cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U.S. government, business make climate change proposals

Global climate change became a key topic of discussion Washington, D.C., in mid-January as the president, Congress, and business leaders proposed some solutions to the problem. In his 23 January State of the Union address, President George W. Bush proposed reducing U.S. oil imports, particularly by reducing gasoline usage by 20% in 10 years and increasing the use of renewable and alternative fuels to 35 billion gallons by 2017.
Coherence-based imaging through turbid media by use of degenerate four-wave mixing in thin liquid-crystal films and photorefractives

We describe a coherence-based imaging technique based on degenerate four-wave mixing in two materials. First, a 45 degrees -cut BaTiO(3) crystal was used as a self-pumped phase conjugator to obtain depth-resolved images through a 4 mean-free-path (mfp) scattering media. In addition, an HITC dye-doped K15 liquid-crystal layer was used to provide single-shot image acquisition through a 2 mfp scattering media. This technique can be used to provide instantaneous (single-pulse), depth-resolved, two-dimensional images of the internal structure of scattering materials. Potential applications of this technique include subsurface imaging of biomedical tissue and nondestructive evaluation of composite materials.
Mechanically stimulated cytoskeleton rearrangement and cortical contraction in human neutrophils.

A mechanical test with micropipets is used to characterize cytoskeleton rearrangement and contraction induced by mechanical stresses in human neutrophils. The yield shear resultant of the cell cortex is on the order of 0.06 to 0.09 mN.m-1. The measured yield shear resultant suggests that the neutrophil cortex is a weakly cross-linked structure. When a tether is pulled out from the cell surface, a polymer structure starts to fill it and spreads out from the cell body. The rate of advancement of the polymerization front is almost constant and, therefore, is not diffusion limited. The measured rate is much smaller than the one of spontaneous actin polymerization, suggesting that the limiting process is either the dissociation of actin monomers from their dimers with the capping proteins or the rate of formation of new nucleation sites or both. Polymerization is also observed after applying sufficient mechanical stresses on a small portion of the cell surface. The polymerization is followed by mass transfer from the cell into the prestressed region and later on by contraction of the main cell body. The pressure generating the flow is located in the prestressed region and most probably is a result of its "swelling" and contraction. The contraction of the main cell body is very similar (in its time dependence and magnitude) to the contraction during phagocytosis. The measured maximum cortical tension is on the order of 0.5 mN.m-1, which for a 3.5-microns diameter pipet corresponds to a maximum contraction force of 11 nN.
Pubertal Timing, Friend Smoking, and Substance Use in Adolescent Girls

The influence of friend substance use on the association between pubertal timing and substance use has received little consideration in the literature. With a sample of 264 female adolescents (11–17 years), this study examined (a) the relationship between pubertal timing and substance use, (b) the impact of number of friends that smoke cigarettes on adolescents’ use of three substances (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana), and (c) the interactions between pubertal timing and friends’ smoking in predicting individual substance use. Results showed a significant relationship between pubertal timing and alcohol use; later timing was related to more alcohol use. This association between late timing and alcohol use is contrary to previous literature and may be due to the broad age range of this sample. Pubertal timing may have less of an effect in late adolescence when drinking becomes more normative and less deviant; the rationale for this association is discussed. Second, this study found females who reported that more of their friends smoke regularly (at least once a week) used significantly more cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana than those who reported no friends who smoke. Finally, the interaction between pubertal timing and number of friends who were regular smokers was not significantly related to adolescent substance use. However, friend smoking explained more of the variation in substance use than pubertal timing. This indicates that having friends who smoke is more influential in predicting substance use than pubertal timing. These findings are important when considering the development of interventions to target adolescent substance use.
Scalable quantum networks with atoms and photons

Scalable quantum networks for quantum computation, communication, and metrology require new capabilities for interfacing quantum states of matter and light. I will provide an overview of recent theoretical and experimental progress in this area.
Mixing Hadoop and HPC workloads on parallel filesystems

MapReduce-tailored distributed filesystems---such as HDFS for Hadoop MapReduce---and parallel high-performance computing filesystems are tailored for considerably different workloads. The purpose of our work is to examine the performance of each filesystem when both sorts of workload run on it concurrently.We examine two workloads on two filesystems. For the HPC workload, we use the IOR checkpointing benchmark and the Parallel Virtual File System, Version 2 (PVFS); for Hadoop, we use an HTTP attack classifier and the CloudStore filesystem. We analyze the performance of each file system when it concurrently runs its "native" workload as well as the non-native workload.
Transcatheter delivery of c-myc antisense oligomers reduces neointimal formation in a porcine model of coronary artery balloon injury.

