cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telling Queer Tales: Narration and Genealogical Time in William Faulkner and Angela Carter

This chapter considers the relationship between genealogical time and literature. As critics have noted, the passing of time is often measured by charting the paternal lines through generations of reproduction. Because genealogy is a rich site to examine temporality, novels with an emphasis on family history provide an opportunity to consider the intersection between sexuality and narrative time. This chapter focuses on William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! and Angela Carter’s Wise Children and demonstrates how each novel considers how time might function if other kinship relations were prioritized over that of father/son. Absalom Absalom! considers sibling relations, while Wise Children considers avuncular relations. The chapter ultimately argues that each text employs a queer form of narration in order to enter a temporality not defined by genealogy.
An electrochemical scaffold sensor for rapid syphilis diagnosis

The faster a disease can be diagnosed, the sooner effective treatment can be initiated, motivating a drive to replace standard laboratory techniques with point-of-care technologies that return answers in minutes rather than hours. Thus motivated, we describe the development of an E-DNA scaffold sensor for the rapid and convenient measurement of antibodies diagnostic of syphilis. To achieve this (and in contrast to previous sensors of this class, which relied on single, linear epitopes for detection), we utilized a near full-length antigen as the sensor's recognition element, allowing us to simultaneously display multiple epitopes. The resultant sensor is able to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, at clinically relevant concentrations in samples in less than 10 min. Preliminary results obtained using sero-positive and sero-negative human samples suggest the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the approach compare well to current gold-standard tests, while being simple and rapid enough to deploy at the point of care.
Dynamics of electronically phase-separated states in the double exchange model

We present extensive large-scale dynamical simulations of phase-separated states in the double exchange model. These inhomogeneous electronic states that play a crucial role in the colossal magnetoresistance phenomenon are composed of ferromagnetic metallic clusters embedded in an antiferromagnetic insulating matrix. We compute the dynamical structure factor of these nanoscale textures using an efficient real-space formulation of coupled spin and electron dynamics. Dynamical signatures of the various underlying magnetic structures are identified. At small hole doping, the structure factor exhibits a dominating signal of magnons from the background N\'eel order and localized modes from magnetic polarons. A low-energy continuum due to large-size ferromagnetic clusters emerges at higher doping levels. Implications for experiments on magnetoresistive manganites are discussed.
Simulation of cochannel interference in coexisting cellular TDMA networks

Uplink cochannel interference between minimum-shift-keyed (MSK) time-division multiple access (TDMA) data packets generated by transmitters distributed uniformly over a circular area has been simulated in software. Distance-dependent attenuation, log-normal shadowing and multipath fading have been implemented. After a discussion of the radio link model and an analysis of bit error probability versus signal-to-interference ratio of a link with a single interferer, a computer model to simulate multiple interferers is presented. Numerical bit error rate (BER) results obtained from computer simulations of a TDMA radio link subject to interference front simultaneous independent transmissions, attenuation, shadowing and fading are compared with known theoretical results for the MSK channel under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) only. Possible improvements and future applications of the model to the problem of resource sharing between coexisting networks are suggested. >
Mechanisms integrating lifelong exposure and health

Abstract Human disease occurs due to gene-environment (G × E) interactions. Oxidants cause reversible and irreversible changes to living systems, and these can be beneficial (oxidative eustress) or harmful (oxidative distress). The present article focuses on the network of developmental, defense, and repair programs that maintain health in the presence of an oxidizing environment. We consider these programs as genetically encoded exposure memory systems that evolved to allow individuals to adapt to environment during life span, thereby improving fitness for survival and reproduction. Importantly, adaptations to improve resistance to one stress can limit adaptability to other types of stress, resulting in a cumulative decline in tolerance to environmental stresses. Omics tools are now widely available to help examine the cumulative decline in network flexibility due to G × E interactions. One can thus envisage ways to monitor cumulative impacts of oxidative stress to support new antioxidant strategies to improve healthy longevity.
The HIV-Tat protein interacts with Sp3 transcription factor and inhibits its binding to a distal site of the sod2 promoter in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Redox imbalance results in damage to cellular macromolecules and interferes with signaling pathways, leading to an inflammatory cellular and tissue environment. As such, the cellular oxidative environment is tightly regulated by several redox-modulating pathways. Many viruses have evolved intricate mechanisms to manipulate these pathways for their benefit, including HIV-1, which requires a pro-oxidant cellular environment for optimal replication. One such virulence factor responsible for modulating the redox environment is the HIV Transactivator of transcription (Tat). Tat is of particular interest as it is actively secreted by infected cells and internalized by uninfected bystander cells where it can elicit pro-oxidant effects resulting in inflammation and damage. Previously, we demonstrated that Tat regulates basal expression of Superoxide Dismutase 2 (sod2) by altering the binding of the Sp-transcription factors at regions relatively near (approx. -210 nucleotides) upstream of the transcriptional start site. Now, using in silico analysis and a series of sod2 promoter reporter constructs, we have identified putative clusters of Sp-binding sites located further upstream of the proximal sod2 promoter, between nucleotides -3400 to -210, and tested their effect on basal transcription and for their sensitivity to HIV-1 Tat. In this report, we demonstrate that under basal conditions, maximal transcription requires a cluster of Sp-binding sites in the -584 nucleotide region, which is extremely sensitive to Tat. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) we demonstrate that Tat results in altered occupancy of Sp1 and Sp3 at this distal Tat-sensitive regulatory element and strongly stimulated endogenous expression of SOD2 in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC). We also report altered expression of Sp1 and Sp3 in Tat-expressing HPAEC as well as in the lungs of HIV-1 infected humanized mice. Lastly, Tat co-immunoprecipitated with endogenous Sp3 but not Sp1 and did not alter the acetylation state of Sp3. Thus, here, we have defined a novel and important cis-acting factor in HIV-1 Tat-mediated regulation of SOD2, demonstrated that modulation of Sp1 and Sp3 activity by Tat promotes SOD2 expression in primary human pulmonary artery endothelial cells and determined that pulmonary levels of Sp3 as well as SOD2 are increased in the lungs of a mouse model of HIV infection.
Thoughtful Forensic Practice Combats Structural Racism.

