cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticipatory alpha phase influences visual working memory performance

Alpha band (8-12 Hz) phase dynamics in the visual cortex are thought to reflect fluctuations in cortical excitability that influences perceptual processing. As such, visual stimuli are better detected when their onset is concurrent with specific phases of the alpha cycle. However, it is unclear whether alpha phase differentially influences cognitive performance at specific times relative to stimulus onset (i.e., is the influence of phase maximal before, at, or after stimulus onset?). To address this, participants performed a delayed-recognition, working memory (WM) task for visual motion direction during two separate visits. The first visit utilized functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) imaging to identify neural regions associated with task performance. Replicating previous studies, fMRI data showed engagement of visual cortical area V5, as well as a prefrontal cortical region, the inferior frontal junction (IFJ). During the second visit, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied separately to both the right IFJ and right V5 (with the vertex as a control region) while electroencephalography (EEG) was simultaneously recorded. During each trial, a single pulse of TMS (spTMS) was applied at one of six time points (-200, -100, -50, 0, 80, 160 ms) relative to the encoded stimulus onset. Results demonstrated a relationship between the phase of the posterior alpha signal prior to stimulus encoding and subsequent response times to the memory probe two seconds later. Specifically, spTMS to V5, and not the IFJ or vertex, yielded faster response times, indicating improved WM performance, when delivered during the peak, compared to the trough, of the alpha cycle, but only when spTMS was applied 100 ms prior to stimulus onset. These faster responses to the probe correlated with decreased early event related potential (ERP) amplitudes (i.e., P1) to the probe stimuli. Moreover, participants that were least affected by spTMS exhibited greater functional connectivity between V5 and fronto-parietal regions. These results suggest that posterior alpha phase indexes a critical time period for motion processing in the context of WM encoding goals, which occurs in anticipation of stimulus onset.
Using the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment to identify behavioral risk and protective factors within a Head Start population

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of behavioral risk and protective factors among at-risk preschoolers. Parent-reported data ( N = 2,550) from the Devereux Early Childhood Ass...
Loss of claudin-1 expression in tumor-associated vessels correlates with acquisition of metastatic phenotype in melanocytic neoplasms

Claudins are a family of transmembrane proteins involved in cell-to-cell adhesion and are believed to be the main component of tight junctions. Recent studies have suggested that some metastatic solid tumors lack claudin expression. It is unknown whether claudins play a role in cutaneous melanoma. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on tissue microarrays containing 19 benign melanocytic nevi (BN), 21 dysplastic nevi (DN), 23 primary malignant melanomas (MMs), and 31 metastatic melanomas (MMMs) using a polyclonal anti-claudin-1 antibody. Immunoreactivity in tumor cells and associated vessels was graded by intensity and by percentage of reactive cells. Normal epidermis served as internal control (3+ labeling). Cases with at least 2+ labeling in more than 25% of the cells were considered positive. Claudin-1 expression was present in 37% of BN, 24% of DN, 26% of MM, and 3.2% of MMM. Tumor-associated vessels showed the following results: 11 of 19 (58%) in BN, 14 of 21 (67%) in DN, 17 of 23 (74%) in MM, and 6 of 31 (19%) in MMM. A significant loss of expression was noted between MMM and all other lesions in tumor cells and associated vessels. There was no significant difference between BN, DN, and MM. Within primary melanomas, there was a significant correlation between expression of claudin in tumor cells and Clark level/Breslow thickness. Also significant was a decreased expression of claudin in tumor vessels of lesions with higher Breslow thickness or Clark level. These data suggest that loss of claudin-1 may play a significant role in the acquisition of metastatic phenotype in cutaneous melanoma. Cohn ML, Goncharuk VN, Diwan AH, Zhang PS, Shen SS, Prieto VG. Loss of claudin-1 expression in tumor-associated vessels correlates with acquisition of metastatic phenotype in melanocytic neoplasms.
Network evolution, entrepreneurial success, and regional development

Social networks of entrepreneurs are theorized as evolving from an idea generating stage, to a business development stage, and finally to a strategic stage. A model of network evolution that relates changing network activity to the increasing complexity facing the entrepreneur is presented in this paper. A field study of premium wineries, operated by their founding entrepreneurs, is used to (1) assess the impact of social networks in the identification of entrepreneurial opportunity, (2) examine the development and use of networks in establishing the business, and (3) explore the role of interorganizational networks in startup firms. The results suggests that both broad social and interorganizational strategic networks are important to successful startup and ongoing competitive advantage. The results suggest that public policy might be better directed toward the enhancement of this type of network activity, rather than the traditional support provided to encourage business formation.
Tank Breakup Fragment Distribution Model

