cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The State Is Dead, Long Live the State

Privatizing the State. Edited by Beatrice Hibou. Translated by Jonathan Derrick. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004. 279 pp., $37.00 (ISBN: 0-231-13464-9). Privatizing the State , by Beatrice Hibou, consists of a series of essays by French academics on the international political economy. The theoretical focus of the book concerns the “decline of the state” thesis, that is, the assertion that the modern state is withering away as a result of private agents of the global economy. The relentless introduction by Hibou and smart conclusion by Yves Chevrier effectively lay out the case against the thesis of state decline and challenge neoliberal assumptions about privatization and politics. The case chapters, drawn from transitional and developing economies, are especially good at elaborating the informal ways in which state power is increasingly exercised in countries that are said to have weak or failed states. At another level, Privatizing the State is a contemporary incarnation of the long-running feud between the Anglo-Scottish Enlightenment and the French–German counter-Enlightenment. Is society the aggregation of rational individuals or the organic arrangement of communities? Is human behavior based on reason or culture? Is the state a set of neutral institutions providing law and order, or is it the embodiment of a national experience providing meaning and identity? In this regard, the book helps articulate a postmodern view of the state that is unconventional in Anglo-US scholarship, in which “neo” variants of realism, Marxism, and liberalism prevail. Part I of Privatizing the State explores the privatization of state enterprises. Chapters on Poland and China offer evidence that privatization does not automatically lead to “free market” behavior among enterprise managers. Indeed, politics remains relevant for at least some managers, and past behaviors, like corruption, are still to be found. For …
A content analysis of ethical policy statements regarding marketing activities

Many large corporations now have written codes of ethics to guide the business/marketing activities of employees. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and types of topics which are covered in the ethics policy statements of large U.S. corporations. The results indicated that the topics covered most often (respectively) were: misuse of funds/improper accounting, conflicts of interest, political contributions, and confidential information. It is concluded that in addition to written ethics policy statements, top management should communicate ethical values and demonstrate by example.
Influence of exposure duration on the tuning of spatial channels.

Abstract Differences between the spatial frequency tuning curves of psychophysical mechanisms detecting temporally modulated and unmodulated sinusoidal gratings have been found in previous work with frequency specific adaptation. Using a subthreshold additivity technique, which avoids problems associated with the adaptation technique, we found no differences between curves for briefly flashed and steadily presented gratings at center frequencies of 1, 3, and 13.3 c/deg. Under both conditions the channels were narrow and symmetrical about the center frequency. Our results do not support simple analogies between the psychophysical mechanisms and electrophysiologically defined “sustained” and “transient” neurons.
Epigenetic factors up‐regulate expression of myelin proteins in the dysmyelinating jimpy mutant mouse

Proteolipid protein (PLP) is a major structural component of central nervous system (CNS) myelin. Evidence exists that PLP or the related splice variant DM-20 protein may also play a role in early development of oligodendrocytes (OLs), the cells that form CNS myelin. There are several naturally occurring mutations of the PLP gene that have been used to study the roles of PLP both in myelination and in OL differentiation. The PLP mutation in the jimpy (jp) mouse has been extensively characterized. These mutants produce no detectable PLP and exhibit an almost total lack of CNS myelin. Additionally, most OLs in affected animals die prematurely, before producing myelin sheaths. We have studied cultures of jp CNS in order to understand whether OL survival and myelin formation require production of normal PLP. When grown in primary cultures, jp OLs mimic the relatively undifferentiated phenotype of jp OLs in vivo. They produce little myelin basic protein (MBP), never immunostain for PLP, and rarely elaborate myelin-like membranes. We report here that jp OLs grown in medium conditioned by normal astrocytes synthesize MBP and incorporate it into membrane expansions. Some jp OLs grown in this way stain with PLP antibodies, including an antibody to a peptide sequence specific for the mutant jp PLP. This study shows that: (1) an absence of PLP does not necessarily lead to dysmyelination or OL death; (2) OLs are capable of translating at least a portion of the predicted jp PLP; (3) the abnormal PLP made in the cultured jp cells is not toxic to OLs. These results also highlight the importance of environmental factors in controlling OL phenotype.
Liquid Volume Fluxes in Stratified Multiphase Plumes

This paper presents an optimization scheme to estimate the internal entrained fluid fluxes for multiphase plumes in stratification from indirect experimental measurements and applies the results to field-scale plumes. Experiments were conducted in linear stratification using dispersed phases of air bubbles and glass beads (the latter creating an inverted plume). Comparison of pre- and postexperiment salinity profiles provided direct measurements of the net liquid fluxes in the plume; fluorescence profiles provided direct measurements of the fluxes of passive tracer. To separate the net flux measurements into upward and downward flows this paper applies a constrained Bayesian estimation technique based on a conceptual model of the plume. This method provides estimates of the ambient and counterflowing entrained fluid fluxes, the peeling efficiency (percent of entrained fluid that detrains) and the buoyancy flux continuing above the first peel. These quantities correlate with the non-dimensional slip veloci...
Contested memories: narrative structures and allegorical meanings of Iran's pre‐islamic history