In the last year, medical organizations of all types have been declaring their opposition to structural racism.[1][1],[2][2] This has been catalyzed by the national conversation about race and the devastating deaths in police custody that reinvigorated it. Besides the general affirmations, medical
The Fishing Net and the Spider Web

In this chapter, Fogu analyzes the shape and longevity of the network dynamics that have characterized the “Phlegrean Middle Ground,” composed of Neapolis (ancient Naples), its coastal hinterland, and the islands of Ischia, Capri, and Procida. The chapter shows how this area was central to the formation of two distinct matrixes of Mediterranean interaction that Fogu identifies with the ancient terms of emporion (trading colony) and Imperium (empire) and, respectively, with the images of the fishing net and the spider web. The chapter reveals the sociocultural tenacity of these two matrixes in anchoring the Italian south to the history of the Mediterranean basin from archaic times through Magna Graecia and the Roman Mare Nostrum, all the way to the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
COVID-19: A Catastrophe for Children in Sub-Saharan Africa - Cash Transfers and a Marshall Plan Can Help (preprint)

The report investigates how COVID-19 and other shocks have impacted child well-being across the region and the potential role of cash transfers and external resources to help children and economies. Drawing on more than 35 databases and a variety of modelling exercises, it presents the first-ever continental snapshot of child well-being at the start of 2020, which includes estimates of monetary and multi-dimensional poverty for 46 countries. It offers fresh perspectives on the severity of the economic and poverty situation, showing that the growth shock removed 15 years of income progress and caused the biggest increase in extreme poverty ever recorded in the region. Among children, poverty rates have spiked by 10%, on average, with 26 million additional children pushed below national poverty lines compared to the start of the year. 280 million – or more than half of the region’s 550 million children – are now likely impacted by monetary poverty. It also highlights the devastating consequences of the viral, economic, climate and conflict shocks on human capital. Learning completely stopped for around 350 million children for at least some period in 2020, which has already reduced their lifelong earning potential. Millions of students will never return to the classroom. At the same time, more than half of children are currently affected by some level of food insecurity, with close to one in ten facing a crisis situation. Other emerging signals point to health dangers, like diarrhea and malaria, rising levels of all forms of violence, and upticks in child pregnancies and brides, among others. To protect children, the report makes the case for expanding cash transfer programs. In addition to mitigating and even preventing most of the current challenges facing children, delivering a cash equivalent to 20% of the average monthly income of a country to all children under five for 12 months could catapult economic growth by around 5%, on average. The report further argues that cash transfer programs can be readily financed by the international financial institutions. More than six months into the crisis, the IMF and World Bank had only accessed around 12% of their approved global funding capacity of $1.2 trillion, demonstrating vast potential to support countries – and children – in need. Donor governments could also help by making progress toward their commitments to SDG 17.2 to provide 0.7% of their gross national income in development aid. The report additionally floats more contentious financing ideas, including issuing long-term bonds to fund a human capital development facility, selling IMF gold reserves and taxing international financial transactions.
Impact of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin implementation on emergency department length of stay, testing, admissions, and diagnoses.

