cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Dynamics of Magnetic Reconnection Layer

We review progress in understanding the dynamics of a typical magnetic reconnection layer by describing the historical development of theory and the recent findings and discoveries in space and laboratory plasmas. The emphasis is on the dynamics of electrons moving with respect to ions in the collision-free neutral sheet. We make a detailed comparison of experimental results from the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) with those from theory and numerical simulations. The collaboration between space and laboratory scientists on reconnection research has recently reached a point where we can compare measurements of the reconnection layer profile in detail with support from numerical simulations. In spite of the large difference in physical scales by 106–107, we find remarkable commonalities in the features of the magnetic reconnection region in laboratory and magnetospheric plasmas. A newly planned laboratory experiment, in which a current sheet is swept in the way a magnetosphere current sheet crosses space satellites, is also described.
Protonation sites in peptide dications and cation-radicals containing β-amino acid residues

Abstract Protonation sites in a model pentapeptide Ala-Ala-βAb-Ala-Ala, where βAb was β-aminobutyric acid, were studied by ab initio and density functional theory calculations. Gas-phase dication tautomers protonated at the N-terminus and amide oxygens were found to be substantially more stable than tautomers protonated at amide nitrogens. This order of ion stability did not change upon solvation with methanol. Conformational analysis of dication tautomers indicated similar degrees of internal solvation by hydrogen bonding in amide O- and N-protonated ions in the gas phase. Because of the low stability of amide N-protonated tautomers, their formation by electrospray of non-basic peptides is highly unlikely. Computational analysis of Ala-Ala-βAb-Ala-Ala cation-radicals indicated substantially lower transition-state energies for N Cα bond dissociations at Ala residues than for the N Cβ bond dissociation at βAb. The formation of β-radicals as z fragments was found to require a high threshold energy. Cleavage of the CO NH2 bond leading to b and y fragments was hampered by a high-energy transition state for the formation of an N-protonated cation-radical intermediate as well as by a high threshold energy for the fragment formation. The calculated energies for transition states and dissociation thresholds explain the less efficient N Cβ bond dissociation upon electron capture or transfer in peptide ions containing β-amino acid residues.
Simulation of the neural activity underlying a short-term modification of inking behavior in aplysia

Carew and Kandel (1977) found that weak stimuli to the head or siphon fail to elicit the release of ink. When paired with each other, however, the second of the two leads to the release of ink. The present paper quantifies and simulates the neural events which underlie this short-term modification of the behavior. Noxious stimuli to the intact animal were mimicked by delivering trains of electrical stimuli to the connectives (conditioning input) and siphon nerve (test input) which drive the ink gland motor neurons located within the abdominal ganglion. Estimates of the synaptic conductance and equilibrium potential during the conditioning and test inputs were then made and used to drive a previously developed Hodgkin-Huxley model of the ink motor neurons. The experimental and simulated results are in good agreement. Activation of one stimulus pathway augments or facilitates the ability of the other pathway to fire the ink motor neurons. The behavioral modification is causally related to a sustained synaptic current activated by the conditioning stimulus.
Phonological Treatment Efficacy and Developmental Norms

The efficacy of teaching sounds in developmental sequence as defined by age norms was evaluated in two independent investigations. Study I was a within-subject evaluation using an alternating treat...
Magnetic Linear Birefringence in Rare Earth Systems. II. Third-Order Approach

The theory of linear magnetic birefringence of rare earth ions in crystals is extended here by the contributions that represent a direct perturbing influence of the crystal field potential surrounding the central ion. The basic assumptions of the theoretical model are the same as in the previous analysis of second-order terms. The third-order contributions introduced here break the free ionic system approximation, and they represent the impact due to configuration interaction. The effective operators include the perturbing influence of the excitations from the 4f shell to one-electron states of the same parity (as previously at the second order), and in addition, the excitations to states of opposite parity. All contributing terms are expressed by the effective operators that are defined within the perturbed function approach. The tensorial structure of these operators is discussed, and special attention is directed to newly defined radial integrals. The values of all radial integrals that are necessary for the third-order numerical analysis are presented in the case of all lanthanide ions.
Human Adult Olfactory Bulb Neurogenesis? Novelty Is the Best Policy

There is ongoing controversy as to whether the understanding of adult mammalian neurogenesis gained from rodent studies is applicable to humans. In this issue of Neuron, Bergmann et al. (2012) propose that adult human olfactory bulb neurogenesis with long-term neuronal survival is extremely limited.
Crisis management approaches and philanthropic motives: a multiple theory-driven view of research opportunities