BACKGROUND Smooth muscle cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation are the principal mechanisms leading to vascular restenosis. We have previously demonstrated the growth-inhibitory effect of antisense oligomers targeting the c-myc proto-oncogene in human smooth muscle cells. The goal of this study was to investigate whether c-myc antisense oligomers reduce neointimal formation in balloon-denuded porcine coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS First, type I collagen synthesis, which reflects synthetic function, was markedly reduced following c-myc antisense oligomers in porcine vascular smooth muscle cells independent of the growth inhibition. These effects in vitro provided the rationale for assessing c-myc antisense oligomers in the prevention of neointima in vivo. Second, the efficiency of single transcatheter delivery of oligomers into denuded porcine coronary arteries was determined. Despite rapid plasma clearance following local delivery, oligomers persisted at the site of injection for at least 3 days, exceeding by severalfold their concentration in peripheral organs. Third, morphometric analyses were carried out in balloon-denuded coronary arteries at 1 month after transcatheter c-myc antisense oligomer administration. Maximal neointimal area was reduced from 0.80 +/- 0.17 mm2 in the control group (n = 12) to 0.24 +/- 0.06 mm2 in the antisense-treated group (n = 13, P CONCLUSIONS (1) Single transcatheter administration allowed for endoluminal delivery of oligomers to the site of coronary arterial injury. (2) C-myc antisense oligomers reduced the formation of neointima in denuded coronary arteries, implying a therapeutic potential of this approach for the prevention of coronary restenosis. (3) It is postulated that the c-myc proto-oncogene is involved in the process of vascular remodeling, regulating smooth muscle cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.
Intercultural communication, interreligious dialogue, and peace

Abstract In an increasingly interdependent world that includes great cultural, ethnic, racial, national, and religious diversity, it is imperative that we find ways to come together as a human family while still honoring and respecting our many diversities. In the nuclear age, and now the bioterrorism age, and in the wake of September 11, 2001, it is also imperative that we find ways to resolve our conflicts short of violence. The fields of intercultural communication and interreligious dialogue provide important tools to help people deal with all these diversities in more positive ways that increase understanding between people and can enrich people’s lives. People must still resolve their conflict issues, but understanding other people’s cultures, negotiating styles, and religions will prevent unnecessary misinterpretations of other people’s behavior, which can exacerbate conflicts that already exist. This article is concerned with many positive approaches and tools for dealing with diversity from the fields of intercultural communication and interreligious dialogue as these pertain to creating more peaceful futures. It is a basic hypothesis of this article that a more peaceful future requires adoption, by people worldwide, of a dynamic, interdependent, complex (not homogenized) whole systems’ worldview, which honors both our unity and interdependence, as well as our diversity—of races, ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, and religions. Our generation has arrived at the threshold of a new era in human history: the birth of a global community. Modern communications, trade, and international relations as well as the security and environmental dilemmas we all face make us increasingly interdependent. No one can live in isolation. Thus, whether we like it or not, our vast and diverse human family must finally learn to live together. Individually and collectively we must assume a greater sense of Universal Responsibility. The XIVth Dalai Lama No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions. Hans Kuhn
Stimulation of presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors by 4-(2-di-n-propylaminoethyl) indole (DPAI)

Abstract The dopaminergic activity of 4-(2-di-n-propylaminoethyl) indole (DPAI) was investigated. In animal models for postsynaptic dopaminergic activity DPAI showed only very weak or no effects. In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigrostriatal tract, very weak contralateral turning behavior was induced in 4 6 rats. DPAI did not induce stereotyped behavior but caused a pronounced reduction in locomotor activity. In male rats pretreated with reserpine, DPAI lowered serum prolactin levels. Levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) were monitored in the striatum of the chloral hydrate anesthetized rat by means of in vivo voltammetry. DPAI administration reduced the faradaic peak corresponding to HVA. In rats pretreated with the decarboxylase inhibitor, NSD-1015, DPAI blocked the accumulation of dopa in response to gamma-butyrolactone. The results of this study indicate that DPAI possesses a high degree of selectivity for presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors, and little or no effect on postsynaptic dopamine receptors.
Surface activity of various fractions of rabbit lung lavage fluid.

Abstract 1. 1. Surface area-surface tension characteristics of two phospholipid moieties isolated from rabbit lung lavage fluid were compared. Similar comparisons were carried out on individual fractions from each of the phospholipid moieties. 2. 2. The determinations revealed distinct differences between the two moieties, as well as between the individual phospholipid fractions in terms of the quantity of material required to achieve a given surface tension, the minimum surface tension achieved upon compression of a surface layer and the nature of the surface area-surface tension curves.
A window to the amygdala: concurrent encoding of choice preference in multi-unit activity in the amygdala and in eye movements.

was fitted to a subset of data which excluded that trial. Choice outcome was then predicted at each time point in the trial using a sequential Bayesian particle filter from likelihoods generated by the fitted model. The filter was considered to favor the right option over the left when the proportion of particles favoring right exceeded some threshold. The quality of the prediction was quantified at each time point using mutual information between predicted and observed outcomes across multiple thresholds. Averaging over thresholds reduces noise variance in the estimate of MI, allowing for a clearer representation of the time course of the prediction
Just 10 Words