A joint normal probability distribution is derived for the position and velocity of fragments formed by the breakup of a booster tank upon atmospheric re-entry. The derivation proceeds from a knowledge of the statistical data on the fragment birth parameters of ballistic coefficient, altitude, and breakoff angle. The transformation of random variables from the birth parameters to the position and velocity coordinates is approximated using a first-order expansion about the mean birth parameters on the Alien and Eggers simplified dynamical equations of motion. The first term of the expansion is taken to be the mean of the distribution. The covariance is found by propagation of covariance using the expansion partial derivatives to form a partial derivative matrix relating birth parameter perturbations to position and velocity perturbations. The Alien and Eggers solution for the mean is improved to account for the round Earth and the effect of gravity on the velocity. The mean and covariance, which completely define the joint normal probability distribution, are parameterized by the tank lead edge altitude. The analytically derived mean and covariance matrix are compared to a statistical estimate that is based on a Monte Carlo sample population generated using a high-fidelity re-entry simulator.
Molecular hydrogen in amorphous Si: NMR studies

Abstract The NMR signal, a Pake doublet, due to orientationally ordered molecular hydrogen has been observed in hydrogenated amorphous silicon and provides a quantitative determination of many of the properties of this system of quantum rotors in an a-Si matrix. The molecular H 2 content is found to be 0.25 at. % in as-deposited material and to reside in voids with a mean radius of order 25 A. Both these parameters are increased significantly by annealing the sample. In both cases, the H 2 orientationally orders and solidifies at temperature significantly higher than in pure H 2 , due to the electric field gradients and internal pressure exerted on the H 2 by the a-Si container.
Real-time Visualization of Cytoplasmic Calpain Activation and Calcium Deregulation in Acute Glutamate Excitotoxicity

Although calpain (EC 3.4.22) protease activation was suggested to contribute to excitotoxic delayed calcium deregulation (DCD) via proteolysis of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 3 (NCX3), cytoplasmic calpain activation in relation to DCD has never been visualized in real-time. We employed a calpain fluorescence resonance energy transfer substrate to simultaneously image calpain activation and calcium deregulation in live cortical neurons. A calpain inhibitor-sensitive decline in fluorescence resonance energy transfer was observed at 39 +/- 5 min after the occurrence of DCD in neurons exposed to continuous glutamate (100 microM). Inhibition of calpain by calpeptin did not delay the onset of DCD, recovery from DCD-like reversible calcium elevations, or cell death despite inhibiting alpha-spectrin processing by > 90%. NCXs reversed during glutamate exposure, the NCX antagonist KB-R7943 prolonged the time to DCD, and significant NCX3 cleavage following 90 min of glutamate exposure was not observed. Our findings suggest that robust calpain activation associated with acute glutamate toxicity occurs only after a sustained loss in calcium homeostasis. Processing of NCX3 or other calpain substrates is unlikely to be the primary cause of acute excitotoxicity in cortical neurons. However, a role for calpain as a contributing factor or in response to milder glutamate insults is not excluded.
Adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy alone for high risk localized endometrial cancer as defined by the three major randomized trials of adjuvant pelvic radiation

Abstract Objective. Controversy exists regarding optimal management of high risk localized endometrial cancer. Given that vaginal brachytherapy (VB) alone is used routinely at our institution, we retrospectively reviewed our outcomes among high risk patients defined according to the PORTEC, GOG 99, and/or Aalders randomized trials of pelvic radiation versus observation to determine if acceptable rates of locoregional control could be achieved with vaginal brachytherapy alone in this highest risk patient population. Methods. The Roswell Park Cancer Institute hospital tumor registry was used to identify all patients with Stage I or IIA endometrial cancer treated between January 1992 and June 2006. A total of 464 patients were identified. Of 261 patients who received post-operative RT, 225 received VB alone. Of those 225, 87 met the high risk criteria as designated by PORTEC (at least 2 of the following high risk features: age>60, Grade 3, and/or myometrial invasion≥Occurrencesofthemathematicaloperator‘(='werechangedto‘Œ'.Pleasecheck.-->50%), GOG 99 (any age with 3 high risk features: Grade 2–3, >66% myometrial invasion, and/or LVSI; age≥50 with 2 high risk features; or age≥70 with 1 high risk feature), and/or Aalders (Stage IC, Grade 3). Descriptive recurrence statistics are provided. Results. Among 87 high risk patients treated with VB alone, 36, 77, and 14 were high risk per PORTEC, GOG 99, and Aalders respectively. Forty (46%) underwent pelvic lymph node dissection. With a median follow-up of 52 months, 3 (3.4%) pelvic recurrences were observed including 1 vaginal recurrence, 1 pelvic recurrence, and 1 local recurrence involving both the vagina and pelvis. All 3 local recurrences were successfully salvaged with pelvic RT±surgery. Conclusions. This represents one of the largest known series of high risk localized endometrial cancer treated with VB alone. The observed 3.4% locoregional recurrence compares favorably with the 5% locoregional recurrence noted among the highest risk patients receiving pelvic RT in the PORTEC, GOG 99, and Aalders randomized trials. In this single institution experience, the 3 local recurrences were salvaged. Based on these findings, we will continue to use VB alone in the adjuvant setting for patients with high risk localized endometrial cancer.
Mathematical models of ink jet printing in thick-film hybrid microelectronics