Abstract Objective While high-sensitivity (hs) troponin (cTn) has been associated with shorter emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) and decreased hospital admissions outside the United States (US), concerns have been raised that it will have opposite effects in the US. In this study, we aimed to compare ED LOS, admissions, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnoses before and after the implementation of hs-cTn. Methods We conducted a single-institution, retrospective study of two temporally matched six-month study periods before and after the implementation of hs-cTn. We included consecutive adults presenting with chest pain. The primary outcome was ED LOS, which was log transformed and analyzed using multiple linear regression. Binary secondary outcomes of admissions, cardiac testing, cardiology consultation, and ACS diagnoses were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results We studied 1589 visits before and 1616 visits after implementation of hs-cTn. Median age and sex ratios were similar between study periods. Median ED LOS was longer in the post-implementation period [post: 384 (interquartile range, IQR 260–577) minutes; pre: 374 (IQR 250–564) minutes; adjusted geometric mean ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.01–1.10)]. Admissions were lower in the post-implementation period [post: 24% (385/1616) vs. pre: 28% (447/1589); adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.88)]. Cardiac risk stratification testing [pre: 9% (142/1589) vs post: 9% (144/1616); aOR 0.95 (95% CI 0.74–1.22)], cardiology consultation [pre: 13% (208/1589) vs post: 13% (207/1616); aOR 0.91 (95% CI 0.73–1.12)], and ACS diagnoses [pre: 7% (116/1589) vs post: 7% (120/1616); aOR 0.94 (95% CI 0.72–1.24)] were similar between the two study periods. Conclusion In this single-center study, transition to hs-cTn was associated with an increased ED LOS, decreased admissions, and no substantial change in cardiac risk stratification testing, cardiology consultation, or ACS diagnoses.
Neutron Stars and the Nuclear Matter Equation of State

Neutron stars provide a window into the properties of dense nuclear matter. Several recent observational and theoretical developments provide powerful constraints on their structure and internal co...
Decentralization and Development: The Case of Talaud Islands Regency, Indonesia, 2004–2007

The correlation between decentralization and development has long been investigated by various scholars. Despite some disagreements, they tend to argue that decentralization can be useful for promoting development if it meets several criteria. In Indonesia, most of the studies suggested enhancing the capacity of local government if decentralization is to have positive impacts and improve the quality of life of the majority living in regional areas. This project seeks to examine the progress made by Talaud Islands Regency after being granted power and resources under the decentralization system. This regency has certain characteristics that could be useful to see the links between decentralization and development. Talaud is a border area, an island area, a less developed and isolated area as well as an area vulnerable to natural disasters. It is also a predominantly rural area. Given such unique characteristics, this study has tried to find out the extent to which decentralization has helped Talaud’s government to design and implement its development programs and projects to facilitate development. In more specific terms, it has also tried to find out the impact of such programs on the wellbeing of the local people. The study was mainly based on secondary sources of information, and it used a combination of descriptive and simple statistical analysis methods. It has found that the development projects initiated under decentralization scheme have generally positive but limited impacts on the welfare of the people. This was due mainly to the fact that the development projects initiated by the government have focused on improving physical infrastructure which, though necessary, are of little benefit to the people, the majority of whom are in low income households. The study has also identified several obstacles faced by decentralized Talaud in accelerating development. Two of them figure prominently, capacity constraints and budgetary constraints. Therefore, the study suggests that the leadership in Talaud needs to pay serious attention to capacity building, review development strategies and adopt more participatory methods of development.
A Critical Analysis of the Impact of Legislated Market Shares

The purpose of this paper is to analyze an emerging antitrust orientation which would have a negative impact on the operations of successful firms in oligopolistic markets. The issue is one of monopoly determination. The essence of the issue is that through managerial skills, a firm may arrive at an industry-dominant position, a "no-fault monopoly" position, which would be perceived to be detrimental to competition in that industry. Rather than prove harm to competition through legal channels, this structural approach would simply legislate an allowable market share or shares. This concept suffers from a number of intrinsic faults and its implementation would adversely effect the competitiveness of U.S. firms in both domestic and international markets.
Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Prostate Organoids In Vitro and its Perturbation by Low-Dose Bisphenol A Exposure

Studies using rodent and adult human prostate stem-progenitor cell models suggest that developmental exposure to the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol-A (BPA) can predispose to prostate carcinogenesis with aging. Unknown at present is whether the embryonic human prostate is equally susceptible to BPA during its natural developmental window. To address this unmet need, we herein report the construction of a pioneer in vitro human prostate developmental model to study the effects of BPA. The directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into prostatic organoids in a spatial system was accomplished with precise temporal control of growth factors and steroids. Activin-induced definitive endoderm was driven to prostate specification by combined exposure to WNT10B and FGF10. Matrigel culture for 20–30 days in medium containing R-Spondin-1, Noggin, EGF, retinoic acid and testosterone was sufficient for mature prostate organoid development. Immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis confirmed that organoids exhibited cytodifferentiation and functional properties of the human prostate. Exposure to 1 nM or 10 nM BPA throughout differentiation culture disturbed early morphogenesis in a dose-dependent manner with 1 nM BPA increasing and 10 nM BPA reducing the number of branched structures formed. While differentiation of branched structures to mature organoids seemed largely unaffected by BPA exposure, the stem-like cell population increased, appearing as focal stem cell nests that have not properly entered lineage commitment rather than the rare isolated stem cells found in normally differentiated structures. These findings provide the first direct evidence that low-dose BPA exposure targets hESC and perturbs morphogenesis as the embryonic cells differentiate towards human prostate organoids, suggesting that the developing human prostate may be susceptible to disruption by in utero BPA exposures.
Electronic Health Data for Postmarket Surveillance: A Vision Not Realized

