cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolution of optical isomers of Dns-amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography with l-histidine and its derivatives in the mobile phase

Abstract This paper describes our continuing work in resolving the optical isomers of Dns-amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography with mixed chelate complexation. Addition of copper(II) complexes of l -histidine to the mobile phase resulted in resolution of many d - and l -Dns-amino acids, including those with aliphatic, polar and aromatic substituents. With polar substituents, highly selective incorporation of the l -enantiomer into the ternary complex with increased retention on the column was observed. The reverse occurred with amino acids with aliphatic side chains; the d -isomers were incorporated preferentially. With aromatic substituted amino acids, the resolution was pH dependent. Substitution of copper(II) complexes of l -histidine methyl ester in the mobile phase dramatically reduced the stereoselectivity, although the isomers were still resolved. Copper(II) complexes of N-acetyl- l -histidine used in the mobile phase gave no stereoselectivity. Excellent separations of isomers were achieved with several of these systems. Many pairs of amino acids could be separated in the same chromatographic analysis.
Proteomics and transcriptomics analyses of secretagogin down-regulation in human non-functional pituitary adenomas.

In order to explore the presence of, and the potential role of, secretagogin in human pituitary adenomas, an analytical strategy that integrated comparative proteomics and comparative transcriptomics was used to detect the protein and the mRNA expression, respectively, of secretagogin in human non-functional pituitary adenomas compared to controls. Proteomics methods included two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, 2D gel image analysis, mass spectrometry [matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-peptide mass fingerprinting (MALDI-TOF PMF) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-IT MS/MS)], and database analysis. Transcriptomics methods included the GeneChip microarray, image processing, and data analysis. The proteomics and transcriptomics data demonstrated that secretagogin was significantly down-regulated at the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, in the human non-functional (NF) pituitary adenomas (NF−, LH+, FSH+, and FSH+ + LH+). For the secretagogin protein, the expression level was NF− < FSH+ + LH+ < FSH+ < LH+ < Control, with a range of down-regulation of 2.2–6.9 fold in non-functional pituitary adenomas compared to controls, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). For secretagogin mRNA, the expression level was NF− < LH+ < FSH+ + LH+ < FSH+ < Control, with a range of down-regulation of 1.8–18.6 fold in non-functional pituitary adenomas compared to controls that was significant (p < 0.05). The secretagogin protein expression correlated significantly with its mRNA expression. Those results suggest that secretagogin might play a role in human non-functional pituitary adenomas. This novel finding may provide clues to clarify the basic molecular mechanisms of pituitary adenoma formation, and to identify new tumor-related markers.
Discovery of new human β-defensins using a genomics-based approach

Abstract Epithelial β-defensins are broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial peptides that also act as chemokines for adaptive immune cells. In the human genome, all known defensin genes cluster to a
Water soluble calixarenes as possible metal ion extractants in polyethylene glycol-based aqueous biphasic systems

The behavior of a water soluble calixarene ligand has been investigated in an (NH4)2SO4/polyethylene glycol-2000 (PEG) aqueous biphasic system. Spectroscopic measurements indicate that 4-sulfonic-calix-6-arene partitions preferentially to the polymer-rich phase in this system. The utility of this ligand as a metal ion extractant was also investigated. The addition of the calixarene (10−2M in initial PEG-rich stock solution) did not significantly enhance the partitioning of Na+, Cs+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Co2+, Cd2+, or UO22+ from the (NH4)2SO4-rich to the PEG-rich phase. The partitioning behavior of these metal ions is dependent, rather, on their Gibbs free energy of hydration (ΔGhyd*).
The echinoid immune system and the phylogenetic occurrence of immune mechanisms in deuterostomes

In this article, Courtney Smith and Eric Davidson reinterpret the published data on immune function in lower deuterostomes and primitive chordates. It leads them to a new model of immune system phylogeny in which MHC-directed T-cell responses are the last to evolve and are not derived from subchordate self-nonself recognition systems.
Lithography focus/exposure control and corrections to improve CDU

As leading edge lithography moves to advanced nodes which requires better critical dimension (CD) control ability within wafer. Current methods generally make exposure corrections by field via factory automation or by sub-recipe to improve CD uniformity. KLA-Tencor has developed a method to provide CD uniformity (CDU) control using a generated Focus/Exposure (F/E) model from a representative process. Exposure corrections by each field can be applied back to the scanner so as to improve CD uniformity through the factory automation. CDU improvement can be observed either at after lithography or after etch metrology steps. In addition to corrections, the graphic K-T Analyzer interface also facilitates the focus/exposure monitoring at the extreme wafer edge. This paper will explain the KT CDFE method and the application in production environment. Run to run focus/exposure monitoring will be carried out both on monitoring and production wafers to control the wafer process and/or scanner fleet. CDU improvement opportunities will be considered as well.
Dominant-negative mutants identify a role for GIRK channels in D3 dopamine receptor-mediated regulation of spontaneous secretory activity.