Here, Charles Day contemplates website design and how form factor can affect it.Here, Charles Day contemplates website design and how form factor can affect it.
Susceptibility Parameters of Aedes albopictus to Per Oral Infection with Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes were fed on snowy egrets, Egretta thula (Thayer and Bangs), that had been infected by subcutaneous inoculation of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. Freshly fed mosquitoes were frozen and tested to determine how much virus they had ingested. Other fed mosquitoes from the same lots were incubated for 7 d at 27 degrees C before testing. Seven lots of Ae. albopictus fed on viremic birds. Based on average amounts of virus ingested and day 7 virus infection rates in mosquitoes from the same lots, the amount of virus required to infect 50% of the mosquitoes was calculated to be 10(2.8) Vero cell plaque-forming units (PFU). The infection threshold (i.e., the amount of virus required to infect from 1 to 5% of mosquitoes) was determined to be < or = 10 PFU per blood meal. These parameters indicate that Ae. albopictus is sufficiently susceptible to infection with EEE virus to enable it to acquire infectious doses from a wide variety of viremic birds and possibly from equines.
Improving performance and robustness of domain-specific CPLDs

Many System-on-a-Chip devices would benefit from the inclusion of reprogrammable logic on the silicon die, as it can add general computing ability, provide run-time reconfigurability, or even be used for post-fabrication modifications. Also, by tailoring the logic to the SoC domain, additional area and delay gains can be achieved over current, more general reconfigurable fabrics. This paper presents our work on creating efficient CPLD architectures for SoC, including the creation of sparse crossbars, and a novel switch smoothing algorithm which makes the crossbars amenable to layout. For our largest architecture, the switch smoothing algorithm reduced the layout's wire jog pitch from 48 to just 3, allowing for a compact VLSI layout. This has helped pave the way for our sparse-crossbar based CPLDs, which require just .37x the area and .30x the delay of our full-crossbar based CPLDs.However, regardless of how efficient an architecture we develop, it is useless if it does not have enough resources to support the circuits to be implemented. We also address the question of how best to add resources to a CPLD in order to support future, unknown circuits, concluding that the best strategy is to add 5% to the crossbar switch density and to provide additional PLAs of the same size found in the base architecture.
ODAR: On-Demand Anonymous Routing in Ad Hoc Networks

Routing in wireless ad hoc networks are vulnerable to traffic analysis, spoofing and denial of service attacks due to open wireless medium communications. Anonymity mechanisms in ad hoc networks are critical security measures used to mitigate these problems by concealing identification information, such as those of nodes, links, traffic flows, paths and network topology information from harmful attackers. We propose ODAR, an On-Demand Anonymous Routing protocol for wireless ad hoc networks to enable complete anonymity of nodes, links and source-routing paths/trees using Bloom filters. We simulate ODAR using J-Sim, and compare its performance with AODV in certain ad hoc network scenarios.
Postbuckling behavior of windows subjected to synchrotron radiation X-rays

Abstract To fully understand the behavior of windows after buckling so as to precisely predict failure, this paper first reviews test data and then examines the postbuckling behavior of thin-shell structures under thermal or mechanical load. The paper presents postbuckling analyses of beryllium windows subjected to X-ray thermal loads and investigates the possibility of incorporating elastic buckling into window designs.
Continuous infusion of insulin vs repeated S.C. injections in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

Thirty-two episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis in 30 children treated with conventional repeated s.c. injections of insulin every 4 h are compared with 18 episodes in 14 children treated with continuous i.v. insulin infusion. Fluid therapy, bicarbonate and potassium supplementation were essentially the same for both groups. Recovery as reflected in serum glucose, bicarbonate and the rate of rehydration, was smoother and more rapid in the children receiving continuous i.v. insulin, though the difference just failed to attain statistical significance in this small series of cases. There was, however, a marked difference in insulin administered (0.58 U/kg ± 0.05 SEM in the children treated with continuous i.v. insulin infusionvs 2.54 ± 0.27 SEM in the children treated with repeated s.c. injections). Hypoglycemia was noted in 11 and hypokalemia in 10 children on conventional insulin therapy given every 4 h s.c. In contrast, there was no hypoglycemia and only one case of hypokalemia with the i.v. insulin infusion.
On the identification of verbs in computer programs of physiological models

The rationale for identifying verbs (actions modeled) in the source code of a mathematical model is presented, with algorithms leading to computational techniques for devising explanations of such models. Using flow graph methodology the source code of a program can be described as disjoint intervals of its directed acyclic graph. Intervals of this set containing complete loops represent the code structure conceptually equivalent to verbs modeled. In turn, such structures can be mapped uniquely as functional dependencies of the intensional form of a relational data base which is the model output. Simulation, then, can be viewed as retrieval, and the logical inferences of a model appear to be derivable via relational algebra of the data base. In these terms, a verb is a relation consisting of at least one variable defined in an interval. The relation's key attributes must include at least one variable, also defined in the interval. Verb definitions are essential if programs are to explain themselves.
Impact of lattice-shape moduli on band structure of photonic crystals