What has been learned about electronic health data as a primary data source for regulatory decisions regarding the harms of drugs? Observational studies with electronic health data for postmarket risk assessment can now be conducted in Europe and the US in patient populations numbering in the tens of millions compared with a few hundred patients in a typical clinical trial. With standard protocols, results can be obtained in a few months; however, extensive research published by scores of investigators has illuminated the many obstacles that prevent obtaining robust, reproducible results that are reliable enough to be a primary source for drug safety decisions involving the health and safety of millions of patients. The most widely used terminology for coding patient interactions with medical providers for payment has proved ill-suited to identifying the adverse effects of drugs. Directly conflicting results were reported in otherwise similar patient health databases, even using identical event definitions and research methods. Evaluation of some accepted statistical methods revealed systematic bias, while others appeared to be unreliable. When electronic health data studies detected no drug risk, there were no robust and accepted standards to judge whether the drug was unlikely to cause the adverse effect or whether the study was incapable of detecting it. Substantial investment and careful thinking is needed to improve the reliability of risk assessments based on electronic health data, and current limitations need to be fully understood.
Bidirectional range extension for TCAM-based packet classification

Packet classification is a fundamental task for network devices such as edge routers, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Currently, most vendors use Ternary Content Addressable Memories (TCAMs) to achieve high-performance packet classification. TCAMs use parallel hardware to check all rules simultaneously. Despite their high speed, TCAMs have a problem in dealing with ranges efficiently. Many packet classification rules contain range specifications, each of which needs to be translated into multiple prefixes to store in a TCAM . Such translation may result in an exponential increase in the number of required TCAM entries. In this paper, we propose a bidirectional range extension algorithm to solve this problem. The proposed algorithm uses at most two TCAM entries to represent a range, and can be pipelined to deal with multiple range fields in a packet header. Since this algorithm assumes a non-redundant rule set, i.e., no range overlap between different rules, which can be obtained by applying our previous work on redundancy removal in TCAM using a tree representation of rules. Our experiments show a more than 75% reduction in the number of TCAM entries by applying the bidirectional range extension algorithm to real-world rule sets.
Non-Governmental Organizations in Contemporary China: Paving the Way to Civil Society?

Introduction: Western Theories vs. Chinese Reality NGOs with Chinese Characteristics Chapter Outlines and Methodology 1. In Search of Civil Society in China: Theoretical and Historical Discourses Chinese Intellectuals' Debates over Civil Society in the 1990s Evolution of Civil Society in Late Qing and Early Republic China 2. "Small Government, Big Society": The Government's NGO Policy and Its Dilemma The Government's Motives for Promoting NGOs China's Registration-Regulation of NGOs Since the late 1970s: Major Features Contradictions in the Government's NGO Policy 3. NGO Landscape in China: Classification, Scope, and Autonomy Defining NGOs in China: Classification and Terminology Analyses of Chinese NGO Growth NGO-Government Relations in China: How Much Autonomy? 4. Social Capital: The Significance and Dynamics of Grassroots NGOs and Social Networks The Concept of Social Capital and its Application in China The Significance of Grassroots Organizations Dynamics and Leadership of Chinese NGOs: the Role of Chinese Intellectuals 5. Civil Society vs. Corporatism: NGOs in Economic Realm Simultaneous Development of Corporatism and Civil Society Four Categories of Top-Down Associations Bottom-Up Pattern: The Chambers of Commerce in Wenzhou 6. "It Takes Two to Tangle": International NGOs in China and their Impacts The Impact of Globalization and Global Civil Society on China Chinese Government's Policy towards INGOs The Current State of International NGOs in China The Role of International NGOs in China Limitations of INGOs' Efforts in China Conclusion The Major Forces Promoting Chinese NGOs Changes in Associational Landscape in China NGOs Facilitating Civil Society in China Bibliography Index
Intercambio de mercado y consolidación en el corazón del Imperio Azteca

