cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two promoters and two translation start sites control the expression of the Shigella flexneri outer membrane protease IcsP

The Shigella flexneri outer membrane protease IcsP proteolytically cleaves the actin-based motility protein IcsA from the bacterial surface. The icsP gene is monocistronic and lies downstream of an unusually large intergenic region on the Shigella virulence plasmid. In silico analysis of this region predicts a second transcription start site 84 bp upstream of the first. Primer extension analyses and beta-galactosidase assays demonstrate that both transcription start sites are used. Both promoters are regulated by the Shigella virulence gene regulator VirB and both respond similarly to conditions known to influence Shigella virulence gene expression (iron concentration, pH, osmotic pressure, and phase of growth). The newly identified promoter lies upstream of a Shine–Dalgarno sequence and second 5′-ATG-3′, which is in frame with the annotated icsP gene. The use of either translation start site leads to the production of IcsP capable of proteolytically cleaving IcsA. A bioinformatic scan of the Shigella genome reveals multiple occurrences of in-frame translation start sites associated with putative Shine–Dalgarno sequences, immediately upstream and downstream of annotated open reading frames. Taken together, our observations support the possibility that the use of in-frame translation start sites may generate different protein isoforms, thereby expanding the proteome encoded by bacterial genomes.
Digital Simulation Approach For Design And Evaluation Of Infrared (IR) Scan And Clutter Reduction Concepts

This paper describes a digital simulation which uses measured infrared backgrounds and targets for the evaluation of various scan and clutter reduction concepts. Measured infrared background images were digitized, edited, and placed in mass storage of a CDC Cyber 172 computer. Software was developed to combine the small 4° x 4°) measured images into a larger scene (, 12' x 12') suitable for most IR homing seeker simulations. Programs were written which perform the scene scanning process, the summation of pixels within a small IFOV, and simulation of the signal processing. Examples are given of the relative signal at the scanner's aperture, the Fourier transform of this signal, and the filtered output obtained via an inverse transform. A comparison of the scan ing noises for a mid-IR versus an LWIR band are shown for a few sky/cloud backgrounds. The peak signal-to-peak background noise in the mid-IR band is also given for a tank located in a few example terrain back-grounds.
Simple certified e-check with a partial PKI solution

In this paper, we propose a simple certified e-check scheme. It is simple because no full PKI setup is needed by the e-check users. Additionally, it provides privacy and flexibility that are not in the current certified e-check scheme. Furthermore, it can be easily implemented on top of the existing Internet banking systems without additional cost. With this simple solution, we hope that the e-check will gain wide acceptance among the general population.
Fast, limited-data photoacoustic imaging for multiplexed systems using a frequency-domain estimation technique

Purpose: A new frequency-domain estimation algorithm has been developed that uses a priori information to simultaneously improve imaging quality and time resolution in photoacoustic tomography with incomplete data sets. Methods: The method involves application of a single-stage Wiener optimal filter to augment data sets by interpolation between measurement locations using relationships determined in a reference scan. The filter can be applied in real-time using FFT methods using either fixed or dynamic references and used with any imaging algorithm. The performance of the method is compared to a modified version of constrained backprojection algorithms using simulations and experimental investigations. Results: Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach for tracking dynamic photoacoustic activity for data sets with limited views (90°) or tomographic views with a reduced number of acquisition angles at any given time (≤32). Experimental data of contrast uptake and washout using a 512-element curved transducer with 8:1 electronic multiplexing with the algorithm demonstrate full two-dimensional tomographic imaging with a temporal resolution better than 130 ms. Conclusions: The estimation algorithm enables high spatial resolution, real-time imaging of dynamic physiological events or volumetric regions for photoacoustic systems employing multiplexing or scanning.
Spectrum of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.

We propose a phenomenological theory of strong incompressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in the presence of a strong large-scale external magnetic field. We argue that in the inertial range of scales, magnetic-field and velocity-field fluctuations tend to align the directions of their polarizations. However, the perfect alignment cannot be reached; it is precluded by the presence of a constant energy flux over scales. As a consequence, the directions of shear-Alfv\'en fluid and magnetic-field fluctuations at each scale $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ become effectively aligned within the angle ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{1/4}$, which leads to scale-dependent depletion of the nonlinear interaction and to the field-perpendicular energy spectrum $E({k}_{\ensuremath{\perp}})\ensuremath{\propto}{k}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}^{\ensuremath{-}3/2}$. Our results may be universal, i.e., independent of the external magnetic field, since small-scale fluctuations locally experience a strong field produced by large-scale eddies.
Vulnerability to wind damage in managed landscapes of the coastal Pacific Northwest

