cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Memory-Based Computing

Memories are typically associated with data storage in computer system. They either store data temporarily (for example by volatile memories such as SRAM, DRAM etc.) or permanently (for example by non-volatile memories such as Flash, magnetic disks etc.). In this chapter we first draw the outline how the embedded memory may be used for computing as well in a time-multiplexed hardware reconfigurable system. In particular, this chapter makes the following key contributions: We propose a hardware architecture to utilize a dense 2-D memory array for the purpose of reconfigurable computing. The main idea is to map multiple multi-input multi-output LUTs to the embedded memory array at each compute block and evaluate them over multiple clock cycles. The proposed framework is therefore a spatio-temporal framework unlike the conventional hardware reconfigurable frameworks which are fully spatial. In the proposed hardware architecture, multiple computing elements communicate with each other over a time-multiplexed programmable interconnect. Along with the hardware architecture we outline an effective software framework which maps an input application to the proposed hardware reconfigurable framework. The software flow outlined partitions the input application and maps it to multiple compute blocks, and finally places and routes the mapped design. We describe the application domains of the proposed memory based computing model. We identify that the model can be applied to realize a stand-alone reconfigurable framework for mapping random logic as well as it can be used for hardware acceleration of algorithmic tasks.
Grundlagen der Wissenssoziologischen Diskursanalyse

Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden die Grundlagen der Wissenssoziologischen Diskursanalyse entfaltet. Dazu werde ich in einem ersten Schritt das Programm einer Analyse der diskursiven Konstruktion der Wirklichkeit vorstellen (Kap. 4.1 .). Zunachst diskutiere ich hier Desiderate der soziaikonstruktivistischen bzw. Hermeneutischen Wissenssoziologie und Moglichkeiten ihrer Uberwindung durch das Diskurskonzept. Die Implikationen und Ziele dieses Vorhabens werden im Anschluss dargestellt. Die wissenssoziologische Verankerung der Diskursperspektive lasst die Wissenssoziologie nicht unberuhrt, sondern erfordert von ihr einige kategoriale Erweiterungen und Perspektivenverschiebungen. In einem zweiten Schritt der Argumentation erlautere ich deswegen in Kapitel 4.2 die Einbettung der Diskursanalyse in die Wissenssoziologie in Bezug auf das Verhaltnis von Zeichen, Typisierungen und Diskursen, die Relationierung von Diskurs und diskursivem Ereignis (Aussageereignis), 281d as implizierte Verstandnis sozialer Akteure und Praktiken sowie die Beziehung zwischen ofentlichen Diskursen, Spezialdiskursen und diskursiven Formationen Nach dieser wissenssoziologischen Anbindung der diskursanalytischen Grundannahmen stelle ich drittens die zentralen Arbeitsbegriffe der Wissenssoziologischen Diskursanalyse vor (Kap. 4.3).
6,7,9,10-Tetra­hydro-16,22-ethano­oxyethano-5,8,11,19-tetra­oxa-16,22-diaza­dibenzo[h,q]cyclo­octa­decine-17,21-dione: a benzyl­annelated macrobicyclic diamide

The macrobicyclic title compound, C24H28N2O7, has two tertiary diamide bridgehead atoms and is composed of a 12-membered ring (N2O2 donor set) and two 18-membered rings (N2O4 donor sets). The solid-state structure shows that each of the amide groups is not coplanar with the adjacent benzene ring and NMR studies indicate that this conformational relationship persists in solution.
The Biomechanics of Lesion Formation in Endolymphatic Hydrops: Single and Double Hit Mechanisms.

Background The vestibular membranes of the cochlea and saccule are subject to two simultaneous constraints as they deform in endolymphatic hydrops. Boundary tethers impose a bulge-type constraint during pressure-induced transverse membrane displacement, while inherent elasticity imposes a stretch-type constraint during stress-induced longitudinal membrane distention. Objective The aim of this study is to reconcile the effect of these dual constraints on membrane deformation. It is hypothesized that it is the interaction of these constraints that determines whether a stable membrane configuration can be achieved or progression to endolymphatic hydrops will occur. Methods Reissner's membrane was modeled as a flat elastic ribbon that was bound along its lateral edges and subject to trans-mural pressure. The bulge and stretch constraints on membrane deformation were formulated mathematically. A graphic solution of the constraint functions was used to examine the nature of the interaction and determine how pressure and elasticity influence the hydropic process. Results The graphic analysis shows how bulge and stretch phenomena interact to achieve an equilibrium point that satisfies both physical requirements. Nominal values of pressure and elasticity are projected to result in a stable membrane equilibrium in the precritical zone with the modest isolated increases in either parameter alone compatible with stability. However, a sufficiently large increase in either pressure or elasticity alone can constitute a single hit mechanism to exceed the critical point and destabilize the membrane. Moreover, simultaneous modest increases in both pressure and elasticity, neither of which would be sufficient in its own right, can be additive and constitute a double hit mechanism to destabilize the membranes as well. Finally, extreme values of pressure and elasticity that fail to intersect imply that no solution is feasible and that the affected membranes will fail immediately. Conclusions Sufficiently large increases in either endolymphatic pressure or membrane elasticity alone can destabilize the membranes and constitute single hit mechanisms for inducing hydrops. Combined moderate increases in both trans-mural pressure and membrane elasticity can also destabilize the membranes and constitute a double hit mechanism for hydrops induction.
Development and Implementation of U.S. Army Guidelines for Managing Soldiers at Risk of Suicide.