One important way that empires consolidate power is to undercut the traditional revenue bases of subject elites and redirect resource flows from subject areas to the imperial capitals. To this end, Aztec imperial rulers implemented a strategy to appropriate marketplace revenues from subject elites in the imperial heartland in the Basin of Mexico. Recent chemistry-based provenance studies of undecorated Aztec plainware and Blackon- orange vessels suggest that pottery made in the Tenochtitlan area penetrated market domains of neighboring polities, including their Acolhua allies in Texcoco. The imperial rulers in Tenochtitlan likely invested in marketplace development to stimulate commercial craft production and export, thus boosting government revenues from market taxation.
Coding to Think:Teaching Algorithmic Thinking from Idea to Code

Engineering computing is a topic that nearly all engineering departments include in their curricula. Yet, the pedagogical goals of a computing course are necessarily split between code as a means of learning higher level math, code as a specific tool in design and research, and code as a way to learn algorithmic thinking. Learning more advanced applied math is typically learned through the traditional lecture/homework/test format, whereas learning the syntax of a particular language is most often taught through short programming assignments. This paper introduces Coding to Think as a way to teach algorithmic thinking that builds off of the Writing to Think movement in the Humanities. This technique is very well suited to long-term projects as it provides an opportunity to focus on deeper and more complex algorithmic thinking. The semester-long project presented is motivated by three guiding learning outcomes: 1) To program at a level of complexity that requires planning, iteration, encapsulation and documentation, 2) To move from Idea to Code (a phrase that is mentioned in class at least once a week) and 3) To articulate and put into practice the power of a computing language that can do more than a calculator or Excel. The seven project assignments that lead students from an initial idea to final code are detailed, as well as an assessment of outcomes, student and faculty comments, suggested improvements and adaptations and ABET assessment measures.
A Case of Singularity Formation in Vortex Sheet Motion Studied by a Spectrally Accurate Method

Moore’s asymptotic analysis of vortex sheet motion predicts that the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability leads to the formation of a weak singularity in the sheet profile at a finite time. The numerical studies of Meiron, Baker & Orszag, and of Krasny, provide only a partial validation of his analysis. In this work, the motion of periodic vortex sheets is computed using a new, spectrally accurate approximation to the Birkhoff-Rott integral. As advocated by Krasny, the catastrophic effect of round-off error is suppressed by application of a Fourier filter, which itself operates near the level of the round-off. It is found that to capture the correct asymptotic behavior of the spectrum, the calculations must be performed in very high precision. The numerical calculations proceed from the initial conditions first considered by Meiron, Baker & Orszag. For the evolution of a large amplitude initial condition, the results indicate that Moore’s asymptotic analysis is valid only at times well before the singularity time. Near the singularity time the form of the singularity departs significantly away from that predicted by Moore. Convergence of the numerical solution beyond the singularity time is not observed.
The Prediction of Suicide: Why Is It so Difficult?

Methods for selecting those persons in a clinical population who will later commit suicide inevitably include large numbers of false positives--persons with similar characteristics who will not take their lives. This is true because of the absence of unique predictors and the statistical properties of infrequent events. At a clinical level, the focus is on risk detection rather than on specific behavior prediction. Since suicide is intimately related to certain psychiatric illnesses, effective treatment of those illnesses can prevent suicides. This must already be taking place. Prevention, however, generates no data. If suicide is difficult to predict, its prevention is even more difficult to detect.
Effect of beverage osmolality on intestinal fluid absorption during exercise

To determine how osmolality of an orally ingested fluid-replacement beverage would alter intestinal fluid absorption from the duodenum and/or jejunum during 85 min of cycle exercise (63.3 ± 0.9% pe...
An indexed access mechanism for wireless networks

The wireless communications industry has experienced some radical changes due to increased demand for wireless communications that can no longer be met with present technologies. One example of such networks is a cellular wireless network. This paper describes a new medium access mechanism-indexed RAMA (resource auction multiple access) or I-RAMA for wireless networks. This access mechanism is basically an extension of the RAMA protocol. The main objective of I-RAMA is to reduce the amount of overhead and wastage of resources associated with the resource auction in RAMA. I-RAMA uses variable length resource auctions (as opposed to the fixed length auctions in RAMA) and the length of the auction depends on the time it takes the base station to uniquely identify a mobile station. The evaluation of I-RAMA is performed by using simulation. The results show that I-RAMA consistently performs better than RAMA in terms of overhead, discarding probability, and average access delay.
Antecubital vein venous sampling does not distort circulating levels of peptide and sex steroid hormones.

