cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanotube Micro-Opto-Mechanical Systems (N-MOMS)

In this paper we report the first applications of single wall carbon nanotube based micro-optomechanical systems (MOMS). Thin films of nanotubes with line widths ranging less than 1.5 mum and thicknesses ranging from 40 to 700 nm were patterned into micro-mechanical systems using batch fabrication techniques. Arrays of nanotube based MOM actuators, MOM-micromirrors and MOM-micro-grippers were fabricated using CMOS compatible techniques. Nanotube based MOMS devices showed better performance compared to their MEMS based electrostatic silicon counterparts and consumed only 200 muW-170 mW of power. These studies open a new field of nanotube based MOMS that could potentially outperform silicon based MEMS devices.
Measurement of the hormones of the renin system in hypertensive patients

The renin-angiotensin-aldusterone system has emerged as an important factor in blood pressure regulation and in the blood pressure elevation of certain hypotensive patients. Peripheral renin measurements are useful for differentiating primary from secondary aldosteronism, for subdividing hypertensive patients into different treatment protocols, and as a screening test for identifying patients with unilateral renovascular hypertension. Renal vein renin measurements are key diagnostic aids in identifying the presence of unilateral or bilateral renal ischemia and in evaluating the degree of reduction in blood flow to the unilateral ischemic kidney. Renin methods involve an enzymatic incubation followed by radioimmunoassay of the formed angiotensin I. Inactive renin comprises a major portion of the renin in plasma. It can be activated by cold (+6 to −4°) or by acidification to below pH 1.0, conditions that should be avoided prior to the incubation step. To be used as a screening test plasma renin methods must he sufficiently sensitive and specific to explore the subnormal range. Non-specific substances in plasma can displace 125 I-angiotensin from angiotensin antibodies and their concentration is difficult to assay accurately. They comprise a major portion of the angiotensin I in low renin samples but become a negligible fraction after an 18 hour incubation and can then be ignored. Prolonged incubations require prolonged angiotensinase inhibition which can be achieved simply by incubating renin at the p11 optimum (5.7) in the presence of EDTA and PMSF. The angiotensin I RIA provides no unusual problems. A flow diagram is presented in which renin measurements are used for the diagnosis of secondary forms of hypertension and for initiating treatment in the majority of patients with essential hypertension.
Dielectric studies of mineral‐filled epoxy

Dielectric studies in epoxy and epoxy composites, containing different volume fractions of three different dielectric fillers, have been performed using the impedance bridge method for the high frequency region, 10 2 to 10 5 Hz, and the d.c. transient current method for the low frequency region, 10 -4 to 10 -1 Hz. It has been observed that, in the high frequency region, the dielectric constants of the epoxy composites increased with the addition of the dielectric filler and with the increase of the dielectric constant of the filler. The intensity of the p-relaxation was reduced for the composites compared to an equal volume of epoxy, owing to the decrease in the concentration of the diester segments in the composites. From the low frequency data, the epoxy and epoxy composites behaved more debye-like with increasing temperature. Also, the dielectric loss factor increased, but the thermal activation energy value to relaxation decreased two to four times in going from the unfilled to filled materials, which was thought to be attributed to Maxwell-Wagner buildup of interfacial charges at the epoxy/fillers interfaces.
Paradoxical preferences when options are identical

Normative models of choice predict no preference when unequally priced options of identical quality are temporarily offered for the same low price, yet several studies using nonhuman subjects have found a preference in this context. Paradoxically, subjects have preferred the stimulus associated with typically higher acquisition cost. Here, preference tests were conducted for gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis) choosing between temporarily identical options, which were color coded to represent typical conditions. During no-choice trials, subjects were offered either a cheap or an expensive food reward, by positioning the reward either 1.9 or 60 cm into a tunnel. During intermittent free-choice trials, subjects chose between color-coded but otherwise identical options (same reward, both cheap). Jays preferred the stimulus associated with lower cost, unlike subjects in previous studies. To reconcile these conflicting findings, we model choice as a trade-off between state and predation. We explore how alternative mechanisms of valuation may lead to preference in either direction (i.e., for greater workload vs lower predation risk). Our models accommodate observed paradoxical preferences in both directions.
Differential effects of parental involvement on cognitive and behavioral outcomes by socioeconomic status

