cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domestic Violence and Mediation: Responding to the Challenges of Crafting Effective Screens

Over the last two decades, mediation of family law cases has become well-established in American courts. As mediation has grown, experts have recognized that power imbalances between couples may interfere with mediation. This imbalance is particularly evident where one partner has been abusive to the other. Widespread consensus has developed that decisions about whether mediation is appropriate are particularly crucial and delicate when domestic violence is present. Despite this consensus, there is evidence that courts are still ordering couples who have experienced domestic violence to mediate their family law disputes with little or not particularized examination of the couples' circumstances. This Article begins by exploring and explaining the risks of mediating cases where a power imbalance exists between the disputing couple, particularly where domestic violence is present. Rather than engaging in the often polarizing debate about whether domestic violence cases should be mediated, the Article seeks to re-frame the debate by improving understanding about the meaning of both mediation and domestic violence in this context. It describes the consensus that has been reached among courts, legislatures and academics that domestic violence cases require special treatment in the mediation context in order to protect victims of such violence. It also analyzes the court rules and statutes as well as recent research suggesting significant failures in effectively implementing such statutes. Finally, the Article offers some proposals to improve the ability of both attorneys and courts to screen for domestic violence. The adoption of these proposals should narrow the gap between theory and practice in this area and fulfill the promise of better protecting and empowering domestic violence victims.
Macrophage polarization drives granuloma outcome during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (IRC5P.475)

Lung granulomas are the pathologic hallmark of tuberculosis (TB), where different immune cell types and bacteria co-localize. Macrophages are the most abundant cells in a granuloma. They are both critical effector and target cells for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb, the causative agent of TB) infection, and serve as regulators of inflammation and innate immune responses by producing a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, macrophage function, diversity and location within a granuloma environment are still poorly understood. In this study we used a systems biology approach to better characterize how macrophages are polarized by their microenvironment to mount either a pro- or an anti-inflammatory phenotype. We built on recently published experimental studies on non-human primates that suggest how a continuous dynamic balance between pro and anti-inflammatory signals is achieved to control pathology and restrain bacterial growth within a granuloma. Here we investigated how this balance translates into macrophage polarization and plasticity, and how the relative contribution of these macrophages, broadly classified as ‘M1’ and ‘M2’, evolves over time and leads to an effective immune response, at the granuloma scale. Our in silico granulomas suggest that temporal dynamics of granuloma polarization ratios can be predictive of granuloma outcome. We also find that a signature common to properly formed and functioning granulomas is increased NFkB degradation.
Negative vector bundles and complex Finsler structures

A complex Finsler structure F on a complex manifold M is a function on the tangent bundle T(M) with the following properties. (We denote a point of T(M) symbolically by (z, ζ), where z represents the base coordinate and ζ the fibre coordinate.)
FETAL NGF AUGMENTATION PRESERVES EXCESS TRIGEMINAL GANGLION CELLS AND INTERRUPTS WHISKER-RELATED PATTERN FORMATION

In the developing nervous system, precisely patterned connections result from mechanisms that remodel initially diffuse connections. For example, ocular dominance column formation depends upon activity-based competitive interactions. In the developing trigeminal (V) somatosensory system, injury to afferent inputs prevents somatotopic pattern formation; however, afferent impulse blockade does not. What establishes central V patterns remains unclear. As a first step in assessing the role of neurotrophins in naturally occurring death of V ganglion cells and whisker-related pattern formation, the consequences of prenatal NGF injections were evaluated. Fetal rats given NGF on both embryonic day (E) 15 and E18 had 36% more V ganglion cells than normal and lacked whisker-related patterns in the V brainstem complex at birth and through postnatal day 3, as determined by cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Rats injected with NGF on E16 or on E18, or with vehicle had normal ganglion cell numbers and brainstem patterns. Animals injected with antibodies to NGF or an NGF receptor had reduced ganglion cell numbers and normal brainstem patterns. These findings suggest that naturally occurring cell death in the V ganglion is neurotrophically regulated and that this process impacts upon somatotopic pattern formation in the V brainstem complex. Results of anterograde tracing experiments in NGF-augmented animals suggest that pattern disruptions are due to an absence of whisker-related patterning in the central projections of V ganglion cells. Moreover, single primary afferent collaterals labeled by Neurobiotin injections in the V ganglion did not have widespread or unusually complex arbors. Thus, NGF may affect V pattern formation by preserving or inducing projections to brainstem regions that normally come to lack such projections, such as the spaces normally demarcating neighboring whisker primary afferent projections.
DBmbench: fast and accurate database workload representation on modern microarchitecture