Managed forested landscapes in the coastal Pacific Northwest follow a pattern of transition from dominance by naturally regenerated second growth to dominance by planted stands. This transition should have dramatic influence on many characteristics of these landscapes and the larger region, including susceptibility to wind damage. In this paper, inventory and spatial information from an example landscape are integrated using the Landscape Management System to produce alternative management scenarios and evaluate the projections using a wind damage vulnerability rating system. Planted Douglas-fir stands tend to develop higher height to diameter ratios in the dominant trees, are thinned more often, and tend to have more exposed windward edges; characteristics which increase susceptibility to wind damage. In this analysis, the increasing vulnerability factors are mostly compensated for by the reduced rotation lengths expected in the plantations. The pattern of transition in managed landscapes generates an associated pattern of vulnerability to wind damage. Homogeneously and heterogeneously aged landscapes have distinct patterns of vulnerability. These differences could be harnessed to enhance the particular goals associated with managing individual ownerships.
Algorithm for analysis of administrative pediatric cancer hospitalization data according to indication for admission

Childhood cancer relies heavily on inpatient hospital services to deliver tumor-directed therapy and manage toxicities. Hospitalizations have increased over the past decade, though not uniformly across childhood cancer diagnoses. Analysis of the reasons for admission of children with cancer could enhance comparison of resource use between cancers, and allow clinical practice data to be interpreted more readily. Such comparisons using nationwide data sources are difficult because of numerous subdivisions in the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification (ICD-9) system and inherent complexities of treatments. This study aimed to develop a systematic approach to classifying cancer-related admissions in administrative data into categories that reflected clinical practice and predicted resource use. We developed a multistep algorithm to stratify indications for childhood cancer admissions in the Kids Inpatient Databases from 2003, 2006 and 2009 into clinically meaningful categories. This algorithm assumed that primary discharge diagnoses of cancer or cytopenia were insufficient, and relied on procedure codes and secondary diagnoses in these scenarios. Clinical Classification Software developed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was first used to sort thousands of ICD-9 codes into 5 mutually exclusive diagnosis categories and 3 mutually exclusive procedure categories, and validation was performed by comparison with the ICD-9 codes in the final admission indication. Mean cost, length of stay, and costs per day were compared between categories of indication for admission. A cohort of 202,995 cancer-related admissions was grouped into four categories of indication for admission: chemotherapy (N=77,791, 38%), to undergo a procedure (N=30,858, 15%), treatment for infection (N=30,380, 15%), or treatment for other toxicities (N=43,408, 21.4%). The positive predictive value for the algorithm was >95% for each category. Admissions for procedures had higher mean hospital costs, longer hospital stays, and higher costs per day compared with other admission reasons (p<0.001). This is the first description of a method for grouping indications for childhood cancer admission within an administrative dataset into clinically relevant categories. This algorithm provides a framework for more detailed analyses of pediatric hospitalization data by cancer type.
Opioidergic mechanisms mediating aggressive behavior in the cat

Etude des comportements agressifs chez le chat. Le role des opiaces est decrit dans la regulation de l'agression. Des agonistes et antagonistes des opiaces sont injectes au niveau de l'hypothalamus ventromedian et de la substance grise periaqueducale apres induction d'un comportement defensif par stimulation electrique
Sirolimus-induced thrombotic microangiopathy in a renal transplant recipient

A rare but well-documented serious adverse reaction to the administration of the calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and cyclosporine in renal transplant recipients is the development of medication-induced thrombotic microangiopathy. The recently introduced immunosuppressive medication sirolimus has a very similar molecular structure to tacrolimus and also binds to the same intracellular proteins. Despite these similarities with tacrolimus, sirolimus has a different side-effect profile and reportedly lacks documented specific renal toxicity. This is a case report of the isolated administration of sirolimus without a concomitant calcineurin inhibitor being associated with the development of renal transplant biopsy-proven thrombotic microangiopathy. The patient is a 47-year-old African-American woman whose primary cause of renal failure was not thrombotic micrangiopathy, and she received a 5-antigen mismatched cadaveric renal transplant. Because of preexisting nephrosclerosis in the renal transplant, this patient was never administered a calcineurin inhibitor but was always maintained on sirolimus. With recent animal data showing that sirolmus can be nephrotoxic in a renal ischemic-reperfusion model (similar to what happens with a renal transplant), the authors speculate on a mechanism for this adverse reaction.
Failure to define window of time for autologous tumor vaccination in patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Objectives We and others have shown that B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (ALL) stimulated with CD40 ligand become efficient antigen-presenting cells (APC) capable of expanding autologous, tumor-specific T cells from patients. Translation of these preclinical findings to a novel treatment strategy required four separate issues to be determined: (1) if a CD40-ALL vaccine could be generated for clinical use; (2) whether clinical translation could be achieved; (3) whether the vaccination was safe; and (4) whether a window of time could be identified that would optimize the efficacy of vaccination. Patients and methods Nine patients with relapsed/refractory ALL were enrolled in a phase I trial of vaccination with autologous CD40-ALL. Immunologic reconstitution was measured in a separate cohort of 23 patients with newly diagnosed ALL. Results We successfully prepared autologous vaccines for all nine patients in the phase I trial. CD40-ALL were potent APC, capable of stimulating allogeneic and peptide-specific T cells in vitro. Two patients were vaccinated without adverse events. Five patients died or progressed before vaccination, suggesting that rapid disease progression limits vaccination in patients with relapse disease, thus limiting clinical translation. We therefore sought to identify a window of time for vaccination during which this approach might be feasible. To achieve this end, we evaluated immunological reconstitution in newly diagnosed patients with ALL patients. Despite recovery of myelopoiesis, most patients had profound defects in T, B, and natural killer (NK) cell numbers that failed to recover at any point during therapy. Conclusion Autologous tumor vaccination at a time of ALL relapse is not feasible. Alternative strategies for immunotherapy of ALL may require ex vivo generation of antigen specific T cells and adoptive therapy.
Characterization and comparison of chitosan/PVP and chitosan/PEO blend films