Abstract Parental involvement is a much investigated area of research. Unfortunately, there are many conflicting findings. In some cases, researchers claim parental involvement positively affects academic achievement, while others claim parental involvement negatively affects academic achievement. Finally, a third grouping of studies find parental involvement has no significant relationship to academic achievement. A parallel body of research investigating the forces affecting dropping out has also been developed. Unfortunately, little research has actually attempted to link the various dimensions of parental involvement to dropping out or other at-risk behavioral outcomes, such as truancy (one exception being Astone and McLanahan 1991). Using the concepts of cultural and social capital, I provide a theoretical framework for why there would exist differential effects of parental involvement across cognitive (e.g., science achievement) and behavioral (e.g., truancy and dropping out) outcomes. I further investigate the variable relationships between involvement and each outcome by socioeconomic status. Findings indicate that parental involvement is generally a salient factor in explaining behavioral but not cognitive outcomes, with greatest support for parent-child discussion and involvement in Parent-Teacher organizations. Findings also indicate that specific dimensions of involvement have greater effects for upper SES students. These findings can be considered preliminary support for the contention of Bourdieu (1977) and Lareau (1989) that the greater levels of cultural capital possessed by the members of the upper class magnifies parental involvement’s effect for advantaged students.
Haphazard policy on hazardous exports.

to do with the banned products and left the door open for export. The environment, health, and safety of people in importing countries (often in the Third World) have been threatened for a long time by the export of banned or strictly regulated drugs, medical devices, pesticides, chemicals, and other products. Occasionally such products have caused major public health problems and have received international attention. For example, the use of chloramphenicol in the U.S.A. has been restricted since the early 1950s to the treatment of a few life-threatening infections because of its serious side-effects, such as aplastic anaemia. Only recently have the marketing practices of companies selling chloramphenicol improved in some developing countries. Previously, chloramphenicol was sold without proper warning about side-effects and was used to treat everyday infections for which its effectiveness was unproven.3 In 1972-73, during an extensive typhoid epidemic in Mexico with a very high death rate, it was found that the salmonellae
The distribution of Carboniferous-Permian siliciclastic rocks in the greater Arabian basin

Correlative sequences of sandstones, silt-stones, claystones, and thin argillaceous carbonate beds of late Carboniferous-Early Permian age occupy a distinct stratigraphic position over the entire greater Arabian basin. These rocks are bracketed by a regional unconformity below and a conformable succession of Permian carbonates above them. The basal contact is marked by a pronounced angular unconformity which separates this Carboniferous-Permian succession from underlying, much older rocks. The Carboniferous-Permian rocks crop out in thin bands and scattered small exposures in the basin, but they are commonly encountered in the subsurface. The age assignment for these rocks is based on both fossil plants and palynomorphs as well as on stratigraphie position. These rocks are represented by the Unayzah formation of Arabia and the Gulf region, the Amanus formation of Syria, the Hazro formation of southeast Turkey, the Ga9ara formation of Iraq, the Faraghan formation of southwest Iran, the Asfar formation of north Oman, the Gharif and Khlata formations (Haushi group) of south Oman, and the Akbarah formation of North Yemen. Sandstones of these Carboniferous-Permian sequences are important hydrocarbon exploration targets, as significant quantities of hydrocarbons are currently produced from reservoirs of these rocks in several oilfields in the basin.
Optical Coherence Tomography versus High-Frequency Ultrasound for Diagnosis and Staging of Bladder Cancer

We present experimental results to examine the utility and potential limitations of 1.3µm spectrum-domain optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound for diagnosis and staging of cancers induced in rat bladders following AY-27 cells induction.
Effects of wall recombination on the etch rate and plasma composition of an etch reactor

A helicon plasma etch reactor is simulated using direct simulation Monte Carlo and particle-in-cell methods for a chlorine (Cl2) feed gas flow. Computations for the gas discharge are carried out by modeling the ions and neutrals as particles and by imposing the electrons as a background condition conforming to experimental measurements. The neutrals and ions are then allowed to interact with the background electrons and to relax to a steady state. The effects on the reactor flow field and etch rate of chlorine atom recombination into chlorine molecules at the walls is investigated. Results show that recombination at the walls results in the depletion of the amount of chlorine atoms (Cl) in the reactor. The depleted chlorine atom population leads to lower ionization levels and a diminished ion (Cl+) flux to the wafer. Consequently, the etch rate is decreased by as much as 15% when compared to simulations without recombination. The creation of chlorine (Cl2) molecules at the walls through recombination also...
Factors Affecting Growth of Bdellovibrio on Rhizobium

The extent of decline in the population density of Rhizobium sp. exposed to Bdellovibrio was markedly reduced in the presence of montmorillonite, kaolinite or vermiculite but not by a soil clay fraction. Increasing levels of montmorillonite reduced the numbers of vibrios that appeared in a two-membered culture and allowed for greater survival of the rhizobia. Bdellovibrio and not Rhizobium sp. was retained when mixed with the three clay minerals, but no appreciable retention was evident with the soil clay fraction. Suspensions of colloidal soil organic matter protected the hosts from parasitism, although aqueous extracts of soil did not affect the relationship. Cells from old Rhizobium sp. cultures were attacked only after a lag phase, but rhizobia that had been stored were more rapidly lysed than cells tested immediately after removal from the growth medium. The possible significance of these findings to the survival of rhizobia in soils containing Bdellovibrio is discussed.
Correcting "Planning an experiment in the company of measurement error"