Abstract Application of an ink jet printer with metallo-organic liquid inks has been demonstrated to be another alternative printing technology in thick-film hybrid microelectronics. In order to scientifically control the ink jet printing and the electrical parameters such as conductivity, resistivity, and dielectric constant of a printed circuit, mathematical theories of the impulse ink jet related to flow rate are derived from the Navier-Stokes equation. The theories include a mathematical model for flow rate and a model for the refilling mechanism. The theoretical predictions made by these models are found to agree with the experimental results.
An oxygen dependence in chromium mutagenesis.

Abstract Evidence is provided that mutagenicity in Salmonella by a chromium(VI) salt and a chromium(III) compound has a differential dependence on the presence of oxygen. The mutagenic chromium(III) compound, cis -dichlorobis(2,2′-bipyridyl)chromium(III), reverted Salmonella strains, TA102 and TA2638, only under aerobic conditions. Potassium dichromate (chromium VI) required the presence of oxygen to revert the Salmonella strain TA102 but induced a moderate reversion frequency in TA2638 under anaerobic conditions. The data also support a role for oxygen radicals in chromium-mediated mutagenesis and suggests at least two pathways by which chromium compounds can induce mutations.
A toxicologist's guide to biomarkers of hepatic response

Biological markers (biomarkers) are used to recognize, characterize and monitor treatment-related responses following exposure to xenobiotics. Biomarkers serve three primary applications in toxicology: 1) to confirm exposure to a deleterious agent, 2) to provide a system for monitoring individual susceptibility to a toxicant, and 3) to quantitatively assess deleterious effects of a toxicant to an organism or individual. Because the liver is a general target for adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals, biomarkers of untoward hepatic response to xenobiotics are of particular interest to the pharmaceutical toxicologist. General requirements for the latter category of biomarkers are sample availability, target organ specificity, sensitivity for the toxicity of interest, accessibility, a relatively short half-life, and available detection systems. Biomarkers that can be assayed in biological fluids from both human and animal subjects are particularly desirable. Histologically, acute and subacute hepatic toxicity commonly involves necrosis, steatosis, cholestasis, vascular disorders, or multiple lesions. The purpose of this review is to summarize reported applications using clinical analytes and biochemical indicators of hepatic dysfunction with emphasis on those that show promise of supplementing or improving upon standard laboratory procedures. Liver function markers refer to peripheral indicators of hepatic synthetic and secretory activities, enterohepatic function, or perturbations of the hepatic uptake and clearance of circulating biomolecules. Liver injury biomarkers include various peripheral proteins released in response to a cellular damage or locally, proteins that are significantly altered within the liver. These include both circulating cytosolic, mitochondrial, or canalicular membrane markers, and the up-regulation or depletion of radical scavengers, modulators, and stabilizers of intracellular damage. Subsequent recovery from a toxic insult involves repair, regenerative, and proliferative responses that constitute the third class of biomarkers. Of these, protein markers found either in sera, plasma, or urine either during or just prior to the early manifestation of histological hepatic lesions are of greatest interest. Examples of a number of these markers, their documented applications in humans or animals, and potential advantages as well as limitations are presented.
Reproducibility of the knee signature system.

To assess trial-to-trial, installation-to-installation, and day-to-day effects of the Knee Signature System, we studied anterior/posterior translation measurements in six normal subjects. The protocol consisted of testing both knees on 6 days with three installations per day and three trials per installation. We recorded anterior, posterior, and total anterior/posterior translation at ±20 and ±40 pounds of force at 30° of flexion. Addi tionally, after measuring anterior/posterior translation during passive knee extension, active extension, and active extension with 15 pounds of weight at the ankle, we calculated the difference in anterior translation at 30° of flexion between each of these three conditions. We analyzed the size of the effects and computed 90% confidence limits using analysis of variance.Means and 90% confidence limits for total anterior/ posterior translation measured at ±20 pounds of force were: right knee, 6.8 ± 2.3; left knee, 8.2 ± 2.0; and right/left difference, 1.5 ± 2.7 mm. Left kn...
Thermidor in the Islamic republic of Iran: the rise of Muhammad Khatami

