cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interleukin-6-hepcidin-hemoglobin circuit in systemic lupus erythematosus flares

Objective Hepcidin regulates iron availability and may be responsible for the anemia of chronic disease because it is induced by interleukin-6. This study investigated the IL-6-hepcidin-hemoglobin axis in patients with lupus. Methods IL-6 and hepcidin were measured in serial serum samples collected before, during and after lupus flares by specific ELISAs. Results During renal and non-renal SLE flare cycles IL-6 did not predict hepcidin and hepcidin did not predict hemoglobin. When lupus nephritis patients were in remission, IL-6 and hepcidin were correlated, but hepcidin and hemoglobin were not. Conclusion Hepcidin does not contribute significantly to anemia during active lupus.
Piping systems, friction factors, and drag coefficients

Consider the case of mitral regurgitation. If the connection between the ventricle and atrium can be treated as a hole of diameter 0.2 cm, estimate the rate of leakage from the ventricle into the atrium at a time when the ventricular pressure is 100 mm Hg and the atrial pressure is 10 mm Hg. (Note that 760 mm Hg = 1.01 × 10 5 Pa.) You can neglect unsteadiness. Use a blood density of 1.06 g/cm 3 and a viscosity of 0.04 g/cm per s. One way to measure cardiac output is to inject a tracer into the blood stream and watch how quickly it disperses. This requires a rapid injection of tracer, which is often done by using a tracer-injector device. One such injector consists of a large syringe that creates a pressure of 300 kPa. The tracer flows from the injector through 4 m of smooth plastic tubing of internal diameter 3 mm, then through a smooth 23-gauge needle (4 cm long, internal diameter 0.455 mm) before entering a peripheral vein where the pressure is 10 mm Hg (1.333 kPa). Neglecting minor losses and the height difference between the injector and the vein, what will the flow rate of tracer be?
Delay balanced multipliers for low power/low voltage DSP core

A simple but effective technique, which synchronizes the propagation of signals at each full adder stage, has cut the power dissipation of an array multiplier down to equal to or less than that of a Wallace-tree multiplier with a minimal penalty in performance and layout area. This delay balanced array multiplier is a strong candidate for low power and small area DSP core for portable equipment.
Strategies to reduce artifacts and improve accuracy in multiplexed multi-pinhole small animal SPECT

Multi-pinhole collimation is commonly used to improve image quality in small animal SPECT. However multiplexed pinhole projections may introduce ambiguity in image reconstruction and may cause image artifacts and inaccurate quantification. We investigated strategies to optimize data sampling and minimize artifacts, including varying the pinhole configuration and providing a CT-based seed for iterative image reconstruction. Through computer simulations, we assessed the merits of these strategies in terms of quantitative accuracy, image noise, and lesion detection. Use of the CT-based seed for reconstruction significantly reduced multiplexing artifact and improved quantitative accuracy. Overall image quality was best with an imbalanced and irregular multiplexed pinhole configuration, which provided better lesion detection than the non-multiplexed configuration and with negligible artifact. Irregular pinhole patterns also appeared less sensitive to artifacts from unshielded background counts. Ultimately, the optimal pinhole configuration depends on the actual activity distribution. Having a collimator design where some pinholes may be selectively blocked may provide optimal flexibility for various mouse imaging applications.
Ketoprofen given twice daily and interferon-α 2b increased and maintained response in chronic HCV-related liver disease

Source Citation Munoz AE, Levi D, Podesta A, et al. Interferon-α 2b combined with daily ketoprofen administration improves virological response in chronic hepatitis C: a prospective and randomised ...
Role of Adipose Cells in Tumor Microenvironment