The human D3 dopamine receptor can activate G-protein–coupled inward rectifier potassium channels (GIRKs), inhibit P/Q-type calcium channels, and inhibit spontaneous secretory activity in AtT-20 neuroendocrine cells (Kuzhikandathil, E.V., W. Yu, and G.S. Oxford. 1998. Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 12:390–402; Kuzhikandathil, E.V., and G.S. Oxford. 1999. J. Neurosci. 19:1698–1707). In this study, we evaluate the role of GIRKs in the D3 receptor-mediated inhibition of secretory activity in AtT-20 cells. The absence of selective blockers for GIRKs has precluded a direct test of the hypothesis that they play an important role in inhibiting secretory activity. However, the tetrameric structure of these channels provides a means of disrupting endogenous GIRK function using a dominant negative approach. To develop a dominant-negative GIRK mutant, the K+ selectivity amino acid sequence -GYG- in the putative pore domain of the human GIRK2 channels was mutated to -AAA-, -GLG-, or -GFG-. While the mutation of -GYG- to -GFG- did not affect channel function, both the -AAA- and -GLG- GIRK2 mutants were nonfunctional. This suggests that the aromatic ring of the tyrosine residue rather than its hydroxyl group is involved in maintaining the pore architecture of human GIRK2 channels. When expressed in AtT-20 cells, the nonfunctional AAA-GIRK2 and GLG-GIRK2 acted as effective dominant-negative mutants and significantly attenuated endogenous GIRK currents. Furthermore, these dominant-negative mutants interfered with the D3 receptor-mediated inhibition of secretion in AtT-20 cells, suggesting they are centrally involved in the signaling pathway of this secretory response. These results indicate that dominant-negative GIRK mutants are effective molecular tools to examine the role of GIRK channels in vivo.
Exploring the Thermodynamics of Activation Pathways of Bovine Rhodopsin with Fast Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Recent progress made in the understanding of the structure and function of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) points to compelling biophysical and crystallographic evidence for distinct conformational changes of the prototypical family member bovine rhodopsin/opsin upon illumination. To investigate possible activation pathways of bovine rhodopsin from an early inactive intermediate (lumirhodopsin) produced by the cis-trans photoisomerization of its retinal chromophore to an activated ligand-bound opsin-like conformation of the protein, we carried out several independent biased molecular dynamics simulations of the receptor in an explicit dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane bilayer. The simulations revealed significantly different activation pathways between inactive and opsin-like activated forms of bovine rhodopsin, whose thermodynamic behavior was evaluated by metadynamics using as reaction coordinates both the position along the identified representative pathways, and the distance from them. The results point to three common metastable states that are likely to correspond to a photoactivated deprotonated Meta I-380/Meta IIa, and two different Meta IIb-like intermediates of bovine rhodopsin. Inferences from these molecular models are expected to shed new light into mechanisms of allosteric modulation of rhodopsin function.
Situational Influences on Reactions to Observed Violence.

Although many discussions of the effects of media violence focus on the long-term consequences of frequent exposure to these depictions, short-term influences are also important, and adults as well as children observing aggression are apt to become more aggressive themselves for a brief period afterward. Such an effect is largely due to the activation of ideas and inclinations semantically related to the meaning of the observed event rather than to a long-lasting learning. However, the likelihood of an openly aggressive reaction to television or movie violence is greatly dependent on situational conditions, and the present paper considers some of these conditions. Starting with an examination of what situational factors influence people's desire to view violent programming, this article then proceeds to research bearing on the effects of the presence of other observers, the nature of the available target, situational features operating as retrieval cues, the viewers' interpretations of and thoughts about the violent scenes including their perceived reality, and the observers' focus of attention. The paper argues that research into the effects of media violence should no longer ask how much of an influence is exerted by aggressive protrayals in the media generally, but it should investigate the conditions under which these depictions have a greater or lesser effect.
Phenomenological viscoelasticity of a heterogeneous pharmaceutical semisolid

Abstract □ This study presents the results of an investigation of the viscoelastic properties of anhydrous lanolin USP, as determined by dynamic mechanical testing. The elastic shear modulus ( G ′), viscous shear modulus ( G ″), and loss tangent (tan δ) were determined as a function of shear frequency, v , (0.01-10.0 Hz) and temperature, T , (0-30 ° ). These viscoelastic parameters were found to be temperature and shear frequency dependent. Up to 100-fold changes in shear moduli and tan δ values were observed with appropriate changes in T and v . Many of the observed properties are also characteristic of high molecular weight polymers and can be attributed to a high degree of molecular structure. It was found that dynamic mechanical testing was a sensitive tool for measuring structural changes, and was especially useful in detecting a major structural transition well below the accepted melting temperature of anhydrous lanolin.
The Color-Degree Matrix and the Number of Multicolored Trees in Star Decompositions