Abstract The following paper traces the course of elite factionalism in the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Islamic Republic Party's solidification of power beginning in 1981 to the present. With the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran has entered a period of economic and political Thermidor. Throughout the early part of his administration, President Rafsanjani engaged in a policy of rapproachment with conservative clerical factions. Thus the Rafsanjani era (1989–1997) was marked by a fundamental shift within the regime from the left to the right. Recently, there has been a falling out between centre groups and the right and this has resulted in the election of a moderate, Muhammad Khatami, to the presidency. A number of questions remain: What are the factors that facilitated Khatami's victory? And does this spell doom for Iran's conservative wing and mean an end to Thermidor?
Identification of gifted minority students: Past research, future directions

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the literature on the assessment of gifted minority students. Concern for the assessment of these students has come about because traditional assessment methods are inadequate, and disproportionately low numbers of minority children are in gifted programs. Measurement issues are outlined, published reports of research designed to identify gifted minority students are reviewed, and various aspects of assessment of gifted minority pupils are discussed. Recommendations include being aware of cultural diversity, using measurement techniques that do not penalize minority students, expanding our concept of giftedness, and studying the lives of gifted minorities. Appreciation is expressed to Jan Ruthven and Laurel Truan for their assistance in the preparation of this paper.
Optical properties of HgTe colloidal quantum dots

Room temperature photodetection with HgTe colloidal quantum films is reported between 2 and 5 µm for particles of sizes between ~5 and ~12 nm diameter, and photodetection extends to 7 µm at 80 K. The size-tuning of the absorption of HgTe colloidal quantum dots, their optical cross section and the infrared absorption depth of films are measured. The tuning with radius is empirically given by , where R is in nm. The optical cross section of the colloidal dots at 415 nm is approximately proportional to their volume and given by atom. The size-dependent optical cross section at the band edge ~1.5 × 10−15 cm2 is consistent with the expected oscillator strength of the quantum dots. The absorption depth of HgTe colloidal dot films is short, about 1–2 µm, which is an advantage for thin film devices. These properties agree rather well with the expectation from the k ⋅ p model. HgTe colloidal quantum dot thin films show a strong tuning with temperature with a large positive thermal shift between 0.4 and 0.2 meV K−1, decreasing with decreasing size within the size range studied and this is attributed primarily to electron–phonon effects.
Surgical and interventional palliative treatment of upper gastrointestinal malignancies.

Malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, liver, bile ducts and pancreas, are highly virulent diseases. While curative therapies relieve symptoms caused by these cancers, most of these treatments prove unsuccessful in the control of tumour due to occult residual disease. This review covers only planned palliative procedures for these conditions where patient factors (e.g. performance status or patient wishes) or tumour factors (e.g. locally advanced or known metastatic disease) prevent potentially curative intervention. For most patients, palliation of luminal obstruction, pain or other symptoms is the most worthwhile treatment that can be offered with present therapies.
Disruption and recovery of locomotor and manipulatory behavior following cortical lesions in rats.

The first experiment demonstrated that removals of frontal cortex disrupted manipulation (latch opening) but not locomotion; damage of medial parietal cortex (sensorimotor cortex) produced the reverse effects. In the second study, serial lesions of medial parietal cortex resulted in more rapid recovery of locomotion than damage imposed in a single operation. Cinematographic analysis of locomotor movements indicated differences in the hindlimb patterns between animals with medial parietal lesions that had recovered and sham-operated controls. In contrast to these findings, a third experiment produced no evidence of serial lesion effects following one- and two-stage frontal damage.
Photosynthesis and fluorescence responses of C4 plant Andropogon gerardii acclimated to temperature and carbon dioxide

Increase in both atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] and associated warming are likely to alter Earths’ carbon balance and photosynthetic carbon fixation of dominant plant species in a given biome. An experiment was conducted in sunlit, controlled environment chambers to determine effects of atmospheric [CO2] and temperature on net photosynthetic rate (P N) and fluorescence (F) in response to internal CO2 concentration (C i) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of the C4 species, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman). Ten treatments were comprised of two [CO2] of 360 (ambient, AC) and 720 (elevated, EC) µmol mol−1 and five day/night temperature of 20/12, 25/17, 30/22, 35/27 and 40/32 °C. Treatments were imposed from 15 d after sowing (DAS) through 130 DAS. Both F-P N/C i and F-P N/PAR response curves were measured on top most fully expanded leaves between 55 and 75 DAS. Plants grown in EC exhibited significantly higher CO2-saturated net photosynthesis (P sat), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) efficiency, and electron transport rate (ETR). At a given [CO2], increase in temperature increased P sat, PEPC efficiency, and ETR. Plants grown at EC did not differ for dark respiration rate (R D), but had significantly higher maximum photosynthesis (P max) than plants grown in AC. Increase in temperature increased Pmax, R D, and ETR, irrespective of the [CO2]. The ability of PEPC, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and photosystem components, derived from response curves to tolerate higher temperatures (>35 °C), particularly under EC, indicates the ability of C4 species to sustain photosynthetic capacity in future climates.
Pulsed atmospheric-pressure cold plasma for endodontic disinfection