OBJECTIVES Despite significant efforts in suicide prevention over the past several years, suicide rates in the U.S. Army remain largely unchanged. This paper describes a collaborative effort between line-unit leaders, medical personnel, and installation services to synchronize suicide risk identification and communication between these disparate entities. METHODS Under the direction of the Installation Director of Psychological Health at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a Behavioral Health Process Action Team was chartered to identify best practice and formulate policy for identifying and managing service members at risk for suicide. RESULTS Compliance with the new policy reached 100% within 6 months of implementation, as measured by peer review of records. This installation policy was subsequently identified as a best practice and adopted Army-wide as the standard of practice. DISCUSSION Knowledge transfer of research findings into policy and practice is crucial for suicide prevention. The current policy shows good integration of current research with practice in military settings. CONCLUSIONS Combined efforts in crafting policy for risk identification and communication resulted in a policy that was acceptable and feasible from the perspective of commanders and clinicians. Synchronization efforts between commanders, clinicians, and support services are crucial to ensure effective intervention to prevent suicide behavior.
Metabolic Analysis: Algebraic and Geometric Methods

Metabolic pathways as biochemical reaction networks are introduced and represented via linear algebraic methods, simultaneously introducing fundamental biochemical and mathematical areas. A self-contained survey of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a modern primary tool for carrying out the accompanying analytics, that is, establishing the existence or prevalence of metabolites in a sample or changes in metabolite concentrations over time, is provided, in tandem with a major mathematical method employed to in terpret NMR spectrum data, namely, principal component analysis, tantamount to the singular value decomposition from linear algebra. Relevant biological and mathematical topics are introduced through concrete applications and Exercises, incorporating the use of major biological databases and other online resources, including: caffeine biosynthesis; Hess’s Law from biochemistry; extension of the stoichiometric subspace to algebraic frameworks for mass-action kinetics; an application to green chemistry; and use of metabolite profiles to determine health and risk factors, such as a biomarker for gluesniffing.
Necroptosis mediators RIPK3 and MLKL suppress intracellular Listeria replication independently of host cell killing.

RIPK3, a key mediator of necroptosis, has been implicated in the host defense against viral infection primary in immune cells. However, gene expression analysis revealed that RIPK3 is abundantly expressed not only in immune organs but also in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the small intestine. We found that orally inoculated Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterial foodborne pathogen, efficiently spread and caused systemic infection in Ripk3-deficient mice while almost no dissemination was observed in wild-type mice. Listeria infection activated the RIPK3-MLKL pathway in cultured cells, which resulted in suppression of intracellular replication of Listeria. Surprisingly, Listeria infection–induced phosphorylation of MLKL did not result in host cell killing. We found that MLKL directly binds to Listeria and inhibits their replication in the cytosol. Our findings have revealed a novel functional role of the RIPK3-MLKL pathway in nonimmune cell-derived host defense against Listeria invasion, which is mediated through cell death–independent mechanisms.
Redefining Node Centrality for Task Allocation in Mobile CrowdSensing Platforms

With the recent developments in Mobile CrowdSensing, an interesting model of temporal graphs has emerged, in which node weights evolve over time, according to the availability of spatio-temporal tasks on the mobility field. The analysis and understanding of these types of graphs, namely Weight Evolving Temporal (WET) graphs, is critical for optimizing task allocation in such crowdsensing platforms. In this paper, we formally define WET graphs and their corresponding routing problem, in which the objective of the routing is to maximize the reward collected from vertices visited amid the graph traversal. By modeling a WET graph as a time-ordered graph, we define efficient and optimal routing algorithms, and theoretically analyze them. Moreover, we present a novel node centrality measure, namely Coverage Centrality, that captures the popularity of various nodes of the WET graph, and which we incorporate in an online crowdsensing task allocation mechanism to increase task coverage. Finally, we evaluate the efficacy of this novel centrality measure on different types of graphs, when compared to other centrality measures, and evaluate its effect on task coverage in online mobile crowdsensing platforms.
Using scaffolded text with systematic progression of spelling patterns to promote Hispanic children’s early literacy

This comparative, descriptive study examined the relationship between text-type use and early literacy outcomes of English language decoding ability. The representative sample was 80 grade 1 studen...
6-Thioguanine blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication by inhibition of PLpro protease activities

A recently emerged betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has led to a global health crisis that calls for the identification of effective therapeutics for COVID-19 disease. Coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) is an attractive drug target as it is essential for viral polyprotein cleavage and for deconjugation of ISG15, an antiviral ubiquitin-like protein. We show here that 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) inhibits SARS-CoV-2 PLpro-catalyzed viral polyprotein cleavage and ISG15 deconjugation in cells and inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells and Calu3 cells at submicromolar levels. As a well-characterized FDA-approved orally delivered drug, 6-TG represents a promising therapeutic for COVID-19 and other emerging coronaviruses. One Sentence Summary: A repurposed drug that targets an essential enzymatic activity of SARS-CoV-2 represents a promising COVID-19 therapeutic.
Strategies for Increasing Counseling Competencies Among Audiology Graduate Clinicians: A Viewpoint.