As the obesity epidemic escalates, the resistance of adipose tissue to dietary and pharmacological interventions remains a challenge. Adipose tissue overgrowth and dysfunction is associated with the metabolic syndrome, many cancers and certain non-malignant fibrotic conditions. The complexity of systemic and local changes accompanying adipose tissue remodeling in disease has made it difficult to identify the cellular and molecular culprits in this pathological link. Nevertheless, recent efforts in clinical research and animal models have uncovered the roles of individual adipose cell populations and molecules secreted by them in obesity and the associated disorders. This chapter will address the role of adipose stromal cells and adipocytes recruited by tumors in cancer progression. Specifically, it will introduce inflammatory factors and other adipokines as the key players in adipose tissue and in tumor microenvironment. Discussion of adipose cell roles in immunomodulation, vascularization, matrix remodeling and metabolism will be followed by prospects in identification of signaling responsible for adipose cell trafficking and in ex vivo modeling of adipose tissue. Better understanding of adipose tissue mechanobiology in the context of disease will help define adipose cells populations as potential therapy targets.
Role of Fatty Acid Kinase in Cellular Lipid Homeostasis and SaeRS-Dependent Virulence Factor Expression in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT The SaeRS two-component system is a master activator of virulence factor transcription in Staphylococcus aureus, but the cellular factors that control its activity are unknown. Fatty acid (FA) kinase is a two-component enzyme system required for extracellular FA uptake and SaeRS activity. Here, we demonstrate the existence of an intracellular nonesterified FA pool in S. aureus that is elevated in strains lacking FA kinase activity. SaeRS-mediated transcription is restored in FA kinase-negative strains when the intracellular FA pool is reduced either by growth with FA-depleted bovine serum albumin to extract the FA into the medium or by the heterologous expression of Neisseria gonorrhoeae acyl-acyl carrier protein synthetase to activate FA for phospholipid synthesis. These data show that FAs act as negative regulators of SaeRS signaling, and FA kinase activates SaeRS-dependent virulence factor production by lowering inhibitory FA levels. Thus, FA kinase plays a role in cellular lipid homeostasis by activating FA for incorporation into phospholipid, and it indirectly regulates SaeRS signaling by maintaining a low intracellular FA pool. IMPORTANCE The SaeRS two-component system is a master transcriptional activator of virulence factor production in response to the host environment in S. aureus, and strains lacking FA kinase have severely attenuated SaeRS-dependent virulence factor transcription. FA kinase is required for the activation of exogenous FAs, and it plays a role in cellular lipid homeostasis by recycling cellular FAs into the phospholipid biosynthetic pathway. Activation of the sensor kinase, SaeS, is mediated by its membrane anchor domain, and the FAs which accumulate in FA kinase knockout strains are potent inhibitors of SaeS-dependent signaling. This work identifies FAs as physiological effectors for the SaeRS system and reveals a connection between cellular lipid homeostasis and the regulation of virulence factor transcription. FA kinase is widely distributed in Gram-positive bacteria, suggesting similar roles for FA kinase in these organisms.
Nicotine Adenine Dinucleotides: The Redox Currency of the Cell

Abstract There has been tremendous and rapidly growing interest in understanding intermediary metabolism as a key aspect of both normal cellular function and as a participant in the molecular pathogenesis of many different complex diseases. This area of research naturally intersects at virtually every level with the substantial and expanding body of knowledge regarding mechanisms of cellular redox balance. In this Forum, the contributing authors address specifically the union of intermediary metabolism and redox biology through detailed consideration of the biochemistry and biology of nicotine adenine dinucleotides, the cell's “redox currency.” From technical considerations of how to measure nicotine adenine dinucleotides all the way to detailed treatments of their potential roles in specific disease states, this Forum provides a thorough introduction to a topic that is positioned to be at the heart of the next wave of research in metabolism and redox biology. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 165–166.
Socioeconomic class and universal healthcare: Analysis of stroke cost and outcomes in US military healthcare.

Abstract Objective Do socioeconomic disparities exist in the US military healthcare system with ischemic stroke admissions? Methods Civilian healthcare in the United States is paid for by a variety of payers. Significant disparities exist in this system based upon socioeconomic status (SES). In contrast, the military healthcare system (MHS) is a universal healthcare system. Military rank is a SES surrogate. Data was collected from the MHS database for years 2010 through 2015. All admissions to military health care facilities with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke were reviewed. Military rank was compared for primary outcomes of: Disposition (In-hospital mortality and discharge destination setting) and IV tPA administration and for secondary outcomes of: Total cost of hospitalization and Length of hospital stay (LoS). All adjusted for relevant demographics and co-morbidities. Results Military rank was identified with 1895 (52.3%) of the 3623 admissions. The ranks identified were: Junior Enlisted 100 (2.7%), Senior Enlisted/Warrant Officers 1390 (38.4%), Junior Officers 59 (1.6%) and Senior Officers 346 (9.6%). Statistically significant results included: Lower SES group/ranks were more likely to have poor discharge destination setting while the highest SES group/ranks and had lower rates of in-hospital mortality, shorter lengths of stay and higher hospitalization costs after controlling for relevant variables. Conclusion Higher military ranks (Higher SES) had shorter hospitalization stays, higher costs and less in-hospital mortality in the military's universal healthcare system. This suggests aggregate characteristics of SES plays a large role in the outcomes among SES groups.
Principles of Data Science: Advanced

This chapter covers advanced analytics principles and applications. Let us first back up on our objectives and progress so far. In Chap. 6, we defined the key concepts underlying the mathematical science of data analysis. The discussion was structured in two categories: descriptive and inferential statistics. In the context of a data science project, these two categories may be referred to as unsupervised and supervised modeling respectively. These two categories are ubiquitous because the objective of a data science project is always (bear with me please) to better understand some data or else to predict something. Chapter 7 thus again follows this binary structure, although some topics (e.g. computer simulation, Sect. 7.3) may be used to collect and understand data, forecast events, or both.
The Measurement of Brain Stimulation Reward