Simultaneous sampling from the antecubital vein (ACV) and a heated superficial hand vein (HSHV) at 10-minute intervals was performed in 6 women for determination of glucose, insulin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P 4 ), testosterone (T), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Strong correlations were identified for each parameter between the two vessels, with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) pulse patterns nearly superimposable between antecubital vein (ACV) and superficial hand vein (HSHV) samples.
Electronic warfare channelizer signal processing algorithms

ABSTRACT Passive direction finding is an integral function of EW and ELINT systems. The ability to produce direction-of-arrival information in a timely, curate manner is strongly influenced by both the direction finding techniques employed and theprocessing algorithms. The processing algorithms must detect a signal, classify it as being a signal of interest, extract the signal's parameters, including its direction-of-arrival, control the receiver, and interface with the system's mission computer.This paper describes a direction finding receiver that uses an optical processor to extract the direction-of-arrival information fromthe signal environment and the processing algorithms required to support the optical processor. Keywords: acousto-optics, channelizers, direction finding 1. INTRODUCTION Several optical processing systems have been developed under the ARPA Transition of Optical Processors into Systems (TOPS) initiative. The Precision Direction Finder (PDF) channelizer develOped by Harris under this initiative was
Change in the premarital behavior and sexual attitudes of young Iranian women: From Tehran to Los Angeles

Abstract The aim of the investigation was to assess the extent to which young Iranian women in Los Angeles have retained their traditional values regarding premarital behavior and sexual issues and the extent to which they have identied with the liberal values introduced to them in the United States. The attitudes of young Iranian women in pre-Revolution Iran were compared with those of their counterparts in Los Angeles. According to the results, the social environment has played an important role in altering the sexual attitudes of those in this group.
Total internal reflection: a deeper look

In the present paper, we have presented a Maxwellian boundary-type solution for total internal reflection with unbounded incident waves at an interface between two nonabsorbing media, in which the instantaneous, time varying, and time averaged radiant fluxes have been determined at all points in the two media. Solutions for the s and p polarizations were found for which the instantaneous tangential E and H components and normal components of the radiant flux were continuous in crossing the interface. From these radiant fluxes, it was possible to derive equations for the flow lines, to determine the instantaneous radiant fluxes along these flow lines, and to see how the methods of propagation differed in the two media and for the two polarizations. At the interface, the flow lines and their radiant fluxes experience unusual reflection and refraction processes, follow curved flow lines in the second medium, and return into the first medium with boundary conditions, which are mirror images of those at the points of incidence. These unfamiliar processes in the second medium are due to inhomogeneous waves, whose properties have not been understood. When these instantaneous solutions are extended to time varying and time averaged radiant fluxes, it is interesting to see how incident planes of constant radiant flux and phase experience such complex processes in the second medium and are still able to generate other reflected planes of constant radiant flux and phase in the first medium. These ideas prescribe specific detailed functions for the E and H fields and radiant fluxes in the second medium, which help to answer many long standing questions about the physical processes involved in total internal reflection.
Studies with the RNA polymerase. III. Enzymatic activity of the monomer form

Abstract DNA with a sedimentation coefficient of 2.1 S was used to form a DNA-enzyme complex with the RNA polymerase of Escherichia coli. This complex, when isolated by sucrose gradient centrifugation, had a sedimentation coefficient determined in the analytical ultracentrifuge, of approximately 11 S. The complex was able to synthesize RNA. The complex with the associated RNA had a sedimentation coefficient of approx. 13 S in a sucrose gradient. Kinetic experiments with poly d(A-T) demonstrated that a DNA-enzyme complex rather than free enzyme had been isolated. An approximate molecular weight of the complex, determined by the approach to equilibrium method, was 3.9·105. These experiments indicate that the monomer form of the RNA polymerase is enzymatically active.
Computational Modeling of Antigen Processing and Presentation by Dendritic Cells

The stimulation of T lymphocytes (CD4+ or CD8+) by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key event in the initiation and establishment of immune responses against pathogens. Understanding the intracellular mechanisms that govern how DCs acquire, process, and present antigens would lead to more rational vaccine design. Although individual intracellular events have been elucidated, a quantitative view of how the various networks of antigen trafficking affect T cell stimulation is lacking. In this work, we developed a stochastic model to examine the critical steps involved in antigen delivery for T cell stimulation, including antigen internalization, trafficking in endosomal/lysosomal environments, access to various antigen presentation pathways, and stimulation of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Kinetic parameters for various processes were either obtained from previous reports if available, or derived from our own experimental data. In particular, we aim to identify rate-limiting steps of antigen trafficking and processing that regulate T cell stimulation. Furthermore, we examine how characteristics of the vaccine, such as size and attachment of targeting ligands, affect whether delivered antigen stimulates CD4+ or CD8+ T cell responses. The development of the computation model of antigen delivery will lead to greater insight into the intracellular processes involved in the type of T cell response elicited and to more rational design of effective vaccines.
Sequential multiple-laser-assisted polishing of free-standing CVD diamond substrates

