces, with differential effects based on sex. Thus, although host behavior, such as time of feeding, is of recognized importance, here we show that sex interacts with the host circadian clock, and they collectively shape the circadian rhythmicity and composition of the fecal microbiota in mice.
Precision timing on low-cost Linux microcomputers

Recent years have seen a significant number of low-cost (sub-$100) Linux-based microcontroller systems introduced to the market. Initially targeted to the educational and hobbyist markets, the low cost, small physical package, low power consumption and high compute capability of these microcontrollers has made them interesting to research and technical communities. Many of the applications these platforms are being used for require precise timing to measure physical phenomena and coordinate with other computers.
Variable Structure Output Feedback Control

This paper describes a procedure for variable structure output feedback control (VSOFC) for a class of multivariable linear time-invariant systems. The equivalent control method of Utkin in the output feedback mode yields a reduced order system exhibiting an output feedback equivalent dynamics. Using the Kimura-Davison sufficient conditions for pole-placement using output feedback, a sufficient condition is derived to assign the eigenvalues of the "reduced" order system. The observability and controllability of the reduced system is discussed. Two switching surface design algorithms are introduced based on both a static output feedback and on an eigenstructure assignment techniques. A controller design is discussed as well.
Transport and cycling of iron and hydrogen peroxide in a freshwater stream: Influence of organic acids

[1] An in-stream injection of two dissolved organic acids (phthalic and aspartic acids) was performed in an acidic mountain stream to assess the effects of organic acids on Fe photoreduction and H2O2 cycling. Results indicate that the fate of Fe is dependent on a net balance of oxidative and reductive processes, which can vary over a distance of several meters due to changes in incident light and other factors. Solution phase photoreduction rates were high in sunlit reaches and were enhanced by the organic acid addition but were also limited by the amount of ferric iron present in the water column. Fe oxide photoreduction from the streambed and colloids within the water column resulted in an increase in the diurnal load of total filterable Fe within the experimental reach, which also responded to increases in light and organic acids. Our results also suggest that Fe(II) oxidation increased in response to the organic acids, with the result of offsetting the increase in Fe(II) from photoreductive processes. Fe(II) was rapidly oxidized to Fe(III) after sunset and during the day within a well-shaded reach, presumably through microbial oxidation. H2O2, a product of dissolved organic matter photolysis, increased downstream to maximum concentrations of 0.25 μM midday. Kinetic calculations show that the buildup of H2O2 is controlled by reaction with Fe(II), but this has only a small effect on Fe(II) because of the small formation rates of H2O2 compared to those of Fe(II). The results demonstrate the importance of incorporating the effects of light and dissolved organic carbon into Fe reactive transport models to further our understanding of the fate of Fe in streams and lakes.
Intraphagocytic Degradation of Group A Streptococci: Electron Microscopic Studies

The morphological changes that occur during intraphagocytic digestion of group A streptococci were studied by electron microscopy The first evidence of degradation of the ingested organism was the appearance of reticular changes in the bacterial endoplasm. This was followed by gradual swelling and dissolution of the bacterial wall, with final degradation of all the constitutuents to electron-dense debris. Accompanying changes in the phagocytic cell were observed; they consisted of vacuole formation, fusion of lysosomes with the wall of the yacuole, release of the lysosomal contents into the vacuole, and aggregation of the lysosomal contents around the ingested organism. Changes in the morphology of the organism similar to those observed during intraphagocytic digestion were also obtained by subjecting streptococcal cells to the action of the phage-associated lysin. Images
Buddhist Visual Worlds I: The Eyes and Ways of Seeing

Buddhist literature contains a number of interrelated discussions of seeing, beginning with the “four sights” that inspired Siddhartha's renunciation, and including a variety of epistemological traditions that investigate the act of seeing, along with meditative practices of looking and visualization, ritual uses of visual arts, and literary metaphorical references to light. As a basis for understanding Buddhist visual worlds, this article provides a basic typology of Buddhist “eyes,” and presents some major Buddhist discussions about (1) the function of the ordinary eyes, (2) ethical dimensions of the eyes, (3) the attainment of supernatural eyes, and (4) types of eyes that are involved in Buddhist soteriology.
Role of endothelin-1 in age-dependent cerebrovascular hypotensive responses after brain injury.

This study was designed to compare the effect of fluid percussion brain injury (FPI) on the hypotensive cerebrovascular response in newborn and juvenile pigs as a function of time postinsult and to...
The fibroma-myxoma virus transformation.

Publisher Summary This chapter relates how tissue culture, by enabling one to perform the transformation of fibroma into niyxonia virus in a predictable fashion, has opened up prospects of investigating the behavior of the deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) of the viruses involved and their relation to processes of infection in mammalian host cells. This approach to the Berry-Dedrick phenomenon is a relatively new one. It considers in the broad setting of what is known of DNA in other microbial systems in order to gain perspective before consideration of actual experiments. The chapter discusses the transformation of fibroma into myxoma virus. It has become increasingly apparent that the characteristics of poxviruses that include fibroma and myxoma are of basic importance to the studies on their viral DNA in relation to host cells. Some characteristics of these viruses have been presented. The chapter concludes with the discussion of the DNAase sensitive TAM and its biological properties.
Extent of specific to nonspecific resistance in mice: parenteral versus aerosol challenge.