Ever since its discovery in 1954 by Olds and Milner, the phenomenon of self-stimulation behavior has attracted the attention of neuroscientists interested in the brain and motivated behaviors. Like the early work with electrolytic lesions, electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) held out the hope of revealing a part of the neural mechanisms of motivated, eth-ologically significant behaviors. In this regard, Neal Miller wrote about a 1961 article by Olds: In the Olds’ chapter, we have seen, as might be expected from the drive-reduction hypothesis, that the rate of bar-pressing reinforced by central stimulation in at least some locations can be manipulated by changing the intensity of certain drives. The fact that the effect of certain drives is at least partially specific to the reward effect of stimulation opens up the possibility for further research. (Miller, 1961, p.576)
On the identifiability of factor analysis models

We consider Factor Analysis models representing two blocks of variables and discuss the problem of "identifiability" or what we rather prefer to name model selection. For general Factor Analysis (or equivalently, for Error in Variables) models this problem is apparently still unsolved although raised and discussed in the literature since more than fifty years ago.
One-dimensional, particle bed models of fluidized suspensions

One-dimensional unsteady models of a fluidized suspension based on modeling the forces that the fluid exerts on the particles are considered. Four different theories are discussed. The first, by Foscolo and Gibilaro [1984, 1987], gives a criterion for the loss of stability of uniform fluidization. A second theory by Joseph [1990] which appears to carry the Foscolo-Gibilaro theory to a logical conclusion with the addition of a term proportional to the particle velocity gradient, leads always to instability. A third theory by G.K. Batchelor [1988] is formally similar to the one by Foscolo-Gibilaro, but is more generally derived. A fourth theory which takes into account the finite size of particles and can be used in any of the other three theories is derived here. We show that the finite size of particles is a regularizer of the short wave instability of uniform fluidization which occurs when the particle phase pressure is neglected. We introduce the problem of losing range. If the fluids and solids fractions are both intitially in the interval (0, 1), will they stay on that interval as they evolve? An answer is given.
How Messages About Gender Bias Can Both Help and Hurt Women’s Representation:

Gender bias in elections is both a source of debate in the political science literature and a prominent topic in U.S. political discourse. As a result, Americans are exposed to differing messages a...
Adam Smith on the Enemies of Capitalism: The Internal, Endogenous Threat of the Projectors, Imprudent Risk Takers and Prodigals to the Macro Economy

Adam Smith introduced the dangers of the projectors initially on pages 114-115 of the Wealth of Nations. He introduced the dangers created by the Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals on pages 279-340 of the Wealth of Nations while expanding his assessment of the dangers of projectors. Smith discussed the very real dangers that these upper income class citizens created by their economic behavior to the rest of society. Smith was very explicit. He asserted that every prodigal was an enemy of the state. Smith was no less scathing in his discussions of the roles of Imprudent risk takers and Projectors in creating negative, detrimental outcomes for the economy as a whole. Smith realized that it was the Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals who were the primary cause of inflation, followed by deflation and depression or recession, as their speculative undertaking collapsed in the long run. The main threat to capitalism is not external, exogenous shocks, but internal, endogenous shocks caused primarily by upper income class Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals, who are able to obtain bank loans, finance or lines of credit to leverage their debt positions many times over. The implications of Smith’s extensive discussions are that there is no such entity as an Invisible Hand of the Market that transforms the private, greedy and self centered activities of the Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals at the microscopic level into social benefits for all at the macro level. G. Kennedy was the first to explicitly point out the contradiction involved in asserting that Adam Smith had some concept of an Invisible Hand that was operating in an economy that was subject to internal, endogenous shocks from inside the economy. Smith’s policy view is that laws need to be passed to prevent these categories of citizens from imposing their periodic destruction behavior on the rest of society. The idea that Smith believed that there was an Invisible Hand that would correct this problem, as G. Kennedy has pointed out, is a myth. Unfortunately, this myth is what modern economics is based on. If there is no Invisible Hand of the market to deal with the problem of Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals, then only extremely heavy government regulation can safe guard the public and sober people from the behavior of the Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals. The entire free market is put into jeopardy by the behavior of the Projectors, Imprudent risk takers and Prodigals operating under the mask of natural liberty and freedom.
Survivorship needs of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a concept mapping analysis