The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the physical and functional properties of chitosan films prepared with poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) and polyethylene oxide (PEO). Addition of PVP or PEO reduced yellowish coloration of chitosan-based films and made the films easier to puncture and tear. Contrary to chitosan/PEO films, where addition of PEO had tendency to reduce water vapor permeability (WVP), the chitosan/PVP films with PVP content of 75% had significantly higher WVP compared to pure chitosan films. Chromium binding capacity of the films was not significantly reduced by any of the tested synthetic polymers even when they replaced up to 75% chitosan in the films. Similarly, antimicrobial efficiency was reduced only when 75% PEO or 50% PVP was used in the films. It appears that incorporation of PVP or PEO in chitosan films could significantly reduce production price with no effect on functionality of the films.
Optimizing Response Surface Experiments with Noise Factors Using Confidence Regions

One way to improve quality is to reduce the impact of variation. Taguchi emphasized that quality is improved by minimizing the effect of variables that are difficult or impossible to control. In robust design experiments, settings of design variables that are controllable are sought that are insensitive to the effects of the noise factors. A summary of methods for using confidence statements in the optimization of a product or process during the design phase is given. In addition, confidence regions for determining control factor settings that optimize the mean and variance simultaneously are discussed. An example is used to illustrate the advantages of characterizing the uncertainty in the optimal factor settings.
Patulin production by Penicillium urticae Bainier in batch culture.

Abstract A still, batch-culture method, with potato dextrose medium and Penicillium urticae Bainier, produced patulin yields of 1.2 to 1.7 g/liter of medium. Incubation was at 25 C for 14 days. Ethyl acetate extraction of condensed culture filtrate and drying with anhydrous MgSO4, followed by solvent change to dry ethyl ether and purification on alumina (pH 4.5), produced pure crystalline patulin. The use of 2-liter, round-bottom flasks and a rotating vacuum evaporator provided versatile equipment and easy manipulation in the operations. Soil from wheat fields provided a convenient natural P. urticae source. Potato dextrose medium was superior to potato sucrose or Raulin-Thom media.
Permeability of Rat Liver Microsomes to Sucrose and Carboxypoly-glucose in vitro

A study was made of the permeability of the microsomes to C14-sucrose and to C14-carboxypolyglucose, a branch-chained glucose polymer with a molecular weight of approximately 50,000. It was concluded that the microsomal membranes are permeable to sucrose on the basis of the following evidence: the volume of distribution of C14-sucrose was 84 per cent of the total microsomal pellet water; the sucrose unavailable volume, the per cent dry weights of the microsomal pellets, and the optical density of microsomal suspensions were independent of the concentration of sucrose in the suspending medium. It is suggested that the microsomal water which is unavailable to sucrose may be bound to protein and/or ribonucleic acid of the microsomes. The volume of distribution of C14-carboxypolyglucose was 44 per cent of the total pellet water, and it is considered that the microsomal membranes may be impermeable to this compound. Pretreatment with ribonuclease resulted in small increases in the volumes of distribution of both C14-sucrose and C14-carboxypolyglucose.
Source localization using reflection omission in the near-field

Timing equations can be exploited to distinguish between LOS and reflected signals in an RF emitter location system. For this purpose, some algorithms are given. The first algorithm extracts the group of the signals corning from the same source from all the first arrivals at the omni-directional sensors. This algorithm can be generalized for the directive sensors. Then an algorithm is given to distinguish between the transmitter and other located sources (reflectors). Finally a method is introduced to locate the transmitter when there are not enough LOS signals but at least four reflectors of the first type have been located in the first algorithm.
Uncertainty, Confifict, and Labor Relations in the Modern Firm II: The War on Labor