With the proliferation of database workloads on servers, much recent research on server architecture has focused on database system benchmarks. The TPC benchmarks for the two most common server workloads, OLTP and DSS, have been used extensively in the database community to evaluate the database system functionality and performance. Unfortunately, these benchmarks fall short of being effective in microarchitecture and memory system research due to several key shortcomings. First, setting up the experimental environment and tuning these benchmarks to match the workload behavior of interest involves extremely complex procedures. Second, the benchmarks themselves are complex and preclude accurate correlation of microarchitecture-and memory-level bottlenecks to dominant workload characteristics. Finally, industrial-grade configurations of such benchmarks are too large and preclude their use in detailed but slow microarchitectural simulation studies of future servers. In this paper, we first present an analysis of the dominant behavior in DSS and OLTP workloads, and highlight their key processor and memory performance characteristics. We then introduce a systematic scaling framework to scale down the TPC benchmarks. Finally, we propose the DBmbench, consisting of two substantially scaled-down benchmarks: µTPC-H and µTPC-C that accurately (> 95%) capture the processor and memory performance behavior of DSS and OLTP workloads.
Types and Distribution of Obligate Thermophilic Bacteria in Man-Made and Natural Thermal Gradients

The types and distribution of obligate thermophilic bacteria were found to be similar in a thermal gradient resulting from man-made thermal pollution and the thermal gradients of two natural hot springs located in Colorado.
An Examination of Flaw-Dependent Theories of Fiber Strength

The validity of theories of fiber failure that depend on the rapid propagation of Griffith-type flaws is examined, as is the validity of the assumptions on which the theories are based. Some experimental results indicate a reasonable qualitative dependence of strength on the surface energy of fracture, in agreement with the theories, but other experiments seeking evidence of crack growth under stress reveal quantitative inconsistencies. The conclusions arc that crack- propagation theories as currently formulated need reexamination.
Comparison of non-contact infrared thermometry and rectal thermometry in cats.

ObjectivesBody temperature is commonly used for assessing health and identifying infectious diseases in cats. Rectal thermometry, the most commonly used method, is stressful, invasive and time cons...
The UmuD' protein filament and its potential role in damage induced mutagenesis.

Abstract Background Damage induced ‘SOS mutagenesis' may occur transiently as part of the global SOS response to DNA damage in bacteria. A key participant in this process is the UmuD protein, which is produced in an inactive form but converted to the active form, UmuD′, by a RecA-mediated self-cleavage reaction. UmuD′, together with UmuC and activated RecA (RecA ∗ ), enables the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme to replicate across chemical and UV induced lesions. The efficiency of this reaction depends on several intricate protein–protein interactions. Results Recent X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that in addition to forming molecular dimers, the N- and C-terminal tails of UmuD′ extend from a globular β structure to associate and produce crystallized filaments. We have investigated this phenomenon and find that these filaments appear to relate to biological activity. Higher order oligomers are found in solution with UmuD′, but not with UmuD nor with a mutant of UmuD′ lacking the extended N terminus. Deletion of the N terminus of UmuD′ does not affect its ability to form molecular dimers but does severely compromise its ability to interact with a RecA–DNA filament and to participate in mutagenesis. Mutations in the C terminus of UmuD′ result in both gain and loss of function for mutagenesis. Conclusions The activation of UmuD to UmuD′ appears to cause a large conformational change in the protein which allows it to form oligomers in solution at physiologically relevant concentrations. Properties of these oligomers are consistent with the filament structures seen in crystals of UmuD′.
Rho signalling at a glance.

Cells receive extracellular stimuli in the form of soluble molecules (growth factors, cytokines and hormones) that bind to cell surface receptors, adhesive interactions (extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesion) or mechanical stresses (tension, compression and fluid shear stress). These stimuli
Protection of mice from teratogen-induced cleft palate by exogenous methionine.

A major challenge for biomedical research is the reduction and/or prevention of congenital craniofacial abnormalities which can be induced by some extrinsic toxicants such as retinoic acids (e.g. isotretinoin, Accutane) and glucocorticoids (corticosteroid hormones) during embryonic craniofacial morphogenesis. Our present studies using a genetically susceptible mouse strain (B10.A) indicate that the teratogenic actions of exogenous retinoic acid or glucocorticoid in secondary cleft palate induction can be largely reduced or even completely rescued by subsequent administration of methionine. The greatest reduction in frequency of all-trans retinoic acid- or triamcinolone-induced secondary cleft palate was obtained by a single-dose IP administration of methionine at 187 mg/kg to pregnant mice on E13 21 hr. It appears that detrimental toxic effects were not observed in mice treated with this therapeutic level of methionine. Our present findings support the need for further research into the role of exogenous methionine in cleft palate reduction, that will provide a biological rationale for considering methionine as a therapeutic agent.
On the Political Consequences of Scarcity and Economic Decline