(1996). Contested memories: narrative structures and allegorical meanings of Iran's pre‐islamic history. Iranian Studies: Vol. 29, No. 1-2, pp. 149-175.
Incorporating Economic Models into Seasonal Pool Conservation Planning

Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine have adopted regulatory zones around seasonal (vernal) pools to conserve terrestrial habitat for pool-breeding amphib- ians. Most amphibians require access to distinct seasonal hab- itats in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems because of their complex life histories. These habitat requirements make them particularly vulnerable to land uses that destroy habitat or limit connectivity (or permeability) among habitats. Regulatory efforts focusing on breeding pools without consideration of terrestrial habitat needs will not ensure the persistence of pool- breeding amphibians. We used GIS to combine a discrete- choice, parcel-scale economic model of land conversion with a landscape permeability model based on known habitat requirements of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) in Maine (USA) to examine permeability among habitat elements for alternative future scenarios. The economic model predicts future landscapes under different subdivision open space and vernal pool regulatory requirements. Our model showed that even "no build" permit zones extending 76 m (250 ft) outward from the pool edge were insufficient to assure permeability among required habitat elements. Furthermore, effectiveness of permit zones may be inconsis- tent due to interactions with other growth management poli- cies, highlighting the need for local and state planning for the long-term persistence of pool-breeding amphibians in devel- oping landscapes.
Principals' perceptions of benefits and barriers to school-based suicide prevention programs

Abstract Suicidal behavior among children and adolescents is a national problem and schools can be an effective context for suicide prevention and intervention efforts. School-wide screening programs are viewed as most effective from a public health standpoint, although they garner the least support from school administrators. The purpose of this article is to examine administrators' perceptions of three school-based suicide prevention models while also capturing opinions on barriers and benefits to implementation. Data were gathered through interviews with seven principals from one Midwestern state. Findings reveal agreement among principals that schools play a key role in suicide prevention, but they differ on which type of prevention approach is most appropriate. School principals believed the school-wide screening program included more barriers to implementation than either the in-service or the curriculum-based program, largely due to the likelihood of parental disapproval. Limitations of the study and implications for improving suicide prevention efforts are discussed.
America, Britain, and Swaraj: Anglo-American Relations and Indian Independence, 1939–1945

In the years before and during the Second World War, the Roosevelt Administration played an important and often overlooked role in encouraging Britain's disengagement from the Indian subcontinent. Roosevelt's motivations in pressing for Indian independence were varied. They included a mix of principled opposition to colonialism, practical concern for the outcome of the war and pragmatic jockeying for influence with post-colonial nations when the war was won. Churchill's government was wary of being pushed by Washington to move more quickly to “quit India” than it thought prudent. U.S. policy and actions clearly influenced the direction of events toward independence, but U.S. caution as the war ground on led to disillusionment among nationalist leaders. This reaction would have consequences once swaraj was won and India came into its own, at a time when the Cold War was becoming the dominant factor in America's view of the world.
Effect of salt addition on hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass

As a renewable non-food resource, lignocellulosic biomass has great potential as an energy source. When pretreated by hydrothermal carbonization, the resulting biochar (or hydrochar) is hydrophobic and of higher energy density. Addition of ionic salts to this high pressure aqueous pretreatment reduces reaction pressure. Ca propionate, Ca acetate, Mg acetate, Ca lactate, Li chloride, Ca chloride, and Ca formate were tested in hydrothermal carbonizations at 260 °C for 5 min. Ca chloride and Ca lactate were found to be Ca salts whose addition increases HHV and which decrease the pretreatment pressure. Biomass pretreated with chemical addition of selected salts may have desirable properties when co-fired in existing coal boilers.
The essential self: a commentary on Silverstein and Rose “On the mystique of the immunological self”

Summary Historical precedent supports an argument that a variety of factors, including the physical and chemical nature of the antigen, dose, timing, mode of access to the immune system, etc., combine to make a self-nonself discrimination. This argument requires that specificity be ignored and the myriad of parameters that affect the class and magnitude of the response be dealt with — what might be called the immunogenicity-tolerogenicity discrimination. Just as there can be no immune response if there are no specific receptors available, so the presence of immune receptors does not guarantee that an immune response will occur, and factors that contribute to the regulation of the magnitude and class of the immune response cannot be used to determine if a receptor is anti-self or anti-nonself.
Integrated Technology for Supercritical Biodiesel Production and Power Cogeneration