A non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma dental probe is developed to disinfect root canal systems during endodontic treatment. A 100% killing of the test organism Bacillus atrophaeus on nutrient agar plates, 5 mm away from the probe nozzle, with an exposure time of 60 s at an average power 2-3 W for both He and He/(1%)O2, is observed during prelimenary experiment. Results show that non-thermal plasma dental probe is simpler, safer, and more effective procedure for root canal disinfection than other techniques like mechanical cleaning, irrigation, application of anti-bacterial compounds (e.g. hypochorite), and lasers.
Identification of calcineurin regulated phosphorylation sites on CRHSP-24.

Abstract CRHSP-24 is a prominently regulated phosphoprotein in pancreatic acinar cells where it is the major substrate for the serine/threonine protein phosphatase, calcineurin, in response to secretagogues. We now identify the four regulated sites of CRHSP-24 phosphorylation as serines 30, 32, 41, and 52 and show that Ser30 and Ser32 are directly dephosphorylated by calcineurin. Coordinate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of these four serines explains the multiple phosphorylated isoforms of CRHSP-24 present in acinar cells and provides a molecular framework to study CRHSP-24 regulation by secretagogues and growth factor-induced kinases and phosphatases in vivo.
Hermitian codes for frequency-hop spread-spectrum packet radio networks

Hermitian codes are an attractive alternative to Reed-Solomon codes for use in frequency-hop spread-spectrum packet radio networks. For a given alphabet size, a Hermitian code has a much longer block length than a Reed-Solomon code. This and other considerations suggest that Hermitian codes may be superior for certain applications. Analytical results are developed for the evaluation of the packet error probability for frequency-hop transmissions using Hermitian coding. We find there are several situations for which Hermitian codes provide much lower packet error probabilities than can be obtained with Reed-Solomon codes. In general, as the code rate decreases or the symbol alphabet size increases, the relative performance of Hermitian codes improves with respect to Reed-Solomon codes. Performance evaluations are presented for an additive white Gaussian noise channel and for certain partial-band interference channels, and the packet error probability is evaluated for both errors-only and errors-and-erasures decoding.
Temporal dynamics and genetic control of transcription in the human prefrontal cortex

Previous investigations have combined transcriptional and genetic analyses in human cell lines, but few have applied these techniques to human neural tissue. To gain a global molecular perspective on the role of the human genome in cortical development, function and ageing, we explore the temporal dynamics and genetic control of transcription in human prefrontal cortex in an extensive series of post-mortem brains from fetal development through ageing. We discover a wave of gene expression changes occurring during fetal development which are reversed in early postnatal life. One half-century later in life, this pattern of reversals is mirrored in ageing and in neurodegeneration. Although we identify thousands of robust associations of individual genetic polymorphisms with gene expression, we also demonstrate that there is no association between the total extent of genetic differences between subjects and the global similarity of their transcriptional profiles. Hence, the human genome produces a consistent molecular architecture in the prefrontal cortex, despite millions of genetic differences across individuals and races. To enable further discovery, this entire data set is freely available (from Gene Expression Omnibus: accession GSE30272; and dbGaP: accession phs000417.v1.p1) and can also be interrogated via a biologist-friendly stand-alone application (http://www.libd.org/braincloud).
Attenuation of acute graft-versus-host disease in the absence of the transcription factor RORγt.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains the most significant complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Previously, acute GVHD had been considered to be mediated predominantly by Th1-polarized T cells. Recently, investigators have identified a second proinflammatory lineage of T cells termed Th17 that is critically dependent on the transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt. In this study, we have evaluated the role of Th17 cells in murine acute GVHD by infusing donor T cells lacking RORC and as a consequence the isoform RORγt. Recipients given donor CD4 + and CD8 + T cells lacking RORC had significantly attenuated acute GVHD and markedly decreased tissue pathology in the colon, liver, and lung. Using a clinically relevant haploidentical murine transplantation model, we showed that RORC −/− CD4 + T cells alone diminished the severity and lethality of acute GVHD. This was not found when CD4 + T cells from RORC −/− mice were given to completely mismatched BALB/c mice, and it was correlated with absolute differences in the generation of TNF in the colon after transplant. Thus, CD4 + T cell expression of RORC is important in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD.
Generalization for explanation-based schema acquisition

This paper is about explanation-based learning for heuristic problem solvers which "build" solutions using schemata (frames like scripts) as both "bricks" and "mortar". The heart of the paper is a description of a generalization method which is designed to extract as much information as possible from examples of successful problem solving behavior. A' related generalizer, (less powerful but more efficient), has been implemented as part of an experimental apprentice.
The determination of metabolites of garlic preparations in breath and human plasma