In a previous paper we investigated the problem of counting the number of multicolored spanning trees in biclique decompositions. In particular for acyclic decompositions we found the minimum and maximum numbers of multicolored trees. We now introduce the color-degree matrix C and show that the number of multicolored trees is bounded below by the determinant of C with a row deleted. In fact, we obtain equality for acyclic decompositions and for star decompositions. Unfortunately, for arbitrary decompositions the ratio of this determinant to the actual number of trees can approach zero. We find that star decompositions on n vertices are in one to one correspondence with tournaments on n ? 1 vertices. This allows us to determine that the minimum number of multicolored trees among all star decompositions of Kn is (n ? 1)! and the average number is ((n + 1)/2)n ? 2. We bound the maximum number of multicolored trees between this average and ?n2/4?(n ? 1)/2 ? ?(n ? 2)2/4?(n ? 1)/2.
KLF5 Interacts with p53 in Regulating Survivin Expression in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a transcription factor that regulates cellular signaling involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis. Here, we report that KLF5 interacts with tumor suppressor p53 in regulating the expression of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein survivin, which may play a role in pathological process of cancer. The core promoter region of survivin contains multiple GT-boxes that have been characterized as KLF5 response elements. Deletion and mutation analyses as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation and electronic mobility shift assay indicated that KLF5 binds to the core survivin promoter and strongly induces its activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that KLF5 protein is able to bind to p53 and abrogate the p53-regulated repression of survivin. Transfection of KLF5 into a KLF5-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line EU-8 enhanced survivin expression, and conversely, silencing of KLF5 by small interfering RNA in a KLF5-overexpressing acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line EU-4 down-regulated survivin expression. The KLF5 small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of survivin sensitized EU-4 cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. These findings identify a novel regulatory pathway for the expression of survivin under the control of KLF5 and p53. Deregulation of this pathway may result in overexpression of survivin in cancer, thus contributing to drug resistance.
Decentralized stabilization of linear continuous and discrete-time systems with delays in interconnections

The stabilization problem for linear, time-invariant, large-scale, multivariable decentralized systems with delays in the interconnections is considered. It is shown that the delays do not introduce additional difficulties in both continuous and discrete cases. The results obtained, as compared to the corresponding results in the current literature for the nondelay case, show definite improvements in the required feedback gain matrices. >
The Contribution of “Alternative Approaches” to Understanding Steroid Hormone Action

In the 47 yr since the first evidence for a steroid hormone receptor was presented at an international congress to an audience of five persons, the concept of "alternative approach" has played an important role in providing new understanding. By asking not what does an estrogenic hormone do to cellular processes in responsive tissues but what do these cells do to the hormone, it was shown that rat uterus contains a characteristic protein with which the hormone associates to promote growth. In the following decade, it was established that this substance is a true receptor, involved in hormonal action. Furthermore, estradiol was found not to undergo a chemical change as it exerts its effect. Finally, estrogenic action was established as a two-step process in which association with the hormone converts the receptor from an inactive to an active form that can bind tightly in the nucleus to modify transcription. These findings, obtained by studying the fate of the hormone itself, disproved the then accepted concept that estrogens interact with enzyme systems, and opened a new field of research. Soon various laboratories identified intracellular receptors for all classes of steroid hormones, the action of which involves a similar two-step process. Several laboratories then attempted, without success, to obtain antibodies to these receptors by conventional techniques. The unconventional approach of gradient ultracentrifugation, using radioactive estradiol as a marker for the receptor, gave a means of recognizing the soluble immune complexes formed with estrogen receptor and provided the first antibodies to any steroid hormone receptor, permitting its cloning. Finally, the knowledge that estrogens act through a receptor suggested that measuring the receptor content of an excised tumor specimen could identify, in advance, two thirds of the human breast cancers that are not estrogen dependent. These patients will not benefit from endocrine ablation or antiestrogen treatment and should be placed directly on chemotherapy. This is now standard clinical practice.
Self assembly of silver(I) coordination polymers formed through hydrogen bonding with a new ditopic heteroscorpionate ligand

The new ditopic heteroscorpionate ligand, (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (L5v), and four coordination polymers of silver Ag(I) derived therefrom, have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ESI-MS, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The presence of different anions (i.e. BF4−, CF3SO3−, NO3−, or SbF6−) lead to different crystal packing schemes due to different H-bonding patterns that depend on the relative charge delocalization and/or shape of the anion.
The septa of Legueu and Juvara: an anatomic study.