In Part I of this article, it was suggested that American business faces a new and difficult set of organizational uncertainties. Among these are an escalating cost of energy, increased governmental regulation, and an international economy posing new dilemmas. Employers have pointed to the so-called productivity crisis as an additional source of concern. This is, in part, a rhetorical issue: although the annual rate of productivity growth has fallen, productivity itself has not declined. However, there is growing evidence that managers are worried, perhaps because questions of productivity and of labor itself are ones about which management feels it ought to exercise some control.According to business trade journals (the major source of data for this research), employers currently choose between two strategies in dealing with their workers. First is 'capitalism with a human face'. In ascending order of complexity, its specific tactics include (1) traditional human relations techniques; (2) revamped incent...
Marmoset kids actually listen

Undergraduate linguistics courses typically present language as unique to humans. Chomsky and others have postulated a language organ that evolved in hominids. This idea found modest support in the lack of evidence for vocal production learning (imitating sounds) in nonhuman primates. But did language suddenly emerge in the Homo lineage as a “hopeful monster” ( 1 ) who could learn new sounds and meanings? Evidence for vocal learning in nonhuman primates is now emerging ( 2 , 3 ), and in hindsight, looking at vocal production learning as the sole evolutionary precursor of language might have been shortsighted. Similar developmental processes can lead to different end points, and minor modifications of a primitive developmental program can create very different creatures. On page 734 of this issue, Takahashi et al. ( 4 ) provide evidence for a developmental process, rather than its endpoint, which reveals a shared developmental program for animal communication and human language. This indicates an ancestral developmental program that is shared not only between humans and other primates but also across mammals and birds.
Regulation of the Phosphorylation of Human Pharyngeal Cell Proteins by Group A Streptococcal Surface Dehydrogenase: Signal Transduction between Streptococci and Pharyngeal Cells

Whether cell-to-cell communication results when group A streptococci interact with their target cells is unknown. Here, we report that upon contact with cultured human pharyngeal cells, both whole streptococci and purified streptococcal surface dehydrogenase (SDH) activate pharyngeal cell protein tyrosine kinase as well as protein kinase C, thus regulating the phosphorylation of cellular proteins. SDH, a major surface protein of group A streptococci, has both glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and ADP-ribosylating enzyme activities that may relate to early stages of streptococcal infection. Intact streptococci and purified SDH induce a similar protein phosphorylation pattern with the de novo tyrosine phosphorylation of a 17-kD protein found in the membrane/particulate fraction of the pharyngeal cells. However, this phosphorylation required the presence of cytosolic components. NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis identified the 17-kD protein as nuclear core histone H3. Both phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine-specific monoclonal antibodies reacted with the 17-kD protein by Western blot, suggesting that the binding of SDH to these pharyngeal cells elicits a novel signaling pathway that ultimately leads to activation of histone H3–specific kinases. Genistein-inhibitable phosphorylation of histone H3 indicates that tyrosine kinase plays a key role in this event. Treatment of pharyngeal cells with protein kinase inhibitors such as genistein and staurosporine significantly inhibited streptococcal invasion of pharyngeal cells. Therefore, these data indicated that streptococci/SDH-mediated phosphorylation plays a critical role in bacterial entry into the host cell. To identify the membrane receptor that elicits these signaling events, we found that SDH bound specifically to 30- and 32-kD membrane proteins in a direct ligand-binding assay. These findings clearly suggest that SDH plays an important role in cellular communication between streptococci and pharyngeal cells that may be important in host cell gene transcription, and hence in the pathogenesis of streptococcal infection.
Chemical decomposition of glutamine in cell culture media: effect of media type, pH, and serum concentration

The chemical decomposition of glutamine to ammonia and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid was studied at 37 degrees C in a pH range of 6.8-7.8 in different media preparations containing various amounts of fetal bovine serum. The media type influenced the decomposition rate, and the first-order rate constants increased with increasing pH values. The serum concentration had little or no effect on the decomposition rate. The importance of chemical decomposition of glutamine on the analysis of glutamine and ammonia metabolism was illustrated by an example of batch cultivation of a hybridoma cell line. The difference between the apparent uptake rate of glutamine and the actual uptake rate (which is corrected for the chemical decomposition) is shown to be as high as 200%. Similar discrepancy between the apparent and actual ammonia production rate is observed. Mathematical analysis was carried out to develop the relationship between the apparent and actual glutamine uptake and ammonia production rates. The analysis reveals that there are three important dimensionless parameter ratios that govern the difference between the apparent and actual glutamine uptake and ammonia production rates.
Untenability of the Heteronomous DNA Model for Poly(dA) · Poly(dT) in Solution. This DNA Adopts a Right-Handed B-DNA Duplex in Which the Two Strands are Conformationally Equivalent. A 500 MHz NMR Study Using One Dimensional NOE