This research examines individual philanthropy in the context of crisis management. Using a multi-theoretical approach, the authors identify potential research gaps, stemming from economics-, values-, and cultural-based views of behaviour. First, we develop a conceptual framework of crisis management that investigates both the a priori and post hoc rationalisations for charitable giving. Then, employing theories of economic exchange behaviour and extant marketing literature, we pose a series of research questions that may help scholars to better understand the differences between responsive and preemptive philanthropic tendencies. Next, where extant theory is applicable, we offer propositions from which specific studies might be developed that explore the differences identified here. Finally, we present suggestions for research directions with implications for both practitioners and scholars.
A monoclonal IgMκ from a blood group B individual with specificity for α-galactosyl epitopes on partially hydrolyzed blood group B substance☆

Abstract We have characterized a human monoclonal IgMκ, designated IgM DON , from a blood group B individual. IgM DON is specific for α-galactosyl residues on blood group B substance; its fine specificity as defined by hemagglutination, quantitative precipitin, and inhibition ELISA assays was for the defucosylated terminal Gal(α1–3)Gal epitope. Gal(α1–3)Gal epitopes are also found on a variety of normal and pathogenic intestinal bacteria, and polyclonal IgG antibodies with the same specificity are found in the serum of nearly all normal individuals. The specificity of IgM DON was also quite similar to that of a human antiserum, serum 262, obtained by immunizing an individual with blood group B substance that had been subjected to mild acid hydrolysis (BP1). The possible ways whereby IgM DON might have arisen are discussed.
Exact Confidence Intervals, Based on the Z Statistic, for the Difference Between Two Proportions

We show that the confidence interval version of the extended exact unconditional Z test of Suissa and Shuster (1985) for testing the equality of two binomial proportions is due to general results of Buehler (1957), Sudakov and references cited there (1974), and Harris and Soms (1984). We apply these results to obtain exact unconditional confidence intervals for the difference between two proportions, deriving an explicit solution for the “best” outcome, make some comments on Buehler's (1957) method and give a numerical example. The Appendix contains a listing of the necessary FORTRAN programs.
A tractable method for simultaneous modifications to the head and tail of bacteriophage lambda and its application to enhancing phage-mediated gene delivery

There is considerable interest in the use of bacteriophage vectors for mammalian cell gene transfer applications, due to their stability, excellent safety profile and inexpensive mass production. However, to date, phage vectors have been plagued by mediocre performance as gene transfer agents. This may reflect the complexity of the viral infection process in mammalian cells and the need to refine each step of this process in order to arrive at an optimal, phage-based gene transfer system. Therefore, a flexible system was designed that alowed for the introduction of multiple modifications on the surface of bacteriophage lambda. Using this novel method, multiple peptides were displayed simultaneously from both the phage head and tail. Surface head display of an ubiquitinylation motif greatly increased the efficiency of phage-mediated gene transfer in a murine macrophage cell line. Gene transfer was further increased when this peptide was displayed in combination with a tail-displayed CD40-binding motif. Overall, this work provides a novel system that can be used to rationally improve bacteriophage gene transfer vectors and shows it may be possible to enhance the efficiency of phage-mediated gene transfer by targeting and optimizing multiple steps within the viral infection pathway.
PLASMA DYNAMICS ABOVE SOLAR FLARE SOFT X-RAY LOOP TOPS

We measure non-thermal motions in flare loop tops and above the loop tops using profiles of highly ionized spectral lines of Fe XXIV and Fe XXIII formed at multimillion-degree temperatures. Non-thermal motions that may be due to turbulence or multiple flow regions along the line of sight are extracted from the line profiles. The non-thermal motions are measured for four flares seen at or close to the solar limb. The profile data are obtained using the Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer on the Hinode spacecraft. The multimillion-degree non-thermal motions are between 20 and 60 km s–1 and appear to increase with height above the loop tops. Motions determined from coronal lines (i.e., lines formed at about 1.5 MK) tend to be smaller. The multimillion-degree temperatures in the loop tops and above range from about 11 MK to 15 MK and also tend to increase with height above the bright X-ray-emitting loop tops. The non-thermal motions measured along the line of sight, as well as their apparent increase with height, are supported by Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly measurements of turbulent velocities in the plane of the sky.
SOCIAL DIFFERENCES IN AUDITORY PERCEPTION.

Summary.-Two groups differing in social background and ethnicity were found to respond differently to an auditory time error task. The white middleclass group tended to overestimate the intensity of the second of rwo objectively equal stimuli and showed a rising curve of overestimation as the time interval between stimuli increased from 1 to 5 sec. They conformed to the response pattern exhibited by similar social groups in previous time error experiments. In contrast, a lower-class group of Negro Ss tended to underestimate the second stimulus and to show a decreasing tendency to do so over time. Indirect analysis suggested that social class and not ethnicity was the critically effective variable in producing the obtained differences but did not exclude the possibility of interaction between rhese variables. Results reinforce the view that even within a given society, social class and ethnic differences are associated with alterations in an aspect of perceptual functioning which may be pertinent co learning and attention.
Role of the thymus in the development of immunocompetence of embryonic liver cells in vitro.