This essay criticizes the relative neglect of political analysis in most of the literature on global resource scarcity and ecological crisis. It proposes that substantial and persisting increases in the scarcity of widely-sought resources in contemporary societies tend to create greater material inequalities within and among societies, intensify internal and international conflict, and a shift from open toward more closed and authoritarian political institutions. National policy responses which facilitate accommodation to ecological limits are contrasted with pro-growth policies. Historical and contemporary evidence is cited in support of the argument. Implications for the Third World and North-South relations are suggested. The analysis is intended to promote empirical research that will qualify both the unrealistic political optimism of ecological analysts and the technological optimism of the proponents of further growth.
Care, Humility, Guilt, and Faith: Implications of Kelly’s Philosophy of an Integral Universe

In this article, I explore some implications of Kelly's philosophical position of the universe being integral or interconnected. Based on this analysis, I further develop experiential personal construct concepts of transpersonal reverence and transpersonal responsibility. I then describe problems in these areas with respect to our relations with our significant others (interpersonal), our culture, humanity at large, and the more-than-human world. I conclude with a discussion of the ways Kelly's position challenges us to have faith in things unseen as well as the humility to recognize that our particular faiths will not be final ones.
New CFAR stencil for target detections in synthetic aperture radar imagery

The two-parameter constant false rate (CFAR) detector defines a local area where the shape and scale of the stencil are predetermined by physical considerations alone (target size) which may cause suboptimal performance of the detector in SAR imagery. In this paper, we propose a new CFAR stencil based on a family of gamma kernels which provide the ability of adapting the scale and shape of the stencil to offer the minimum false alarm, The new detector is called the gamma CFAR detector. The simulation results show that the gamma CFAR detector outperforms the tow- parameter CFAR detector in high-resolution, 1 ft. by 1 ft., fully polarimetric SAR imagery processed by the polarimetric whitening filter.
Incremental Development of an Integrated Assessment Method for the Professional Curriculum

Objective. To incrementally create and embed biannual integrated knowledge and skills examinations into final examinations of the pharmacy practice courses offered in the first 3 years of the pharmacy curriculum that would account for 10% of each course’s final course grade. Design. An ad hoc integrated examination committee was formed and tasked with addressing 4 key questions. Integrated examination committees for the first, second, and third years of the curriculum were established and tasked with identifying the most pertinent skills and knowledge-based content from each required course in the curriculum, developing measurable objectives addressing the pertinent content, and creating or revising multiple-choice and performance-based questions derived from integrated examination objectives. An Integrated Examination Review Committee evaluated all test questions, objectives, and student performance on each question, and revised the objectives and questions as needed for the following year’s iteration. Eight performance objectives for the examinations were measured. Assessment. All 8 performance objectives were achieved. Sixty-four percent of the college’s faculty members participated in the integrated examination process, improving the quality of the examination. The incremental development and implementation of the examinations over a 3-year period minimized the burden on faculty time while engaging them in the process. Student understanding of expectations for knowledge and skill retention in the curriculum also improved. Conclusions. Development of biannual integrated examinations in the first 3 years of the classroom curriculum enhanced the college’s culture of assessment and addressed accreditation guidelines for formative and summative assessment of students’ knowledge and skills. The course will continue to be refined each year.
Climate and land use interactively affect lake phytoplankton nutrient limitation status

Climate-change models predict more frequent and intense summer droughts for many areas, including the midwestern United States. Precipitation quantity and intensity in turn drive the rates and ratios at which nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are exported from watersheds into lakes, but these rates and ratios are also modulated by watershed land use. This led us to ask the question, is the effect of precipitation on phytoplankton nutrient limitation dependent on watershed land use? Across 42 lakes, we found that phytoplankton in lakes in agricultural landscapes were usually P limited but shifted to strong N limitation under increased drought intensity, and that droughts promoted N-fixing cyanobacteria. In contrast, phytoplankton in lakes with forested watersheds were consistently N limited, regardless of drought status. This climate-land use interaction suggests that droughts may increase the incidence of N limitation in agriculturally impacted lakes. N limitation would likely impair valuable ecosystem services such as drinking water, fisheries, and recreation by promoting the occurrence and severity of cyanobacterial blooms.
Enumeration and distribution of bacterial populations of Long Island Sound

Abstract Long Island Sound was divided with a total of 25 north-south transects. Ninety-six stations were established along these transects at which sediment and/or water and plankton samples were collected. Total faecal coliforms and total viable bacteria were enumerated from sediments from 53 stations. The presence of vibrios was determined in sediment, water and plankton samples from 186 enrichments. Counts obtained along the Connecticut shore were similar to those along the Long Island shore. No correlation was noted between the prevalence of faecal coliforms and total viable bacteria in sediment from the same station. Dilute seawater medium was superior to Marine Agar (Difco) for the enumeration of bacteria from 34 of the 53 stations tested. Presumptive vibrios were present in 95% of the sediment samples, 51% of the water samples and 100% of the plankton samples. No correlation was observed between the distribution of vibrios and faecal coliforms.
Diapause and development in the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens: A comparison of haemolymph ecdysteroid titres☆