Abstract Purpose To study the anatomy of the septa of Legueu and Juvara and interpalmar plate ligaments (IPPLs) of the hand. Materials Eleven cadaver hands were dissected. The number, attachments, dimensions, and relationships of the septa and IPPLs to other structures were determined. Results Eight septa were identified radial and ulnar for each digit. The radial were longer than the ulnar septa. The septa attached to the transverse ligament of the palmar aponeurosis superficially and to the soft-tissue confluence deeper and distally. They formed 7 compartments of 2 types flexor septal canals that contained the flexor tendons and web space canals that contained common digital nerves and arteries and lumbrical muscles. Grossly and histologically the septa were thicker and consisted of organized collagen distally but not proximally. Three IPPLs were identified: radial, central, and ulnar. These formed the floors of the second, third, and fourth web space canals. The IPPLs were more substantial, thicker, and had more fibrous appearance from radial to ulnar. The fibers of the radial and central IPPLs were oriented transversely, whereas those of the ulnar IPPL were oriented obliquely. Conclusions Awareness of the anatomy of deep retinacular structures of the hand is important for surgical exposure in this area and possible involvement in conditions such as Dupuytren's disease.
Intelligent broadcasting inmobile ad hoc networks: three classes of adaptive protocols

Because adaptability greatly improves the performance of a broadcast protocol, we identify three ways in which machine learning can be applied to broadcasting in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). We chose broadcasting because it functions as a foundation of MANET communication. Unicast, multicast, and geocast protocols utilize broadcasting as a building block, providing important control and route establishment functionality. Therefore, any improvements to the process of broadcasting can be immediately realized by higher-level MANET functionality and applications. While efficient broadcast protocols have been proposed, no single broadcasting protocol works well in all possible MANET conditions. Furthermore, protocols tend to fail catastrophically in severe network environments. Our three classes of adaptive protocols are pure machine learning, intra-protocol learning, and inter-protocol learning. In the pure machine learning approach, we exhibit a new approach to the design of a broadcast protocol: the decision of whether to rebroadcast a packet is cast as a classification problem. Each mobile node (MN) builds a classifier and trains it on data collected from the network environment. Using intra-protocol learning, each MN consults a simple machine model for the optimal value of one of its free parameters. Lastly, in inter-protocol learning, MNs learn to switch between different broadcasting protocols based on network conditions. For each class of learning method, we create a prototypical protocol and examine its performance in simulation.
Evidence for social phobia and other psychiatric disorders in adults who were growth hormone deficient during childhood

We assessed the psychiatric status of 21 growth hormone deficient (GHD) adults who had been treated with growth hormone (GH) for short stature during childhood. Eight individuals (38%) were found to have undiagnosed social phobia. On a psychometric battery, the scores of GHD subjects with social phobia corresponded closely to those of a matched group of psychiatric patients with social phobia. Because these psychiatric symptoms have deleterious effects on quality of life, social function, and productivity, the physician should be alert to obtain psychiatric assessment of patients with GHD.
Significance of respiratory artifact in the electrocardiogram.

Electrocardiographic artifact is generally considered to be a nuisance. Respiratory artifact, however, is a physiologic signal that may carry useful diagnostic information. Our goal was to evaluate the characteristics, prevalence, and clinical significance of respiratory artifact observed in electrocardiograms (ECGs). ECGs exhibiting repetitive microoscillations were systematically collected. The morphologic characteristics of the microoscillations were analyzed and their association with the respiratory cycle was evaluated using simultaneous respiratory waveform tracings. The presence and rate of respiratory artifact were correlated with the patient's clinical status, including medical diagnoses and the need for ventilatory support. During a 30-month period, respiratory artifact was detected in 320 12-lead ECGs. It was best seen in leads II, III, aVF, and V5. Respiratory artifact occurred during the inspiratory phase and its rate correlated precisely with objective measures of the respiratory rate. The majority of patients with respiratory artifact revealed diseases of the respiratory (26.6%) and circulatory systems (24.0%) and, of note, respiratory artifact was never detected in patients with normal cardiorespiratory function; 43.5% of patients with respiratory artifact required ventilatory support, including 28.2% requiring continuous mechanical ventilation. Successful treatment of the underlying condition resulted in a decrease in the rate or in complete disappearance of the respiratory artifact. In conclusion, respiratory artifact is commonly seen in routine 12-lead ECGs of hospitalized patients. It is associated with a high-risk state of increased work of breathing due to either compromised cardiac or pulmonary function. Additionally, the presence of respiratory artifact enables precise evaluation of the respiratory rate—a commonly miscalculated vital sign.
Information transmission using chaotic discrete-time filter

In this work an adaptive approach for transmitting information hidden in a chaotic carrier is presented. The proposed method uses as a chaotic generator a discrete time nonlinear filter with a sawtooth nonlinearity induced by the two's complement overflow in digital filters. The synchronization at the receiving end is ensured by an adaptive slave system. Two different methods for hiding the information in the chaotic carrier are analyzed: direct chaos modulation and parameter modulation.
Total synthesis of a homochiral arene-fused prostacyclin analog☆