Comments on our earlier article are acknowl edged and appreciated. In addition, potentially mis leading notions arising from these comments are addressed and clarified.
Functional analysis of spatially discriminative neurons in prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkey

The present study addresses the question of whether prefrontal neurons that exhibit spatially selective patterns of discharge during the delay period in spatial delayed-response tasks code a mnemonic event. To examine this question, rhesus monkeys were trained to perform two variants of the classical spatial delayed-response task in both of which a delay intervened between cue presentation and response and the discriminative stimulus had to be recalled at the moment of response. They were also trained to perform two control tasks in which memory was not required since cues present throughout the delay informed the monkey of the correct response. Extracellular recordings were obtained from 192 neurons located in and around the principal sulcus of the frontal lobe during performance of both control and delay tasks. Comparison of the same neuron's activity across the 4 task conditions revealed a class of neuron that displayed spatially discriminative activity in the delay period only during delayed-response tasks and not during the same period of the control tasks. These neurons are candidates for units engaged in a central mnemonic process. Other neurons either exhibited similar activity in the delay period of control and delayed-response tasks or stronger discriminative behavior during this period in control tasks than in delayed response tasks. We conclude that delay-related spatially discriminative neurons found in the prefrontal association cortex are diversified and that certain of them play a specific role in mnemonic coding.
Radiation Models of Midlatitude Synoptic Features

Abstract Balloon-borne radiation sonde measurements during 1964 and 1965 are used to form composite, three-dimensional radiative cooling models for the following midlatitude synoptic features: stationary front; nascent cyclone; warm sector cyclone; occluded cyclone; and anticyclone. Composite water vapor distributions for the same synoptic features are used to model the pattern of atmospheric warming by solar radiation. Thickness tendency analyses of the 1000-500-mb layer for four synoptic features show that radiative cooling and warming may account for 10–30 percent of the observed maximum thickness tendency. The radiative thickness change components are of the same order of magnitude as the latent and the sensible heating terms. The nascent cyclone case shows a radiatively induced vorticity tendency of 6 × 10−10 sec−2. This compares with a total expected vorticity tendency between 10−9 and 10−10 sec−2. The nascent cyclone, warm sector cyclone, and anticyclone cases show positive cyclonic development fro...
Analysis of lake ice dynamics and morphology on Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Siberia, using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Landsat

[1] A time series of more than 450 combined ERS-2, Radarsat-1, and Landsat-7 scenes acquired between 1998 and 2001 was analyzed to develop a fairly complete picture of lake ice dynamics on Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Siberia (67.5°N, 172°E). This 14-km3 lake partially fills a meteorite impact crater formed 3.6 million years ago and is home to a paleoenvironmental coring project. The duration of lake ice cover and the onset of lake ice breakup are important both to interpretations of the archived sediment core record and to future drilling projects that will use the ice as a stable platform. Ice formation, snowmelt, and ice breakup likely occur in late October, mid-May, and early July, respectively. These data were used to validate a one-dimensional energy-balance lake ice model, which can now be used to hindcast paleoclimate based on core proxy information. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscatter from the lake ice also revealed unusual spatial variations in bubble content, which were found to indicate the level of biological productivity in the sediments directly beneath the ice, with the highest productivity located in the shallowest (0–10 m) as well as the deepest (170–175 m) regions of the lake. Seismic data indicates that the backscatter anomaly above the deepest water is collocated with the central peak of the impact crater, 500 m below the surface. Several hypotheses are presented to explain this anomaly. Regardless of cause, the fact that large spatial variations in biological productivity exist in the lake has important implications for selecting the locations of future sediment cores.
Poverty, Inequality and Growth in Selected Middle East and North Africa Countries, 1980–2000

Abstract This paper uses crosscountry data and country-case studies to analyze trends in poverty, inequality and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Compared to other regions, the MENA region has a low incidence of poverty and income inequality. Two factors account for this situation: international migration/remittances and public sector (government) employment. Since the early 1980s international migration to the Persian Gulf and Europe has helped boost the incomes of the poor in the Middle East. At the same time, many MENA countries have used government employment as a means of keeping people employed and out of poverty. Regression analysis of crosscountry data shows that both of these factors have a statistically significant impact on reducing the level and depth of poverty in the MENA region.
Vapor growth and characterization of pyrite (FeS2) doped with Co, Ni, and As: Variations in semiconducting properties