Abstract The signal to induce diapause in H. virescens comes early in development (prior to the third instar in most insects), but the signal to break diapause can come shortly after entrance into diapause at pupation. Haemolymph ecdysteroid titres in both diapause-bound and non-diapause-bound Heliothis virescens larvae were similar in the first two thirds of the last-larval instar, when similar changes in morphology and behaviour occurred. However, the number of stepwise increases in titre and the timing of the steps was different in the two groups of larvae. Haemolymph ecdysteroid titres in the last third of the instar were approx, five times higher in non-diapause than in diapause-bound larvae. In diapausing pupae, haemolymph ecdysteroid titres dropped to levels found in larvae which had completed two thirds of the last instar. When diapausing pupae were warmed to break diapause, haemolymph ecdysteroid titres rose again. However, 2 of the 4 high ecdysteroid levels detected in pupae developing after diapause break were considerably lower than those detected for non-diapause pupae.
Evaluation of a thermoplastic polyimide (422) for bonding GR/PI composite

A hot-melt processable copolyimide previously studied and characterized as an adhesive for bonding Ti-6Al-4V was used to bond Celion 6000/LARC-160 composite. Comparisons are made for the two adherend systems. A bonding cycle was determined for the composite bonding and lap shear specimens were prepared which were thermally exposed in a forced-air oven for up to 5000 h at 204 C. The lap shear strengths (LSSs) were determined at RT, 177, and 204 C. After thermal exposure at RT, 177, and 204 C the LSS decreased significantly; however, a slight increase was noted for the 204 C tests. Initially the LSS values are higher for the bonded Ti-6Al-4V than for the bonded composite, however, the LSS decreases dramatically between 5000 and 10,000 h of 204 C thermal exposure. Longer periods of thermal exposure up to 20,000 h results in further decreases in the LSSs. Although the bonded composite retained useful strengths for exposures up to 5000 h, based on the poor results of the bonded Ti-6Al-4V beyond 5000 h, the 422 adhesive bonded composites would most likely also produce poor strengths beyond 5000 h exposure. Adhesive bonded composite lap shear specimens exposed to boiling water for 72 h exhibited greatly reduced strengths at all test temperatures. The percent retained after water boil for each test temperature was essentially the same for both systems.
Significance: U.S. Blind Spots in Judging Research

Opening U.S. educational publishing to the rest of the world promises fresh perspectives and new solutions—but not if U.S.-based editors, reviewers and readers fail to recognize the significance of research conducted outside the United States. This essay explores why U.S.-based reviewers easily miss the social importance and the intellectual interest of research conducted elsewhere, and points to several steps they can take to improve their appreciation of the full global range of educational scholarship.
NiO–YSZ cermets supported low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Solid oxide fuel cells with thin electrolyte of two types, Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 (SDC) (15 μm) single-layer and 8 mol% Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) (5 μm) + SDC (15 μm) bi-layer on NiO–YSZ cermet substrates were fabricated by screen printing and co-firing. A Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3 cathode was printed, and in situ sintered during a cell performance test. The SDC single-layer electrolyte cell showed high electrochemical performance at low temperature, with a 1180 mW cm −2 peak power density at 650 °C. The YSZ + SDC bi-layer electrolyte cell generated 340 mW cm −2 peak power density at 650 °C, and showed good performance at 700–800 °C, with an open circuit voltage close to theoretical value. Many high Zr-content micro-islands were found on the SDC electrolyte surface prior to the cathode preparation. The influence of co-firing temperature and thin film preparation methods on the Zr-islands’ appearance was investigated.
SECM characterization of Pt–Ru–WC and Pt–Ru–Co ternary thin film combinatorial libraries as anode electrocatalysts for PEMFC

Abstract Rapid screening of electrocatalytic activity of ternary Pt–Ru–WC and Pt–Ru–Co thin film gradient material libraries towards hydrogen oxidation in the presence or absence of CO adsorption was performed by scanning electrochemical microscopy. It was observed that the addition of WC or Co to Pt or Pt-Ru catalysts can improve their hydrogen oxidation reaction activity and CO tolerance, making them suitable as potential electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The stability of WC and Co in the acidic electrolyte were enhanced by alloying with Pt. SECM offers the capability for both qualitative and quantitative characterization of electrocatalytic activity of thin films of potential fuel cell electrode material candidates. However, promising electrode compositions identified by this technique need to be verified by traditional electrode preparation and characterization techniques.
Content-Based Instruction: Can it Help Ease the Transition from Beginning to Advanced Foreign Language Classes?