A supercritical (SC) fluid technology coupled with power cogeneration is proposed to produce biodiesel fuels without the conventional complex separation/purification steps. The core of the integrated system consists of the transesterification (TE) of various triglyceride sources (i.e., vegetable oils and animal fats) with SC methanol/ethanol. Part of the reaction products can be combusted by a diesel engine integrated in the system, which, in turn, provides the power needed to pressurize the system and the heat of the exhaust gases for the TE process. This article reports laboratory-scale investigations directed to system optimum performance (i.e., near complete conversion in short processing time) in connection with the effects of process operating conditions. TE experiments have been conducted at 100–300 bar, 250–425 °C, and 0.73–8.2 min residence time with soybean/sunflower oils as triglycerides and SC methanol/ethanol at ratios of alcohol to oil from 3 (stoichiometric) to 24. Special emphasis was on r...
901. Targeting of Viral Vectors to Motor Neurons by Botulinum Toxin Binding Domain To Treat ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disorder of motor neurons, leading inevitably to paralysis and death. Recent advances in knowledge of the pathogenesis of ALS have suggested several attractive candidate treatment strategies. However, a key problem in ALS therapy in human patients is the enormous difficulty in delivering agents to the motor neurons. Attempts to deliver agents orally, by injections, or even by infusions into the subarachnoid space have generally not been successful, possibly because of limited access to motor neurons. Recently, viral vectors injected intramuscularly in mice have been used with some success to deliver potentially therapeutic genes to motor neurons, via retrograde transport. However, the efficiency of this method is limited, and the prospect of extensive intramuscular injections is daunting.
Endosulfan and Lindane Residues on the Trunk Bark of Theobroma cacao for the Control of Xyleborus ferrugineus

The residual effectiveness of endosulfan and lindane on cacao tree trunks for the control of Xyleborus ferrugineus (F.) was studied at 3 locations in Costa Rica during 1962 and 1963. Sufficient endosulfan residue for beetle control was demonstrated on individual trees for 20 weeks after treatment, but rain caused variation in the residue present among trees. Lindane residue diminished rapidly after 4 weeks.
Recent developments in 180 GHZ MMIC LNA and receiver technology

Humidity sounding of the atmosphere is a highly important measurement for operational weather forecasting and science purposes. Currently the humidity profile is observed with ground based, airborne and LEO satellite instruments by measuring radiometric temperature on the flanks of the 183 GHz water vapor line. We have developed MMIC based LNAs and receivers with less that 400 K noise temperature for current airborne and future space based humidity sounding instruments.
An evaluation of a new patient compliance index using plasma propranolol levels.

Propranolol levels in plasma were studied in relation to dose prescribed in order to assess poor compliance with antihypertensive treatment. Fifty consecutive ambulatory patients (36–81 years) having hypertension, including 19 with azotemia, were investigated. Patient interviews using questionnaires and chart reviews were used to evaluate compliance. A composite Compliance Index was calculated for each patient. Individual oral doses of propranolol ranged from 20 to 160 mg. Subsequent plasma levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Good correlation between last oral dose (mg) per body weight (kg) and log plasma propranolol levels were observed in patients whose compliance indices were above the mean for this sample (r = 0.74, p < 0.01), when blood pressure control was satisfactory (r = 0.66) or excellent (r = 0.78), and when serum creatinines were ⩾ 1.4 (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Poor correlations between dose and propranolol levels suggest poor compliance with treatment.
Living-related small bowel transplantation in adults: A report of two patients

Abstract Virtually all of the small bowel transplants performed to date have utilized the whole intestine harvested from cadaveric donors. There may be distinct potential advantages to the transplantation of segments of small intestine. Experimentally, segments undergo adaptive hyperplasia, resulting in deeper crypts and taller villi. The increased mucosal surface area augments intestinal absorption and restores function in enterectomized animals. There is a direct relationship between the mass (length) of the graft and its immunogenicity in small animals, with longer segments rejecting more rapidly and mandating the use of higher doses of immunosuppression. Also, there is substantial immunologic advantage to the use of jejunum, rather than ileum in rats, although bowel from both sites otherwise function equally well. Finally, transplantation of segments would solve the problem of availability of intestine, and might overcome size restrictions, perhaps even permitting the use of adult donors for pediatric recipients. Based on these observations, and the potential advantage afforded by immediate revascularization, we initiated a program of living-related small intestinal transplantation in adults.
Explaining Defeat: A Reappraisal of “Operation Bagration,” 1944

This article examines the German explanation of how defeat in Belorussia occurred and could have been avoided during the summer of 1944. In particular, the feasibility of withdrawal to prepared defensive positions and the available tactical doctrine are examined in the context of available German resources. The conclusion is that given the Soviet intentions and overwhelming forces the German weaknesses were simply too comprehensive for withdrawal to prevent the ultimate success of Soviet plans.
Cognitive multicast with partially overlapped channels in vehicular ad hoc networks