SummaryThe immunological competence of embryonic mouse liver cells was studied using the in vitro graft-versus-host system for assay. Embryonic liver cells did not have the capacity to induce splenomegaly when taken from embryos directly, nor did they acquire this capacity when cultivated as organ cultures for four to six days. The capacity to induce splenomegaly was acquired, however, when liver explants were cultivated for several days in combination with thymus tissue.
Surface ionization — the rhenium V-type single filament

Abstract A study has been undertaken to determine the importance of surface structure and filament geometry on the overall mass spectrometrically measured ionization efficiency of Re V-filaments. A microstructural analysis of rhenium V- and ribbon filament surfaces showed a high degree of preferred (0001) orientation in the plane of the surface. The high degree of basal plane (high work function plane) orientation accounts for the high ionization efficiencies observed for these types of Re filaments. Filaments fabricated from zone-refined Re produced a much higher degree of (0001) orientation in the surface grain structure as compared with regular high purity Re sheet. Filament geometry was found to be the major cause of wide variations in observed V-filament ionization efficiencies. V-filaments fabricated from zone-refined rhenium and possessing improved geometrical characteristics consistently yielded overall ionization efficiencies in excess of 1% for uranium oxide samples.
Comparative seed yield performance of high-by-high and low-by-high crosses in flax *

identification of a desirable segregant depends partly on the parents chosen to make the crosses. This experiment was conducted to compare performance and genetic variability for seed yield, yield components, agronomic traits and harvest index of lines derived from low- and high-yielding flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) crosses, and to identify important yield components for flax seed yield improvement. The lines chosen as high yielding parents for this experiment were 'Linott' and 'Summit'; and the low yielding parents were 'Grant' and CI2395. The high-yielding lines produced significantly more seeds per boll and had a higher harvest index than the low-yielding lines. Evaluation of 161 F 2:6 lines from four crosses among these lines showed that the greatest genetic variability, highest cross average, and highest F 6 line seed yield occurred in the low × high cross, 'Grant' × 'Linott'. All low × high crosses exhibited higher genetic variances for seed yield than the high × high crosses. The high × high cross 'Summit' × 'Linott' had low genetic variance for seed yield. Number of bolls per area was determined by linear regression, path coefficient analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis to be the most important component of seed yield. This study showed that hybridization of low and high-yielding flax lines may be useful to increase genetic variability and obtain high-yielding flax lines.
Virtual level field ionization spectroscopy

Abstract A new method of infrared (IR) spectroscopy of shallow levels is discussed. In this experiment cryogenically cooled Si:P sample at 4.2 K is exposed to monochromatic IR radiation in the presence of a moderate electric field. We observed classical photoionization and photoionization via virtual states. Tuning the externally applied field during photoionization provides a new spectroscopic tool and allows observation of enhanced photoionization cross sections via virtual states. Excited states of phosphorous impurities in silicon were determined by this method.
Competitive Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase by Guanidinium: Dependence upon Monovalent Anions and Effects on Production of Superoxide

Guanidinium chloride inhibits xanthine oxidase competitively with respect to xanthine. Although previously attributed solely to the guanidinium cation, it is now apparent that this inhibition owes much to the counter anion. Thus KCl or KBr, which were not themselves inhibitory, markedly increased the inhibitory potency of guanidinium sulfate. Weak binding of the guanidinium cation evidently creates a binding site for a monovalent anion, whose subsequent binding then stabilizes the binding of the guanidinium. In effect the ion pair is bound to the catalytic center. The proportion of univalent reduction of dioxygen by xanthine oxidase, at fixed concentrations of xanthine and dioxygen and at fixed pH, can be markedly increased by addition of a competitive inhibitor such as guanidinium bromide.
The internal syntax of jeder 'every'*

In this paper I explore the elements that make up the German distributive universal quantifier jeder, and the structural relationships among them. I argue that jeder consists of three overt morphemes je-d-er, which are heads in an extended adjectival projection (xAP). Their relative order is derived by movement [xAP je d er tjeP]. Je corresponds to the adjectival stem, -d- is an adjectival article (which in turn is analyzed as a relative complementizer) and -er is an agreement head, AgrA. The xAP further contains movement traces/ copies of the nominal which jeder quantifies over. One of these copies is in the complement of je where, I claim, it supplies the restriction (distributive key or range). The components of the proposal are all motivated independently of jeder: (i) the morphology of jeder identifies it as adjectival, hence an analysis of it must incorporate an (independently motivated) adjectival syntax; (ii) a comparison with the distributive dual quantifier beid- ‘both’ further informs the syntactic analysis internal to the word jeder; and (iii) a comparison of je in jeder and in other je-words suggests that je takes an N(P) complement, a fact that confirms the expectations regarding the selectional properties of je raised by the preceding discussion. Finally, a comparison of jeder with counterparts of it in other languages, as well as with other complex determiners in German, will broaden the scope and corroborate important aspects of the present proposal.
THRESHOLD AND GRADED RESPONSE BEHAVIOR IN HUMAN NEUTROPHILS : EFFECT OF VARYING G-PROTEIN OR LIGAND CONCENTRATIONS