Purpose This article aimed to review and discuss relevant literature regarding counseling training strategies among audiology graduate clinicians. Conclusions From the literature, five studies have...
Kinetic Limitations in Single‑Crystal High‑Nickel Cathodes

High-nickel cathodes attract immense interest for use in lithium-ion batteries, to boost Li-storage capacity while reducing cost. For overcoming the intergranular-cracking issue in polycrystals, single-crystals are considered an appealing alternative, but aggravating concerns on compromising the electrochemical kinetics of electrodes. We report here a quantitative assessment of electrochemical reaction in single-crystal LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.8O2 using operando hard X-ray microscopy/spectroscopy, revealing a strong dependence of redox kinetics on the state of charge (SOC) - being sluggish at low SOC while increasing rapidly as SOC increases both in the bulk electrode and individual particles. The observation is corroborated by transport measurements and finite-element simulation, indicating that the sluggish kinetics in single-crystals is governed by ionic transport at low SOC and may be alleviated through synergistic interaction with polycrystals integrated into a same electrode. With the elucidated mechanistic origin and alleviation solution of kinetic limitations in single-crystal high-Ni cathodes, this work constitutes a step forward in enabling their practical deployment.
Assessing Taper Geometry, Head Size, Head Material, and Their Interactions in Taper Fretting Corrosion of Retrieved Total Hip Arthroplasty Implants

Abstract Background Decreased fretting and corrosion damage at the taper interface of retrieved ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA) implants has been consistently reported; however, resultant fretting corrosion as a function of femoral head size and taper geometry has not been definitively explained. Methods Eight cohorts were defined from 157 retrieved THA implants based on femoral head composition (n = 95, zirconia-toughened alumina, ZTA vs n = 62, cobalt-chromium alloy, CoCr), head size (n = 56, 32mm vs n = 101, 36mm), and taper geometry (n = 84, 12/14 vs n = 73, V40). THA implants were evaluated and graded for taper fretting and corrosion. Data were statistically analyzed, including via a 23 factorial modeling. Results Factorial-based analysis indicated the significant factors related to both resultant (summed) fretting and corrosion damage were head material and taper geometry; head material–taper geometry interaction was also a significant factor in resultant corrosion damage. Lower rates of moderate-to-severe fretting and corrosion damage were exhibited on ZTA heads (ZTA = 13%, CoCr = 38%), smaller heads (32mm = 18%, 36mm = 26%), and 12/14 tapers (12/14 = 13%, V40 = 35%). ZTA+32mm heads demonstrated the lowest rates of moderate-to-severe fretting and corrosion damage (12/14 = 2%, V40 = 7%), whereas CoCr heads with V40 tapers demonstrated the greatest rates of moderate-to-severe damage (32mm = 47%, 36mm = 59%). Conclusion In this series, retrieved implants with ZTA, 32-mm heads paired with 12/14 tapers exhibited lower rates of moderate-to-severe damage. Factorial analysis showed head material, taper geometry, and their interactions were the most significant factors associated with resultant damage grades. Isolating implant features may provide additional information regarding factors leading to fretting and corrosion damage in THA. Level of Evidence IV (case series).
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers of Animals Caused by DNA Viruses

The term “viral hemorrhagic fevers” (VHFs) can loosely be applied to many serious diseases of animals (including fish, which are incapable of a fever response). While VHFs of humans are caused by viruses limited to only four to five families (i.e., Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae, and possibly Rhabdoviridae), VHFs of animals are caused by a much broader variety of viruses. Therefore, Chaps. 11–14 were grouped using the Baltimore classification, i.e., by genome type, as opposed to the classification supported by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. As one could guess, the largest number of VHFs in animals is caused by mononegaviruses, but some are caused by viruses that have positive-sense or double-stranded RNA genomes, and some even have DNA genomes. This chapter focuses on DNA viruses. However, the reader is encouraged to read all four chapters to get an idea of the breadth of disease mechanisms and natural histories of this fascinating group of viruses that have both direct and indirect effects on humans, as well as implications for larger societal issues, such as food security and ecological dynamics. At the end of each chapter, “honorable mention” is given to some serious viral diseases that may have incomplete hemorrhagic features in regard to the definition provided in the introduction to the first chapter of this series.
Asymptotically Efficient Approaches to Fault-Tolerance in Peer-to-Peer Networks