Abstract Reaction of aryl cuprate reagent 2b with homochiral allyl 3 ammonium salt 3 stereospecifically affords arene 4 . Conversion of this intermediate to chloride 6 followed by a conjugate-addition/cyclization protocol generates tricyclic sulfone 8 . Refunctionalization of this material provides homochiral prostacyclin analog 13 . Compound 13 was inactive as an inhibitor of collagen-induced platelet aggregation having an IC 50 > 10μM.
Comparison of Junctionless and Conventional Trigate Transistors With $L_{g}$ Down to 26 nm

Junctionless accumulation-mode (JAM) devices with channel lengths Lg down to 26 nm were fabricated on a trigate process and compared to conventional inversion-mode (IM) devices. This letter represents the first experimental comparison of short-channel JAM-to-IM devices at matched off-state leakage (Ioff) . The JAM devices show better channel mobility (when moderately doped) and lower gate capacitance than the IM control counterparts at matched Ioff. However, the JAM devices also show reduced gate control and degraded short-channel characteristics. The observed degraded behavior of JAM relative to IM is explained with the aid of device simulations and a simple analytic model of the channel charge.
Bole girdling affects metabolic properties and root, trunk and branch hydraulics of young ponderosa pine trees.

Summary Effects of trunk girdling on seasonal patterns of xylem water status, water transport and woody tissue metabolic properties were investigated in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. Laws.) trees. At the onset of summer, there was a sharp decrease in stomatal conductance (gs) in girdled trees followed by a full recovery after the first major rainfall in September. Eliminating the root as a carbohydrate sink by girdling induced a rapid reversible reduction in gs. Respiratory potential (a laboratory measure of tissue-level respiration) increased above the girdle (branches and upper trunk) and decreased below the girdle (lower trunk and roots) relative to control trees during the growing season, but the effect was reversed after the first major rainfall. The increase in branch respiratory potential induced by girdling suggests that the decrease in gs was caused by the accumulation of carbohydrates above the girdle, which is consistent with an observed increase in leaf mass per area in the girdled trees. Trunk girdling did not affect native xylem embolism or xylem conductivity. Both treated and control trunks experienced loss of xylem conductivity ranging from 10% in spring to 30% in summer. Girdling reduced xylem growth and sapwood to leaf area ratio, which in turn reduced branch leaf specific conductivity (LSC). The girdling-induced reductions in gs and transpiration were associated with a decrease in leaf hydraulic conductance. Two years after girdling, when root-to-shoot phloem continuity had been restored, girdled trees had a reduced density of new wood, which increased xylem conductivity and whole-tree LSC, but also vulnerability to embolism.
Improved Cytoplasmic pH Regulation, Increased Lactate Efflux, and Reduced Cytoplasmic Lactate Levels Are Biochemical Traits Expressed in Root Tips of Whole Maize Seedlings Acclimated to a Low-Oxygen Environment.

We tested the hypothesis (J.-H. Xia and P.H. Saglio [1992] Plant Physiol 100: 40-46) that the enhanced ability of maize (Zea mays) root tips to survive anoxia, elicited by a 4-h exposure to 3% O2 ("acclimation"), is due to less cytoplasmic acidosis early in anoxia. Cytoplasmic pH and fermentation reactions were monitored in excised and intact (attached) maize root tips by simultaneous in vivo 13C- and 31P-NMR spectroscopy. We demonstrate that both excised and intact acclimated root tips have significantly higher cytoplasmic pH values under anoxia. This reduction in cytoplasmic acidosis is greater in intact root tips. Remarkably, cytoplasmic pH does not change when root tips are transferred from 3% O2 to anoxia. The earlier observation of considerable lactate efflux and lowered intracellular lactate in excised, acclimated root tips (ibid.) was extended to intact seedlings. The predominant fermentation end product retained in the cells of acclimated root tips is alanine. We discuss the relationship between cytoplasmic pH and levels of intracellular lactate and alanine in sugar-replete roots, and the role of cytoplasmic pH in determining survival under anoxia.
Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Risk of Local Recurrence for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

TO THE EDITOR: In their recently published article, Yi et al 1 applied a previously published nomogram 2 that was developed in a population of 1,681 patients to a population of 734 patients. We are pleased with the excellent calibration curves that were produced from the application of the nomogram to the authors’ data. With one data point exception, all CIs cross the unity line, which denotes perfect calibration. This is particularly remarkable given that the authors divided their population into octiles of risk, despite there being only 63 events in their entire population. Given this low event rate, there are few events in each octile; we suggest the use of quartiles or quintiles would be more appropriate. Dividing their population into fewer groups with more women per group would lessen the wide CIs around each of their points. The single group of patients who did not have good calibration is intriguing. The authors 1 state that this group was small
The Difference Between Bigfoot and Learning Styles: There May Be Better Evidence to Support the Existence of Bigfoot