Observing the qualitative characteristics of response behavior as key variables in the signal transduction cascade are changed can provide insight into the fundamental roles of these interactions in producing cellular responses. Using flow cytometric assays and pertussis toxin (PT) treatment of human neutrophils, we have shown that actin polymerization stimulated with the chemoattractants N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, leukotriene B4, and interleukin-8 exhibits threshold behavior in terms of G-protein number. Partial PT treatment resulted in both responding and nonresponding populations of cells upon stimulation. As PT treatment was increased, the responding population of cells continued to respond maximally, while the number of cells responding decreased. We also showed that N-formyl peptide-stimulated oxidant production exhibits threshold behavior in terms of G-protein number, and the threshold for oxidant production is significantly greater than that for actin polymerization. The threshold behavior observed with PT treatment contrasted with the graded response behavior seen when cells were stimulated with different doses of ligand. For actin polymerization, only one population of cells was observed at submaximal ligand concentrations, and as ligand concentration was decreased the whole population responded submaximally. For oxidant production, as ligand concentration was decreased there were two populations of cells, but the responding cells responded submaximally. A mathematical model incorporating receptor/ligand binding and G-protein activation was developed to account for these differences in response behavior. Our results predict that an early signal transduction event in addition to, and not initiated by G-protein activation, is necessary to account for actin polymerization and oxidant production in neutrophils.
Pleopeltis coenosora (Polypodiaceae), a New Species from Peru

Pleopeltis coenosora R. C. Moran (Polypodiaceae) is described as new from Peru. It is atypical in the genus by having coenosori. It most resembles P. fraseri (Mett. ex Kuhn) A. R. Sm. because of its strongly bicolorous rhizome scales, dark brown petioles, pinnatisect laminae, and obscure veins, but differs by the fewer and wider pinnae, the wider apical segment, the more strongly dimorphic sterile and fertile leaves, and the presence of coenosori. Furthermore, the juvenile leaves of the two species differ. Those of P. coenosora remain entire until up to 12 cm long, thereafter becoming pinnatisect; those of P. fraseri become pinnatifid when only about 5 cm long.
MMSE non uniformly spaced equalizers

Non uniformly spaced equalizers (NUSE) were recently proposed as an alternative to fractional spaced equalizers (FSE) and baud spaced equalizers (BSE). A key result pertaining to this new class of equalizers is that, under certain channel conditions, NUSE FIR zero forcing solutions operating at the lower BSE rate exist. We extend this result by presenting necessary and sufficient conditions for generalized zero forcing FIR NUSE. We then introduce a multirate DSP structure from which any of the above equalization schemes can be obtained. By adopting this unifying framework, the minimum mean square error (MMSE) FIR NUSE is derived and discrepancies between the three equalization methods are clearly outlined.
Communication-Aware Motion Planning in Mobile Networks

In this technical note, we propose a communication-aware motion planning framework to increase the probability that a robot maintains its connectivity to a fixed station, while accomplishing a sensing task, in realistic communication environments. We use a probabilistic multi-scale model for channel characterization. Using this model, we propose a probabilistic framework for assessing the spatial variations of a wireless channel, based on a small number of measurements. We then show how our channel learning framework can be utilized for devising communication-aware motion planning strategies. We first present communication-aware objective functions that can plan the trajectory of the robot in order to improve its online channel assessment in an environment. We then propose a communication-aware target tracking approach for the case where a fixed station utilizes a robot (or a number of them) to keep track of the position of a moving target. In this approach, probabilistic channel assessment metrics are combined with sensing goals, when controlling the motion, in order to increase the amount of information that the fixed station receives about the target. Finally, we show the performance of our framework, using both real and simulated channel measurements. Overall, our results indicate that networked robotic operations can benefit considerably from our probabilistic channel assessment and its integration with sensing/motion planning.
Novel multi-layer through-die connections for package to chip power and ground connections

Novel high-density through-die connections from the front to the back of a silicon die are described. Single-diameter front-to-back through-die connections have previously been explored for various applications. The authors have explored a two-level version of multi-diameter through-die hole connections for high-density chip-to-package and on-chip power and ground distribution application. In conbast, front-side area-array chip-to-package connections, for example C4, are used for conventional power and ground distribution for high-performance microprocessor applications. Through-die power and ground distribution has the potential to save several thousand front-side power and ground chip-to-package connections in hture high- performance microprocessors by connecting power and ground primarily to backside conductor planes on the silicon die and fiom there to the package. This approach will reduce the Wiring demand on the die front-side, minimize effective on-chip inductances of nearest neighbor power/ground return paths, reduce simultaneous switching noise, and provide significant amounts of on-chip decoupling capacitance. Two-level through-die hole test structures have heen designed, fabrication processes developed and resulting interconnect structures characterized. Conductive thin-film sidewall coatings have been accomplished with conformal Tungsten and in-situ doped polysilicon CVD. New CMP based patterning has heen developed to pattem the conductive films on perforated die. A Process flow for inclusion of the through-die process into a conventional CMOS process is described. Single chip packages for die with through-die power and ground distribution architectures are proposed.
On a theorem of herstein and small

(1981). On a theorem of herstein and small. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 267-269.
Effects of temperature acclimation on Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) cardiac transcriptome.