Abstract Pyrite (FeS 2 ) crystals doped with As, Ni and Co were synthesized with chemical vapor transport over an 18 cm horizontal gradient of 700–600 °C in evacuated quartz tubes, from a mixture of FeS and S, with FeBr 3 as a transport agent. Sulfur fugacity and thus S:Fe stoichiometry was constrained by the Fe 1− x S/FeS 2− y buffer. As, Ni and Co concentrations were ∼3–800 ppm, ∼200–1500 ppm and ∼ 450–3700 ppm, respectively. Semiconducting properties were measured at room temperature using a van der Pauw and Hall measurement system. Ni and Co-doped pyrite are n-type while As-doped pyrite tends to be p-type. Resistivity for Co-doped pyrite ranged from 0.009 to 0.02 Ω cm while for Ni- and As-doped pyrite, resistivity ranged from 2 to 17 Ω cm. Undoped pyrite resistivity ranged from 15 to 85 Ω cm. Carrier concentration was similar for undoped and Ni-doped pyrite, ranging from 10 15 to 10 16.6 cm −3 , while for Co-doped pyrite it ranged from 10 18.7 to 10 19.3 cm −3 and for As-doped pyrite it ranged from 10 14 to 10 18 cm −3 . Hall mobility was similar for Co and Ni-doped pyrite ranging from 60 to 270 cm 2 v −1 s −1 while for undoped pyrite it ranged from 8 to 70 cm 2 v −1 s −1 . Hall mobility for As-doped pyrite ranged from 55.0 to 0.2 cm 2 v −1 s −1 for electrons and from 0.1 to 11.3 cm 2 v −1 s −1 for holes with the exception of one sample (of 22). These values should be viewed more as trends than as definitive. The results obtained for Ni, Co, and undoped pyrite are similar to those reported in the literature while results for As-doped synthetic pyrite have not previously been reported.
Sequelae of maternally derived cytomegalovirus infections in premature infants

Eighteen of 106 (17%) infants of seropositive mothers, with birth weights less than 1500 gm, acquired cytomegalovirus from a maternal source. Neutropenia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly developed in some infants concomitant with the onset of CMV excretion. Infected infants who excreted CMV at less than 7 weeks of age had longer oxygen requirements than infants who did not excrete CMV until they were older. Passively derived maternal antibody to CMV fell more rapidly over the first few months of life in sick premature infants than would be expected in term infants. Among six infected premature infants, five had undetectable antibody titers when CMV excretion began. Loss of passively acquired antibody and early excretion of virus appear to be associated with symptomatic CMV infections in premature infants of seropositive mothers.
Erosion and Deposition of Italian Stream Valleys During Historic Time

The recent geologic history of small streams in east-central Sicily and southern Etruria has been dated archeologically. In Sicily a period of deposition began post 8th century B.C. and had ended by 325 B.C. After a period of erosion, another, less extensive, alluviation took place, probably in medieval time. North of Rome in southern Etruria an alluviation that began no earlier than the late Roman empire probably continued into medieval time.
Can proprioception really be improved by exercises

There is little question that ankle disc training can improve ankle muscle motor performance in a unipedal balance task, most likely through improved strength and coordination [62] and possibly endurance. How much of the observed improvement in motor performance is due to improved ankle proprioception remains unknown. We have reviewed a number of theoretical ways in which training might improve proprioception for moderately challenging weight-bearing situations such as balancing on one leg. Although the relevant experiments have yet to be performed to test this hypothesis, any improvement would theoretically help to reduce injuries at these moderate levels of challenge. We question, however, whether these exercises can ever improve the reactive response required to prevent injury under the most challenging time-critical situations. If confirmed, this limitation needs to be acknowledged by authors and practitioners alike. Alternative protective strategies for the most challenging time-critical situations should be sought. We conclude that, despite their widespread acceptance, current exercises aimed at "improving proprioception" have not been demonstrated to achieve that goal. We have outlined theoretical scenarios by which proprioception might be improved, but these are speculative. The relevant experiments remain to be conducted. We argue that even if they were proven to improve proprioception, under the best circumstances such exercises could only prevent injury under slow to intermediate rate provocations to the joint musculoligamentous complex in question.
On the Observational Equivalence of Managerial Contracts Under Conditions of Moral Hazard and Self-Selection

Managerial contracts often tie compensation to the performance of the firm. Two models of contracting under asymmetric information, moral hazard and self-selection, are used to explain this phenomenon.' An important direction for research in this area will be to use data on managerial contracts to sharpen our understanding of the settings in which a given informational problem is most important. The purpose of this paper is to ask whether this is possible using static models of contracting under asymmetric information. To address this question, we compare the standard principal-agent model presented by Grossman and Hart [1983] with a plausible self-selection model, where the firm only wants to hire a manager with a particular level of productivity. We call this self-selection model a talent search.
Glassy Carbon as an Absolute Intensity Calibration Standard for Small-Angle Scattering