Abstract: This article examines content-based instruction as a possible strategy for easing students' transition from beginning to advanced foreign language courses, as well as for developing students' interest in pursuing language study beyond those courses sponsored and protected by an institutional foreign language requirement. Four principal sections organize this article. First, the theoretical underpinnings of content-based instruction are reviewed. In the second section, four common content-based instruction models are outlined and compared. The third section examines recent research findings in content-based instruction and offers advice on how to implement a content-based instruction program in a university context. The final section highlights future research needs.
Prediction of long-term leachability of a solidified radioactive waste from a short-term leachability test by a similitude law for leaching systems

Abstract A Similitude Law for Leaching Systems has been developed based on a one-dimensional mass transport theory which includes the processes of diffusion, sorption, and radioactive decay. The similitude law can be used to determine the leaching characteristics of a solidified waste from a laboratory leaching test conducted for a similar test piece and to determine the long-term leaching characteristics of a test piece from the results of a short-term test. A leaching number developed from the similitude law was found to be the key parameter in characterizing leach test systems. A mathematical model based on one-dimensional transport theory was also developed to determine the general leaching characteristics of a solidified low-level radioactive waste in a test leachant. The results were normalized, based on the simililtude law, in a leaching graph which uses the leaching number as a system parameter. The leaching number can be obtained through short-term leaching tests. The normalized leaching graph can be used to determine the leaching characteristics of a solidified waste without undergoing computer simulation or tedious numerical summations of infinite series.
Rainfall facilitates the spread, and time alters the impact, of the invasive Argentine ant.

Climate change may exacerbate invasions by making conditions more favorable to introduced species relative to native species. Here we used data obtained during a long-term biannual survey of the distribution of ant species in a 481-ha preserve in northern California to assess the influence of interannual variation in rainfall on the spread of invasive Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, and the displacement of native ant species. Since the survey began in 1993, Argentine ants have expanded their range into 74 new hectares. Many invaded hectares were later abandoned, so the range of Argentine ants increased in some years and decreased in others. Rainfall predicted both range expansion and interannual changes in the distribution of Argentine ants: high rainfall, particularly in summer months, promoted their spread in the summer. This suggests that an increase in rainfall will promote a wider distribution of Argentine ants and increase their spread into new areas in California. Surprisingly, the distribution of two native ant species also increased following high rainfall, but only in areas of the preserve that were invaded by L. humile. Rainfall did not have a negative impact on total native ant species richness in invaded areas. Instead, native ant species richness in invaded areas increased significantly over the 13 years of observation. This suggests that the impact of Argentine ants on naive ant communities may be most severe early in the invasion process.
Quality control guidelines for amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, roxithromycin, ticarcillin, ticarcillin-clavulanate, trovafloxacin (CP 99,219), U-100592, and U-100766 for various national committee for clinical laboratory standards susceptibility testing methods: Results from multicenter trials

Quality control guidelines for standardized antimicrobial susceptibility test methods are critical to the continuing accuracy of the tests. In this report, quality control limits were proposed for 22 organism-antimicrobial combinations with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges of three or four log2 dilution steps. Disk diffusion zone diameter ranges were proposed for azithromycin compared with Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 and ticarcillin with and without clavulanic acid tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The data from five or six participating laboratories produced > or = 94.7% of results within proposed MIC limits, and 94.3%-99.0% of zones were found within suggested zone guidelines. These proposed quality control ranges should be validated by in-use results from clinical laboratories.
Theoretical Study of Generalized Oscillator Strengths in Atoms: Comparison with Experiment and Other Calculations

A central-field approximation is used to calculate generalized oscillator strengths (GOS) for a number of discrete and continuous transitions in the noble gases, the alkalis, and Hg, where experimental data exist. The comparisons show that this approximation yields good agreement with experiment except for the first few discrete excitations in low-$Z$ and certain high-$Z$ elements, and in the region of large peaks near threshold in continuum transitions. The reasons for the discrepancies are pointed out, in terms of the approximations made, and the usefulness of this type of calculation is discussed.
A general model for air-side proton exchange membrane fuel cell contamination

Abstract This paper presents a general model for air-side feed stream contamination that has the capability of simulating both transient and steady-state performance of a PEM fuel cell in the presence of air-side feed stream impurities. The model is developed based on the oxygen reduction reaction mechanism, contaminant surface adsorption/desorption, and electrochemical reaction kinetics. The model is then applied to the study of air-side toluene contamination. Experimental data for toluene contamination at four current densities (0.2, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 A cm −2 ) and three contamination levels (1, 5 and 10 ppm) were used to validate the model. In addition, it is expected that, with parameter adjustment, this model can also be used to predict performance degradation caused by other air impurities such as nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and sulfur oxides (SO x ).
The first flight of an insect-sized robotic fly