In this paper, we show that two peer-to-peer systems, Pastry [13] and Tapestry [17] can be made tolerant to certain classes of failures and a limited class of attacks. These systems are said to operate properly if they can find the closest node matching a requested ID. The system must also be able to dynamically construct the necessary routing information when new nodes enter or the network changes. We show that with an additional factor of O(log2 n) storage overhead and O(log n) communication overhead, they can continue to achieve both of these goals in the presence of a constant fraction nodes that do not obey the protocol. Our techniques are similar in spirit to those of Saia et al. [14] and Naor and Wieder [10]. Some simple simulations show that these techniques are useful even with constant overhead.
Chapter 14 Diastereoselective intramolecular 4+3 cycloaddition and an enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-dactylol

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes dactylol syntheses and 4+3 cycloaddition reactions, followed by several stages in the synthesis that proceeded in accordance with the retrosynthetic plan. These include the preparation of the diene side chain and cycloaddition precursor, the 4+3 cycloaddition chemistry, and the conversion of the cycloadduct into (+)-dactylol. The most important goal is to to prove the hypothesis regarding a diastereoselective 4+3 cycloaddition reaction. Dactylol is a sesquiterpene possessing an unusual trans-5,8-fused ring system. It was first isolated from a Caribbean sea hare, Aplysia dactylomela. The biosynthesis of this compound involves humulene undergoing an acid-catalyzed cyclization, a series of hydride shifts, and a “cyclopropane sliding” mechanism. For the construction of medium-sized ring systems, cycloaddition reactions are known to be among the most synthetically efficient methods. Not only can they form two bonds in a single step, the attainment of architecturally complex molecules from relatively simple substrates is also a distinctive advantage of these types of transformations. This is particularly true for the formation of seven-member carbocycles using the most direct and efficient route—the 4+3 cycloaddition reaction. In a general 4+3 cycloaddition reaction, a diene reacts with an allylic cation possessing a carbocation terminating group that will lead to a corresponding functional group in the cycloadduct.
A tale of toroids in DNA metabolism

A strikingly large number of the proteins involved in DNA metabolism adopt a toroidal -- or ring-shaped -- quaternary structure, even though they have completely unrelated functions. Given that these proteins all use DNA as a substrate, their convergence to one shape is probably not a coincidence. Ring-forming proteins may have been selected during evolution for advantages conferred by the toroidal shape on their interactions with DNA.
Empirical Evidence on the Existence of Dividend Clienteles

This paper provides new evidence on the existence of dividend clienteles for institutional investors. We directly examine individual institutions' preferences for dividend paying stocks based on the characteristics of stocks held in their portfolio. Many institutions follow persistent investment styles, maintaining relatively high or low dividend yield portfolios over time. Institutions which hold portfolios of higher yielding stocks are significantly more likely to increase their holdings in response to a dividend increase or sell their stock in response to a decrease. For a subset of institutions, we directly observe the proportion of their portfolio managed on behalf of taxable clients. Consistent with tax-induced dividend clienteles, institutions with more taxable clients are less likely to increase their holdings in response to a dividend increase. Finally, we show that stock price reactions to announcements of dividend increases are related to characteristics of the institutions holding the stock. Our results suggest that tax status as well as other factors are important in explaining observed clientele behavior.
A flexible, plugin-based smarthome simulation framework with application to navigational intention prediction

The need for intelligent environments (“Smarthomes”) to monitor and assist elderly individuals is on the rise and is projected to continue into the future. To assist in the development of autonomous Smarthome algorithms, a robust, flexible and extendable simulation environment is required. In this paper we present our approach to fulfilling this need through the development of a plugin-based simulation architecture, and include three different artificial intelligence based approaches towards the problem of predicting and modeling user intentions within a Smarthome environment.
Employment of tuberculostasis in serum-agar medium for the study of production and activity of Mycobactin.

Abstract Mycobactin (M), an iron-chelating product of tubercle bacilli, neutralized serum tuberculostasis by removing growth-essential iron from transferrin (Tr) and supplying the metal to the bacteria. The competition for iron between Tr and M has been demonstrated by the agar-plate diffusion test. This test is suitable not only for the study of Tr-iron-M interplay but also for the evaluation of serum tuberculostasis. Extremely poor solubility of M in water and consequently its association with lipoidal cell wall of tubercle bacillus was overcome by the use of water-dispersible and surface-active Tween 80. The addition of Tween 80 to culture media insured the presence of M in spent media; otherwise M was extracted from bacillary cells with a solution of Tween 80 or a mixture of ethanol and Tween 80. Although M was produced irrespective of the amount of iron present in culture medium, its production in iron-poor medium was more prolific than in iron-rich medium. M extracted from BCG or H37Rv cells neutralized serum tuberculostasis as effectively for the homologous as for heterologous strains. However, the extract of virulent bacilli was much more active in the neutralization than similar extract prepared from attenuated cells; whether this difference is of quantitative or qualitative nature remains to be determined.
Androgen receptor regulates expression of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in human prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND The MUC1 heterodimeric oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed in human prostate cancers with more aggressive pathologic and clinical features. However, the signals that regulate MUC1 expression in prostate cancer cells are not well understood.
Coulomb energy of 3H and 3He

