cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemispheric asymmetries in attentional control: Implications for hand preference in sensorimotor tasks

Liepmann (1908) proposed that handedness reflects the greater capacity of one hemisphere to learn the execution of skilled movements. Although asymmetries in motor control are an important basis for hand asymmetries, recent studies have suggested that handedness may be determined by multiple factors. In the present study, we examine how attentional asymmetries may contribute to hand preferences. Right-handed subjects participated in a reaction time task in which they were given preliminary information about where a target stimulus would occur (selective attention) or which hand to use for responding (selective intention). Our findings indicate that these processes influence each other reciprocally and favor a state of optimal attentional and intentional preparation of the right hand. We suggest that these hemispheric asymmetries in attentional control contribute to hand preferences in certain sensorimotor tasks.
Experimental transmission of the Texas strain of Hepatozoon canis.

Abstract Nine dogs were fed Hepatozoon canis -exposed Rhipicephalus sanguineus thicks; 6 showed clinical signs suggestive of canine hepatozoonosis, and the parasite was found in sections of muscle tissue from 2 of the dogs. Schizont-like cysts were found in the skeletal muscle of both infected dogs as were gametocytes in the circulating leucocytes. Periosteal new-bone lesions were seen in 1 dog. Attempts to infect a raccoon, 3 cats, 6 laboratory mice, and tick- or canine-cells in vitro, failed.
Framing-Camera Tube Development for the Sub-100-ps Range

A new framing-camera tube is capable of recording two-dimensional image frames with high spatial resolution in the sub-100-ps range. Framing is performed by streaking a two-dimensional electron image across narrow slits; the resulting electron line images from the slits are restored into a framed image by a restorer deflector operating synchronously with the dissector deflector. Performance has been demonstrated in a prototype tube by recording 125-ps-duration framed images of 2.5-mm patterns. The limitation in the framing speed is in the external electronic drivers for the deflectors and not in the tube design-characteristics. Shorter frame durations (below 100 ps) can be obtained by use of faster deflection drivers.
Response of infantile airway and facial hemangiomas to propranolol in a patient with PHACE syndrome

Abstract PHACE syndrome is a neurocutaneous syndrome defined by posterior fossa malformations (P), hemangiomas (H), arterial anomalies (A), cardiac defects and coarctation of the aorta (C), and eye abnormalities (E). Propranolol is currently first line therapy for treatment of head and neck hemangiomas that cause functional defects or extreme disfigurement. The safety and efficacy of this treatment have been well documented in current literature, but few authors have reported the use of propranolol in patients with PHACE syndrome. We report a case of a patient with PHACE Syndrome and associated infantile airway and facial hemangiomas who was successfully treated with propranolol and a review of the literature on this subject.
Observed winds, turbulence, and dispersion in built-up downtown areas of Oklahoma City and Manhattan

Wind and tracer data from the Oklahoma City Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) and the Manhattan Madison Square Garden 2005 (MSG05) urban field experiments are being analyzed to aid in understanding air flow and dispersion near street-level in built-up downtown areas. The mean winds are separately calculated for groups of anemometers having similar exposures such as “near street level” and “on building top”. Several general results are found, such as the scalar wind speed at street level is about 1/3 of that at building top. Turbulent standard deviations of wind speed components and temperature, and vertical fluxes of momentum and sensible heat, are calculated from sonic anemometers near street level at 20 locations in JU2003 and five locations in MSG05, and from two rooftop locations in MSG05. The turbulence observations are consistent with observations in the literature at other cities, although the JU2003 and MSG05 data are unique in that many data are available near street level. For example, it is found that the local (i.e., at the measuring height) \(\sigma_{w}/u_{\ast}\) averages about 1.5 and the local \(u_{\ast}/u\) averages about 0.25 in the two cities, where \(\sigma_{w}\) is the standard deviation of vertical velocity fluctuations, \(u_{\ast}\) is the friction velocity, and u is the wind speed. The ratio of temperature fluctuations to temperature scale, \(\sigma_{T}/T_{\ast}\) , averages about −3 in both cities, consistent with similarity theory for slightly unstable conditions, where \(\sigma_{T}\) is the standard deviation of temperature fluctuations, and \(T_{\ast}\) is the temperature scale. The calculated Obukhov length, L, is also consistent with slightly unstable conditions near street level, even at night during JU2003. The SF6 tracer concentration observations from JU2003 are analyzed. Values of \(uC_{max}/Q\) for the continuous releases are calculated for each release and arc distance, where \(C_{max}\) is the 30-min average arc maximum concentration, Q is the continuous source emission rate, and u is the spatial-averaged wind speed in the downtown area. The basic characteristics of the JU2003 plot of averaged \(uC_{max}/Q\) agree reasonably well with similar plots for other urban experiments in Salt Lake City and London (i.e., at \(x < 1000 m, C_{max}/Q = Ax^{-2})\) . A is found to be about 3 during the day and about 10 during the night.
Early diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Research focusing on early development in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been of particular interest in recent years. A greater understanding of the accuracy of early diagnosis, as well as the developmental pathways that are observed in young children with ASD, is of both theoretical and practical importance. In accordance with these concerns, this review addresses questions about three topics: the reliability of early diagnosis, the validity of using narrow versus broad diagnostic categories, and trajectories of development in children with ASD. Findings from two prospective longitudinal studies are reviewed. The first investigation included children referred for ASD at age 2 who were followed for one year. The second study followed children referred for ASD at age 2 until age 9. Results suggested that early diagnoses can be made reliably, that there is no empirical evidence for using narrowly defined diagnostic categories within ASD and that trajectories of development showed considerable heterogeneity.
Reinterpretation of the emission spectrum of I2 in argon