This article presents a review of the literature that has called into question the credibility, reliability and validity of learning-style theories. Learning-style theory holds that students learn in unique ways, usually in auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modes. To enhance student performance, all an educator has to do is first identify the learning style of the student and then match their mode of teaching to each style. Although the matching hypothesis sounds credible, there is no independent research that supports it, as will be reported in this article.
On-chip monitoring of MEMS gear motion

We have designed and fabricated a polysilicon sidewall-contact motion monitor that fits in between the teeth of a MEMS gear. The monitor has a center grounded member that is moved into contact with a pad held at voltage. When observing motion, however, the monitor fails after only a few actuations. A thorough investigation of the contacting interfaces revealed that for voltages > 5 V with a current limit of 100 pA, the main conduction process is Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. After a few switch cycles, the polysilicon interfaces became insulating. This is shown to be a permanent change and the suspected mechanism is field-induced oxidation of the asperity contacts. To reduce the effects of field-induced oxidation, tests were performed at 0.5 V and no permanent insulation was observed. However, the position of the two contacting surfaces produced three types of conduction processes: Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, ohmic, and insulator, which were observed in a random order during switch cycling. The alignment of contact asperities produced this positional effect.
From Theocracy To Monarchy:Authority And Legitimacy In Inner Oman, 1935–1957

The twentieth-century Ibadi imamate of “inner” Oman (1913–1955) constituted one of the world's last theocracies. In a demise unique for the mid-twentieth century, it became assimilated into one of the world's last absolute monarchies. The 1955 shift from theocratic to dynastic rule met initially with the support, or at least the acquiescence, of most of the tribesmen and notables of the interior. This acquiescence at first appears surprising because the fundamentalist Islamic religious and political principles for which the imamate stood continued to be properly supported. One of these principles for Ibadis was that the imām, the spiritual and temporal leader of the Islamic community, should be the most qualified of available candidates and chosen by a consensus of the community's religious men of learning and notables, a notion markedly at contrast with the ascriptive one of dynastic rule. Conflict between these two forms of rule is basic to much of Islamic political history and to that of pre-1970 Oman in particular.
Delayed Complications After Cochlear Implantation.

Importance Surgeons should understand the potential long-term complications in patients who undergo cochlear implantation (CI) and should be able to facilitate counseling. Objectives To review the delayed complications after CI and some of the management plans used to treat these complications. Evidence Acquisition The PubMed and OVID databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2013, using the search terms cochlear implant and complications . Seven hundred sixty-six articles were identified and searched for reports of delayed complications (>3 days after surgery). Exclusion criteria consisted of a language other than English, no long-term follow-up or report of delayed complications, small case series with fewer than 10 patients, and CI in patients with cochlear malformations. Additional articles were identified with specific search criteria consisting of cochlear implant combined with mastoiditis , meningitis complication , otitis media , hematoma , cholesteatoma , and facial nerve injury . Data were collected from January 1 through April 1, 2014, and analyzed from April 30 to May 1, 2014. Findings A total of 88 individual articles were analyzed for this study. These articles included a total of 22 842 patients. Of 8519 patients with data in regard to sex, 4319 (50.7%) were male. The patients’ ages ranged from 0.2 to 94.9 years, with a mean age of 19.0 years. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 month to 17 years. The total number of delayed complications was 1302 (5.7%), with vestibular complications (181 of 4655 patients [3.9%]) being the most common; device failure (507 of 14 704 patients [3.4%]), the second most common; and taste problems (22 of 776 patients [2.8%]), the third most common. Less common complications included cholesteatoma (40 of 8579 patients [0.5%]) and facial nerve palsy (31 of 4785 patients [0.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance Cochlear implantation continues to be a reliable and safe procedure, with a low percentage of severe complications when performed by experienced surgeons. The patients should receive lifetime follow-up. These patients need lifetime follow-up to monitor for potential complications and to facilitate their care if complications occur.
‘Sheep in Wolves' Clothing’: the Letters of Consentius to Augustine

The correspondence of Augustine that Johannes Divjak recently discovered and then edited in CSEL lxxxviii has provided new grist for the scholarly mills of commentary and exegesis. One of these letters ( Ep . 11*), sent to Augustine from Consentius, a learned Christian living on one of the Balearic Islands, has been hailed as an important source about ‘the Priscillianist cause’ and ‘secret Priscillianists’ in northern Spain during the early fifth century. In fact, the information in this letter is more teasingly inexplicit. Consentius had composed some anti-Priscillianist writings, but only on the basis of second- and third-hand sources. Fronto, a monk in northern Spain, then apparently used these writings in order to pose as a heretic and discover other heretics who included, he claimed, some local clerics; but once accused of heresy, his opponents insisted upon, and finally ‘proved’, their orthodox Catholicism. And although in his deposition about his heresy-hunt Fronto never once mentioned Priscillianism, Consentius nevertheless glossed the whole affair as one involving Priscillianism when he included a copy of Fronto's deposition in his letter to Augustine.
Root iterations and the computation of minimum and maximum zeros of polynomials