Insects of the order Diptera have evolved to become prolific flyers able to perform aerial maneuvers that far surpass anything man-made. The Harvard Micro robotics lab has recently demonstrated the first step towards recreating these evolutionary wonders with the world's first demonstration of an at-scale robotic insect capable of generating sufficient thrust to takeoff (with external power). The mechanics and aerodynamics of this device are quite similar to Dipteran insects. Biologists have recently quantified the complex nonlinear temporal phenomena that give insects their outstanding capabilities. Periodic wing motions consisting of a large stroke and pronation and supination about an axis parallel to the span-wise direction are characteristic of most hovering Dipteran insects. Previous microrobot designs have attempted to concisely control each wing trajectory in these two dimensions. The robot that is shown here has three degrees-of- freedom, only one of which is actuated. Here, a central power actuator drives the wing with as large a stroke as possible and passive dynamics allow the wing to rotate using flexural elements with joint stops to avoid over-rotation. There are four primary components to the mechanical system: the actuator (or 'flight muscle'), transmission (or 'thorax'), airframe (or 'exoskeleton') and the wings. Each is constructed using a meso- scale manufacturing paradigm called Smart Composite Microstructures. This entails the use of laminated laser-micromachined materials stacked to achieve a desired compliance profile. This prototyping method is inexpensive, conceptually simple, and fast: for example, all components of the fly can be created in less than one week. Additionally, the resulting structures perform favorably when compared to alternative devices: flexure joints have almost no loss, ultra-high modulus links have higher stiffness-to-weight than any other material, and the piezoelectric actuators have similar power density to the best DC motors at any scale. After integration, the fly is fixed to guide wires that restrict the motion so that the fly can only move vertically. The wings are then driven open loop to achieve a large angular displacement. This is done at resonance to further amplify the wing motion. The wings exhibit a trajectory nearly identical to biological counterparts. Finally, this 60 mg, 3 cm wingspan system is allowed to freely move in the vertical direction demonstrating thrust that accelerates the fly upwards. Bench-top thrust measurements show that this robotic fly has a thrust-to- weight ratio of approximately two. These results unequivocally confirm the feasibility of insect-sized MAVs. The remaining challenges involve the development of microelectronics appropriate for power conversion, sensing, communication, and control along with the choice of an appropriate power source.
Alkaline phosphatase and failure of calcification under the influence of a diphosphonate

Abstract Implants of bone matrix, which normally differentiate into new calcified bone after implantation in muscle, failed to calcify when a diphosphonate was administered to the host animals. Alkaline phosphatase levels during the period of initiation of calcification and the deposition of the bulk of the apatite mineral were as high in the non-mineralized as in the mineralized implants. A direct relationship between calcification and alkaline phosphatase activity could not be established.
A systolic architecture for optimal filter design support

A prototype filter design is reviewed to underscore the computational problems arising in such designs. A purely systolic-array architecture is presented. This array provides the computational support necessary for filter design. Due to a simple and novel data steering technique the array is capable of carrying out a number of important matrix operations such as factorization, inversion of factors, and matrix-matrix multiplication. Another interesting attribute is the array's ability to maximally overlap computations of multiphase algorithms. In this study we demonstrate the execution of a dense matrix factorization phase and a factor inversion phase on the array with no need for intraphase or interphase I/O. We show that these phases (which are the backbone of an optimal filtering algorithm) are completed in the optimal count of aboutn time units. The array employs 2nn−n simple processing elements (PEs) that are active every other time unit. It is shown that the functions of two adjacent PEs can be merged and assigned to a single PE thus maximizing PE utilization. A possible design of a “merged” PE is given.
Phase equilibrium in the CdSeTlSe system

Abstract In the Cd-Tl-Se system the CdSe-TlSe binary join was studied for the first time in detail by DTA, microprobe, x-ray, and microstructure analysis. The phase diagram shows that the section is a classic degenerative eutectic system with no compound formation.
Gender, War, and Josephus

In accordance with traditional Greco-Roman constructions of gender, the Roman victory in the First Jewish Revolt left the Jews emasculated. In Jewish War, Josephus reconstructs the masculinity of the Jews through descriptions of their daring raids, courageous fighting, and the choice of death over surrender; by depicting the loyal Herodian rulers as undeniably masculine, the Jewish women as unquestionably feminine, and the rebel leaders as dishonorably effeminate; and finally, by exploiting the inherent contradictions in Roman military masculinity. According to Jewish War, the Jews as a whole can be honorably masculine despite the failure of the revolt, a conclusion supported by the further development of Jewish masculinity in Josephus’s later writings.
Evolutionarily Conserved Multiple C2 Domain Proteins with Two Transmembrane Regions (MCTPs) and Unusual Ca2+ Binding Properties