Abstract The emission spectrum of I2 in Ar is examined as a function of pressure and temperature. Evidence is found for at least twelve of the ion-pair states, of which D'(Zg) is the lowest.
Evolution of Players' Misperceptions in Hypergames Under Perfect Observations

This paper considers games of incomplete information and studies the evolution of the (not necessarily consistent) perceptions of the players using the framework of hypergames. The focus is on developing methods to modify the players' perception about other players' preferences by incorporating the lessons learned from observing their actions. If players are rational, our first update mechanism, called swap learning, is guaranteed to decrease the mismatch between a player's perception and the true payoff structure of other players. However, this method can lead to inconsistencies in the stability properties of the resulting perception. This motivates the introduction of a second update mechanism, called modified swap learning, that is guaranteed to produce a consistent perception. We also identify a class of hypergames for which modified swap is also guaranteed to decrease the mismatch in a player's perception. We introduce the novel notion of H-digraph as a useful tool to encode the information in a hypergame, and fully characterize how this digraph is affected by changes in the players' beliefs.
Pharmacologic inhibition of cerebral vasospasm in ischemia, hallucinogen ingestion, and hypomagnesemia: Barbiturates, calcium antagonists, and magnesium

Experiments indicate that several different calcium antagonists have vasodilatory properties which may be expressed selectively on different organ vascular beds. Verapamil was most active as a vasodilator in muscular microvasculature. Cerebral venules are most sensitive to nimodipine. Nisoldipine is inactive in cerebral vascular dilation. We have also studied the vasodilatory effects of several barbiturates. Pentobarbital is the most active cerebrovasodilator in this class of anesthetics. This agent inhibits the vasospastic activity of potassium, serotonin, and prostaglandins, and appears to be a calcium entry antagonist in vasculature. The hallucinogens phencyclidine, mescaline, and LSD all induce cerebral vasospasm. This can be either blocked or reversed with calcium antagonists. Magnesium is a competitive calcium antagonist, and alterations in the extracellular content of this ion have profound effects on cerebral vascular resistance.
The effect of instructions on postural-suprapostural interactions in three working memory tasks.

Abstract Examining postural control while simultaneously performing a cognitive, or suprapostural task, has shown a fairly consistent trend of improving postural control in young healthy adults and provides insight into postural control mechanisms used in everyday life. However, the role of attention driven by explicit verbal instructions while dual-tasking is less understood. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of explicit verbal instructions on the postural–suprapostural interactions among various domains of working memory. A total of 22 healthy young adults with a heterogeneous history of ankle sprains volunteered to participate (age: 22.2 ± 5.1 years; n = 10 history of ankle sprains, n = 12 no history). Participants were asked to perform single-limb balance trials while performing three suprapostural tasks: backwards counting, random number generation, and the manikin test. In addition, each suprapostural task was completed under three conditions of instruction: no instructions, focus on the postural control task, focus on the suprapostural task. The results indicate a significant effect of instructions on postural control outcomes, with postural performance improving in the presence of instructions across all three cognitive tasks which each stress different aspects of working memory. Further, postural–suprapostural interactions appear to be related to the direction or focus of an individual’s attention as instructions to focus on the suprapostural task resulted in the greatest postural control improvements.Thus, attention driven by explicit verbal instructions influence postural–suprapostural interactions as measured by a temporal–spatial postural control outcome, time-to-boundary, regardless of the suprapostural task performed.
Room temperature continuous wave operation of long wavelength (9-11 μm) distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers for glucose detection