In this paper, methods which are guaranteed to converge to the minimum or maximum zeros are developed. The proposed methods are based on two approaches for generating fixed point functions of rational and radical forms. These include well known methods such as the Newton, and Halley methods as special cases, in addition to the rth root methods. Although these methods are only derived for polynomials, they are also applicable to some types of entire functions of finite number of zeros. Additionally, the proposed approach is useful to generate algorithms with any given rate of convergence.
Bringing Back Boss Tweed? Could At-Will Employment Work in State Government, and if so Where?

Abstract The lead author of this article[1] has proposed ending civil service tenure in the U.S. bureaucracy. Yet these arguments lose their force when applied to state and local civil service systems. In many states and localities limited media scrutiny, limited political competition, the weakness of existing bureaucracies, and a relative tolerance for spoils-oriented patronage make radical civil service reform risky. We develop a ranking predicting which states make the best and worst candidates for radical civil service reform. State level independent variables include corruption, traditional party organizations, media capacity, party competition, and bureaucratic capacity.
Accounting For Intellectual Capital

The authors review accounting standards for recording intellectual capital (research and development) using Amazon.com as a model. An international perspective of the United Kingdom, the Japanese; and the United States indicates similarities and differences among these countries and the International Accounting Standards. The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of expensing versus capitalizing these expenditures with specific emphasis on e-tailing. The impact of dual treatment is equally confusing to external as well as internal users of this financial information.
Separation of broken magnet and static eccentricity failures in PMSM

This paper deals with the separation of broken magnet failures from static eccentricity (SE) fault using phase current information in permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). Broken magnet and SE faults exhibit very similar fault patterns in back-emf and flux spectrums. Therefore, these two faults should be discerned from each other for accurate diagnosis. In this paper, phase current waveforms are exhaustively analyzed at different speed and torque profiles to discriminate broken magnet from SE in PMSMs. In order to specify the behavior of sideband harmonics, 2-D Time Stepping Finite Element Method (TSFEM) is used. Simulation and experimental results show that some distinctive harmonics such as 0.25th, 0.5th and 0.75th can define the fault type in PMSMs.
Increase in post-therapy tumor calcification on CT scan is not an indicator of response to therapy in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

The aim of the study was to determine if increasing post-therapy calcification in peritoneal metastases in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas indicated response to therapy. Retrospective analysis of patients with histologically confirmed, recurrent low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma who received treatment at our institution between 2000 and 2014 was performed. Only patients who had calcified tumor implants and showed either interval increase or decrease in tumor calcification following therapy were included in the study. Pre- and post-therapy CT scans of these patients were reviewed by 2 radiologists independently. Changes in the tumor calcification status and tumor deposits size were correlated with serum CA-125 levels. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between peritoneal deposit and calcification status with serum CA-125 status. 35 Patients were included in the study. Based on serial serum CA 125 levels, 22 patients (63%) had progressive disease, 12 (34%) had partial response and 1 (3%) had stable disease. Using RECIST 1.1, 16 had progressive disease, 3 had partial response and 16 had stable disease. In the patients with progressive disease, post-therapy tumor calcification increased in 77% and decreased in 23%. Fischer’s exact test showed that serum CA 125 change was significantly associated with change in size of peritoneal deposits and calcification change. This preliminary study shows that post-therapy increase in peritoneal implant calcification in low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas is not an indicator of response to therapy.
Studies on Therapy of Stapbylococcal Infections in Monkeys. VIII. Comparison of Cepbalothin, Cepbaloridine, Cefazolin, Cephacetrile, and Cepbanone

Intravenous inoculation of a penicillin-resistant, phage type 80/81 Staphylococcus caused lethal infection in all of five untreated monkeys. Im administration of 50 mg of antibiotic per kg per day beginning 16 hr after the challenge was followed by survival of all monkeys in five groups of eight monkeys each receiving cephalothin, cephaloridine, cefazolin, cephacetrile, and cephanone, respectively. Antibacterial activity of sera in infected, as well as in normal monkeys, was greatest after treatment with cephaloridine and cefazolin, lowest after treatment with cephacetrile, and intermediate after administration of cephalothin and cephanone. All cephalosporins, however, induced more than adequate antibacterial activity. No other significant clinical or laboratory differences were observed among the five antibiotics. These data suggest that cefazolin, cephanone, and cephacetrile have therapeutic efficacy, similar to that of cephalothin and cephaloridine, in severe staphylococcal sepsis.
On the Micromechanical Characterization of Metallic MEMS by a Hybrid Microtester