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are known to have complex medical and psychosocial needs throughout treatment; however, information is lacking about the challenges AYA survivors face after treatment has ended. Focus groups were conducted using a concept mapping framework to better understand the most important issues these patients face in transitioning to survivorship and how prepared they felt to face them. AYAs diagnosed between 18 and 39 years old and at least 2 years post-treatment participated in one of six focus groups based on age group and follow-up status. Using a concept mapping design, participants provided important issues during the transition to survivorship and appraised them on three core areas of interest. Analyses revealed salient themes shared across age and follow-up group status, particularly related to the psychosocial, emotional, and cognitive effects of treatment. Differential concerns included those related to patients’ developmental concerns—namely, finding a new identity, financial burden of treatment, and fertility concerns after treatment. AYA cancer survivors continue to have a myriad of issues beyond the immediate treatment phase. Despite a complex list of challenges, these issues largely remained unaddressed by their oncology provider and left patients feeling overwhelmingly ill-prepared to manage their transition to survivorship. AYA cancer survivors have many unaddressed concerns as they transition out of active cancer treatment, largely related to developmental issues they are facing. Survivorship care for these patients would benefit from care planning that takes these unique concerns into account.
A Phase 2 Clinical Trial of SABR Followed by Immediate Vertebroplasty for Spine Metastases.

Purpose To determine the pain response and prevention of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) after single-fraction stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) in conjunction with immediate vertebroplasty for spine metastases. Methods and Materials Patients with localized spine metastases free from VCF associated with loss of vertebral height with a pain score ≥4 using the visual analog scale were enrolled. Spine SABR was performed with 20 Gy delivered to the gross disease and 14 Gy to the contiguous bone marrow in a single fraction. Immediate, prophylactic vertebroplasty was performed within 1 month after spine SABR. The primary endpoint was pain response at 3 months compared to the historical control with external beam radiation therapy from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study 9714. Secondary endpoints included pain response at 1 month, duration of pain response, vertebroplasty rate, VCF rate, local control, and overall survival. Results Thirty-five patients were enrolled, of whom 29 were deemed eligible and underwent single-fraction spine SABR. Twenty-three of these patients subsequently underwent prophylactic vertebroplasty. The 3-month pain response was significantly improved compared to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study 9714: 95% versus 51% (P Conclusions Single-fraction SABR immediately followed by prophylactic vertebroplasty improves pain response compared with conventional radiation therapy while providing long-term pain control and structural stability of the treated spine. Vertebroplasty is well tolerated as a prophylactic measure in patients without loss of vertebral height after spine SABR. Pain response and VCF rates are similar to patients undergoing SABR alone. Thus, patients who would benefit most from the addition of vertebroplasty need to be further identified.
Visual Diagnosis: Annular Lesions in a 3-month-old Girl.

1. Joseph S. Tadros, MD* 2. Yang Yu, MD† 3. Anne W. Lucky, MD†,‡ 1. *University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 2. †Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 3. ‡Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH A previously healthy, full-term, 3-month-old girl presents with several annular erythematous patches and plaques on the head, scalp, and upper body. The lesions first appeared at 6 weeks of age and progressively spread to involve the face and upper trunk. Past treatments included the topical antifungal butenafine 1% cream twice daily for 3 weeks without substantial improvement. The rash does not worsen with sun exposure, and there are no pets in the household. The mother notes that the patient’s 2 older siblings both presented with similar eruptions as infants. The patient’s older sister experienced several scaly erythematous lesions on her scalp at 4 months of age that cleared by 6 months after treatment with oral griseofulvin. Her older brother also presented with a similar spot on the abdomen in his first year of life that cleared after butenafine treatment. The family history is notable only for hypothyroidism in the mother and maternal aunt. The initial physical examination revealed several well-defined, 1.5- to 3-cm, annular, erythematous patches and plaques, some of which exhibited peripheral scale. The lesions were found on the scalp, forehead, neck, upper chest, and right arm (Figs 1 and 2). Telangiectasias were noted around the periphery of several lesions. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of the peripheral scale was negative for fungal elements. Electrocardiography and cardiac examination findings were normal. Additional laboratory evaluation identified the diagnosis. …
A? Developmental? Path? To? Text? Quality?:

Writing development in early schooling can reveal much about the bigger picture of writing development. As any epoch in life, it presents its own dynamics that intersect with wider social, psycholo...
Kinematics Modelling, Optimization and Control of Hybrid Robots

The paper develops a unified kinematics modelling, optimization and control for hybrid robots. These robots combine two or more modes of operations, such as a combination of walking and rolling, or rolling and manipulation. The equations of motion are derived in compact forms that embed an optimization criterion. These equations are used to obtain various useful forms of the robot kinematics. Using the developed modelling, actuation and control equations are derived that ensure the robot to track a desired path closely while maintaining balanced operations and tip-over avoidance. Various simulation results are provided for a hybrid rolling-walking robot traversing uneven terrain, which demonstrate the capabilities and effectiveness of the developed methodologies.
Relational processes and psychological adjustment among young adults with cancer: The role of technology-related communication.