Abstract ID NOE 1H NMR spectroscopy at 500 MHz was employed to examine the structure of poly(dA)·poly(dT) in solution. NOE experiments were conducted as a function of presaturation pulse length (50, 30, 20 and 10 msec) and.power (19 and 20 db) to distinguish the primary NOEs from spin diffusion. The 10 msec NOE experiments took 49 hrs and over 55,000 scans for each case and the difference spectra were almost free from diffusion. The spin diffused NOE difference spectra as well as difference NOE spectra in 90% H2O + 10% D2O in which TNH3 was presaturated enabled to make a complete assignment of the base and sugar protons. It is shown that poly(dA) ·poly(dT) melts in a fashion in which single stranded bubbles are formed with increasing temperature. Extremely strong primary NOEs were observed at H2′/H2″ when AH8 and TH6 were presaturated. The observed NOEs at AH2′ and that AH2″ were very similar as were the NOEs at TH2′ and TH2″. The observed NOEs at AH2′ and AH2″when AH8 was presaturated were very similar t...
Constructive Conflict in the Schools

All children, adolescents, and young adults need to learn how to manage conflicts constructively. There are three steps in doing so. The first is establishing a cooperative context, primarily through the use of cooperative learning. The second is to create intellectual conflicts through the use of structured academic controversies. Controversy results in increased student achievement, critical thinking, higher level reasoning, intrinsic motivation to learn, and a number of other important educational outcomes. The third is to establish a peer mediation program in which students try to negotiate integrative agreements to their conflicts of interests and, if negotiations fail, to seek the help of a peer mediator. All students should be taught how to negotiate and how to mediate and the role of mediator should be rotated throughout the classroom and school so that all students gain mediating experience. The theory and research underlying these steps is reviewed.
Clutter suppression in search radars

A comparison of MTI and Optimum Pulse-Doppler processors is presented for the case where they coherently process the same number of pulses in a radar dwell. These results are presented in terms of probability of detection versus signal-to-noise or signal-to-clutter ratio, for a fixed false alarm probability. When multiple dwells are transmitted during the time-on-target, dwell-to-dwell PRF changes can be used to eliminate blind speeds. A step-by-step procedure for implementing such designs is described and a performance analysis for a particular example is presented.
Molecular themes in oncogenesis

At present ,lesions in the proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes seem almost equally prevalent among human cancers ,although the number of tumor suppressor genes afflicted in any given tumor may be greater ,and examples exist in wich only one (or even no) genetic lesion has been detected .It seems likely ,however thatmost malignancies arise from the collaborative effects of dominant and recessive lesions ,enumeration of wich is now in progress ;
Bremsstrahlung Diode Performance on Mercury MIVA

The Mercury generator is a ~6 MV, ~360 kA, ~50 ns magnetically-insulated voltage adder that recently became operational at the Naval Research Laboratory [1,2], providing a radiation environment of interest to both the DOE and DoD communities. To establish the bremsstrahlung dose and dose-rate production of Mercury, a series of large-area electron-beam (e-beam) diode experiments are performed in which the e-beam is deposited onto either a carbon or an optimized-thickness tantalum converter package. In this paper, experimental results are presented and compared with predictions from LSP (PIC) simulations [3] and ITS/Cyltran (Monte Carlo) calculations [4].
Recognizing scene viewpoint using panoramic place representation

We introduce the problem of scene viewpoint recognition, the goal of which is to classify the type of place shown in a photo, and also recognize the observer's viewpoint within that category of place. We construct a database of 360° panoramic images organized into 26 place categories. For each category, our algorithm automatically aligns the panoramas to build a full-view representation of the surrounding place. We also study the symmetry properties and canonical viewpoint of each place category. At test time, given a photo of a scene, the model can recognize the place category, produce a compass-like indication of the observer's most likely viewpoint within that place, and use this information to extrapolate beyond the available view, filling in the probable visual layout that would appear beyond the boundary of the photo.
Chorioretinal architecture in Aicardi syndrome: An optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography study

Aicardi syndrome is a rare congenital disorder with a classic triad of infantile spasms, chorioretinal lacunae, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. We report the use of fluorescein angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography to examine the posterior segment structures in an 8-month-old girl with Aicardi syndrome. Most of the observed features correlated with previously published histopathological findings, but inner nuclear layer cysts have not been previously described. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the tomographic and angiographic chorioretinal features in vivo.
Study of ablation and implosion stages in wire arrays using coupled ultraviolet and X-ray probing diagnostics