Abstract The Coulomb energy of 3 He and 3 H is large enough to account for the difference in the binding energies of these nuclei within the uncertainty caused by the impreciseness of the Coulomb energy operator.
Intra-specific competition (crowding) of giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

Abstract Information on the size and location of 1916 giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindl.) Buchholz) in Muir Grove, Sequoia National Park, in the southern Sierra Nevada of California was used to assess intra-specific crowding. Study objectives were to: (1) determine which parameters associated with intra-specific competition (i.e. size and distance to nearest neighbor, crowding/root system area overlap, or number of neighbors) might be important in spatial pattern development, growth, and survivorship of established giant sequoias; (2) quantify the level of intra-specific crowding of different sized live sequoias based on a model of estimated overlapping root system areas (i.e. an index of relative crowding); (3) compare the level of intra-specific crowding of similarly sized live and dead giant sequoias (less than 30 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) at the time of inventory (1969). Mean distances to the nearest live giant sequoia neighbor were not significantly different (at α = 0.05) for live and dead sequoias in similar size classes. A zone of influence competition model (i.e. index of crowding) based on horizontal overlap of estimated root system areas was developed for 1753 live sequoias. The model, based only on the spatial arrangement of live sequoias, was then tested on dead sequoias of less than 30 cm dbh (n = 163 trees; also recorded in 1969). The dead sequoias had a significantly higher crowding index than 561 live trees of similar diameter. Results showed that dead sequoias of less than 16.6 cm dbh had a significantly greater mean number of live neighbors and mean crowding index than live sequoias of similar size. Intra-specific crowding may be an important mechanism in determining the spatial distribution of sequoias in old-growth forests.
Measurements and Distorted-Wave Born-Approximation Analyses of Some 13.9-MeV Differential Cross Sections for the N 14 (He 3 , α)N 13 Reactions

The (${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$) differential cross sections leading to the ground and 2.367-, (3.51+3.56)-, 6.38-, and (7.18+7.42)-MeV states of ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ have been measured at an incident ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ energy of 13.9 MeV using silicon surface-barrier detectors and a conventional electronic spectrometer system. Energy spectra were accumulated at 2.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} intervals over a laboratory angular range 17.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and at 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} intervals from 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 170\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The experimental differential (${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$) cross sections corresponding to states in ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ at 0, 2.367, 6.38, and (7.18+7.42) MeV exhibit a pronounced oscillatory structure, suggesting that a direct-reaction mechanism is dominant. The composite cross section corresponding to the transitions leading to the (3.51+3.56)-MeV doublet has a somewhat washed-out structure. All angular distributions display a definite forward-angle peaking, and those leading to the ground and 2.367- and (3.51+3.56)-MeV states of ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ show evidence of strong backward-angle peaking. The transitions leading to the odd-parity states in ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ appear to be considerably enhanced relative to those leading to the even-parity states. The angular distributions corresponding to the transitions to the ground and 2.367- and 6.38-MeV states have been analyzed within the framework of the zero-range distorted-wave theory using a simple knockout model. The use of cutoff radii equal to or slightly larger than the nuclear radius was necessary in order to obtain reasonably good representations of the experimental data.
Predation and disturbance by grass shrimp, Palaemonetespugio Holthuis, in soft-substratum benthic invertebrate assemblages☆

Abstract Laboratory experiments were conducted to separate the effect of predation from that of disturbance by grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis, on the densities of benthic invertebrates from a salt marsh on Sapelo Island, Georgia, U.S.A. Blocks of marsh substratum (20 × 20 × 10 cm) and their associated natural invertebrate assemblages were exposed for 10 days to the following treatments: (1) intact adult grass shrimp (predation + disturbance), (2) adult shrimp which were inhibited from grasping prey by the excision of a dactyl from each chelate pereiopod (disturbance only), (3) no shrimp (control). Shrimp predation reduced the densities of nematodes, a burrowing anemone, Nematostella vectensis Stephenson, an ostracod, Cyprideis floridana (Howe & Hough), and a sabellid polychaete, Manayunkia aestuarina Bourne. There was some evidence ( F -tests, P ≤ 0.07) to suspect that predation by Palaemonetes pugio also reduced densities of the tanaidacean, Hargeria rapax (Harger) and the polychaete, Capitella capitata (Fabricius). Hydrobiid snails were the only taxon to exhibit reduced densities as a result of disturbance by shrimp. Oligochaetes and the polychaetes, Nereis succinea (Frey and Leuckart) and Streblospio benedicti Webster were unaffected by the shrimp treatments in this experiment.
Boredom proneness : temperamental and cognitive components