Author(s): Darabos, Katie; Hoyt, Michael A; Ford, Jennifer S | Abstract: OBJECTIVE:Little attention has been paid to understanding how engaging in cancer-related interpersonal exchanges via varying modes of communication influences psychological well-being among young adults with cancer. This study explored the moderating role of communication mode on the relationship of relational processes of disclosure and responsiveness with psychological well-being. METHODS:61 young adults with cancer (Mage = 34.59, SD = 4.82) completed a questionnaire about their most recent cancer-related conversation. Participants reported on communication mode (ie, face-to-face, text message, and phone call) and relational processes of self- and support member- disclosure of thoughts, information, and feelings and how accepted, cared for, and understood they felt within the cancer-related conversation. Cancer adjustment measures included functional well-being and depressive symptoms. RESULTS:There were no main effects of communication mode or relational processes. However, communication mode did moderate the relationship between relational processes and cancer adjustment. Greater relational processes of disclosure and responsiveness were associated with better functional well-being and lower depressive symptoms only among those who engaged in their most recent cancer-related conversation through technology-related communication and not for those engaged in face-to-face communication. CONCLUSION:Relational processes that are likely to benefit psychological adjustment after cancer appear to be particularly advantageous over technology-based communication. Young adults commonly report feelings of social isolation and psychological distress after cancer. These findings suggest that technology-related communication holds promise as a way to strengthen support-related communication and protect against distress.
INFERENCE FROM ACCELERATED LIFE TESTS

This paper is intended to be a brief exposition of the basic ideas of inference from accelerated life tests. Many of the recent parametric and nonparametric approaches are outlined, including results based on censored as well as complete samples from accelerated tests.
Understanding Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Several years ago, most people probably had never heard of gluten, but by 2011, gluten-free diets became more popular than low carbohydrate diets. One reason for this is the increased awareness and diagnosis of conditions in which gluten triggers an abnormal response in the body, such as gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. This 4-page fact sheet will help you learn about gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, as well as understand what they have in common and what is different about them. Written by Stephanie Meyer, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1369
Effect of Late Gadolimum Enhacement and Adverse Right Ventricular Remodeling on Mortality in Ptients with Group I Pulmonary Hepertension Vs. Group Ii Pulmonary Hypertension

Background RV remodeling occurs in response to pulmonary hypertension which could be associated with fibrosis and scar formation. However, little is known about the prognostic value of longitudinal change in RV geometry and presence LGE on mortality in patients with group I pulmonary hypertension (PH) vs. group II PH. Methods 60 patients with PH (30 in each group) were prospectively recruited in this study. 40% were women with mean age of 56.8 ± 8.2 years. All patients underwent baseline right heart catheterization at baseline and CMR imaging for the assessment of RV volumes, mass, ejection fraction and presence of non-ischemic and/or RV insertion site LGE. Demographics and baseline RV measurements were performed before initiation of PH specific therapy. Patients were followed for 2 years during which CMR and RHC were repeated at the end of the follow up period. Primary endpoint of the study was the outcome of death. Results 12 patients died during this study with a mean follow up time of 22 ± 3.2 months. The presence of LGE regardless of PH group was an independent predictor of death. Adverse RV remodeling with RV mass reduction overtime, especially in group II PH, was another independent predictor of mortality. It was noted that those patients who died had a further increase in right ventricular end diastolic and end systolic volumes (RVEDV and RVESV respectively), reduction of RVEF and a regression of RV mass after 15 months from initial diagnosis. Persistence LGE or worsening in magnitude at the last follow-up was associated with death (hazard ratio of 0.911, 95% confidence interval 0.892 - 0941, p = 0.002). Conclusion In patients with pulmonary hypertension irrespective of which type, the presence of LGE, RV mass regression with reduced RVEF are associated with increased mortality.
Winners and Losers: the OECD's Economic Impact Assessment of Pillar One

The OECD’s Pillar One Blueprint, released on 12 October 2020, proposes to redistribute the taxable income of multinational enterprises (MNEs) away from jurisdictions that are home and host to MNEs to the markets where MNE products are sold. This article examines the OECD’s Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Pillar One Blueprint, outlining the complexity and data problems faced in performing the assessment. The article highlights the key roles played by Global In-Scope Destination-based Sales (component C) and Global Residual In-scope Profits (component E) in determining the reallocation impacts of Pillar One. Estimates of the gap between components C and E are used to explore the likely jurisdictional impacts of Pillar One at a more fine-grained level than in the EIA.
The Perverse Logic of Teen Sexting Prosecutions (and How to Stop It)