We conduct a comprehensive study of the effect of the Bravais lattice-shape moduli on the band structure and in particular the band gap of photonic crystals. Unlike the conventional comparisons between triangular and rectangular photonic crystals, where the effect of the volume modulus is not separated, we rigorously decouple the volume modulus and determine the differences that can be attributed only to the shape of the lattice. We observe that the triangular lattice enjoys the largest band gap owing to its unique symmetry properties. We also show that the band gap decreases when the ratio of the lattice constants differs from unity. The use of an appropriate parametrization of the lattice-shape moduli combined with the inherent scaling invariance in the Maxwell equations allows us to cover Bravais lattices of all shape and volume moduli completely and without redundancy.
The BRG-1 Subunit of the SWI/SNF Complex Regulates CD44 Expression

Aberrant regulation of CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein, has been implicated in the growth and metastasis of numerous tumors. Although both CD44 overexpression and loss have been implicated in tumor progression, the mechanism of CD44 down-regulation in these tumor types is not known. By immunoblot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis we determined that a cervical carcinoma cell line, C33A, lacks CD44 expression. To determine how CD44 is down-regulated in C33A cells, we utilized cell fusions of C33A cells with a CD44-expressing cell line (SAOS-2). We found that SAOS-2 fusion restored CD44 expression in C33A cells, suggesting that a trans-acting factor present in SAOS-2 cells promotes CD44 production. C33A cells are BRG-1-deficient, and we found that CD44 was absent in another BRG-1-deficient tumor cell line, indicating that loss of BRG-1 may be a general mechanism by which cells lose CD44. Reintroduction of BRG-1 into these cells restored CD44 expression. Furthermore, disruption of BRG-1 function through the use of dominant-negative BRG-1 demonstrated the requirement of BRG-1 in CD44 regulation. Finally, we show that Cyclin E overexpression resulted in the attenuation of CD44 stimulation, which is consistent with previous observations that Cyclin E can abrogate BRG-1 action. Taken together, these results suggest that BRG-1 is a critical regulator of CD44 expression, thus implicating SWI/SNF components in the regulation of cellular adhesion and metastasis.
Levels of soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin are decreased in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Background Although the etiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not clear, there is increasing evidence that dysfunction in the immune system affects many children with ASD. Findings of immune dysfunction in ASD include increases in inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and microglial activity in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as abnormal peripheral immune cell function. Methods Adhesion molecules, such as platelet endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin, and L-selectin, function to facilitate leukocyte transendothelial migration. We assessed concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules, sPECAM-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin, and sL-selectin in the plasma of 49 participants with ASD and 31 typically developing controls of the same age, all of whom were enrolled as part of the Autism Phenome Project. Behavioral assessment, the levels of soluble adhesion molecules, and head circumference were compared in the same subjects. Results Levels of sPECAM-1 and sP-selectin were significantly reduced in the ASD group compared to typically developing controls ( p p = .03). Conclusions Because adhesion molecules modulate the permeability and signaling at the blood–brain barrier as well as leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, the current data suggest a role for these molecules in the complex pathophysiology of ASD.
Two distinct pathways of positive selection for thymocytes

Most mouse thymocytes undergoing positive selection are found on one of two pathways; the c-Kit+ and the c-Kit- pathways. Here, we show that c-Kit and interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R)-mediated signals support positive selection during the transition from the subpopulation that first expresses cell surface T cell receptor (TCR)-the TCRalpha/betaloCD4(int)/CD8(int) (DPint) c-Kit+ cells to TCRalpha/betamedc-Kit+ transitional intermediate cells (the c-Kit+ pathway). Cells that fail positive selection on the c-Kit+ pathway become TCRalpha/betaloc-Kit- (DPhi) blasts that appear to undergo alternative TCRalpha rearrangements. The rare DPhic-Kit- blast cells that thus are salvaged for positive selection by expressing a self-major histocompatibility complex selectable TCRalpha/beta up-regulate IL-7R, but not c-Kit, and are the principal progenitors on the c-Kit- pathway; this c-Kit-IL-7R+ pathway is mainly CD4 lineage committed. Cell division is a feature of the TCRlo-medc-Kit+ transition, but is not essential for CD4 lineage maturation from DPhic-Kit- blasts. In this view, positive selection on the c-Kit- path results from a salvage of cells that failed positive selection on the c-Kit+ path.
A long lasting proliferative defect in the hematopoietic stem cell compartment following cytotoxic agents