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC- MS) was the major technique used to determine various metabolites after consumption of dehydrated granular garlic and an enteric-coated garlic preparation, in breath, plasma, and simulated gastric fluids. A special short-path thermal desorption device [1] was used as an introduction technique for the gas chromatograph for the determination of volatiles. These garlic preparations release allicin, which decomposes in stomach acid or with time in the intestine to release allyl sulfides, disulfides and other volatiles, some of which are postulated to be metabolized by glutathione and/or S-adenosylmethionine to form allyl methyl sulfide, the main sulfur containing volatile metabolite. S-Allylcysteine, a non-volatile bioactive component of aged garlic preparations, was determined in human plasma and urine by HPLC-MS using the negative ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode (APcI)- MS. The technique of selected ion monitoring was used for quantitation. A synthetic internal standard of deuterated S-allylcysteine was added to the plasma or urine to ensure recovery and to obtain reliable quantitative data.
Beyond Scaling - Realizing Value Through the Integration of Memory and Autonomic Chip Features

As we scale to 45nm and beyond, the expectations of increased functional value per unit cost may only be met with a more holistic technology integration based on systems needs. We consider two approaches: leveraging embedded dense memory. We examine the scalability and performance issues of embedded memory and the autonomic chip - where a judicious use of circuit innovation, material and physical phenomena are employed to yield self diagnosing and self healing and perhaps even self reconfiguring chips extending both the lifetime and scope of the chip
Shaping Morphogen Gradients by Proteoglycans

During development, secreted morphogens such as Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and BMP emit from their producing cells in a morphogenetic field, and specify different cell fates in a direct concentration-dependent manner. Understanding how morphogens form their concentration gradients to pattern tissues has been a central issue in developmental biology. Various experimental studies from Drosophila have led to several models to explain the formation of morphogen gradients. Over the past decade, one of the main findings in this field is the characterization of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) as an essential regulator for morphogen gradient formation. Genetic and cell biological studies have showed that HSPGs can regulate morphogen activities at various steps including control of morphogen movement, signaling, and intracellular trafficking. Here, we review these data, highlighting recent findings that reveal mechanistic roles of HSPGs in controlling morphogen gradient formation.
Auditory Evoked Potential Variability in Healthy and Schizophrenia Subjects

Objectives To investigate if the reduced P50, N100 and P200 auditory evoked potential (EP) components and gating deficits seen in schizophrenia can be explained in terms of response incompleteness.
Spectral shape, epsilon and record selection

SUMMARY Selection of earthquake ground motions is considered with the goal of accurately estimating the response of a structure at a specied ground motion intensity, as measured by spectral acceleration at therst- mode period of the structure, Sa(T1). Consideration is given to the magnitude, distance and epsilon (� ) values of ground motions. First, it is seen that selecting records based on theirvalues is more eective than selecting records based on magnitude and distance. Second, a method is discussed fornding the conditional response spectrum of a ground motion, given a level of Sa(T1) and its associated mean (disaggregation-based) causal magnitude, distance andvalue. Records can then be selected to match the mean of this target spectrum, and the same benets are achieved as when records are selected based on � . This mean target spectrum diers from a Uniform Hazard Spectrum, and it is argued that this new spectrum is a more appropriate target for record selection. When properly selecting records based on either spectral shape or � , the reductions in bias and variance of resulting structural response estimates are comparable to the reductions achieved by using a vector-valued measure of earthquake intensity. Copyright ? 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Implantable Microsystem for Wireless Multi-Channel Cortical Recording

This paper reports a 64-channel microsystem for chronic neural recording. The system scans all the channels simultaneously, detects any neural spikes, and reports their occurrence wirelessly to the external world. Any one of the selected channels can also be digitized and read out wirelessly to allow inspection of the full analog waveform. The neural signals are amplified with 60 dB of gain, a programmable bandwidth, and an 8 muVrms input-referred noise level before being processed digitally. For a 2 MHz clock, the channel scan rate for spike detection is 62.5 kS/Sec and the total system power dissipation at 1.8 V is 14.4 mW. The implantable version of the microsystem weighs 275 mg and measures 1.4 cm times 1.55 cm.
Social science and ethnic options

and raises some provocative questions about its methodol-ogy, ideology and its relevance for understanding current issues of race andethnicity. I think that we fundamentally disagree about issues of epistem-ology and the value of social scientific research, and I suspect that we alsohave some political disagreements, although I am not sure of the exactnature of Anagnostou’s stance on issues of racial equality and justice. Yet,I am pleased that we agree that ethnic identity remains a fascinating andcomplex social phenomenon, worthy of informed debate and scrutiny.
Response to Bergmann et al: Carbon 14 Birth Dating of Human Cardiomyocytes.