C2 domains are primarily found in signal transduction proteins such as protein kinase C, which generally contain a single C2 domain, and in membrane trafficking proteins such as synaptotagmins, which generally contain multiple C2 domains. In both classes of proteins, C2 domains usually regulate the respective protein's function by forming Ca(2+)-dependent or Ca(2+)-independent phospholipid complexes. We now describe MCTPs (multiple C2 domain and transmembrane region proteins), a novel family of evolutionarily conserved C2 domain proteins with unusual Ca(2+)-dependent properties. MCTPs are composed of a variable N-terminal sequence, three C2 domains, two transmembrane regions, and a short C-terminal sequence. The invertebrate organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster express a single MCTP gene, whereas vertebrates express two MCTP genes (MCTP1 and MCTP2) whose primary transcripts are extensively alternatively spliced. Most of the MCTP sequences, in particular the C2 domains, are highly conserved. All MCTP C2 domains except for the second C2 domain of MCTP2 include a perfect Ca2+/phospholipid-binding consensus sequence. To determine whether the C2 domains of MCTPs actually function as Ca2+/phospholipid-binding modules, we analyzed their Ca2+ and phospholipid binding properties. Surprisingly, we found that none of the three MCTP1 C2 domains interacted with negatively charged or neutral phospholipids in the presence or absence of Ca2+. However, Ca2+ titrations monitored via intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence revealed that all three C2 domains bound Ca2+ in the absence of phospholipids with a high apparent affinity (EC50 of approximately 1.3-2.3 microM). Our data thus reveal that MCTPs are evolutionarily conserved C2 domain proteins that are unusual in that the C2 domains are anchored in the membrane by two closely spaced transmembrane regions and represent Ca(2+)-binding but not phospholipid-binding modules.
Bluesaver: A Multi-PHY Approach to Smartphone Energy Savings

WiFi effectively has two extremes: low power consumption and high latency, or low latency and high power consumption. WiFi Power Save Mode saves energy by trading added latency for less power consumption. Minimal latency but maximum power, on the other hand, is consumed with WiFi Active Mode. While research has advanced in mitigating these extremes, certain types of network traffic such as constant bitrate streaming make the contrast unavoidable. We introduce Bluesaver, which provides low latency and low energy by maintaining a Bluetooth and WiFi connection simultaneously. Bluesaver is designed at the MAC layer and is able to opportunistically select the most efficient connection for packets while still assuring acceptable latency. We implement Bluesaver on an Android phone and Access Point and show that we can save more than 25 $\%$ energy over existing solutions and attain the capability of quickly adapting to changes in network traffic.
Modeling trajectories and transitions: results from the New York University caregiver intervention.

Background Current research fails to capture the temporal dynamics of chronic disease in favor of cross-sectional snapshots of symptoms and outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of comprehensive psychosocial support on trajectories of spouse caregivers' well-being related to the nursing home placement transition. Method Data from the New York University Caregiver Intervention, a randomized controlled trial of a comprehensive support program for spouse caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, were utilized. A convenience sample of 406 spouse caregivers of community-dwelling persons with Alzheimer's disease was enrolled over a 9.5-year period in an Alzheimer's disease research center in New York City. Outcome measures, including the Zarit Burden Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale, were used to assess the differential effects of nursing home placement and of the intervention on spouse caregivers. In-person interviews of spouse caregivers took place every 4 months during the first year of participation and every 6 months thereafter for up to 16 years; 385 caregivers provided sufficient follow-up data for all analyses. Results Longitudinal models found that wives were more likely than husbands to indicate reductions in burden in the months after placement in an institution. Wives also reported greater decreases in depressive symptoms after placement in an institution when compared with husbands. Discussion The inclusion of transitions and health trajectories in a randomized controlled trial offers an intriguing picture of how comprehensive psychosocial interventions can help families navigate the challenges of chronic disease care. The results also indicate how advances in nursing science can facilitate future research in the modeling of trajectories and transitions in the dementia care context.
Interventions, outcomes, and efficacy in Alzheimer's disease behavioral research.