The recent spate of child pornography prosecutions for teenagers engaging in a little harmless fun (in other words, “sexting,” where seductive, partially-nude or fully-nude images of one teen is transmitted to a lover, who might in turn send it to some friends) has called for one seemingly inarguable conclusion: such prosecutions are unconstitutional, in contravention of a teen’s First Amendment rights, and do not fall into the concerns the child pornography statute was meant to address. However, this essay examines both the Court’s child pornography jurisprudence and First Amendment doctrine as it relates to minors, arguing that a synthesis of the two would strongly suggest that sexting is both unprotected by the First Amendment as it also presents many of the same problems inherent in child pornography. However, threatening teens with lengthy jail sentences and criminal prosecutions under a statute designed for sex perverts does not seem equitable, either. Therefore, I propose a compromise that is perfectly in line with the Court’s harm-based approach to child pornography: a Romeo and Juliet carve-out within the child pornography statute that would exempt teenagers who can legally have consensual sex under applicable state law. By creating a rule that affirmatively reduces a prosecutor’s power to press charges, this carve-out nonetheless keeps the possibility of a child pornography charge open at the outer edges of sexting behavior while foreclosing such opportunities for prosecutorial evangelism in the normative range. This essay hopes that by reframing the dialogue away from First Amendment rights and keeping some sexting on the books as a crime, we are sending the appropriate message about sex — that it is intimate, not to be traded for entertainment value or as social currency.
Digital enhancement of computerized axial tomograms

A systematic evaluation has been conducted of certain digital image enhancement techniques performed in image space. Three types of images have been used, computer generated phantoms, tomograms of a synthetic phantom, and axial tomograms of human anatomy containing images of lesions, artificially introduced into the tomograms. Several types of smoothing, sharpening, and histogram modification have been explored. It has been concluded that the most useful enhancement techniques are a selective smoothing of singular picture elements, combined with contrast manipulation. The most useful tool in applying these techniques is the gray-scale histogram.
Monoclonality of smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic plaques contain a large monoclonal population of cells. Monoclonality could arise by somatic mutation, selection of a pre-existing lineage, or expansion of a pre-existing (developmental) clone. To determine the monoclonal cell type in plaque and learn when monoclonality arises, we studied X chromosome inactivation patterns using methylation of the X-linked human androgen receptor gene. Assays based on polymerase chain reaction were performed on samples of known cellular composition, microdissected from histological sections of human arteries. In atherosclerotic vessels, the majority of medial samples (7/11 coronary and 2/3 aortic) showed balanced (paternal and maternal) patterns of X inactivation, indicating polyclonality. In contrast, most samples of plaque smooth muscle cells showed a single pattern of X inactivation (3/4 aortic plaques and 9/11 coronary plaques; P < 0.01 versus media), indicating that plaque smooth muscle cells are monoclonal. Samples of plaque containing inflammatory or endothelial cells showed balanced X inactivation, also demonstrating polyclonality. Multiple plaques from a given patient showed no bias toward one allele, indicating there was no X-linked selection of cells during plaque growth. To determine whether plaques might arise from pre-existing clones (large X inactivation patches), we then studied 10 normal coronaries with diffuse intimal thickening. Six of the ten coronaries showed skewed X inactivation patterns in normal media and intima, suggesting the patch size in normal arteries is surprisingly large. Thus, smooth muscle cells constitute the monoclonal population in atherosclerotic plaques. The finding that normal arteries may have large X inactivation patches raises the possibility that plaque monoclonality may arise by expanding a pre-existing clone of cells rather than generating a new clone by mutation or selection.
Amor y estructura

Is romantic love a particularly Western and modern phenomenon, or a universal experience? This article argues that both these approaches err in taking sexual attraction as the essential characteristic of romance, whereas historical and personal accounts stress idealization of a particular other. Romantic love is properly defined as an experience of transcendence and is elaborated in cultural configurations of three basic types. The first is in hierarchical and internally competitive societies where marriage is a political matter and romantic relations are always adulterous and often non-sexual; the second is in individualistic, fragmented and fluid societies where love and marriage go together; the third is in highly structured disharmonic societies where romantic ties between youth are severed by arranged marriages.
Estimating Residential Building Types from Demographic Information at a Neighborhood Scale

In urban planning, sophisticated simulation models are key tools to estimate future population growth for measuring the impact of planning decisions on urban developments and the environment. Advanced models provide estimates on future population and job distributions, demographic household profiles, and predicted travel behavior at a fine grained spatial scale. Yet, current simulation models lack information on future residential building types which are crucial for many sustainability metrics associated with prospective urban developments.
Stochastic simulation model for nonstationary time series using an autoregressive wavelet decomposition: Applications to rainfall and temperature