Absolute calibration of small-angle scattering (SAS) intensity data (measured in terms of the differential scattering cross section per unit sample volume per unit solid angle) is essential for many important aspects of quantitative SAS analysis, such as obtaining the number density, volume fraction, and specific surface area of the scatterers. It also enables scattering data from different instruments (light, X-ray, or neutron scattering) to be combined, and it can even be useful to detect the existence of artifacts in the experimental data. Different primary or secondary calibration methods are available. In the latter case, absolute intensity calibration requires a stable artifact with the necessary scattering profile. Glassy carbon has sometimes been selected as this intensity calibration standard. Here we review the spatial homogeneity and temporal stability of one type of commercially available glassy carbon that is being used as an intensity calibration standard at a number of SAS facilities. We demonstrate that glassy carbon is sufficiently homogeneous and stable during routine use to be relied upon as a suitable standard for absolute intensity calibration of SAS data.
Assessment of facial and ocular deposition of nebulized aerosol using a color-based method.

Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to develop an inexpensive and uncomplicated color-based method to rapidly assess undesirable facial and ocular deposition of aerosolized droplets on the surface of a 3D rigid replica of a 4-year-old child's face. Methods: Sar-Gel®, which changes color on contact with water, was evenly coated on the face model through which air was drawn using two breathing patterns (representing moderate and shallow inhalations) or a constant rate of 0, 10, and 20 L/min. A standard and two proprietary (one shaped to resemble a fish face, the other shaped to resemble a dragon face) pediatric facemasks were evaluated. A nebulizer was charged with 3 mL of normal saline before connection to the facemask. The mask was held in contact with the face using 300 g-F determined by instrumenting the mounting strap using a force gauge. The nebulizer was operated for 5 minutes. The region of color change was captured using a digital camera and analyzed using Adobe® Photoshop. Results: Fa...
Interpreter/compiler integration in ECL

As mentioned in [1], a primary design objective of the ECL programming system [2, 3] has been to maximize the flexibility afforded its user, particularly during the design and debugging of his programs, without sacrificing the efficiency of his final product. The programmer is given the facility first to tailor the system to his needs, then to shed unneeded variability in exchange for increased efficiency. To this end, ECL includes both an interpreter and a compiler for the language EL1. The integration of two compatible language processors in a single system is achieved with a minimum of duplicate syntactic or semantic analysis.
Multiple Comparisons Procedures

In biomedical research, a common question posed by investigators is whether or not an outcome of interest differs significantly between multiple independent groups of subjects in the study sample. For example, in a randomized clinical trial focusing on differences in a parameter of cardiovascular health such as systolic blood pressure or heart rate that is measured on a continuum, one might make the comparison of those who received a placebo, those who received a particular active drug, and those who received a different active drug. Another example of a multiple group comparison might arise in an observational study when comparisons between categories of race or ethnicity are of interest. The statistical problem that arises from the use of multiple comparisons tests is that any subsequent tests of hypotheses will be performed on the outcome with the same data on which the global test was performed. This can result in an uncontrolled type I error rate (the rate of rejecting the null hypothesis when it should not be rejected). These tests can produce this statistical problem, which can be encountered in analyses of multiple treatment or exposure groups, multiple end points, or multiple interim analyses. This problem has been addressed from a broad perspective.1 The present report, however, will focus on the statistical analysis strategies used when the global or omnibus test of differences on a continuous outcome across the multiple groups has been performed and statistical tests contrasting subgroups are then conducted. It serves as a follow-up to an earlier article 2 in the series of statistical tutorials in Circulation that addressed the use of the ANOVA in performing the global test of hypothesis for a continuous outcome. These statistical tests are often referred to as multiple comparisons procedures (MCPs). We will first present a brief review of the statistical foundations of 1-factor ANOVA and then will describe the 2 main types of MCPs with specific reference to the more commonly used MCPs. Finally, we will show a worked example of an analysis of data from a study of heart size in animals exposed to different conditions of physical exercise that will illustrate the use of 1-factor ANOVA with supplementary MCPs. Review of 1-Factor ANOVA
Counteracting suppression of CFTR and voltage-gated K+ channels by a bacterial pathogenic factor with the natural product tannic acid.