Little is known about the mechanisms underpinning thermal plasticity of vertebrate hearts. Bluefin tuna hearts offer a unique model to investigate processes underlying thermal acclimation. Their he...
1α, 25-(OH)2-D3 and its synthetic analogue decrease tumor load in the Apcmin mouse

Both calcium and vitamin D are thought to be able to inhibit colon carcinogenesis. To better define the effects of vitamin D, we studied 1α,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 and a noncalcemic synthetic analogue of vitamin D 3 (VD 3 ) in the Apc min mouse. Female Apc min mice 4–5 weeks old were randomized to four groups: a VD 3 -treated group ( n = 11) were given injections of 0.01 μg of 1α,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 i.p. three times per week; an analogue-treated group ( n = 10) received 5 μg of 1α,25-(OH) 2 -16-ene-19-nor-24-oxo-D 3 i.p. three times per week; and a control group ( n = 12) received sham injections of PBS. A sulindac-treated group ( n = 10) was used as a positive control. Doses of these compounds were chosen based on previous toxicity studies in mice and rats. After 10 weeks of treatment, mice were killed and two observers (S. H., R. W. I.), blinded to treatment, scored polyp number and size. Tumor number was not affected with 1α,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 or vitamin D analogue administration. A significant decrease in total tumor load (sum of all polyp areas) over the entire gastrointestinal tract was seen in the analogue (36% decrease; P 3 groups (46%; P P P P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, serum calcium in the VD 3 group was significantly elevated ( P ≤ 0.001) at weeks 4 (23%) and 8 (45%). Food intake and growth rate were significantly lower in the VD 3 group (26%, P P min mice without severe toxic side effects and suggest that these compounds may have utility as chemopreventive agents in groups at high-risk for colon cancer.
The effects of thermal processing on CMOS device performance

As CMOS scaling continues its rapid pace process development runs into ever greater challenges. To meet gate length requirements, sharper, shallower source/drain junctions are necessary. They must be highly doped and activated to minimize resistance of the carriers as they travel from the channel to the contact. Contact resistance must be as low as possible to minimize IR drops. Active concentration of dopant in the poly gate must be maximized in order to reduce poly depletion, but not at the expense of allowing dopant from the poly to diffuse through the gate oxide and counter-dope the channel. These are just a few of the tasks facing process development and integration. This paper looks at the problems using simulation. An idealized transistor is used and profiles in source, drain, channel and poly are varied to determine key factors that limit device performance.
Advances in sonar signal processing in the 90's

Advances in sonar signal processing in this decade have been mainly in the application of sophisticated signal processing techniques to satisfy requirements that come from both industry and government. For example ocean bottom mapping needs drove the development of improved sidescan sonars that can produce high resolution images of the bottom. With high resolution images pattern recognition techniques have been able to classify bottom types automatically. But not all sonars produce high resolution images. Other sonar systems require longer range capabilities and therefore give up the ability to produce high resolution images. In this case other signal processing methods, some relying on neural networks, have been successful in classifying bottom types. This paper will describe requirements, sonar systems, and signal processing methods that were applied by the oceans community over the last 6 years satisfying technological challenges.
The frequency-dose relation of x-ray-induced y-suppressed lethals in Drosophila.

An investigation was made to determine the frequencydose relations of total sex-linked recessive lethals as measured by the S-5 technique ard the two major classes of lethals, orthodox and Y-suppressed, of which they are composed. lt was found that orthodox lethals increase linearly with increasing dose. Y- suppressed lethals, which behave for the most part as V-type position effects and constitute a large fraction (83% at 1082r-17.3% at 4328r) of total lethals at all doses studied, increase more rapidly than expected on the basis of linearity. When orthodox and Y-suppressed lethals were combined, it was shown that the frequency-dose relation of total lethals deviated significantiy from linearity. The significance of these doseresponse relationships to recessive lethal origin has been discussed. (auth)
Proton transfer at carbon