Star and cylindrical wire arrays were studied using laser probing and X-ray radiography at the 1-MA Zebra pulse power generator at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Leopard laser provided backlighting, producing a laser plasma from a Si target which emitted an X-ray probing pulse at the wavelength of 6.65 A. A spherically bent quartz crystal imaged the backlit wires onto X-ray film. Laser probing diagnostics at the wavelength of 266 nm included a 3-channel polarimeter for Faraday rotation diagnostic and two-frame laser interferometry with two shearing interferometers to study the evolution of the plasma electron density at the ablation and implosion stages. Dynamics of the plasma density profile in Al wire arrays at the ablation stage were directly studied with interferometry, and expansion of wire cores was measured with X-ray radiography. The magnetic field in the imploding plasma was measured with the Faraday rotation diagnostic, and current was reconstructed.
Bit-to-bit error dependence in slotted DS/SSMA packet systems with random signature sequences

A technique is developed to find an accurate approximation to the probability of data bit error and the probability of packet success in a direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access (DS/SSMA) packet radio system with random signature sequences. An improved Gaussian approximation to the probability of data bit error is performed. Packet performance is analyzed by using the theory of moment spaces to gain insight into the effect of bit-to-bit error dependence caused by interfering signal relative delays and phases which are assumed constant over the duration of a desired packet. Numerical results show that if no error control exists in the desired packet or if block error control is used when multiple-access interference is high, the error dependence increases the average probability of packet success beyond that predicted by models which use independent bit errors. However, when block error control is used and the multiple-access interference is low, the bit error dependencies cause a reduction in packet error performance. >
Understanding the Relationship Between the Emotional Competence Inventory - University Edition and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in the Admission of College Students to an Orthopaedics-Based Honors Program

UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE INVENTORY-UNIVERSITY EDITION AND THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR IN THE ADMISSION OF COLLEGE STUDENTS TO AN ORTHOPAEDICSBASED HONORS PROGRAM
Comparative Study of the Sperm Morphology of South American Primates and Those of the Old World

Primate species exist today in four regions of the world: in South America, Africa, Madagascar and Southeast Asia, all separated by water expanses of differing magnitudes. Various theories have been proposed as to how these species, if derived from a common ancestor, could have populated such widely separated areas of the world. Recent resurgence of interest in Wegener’s theory of continental drift (Hallam, 1973) has revived an interest in global migration of various species during the late Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras. It is the purpose of this chapter to use some parameters of comparative sperm morphology to seek evidence of the means by which catarrhine (Old World) and platyrrhine (New World) primates achieved their present biogeographic distribution. To this end this study has been specifically directed toward an investigation of the phylogenetic relationships of cercopithecoid (catarrhine) and ceboid (platyrrhine) species based on analysis of their sperm morphology.
A theory-based intervention to increase dental utilization by disadvantaged children.

A THEORY-BASED INTERVENTION TO INCREASE DENTAL UTILIZATION BY DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN Catherine J. Binkley May 31,2007 Oral disease is the greatest unmet healthcare need of disadvantaged children in the United States, with only 20% of disadvantaged Medicaid-eligible children receiving routine dental care. Peter Margolis proposed a theoretical model of access to healthcare services and reported the effectiveness of a case manager intervention in increasing medical care utilization by disadvantaged mothers and infants. This study was based on Margolis's theory and used a case manager to assist parents in obtaining dental care. Methods: The study was based on secondary analyses of data from the "Parental Help Seeking for Dental Care" project. The randomized, controlled intervention study was conducted with 202 parents/caregivers of Medicaidinsured children in Louisville, Kentucky, from March 2004 to April 2005. The research questions were:
Dielectric and Structural Properties of (100) KTa1−xNbxO3 Films Grown on MgO, LaAIO3 and SrTiO3 Substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition

KTa1-xNbxO3 (KTN) thin films (∼6000 A) were grown on (100) MgO, (100) LaAlO3 (LAO), and (100) SrTiO3(STO) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Deposited films were smooth, single phase and exclusively (100) oriented. KTN films deposited on MgO and LAO substrates were easily cracked after deposition or post deposition heat treatment. The film deformation appeared to be caused by strain due to the lattice mismatch between the film and the substrate. A thin buffer layer of ∼100 A was used to eliminate the cracking problem. The high volatility of K at the film deposition temperature required excess K to be added to the ablation target. Sintering of the target and post-deposition annealing of the films were done in a sealed Pt coated stainless steel container. Rutherford backscattering showed the films to have a 1 to 1 atomic ratio of K to Ta + Nb. On top of the KTN films, Ag interdigitated capacitors were deposited. Room temperature measurements of capacitance and dielectric loss as a function of bias electric field (0 -80 kV/cm) at 1 to 20 GHz were made. Capacitance and dielectric loss measurements were made as a function of temperature and bias electric field at one MHz and as a function of temperature and frequency at 0V DC bias. The results show the strong potential of KTN for use in frequency agile microwave electronics.
Measuring the Static State Adsorption Isotherm of the Hydrophobically Associating Polymer on Oil Sand in Suizhong Oilfield