[1] A time series simulation scheme based on wavelet decomposition coupled to an autoregressive model is presented for hydroclimatic series that exhibit band-limited low-frequency variability. Many nonlinear dynamical systems generate time series that appear to have amplitude- and frequency-modulated oscillations that may correspond to the recurrence of different solution regimes. The use of wavelet decomposition followed by an autoregressive model of each leading component is explored as a model for such time series. The first example considered is the Lorenz-84 low-order model of extratropical circulation, which has been used to illustrate how chaos and intransitivity (multiple stable solutions) can lead to low-frequency variability. The central England temperature (CET) time series, the NINO3.4 series that is a surrogate for El Nino–Southern Oscillation, and seasonal rainfall from Everglades National Park, Florida, are then modeled with this approach. The proposed simulation model yields better results than a traditional linear autoregressive (AR) time series model in terms of reproducing the time-frequency properties of the observed rainfall, while preserving the statistics usually reproduced by the AR models.
Emerging Policy and Practice Issues (2004)

This paper, presented at the West Government Contracts Year in Review Conference (covering 2004), attempts to identify the key trends and issues for 2005. The paper suggests that two rather unique items merit particular attention: the Darleen Druyun saga and the plight of contractors working in Iraq. Both frame compliance issues in stark relief. At the same time, we address what we perceive as the far more vexing issue that permeates federal procurement today: the excessive reliance upon, and corresponding misuse of, task-order contracting. We also discuss procurement spending trends (and the inevitable belt-tightening that must follow); contract-related litigation trends; rewarding excellence in public procurement; and lessons learned from the European Union's procurement reform efforts.
Preliminary results for a planar microdynamometer

Initial experiments with externally excited LIGA fabricated magnetic micromotors have shown that excitations required to overcome nickel to nickel sliding friction are reasonably low. These encouraging results have prompted an effort to integrate current excitation into the micromotor as well as to provide a test to quantitatively measure performance and frictional behavior of a magnetic micromotor. Such measurements may he made by use of a dynamometer which consists of a motor, a coupling gear train, a generator to act as an active load, and associated control electronics. Integration of such a micromechanical system requires extensions of the basic LIGA process. Problems with obtaining an electrodeposited material with reasonable magnetic properties must be resolved in order to complete the implementation. >
Regulation of mononuclear phagocyte proliferation by colony‐stimulating factor‐1

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1 or M-CSF) regulates pleiotropic developmental and functional responses of macrophages and their committed bone marrow progenitors and supports the viability of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage. Its actions are mediated through its binding to cell surface CSF-1 receptors (CSF-1R) that exhibit ligand-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity. CSF-1R-induced phosphorylation of intracellular protein substrates initiates a cascade of biochemical reactions that relay signals to the cell nucleus, elicit transcription of CSF-1-responsive genes and culminate in cell division. The actions of the CSF-1R kinase can be interrupted by binding of certain monoclonal antibodies to the extracellular domain of the receptor or by agents which activate protein kinase C and accelerate receptor turnover. CSF-1R is encoded by the c-fms proto-oncogene, and specific genetic alterations, which constitutively activate the receptor kinase, provide sustained signals for cell growth leading to cell transformation. Perturbations in the structure or expression of the c-fms proto-oncogene might therefore contribute to leukemia.
Low-temperature (T ⩽ 950°C) preparation of melt-textured YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconductors

Abstract We report a new process to fabricate melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ superconductors. The highest heating temperature during the melt-textured growth process is 950°C, which is below the melting point of silver, thus making it possible to fabricate long wires for large-scale applications using silver and well-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ superconductor. We present microstructure data, as probed by SEM, that show the layered platelet structure. The superconducting critical current density is 100 times better than that of sintered bulk YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ and comparable to the results obtained by the existing melt-texture growth technique.
Spatial profiles of electron and metastable atom densities in positive polarity fast ionization waves sustained in helium

Fast ionization waves (FIWs), often generated with high voltage pulses over nanosecond timescales, are able to produce large volumes of ions and excited states at moderate pressures. The mechanisms of FIW propagation were experimentally and computationally investigated to provide insights into the manner in which these large volumes are excited. The two-dimensional structure of electron and metastable densities produced by short-pulse FIWs sustained in helium were measured using laser-induced fluorescence and laser collision-induced fluorescence diagnostics for times of 100–120 ns after the pulse, as the pressure was varied from 1 to 20 Torr. A trend of center-peaked to volume-filling to wall-peaked electron density profiles was observed as the pressure was increased. Instantaneous FIW velocities, obtained from plasma-induced emission, ranged from 0.1 to 3 × 109 cm s−1, depending on distance from the high voltage electrode and pressure. Predictions from two-dimensional modeling of the propagation of a single FIW correlated well with the experimental trends in electron density profiles and wave velocity. Results from the model show that the maximum ionization rate occurs in the wavefront, and the discharge continues to propagate forward after the removal of high voltage from the powered electrode due to the potential energy stored in the space charge. As the pressure is varied, the radial distribution of the ionization rate is shaped by changes in the electron mean free path, and subsequent localized electric field enhancement at the walls or on the centerline of the discharge.
Preference revelation with a limited number of indifference classes