Abstract Vehicle to many vehicles (V2MV) multicast is an attractive application to provide vehicle safety and traffic control information, urban sensing and multimedia content sharing in vehicular ad hoc networks. Due to the limitation of DSRC channels, Wi-Fi channels can be alternative to realize the multicast in the vehicular networks. However, the deployment using the Wi-Fi in ISM bands is challenging due to the interference from increasing residential Wi-Fi users as well as inter-vehicle interference. In this study, we propose a cognitive multi-channel, multi-radio multicast protocol, CoCast , borrowing concept of recently developed cognitive radio techniques, which can help overcome such interference, with spectrum sensing and multi-channel assignment. Unfortunately, number of orthogonal channels is very limited in the ISM band to avoid interference in urban Wi-Fi cloud. Therefore, we apply two additional features to use partially overlapped channels: parallel frame transmission over OFDM subchannels to exploit spectral diversity, and network coding for the subchannel frames. Our evaluation results show that the reliability of multicast communication among vehicles in a dense urban environment can be significantly improved with these protocol extensions.
Probabilistic Analysis of Turbine Disc SCC Incubation and Propagation

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a common problem found on aging low-pressure turbine (LP) rotors that operate in a wet/dry stream environment. While much has been published on the growth rate of SCC in turbine rotor-disk materials, incubation time is rarely addressed. Since no effective way has been demonstrated to prevent disk rim SCC from occurring other than to replace the damaged rim with a weld repair of higher chromium content, a better understanding of incubation time could provide operators with a means to treat SCC before cracks are large enough to start to grow. This paper discusses the critical mechanisms involved in the SCC incubation, process and describes a probabilistic approach to make meaningful assessments of incubation time. Data published for General Electric turbine rotors is used to test the model.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Dyslipidemia and glucose dysregulation in overweight and obese patients.

Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to overweight, obesity, and cardiometabolic risk. Overweight and obesity can lead to metabolic abnormalities, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), lipid disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Diet and exercise can effectively reverse overweight and obesity and their related comorbidities. Modest weight loss (5%–10%) and modest physical activity (30 minutes a day) are first-line recommendations for the prevention of type 2 DM. Clinical trials have demonstrated that insulin sensitivity can be improved and type 2 DM can be prevented through lifestyle modification and pharmacologic therapy, including antiobesity drugs, antidiabetic drugs, statins, and antihypertensive drugs. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating metabolism through its effects on food intake at the level of the hypothalamus and on body composition through peripheral effects on adipose tissue.
A numerical method for determining nonlinear normal modes

This paper examines a new approach for determining the nonlinear normal modes of undamped non-gyroscopic multiple degree-of-freedom systems. Unlike algebraic solutions that generally assume a solution in the form of a polynomial expansion, this method makes only the assumption of repetitive motion in numerically determining the mode shapes. The advantage of this approach is that the accuracy obtained in the mode shape identification is a function only of the accuracy of the numerical integration used and not of the number of terms in the power series expansion. The drawbacks are that invariance of the modal manifolds cannot be proven and mode bifurcations can be easily overlooked.
Strengthening the competitiveness of US microelectronics

It is argued that US competitiveness problems have not been due to a lack of research; rather, they stem from difficulties in sustaining competitiveness when commercialization is dominated by product- and process improvements. Partial shifting of R&D investment by the private sector from innovative new products to improvement of manufacturing processes will help correct these deficiencies, but it may not be sufficient to regain competitiveness in areas where US industry has fallen behind foreign competition. In order for the United States to catch up with Japan in all areas of microelectronics, it is recommended that industry-wide, catch-up consortia be established or continued in the six areas where the United States is rapidly becoming noncompetitive. In addition, it is recommended that the United States establish programs managed by consortia for microelectronics research integration, application, simulation and modeling. >
Transhumanism, Human Dignity, and Moral Status

In “Human Dignity and Transhumanism: Do Anthro-Technological Devices Have Moral Status?” Fabrice Jotterand (2010) argues that transhumanism is incompatible with human dignity—i.e., that technologic...
On-Particle EDS Analysis of Bimetallic, Carbon-Supported Catalysts

Thermolysis of single-source molecular precursors has been used to prepare carbon-supported Pt1Sn1, Pt1Ru1, and Pt3Mo1 alloy nanoparticles. On-particle, high spatial resolution energy dispersive spectroscopy (HR-EDS) has been used to determine the extent of compositional variability between particles in the nanocomposite. The loss of volatile Ru and Mo oxides during the course of the HR-EDS analysis results in average compositions greatly enriched in Pt. Mathematical correction for loss of these volatile species results in average metal:metal ratios comparable to those measured by bulk elemental analysis.
Behavior disorder teams: An efficient institutional strategy