Abstract We have reported a significant proliferative defect caused by busulfan and L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM) while cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) did not cause such a defect as measured by serial transplantation of bone marrow up to 110 weeks after drug administration. If the proliferative capacity of the initial colony-forming units (CFU-S) as expressed by the ratio (Rs) of the number of CFUs recovered (after 14 days) compared to the number seeding the hind limb prior to transplantation is determined, one finds that the R S correlates with the defect in serial transplantation. Thus, damage to the proliferative capacity of the hematopoietic stem cell caused by chemotherapeutic agents can be expressed in terms of R S , a measure of the self-renewal potential of the stem cell compartment. If R S is assessed after a single drug injection, the pattern of the rise and decline of R S with time following injection offers an efficient method of classifying drug injury to the CFU-S compartment. Busulfan was found to be the most damaging since it killed the most primitive stem cells preferentially. 5-FU was found to be the least damaging to the proliferative capacity of the stem cell compartment while BCNU and cyclophosphamide damaged it in an intermediate way. Therefore, busulfan would be expected to be most damaging to the normal hematopoietic tissue, followed by BCNU, cyclophosphamide and 5-FU in descending order of risk.
Comparison of quality-of-care measures in U.S. patients with end-stage renal disease secondary to lupus nephritis vs. other causes

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis (LN-ESRD) may be followed by multiple providers (nephrologists and rheumatologists) and have greater opportunities to receive recommended ESRD-related care. We aimed to examine whether LN-ESRD patients have better quality of ESRD care compared to other ESRD patients. Among incident patients (7/05–9/11) with ESRD due to LN (n = 6,594) vs. other causes (n = 617,758), identified using a national surveillance cohort (United States Renal Data System), we determined the association between attributed cause of ESRD and quality-of-care measures (pre-ESRD nephrology care, placement on the deceased donor kidney transplant waitlist, and placement of permanent vascular access). Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs). LN-ESRD patients were more likely than other ESRD patients to receive pre-ESRD care (71% vs. 66%; OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.57-1.78) and be placed on the transplant waitlist in the first year (206 vs. 86 per 1000 patient-years; HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.34–1.52). However, only 24% had a permanent vascular access (fistula or graft) in place at dialysis start (vs. 36%; OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.59–0.67). LN-ESRD patients are more likely to receive pre-ESRD care and have better access to transplant, but are less likely to have a permanent vascular access for dialysis, than other ESRD patients. Further studies are warranted to examine barriers to permanent vascular access placement, as well as morbidity and mortality associated with temporary access, in patients with LN-ESRD.
Applications and limitations of perfusion-dependent functional brain mapping for neurosurgical guidance

Perfusion-dependent brain mapping modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and optical imaging of intrinsic signals, have become increasingly popular for neurosurgical guidance because they offer a relatively rapid and noninvasive means of mapping brain function. These modalities are unique because they rely on perfusion-related signals that are coupled with neuronal activity to map the brain instead of measuring electrophysiological responses. They consequently present unique challenges to the clinician in terms of understanding the significance and limitations of the maps they produce. In particular, one must be aware of limitations of the modalities with respect to spatial specificity, sensitivity, and reliability of these maps and how the presence of intracranial lesions may further complicate these issues. The authors review the evolution, interpretation, and limitations of perfusion-based brain mapping techniques, with special attention to clinical implications of the brain maps.
Involvement of sialic acid in high-affinity uptake of dopamine by synaptosomes from rat brain

The high-affinity, sodium-dependent uptake of dopamine (DA) was inhibited by the pretreatment of synaptosomes with neuraminidase from Vibrio cholerae. The inhibition was of a non-competitive type, resulting in a 40% decrease of Vmax. Neither basal nor depolarization-stimulated release of DA was affected. Treatment of synaptosomes with neuraminidase caused a 48% loss of sialic acid from the lipid-bound pool and a 80% decrease in the protein-bound fraction. The inhibition of DA uptake was found to be related linearly to the loss of sialic acid from the protein pool. It is postulated that a sialic acid moiety is involved in DA transport across the synaptosomal membrane.
The Marriage License as a Hitting License: A Comparison of Assaults in Dating, Cohabiting, and Married Couples

There are many studies of marital and dating violence. However, methodological differences between these studies make it difficult to determine differences in the nature and extent of physical assault between marital status groups. This paper helps fill that gap by analyzing data from two surveys: a study of 526 dating couples at a large midwestern university, and a study of a national probability sample of 5005 married and 237 cohabiting couples. The results show that cohabiting couples have a higher rate of assault than dating and married couples. These findings persist after controls for age, education, and occupational status are introduced. Violence is also more severe in cohabiting than dating or married couples. A number of factors may account for the more frequent violence in cohabiting relationships. These include social isolation, the issue of autonomy and control, and the investment in the relationship.
Joseph Jones: Infection with flesh eating bacteria