Abstract The current study examined the relationships between cognitive and personality variables to boredom proneness. Buss and Plomin's four separate dimensions of temperament (Emotionality, Activity, Sociability, and Impulsivity) was used as the operationalization of personality. It was also hypothenized that persons with a higher degree of cognitive inflexibility would be higher on boredom proneness. To assess this hypothesis, the relationship of boredom proneness to a measure of cognitive flexibility (Rokeach's Dogmatism Scale) was also investigated. The sample (n = 132) consisted of 39% male and 61% female undergraduate students enrolled in psychology courses at midwestern university in the U.S. Participants were administered three questionnaires: the Boredom Proneness Scale, Rokeach Dogmatism Scale and Easi-III Temperament Survey. The results of the current study identified certain ‘risk-factors’ related to boredom proneness. Individuals who are highly dogmatic, less sociable, and exhibit low levels of persistence, tempo, and who experience many problems with inhibitory control of impulses are more prone to boredom. The implications of the findings for increasing our understanding of boredom proneness were discussed.
Evolution of the human hand: the role of throwing and clubbing

It has been proposed that the hominid lineage began when a group of chimpanzee-like apes began to throw rocks and swing clubs at adversaries, and that this behaviour yielded reproductive advantages for millions of years, driving natural selection for improved throwing and clubbing prowess. This assertion leads to the prediction that the human hand should be adapted for throwing and clubbing, a topic that is explored in the following report. It is shown that the two fundamental human handgrips, first identified by J. R. Napier, and named by him the ‘precision grip’ and ‘power grip’, represent a throwing grip and a clubbing grip, thereby providing an evolutionary explanation for the two unique grips, and the extensive anatomical remodelling of the hand that made them possible. These results are supported by palaeoanthropological evidence.
Use of superheated liquid dispersion technique for measuring alpha-emitting actinides in environmental samples

Abstract This paper presents a novel fast screening technique of measuring concentrations of alpha-emitting actinides in environmental samples. This novel technique is called superheated liquid dispersion (SLD), which involves dispersing fine superheated liquid (e.g. Freon-12) droplets into a mixture of glycerin and the actinide-containing chemical extractant. The interactions between alpha particles and superheated liquid droplets trigger bubbles. Therefore, one may relate the number of bubbles to the actinide concentration in the sample. The results obtained from the computer simulation and the experiment support the above claim.
Bigger is Better, or is it Smaller? Restructuring Local Government in the St. Louis Area

St. Louis has a long-standing tradition as an urban workshop for academic analysis in part because small local governments in St. Louis County have provided units of analysis for a wide range of to...
A defense of Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen's paradigm

Abstract Elias Khalil is wrong in objecting to proofs that the Clausius and Kelvin statements of the Second Law are equivalent. The Second Law is a single fundamental natural law though it has several equivalent formulations. All processes, purposeful or not, are subject to it. This includes Carnot engines, which are useful theoretical abstractions but nothing else. Therefore the economic process is constrained by the Entropy Law, confirming Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen's conclusions.
Heating of the solar chromosphere by ionization pumping

A new theory is proposed to explain the heating of the solar chromosphere, and possibly the corona, by the dissipation of hydrodynamic compression waves. The basis of the dissipative mechanism, here referred to as ionization pumping, is hysteresis caused by irreversible relaxation of the chromospheric medium to ionization equilibrium following pressure perturbations. In the middle chromosphere, where hydrogen is partially ionized, it is shown that ionization pumping will cause strong dissipation of waves whose periods are 200s or less. This could cause heating of the chromosphere sufficient to compensate for the radiative losses. The mechanism retains a high efficiency for waves of arbitrarily small amplitude and, thus, can be more efficient than shock dissipation for small perturbations in pressure. The formation of shocks therefore is not required for the dissipation of waves whose periods are several minutes or less.
Casuistry and the moral continuum. Evaluating animal biotechnology.

Abstract While the science of animal biotechnology is advancing at a rapid pace, the ethical discussion about the boundaries the public might want to set is at the most nascent stage. There is a tendency in the public debate for opponents to favor an all-out ban on the science, while proponents want to grant it carte blanche. I argue that a more nuanced position on animal biotechnology considers individual projects to be located on a moral continuum, where some are clearly morally justified, others morally impermissible, and some lie in the ethical gray-zone. To begin to define this continuum, we use the bioethical method of casuistry to analyze one case at the end of moral permissibility, and we contrast it with a case that is located at the opposite end of the moral spectrum. I advocate this approach to assessing the moral merit of biotechnology projects because of its attention to the details of individual cases — the protocols, ends, and methods — on which an accurate moral judgment necessarily rests.
Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation: an in-vivo examination of lesion formation