Recent trends toward deinstitutionalization have lead to an increased prevalence of behavioral and physical handicaps within institutional populations. At the same time, funding allocations have remained constant or have reduced creating an ever increasing need for the most efficient and cost-effective delivery of services. The present article traces the evolution of a program designed to create in-house panels of experts in an intermediate care facility for nonambulatory, severely and profoundly retarded children. The model is proposed as a means of improving quality of care and staff expertise and reducing the need for outside consultation.
A Psychological Classification Scheme for Vocations and Major Fields

A classification scheme for vocations and major fields is presented. The classification is empirically and theoretically based, and it follows the logical principles of classificatio n Several empirical tests of the classification plan suggested that it sorts people into relatively homogeneous groups and that they have some predictable attributes. Some applications of the scheme to research and practice were also suggested. When compared with the work on aptitude, interests and counseling, the psychological classification of vocations and fields of training has received relatively little direct study, although such problems plague both practitioners and researchers in education and social sciences. Usually we have struggled along with a variety of traditional classificatory schemes with all their defects—ambiguous definitions, overlapping categones, obscure rationales, and incomplete sets of categories. To illustrate, what fields belong in
Multicore photonic crystal fiber thermal sensors

A sensing configuration based on commercially available triple-core photonic crystal fibre (PCF) for the image based optical collection of thermal information is presented. Detection of thermal phenomena on the micro and nano scale is important for monitoring thermodynamic processes and cooling mechanisms for the microelectronic packaging industry. The thermal characteristics of the fiber combined with couple mode theory principles are used to construct and simultaneously measure heat flux and temperature with a three core PCF with a I-D core arrangement for the first time. The PCF sensor demonstrated high detection sensitivity (<1°C) and fast response times (<30µs) which is a significant improvement to current commercial standards.
A framework for partial data flow analysis

Although data flow analysis was first developed for use in compilers, its usefulness is now recognized in many software tools. Because of its compiler origins, the computation of data flow for software tools is based on the traditional exhaustive data flow framework. However, although this framework is useful for computing data flow for compilers, it is not the most appropriate for software tools, particularly those used in the maintenance stage. In maintenance, testing and debugging is typically performed in response to program changes. As such, the data flow required is demand driven from the changed program points. Rather than compute the data flow exhaustively using the traditional data flow frame work, we present a framework for partial analysis. The framework includes a specification language enabling the specification of the demand driven data flow desired by a user. From the specification, a partial analysis algorithm is automatically generated using an L-attributed definition for the grammar of the specification language. A specification of a demand driven data flow problem expresses characteristics that define the kind of traversal needed in the partial analysis and the type of dependencies to be captured. The partial analyses algorithms are efficient in that only as much of the program is analyzed as actually needed, thus reducing the time and space requirements over exhaustively computing the data flow information. The algorithms are shown to be useful when debugging and testing programs during maintenance. >
CONTESTING SPACE, SHAPING PLACES: MAKING ROOM FOR THE MURIDIYYA IN COLONIAL SENEGAL, 1912–45

This article offers a cultural approach to Murid migration to eastern Bawol. It argues that Murid settlement of eastern Bawol was part of an effort to transform the land then under French colonial domination into daar al Islam (house of Islam) or daara al Murid (house of the Murids). This endeavor to create Murid sacred space in Bawol was a conscious effort undertaken by sheikhs and disciples under the leadership of Amadu Bamba. The process of building daar al Murid unfolded in three empirically overlapping but analytically distinguishable steps: first, physical occupation of the space; second, its investment with religious meanings; and third, the containment of French cultural influences.
An RPA program for jellium spheres

Abstract A FORTRAN 77 program is presented that calculates the electromagnetic response of small metal particles or atomic clusters. The program uses the random phase approximation and the local density approximation, and treats the clusters as jellium spheres. From the frequency-dependence response the polarizability, the plasmon resonance frequency, and the width of the resonance lines are directly extracted.
Relating Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) Discharge Design Standards to Stream Erosion in Piedmont North Carolina: Case Studies in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina

watersheds become urbanized, the percent imperviousness increases, altering the hydraulics of stormwater runoff. To restore urbanized watersheds, stormwater control measures (SCMs) are often implemented and designed through water quality measures to return peak flow attenuation to a pre-developed state; however, the affect of release rates on the geomorphic stability of streams are often neglected. The SCMs reduce peak flow rates, but increase duration of sub-bankfull flows within channels, extending periods of erosion. Seventeen rural reference streams along with PCSWMM were used to 1) develop a power regression equation controlling maximum release rate of SCMs based on critical shear stresses of bed sediment and 2) develop annual allowable erosional hours and annual allowable volume of eroded sediment standards. These standards were then applied to 2 urbanized watersheds, House Creek in Raleigh, NC and Tanyard Branch in Chapel Hill, NC to assess the practicality of using the developed standards in an urbanized watershed and determine the geomorphic impact of using LID practices instead of a wet pond on a stream.
Placental dysfunction: Pathophysiology and clinical considerations