Using a range of grating pitches, we obtained distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCL) operating CW at room temperature over the 9-11μm range. Single mode CW operation is demonstrated up to 10.8 μm, and up to 40 °C. To the best of our knowledge, it is the longest wavelength reported for a DFB QCL operating CW above room temperature. The wavelength coverage per wafer is larger than 110 cm-1. DFB QCLs from two wafers which have different gain peaks have lasing wavelengths near optical absorption peaks of glucose.
Applications of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces–bandlimited signal models*

The finite energy Fourier-, Hankel-, sine-, and cosine-transformed bandlimited signals are specific realizations of the abstract reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). Basic properties of the abstract RKHS are applied to the detailed study of bandlimited signals. The relevancy of the reproducing kernel in extremum problems is discussed. New and known results in sampling expansions, minimum energy and non-uniform interpolations, and truncation error bounds are presented from a unified point of view of the RKHS. Some generalizations and extensions are stated.
Practical 3-D Migration and Visualization for Accurate Imaging of Complex Geometries with GPR

Obtaining high-quality three-dimensional images that accurately represent target geometries is crucial for reliable interpretation of ground penetrating radar data. Dense data acquisition, three-dimensional migration processing, and visualization are needed to recognize complex target geometries. A novel implementation of the diffraction summation migration algorithm efficiently images three-dimensional geometries by utilizing the efficient properties of fast Fourier transforms to compute diffraction summations. The algorithm decomposes the diffraction summation calculations into spatial and temporal summations. The spatial summations are computed by convolving the data with two-dimensional convolution kernels computed from the three-dimensional point spread functions. Computation times are reduced by performing convolutions in the wavenumber domain using two-dimensional fast Fourier transforms. The migration aperture is easily adjusted in the algorithm to increase computational speeds and reduce processing artifacts associated with large amplitude spikes. Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and C# are used to create efficient and low-cost applications optimally designed for the processing and display of ground penetrating radar data. Migration algorithms are combined with volume rendering and visualization algorithms that utilize DirectX to visually recognize complex geometries in three-dimensions. A gravel test bed containing buried spheres, letters cut from metal sheets, pipes, and drums is imaged with dense and orthogonal 400 and 1,500-MHz ground penetrating radar surveys. A linear array composed of fourteen variably spaced spheres is used to empirically determine the resolution capabilities of commercial ground penetrating radar systems in favorable soils. In addition, letters cut from aluminum sheets are used to test imaging capabilities similar to those used to test human vision. Observed quarter-wavelength spatial resolutions are consistent with theoretical predictions. While horizontal slices work well for displaying horizontal objects, volume rendering is more effective for visualizing dipping objects. Increasing antenna frequency improves spatial resolution and produces less pronounced polarization differences between data acquired with orthogonal surveys.
ARE WE CORRECTING FOR GUESSING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the problem of how to treat unusual responses in an individual test pattern. These are most often caused by guessing. Traditional corrections for these unusual responses yield reduced ability estimates. It has been argued that there are enough alternative explanations for unusual responses to indicate that a useful strategy might be to allow that the unusual response pattern indicates that the person taking the test did not respond in the way expected. It is suggested that one way to use such scores would be to determine the accuracy required for the purpose at hand, setting aside all individuals who have not been measured with sufficient accuracy and using the ability estimates of the rest. Those who have not been measured with sufficient accuracy would then be subjected to different treatment. It is clear that far less damage is done to individuals for whom the test is inappropriate by recognizing that fact than by reducing their score. This is particularly true with the necessity of making public test vectors and scoring keys. The chapter discusses how a robust estimator of ability can aid the testing enterprise in two ways. The first advantage is that of obtaining an estimate of ability less biased and less strongly affected by unusual responses than the maximum likelihood estimator. The second advantage is that its standard error is calculated directly, thus providing a more honest estimate of its variability.
Volcano stations of the U.S. Geological Survey

On July 1, 1924, Congress transferred the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, with its staff and equipment, from the Weather Bureau in the Department of Agriculture, to the Geological Survey in the Department of the Interior. This transfer brought to the Survey a going scientific concern. Since 1911, Dr. T. A. Jaggar, Jr., in charge of this observatory, at first under the auspices of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later under the Weather Bureau, with the aid of local support in the Hawaiian Islands, has been engaged in a study of the volcanological problems exhibited at Kilauea. Throughout this period systematic records have been made of all the phenomena of volcanism that have been observed. Seismographs have been installed and records of tremors accumulated for systematic study; fluctuations of lava-levels in the pit of Halemaumau, the overflows from this pit and from the rifts in adjacent regions, including the outbursts along the slopes of Mauna Loa, have been studied. The composition of lavas and their gases have been made the particular subject of a joint research between the Observatory and the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington; variations in land-level, including tilt of the land toward and from the volcanic centers, have been recorded. Systematic reports on all of the observed phenomena have been published locally and summaries of them are in course of publication in more permanent form.
Thermal and nonequilibrium responses of superconductors for radiation detectors