A number of studies have supported the efficacy of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in reducing intraocular pressure in human eyes that are refractory to medical or traditional surgical treatments. Due to its recent history, however, no information has yet been made available on optimal exposure parameters for this treatment modality. An 810 nm diode laser was used to examine lesion formation during transscleral irradiation and compared to those reported for the Nd:YAG laser. A large sector iridectomy was performed on the eye, and a slit lamp delivery system combined with a digital image acquisition system (time resolution of 17 milliseconds) were used to view the ciliary body before, during, and after cyclophotocoagulation. The data obtained provide a basis for an in-vivo examination of lesion morphology as well as the underlying mechanism of ciliary destruction using the two laser sources.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
University and State Agencies Collaborate to Expand Dietetic Students' Education and to Implement the Dietary Guidelines

Abstract The child nutrition division of a state agency needed food formulas for public schools that would help them meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and utilize United States Department of Agriculture donated foods (commodities). The state agency contacted the university facility who taught experimental food science to dietetic students and proposed a collaborative project to develop formulas. State agencies provided funding and commodities; registered dietitians and professional staff who furnished didactic information about child nutrition programs, served as role models, and made contact with schools. The university contributed faculty and staff with research knowledge and skills, research facilities and infrastructure, and dietetic students to conduct the research. Students for sensory evaluation were provided by the public schools. This collaborative model has provided 149 university students in food science classes during the past 2 1/2 years with an opportunity to develop formulas for 14 food items, and to develop research, laboratory, writing and team-building skills. The students had on-site experience with evaluations by the state agency, and off-site experience in performing sensory evaluation/research with 432 children. University students wrote a proposal, a thesis style research paper, and executive summary. State agencies and ultimately school districts in the state received formulas containing commodities that met the Dietary Guidelines. These results indicate that collaboration of state agencies and universities can provide excellent learning opportunities for dietetic students while providing useful products that meet the Dietary Guidelines for the state agency and public schools.
An interview with max mathews

Max Mathews was last interviewed for Computer Music Journal in 1980 in an article by Curtis Roads. The present interview took place at Max Mathews's home in San Francisco, California, in late May 2008. (See Figure 1.) This project was an interesting one, as I had the opportunity to stay at his home and conduct the interview, which I video-recorded in HD format over the course of one week. The original set of video recordings lasted approximately three hours total. I then edited them down to a duration of approximately one and one-half hours for inclusion on the 2009 Computer Music Journal Sound and Video Anthology, which will accompany the Winter 2009 issue of the Journal. The following article is a lightly edited transcript of that edited video recording.
Managing martyrdom: female suicide and statecraft in mid-Qing China.

During the first 150 years of Qing rule, the suicides of women were the subject of unprecedented quantities of legal and ritual legislation and a frequent topic of debate in imperial, official, and literati discourses on law, ethics, and social order. This legislation often appeared contradictory, banning honors for suicide in principle, yet granting frequent exceptions. This article examines the complex array of political, cultural, and social factors that produced this intensification of state and elite interest in female suicide and created the apparent inconsistency of state policies. It argues that evolving Qing policies toward female suicide reflected a surprising convergence of statecraft goals, Qing imperial agendas, Han literati interest in promoting orthodox social norms, Manchu ethnic concerns, and the enduring fascination that the pathos of the female martyr held for male rulers and officials in general.
Investigating the interplay between nucleoid-associated proteins, DNA curvature, and CRISPR elements using comparative genomics.

Many prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes feature a characteristic periodic signal in distribution of short runs of A or T (A-tracts) phased with the DNA helical period of ∼10–11 bp. Such periodic spacing of A-tracts has been associated with intrinsic DNA curvature. In eukaryotes, this periodicity is a major component of the nucleosome positioning signal but its physiological role in prokaryotes is not clear. One hypothesis centers on possible role of intrinsic DNA bends in nucleoid compaction. We use comparative genomics to investigate possible relationship between the A-tract periodicity and nucleoid-associated proteins in prokaryotes. We found that genomes with DNA-bridging proteins tend to exhibit stronger A-tract periodicity, presumably indicative of more prevalent intrinsic DNA curvature. A weaker relationship was detected for nucleoid-associated proteins that do not form DNA bridges. We consider these results an indication that intrinsic DNA curvature acts collaboratively with DNA-bridging proteins in maintaining the compact structure of the nucleoid, and that previously observed differences among prokaryotic genomes in terms DNA curvature-related sequence periodicity may reflect differences in nucleoid organization. We subsequently investigated the relationship between A-tract periodicity and presence of CRISPR elements and we found that genomes with CRISPR tend to have stronger A-tract periodicity. This result is consistent with our earlier hypothesis that extensive A-tract periodicity could help protect the chromosome against integration of prophages, possibly due to its role in compaction of the nucleoid.
Verification and validation of a project collaboration tool