The viability of living systems requires that C--H bonds of biological molecules be stable in water, but that there also be a mechanism for shortening the timescale for their heterolytic cleavage through enzymatic catalysis of a variety of catabolic and metabolic reactions. An understanding of the mechanism of enzymatic catalysis of proton transfer at carbon requires the integration of results of studies to determine the structure of the enzyme-substrate complex with model studies on the mechanism for the non-enzymatic reaction in water, and the effect of the local protein environment on the stability of the transition state for this reaction. A common theme is the importance of electrostatic interactions in providing stabilization of bound carbanion intermediates of enzyme-catalyzed proton-transfer reactions.
Prenatal drinking-water exposure to tetrachloroethylene and ischemic placental disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Prenatal drinking water exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has been previously related to intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. Pathophysiologic and epidemiologic evidence linking these outcomes to certain other pregnancy complications, including placental abruption, preeclampsia, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (i.e., ischemic placental diseases), suggests that PCE exposure may also be associated with these events. We examined whether prenatal exposure to PCE-contaminated drinking water was associated with overall or individual ischemic placental diseases. Using a retrospective cohort design, we compared 1,091 PCE-exposed and 1,019 unexposed pregnancies from 1,766 Cape Cod, Massachusetts women. Exposure between 1969 and 1990 was estimated using water distribution system modeling software. Data on birth weight and gestational age were obtained from birth certificates; mothers self-reported pregnancy complications. Of 2,110 eligible pregnancies, 9% (N = 196) were complicated by ≥1 ischemic placental disease. PCE exposure was not associated with overall ischemic placental disease (for PCE ≥ sample median vs. no exposure, risk ratio (RR): 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65, 1.24), preeclampsia (RR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.12-1.07), or SGA (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.66-1.45). However, pregnancies with PCE exposure ≥ the sample median had 2.38-times the risk of stillbirth ≥27 weeks gestation (95% CI: 1.01, 5.59), and 1.35-times of the risk of placental abruption (95% CI: 0.68, 2.67) relative to unexposed pregnancies. Prenatal PCE exposure was not associated with overall ischemic placental disease, but may increase risk of stillbirth.
Mathematical Analysis of Copy Number Variation in a DNA Sample Using Digital PCR on a Nanofluidic Device

Copy Number Variations (CNVs) of regions of the human genome have been associated with multiple diseases. We present an algorithm which is mathematically sound and computationally efficient to accurately analyze CNV in a DNA sample utilizing a nanofluidic device, known as the digital array. This numerical algorithm is utilized to compute copy number variation and the associated statistical confidence interval and is based on results from probability theory and statistics. We also provide formulas which can be used as close approximations.
On optimal anchor node placement in sensor localization by optimization of subspace principal angles

In sensor network self-localization, anchor nodes provide a convenient means to disambiguate scene translation and rotation, thereby affording estimates in an absolute coordinate system. However, localization performance depends on the positions of the anchor nodes relative to the unknown-location nodes. Conventional wisdom in the literature is that anchor nodes should be placed around the perimeter of the network. In this paper, we show analytically why this strategy works well universally. We demonstrate that perimeter placement forces the information provided by the anchor constraints to closely align with the subspace that cannot be estimated from inter-node measurements: the subspace of translations and rotations. Examples quantify the efficacy of perimeter placement of anchors.
A Rho-type GTPase, rho-4, is required for septation in Neurospora crassa.

Proteins in the Rho family are small monomeric GTPases primarily involved in polarization, control of cell division, and reorganization of cytoskeletal elements. Phylogenetic analysis of predicted fungal Rho proteins suggests that a new Rho-type GTPase family, whose founding member is Rho4 from the archiascomycete Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is involved in septation. S. pombe rho4 mutants have multiple, abnormal septa. In contrast to S. pombe rho4 mutants, we show that strains containing rho-4 loss-of-function mutations in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa lead to a loss of septation. Epitope-tagged RHO-4 localized to septa and to the plasma membrane. In other fungi, the steps required for septation include formin, septin, and actin localization followed by cell wall synthesis and the completion of septation. rho-4 mutants were unable to form actin rings, showing that RHO-4 is required for actin ring formation. Characterization of strains containing activated alleles of rho-4 showed that RHO-4-GTP is likely to initiate new septum formation in N. crassa.
The Effects of Internal Audit Structure on Perceived Financial Statement Fraud Prevention

This study examines whether internal audit reporting structure and internal audit sourcing arrangement affect financial statement users' perceptions of ability of the internal audit function to prevent financial statement fraud. A survey of lending officers finds that in‐house internal audit departments that report to senior management are perceived as less able to provide protection against fraudulent reporting compared to in‐house departments that report solely to the board of directors' audit committee. This finding is particularly important in light of the SEC's recent consideration of whether the audit committee should be directly responsible for oversight of the internal auditor. This study does not find a difference in users' perceptions of financial statement fraud prevention between outsourced internal audit teams and in‐house internal audit departments when both report to the audit committee. Results suggest that increases in perceived audit expertise may occur with outsourcing, but such increas...
Lesion Localization in Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges: Gray or White Matter