This work summarizes the progress in the study of the superconductor response to optical radiation and in the development of infrared detectors. The recent advances in the design of high-Tc superconducting radiation detectors using silicon microfabrication technology are emphasized. Thermal and optical properties important for the detector performance are discussed. The mechanism of the nonequilibrium optical response and its potential use to build fast and sensitive radiation detectors are described. Future challenges and opportunities in the development of high-Tc superconducting radiation detectors are highlighted.
Structure of the Be(112̄0) surface

Abstract The equilibrium structure of the Be(1120) surface has been determined using LEED I - V analysis. This surface exhibits a stable (1 × 3) reconstruction over the range of temperatures investigated (100–720 K) where the surface starts to disorder. The equilibrium structure consists of a missing-row reconstruction in which every third surface chain of the bulk-terminated structure is absent. The experimentally determined structure is at odds with first-principles calculations, which favor a relaxed but unreconstructed bulk termination.
Scale change and the emergence of information processing primitives

The emergence of new properties in the course of evolution is analyzed in terms of intrinsic scale changes. Three types of scale change are possible: reaching down, reaching up, and reaching across. As a consequence, previously dormant interactions emerge and become relevant. This emergent aspect of biological organization significantly increases the problem-solving power of biological systems over that attainable by programmable computers. By trading programmability for efficiency, enormous increases in problem-solving power become possible.
A review of research in mechanical engineering design. Part I: Descriptive, prescriptive, and computer-based models of design processes

This is the first of a two part paper summarizing and reviewing research in mechanical engineering design theory and methodology. Part I includes: 1) descriptive models; 2) prescrptive models; and 3) computer-based models of design processes. Part II, which will appear in the next issue of this journal, will include: 4) languages, representations, and environments for design; 5) analysis in support of design; and 6) design for manufacture and the life-cycle. For each major area, we discuss the current topics of research and the state of the art, emphasizing recent significant advances. We also discuss the important open research issues in each area. The six categories are certainly not mutually exclusive nor even collectively exhaustive; however, some organization is necessary, and these categories have been effective in making sense of a body of research that is expending rapidly in many exciting and promising directions. The mechanical engineering design research community has made major advances over the last few years. The research community in mechanical engineering design has made significant progress not only in advancing our knowledge of design, but also in clarifying the research methods necessary to study design. Great progress is being made toward a better understanding of design, and hence toward better design tools.
Ionic Conductivity and Electrochemical Stability of Poly[oligo(ethylene glycol)oxalate]−Lithium Salt Complexes

A new series of highly conducting polymer electrolytes based on poly[oligo(ethylene glycol)oxalate], P(EGnO) where n represents the number of repeating ethyleneoxy unit, has been prepared. The dielectric constant of the polymer host is higher than that of the pure poly(ethylene oxide) due to the existence of the two carbonyl groups in the repeating unit. A maximum conductivity of 5.9 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 25 °C was obtained for the complex of LiTFSI and P(EG23O) with a molar salt concentration of [Li+]/[EO] = 1:16. The complexes also show good electrochemical stability up to 4.4 V versus Li+/Li.
An overview of some important contributions to microwave engineering

The author presents a brief overview of the many contributions to microwave engineering of Dr. Seymour B. Cohn during the period that he was at the Stanford Research Institute (1953 to 1960). Consideration is given to Cohn's contributions in the following areas: design theory for transmission lines and obstacles, new microwave filter design theory and structures, and microwave lens antennas. >
Gene expression alterations in immune system pathways in the thymus after exposure to immunosuppressive chemicals.

BackgroundDysregulation of positive and negative selection, antigen presentation, or apoptosis in the thymus can lead to immunosuppression or autoimmunity. Diethylstilbestrol (DES), dexamethasone (...
A Data Structure for Sponsored Search

Inverted files have been very successful for document retrieval, but sponsored search is different. Inverted files are designed to find documents that match the query (all the terms in the query need to be in the document, but not vice versa). For sponsored search, ads are associated with bids. When a user issues a search query, bids are typically matched to the query using broad-match semantics: all the terms in the bid need to be in the query (but not vice versa). This means that the roles of the query and the bid/document are reversed in sponsored search, in turn making standard retrieval techniques based on inverted indexes ill-suited for sponsored search. This paper proposes novel index structures and query processing algorithms for sponsored search. We evaluate these structures using a real corpus of 180 million advertisements.
Failure Model for Electromigration

A model is presented for electromigration induced failure following the nucleation of grain boundary voids which lengthen by electromigration transport along neighboring grain boundaries. A grain boundary crevasse growing parallel to the electron currentflow does not accelerate failure. However, a crevasse growing perpendicular to the current has three effects: the electron flux near the crack decreases, and the electron flux and stripe temperature increase near the tip, enhancing the tip growth rate. A consideration of these effects yields a stripe lifetime integral which fits the simple form Pn = 1/2(1+.265??T0), where ?=?H/kT2 is the temperature coefficient of the diffusion constant and ?T0 is the initial stripe temperature rise. Pulsed d. c. operation causes thermal effects that allow extended lifetimes. Lifetimes are proportional to the reciprocal of the duty cycle for long pulse times. Short pulse times and high repetition rates result in lower average stripe temperatures and allow even longer lifetimes.
Kinetics of the removal of iron pyrite from coal by microbial catalysis.