The clinical combination of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), decreased amniotic fluid volume and abnormal Doppler flow studies in the presence of a genetically and anatomically normal fetus ...
Factors influencing Bloggers' perceived indentifiability

Prior research found that the majority of blogs are personal and relational in nature where bloggers reveal intimate information about themselves and target their public posts to their off-line social networks. These personal-journal style blogs expose their authors to potential privacy risks. Bloggers may choose to conceal their identities to mitigate the privacy concerns or disclose their identities for positive relational communication. This study explores the impacts of personal traits and perceived communication context on bloggers' decision of identity disclosure. Data were collected via an online survey of 148 randomly selected bloggers. Results showed that self disclosure tendency and targeting blogs at family and close friends were positive predictors to bloggers' perceived identifiability. In addition, self disclosure tendency and extraversion were found to moderate the relationship between bloggers' perceived vulnerability and identifiability. The implications on privacy management and relational communication online are discussed.
Switchgrass Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics

Switchgrass was one of the dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie and savanna ecosystems that once dominated a large portion of the continent. It is currently used for pasture, hay production, soil conservation, and biomass production for conversion to energy. Switchgrass was selected in 1992 as the herbaceous model species to develop dedicated cellulosic bioenergy crops. Breeding and genetics studies began on switchgrass in the 1950s, focused on utilization in livestock agriculture. Recent developments have rapidly increased the rate of gain for biomass yield, largely by increasing the focus and intensity of selection and improving the choice of germplasm and selection methods. Modern genomics tools are rapidly being incorporated into switchgrass breeding programs to increase the rate of gain for important agronomic and bioenergy traits, as well as to create new variability that can be captured in commercial cultivars.
Evolution of VLSI signal processing circuits

Signal processing applications are differentiated from general-purpose data processing in that the computation is organized around a sequence of operations that operate on essentially infinite streams of data (the signal). The large amounts of data (megabytes/minute for high quality speech, gigabytes/minute for video signals) require that the computation be completed in real time or at the same rate that the signal data is required. Though the dominant computation for many algorithms is multiply/accumulate, as algorithms become more sophisticated the decision-making and logical operations are becoming more important. The various approaches developed to perform frequency-selective filtering and the implementation of more sophisticated analog and digital signal processors are discussed in this context. >
Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter by Transcription Factors HNF1 and HNF4 and the Viral X Protein

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter contains a binding site for nuclear receptors. A natural double mutation in this binding site, which changes nucleotide (nt) 1765 from A to T and nt 1767 from G to A, selectively abolishes the binding of several nuclear receptors without affecting that of HNF4. This double mutation also creates a binding site for the transcription factor HNF1 and changes two amino acids in the overlapping X protein sequence. In this study, we have examined the roles of HNF1, HNF4, and the X protein in the regulation of the core promoter activities in Huh7 hepatoma cells. Our results indicate that HNF4 could stimulate the expression of the precore RNA and the core RNA from the core promoter of both the wild-type (WT) HBV and the double mutant, although its effect on the former was more prominent. In contrast, HNF1, which did not affect the WT core promoter, suppressed the precore RNA expression of the double mutant. Further analysis using HBV genomic constructs, with and without the ability to express the X protein, indicates that the X protein did not affect the HNF4 activity on the core promoter and affected the HNF1 activity on the core promoter of only the double mutant. Thus, our results indicate that the phenotypic differences of HBV WT and double-mutant core promoters are at least partially due to the differential activities of HNF1, HNF4, and the X protein on these two promoters.
Active Biometric Cryptography (ABC): Key Generation Using Feature and Parametric Aggregation

Key generation and storage mechanisms are responsible for some of the more common security weaknesses affecting many information systems today. Passwords can be lost, stolen, or easily hacked. Work has been done demonstrating the use of biometrics to produce cipher keys, however these approaches typically require that the user store a template of their biometric in either a local or remote database which can be compared to future biometric samples. Other approaches require complex data processing to recover the cipher key. The proposed approach eliminates the need for template storage and demonstrates how a cryptographic key can be constructed through the use of biometric feature and parametric aggregation along with certain mathematical combinatorial and permutation constructs.
Ground vehicle classification based on Hierarchical Hidden Markov Model and Gaussian Mixture Model using wireless sensor networks