A Confederate Army surgeon, Joseph Jones, is generally credited to have provided the first modern description of necrotizing fasciitis, then known as hospital gangrene. This is a soft tissue infection characterized by a rapid and progressive course. In the 1990s, this entity has been popularized by the media as representing infection with "flesh eating bacteria." Certain patients are at particular risk to develop necrotizing soft tissue infections. Those with impaired immunity, diabetes mellitus, and intravenous drug abuse are particularly vulnerable, but these infections can also occur in previously healthy patients. Diagnostic radiographic testing is often helpful, including the use of plain radiographs, computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most frequent infecting bacterial organism is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and there are indications to suggest that this organism may be acquiring greater virulence. Many infections, however, involve several bacterial pathogens. The keys to successful outcome are early diagnosis and surgical debridement. Fluid resuscitation and administration of broad spectrum antibiotics should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.
A ROBOTIC DEVICE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MANIPULATION OVER THE INTERNET

The PumaPaint site has been allowing users to create paintings remotely over the Internet since 1998. Although this site allows for some artistic creativity, the task is inherently two-dimensional and lacks any real manipulation capability by the remote user. On a similar theme but with much higher complexity, we are creating a robotic device that will allow true, three-dimensional manipulation by the remote user with an added capacity for force control and kinesthetic feedback. The robotic device will be a roughly anthropomorphic pair of limited degree-of-freedom mechanical hands arranged in mutual opposition. We are designing these hands by building parametric models using AutoDesk Inventor® and then fabricating the components in our sparsely equipped machine shop. This paper will preset the design concept and details of the modeling process, plus how this process is informed by our fabrication capacity. The paper will also present the partially completed robotic device and discuss remaining obstacles to completion.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Embryo-Uterine Interactions via the Neuregulin Family of Growth Factors During Implantation in the Mouse

Neuregulins (NRGs) are cell-signaling molecules with recognized roles in cancer and development, but little is known about their role in embryo implantation. Among representative NRG-1 isoforms, neu differentiation factor (NDF, type I) is expressed in the female reproductive tract and is localized to the implantation site. Here, we show that sensory and motor neuron-derived factor (SMDF, type III) is expressed in the uterine subepithelial stroma around the blastocyst and is only upregulated at the time of implantation. The cellular distribution of SMDF is similar to that of NDF and requires an implantation-competent blastocyst. The glial growth factor (GGF, type II) isoform of NRG-1 and the NRG-2 and NRG-3 genes were not expressed in the peri-implantation uterus, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or in situ hybridization. In contrast to the cellular expression pattern of NDF and SMDF, NRG-4 was present in the luminal and glandular epithelium throughout the uterus during the preimplantation period. Expression of NRG-4 declined in the uterine luminal epithelium during implantation but persisted in the glandular epithelium through Day 8 of pregnancy. Studies in ovariectomized mice showed that NRG-4 is a progesterone-regulated gene, with partial augmentation by estrogen. We also observed upregulation of the erbB2 and erbB3 receptors at the blastocyst stage of embryo development. Together, these findings suggest that a distinct subset of NRGs participates in the signaling network that directs embryo implantation. Upregulation of embryonic erbB2/ erbB3 in the blastocyst trophectoderm and induction of certain NRG-1 isoforms with blastocyst activation help to define additional aspects of the embryo-uterine cross-talk that underlies the implantation process.
A nontranscriptional role for Oct4 in the regulation of mitotic entry

Rapid progression through the cell cycle and a very short G1 phase are defining characteristics of embryonic stem cells. This distinct cell cycle is driven by a positive feedback loop involving Rb inactivation and reduced oscillations of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activity. In this setting, we inquired how ES cells avoid the potentially deleterious consequences of premature mitotic entry. We found that the pluripotency transcription factor Oct4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) plays an unappreciated role in the ES cell cycle by forming a complex with cyclin–Cdk1 and inhibiting Cdk1 activation. Ectopic expression of Oct4 or a mutant lacking transcriptional activity recapitulated delayed mitotic entry in HeLa cells. Reduction of Oct4 levels in ES cells accelerated G2 progression, which led to increased chromosomal missegregation and apoptosis. Our data demonstrate an unexpected nontranscriptional function of Oct4 in the regulation of mitotic entry.
Complementary Functioning of Two Components from Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria

Use of alternate substrates (acetylene, azide, cyanide) for estimating N(2) fixation confirmed that recombined fractions from different bacteria are functional but restricted in complementarity.
Myometrium of the Pregnant Guinea Pig: The Probable Importance of Relaxin

Intrauterine pressure was recorded from nonpregnant guinea pigs linked to pregnant guinea pigs by cross circulation. A frequency-modulating effect was observed which could not be demonstrated when the pregnant partner was replaced by either another nonpregnant or a male animal. The effect was rapid in onset and was short lasting when cross circulation was discontinued. It was postulated that a myometrial inhibitory factor was present in the blood of the pregnant animal which for reasons discussed could not be progesterone. Infusions of porcine-relaxin (1 mg/h) simulated the changes observed in the cross-circulation expenments and the suggestion is made that relaxin or a relaxin-like substance or substances is a major myometrial regulating factor in the guinea pig.
A Mimo Receiver SOC for CDMA Applications