Different strains of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Thiobacillus thiooxidans were used to catalyze the oxidative dissolution of iron pyrite, FeS2, in nine different coal samples. Kinetic variables and parametric factors that were determined to have a pronounced effect on the rate and extent of oxidative dissolution at a fixed Po2 were: the bacterial strain, the nitrogen/phosphorus molar ratio, the partial pressure of CO2, the coal source, and the total reactive surface area of FeS2. The overall rate of leaching, which exhibited a first-order dependence on the total surface area of FeS2, was analyzed mathematically in terms of the sum of a biochemical rate, {nu}1, and a chemical rate, {nu}2. Results of this study show that bacterial desulfurization (90 to 98%) of coal samples which are relatively high in pyritic sulfur can be achieved within a time-frame of 8 to 12 days when pulp densities are ≤20% and particle sizes are ≤74 µm. The most effective strains of T. ferrooxidans were those that were isolated from natural systems, and T. ferrooxidans ATCC 19859 was the most effective pure strain. The most effective nutrient media contained relatively low phosphate concentrations, with an optimal N/P molar ratio of 90:1. These results suggest that minimal nutrient additions may be required for a commercial desulfurization process.
Recent sightings of Kirtland's Warblers on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas

Abstract Here we present recent accounts of Kirtland's Warblers (Setophaga kirtlandii) captured and observed on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas, in 2012 and 2013. We conducted mist-netting and passive surveys in a variety of habitats on the island from January–March 2012 and December 2012–March 2013. We captured four warblers and sighted at least six other individuals, including two color-banded birds originally banded near Mack Lake, Michigan, USA. Warblers were primarily captured or observed in coastal scrub and inland low coppice habitats where vegetation height is <4 m, has a scrub/shrub appearance, and openings because of disturbance. These habitats are similar to habitats preferred by Kirtland's Warblers on other Bahamian islands, and also have fruiting plants the warblers prefer such as Erithalis fruticosa, and Lantana involucrata. To our knowledge, these are the first confirmed cases of observed Kirtland's Warblers on the island in over 46 years.
Computational RAM implementation of an adaptive vector quantization algorithm for video compression

Vector quantization (VQ) is a promising technique for low-bit rate image and video compression. Adaptive VQ-based video compression algorithms have been reported in the literature. This paper proposes an adaptive codebook replenishment VQ algorithm using index-based motion estimation (AVQ+ME) for low-bit rate video compression. The proposed technique has been implemented on a computational* RAM (C*RAM) SIMD structure. >
Intestinal metaplasia of the bladder with dysplasia: A risk factor for carcinoma?

Aims Intestinal metaplasia (IM) of the bladder is a benign glandular proliferation, where the urothelium becomes lined by intestinal-type epithelium. There is no association between IM and an increased risk for the development of adenocarcinoma. However, in rare cases IM shows dysplasia, similar to that of the gastrointestinal tract. We evaluated the significance of urothelial IM with dysplasia. Methods and results Consultation cases were searched for IM of the bladder with dysplasia. We identified 20 cases, including 17 males and females, aged 31–85 years (mean 60 years). Twelve (60%) patients had low-grade dysplasia and eight (40%) patients had high-grade dysplasia. Focal dysplasia was found in eight (40%) patients and non-focal dysplasia in 12 (60%) patients. IM with dysplasia was found with concurrent adenocarcinoma in eight (40%) cases. Five of these patients (63%) had disease recurrence and three (38%) patients died from their disease. IM with dysplasia was found with concurrent urothelial carcinoma in one case. Eleven patients had IM with dysplasia without evidence of malignancy. Of these, one went on to develop non-invasive, high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma. Conclusions Clinical follow-up is recommended in cases of IM with dysplasia, as a significant number of these cases are associated with concurrent carcinoma.
Evaluating Multiepisode Events: Boundary Conditions for the Peak-End Rule