We analyzed the results of neuroimaging studies in patients with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) or bilateral independent periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (BIPLEDs) for localization of lesions in gray or white matter to determine if "cortical isolation" is a critical mechanism in the pathogenesis of this phenomena. We assessed 32 patients who had undergone computed tomography (CT) exclusively and 8 patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without CT. The superior resolution necessary for adequate lesion localization allowed use of only the MRI scans from the 8 patients. Six patients had scans with cortical and subcortical gray and white matter lesions, and 1 patient had a cortical gray matter lesion only. One patient had an indeterminate scan. No patient had white matter lesions only. Our findings in patients with PLEDs and BIPLEDs correlate with postmortem data in patients with generalized periodic EEG patterns that show consistent localization of lesions in the gray matter. These findings do not support cortical isolation as the critical or sole mechanism in PLEDs or BIPLEDs.
A body-machine interface for the control of a 2D cursor

This paper develops a body-machine interface for the control of a powered wheelchair using upper-body motion. Our goal was to infer a cursor's kinematics from the signals recorded from 4 Inertial Measurement Units placed on a subject's shoulders. We specified a Kalman filter measurement model that assumes the Euler angles, angular velocities, and linear accelerations of the shoulders are a stochastic linear function of the position, velocity, and acceleration of the virtual cursor. This model learned a system that encodes cursor movement along with training data. Experimental results show that taking advantage of the redundancy of the signal improves performance during a center-out reaching task. The resulting algorithm provides a platform for people with high-tetraplegia to communicate their intended motor actions with the environment using specialized assistive devices.
Mechanistic relationship of all-terrain vehicles and pediatric renal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and discuss the mechanistic risk factors associated with genitourinary (GU) trauma in pediatric all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all pediatric trauma admissions to a level 1 trauma center from 2005 to August 2011 was performed. We identified all pediatric patients who presented with GU trauma related to an ATV accident. The demographics, injury data, mechanism of injury, and treatment records of these children were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 304 pediatric patients were admitted with ATV-related injuries during the study period. Of these 304 patients, 10 (3.2%) had experienced GU injuries. An analysis of the mechanism revealed that 9 of the 10 had been thrown from the ATV; 1 event was described as a rollover accident. All 10 patients sustained renal trauma: 9 renal lacerations of various grades and 1 renal pedicle injury. Hematuria was observed in all cases. Spleen and liver lacerations were commonly associated injuries (40% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pediatric ATV-related GU injuries remain an uncommon, yet serious, problem. Renal trauma is the most commonly encountered GU injury and can be suspected by the presence of hematuria. Analysis of the mechanism of injury suggests that ejection from the ATV places pediatric patients at the greatest risk of renal injury. Additional research is recommended concerning the mechanistic relationship of ATV-related GU trauma. Language: en
Positional effect of chemical modifications on short interference RNA activity in mammalian cells.

A systematic study on the effect of 2‘-sugar modifications (2‘-F (2‘-F-2‘-deoxy-nucleoside residues), 2‘-O-Me (2‘-O-methyl-nucleoside residues), and 2‘-O-MOE [2‘-O-(2-methoxyethyl)]-nucleoside residues) in the antisense and sense strands of short interference RNA (siRNA) was performed in HeLa cells. The study of the antisense strand of siRNAs demonstrated that activity depends on the position of the modifications in the sequence. The siRNAs with modified ribonucleotides at the 5‘-end of the antisense strand were less active relative to the 3‘-modified ones. The 2‘-F sugar was generally well-tolerated on the antisense strand, whereas the 2‘-O-Me showed significant shift in activity depending on the position of modification. The 2‘-O-MOE modification in the antisense strand resulted in less active siRNA constructs regardless of placement position in the construct. The incorporation of the modified residues, e.g., 2‘-O-Me and 2‘-O-MOE, in the sense strand of siRNA did not show a strong positional preference....
The South Indian Convergence Zone and Interannual Rainfall Variability over Southern Africa

Abstract The South Indian convergence zone (SICZ) is identified in this paper as a region of enhanced precipitation extending off the southeast coast of southern Africa during austral summer. Unlike the South Pacific convergence zone, the SICZ is a land-based convergence zone (LBCZ), with position and intensity at least partially determined by surface conditions over southern Africa. An idealized GCM simulation is used to explore the basic dynamics of LBCZs in the Tropics and subtropics. Output from a realistic GCM simulation and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research 40-Year Reanalysis are analyzed to apply this basic dynamical framework to the case of the SICZ. In contrast to the intertropical convergence zone where column moisture convergence is primarily due to meridional wind convergence in the moist environment, precipitation within the SICZ and the LBCZs in general is also supported by zonal wind convergence, moisture convergence by transient eddy...
Modeling organism‐organism interactions as a means of predicting Florida red tide management potential