Abstract Diamond, the best thermal conductor known, is the ultimate choice as a substrate material for the fabrication of denser, smaller and faster electronic packages. Consequently, in recent years, worldwide efforts have focused on the design of manufacturing transparent technologies for post-synthesis processing (polishing, planarization, metallization, die attach,, etc.) of diamond substrates In this study, a manufacturing-transparent, cost-effective, non-vacuum, laser-assisted coarse polishing technique for thick free-standing CVD diamond substrates was investigated [2]. The thickness of the substrates varied from 700 to 1000 μm, with the average grain size ranging from 150 to 200 μm. The average surface roughness (Ra) of the substrates, measured using contact surface profilometry, was between 20 and 30 μm. The substrates were initially irradiated with a Nd-YAG laser (λ = 532 nm) for coarse material removal, followed by an ArF excimer laser (λ = 193 nm) for finer surface finishing. Under optimized conditions, the average surface roughness (Rrma) was reduced from 25 to 5 μm with the Nd-YAG laser, and further to less than or equal to 1 μm with the excimer laser. The technique, which is the fastest processing technique known to the authors, is capable of polishing a 1 cm × 1 cm × 0.07 cm substrate in 50 s.
Electron dynamics in gold and gold–silver alloy nanoparticles: The influence of a nonequilibrium electron distribution and the size dependence of the electron–phonon relaxation

©1999 American Institute of Physics. The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://link.aip.org/link/?JCPSA6/111/1255/1
Discrimination of 2-D Letters by Children after Play with 2- or 3-Dimensional Letter Forms

Play experience with three-dimensional (3-D) letters appeared to increase printed letter discriminations of 3- and 4-yr.-olds as effectively as play with two-dimensional (2-D) printed letters. In a second experiment 2-D and 3-D tasks were alternated. Consistently fewer discrimination errors were made on the 3-D task. Three-dimensional task experience apparently reduced errors on the subsequent 2-D task; 2-D task experience did not serve to reduce errors on the subsequent 3-D task. These findings are congruent with others that indicate young children discriminate 3-D forms more accurately than 2-D and that haptic experience may contribute to greater accuracy of visual discrimination of both 2-D and 3-D forms.
Teaching Bioethics: The Tale of a “Soft” Science in a Hard World

Background: Although bioethics is considered essential to the practice of medicine, medical students often view it as a “soft” subject that is secondary in importance to the other courses in their basic science and clinical curriculum. This perspective may be a consequence of the heavy reliance on students’ aptitude in the quantitative sciences as a criterion for entry into medical school and as a barometer of academic success after admission. It is exacerbated by the widespread impression that bioethics is imprecise and culturally relativistic. Summary: In an effort to redress this imbalance, we propose an approach to teaching bioethics to medical students which emphasizes that the intellectual basis and the degree of certainty of knowledge is comparable in all medical subjects ranging from basic science courses to clinical rotations to bioethics tutorials. Conclusions: Adopting these pedagogical steps may promote greater integration of the various elements—bioethics and clinical science—in the medical s...
A three-dimensional microvascular gas exchange unit for carbon dioxide capture

For the capture of CO2 from mixed gas streams, materials for increased gas exchange are necessary. Efficient gas exchange systems already exist in the form of vascularized lung-tissue. Herein we report a fabrication technique for the synthesis of three-dimensional microvascular gas exchange units capable of removing CO2 from flowing gas created using the recently reported Vaporization of a Sacrificial Component (VaSC) technique. We demonstrate the spatiotemporal pattern of CO2 reactivity in the microvascular gas exchange unit using colorimetric, pH sensitive dyes. Control over three-dimensional placement of channels is shown to increase capture efficiencies. A computational finite element model validates and explains the experimental observations.
Genetic influences in antisocial personality and drug use disorders

While an association between antisocial personality disorder (APD) and substance use disorder (SUD) has been frequently observed, the causes of the comorbidity remain unclear. Adoption and twin studies have found evidence of both genetic and environmental influences in APD and SUD. Therefore, comorbidity between APD and SUD may be the result of shared genetic influences, shared environmental influences, or a combination of the two. However, only a limited number of adoption and twin studies have addressed this issue and the results have not been conclusive. In future studies, a distinction should be made between alcohol and drug abuse and between juvenile and adult APD symptoms. Twin samples of adequate size would allow use of structural equation analytical methods for estimation of the relative magnitude of genetic and environmental influences shared between the two conditions, as well as influences contributing to each specifically. Results would be highly relevant for the clinical setting as well as for efforts to identify the genes involved in either trait.
Spectroscopic Analyses of Oscillations in ECTO-NOX-Catalyzed Oxidation of NADH.