This study advances our understanding of how people arrive at retrospective evaluations of multiepisode experiences. Large samples from the United States, France, and Denmark (810, 820, and 805 participants, respectively) reported their feelings during each episode of the previous day using the Day Reconstruction Method. The duration-weighted average of these feelings represented the normative approach to evaluation, and, contrary to the predictions of the peak-end rule, the average was the best predictor of retrospective evaluations of the day. To capture participants' heuristic evaluation, they also reported having a wonderful (peak) and/or awful (low) moment during the previous day. The results indicate that retrospective evaluations of multiepisode events rely on the averaged ratings of emotions, ignore ends, and also consider the presence of lows, and occasionally peaks, as subjectively defined by those experiencing them. Peaks and lows contribute more to comparative, rather than absolute evaluations. Future research should examine whether these findings extend to other multiepisode events that, unlike days, form cohesive units in terms of their content, goal, and emotionality.
Full activation of Enterococcus faecalis gelatinase by a C-terminal proteolytic cleavage

Enterococci account for nearly 10% of all nosocomial infections and constitute a significant treatment challenge due to their multidrug resistance properties. One of the well-studied virulence factors of Enterococcus faecalis is a secreted bacterial protease, termed gelatinase, which has been shown to contribute to the process of biofilm formation. Gelatinase belongs to the M4 family of bacterial zinc metalloendopeptidases, typified by thermolysin. Gelatinase is synthesized as a preproenzyme consisting of a signal sequence, a putative propeptide, and then the mature enzyme. We determined that the molecular mass of the mature protein isolated from culture supernatant was 33,030 Da, which differed from the predicted molecular mass, 34,570 Da, by over 1,500 Da. Using N-terminal sequencing, we confirmed that the mature protein begins at the previously identified sequence VGSEV, thus suggesting that the 1,500-Da molecular mass difference resulted from a C-terminal processing event. By using mutants with site-directed mutations within a predicted C-terminal processing site and mutants with C-terminal deletions fused to a hexahistidine tag, we determined that the processing site is likely to be between residues D304 and I305 and that it requires the Q306 residue. The results suggest that the E. faecalis gelatinase requires C-terminal processing for full activation of protease activity, making it a unique enzyme among the members of the M4 family of proteases of gram-positive bacteria.
The effect of prostaglandin inhibition on the natriuresis of drug-induced renal vasodilatation.

Abstract It has been suggested that increased prostaglandin release may mediate the natriuresis seen during the administration of renal vasodilators. To further investigate this possibility, either acetylcholine (40 μg/min) or bradykinin (5 μg/min) was infused into the left renal artery of anesthetized dogs previously given an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. During the infusion of either vasodilator drug in the prostaglandin-inhibited dogs, urinary sodium excretion increased to a similar degree as in a group of normal dogs with intact prostaglandin synthesis. These studies therefore do not confirm that prostaglandins play a significant role in the natriuresis of drug-induced vasodilatation.
A simple nanoscale interface directs alignment of a confluent cell layer on oxide and polymer surfaces

Templating of cell spreading and proliferation is described that yields confluent layers of cells aligned across an entire two-dimensional surface. The template is a reactive, two-component interface that is synthesized in three steps in nanometer thick, micron-scaled patterns on silicon and on several biomaterial polymers. In this method, a volatile zirconium alkoxide complex is first deposited at reduced pressure onto a surface pattern that is prepared by photolithography; the substrate is then heated to thermolyze the organic ligands to form surface-bound zirconium oxide patterns. The thickness of this oxide layer ranges from 10 to 70 nanometers, which is controlled by alkoxide complex deposition time. The oxide layer is treated with 1,4-butanediphosphonic acid to give a monolayer pattern whose composition and spatial conformity to the photolithographic mask are determined spectroscopically. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells attach and spread in alignment with the pattern without constraint by physical means or by arrays of cytophilic and cytophobic molecules. Cell alignment with the pattern is maintained as cells grow to form a confluent monolayer across the entire substrate surface.
Global gene profiling of spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma in B6C3F1 Mice: Similarities in the molecular landscape with human liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the risk factors of human HCC are well known, the molecular pathogenesis of this disease is complex, and in general, treatment options remain poor. The use of rodent models to study human cancer has been extensively pursued, both through genetically engineered rodents and rodent models used in carcinogenicity and toxicology studies. In particular, the B6C3F1 mouse used in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) two-year bioassay has been used to evaluate the carcinogenic effects of environmental and occupational chemicals, and other compounds. The high incidence of spontaneous HCC in the B6C3F1 mouse has challenged its use as a model for chemically induced HCC in terms of relevance to the human disease. Using global gene expression profiling, we identify the dysregulation of several mediators similarly altered in human HCC, including re-expression of fetal oncogenes, upregulation of protooncogenes, downregulation of tumor suppressor genes, and abnormal expression of cell cycle mediators, growth factors, apoptosis regulators, and angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling factors. Although major differences in etiology and pathogenesis remain between human and mouse HCC, there are important similarities in global gene expression and molecular pathways dysregulated in mouse and human HCC. These data provide further support for the use of this model in hazard identification of compounds with potential human carcinogenicity risk, and may help in better understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis resulting from chemical exposure in the NTP two-year carcinogenicity bioassay.
Chemical Composition of the Washed Cells of Streptococcus sanguis (804) and Streptococcus mutans (B-14)