In this paper, multiple ground vehicles passing through a region that are observed by audio sensor arrays are efficiently classified using a Hierarchical Hidden Markov Model (HHMM). The states in the HHMM contain another HMM which represents a time sequence of the vehicle acoustic signals. The HMM represents the distribution of the output of the HHMM, where The HMM models the features of the continuous acoustic emissions. The output of the states of this HMM is modeled as Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), where the number of states and the number of Gaussians are experimentally determined, while the other parameters are estimated using Expectation Maximization (EM). The HHMM is used to model the sequence of the local decisions which are based on multiple hypothesis testing with maximum likelihood approach. The states in the HHMM represent various combinations of vehicles of different types. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of this scheme.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of a ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

1981;79;584-586 Chest R A Schatz, N B Schiller, T B Tri, T E Bowen, T A Ports and N H Silverman a ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. Two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/79/5/584.citation can be found online on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services ) ISSN:0012-3692 http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/site/misc/reprints.xhtml ( without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. reserved. No part of this article or PDF may be reproduced or distributed Chest Physicians, 3300 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights of been published monthly since 1935. Copyright1981by the American College is the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. It has Chest
Are the Randomized Trials of Radiation Therapy for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Still Relevant

The article by Warnberg et al that accompanies this editorial completes a recent series of updates of four randomized trials begun between 1985 and 1990 comparing outcome with or without radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; Table 1). Rates of local failure (sometimes referred to as ipsilateral breast events [IBE]) at median follow-up intervals of approximately 13 to 17 years were 25% to 35% in the unirradiated arms compared with 10% to 20% in the irradiated arms. But are these findings still relevant today? So many aspects of patient evaluation and selection for breast-conserving therapy were different then than they are now. There was much less use of magnification mammography resulting in underestimation of lesion extent. Pathologic evaluation was not standardized, and only limited sampling was performed even with large specimens. For example, in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel B-17 trial, a median of nine slides were sent for central pathology review with a range of one to 70 slides. Interestingly, that review also reclassified 18% of patients as having involved or inevaluable margins. The trials had broad selection criteria with regard to patient age at diagnosis, the means of presentation (mammographically detected or symptomatic), lesion size, and histologic features. Finally, they required only negative resection margins, which was defined as the absence of tumor at the inked specimen edges. The Swedish trial also accepted patients with positive or unknown margins, who constituted approximately 20% of the study population. Clues appeared in the late 1980s, and after that, the minimum tumor-free margin width was a critical variable for the risk of IBE for unirradiated patients. Other studies found that larger size and the presence of high nuclear grade and comedo-type necrosis increased local recurrence rates. An influential study assigned points for histology, tumor size, and margin width and combined them into a single number, which predicted the risk of relapse after lumpectomy with or without RT. This index was later revised to include patient age. With a median follow-up of 75 months, unirradiated patients with a University of Southern California-Van Nuys Prognostic Index score of 4 to 6 had a 10-year IBE rate of 6%—only slightly higher than those who were irradiated. A study from the S. Orsola Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, Italy, found a 10-year disease-free survival rate of 5% among 144 such low-score patients with mean follow-up of 130 months. Other groups have also proposed prognostic indices, although these have not always been reliable. The first prospective trial in the United States testing whether a group could be chosen that would do well with excision alone was conducted from 1995 to 2002 in Boston. Patients were eligible if they had DCIS of predominant nuclear grade 1 or 2 that was 25 mm or smaller, a minimum tumor-free margin width of 10 mm or no tumor on reexcision, and no calcifications on postoperative mammography.
Negative Refraction and Light Bending with Plasmonic Nanoantennas

We review the exciting field of optical metamaterials and outline the recent progress in developing tunable and active MMs, semiconductor-based and loss-free negative-index MMs. We also discuss a new approach for broadband light bending.
Multimerization of Solution-State Proteins by Water Soluble Porphyrins

Abstract: Interactions between charged porphyrins and complimentary or similarly charged proteins provide important models systems for studies of electron transfer processes, artificial photosynthesis, and control of protein-protein interactions. Typically, the experimental results are analyzed and discussed assuming that the proteins exist in a monodisperse state. Here, we explored interaction of four solution-state proteins (horse heart cytochrome c, hen egg-white lysozyme, 3-heme c-type cytochrome PpcA from Geobacter sulfurreducens, 2-heme cyt c4 from Pseudomonas stutzeri) with several cationic and anionic water-soluble derivatives of tetraphenylporphyrin. Combined small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments revealed quick formation of mutlimers with a wide range of complex sizes. Thermodynamic interaction parameters and complex binding stoichiometries were established with isothermal calorimetry. Locations of porphyrin binding sites were determined with heteronuclear NMR and chemical modification shielding experiments. The obtained results demonstrate that multimerization of solution-state proteins by large water-soluble ligands appears to be a wide-spread phenomenon controlled by a delicate interplay of electrostatic and hydrophobic forces. Molecular level mapping of the binding sites allows us to build a theory explaining the size of the formed complexes and provides opportunities for targeted design and assembly of multi-subunit protein complexes.
Government debt, entitlements, and the economy