Spectroscopic strategies that substantiate periodic oscillations in low rates of NADH oxidation exhibited by ECTO-NOX proteins at the animal and plant cell surface are described. Both continuous display and discontinuous rate determinations exhibit the oscillations but continuous displays lack sufficient resolution to discern details. A procedure is documented where rates are determined by least squares analyses of traces recorded over 1 min at intervals of 1.5 min. These traces recapitulate the continuous displays but offer an opportunity to reliably estimate changes in reaction rates over short time intervals not afforded by the continuous traces. Results from previously used rate determination over 5 min intervals are included for comparison. Turbidity is identified as the major contributor to losses in resolution. Even highly purified NOX preparations tend to aggregate to form turbid suspensions. With turbid suspensions, double beam or dual wavelength instrumentation where the sample is placed immediately adjacent to the photomultiplier tube are required to reduce losses in resolution from turbidity. Also required are high levels of synchronous ECTO-NOX function. Blue or red (plants) light, small molecules (i.e., melatonin) and autosynchrony alone or in combination were used to synchronize the oscillations. Special problems posed by preparations containing more than one ECTO-NOX form and where the different ECTO-NOX forms do not cross entrain are discussed.
¿Epistemología Bíblica para la Investigación Adventista? Una Propuesta de Trabajo

Desde la creacion de las primeras universidades adventistas a inicios de la segunda mitad del siglo veinte, la Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia ha participado en la investigacion cientifica en varias disciplinas academicas seculares y teologicas que involucran el uso de metodologia y razon humana. Debido a que normalmente, los investigadores seleccionan y usan metodologias basandose en el actual consenso de sus disciplinas academicas, y asumimos que eruditos adventistas hacen lo mismo. Rara vez los cientificos se dan tiempo de analizar, evaluar y criticar las herramientas intelectuales que usan. Este estudio aborda la necesidad de implementar una epistemologia biblica para desarrollar investigaciones con perfil adventista.
Relationship between the niacin skin flush response and essential fatty acids in schizophrenia

The skin flush response to niacin is selectively mediated by the release of vasodilatory prostaglandins from the skin. The normal skin flush response to niacin is attenuated in many individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ). This finding suggests abnormal prostaglandin signaling in SCZ. Since prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid (AA), the finding of an abnormal skin flush response is consistent with biochemical data suggesting relative depletion of AA, and other essential fatty acids (EFAs), in a substantial portion of people with SCZ. This paper will describe the mechanism of the skin flush response to niacin, and will review evidence that the response to niacin is abnormal in SCZ, that this abnormality is not related to psychotropic medications, and that it may be a marker of the EFA deficiency which has been documented to be present in many patients with SCZ.
Control of excited-state population by light quenching of fluorescence

Recent experimental results from this laboratory have shown that fluorescence emission can be quenched by the light pulses from cavity-dumped dye lasers, a phenomenon we call `light quenching.' In this overview article we describe some of the possible effects of light quenching on the steady state and time-resolved spectral properties of fluorophores. The extent of light quenching was found to depend on the amplitude of the emission spectrum at the quenching wavelength. Different effects are expected and were observed for light quenching by a single laser beam (within a single laser pulse) or for a time-delayed quenching pulse. Light quenching can decrease or increase the time-zero anisotropy. Our calculations indicate that the anisotropies can increase to unity under selected conditions. Remarkably, the light quenching can break the usual z-axis symmetry of the excited state population, and the measured anisotropy (or polarization) depends upon whether the observation axis is parallel or perpendicular to the propagation direction of the light quenching beam. Quenching with time-delayed light pulses is predicted to result in oscillations in the frequency-domain intensity and anisotropy decays. A more complete description of `One and Two-Pulse Theory of Light Quenching,' is presented by Kusba et al. in this same volume. The predicted oscillations have been observed in frequency-domain intensity decay data. Overall, the results suggest a new class of two-pulse or multiple-pulse time-resolved experiments where the sample is prepared by the excitation pulse and subsequent modification of the excited state population by the quenching pulse(s), followed by time- or frequency-domain measurements of the resulting emission.
Methodology for the analysis of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) in the unpolluted atmosphere

Abstract A light weight electron capture, gas chromatograph has been laboratory- and field-tested to conduct surface and airborne PAN measurements in the unpolluted troposphere. A dynamic calibration system based on CH3CHO/NO2/Cl2 photolysis studies by Gay et al. (1976) was constructed and successfully tested. PAN was cryogenically preconcentrated prior to analysis. A sensitivity of 5 parts per trillion (ppt) and an overall accuracy of ± 20 % is estimated. It is shown that gas phase coulometry (GPC) is unsuited for absolute PAN analysis—principally, because a significant fraction of PAN is destroyed prior to coulometric detection. The kinetics of this destruction process are nonlinear. PAN measurements at a marine Pacific site, and aboard an aircraft, show that PAN is always present at a concentration range of 10–100 ppt, although concentrations as high as 400 ppt were measured at an altitude of 4.6 km over the Pacific Ocean. Surface PAN measurements at a Pacific marine site indicate a distinct diurnal behavior, tentatively attributed to photochemistry involving alkenes, alkanes and NOx. There was no evidence of PAN diurnal variation in the free troposphere, but the data are currently too sparse. Measurements in the global atmosphere are needed to accurately describe the distribution and the role of PAN in the chemistry of the natural atmosphere.