Washed cells of Streptococcus saguis (804) and Streptococcus mutans (B14) were analyzed for water, ash, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleic acid content. Lipids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Ash was subjected to elemental analysis. These data were compared with the published values for the composition of dental plaque.
Introvertive Mystical Experiences: Monistic, Theistic, and the Theo-Monistic

Some scholars have responded to the apparent differences between monistic and theistic mystical experiences by emphasising the role of socio-religious interpretation of the experiences. Both monistic and theistic experiences, they point out, are described as wholly unlike normal sensory events. These mystics claim to go beyond normal categories of cognition; the experiences are said to be spaceless and timeless realizations which, though not strictly ineffable, defy precise and positive description. Moreover, the mystical exercises - the spiritual training and mental preparation - seem similar for both theistic and monistic mystics. Common mystical means, along with the fact that normal categories of interpretation are not in play during the experience, suggest that mystics interpret a singular experience type according to their particular theological or philosophical background.
Effective algorithm for integrating clock gating and power gating to reduce dynamic and active leakage power simultaneously

Clock gating and power gating are the two most widely used techniques to reduce dynamic power and leakage power respectively. It is desired that these two techniques can be integrated. In this paper, activity-driven optimized bus specific clock gating (OBSC) is applied to reduce dynamic power, and the enable signal generated by OBSC is used as the sleep signal for power gating. The power gated cells are determined by a proposed forward traversing algorithm. Moreover, minimum idle time concept is used to determine if the insertion of power gating will gain energy reduction. In order to evaluate our technique, ISCAS'89 circuits have been experimented. The simulation results prove that 25.07% dynamic power can be reduced by OBSC, and 45.12% active leakage power can be saved by power gating.
Why Battered Women Do Not Leave, Part 2 External Inhibiting Factors—Social Support and Internal Inhibiting Factors

This article is Part 2 of a review of factors hindering battered women's chances of leaving violent relationships. Part 1 covered major external inhibiting factors (e.g., women's economic dependency and the shortcomings of the criminal justice system). Part 2 centers on additional external inhibiting factors, such as inadequate social support from workplaces and community agencies, and addresses internal inhibiting factors, including the processes and effects of socialization, psychological and victimization events, and victim traits. Evidence suggests that workplaces, health care practitioners, clergy, and social service agencies fail to provide the level of social support needed by battered women to leave. This article also documents a number of internalized socialization beliefs (e.g., acceptance of partner abuse) that affect battered women's decisions not to leave. Finally, several psychological processes (e.g., fear) and traits of victims (e.g., depression) complicate battered women's efforts to leave.
SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF THE LOWEST‐LYING EXCITED STATES OF 2‐AMINOPYRIMIDINE, CYTOSINE, URACIL AND THEIR DERIVATIVES*

— The absorption and emission spectra of pyrimidine derivatives show that sub-stituting an amino or hydroxyl group at the 2nd and 4th positions of the pyrimidine ring (to give the derivatives found in biological systems) creates excitation patterns quite different from those for pyrimidine itself: the lowest singlet and triplet states are of (?,π*) and not (n,π*). The relative intensities of fluorescence and phosphorescence depend upon at least two factors: (a) the extent of intersystem crossing which depends mostly on the relative energies of the lowest (π,π*) singlet and lowest (n,π*) triplet states, where the energy of the latter is influenced strongly by the environment; and (b) the extent of mixing of (π,π*) and (n,π*) triplet states, which depends initially upon the closeness of the energies of the two states. The measured and inferred energies for these various states are summarized. In most cases the intensity of luminescence is lower than that found in purines, presumably much of the excitation energy is dissipated in photochemical changes. Also the lifetime of phosphorescence is shorter than in purines. Substitution at the 5th carbon increases the luminescence yield. When a bromine atom is substituted on the 5th carbon of uracil no effect on intersystem crossing is found—presumably the electron density of the π* orbital is minimal in the vicinity of the bromine. Polarization measurements show that the two lowest π-π* transition moments in 2-aminopyrimidine are oriented almost perpendicular to each other in the molecular plane whereas phosphorescence is polarized out of plane.
KeySens: Passive User Authentication through Micro-behavior Modeling of Soft Keyboard Interaction