The letter by Bergmann and collaborators1 questions our comments2 regarding their work on 14C birth dating of human cardiomyocytes with aging.3 Three points are made in an attempt to challenge the issues we have raised, which cast serious doubts on the validity of their data on myocyte turnover with physiological aging: (1) appropriateness of the myocardial samples examined; (2) specificity of the protocol used for the isolation of myocyte nuclei; and (3) correct interpretation of the 14C measurements. As acknowledged in their letter, 6 of the 12 hearts studied, that is, 50% of the cases, had overt myocardial pathology. Surprisingly, samples collected from a patient who died of acute myocardial infarction were considered representative of normal cardiac aging. Additionally, no histological analysis was performed in the 6 “nonpathological” hearts; gross examination at autopsy was deemed to be sufficient to define the structural integrity of the myocardium. Specific clinical, anatomic, and histological criteria have to be met for the inclusion of human hearts in studies of physiological aging (Table).4,5 The approach used by Bergmann and collaborators is far from any sensible standard needed to determine the biology of human cardiac aging. View this table: Table. Inclusion Criteria for the Analysis of Physiological Myocardial Aging The authors defend the findings reported in Science 3 by citing the article that subsequently appeared in Experimental Cell Research .6 We have been criticized in the letter for ignoring this hastily published report. Our reasons for not quoting this second report must be discussed. In this work, a series of images illustrating different degrees of nuclear troponin staining have been obtained with a variety of antigen retrieval methods. These findings have been interpreted as unequivocal documentation of the expression of troponin I in myocyte nuclei, independent from the age of …
Structural and mechanical properties of glassy water in nanoscale confinement

We investigate the structure and mechanical properties of glassy water confined between silica-based surfaces with continuously tunable hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity by computing and analyzing minimum energy, mechanically stable configurations (inherent structures). The structured silica substrate imposes long-range order on the first layer of water molecules under hydrophobic confinement at high density (ρ ≥ 1.0 g cm−3). This proximal layer is also structured in hydrophilic confinement at very low density (ρ ∼ 0.4 g cm−3). The ordering of water next to the hydrophobic surface greatly enhances the mechanical strength of thin films (0.8 nm). This leads to a substantial stress anisotropy; the transverse strength of the film exceeds the normal strength by 500 MPa. The large transverse strength results in a minimum in the equation of state of the energy landscape that does not correspond to a mechanical instability, but represents disruption of the ordered layer of water next to the wall. In addition, we find that the mode of mechanical failure is dependent on the type of confinement. Under large lateral strain, water confined by hydrophilic surfaces preferentially forms voids in the middle of the film and fails cohesively. In contrast, water under hydrophobic confinement tends to form voids near the walls and fails by loss of adhesion.
Gender, nationalism, and the attempted reconfiguration of sociolinguistic norms

Tatar nationalist men in post-Soviet Tatarstan (a republic in the Russian Federation), affiliated with the ongoing sub-state sovereignty project there, periodically engage in linguistic practices that are do not adhere to local sociolinguistic norms and can be perceived as face-threatening. Some men signal ideological devotion to the Tatar cause by refusing to accommodate to Russian-dominant public space or Russian speakers, addressing unknown interlocutors in Tatar when Russian is the norm and remaining in Tatar for several conversational turns even when their interlocutors have expressed incomprehension. Others engage in continuous monitoring and standards-keeping for public Tatar linguistic performance, openly critiquing Tatar speech and writing perceived as unduly influenced by Russian in public reprimands or confrontations. Their linguistic activism, part of the process of revalorization of this contracting and stigmatized language, takes place in public domains and is not limited to either ethnic Tatars or Tatarphones. By contrast, their female counterparts in the promotion of the Tatar state and Tatar national culture index their pro-Tatar ideological stances more diplomatically, and with linguistic practices situated only within the Tatar-speaking community. Their promotion of the Tatar language tends to take place within institutional contexts such as philology departments, Tatar-language classes, and Tatar-language media, and their standards-keeping and critiques tend to be discreet, non-confrontational, and when directed at a speaker, in private, face-to-face interactions that often have language as the focus. This gendered patterning of behavior has parallels that have been documented elsewhere, and is also in keeping with normative gender roles within the Tatar republic. Counter-hegemonic activities such as adherence to a stigmatized minority language in public domains have a masculine public face: it is nationalist men who are on the front lines, revitalizing and revalorizing Tatar by using it not only within the Tatar political, cultural, and intelligentsia communities but outside of the community as well, on the streets and in the buildings where Tatar had been silent for generations. These interpersonal interactions seem to be part of the process of masculinizing the nationalist project, where the less-confrontational women’s revitalization work is within community boundaries – in the home, within friendship circles, within the classroom – and so behind the scenes. The Tatar case suggests new avenues of research on the interaction of gender and politeness, nationalism, and language contraction.
The applicability of a helicopter patrol procedure to diverse areas: A cost-benefit evaluation.