A history of government debt and entitlement programs since 1800 is provided. Issues of properly measuring the debt are discussed, and the economic effects of debt are explained briefly.
THE LOCATION OF TAYASAL: A RECONSIDERATION IN LIGHT OF PETEN MAYA ETHNOHISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY

An earlier article in this journal suggested that Tayasal, the island capital of the late Postclassic and historic period Itza Maya, was located at Topoxt6 on Lake Yaxh6 in the Department of Peten, Guatemala. Study of ethnohistorical sources for the Pet6n Itza and their neighbors leads us to conclude, however, that Tayasal was in fact in Lake Pet6n Itza, the location long favored by earlier writers. These sources are reviewed here, and Tayasal is positively located on the island of Flores; tentative locations for other contemporary settlements in the central lakes region of Pet6n are offered. The current status of Postclassic period central Peten archaeological research is reviewed in light of the known ethnohistory of the region. The need for continuing interaction between archaeological and ethnohistorical research is stressed. These Itza Indians are of Yucatecan descent, originally from this land of Yucatan; thus, they speak the same Maya language as the Yucatecans. It is said that they departed from the territory and jurisdiction that today is under the seat of Valladolid and from the pueblo of Chichen Itzf, where today there survive some of the large buildings which are seen in this land and which were so admired when these kingdoms were discovered .... They also departed with others from neighboring towns. Padre Fuensalida says that 100 years before the Spaniards came to these kingdoms they fled from Chichen Itza during the period which they call eighth, in their language Uahac Ahau; and they populated those lands where they live today. Their flight to an island and such hidden regions was known from the prophecies which they had ... [stating] that there had come from eastern regions people of a nation which had dominated this land. Today the prophecies (written with their ancient characters) are kept by those called priests in a book like a history which they call analte . . . [L6pez de Cogolludo 1971:II, 256-257, Bk. 9, ch. 14].
Cloning of the cDNA encoding human histidine decarboxylase from an erythroleukemia cell line and mapping of the gene locus to chromosome 15.

The biogenic amine histamine is an important modulator of numerous physiological processes, including neurotransmitt-ance, gastric acid secretion and smooth muscle tone. The biosynthesis of histamine is catalyzed by the enzyme, L-histi-dine decarboxylase (HDC). We have previously reported the cloning and sequence of the cDNA encoding rat HDC. Utilizing the rat HDC cDNA as probe the full-length cDNA encoding human HDC was identified and characterized. The encoded protein of 662 amino acid residues has a molecular weight of 74,148. Homology comparisons of the deduced amino acid sequence with rat HDC and dopa decarboxylases from three species have revealed highly related regions. These comparisons have identified domains of amino acid decarboxylases that are highly conserved and are likely important for enzyme-substrate interaction. A dissimilar region in human and rat HDC primary translated protein near the C-terminus would appear not to be important for catalysis and may be removed by proteolysis. This pro...
Preferential location of bulged guanosine internal to a G.C tract by 1H NMR.

A series of double-helical oligodeoxyribonucleotides of sequence corresponding to a frame-shift mutational hot spot in the lambda CI gene, 5'-dGATGGGGCAG, are compared by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 500 MHz of the exchangeable protons. Duplexes containing an extra guanine in a run of two, three, and four G.C base pairs are compared to regular helices of the same sequence and to another sequence containing an isolated bulged G, 5'-dGATGGGCAG.dCTGCGCCATC. The imino proton resonances are assigned by one-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy. Resonances assigned to the G tract in bulge-containing duplexes are shifted anomalously upfield and are very broad. Imino proton lifetimes are determined by T1 inversion-recovery experiments. The exchange rates of G-tract imino protons in bulged duplexes are rapid compared to those in regular helices and are discussed in terms of the apparent rate of solvent exchange for the isolated G bulge. Delocalization of a bulged guanosine in homopolymeric sequences can explain the observed changes in chemical shift and relaxation times across the entire G.C run, and the chemical shifts can be fit by a simple model of fast exchange between base-paired and unpaired states for the imino protons. This allows us to calculate the relative occupancies of each bulge site. In these sequences, we find the extra base prefers positions internal to the G tract over those at the edge.
Analysis of CROW, SCISSOR and REMZI architectures in the slow-light regime

Under the constraint of fixed pulse distortion, REMZI architecture has the highest bandwidth-delay product compared to SCISSOR and CROW. Nonlinear response of CROW fails to improve with increasing number of resonators, but inter-pulse interaction decreases.