Mobile devices have become almost ever-present in our daily lives and increasingly so in the professional workplace. Applications put company data, personal information and sensitive documents in the hands of busy nurses at hospitals, company employees on business trips and government workers at large conferences. Smartphones and tablets also not only store data on-device, but users are frequently authorized to access sensitive information in the cloud. Protecting the sensitivity of mobile devices yet not burdening users with complicated and cumbersome active authentication methods is of great importance to the security and convenience of mobile computing. In this paper, we propose a novel passive authentication method; we model the micro-behavior of mobile users’ interaction with their devices’ soft keyboard. We show that the way a user types—the specific location touched on each key, the drift from finger down to finger up, the force of touch, the area of press—reflects their unique physical and behavioral characteristics. We demonstrate that using these micro-behavior features without any contextual information, we can passively identify that a mobile device is being used by a non-authorized user within 5 keypresses 67.7% of the time. This comes with a False Acceptance Rate (FAR) of 32.3% and a False Rejection Rate (FRR) of only 4.6%. Our detection rate after 15 keypresses is 86% with a FAR of 14% and a FRR of only 2.2%.
Rural Print Media and a Tailored Advocacy Intervention for Smoke-Free Policy

Abstract Purpose. To examine frequency, prominence, and content of local print media after a 4-year policy advocacy intervention. Design. This was a controlled community-based trial. Setting. The study took place in 39 rural counties (22 intervention, 17 comparison). Subjects. Subjects consisted of 2525 newspaper articles monitored over 18 quarters (July 2007 to December 2011). Intervention. One key element of the tailored policy advocacy intervention delivered by community advisors was building demand for smoke-free policy via media advocacy strategies. Measures. Media clips were coded to assess number of articles; percent of tobacco-related articles on the front page or bold heading section; percent of pro-health articles; and percent of articles with secondhand smoke (SHS)–relevant topics or themes. Analysis. Coded data were entered into Atlas.ti software. Article frequencies and attributes were compared between groups and over time using negative binomial regression for longitudinal data, with county-...
Climate Change and Urban Biodiversity Vulnerability

The objective of this chapter is to examine selected connections between ongoing global urbanization, climate change, and urban biodiversity. The direct and indirect interactions between ongoing urbanization processes and climate change have profound impacts on urban biodiversity and its capacity to provide ecosystem services for urban populations. The chapter reviews key aspects of how urbanization affects local and global climate conditions and how these conditions in turn impact urban areas. Special attention is focused on the vulnerability of urban biodiversity to these changes. Urban contexts in developing and developed countries are examined.
Medicine 2.0 and beyond: from information seeking to knowledge creation in virtual health communities

This chapter, part of the Routledge series on Digital Consumption, examines how social media technologies and virtual health communities transform the current healthcare system. Providing examples from virtual health platforms, we explore the new forms of empowerment that occur, and articulate changes in consumer online health information seeking and learning. These changes also open up wider possibilities of post-consumer, post-corporate forms of organizing our world with the help of digital technologies.
Timing of Latest Eocene Molluscan Extinction Patterns in Mississippi

Molluscs removed from 12 bulk samples of the Yazoo Formation (upper Eocene), exposed in a quarry at Cynthia, Mississippi, are similar in composition and diversity to those found in the underlying upper Eocene Moodys Branch Formation, when differences in outcrop area are considered (74% of the Yazoo species are also found in the Moodys Branch). This suggests there was no significant extinction during the late Eocene (at the P15/P16 biozone boundary) as has been reported for planktic foraminifera. Only 11.4% of the species from the Yazoo extend into the Oligocene Red Bluff Formation, suggesting a large molluscan extinction at or near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. The presence in the lowermost Red Bluff of an assemblage with a relatively high diversity dominated by suspension-feeding bivalves suggests that the molluscan fauna had recovered from the extinction by the earliest Oligocene.
Thinking and the structure of the world

This paper formulates a basic system of ontology that has several interesting qualities: (1) it is suggested very strongly by the most naive and simplest consideration of certain perplexities involving psychological states; (2) the system does justice to several apparently conflicting insights that have been debated by many philosophers; (3) the system separates the a priori from the empirical elements of the world very nicely and neatly; (4) indeed, the system concentrates all the empirical elements of the world on two irreducible dyadic predicates; (5) for this reason the system seems to be a nice formulation of a conception of the world that was started by Plato, was envisioned by Leibniz, guided Frege, at least in part, and was defended by Meinong. The system appears, therefore, to have the historico-philosophical value of illuminating the long and important abstractist and rationalist tradition. I motivate its development with an initial discussion of a problem widely discussed nowadays. This is meant to honor those great metaphysicians by suggesting how contemporary their insights into the problems were, even if their solutions are not followed. Among other things, the system accomplishes the following: (i) provides an account of possible objects; (ii) provides