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause recurring bacterial infection in CF patients' lungs. However, the severity of CF lung disease correlates poorly with genotype. Antibiotic treatment helps dramatically prolong patients' life. The lung disease generally determines prognosis and causes most morbidity and mortality; early control of infections is thus critical. Staphylococcus aureus is a main cause of early infection in CF lungs. It secretes sphingomyelinase (SMase) C that can suppress CFTR activity. SMase C also inhibits voltage-gated K+ channels in lymphocytes; inhibition of these channels causes immunosuppression. SMase C's pathogenicity is further illustrated by the demonstration that once Bacillus anthracis is engineered to express high levels of SMase C, the resulting mutant can evade the host immunity elicited by a live vaccine because additional pathogenic mechanisms are created. By screening a chemical library, we find that the natural product tannic acid is an SMase C antidote. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03683.001
Towards game-based simulation as a method of teaching software engineering

A typical software engineering course consists of a series of lectures along with a small associated class project. Although this may seem like a logical approach, practical, didactic, and timing reasons necessarily lead to a lack of an in-depth treatment of the critical issues involved in the overall process of software engineering. This paper introduces and lays out our plans for constructing SimSE, a graphical, interactive, educational software engineering simulation environment that teaches the software process in a practical manner without the constraints of an actual class project. We anticipate that the use of SimSE will enable students to form a practical understanding of the software process by allowing its users to explore different approaches to managing the software process and giving them insight into the complex cause and effect relationships underlying the process.
Rigorous analysis of strong spherical wave gratings using a slice-and-cascade approach

We present a numerical approach to computing diffraction from strong holograms of arbitrary fringe shape, e.g. plane-to-spherical. We compute the angular, shift and wavelength Bragg selectivities and compare with coupled wave and weak diffraction approaches.
Transcriptomic analysis of candidate osmoregulatory genes in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is a euryhaline species that can thrive across a wide range of salinities (5-35). As with all estuarine species, individual oysters must be able to regulate their osmotic balance in response to constant temporal variation in salinity. At the population level, recurrent viability selection may be an additional mechanism shaping adaptive osmoregulatory phenotypes at the margins of oyster salinity tolerance. To identify candidate genes for osmoregulation, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the transcriptome of wild juvenile eastern oysters from ‘high’ and ‘low’ salinity regimes. Annotations and candidates were mostly based on the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) genome sequence so osmoregulatory relevance in C. virginica was explored by testing functional enrichment of genes showing spatially discrete patterns of expression and by quantifying coding sequence divergence. The assembly of sequence reads and permissive clustering of potentially oversplit alleles resulted in 98,729 reftigs (contigs and singletons). Of these, 50,736 were annotated with 9,307 belonging to a set of candidate osmoregulatory genes identified from the C. gigas genome. A total of 218,777 SNPs (0.0185 SNPs/bp) were identified in annotated reftigs of C. virginica. Amino acid divergence between translations of C. virginica annotated reftigs and C. gigas coding sequence averaged 23.2 % with an average dN/dS ratio of 0.074, suggesting purifying selection on protein sequences. The high and low salinity source oysters each expressed a subset of genes unique to that group, and the functions for these annotated genes were consistent with known molecular mechanisms for osmotic regulation in molluscs. Most of the osmoregulatory gene candidates experimentally identified in C. gigas are present in this C. virginica transcriptome. In general these congeners show coding sequence divergence too high to make the C. gigas genome a useful reference for C. virginica bioinformatics. However, strong purifying selection is characteristic of the osmoregulatory candidates so functional annotations are likely to correspond. An initial examination of C. virginica presence/absence expression patterns across the salinity gradient in a single estuary suggests that many of these candidates have expression patterns that co-vary with salinity, consistent with osmoregulatory function in C. virginica.
Quiet zone evaluation of serrated compact range reflectors

A Fourier transform method developed for the quiet-zone field analysis of serrated compact range reflectors is presented. The analysis relies upon a variable spectrum sampling rate which increases with the separation between the reflector aperture and the quiet-zone plane. Errors caused by rim approximation inherent in techniques involving numerical integration are avoided by employing a closed-form expression for the plane wave spectrum of a uniformly illuminated aperture which is bounded by a polygon. The method has been validated for the case of uniform illumination by computing the quiet-zone fields of several apertures, and its utility was demonstrated for several reflectors which are representative of commercial compact range designs. >
Prognostic value of p16 expression in Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinomas.

Background Overexpression of p16 is associated with improved outcomes among patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. However, its role in the outcomes of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) remains unclear. Methods Eighty-six patients with NPC treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2000 to 2014 were identified. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were determined by in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16 by immunohistochemical staining. Results EBV positivity was associated with extended overall survival (OS; median, 95.0 vs 44.9 months; p < .004), progression-free survival (PFS; median, 80.4 vs 28.1 months; p < .013), and locoregional control (median, 104.4 vs 65.5 months; p < .043). In patients with EBV-positive tumors, p16 overexpression correlated with improved PFS (median, 106.3 vs 27.1 months; p < .02) and locoregional control (median, 93.6 vs 64.5 months; p < .02). Conclusion P16 overexpression is associated with improved PFS and locoregional control in patients with EBV-positive NPC. P16 expression may complement EBV status in predicting treatment outcomes for patients with NPC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1459–E1466, 2016
New cost-effective integration schemes enabling analog and high-voltage design in advanced CMOS SOC technologies