The residential burglary deterrent effects of a helicopter patrol procedure were investigated in four separate areas with a multiple baseline technology. The helicopter was flown during an 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. period in two high density population areas of approximately 9.82 and 14.71 square miles and two low density population areas of 117.49 and 89.97 square miles. The helicopter patrol reduced residential burglaries without crime displacement in the two high density areas but had no deterrent effects in the low density areas. The costs of the helicopter patrol were justified by the benefits that resulted from the reduced home burglaries in the two high density areas. Because the helicopter patrol program is funded by general tax revenues, there is a disparity between those people paying for the procedure (all residents of Nashville) and those citizens that receive the burglary deterrent benefits (only residents of high-density areas). This distribution of benefit limitation suggests two courses of action: (1) The helicopter should be flown only in high population density areas even though the low population density areas are also victimized by high burglary rates. (2) A more comprehensive burglary reduction program must be developed so that effective deterrence can be realized in low density areas. These latter techniques would supplement helicopter patrol strategies and thus form a comprehensive burglary deterrent package that has an equitable benefit distribution.
An Unexpected Role for TRPV4 in Serotonin-Mediated Itch

Previous studies have revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 function downstream of many itch receptors, where they mediate inward current to trigger action potentials in primary afferents. Although other TRP channels, such as TRPV4, are expressed in primary afferents, whether or not they play an analogous role in itch was previously unknown. Now, Akiyama et al. provide evidence that TRPV4 is a key mediator of serotonin-induced itch. This finding is important because it uncovers an unanticipated role for TRPV4 in itch, thereby identifying a novel therapeutic target.
Educating for Social Justice: Perspectives from Library and Information Science and Collaboration with K-12 Social Studies Educators

72 Library and Information Science (LIS) as a discipline is guided by core values that emphasize equal access to information, freedom of expression, democracy, and education. Importantly, diversity and social responsibility are specifically called out as foundations of the profession (American Library Association, 2004). Following from this, there has been a focus in LIS on educating librarians from a social justice perspective. In this essay we will discuss some of the strategies we use for training librarians to practice librarianship using a social justice framework as a way to help social studies teachers and other educators critically think through their role in educating for social justice in their classrooms. Some areas of particular transference from LIS to K-12 educators that we focus on include locating classroom technologies as sites of power and privilege, prioritizing print and digital materials representative of culturally diverse populations and relevant contexts, and expanding the notion of literacy to include multiple literacies. These strategies lay a foundation for a critically-oriented classroom as a step towards teaching for social justice, and provide opportunities for collaboration between social studies educators and librarians. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE
Interference Cancellation in Multiuser Acoustic Underwater Networks Using Probabilistic SDMA

Combating interference is an important yet challenging issue for multiuser communications especially in the harsh underwater acoustic environment. In this paper, a novel Angle-Of-Departure (AOD)-based technique is proposed, which accounts for the inherent position uncertainty of underwater propeller-driven Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) or buoyancy-driven gliders. A new probabilistic Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) technique is studied using confidence interval estimation, and an effective approach to manage interference statistically is discussed. Also, an optimization problem is proposed to mitigate multiuser interference while keeping the transmitter antennae beam width at a desirable value so to find a trade off among (i) spreading the beam towards the receiver to combat position uncertainty, (ii) focusing such beam to minimize dispersion, and (iii) minimizing interference to other vehicles in the surrounding. Solutions and algorithms are proposed to overcome the multiuser interference via a hybrid SDMA-Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) method. Simulation results show that the solution mitigates statistical interference, lessens packet retransmission rate, and obtains Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) gain and rate efficiency over conventional TDMA and SDMA methods.
Solar Desalination System Model for Sizing of Photovoltaic Reverse Osmosis (PVRO)

The focus of this paper is to optimize the solar energy utilization in the water desalination process. Due to variable nature of solar energy, new system design is needed to address this challenge. Here, reverse osmosis units, as the electrical loads, are considered as an ON/OFF units to track these solar energy variations. Reverse osmosis units are different in sizes and numbers. Various combinations of reverse osmosis units in size and capacity provide different water desalination system performances. To assess each scenario of reverse osmosis units, the total capital cost and operation and maintenance (O&M) cost are considered. The implemented optimization algorithm search all of the possible scenarios to find the best solution. This paper deploys the solar irradiance data which is provided from west coast (Red Sea) of Saudi Arabia for model construction and optimization algorithm implementation.Copyright © 2015 by ASME