This paper discussed the theory of adsorption at solid/liquid interfaces and the mechanism and influencing factors of adsorption and retention.Then method of analyzing the concentration of displacement agents was established in order to evaluate the adsorbance.Based on this,we determined the adsorbance of displacement agents on the condition of oil layer in Suizhong oilfield by the experiments of adsorption.In the static adsorption experiment,when the hydrophobically associating polymer was adsorbed by well core sand,their adsorbance was determined.At last,we worked out 4 adsorption curves and analyzed the characteristics of the curves.The experiment shows it is closer to the saturation when the density of the polymer reaches 700mg/g and the solid/liquid ratio is 5 ml/g.The adsorption reaches the saturation when the polymer absorption time is 18h.The absorption amount of the polymer on the net sand is greater than the oil sand.
Tutorial: An In-Depth Look at Modern Database Systems.

This tutorial on Modern Database Systems (MDS) is targeted at a broad set of database systems and applications people. It is intended to let the attendees better appreciate what is really behind the covers of many of the modern database systems (e.g., NoSQL and NewSQL systems), going beyond the hype associated with these open source, commercial and/or research systems. The capabilities and limitations of such systems will be addressed. Modern extensions to decades old relational DBMSs like DB2 and SQL Server will also be described. Some application case studies will also be presented.
MetaCoMET: a web platform for discovery and visualization of the core microbiome

Motivation: A key component of the analysis of microbiome datasets is the identification of OTUs shared between multiple experimental conditions, commonly referred to as the core microbiome. Results: We present a web platform named MetaCoMET that enables the discovery and visualization of the core microbiome and provides a comparison of the relative abundance and diversity patterns between subsets of samples within a microbiome dataset. MetaCoMET provides an efficient and interactive graphical interface for analyzing each subset defined by the union or disjunction of groups within the Venn diagram, and includes a graphical taxonomy summary, alpha diversity metrics, Principal Coordinate analysis, abundance-based heatmaps, and a chart indicating the geographic distribution of each sample. Availability and Implementation: MetaCoMET is a user-friendly and efficient web platform freely accessible at http://probes.pw.usda.gov/MetaCoMET or http://aegilops.wheat.ucdavis.edu/MetaCoMET. Contact: devin.coleman-derr@ars.usda.gov Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Elusive Political Solution

If reformist intervention is not attempted or is not successful, the time may come when the opposition can no longer be appeased or weakened by changes in policy but can only be satisfied by a fundamental alteration of the regime itself. The past performance of the United States government in these situations has been bitterly attacked both by critics on the left and critics on the right. The experience of the recent past, however, has provided little support for either view.
Fish Oil and C-Reactive Protein

Many studies have been published on the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Favorable outcomes have also been published on the role of fish oil in growth and development, cognitive function, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, depression, cancer, and insulin. The results of this chapter suggest that FO supplementation might be helpful in populations that have elevated levels of inflammation, specifically disease states such as end-stage renal disease, metabolic syndrome, and CVD, but it may not be warranted in apparently healthy populations. Additionally, experimental and observational study findings have suggested that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish could possibly be beneficial for both diseased and apparently healthy populations.
The Evolutionarily-conserved Polyadenosine RNA Binding Protein, Nab2, Cooperates with Splicing Machinery to Regulate the Fate of pre-mRNA.

Numerous RNA binding proteins are deposited onto an mRNA transcript to modulate post-transcriptional processing events ensuring proper mRNA maturation. Defining the interplay between RNA binding proteins that couple mRNA biogenesis events is crucial for understanding how gene expression is regulated. To explore how RNA binding proteins control mRNA processing, we investigated a role for the evolutionarily conserved polyadenosine RNA binding protein, Nab2, in mRNA maturation within the nucleus. This work reveals that nab2 mutant cells accumulate intron-containing pre-mRNA in vivo. We extend this analysis to identify genetic interactions between mutant alleles of nab2 and genes encoding the splicing factor, MUD2, and the RNA exosome, RRP6, with in vivo consequences of altered pre-mRNA splicing and poly(A) tail length control. As further evidence linking Nab2 proteins to splicing, an unbiased proteomic analysis of vertebrate Nab2, ZC3H14, identifies physical interactions with numerous components of the spliceosome. We validated the interaction between ZC3H14 and U2AF2/U2AF^(65). Taking all the findings into consideration, we present a model where Nab2/ZC3H14 interacts with spliceosome components to allow proper coupling of splicing with subsequent mRNA processing steps contributing to a kinetic proofreading step that allows properly processed mRNA to exit the nucleus and escape Rrp6-dependent degradation.
A Dimension-free Carleson Measure Inequality