Suppose that g is a strategy-proof social choice rule on the domain of all profiles of complete and transitive binary relations that have exactly m indifference classes. If $m \ge 3$ and the range of g has three or more members, then g is dictatorial. If m = 2, then for any set X of feasible alternatives, there exist non-dictatorial and strategy-proof rules that are sensitive to the preferences of every individual and which have X as range.
Experimental investigation on a turbulence generation system with high-blockage plates

An experimental study was conducted to develop and characterize systematically a new turbulence generator system to yield large turbulent Reynolds numbers in a compact configuration. The effect of the geometric parameters of two families of high-blockage plates on the resulting turbulent flow field was systematically studied: one series of plates was characterized by the number and distribution of circular openings; a second series had non-circular opening(s) with different shapes, distribution and position of the opening(s). The plates were placed upstream of a contoured contraction and the near field at the centerline of the resulting turbulent free jet was characterized by hot-wire anemometry in terms of mean axial velocity, turbulence intensity, turbulence length scales and corresponding Reynolds numbers. The plate with a central, non-circular opening produced the best compromise of highest turbulence levels along with excellent uniformity in average velocity and turbulence intensity, as evidenced by scan in the transverse direction. It appears to be the most promising one. By comparison with more traditional approaches to turbulence generation, we increased the turbulent Reynolds numbers based on the integral length scale to values on the order of 1000, which was one of the design objectives. Other plate geometries also yielded intense turbulence, but, in some cases, exhibited spurious frequency peaks in their power spectrum. The turbulent generation approach is to be adapted to combustion studies to reproduce conditions typical of practical system in relatively small experimental set-ups that are well-suited for bench-top experiments.
Random phase approximation theory of higher surface plasma modes

Using the random phase approximation and analytical calculation we show that a “higher” surface plasma mode can exist near a plane metal-vacuum interface provided the oscillation is “sufficiently” localized. This conclusion is confirmed for the infinite potential barrier model of the surface where a mode with long-wavelength frequencyω≃ωp in sodium is predicted.
Radioimmunoassay of pyridostigmine in plasma and tissues.

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay is reported for the cholinergic agent, pyridostigmine. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against a conjugate of pyridostigmine and bovine serum albumin. The assay can detect as little as 2 · 5 ng/ ml of drug directly in plasma and tissue homogenates. Structurally similar compounds and major metabolites are not recognized by the antibody. The specificity of the antibody has been confirmed by utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography. Plasma concentration-time profiles and tissue distribution of the drug were determined by this method in rat after intramuscular administration of pyridostigmine.
Verrucous carcinoma of the skin and mucosa

The concept of verrucous carcinoma as a clinicopathologic variant of squamous cell carcinoma is worthy of recognition. It is known by a confusing array of names, such as Ackerman's tumor, Buschke-Loewenstein tumor, florid oral papillomatosis, epithelioma cuniculatum, carcinoma cuniculatum, and cutis papillomatosis carcinoides of Gottron. Its apparent clinical benignity may lead to lengthy periods of misdiagnosis, during which it is likely not to spread to distant lymph nodes, but rather to destroy a nose, mandible, or penis as it slowly but relentlessly extends into underlying tissue. Morphologically warty or verrucous, its relatively bland histologic features are often more suggestive of a verruca vulgaris or pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia than of squamous cell carcinoma to those unfamiliar with the diagnosis. Alternatively, when it extends into underlying tissues, it may be mistaken histologically for a benign adnexal tumor or even an epidermoid cyst. Therapy may also be challenging because recurrences are common and concerns about potential anaplastic transformation after radiotherapy are often expressed.
Quantitative Determination of Benzoic Acid and Salicylic Acid in Ointments by High‐Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Benzoic acid and salicyclic acid in ointments were analyzed quantitatively by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Both benzoic and salicyclic acids can be assayed in combinations directily without interference from each other or the ointment bases. The method is accurate, simple, and rapid. Excellent results were obtained with three commercial bases.
A new electron microscopic technique for establishing the positions of genes: an analysis of the yeast ribosomal RNA coding region.

Abstract A new technique has been developed for distinguishing RNA/DNA or DNA/DNA duplex regions from single-stranded DNA in the electron microscope by thickness enhancement of the single-stranded DNA. This enhancement is achieved by reacting the single-stranded DNA with Escherichia coli DNA binding protein and monovalent antibody prepared from anti- E. coli DNA binding protein γ-globulin. A general application of this technique is the mapping of coding regions after hybridization with complementary RNA, which can vary in size from 100 to several thousand nucleotides. As an example, the coding sequences for the four yeast ribosomal RNAs were located in heteroduplex molecules constructed between DNA of a λ-yeast hybrid carrying a single rDNA repeat unit and DNA of λimm 434.