In this paper, we present a systems-on-chip (SoC) design for the 3G code division multiple access (CDMA) receiver using the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technique. Our chip integrates the entire digital signal processing part of the receiver. Furthermore, the proposed design can be reconfigured in real-time to handle different modulation schemes based on the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in the highly efficient use of spectrum and energy. Designed using a 0.18 mum standard cell library, our chip has a core area of 20 mm2 and achieves a maximal throughput of 5 Mbps in simulation with 610 mW power dissipation.
Learnability in the second language acquisition of semantics: a bidirectional study of a semantic parameter

The study investigates the relationship between input, UG (Universal Grammar) parameter values, and the native language in the acquisition of a purely semantic property that is superficially unrelated to its syntactic trigger, The Bare Noun/Proper Name parameter (Longobardi, 1991; 1994; 1996; 2001; 2005). On the one hand, English and Italian bare nouns have identical syntactic form and distribution, but differ in available interpretations. On the other hand, proper names display cross-linguistic constant meaning but variable word order. Variation in this respect can be accounted for by a parameter that is set to one value in English and another one in Italian. A bidirectional study of the two properties was conducted. Individual results calculated with the native speaker accuracy as the cut-off point for successful acquisition indicate that parametric restructuring is attested in both learning directions. In the English [.arrowright] Italian direction, the lack of one native interpretation in the target language (a contracting of the grammar) is achieved in the absence of negative evidence, in a Poverty of the Stimulus situation. In both directions, the semantic property is acquired based on input and/or positive evidence for the syntactic side of the parameter.
Molecular technology for hospital epidemiology

Hospital-acquired infections in the United States contribute to approximately 80,000 deaths per year, with an associated cost of > $4 billion. Some of these infections are associated with outbreaks and clusters occurring within the hospital. The hospital infection control team must respond quickly and decisively to recognize and curtail these outbreaks, but their response often depends on critical laboratory data that characterize or "fingerprint" suspected microbial isolates. This presentation summarizes the simple, easily performed tests and the more molecular approaches that a hospital laboratory may take in support of infection control efforts. In addition to phenotypic data, such as biotype and antibiograms, hospitals that elect to incorporate molecular protocols should limit their first experiences to plasmid analysis and plasmid restriction endonuclease profiles.
Preliminary results in the development of a compound reconfigurable antenna

This work presents preliminary results in the development of a compound reconfigurable antenna which is both frequency and pattern reconfigurable. It radiates in one of three selectable patterns (broadside, positive tilt, negative tilt) at one of two selectable frequencies (2.4 GHz or 3.5 GHz). The next steps for this work are fabrication and measurement. Implementing bias lines that minimally interfere with performance is not a trivial task, as they will interfere with the current distribution on the antenna and have some effect on the radiation pattern. Additionally, the separation between the driven and parasitic patches will be redesigned so that the beam tilts between frequency modes are nearly equivalent.
Advances in indirect dominant mode rejection adaptive beamforming

Low-rank MVDR beamformers such as conjugate gradients (CG) and principal components inverse (PCI) yield a higher SINR than full-rank MVDR when the sample support is inadequate. However, a large drop in output SINR occurs if the low-rank beamformer operates at an improper rank. Indirect dominant mode rejection (IDMR) is proposed wherein one first employs a high-resolution spatial spectrum estimation technique to estimate the directions and powers of the dominant interferers. Subsequently, this information is used to construct an estimate of the signal-free (interference plus noise only) autocorrelation matrix (for a given look-direction.) In this process, any residual correlations between the interferers and the signal arriving from the look-direction due to finite sample averaging is effectively removed. Simulations reveal that IDMR yields a dramatic improvement in output SINR relative to CG and PCI/DMR, even when the latter operate at the optimal rank. In the case of correlated signal IDMR shows not to degrade the output SINR, different from CG and PCI/DMR.
Spectrally Efficient Jamming Mitigation Based on Code-Controlled Frequency Hopping

This paper considers spectrally efficient anti-jamming system design based on code-controlled frequency hopping. Unlike conventional frequency hopping systems where hopping patterns are determined by preselected pseudo-random sequences, in the proposed scheme, part of source information is passed through a block encoder, and used to determine the selected frequency bands for signal transmission. By exploiting the redundancy provided by the block coding, the receiver can retrieve the hopping pattern without a priori knowledge. Through an integrated decoding-and-encoding process, the receiver can also perform partial jamming detection. It is observed that due to the combination of dynamic frequency hopping and coding diversities, the proposed system can effectively mitigate random jamming interference while maintaining high spectral efficiency.
Quantum trajectory studies of many-atom and finite transit-time effects in a cavity QED microlaser or micromaser