We consider the following Carleson measure inequality for the Poisson integrals P[f] in ℝ + n+1 : $$\left\| {P[f]} \right\|_{L^p } (\mathbb{R}_ + ^{n + 1} ,d\mu ) \leqslant C\mathcal{H}\left[ \mu \right]^{\frac{1} {p}} \left\| f \right\|L^P (\mathbb{R}^n ),{\text{ }}f \in L^p (\mathbb{R}^n )$$ , where 1 2 and discuss some related results.
Ambiguity: the emerging impact of mindfulness for change leaders

It is well established that ambiguity occurs in most transformational organization change efforts; however, we do not fully understand how change leaders cope with ambiguity and in particular the i...
Exploratory spatial distribution of dynamic wireless charging demand for EVs

This paper demonstrates a framework to optimize the investment of dynamic wireless charging (DWC) infrastructure for charging-in-motion services. The services require DWC infrastructure deployed on public roads to extend battery lifespan and reduce battery sizes while increasing driving range simultaneously. Since it would be financially infeasible to have such investments serving only few vehicles, estimation of power demand in real world applications will be valuable to the deployment. We propose a traffic-based power demand (TBPD) framework to estimate the demand since not only number and type of vehicles but also their spatial distribution of power demands have to be considered for the optimization. Monte Carlo simulations are incorporated into the proposed framework to estimate both number and type of vehicles as well as their speed profiles in a road network. Spatial distribution of power demands is derived with the simulated speed profiles and lays a foundation for the optimization. An example of applying the proposed framework in a corridor in Chattanooga, TN is presented for further discussion. Based on the power demand estimation, it is found that road segments between slightly upstream to and farther downstream from a stop line are ideal candidates to server the purpose.
Potential use of byproducts from cultivation and processing of sweet potatoes

The cultivation and processing of sweet potatoes into a variety of products yields both solid and liquid organic waste. Solid waste includes peelings and trimmings from the sweet potato root and sweet potato leaves and vines. Liquid waste results from various processing methods and creates significant amounts of nutrient rich waste water. Sweet potato waste materials contain carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds, macro and micro nutrients, and pigments that have the potential of being extracted or utilized for various downstream processes and products. This review examines many of the different ways that these waste products can be utilized.
Enhancement of Energy Production of the Intervertebral Disc by the Implantation of Polyurethane Mass Transfer Devices.

Insufficient nutrient supply has been suggested to be one of the etiologies for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. We are investigating nutrient transport into the IVD as a potential treatment strategy for disc degeneration. Most cellular activities in the IVD (e.g., cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production) are mainly driven by adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) which is the main energy currency. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increased mass transfer on ATP production in the IVD by the implantation of polyurethane (PU) mass transfer devices. In this study, the porcine functional spine units were used and divided into intact, device and surgical groups. For the device and surgical groups, two puncture holes were created bilaterally at the dorsal side of the annulus fibrosus (AF) region and the PU mass transfer devices were only implanted into the holes in the device group. Surgical groups were observed for the effects of placing the holes through the AF only. After 7 days of culture, the surgical group exhibited a significant reduction in the compressive stiffness and disc height compared to the intact and device groups, whereas no significant differences were found in compressive stiffness, disc height and cell viability between the intact and device groups. ATP, lactate and the proteoglycan contents in the device group were significantly higher than the intact group. These results indicated that the implantation of the PU mass transfer device can promote the nutrient transport and enhance energy production without compromising mechanical and cellular functions in the disc. These results also suggested that compromise to the AF has a negative impact on the IVD and must be addressed when treatment strategies are considered. The results of this study will help guide the development of potential strategies for disc degeneration.
“For a few days we would be residents in Africa”: Jessie Redmon Fausct's “Dark Algiers the White”

American scholarship on the Harlem Renaissance has, until recently, been strongly U.S.-centric, but the work of many of the important writers of the New Negro-era has an international dimension, as writers attempted to place the African American struggle for political and civil rights and cultural authority in larger, often global, contexts. Recent scholarship has revealed that the term, “Harlem Renaissance,” used as a rubric to characterize the flowering of black culture-building and political activism in the first years of the 20th century is something of a misnomer.
Concern about Piracetam treatment for children with Down syndrome.

To the Editor. Media reports in the ABC television programs “Day One” on January 19, 1995, and later “Nightline” and other media reports have publicized the hypothesis that two treatments improve the function of children with Down syndrome. One treatment is nutritional supplements, and the other is the drug Piracetam. The nutritional supplements are said to correct the metabolic imbalances1caused by the extra number 21 chromosome. Piracetam is a nosotropic drug, a new class of psychoactive drugs that are postulated to improve cognitive function. It is a cyclic …