Quantitative data were gathered concerning the extent of resistance induced in mice immunized by specific and nonspecific means and subsequently challenged both parenterally and by aerosol. Animals were immunized specifically by subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection of Formalin-killed Klebsiella pneumoniae type I, which was also employed as a challenge organism. The intraperitoneal ld50 was 30 bacilli. Nonspecific resistance was induced by injection of a Boivin preparation of Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin. Nonspecific resistance was highest 24 hr after injection of 10 μg of endotoxin. At this time, more than half of the mice survived challenge with 102 but not with 103ld50. Specifically immunized mice were resistant to as much as 105ld50, depending upon the route of immunization. Potency ratios for parenteral challenge were: nonspecific to normal, 100; specific to normal, 104 to 105; specific to nonspecific, 102 to 103. Employing aerosol challenge, specific immunization protected in the ld100 range; nonspecifically immunized animals showed significant prolongation of survival time, but the 30-day mortality was similar to the control group.
Un análisis de la singularidad de la esfera cívica de los Estados Unidos en la obra de Max Weber: sus orígenes, expansión y oscilaciones

El analisis de Max Weber sobre la esfera civica en Estados Unidos ha sido escasamente investigado. Claramente relacionados con el protestantismo ascetico de los siglos XVII y XVIII, los conceptos esenciales y el marco teorico con los que Weber emprendio dicho analisis son expuestos en este ensayo. En dicho analisis y en la totalidad de la obra de Weber son fundamentales tanto un inusual dualismo simbiotico entre el espacio civico y un individualismo orientado a ejercer senorio sobre el mundo [world-mastery individualism], asi como un antagonismo entre un individualismo orientado a valores [value-grounded] y un individualismo de racionalidad practica [practical-rational individualism]. No obstante, aunque poderoso, el modelo weberiano es considerado limitado. Por esta razon, tres constructos teoricos complementarios, fundados en su rico arsenal conceptual, extienden el analisis weberiano. Ademas, cuatro modelos, tomados en conjunto, proveen un analisis weberiano del origen singular de la esfera civica en Estados Unidos, asi como de su expansion y de su pasada y presente oscilacion a traves de un espectro especifico. Este ensayo sostiene que el analisis de Max Weber, con su enfasis en la importancia de los contextos culturales en la accion social, en la influencia del pasado sobre el presente, y con una serie de hipotesis operacionalizables, difiere profundamente de la perspectiva de Tocqueville, de las actuales teorias de la modernizacion, del neofuncionalismo y de los analisis neomarxistas de la esfera civica.
El mundo como morada: orden y propósito

In this article two texts are presented -the Expositio Totius Mundi and the Topographia Christiana- in relation with the form in which the human being interprets his world and, therefore, the place that in it he occupies. The starting point of the following reflections is the C. Glacken‘s book, suggestive and scholarly work in which the author speaks about the relation that existed, from early times, between nature and culture, in the western thought. It is probable that, in its final form, this article is too far from Glacken‘s work; but, two ideas are considered in the theme of the present study: Glacken speaks of order and purpose of the human work as reflection of the order and purpose of the cosmos, whose sense man tries to discover. In the Antiquity, order and purpose belong to myth, like total explanation; in the Christian world, to Revelation.
Contrast-enhanced CT of small hypovascular hepatic tumors: Effect of lesion enhancement on conspicuity in rabbits

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lesion enhancement on the conspicuity of small hypovascular hepatic tumors in an animal model.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Seven VX2 hepatic tumors in five rabbits were imaged. Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT was performed at a single level centered over the lesions at 5-sec intervals for 119 sec after injection of 2 ml/kg IV contrast material at 2 ml/sec. Attenuation was measured over time within regions of interest in the tumor and normal liver, aorta, inferior vena cava, and portal vein. Lesion conspicuity, defined as the difference between the attenuation of the uninvolved liver and neoplasm, was calculated.RESULTS. The mean diameter of the tumors on CT was 10 mm (range, 6-15 mm). The tumors appeared as low-attenuation lesions with progressive enhancement during the arterial phase and early portal phase. Peak mean lesion attenuation was 60 ± 27 H (enhancement, 23 H) at 64 sec. Peak mean lesion conspicuity was 80 ± 18 H at 39 sec, occurring 10 s...
Spectral and magnetic properties of some thioacetamide complexes of CoII and NiII

Electronic structure parameters and magnetic susceptibilities of tetrahedral CoII complexes of thioacetamide (tac) have been reported. Tentative assignments of the bands in the diffuse reflectance spectra of octahedral and square planar complexes of NiII with tac have also been made.
A Markovian model of machine control with quality considerations

Abstract Analysis based on Markov chains can be a simple and insightful means of studying a system. In this paper, absorbing and ergodic first-order Markov chains are used to model a simple manufacturing system whose operation and control result in various quality levels. Various ordinary calculations using Markov chains are shown to be helpful in quantifying process and quality characteristics of the system.
Sensitivity analysis based preform die shape design for net-shape forging

A sensitivity analysis method for preform die shape design in net-shape forging processes is developed in this paper using the rigid viscoplastic finite element method. The preform die shapes are represented by cubic B-spline curves. The control points or coefficients of B-spline are used as the design variables. The optimization problem is to minimize the zone where the realized and desired final forging shapes do not coincide. The sensitivities of the objective function, nodal coordinates and nodal velocities with respect to the design variables are developed in detail. A procedure for computing the sensitivities of history-dependent functions is presented. The remeshing procedure and the interpolation/transfer of the history-dependent parameters, such as effective strain, are stated. The procedures of sensitivity analysis based preform die design are also described. In addition, a method for the adjustment of the volume loss resulting from the finite element analysis is given in order to make the workpiece volume consistent in each optimization iteration. The method developed in this paper is used to design the preform die shape of H-shaped forging processes, including plane strain and axisymmetric deformations. The results show that a flashless forging with a complete die fill is realized using the optimized preform die shape.