This article addresses three areas of consideration in designing behavioral studies that will assist in slowing the progression of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The areas are (a) the type and design of intervention studies needed, (b) the development and use of outcome measures, and (c) the issue of efficacy versus effectiveness.
Global e-business: firm size, credibility and desirable modes of payment

This paper explores the impact of company size on an important financial consideration affecting the decision to adopt e-business in international trade. We assert that firm size will influence the choice of payment method in global e-commerce. When a Letter of Credit (L/C) is used among global supply chain partners in the e-business setting, payment flows will move faster than the physical flow of products. This asymmetric speed is not preferable for importers, particularly small importers. In this case, the diffusion of e-business adoption will likely be upstream rather than down. We predict that the usance Letter of Credit and usance L/C payable at sight will become more popular as payment modes in global e-business, particularly for Small- to Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs). New ICC regulations for e-business, if actually implemented, will likely popularise a payment mode similar to the current usance Letter of Credit.
Coal Char-CO 2 Gasification Measurements and Modeling in a Pressurized Flat-Flame Burner

A pressurized flat-flame burner (PFFB) was used to conduct coal gasification studies. The PFFB was designed to provide an environment with laminar, dispersed entrained flow, with particle heating rates of ∼105 K/s, pressures of up to 15 atm, and gas temperatures of up to 2000 K. Residence times were varied from 30 to 700 ms in this study. Char gasification studies by CO2 were conducted on a subbituminous coal and 4 bituminous coals in the PFFB. Pressures of 5, 10, and 15 atm were used with gas compositions of 20, 40, and 90 mol % CO2. Gas conditions with peak temperatures of 1700 to 2000 K were used, which resulted in char particle temperatures of 1000 to 1800 K. Three gasification models were developed to fit and analyze the gasification data. A simple first-order model was used to show that the measured gasification rates were far below the film-diffusion limit. The other two models, designated CCK and CCKN, were based on three versions of the CBK models. CCKN used an nth-order kinetic mechanism, and CC...
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Anthurium andraeanum hybrids.

A method for the production of somatic embryos and subsequent plant regeneration for Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex Andre (Monocotyledonae) hybrids is described. Whole leaf blade explants, derived from plantlets grown in vitro, formed translucent embryogenic calli at their basal ends within one month of culture in the dark. Secondary somatic embryos formed frequently and without an intervening callus on surfaces of primary embryos. Embryogenesis was induced with three genotypes using a modified half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 to 4.0 mg l−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.33 to 1.0 mg l−1 kinetin. A combination of 2% sucrose with 1% glucose in the medium favored embryogenesis over 3% sucrose alone. Whole leaf blades on medium solidified with 0.18% Gelrite produced more somatic embryos than leaves on medium with 0.7% Bacto-agar. Within two to three months after culture initiation, embryos were transferred to modified MS medium containing 0.2 mg l−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 2% sucrose and placed in the light for conversion into plantlets. Rooted plantlets were recovered and transferred into pots with tree fern fiber medium and grown in the greenhouse.
Synthesis of D,L‐[2‐15N,5‐13C]glutamic acid

A one-pot procedure is described for the synthesis of D,L-[2-15N,5-13C]glutamic acid from 2-bromo-4–butyrolactone utilizing potassium 15N-phthalimide and potassium 13C-cyanide as label sources. Following a two column purification procedure, the final product is obtained in 38% yield based on the equimolar label sources.
“This is Your Brain on Rhetoric”: Research Directions for Neurorhetorics

Neuroscience research findings yield fascinating new insights into human cognition and communication. Rhetoricians may be attracted to neuroscience research that uses imaging tools (such as fMRI) to draw inferences about rhetorical concepts, such as emotion, reason, or empathy. Yet this interdisciplinary effort poses challenges to rhetorical scholars. Accordingly, research in neurorhetorics should be two-sided: not only should researchers question the neuroscience of rhetoric (the brain functions related to persuasion and argument), but they should also inquire into the rhetoric of neuroscience (how neuroscience research findings are framed rhetorically). This two-sided approach can help rhetoric scholars to use neuroscience insights in a responsible manner, minimizing analytical pitfalls. These two approaches can be combined to examine neuroscience discussions about methodology, research, and emotion, and studies of autism and empathy, with a rhetorical as well as scientific lens. Such an approach yields...
Thermal activation energy of silver in ion-exchanged soda–lime glass investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract The thermal effect on silver in ion-exchanged glasses was investigated in situ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in an ultra-high vacuum environment. Each XPS signal of Ag 3d 3/2 and 3d 5/2 consists of two components, the metallic state (Ag 0 ) and the oxidized state (Ag + ), resolved after curve fitting. The toward-surface diffusion of silver was observed by monitoring the changes in concentration on the surface during sample annealing between 20 and 450°C. Judging from the variations in line shape and binding energy and from the enhancement of surface silver under annealing, both metallic and oxidized silver are accumulated on the surface. By applying the diffusion theory in a semi-infinite system to the experimental data, the thermal activation energy of the oxidized silver in ion-exchanged glass, 0.16 eV, was estimated. The activation energy of metallic Ag precipitated during heating, 0.23 eV, was estimated as well.