We present novel and cost effective integration schemes with high performance analog and high voltage components to enable system-on-chip (SOC) designs in advanced CMOS technologies. The new transistors have superior analog performance compared to the standard logic devices resulting in significant area savings and greater analog functionality. The new high voltage (HV) transistors enable reliable 6V capability with high performance for direct battery connection circuits and other high voltage applications. Additional cost-free components are also provided including fully isolated CMOS; ppoly-pwell capacitors and varactors; and high-gain npn and pnp bipolar transistors. All of these components are implemented in a standard digital process without mask adders like deep nwell (DNWELL), silicide block (SIBLK), or dedicated high voltage (HV) transistor implants that are commonly used in the industry for deep sub-micron SOC implementation.
Adding Cognition to the Formula for Culturally Relevant Instruction in Mathematics.

Although equity is one of the goals of the mathematics reform movement, there has been little research done to develop programs that meet the needs of specific cultural groups. By studying how mathematical knowledge is developed in the course of everyday life, it is possible to change mathematics instruction to enhance mathematical achievement. In a series of research projects with Native Hawaiian children, ethnographic information and cognitive studies of mathematical thinking guided a program to develop culturally relevant mathematics teaching. The approach taken in this study is compared to other recent efforts to develop culturally relevant instruction in mathematics.
Eight compact analysis systems evaluated for measuring total cholesterol.

We examined the analytical performance of eight compact systems for measuring total cholesterol: AccuMeter, Cobas Ready, Discovery f2, DT60, L-D-X, Reflotron, QCA, and Vision. We determined average bias at two decision levels, the mean absolute bias, and the percentage of results differing from the comparison method results by > 8.9% allowable total error limit for multiple reagent lots. Average bias was 3% for one or more lots or sample types tested with the other systems. Of results from each reagent lot, > 95% were within the 8.9% total error specifications with Discovery f2, DT60, and QCA, whereas the performance of L-D-X, Vision, and Reflotron depended on reagent lot and (or) sample type. Of all results from each lot tested with AccuMeter and Cobas Ready, > 5% exceeded the total allowable error limit. We determined imprecision for five systems: Cobas Ready, Discovery f2, and QCA had CVs 3% but < 5%.
A 700 Mbps/pin CMOS signalling interface using current integrating receivers

A high speed CMOS signalling interface for application in multiprocessor interconnection networks has been developed. The interface utilizes 1-V push-pull drivers, a Delay Line PLL and sampling of the data on both half-periods of the clock. In order to increase the noise immunity of the reception, current-integrating receivers are used to sample the data in the input pads. Chips fabricated in 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS technology achieve transfer rates of 740 Mbits/sec/pin operating from a 3.3-V supply with a bit error rate of less than 10/sup -14/.
Thermodynamic disequilibrium of the atmosphere in the context of global warming

The atmosphere is an example of a non-equilibrium system. This study explores the relationship among temperature, energy and entropy of the atmosphere, introducing two variables that serve to quantify the thermodynamic disequilibrium of the atmosphere. The maximum work, W max , that the atmosphere can perform is defined as the work developed through a thermally reversible and adiabatic approach to thermodynamic equilibrium with global entropy conserved. The maximum entropy increase, $$(\Delta S)_{max}$$ , is defined as the increase in global entropy achieved through a thermally irreversible transition to thermodynamic equilibrium without performing work. W max is identified as an approximately linear function of $$(\Delta S)_{max}.$$ Large values of W max or $$(\Delta S)_{max}$$ correspond to states of high thermodynamic disequilibrium. The seasonality and long-term historical variation of W max and $$(\Delta S)_{max}$$ are computed, indicating highest disequilibrium in July, lowest disequilibrium in January with no statistically significant trend over the past 32 years. The analysis provides a perspective on the interconnections of temperature, energy and entropy for the atmosphere and allows for a quantitative investigation of the deviation of the atmosphere from thermodynamic equilibrium.
Structural detection of symmetries in Boolean functions

Functional symmetries provide significant benefits for multiple tasks in synthesis and verification. Many applications require the manual specification of symmetries using special language features such as symmetric data types. Methods for automatically detecting symmetries are based on functional analysis, e.g. using BDDs, or structural methods. The latter search for circuit graph automorphisms which imply functional symmetry. We present a method for finding symmetries of Boolean functions based on a two-step approach. First, the circuit structure is modified to maximize its structural regularity and thus the number of inherent automorphisms. The next step implements a fast algorithm for detecting the automorphism generators of the circuit graph. The generators provide a compact representation of all automorphisms, which in turn encode a subset of the functional symmetries. Because of its pure structural nature, our approach avoids the complexity issues inherent to methods using BDDs, yet it still works automatically and independently from the input specification format. However, the described method may not detect all functional symmetries, however, our experiments demonstrate that it can find the majority of the symmetries present in practical circuits.
Work in progress - using the Kolbe conative index for improving retention of computer science students