Given that a significant amount of research and development efforts go into the creation of software tools, it is important that the most effective verification and validation methods be applied. Traditional methods for evaluating the accuracy and benefits of collaborative business process platforms created by East and Kirby, to date, do not constitute a sufficient proof that these tools are actually operating as designed or provide maximum possible value to all users. Verification through user interviews and surveys demonstrates that the software is performing as expected under test conditions, but is insufficient to identify off-purpose uses. Validation efforts performed at discrete points in time, such as economic analysis, describe specific cases and require assumptions of generality. Subjective continuous evaluations, such as user-submitted Call Center tickets, provide a continuous but incomplete measure of users' experience. This paper provides a new taxonomy that can help researchers and developers to frame future verification and validation efforts. The four dimensions of this taxonomy are Objectivity, Sample Size, Frequency, and Purpose. Software users can also apply the taxonomy to evaluate the extent to which products have been evaluated beyond the standard case studies typically found in software vendor literature.
Currently available combined oral contraception

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are amongst the most popular means to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Since their introduction to the US market in 1960, the variety and the accessibility of COCs has increased significantly. Their popularity is due to the fact that they are an effective, safe and reversible option for most women throughout the reproductive years. The popularity of COCs has increased over the past several decades. However, there are risks associated with COC use, including cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. Over time, the concentrations of both the estrogen and progestin components have undergone significant reductions and various new progestins have been developed in order to increase acceptability and safety.
The regional and cellular expression profile of the melatonin receptor MT1 in the central dopaminergic system

The physiological effects of pineal melatonin are primarily mediated by melatonin receptors located in the brain and periphery. Even though there are a number of studies demonstrating the regulatory role of melatonin in the development of dopaminergic behaviors, such as psychostimulant-induced diurnal locomotor sensitization or drug seeking, little is known about the contribution of melatonin receptors (i.e., MT1) to this role. Therefore, as a first step in understanding the functional role of melatonin receptors in dopaminergic behaviors, we focused on determining the expression pattern of MT1 receptors in the dopaminergic system of the human and rodent brain. Regional (e.g., nucleus accumbens shell) and cellular (e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive cells) expression of MT1 mRNA was characterized by applying the immuno-laser capture microdissection (immuno-LCM) technique coupled with nested RT-PCR. Moreover, employing quantitative Western immunoblotting and RT-PCR, we found that the mouse MT1 receptor expression presents diurnal variations (i.e., low mRNA and high protein levels at night, ZT21). The dopaminergic system-based presence of MT1 receptor proteins was not limited to rodents; we found these receptors in postmortem human brain as well. Further research is needed to understand the regional/cellular functional role of melatonin receptors in the regulation of dopaminergic behaviors, using models such as melatonin receptor knockout mice.
Ca2+ release by inositol-trisphosphorothioate in isolated triads of rabbit skeletal muscle.

The effectiveness of the nonmetabolizable second messenger analogue DL-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphorothioate (IPS3) described by Cooke, A. M., R. Gigg, and B. V. L. Potter, (1987b. Jour. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1525–1526.) was examined in triads purified from rabbit skeletal muscle. A Ca2+ electrode uptake-release assay was used to determine the size and sensitivity of the IPS3-releasable pool of Ca2+ in isolated triads. Uptake was initiated by 1 mM MgATP, pCa 5.8, pH 7.5 Release was initiated when the free Ca2+ had lowered to pCa approximately 7. We found that 5–25 microM myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), and separately IPS3, consistently released 5–20% of the Ca2+ pool actively loaded into triads. Single channel recording was used to determine if ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channels were affected by IPS3 at the same myoplasmic Ca2+ and IPS3 concentrations. Open probability of ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channels was monitored in triads fused to bilayers over long periods (200 s) in the absence and following addition of 30 microM IPS3 to the same channel. At myoplasmic pCa approximately 7, IPS3 had no effect in the absence of MgATP (Po = 0.0094 +/- 0.001 in control and Po=0.01 +/- 0.006 after IPS3) and slightly increased activity in the presence of 1 mM MgATP (Po = 0.024 +/- 0.03 in control and Po=0.05 +/- 0.03 after IPS3). Equally small effects were observed at higher myoplasmic Ca2+. The onset of channel activation by IPS3 or IP3 was slow, on the time scale 20–60 s. We suggest that in isolated triads of rabbit skeletal muscle, IP3-induced release of stored Ca2+ is probably not mediated by the opening of Ca2+ release channels.
Attomole quantitation of protein separations with accelerator mass spectrometry

Quantification of specific proteins depends on separation by chromatography or electrophoresis followed by chemical detection schemes such as staining and fluorophore adhesion. Chemical exchange of short-lived isotopes, particularly sulfur, is also prevalent despite the inconveniences of counting radioactivity. Physical methods based on isotopic and elemental analyses offer highly sensitive protein quantitation that has linear response over wide dynamic ranges and is independent of protein conformation. Accelerator mass spectrometry quantifies long-lived isotopes such as 14C to sub-attomole sensitivity. We quantified protein interactions with small molecules such as toxins, vitamins, and natural biochemicals at precisions of 1–5%. Micro-proton-induced X-ray emission quantifies elemental abundances in separated metalloprotein samples to nanogram amounts and is capable of quantifying phopsphorylated loci in gels. Accelerator-based quantitation is a possible tool for quantifying the genome translation into proteome.