Abstract The interaction of an organism that produces cytolytic substances (APONINs) toward the Florida red tide organism, Gymnodinium breve, is considered through computer modeling. Specifically, the interaction of Nannochloris oculata with G. breve was reviewed through the use of differential equations and a computer program called TK Solver 3.32. The differential equations that define the growth of the APONIN producing organism are matched with the differential equation associated with the growth of G. breve and the rate of cell lysis to predict the interaction pattern and the time required for effective treatment. Obviously, certain boundary conditions or assumptions are involved and these are reviewed in detail. Under the conditions used, the model shows that N. oculata would eradicate a G. breve outbreak in a little less than two days.
Economic Effects on Million Dollar Giving

This study investigates the impact of economic conditions on the number of charitable gifts of 1 million dollars or more within the United States using the Million Dollar List (MDL) data set. We in...
The chemistry and biology of fatty acid, polyketide, and nonribosomal peptide biosynthesis

Polyketide synthases, fatty acid synthases, and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases are a structurally and mechanistically related class of enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of biopolymers in the absence of a nucleic acid or other template. These enzymes utilize the common mechanistic feature of activating monomers for condensation via covalently-bound thioesters of phosphopantetheine prosthetic groups. The information for the sequence and length of the resulting polymer appears to be encoded entirely within the responsible proteins.
RNA interference of MRCK-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans to explore oxidative stress responses (802.26)

The Caenorhabditis elegans myotonic dystrophy kinase-related, Cdc42 binding kinase (MRCK-1) is activated by the Rho GTPase CDC-42 (cell division control protein 42), which contains a conserved redox-sensitive sequence motif on the phosphoryl binding loop. If reactive oxygen species (ROS) can activate CDC-42, MRCK-1 may be required to elicit a downstream response to oxidative stress. To test this, mrck-1 expression was targeted using two RNA interference (RNAi) constructs in transgenic lines of C. elegans that produce green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by redox-sensitive promoters. After heat-shock and chemically-induced oxidative stress, GFP expression levels were quantified using epifluorescent microscopy. Preliminary data from heat-shock protein reporter strain CL2070 (hsp-16.2:GFP) indicate no significant GFP expression changes in the RNAi-treated worms before or after heat stress, but further studies with different oxidative stressors and reporter strains are underway. If reduction of mrck-1 is fo...
Optics Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program

The optics manufacturing environment is changing. Small companies are replacing large manufacturers. New workers need to be trained as Optics Fabricators. A structured career program has been developed to provide manufacturing experience and classroom instruction.
Topical therapy for control of bacteria in the burn wound.

The concept of burn wound sepsis and the demonstration of the avascular nature of the burn wound paved the way for the development of effective antibacterial therapy of the burn wound. Many agents have been tried, but the most effective are those with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, lack of developing resistance, low toxicity, and active penetration of the wound. The resultant lowering of mortality and improvement in patient care have dramatically altered the prognosis of burn injury. The primary drugs in use today, their advantages and limitations, and the pathophysiology of the burn wound and burn wound sepsis are presented.
Even: The conventional implicature approach reconsidered

Like Bennett's account of ‘even’, my analysis incorporates the following plausible and widespread intuitions. (a) The word ‘even’ does not make a truth-functional difference; it makes a difference only in conventional implicature. In particular, ‘even’ functions neither as a universal quantifier, nor amost ormany quantifier. The only quantified statement that ‘EvenA isF’ implies is the existential claim ‘There is anx (namely,A) that isF’, but this implication is nothing more than what the Equivalence Thesis already demands. (b) ‘Even’ is epistemic in character, implying some type of unexpectedness, surprise, or unlikelihood. Moreover, despite Kay's arguments to the contrary, this implication is part of the meaning of ‘even’. (c) ‘Even’ is a scalar term, since unexpectedness comes in degrees. And, finally, (d) the felicity of an ‘even’-sentenceS requires thatS* be sufficiently surprising in comparison to its true neighbors. However,pace Bennett, being more surprising than just one true neighbor will not suffice. At the same time, being more surprising than all true neighbors is unnecessary. Suffice it thatS* is more surprising than most true neighbors.
Migration—an Important Habit of the European Corn Borer

This paper deals with the migratory habits of the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis Hubn. ,in the heavily infested area of Massachusetts. Evidence obtained from study of the insect in the field is presented, showing that the larvae sometimes migrate in large numbers, particularly from over-populated corn stalks. It is shown that this movement is greatest on the warm nights of late summer. Over-wintering of larvae in locations, other than the host plant, is discussed. This information has a distinct and important bearing on the field measures used to reduce the number of this insect. If larvae migrate in appreciable numbers from host plants before such infested plants are destroyed, and find hiding places where they successfully pass the winter, the effectiveness of such control measures may be greatly reduced. Knowledge of the hiding places of migrating larvae is important so that more effective control measures may be found.