A large number of students who begin the computer science program at California State University, Northridge never finish. Although many students who leave the computer science program eventually graduate in other fields, the high number of drop outs is of concern. Previous studies have shown that computer science students nearing graduation tend to have common characteristics as measured by the Kolbe A/spl trade/ index. These studies also indicate that changes in instructional techniques could have positive effects with respect to retention. The position here is that many students who could benefit from the computer science program, and who could in turn benefit the field, are being discouraged from continuing. In the current study, the Kolbe results of all students entering the computer science program are used to suggest improvements in advisement and recommend changes in the learning environment to improve student retention.
Ovibos moschatus (Musk ox)

Skin cultures of two animals from the Catskill Game Farm were initiated for karyological studies. The results are identical with the karyotypes constructed from lymphocyte cultures by Tietz and Teal. The X chromosome was identified by H3-thymidine radioautography in the female as one late replicating element.
INDIVIDUAL CHOICE, MATERIAL CULTURE, AND ORGANIZED CRIME

This article examines some of the American roots of organized crime, and its place within the American culture. The ethnic succession and limited mobility theses are critically examined, and some new perspectives presented regarding the analysis of organized crime. A number of research needs and propositions in need of further testing are presented.
Approaches to Improving Elders' Safe Driving Abilities

SUMMARYThe number of older Americans is expected to increase and they will continue to rely on automobiles as their primary mode of transportation. Inadequate alternatives to driving one's own car result in many elders continuing to drive when they can no longer do so safely. Interventions to enable older drivers to drive safely, longer, are essential so that elders remain active participants within their communities. In this paper, current approaches to assist with older driver safety are reviewed, and additional research needs are identified.
CIP2A overexpression induces autoimmune response and enhances JNK signaling pathway in human lung cancer

Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) is a recently characterized oncoprotein, which promotes cancer cell proliferation. But the role of CIP2A in lung cancer progression is still not well understood. The expression level of CIP2A in lung cancer tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. CIP2A-associated cell proliferation was performed by knock down or overexpression of CIP2A in lung cancer cells. Phospho-array was used to screen kinase candidates related to expression change of CIP2A. Western-blot and luciferase reporter assay were used to validate phospho-array results. Overexpression of CIP2A in lung cancer not only triggers immune response in lung cancer patients but also promotes lung cancer cell proliferation. By phospho-array, several kinase candidates were identified, one of which is c-Jun activated kinases (JNK). The knock down of CIP2A decreased JNK phosphorylation, and the phosphorylation of downstream transcriptional factors, ATF2 and c-Jun, whose transcriptional activity were decreased as well. Furthermore, the expression level of CIP2A also affected the phosphorylation of the upstream kinase of JNK, MKK4/MKK7. At last, treatment with JNK inhibitor partially abolished CIP2A-induced cell proliferation. CIP2A is a tumor-associated autoantigen in lung cancer, which promote lung cancer proliferation partially through MKK4/7-JNK signaling pathway.
Charged Higgs Boson Mass in the Gauge-Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking Model

We compute the charged Higgs boson mass in the minimal GMSB model. We find that the present experimental bounds on Br(b→ sγ) lead to mH±≳ 445 (686) GeV for tanβ=3 (40) and Mt=175 GeV. The predictions of mH± imply that the decay mode t→ H+b is closed in the minimal GMSB model.
The effects of pre‐existing inappropriate highlighting on reading comprehension

Abstract Highlighting relevant passages from textbooks has often been considered an effective encoding process tool. However, if a student rents a previously used textbook that contains inappropriate highlighting throughout the text, the inappropriate highlighting may interfere with reading comprehension. The present research addresses this concern. The effects of pre‐existing inappropriate highlighting were investigated in two experiments. Experiment
SONNENUHR — Werkstatt der Künste für Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung und andere

Vor nunmehr neun Jahren, am 04. November 1990, hatten wir unseren ersten erfolgreichen Auftritt im Deutschen Theater in Berlin, wo wir in der Matinee mit dem programmatischen Titel „Was fur eine Insel in was fur einem Meer“ und der Ausstellung „Verborgene Landschaft“ unsere Vorstellungen und Absichten einer gemeinsamen schopferischen Arbeit in den Kunsten mit geistig behinderten Menschen und Kunstlern vorstellten.