Mechanical testing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components helps investigate the reliability of MEMS devices used especially in vital applications such as life-supporting, medical, aerospace or automotive technologies. This paper discusses the development and use of a hybrid micromechanical system that combines the advantages of a macroscale slow-action screw-driven stage producing large displacements with a small-scale fast-action piezo-driven actuator. The main advantage is to study mechanical properties of small structures such as thick and thin films developing cracks that travel on millimeter scale during fatigue. The combination of piezo position monitoring with image-recognition-based local deformation determination allows specification of the beginning of phenomena such as micro-void-induced softening with relative accuracy. Such studies are most useful for investigation of the onset of nucleation of microcracks from fatigue-induced surface flaws. The significance of finding the onset of crack propagation lies in the fact that crack initiation constitutes the major portion of fatigue life for small structures (occasionally up to 99.3%).Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Surveillance situations and analysis of soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites of Guangdong province in 2008

Objective To know about the epidemic dynamic and trend of soil-borne nematodiasis in Guangdong province,predict the epidemic trend and provide scientific basis for the development of control strategy.Methods Soil-borne nematode eggs were tested by the Kato-Katz stool examination method for residents over 3 years old and pinworm eggs additionally examined by cellophane tape method for children under 12.Results Totally 4 794 persons were examined,with a mean infection rate of soil-borne nematodes of 11.06%.The infection rate of ascaris was 1.34%,hookworm was 3.84% and whipworm was 2.15%.The pinworm infection rate of children was 28.74%.Conclusions The ascaris,hookworm and whipworm infection rates of residents in the surveillance sites of Guangdong were obviously lower than the survey results of the crowd infection status of human important parasitic diseases in the whole province in 2001-2004.The pinworm infection rate also decreased to some degree.
Pernicious Anemia with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pernicious anemia is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Here, we discuss a case of a young woman who presented with severe anemia along with a history of iron deficiency anemia. After a review of her clinical presentation and laboratory data, we identified an autoimmune hemolytic anemia and a concomitant pernicious anemia. The concurrence of both these hematological diagnoses in a patient is rare.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour in neurofibromatosis 1: 18F FDG PET/CT imaging.

A middle-aged patient with known neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presented with an increase in the size and number of cutaneous lesions. The lesions were further evaluated with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT that showed diffuse hypermetabolic neurofibromas of the neck, thorax, proximal lower extremities (figure 1) and a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lesion in the left lower abdominal quadrant. Biopsy of the FDG-avid lesions on the left shoulder and right thigh were histologically consistent with …
The adult zebrafish retina: In vivo optical sectioning with Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Non-invasive imaging is an invaluable diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. Two imaging devices, the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), emerged from the clinical realm to provide research scientists with a real-time view of ocular morphology in living animals. We utilized these two independent imaging modalities in a complementary manner to perform in vivo optical sectioning of the adult zebrafish retina. Due to the very high optical power of the zebrafish lens, the confocal depth of field is narrow, allowing for detailed en face views of specific retinal layers, including the cone mosaic. Moreover, we demonstrate that both native reflectance, as well as fluorescent features observed by SLO, can be combined with axial in-depth information obtained by SDOCT. These imaging approaches can be used to screen for ocular phenotypes and monitor retinal pathology in a non-invasive manner.
“The Great Emperor”: A Motif in Procopius of Caesarea’s Wars

When Justinian is described to barbarians as “the great emperor,” this reflects an anxiety about the emergence of post-Roman successor states in the West and a growing determination to pursue imperial reconquest.
Analysing Network Models to Make Discoveries about Biological Mechanisms

Systems biology provides alternatives to the strategies to developing mechanistic explanations traditionally pursued in cell and molecular biology and much discussed in accounts of mechanistic explanation. Rather than starting by identifying a mechanism for a given phenomenon and decomposing it, systems biologists often start by developing cell-wide networks of detected connections between proteins or genes and construe clusters of highly interactive components as potential mechanisms. Using inference strategies such as ‘guilt-by-association’, researchers advance hypotheses about functions performed of these mechanisms. I examine several examples of research on budding yeast, first on what are taken to be enduring networks and subsequently on networks that change as cells perform different activities or respond to different external conditions
Road and site characteristics that influence road salt distribution and damage to roadside aspen trees

During the summer of 1972 extensive necrosis of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) leaves appeared on the downhill side of a road paved in August 1971 to improve access to the Santa Fe Ski Basin, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. A Forest Service investigation showed that chloride concentrations in leaf tissue were significantly correlated with leaf damage. Our study of soil chloride distribution as influenced by physiographic and road features shows a statistically significant relationship between these features and damage to road side aspen.