Studies of microlasers and micromasers generally assume that at most one atom is present in the resonator and transit times are much shorter than cavity lifetimes. We use quantum trajectory simulations to investigate the behavior of a microlaser/micromaser in which multiple atoms may be present and atom transit times can be comparable to the cavity decay time. Many-atom events are shown to destroy trap state resonances even for a mean intracavity atom number as small as 0.1. Away from trap states, results for mean photon number agree with a single-atom, weak-decay theory. However the variance of the photon number distribution increases relative to micromaser theory by an amount proportional to the product of the interaction time and cavity decay rate. This excess variance is interpreted as resulting from cavity decay during the atomic transit time.
Resolution of organelle docking and fusion kinetics in a cell-free assay

In vitro assays of compartment mixing have been key tools in the biochemical dissection of organelle docking and fusion. Many such assays measure compartment mixing through the enzymatic modification of reporter proteins. Homotypic fusion of yeast vacuoles is measured with a coupled assay of proteolytic maturation of pro-alkaline phosphatase (pro-ALP). A kinetic lag is observed between the end of docking, marked by the acquisition of resistance to anti-SNARE reagents, and ALP maturation. We therefore asked whether the time taken for pro-ALP maturation adds a kinetic lag to the measured fusion signal. Prb1p promotes ALP maturation; overproduction of Prb1p accelerates ALP activation in detergent lysates but does not alter the measured kinetics of docking or fusion. Thus, the lag between docking and ALP activation reflects a lag between docking and fusion. Many vacuoles in the population undergo multiple rounds of fusion; methods are presented for distinguishing the first round of fusion from ongoing rounds of fusion. A simple kinetic model distinguishes between two rates, the rate of fusion and the rate at which fusion competence is lost, and allows estimation of the number of rounds of fusion completed.
Clarity of View: An Evaluation Framework for 360-degree Awareness Systems in Heavy Vehicles

Several emerging technologies hold great promise to improve the 360-degree awareness of the heavy vehicle driver. However, current industry-standard evaluation methods do not measure all the comprehensive factors contributing to the overall effectiveness of such systems. As a result, industry is challenged to evaluate new technologies in a way that is objective and allows the comparison of different systems in a consistent manner. This research aims to explore the methods currently in use, identify relevant factors not presently incorporated in standard procedures, and recommend best practices to accomplish an overall measurement system that can quantify performance beyond simply the field of view of a driver visibility system. We introduce a new metric, "Clarity of View," that incorporates several important factors for visibility systems including: gap acceptance, response time, and behavior accuracy. This paper provides an outline of the theoretical framework for our Clarity of View metric that prefaces an experimental approach to follow. The resulting work will allow recommendation of guidelines for design parameters for acceptable performance of visibility systems specifically designed for heavy vehicles.
The Last True Believers: The Knoxville Journal in the Late Civil Rights Movement

From the early 1930s through the 1960s, the mainstream press in Tennessee relied on the narrative of anti-communism to oppose the labor and desegregation movements. But by 1965, The Knoxville Journal remained as the only newspaper of eight in the state to continue to prosecute the social changes promised by the Civil Rights Movement in those terms. This study applies James Carey's principle of combining mainstream and journalism history to interpret the social meanings of the news. By focusing coverage of the state legislature's last attempt to investigate alleged communist activity at the locally based Highlander Research and Education Center, this textual analysis of the Journal's coverage from 1965 to 1967 shows how the movement's changes were already inscribed on the state's dominant institutions a year before the movement ended in Memphis. The analysis interprets the negotiation of social change in terms of Anthony Giddens's theory of structuration.
Microlocalization of lipophilic porphyrins: non-toxic enhancers of boron neutron-capture therapy.

AbstractPurpose: To compare the macroscopic and microscopic distributions of the novel non-toxic lipophilic porphyrins copper (II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3-[1,2 dicarba-closo-dodecaboranyl]methoxyphenyl)-porphyrin (CuTCPH), potentially useful for boron neutron-capture therapy (BNCT), with those of its zinc fluorescent congener zinc (II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3-[1,2 dicarba-closo-dodecaboranyl]methoxyphenyl)-porphyrin (ZnTCPH) in tissues of tumor-bearing mice.Materials and methods: ZnTCPH and CuTCPH were synthesized, then injected intraperitoneally (ip) into tumor-bearing mice. Macroscopic biodistribution was assessed by determining average boron concentrations in tumor, blood, brain, skin, and liver using atomic-emission spectrometry. The euthanized mice and their vital organs were photographed first under an ultraviolet lamp and then under a bright fluorescent lamp. Thin sections of liver and tumor were analyzed by confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM).Results: ZnTCPH-injected, but not CuTCPH-injected mice...