cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sputter-deposition of NiMnSb magnetic thin films from a composite target onto Si substrates

We have deposited ferromagnetic NiMnSb thin films by sputtering from a single composite target onto Si wafer substrates. Similarly to earlier results using glass substrates, we find that a combination of low radio frequency power, low argon pressure, and moderate substrate temperature is successful at directly obtaining stochiometric, single-phase polycrystalline films with the bulk C1b crystal structure. The use of Si substrates, however, is compatible with standard electronic processing and integration into electronic device structures. The similarity of the films to bulk NiMnSb suggests that the predicted half-metallic (100% spin-polarized) electronic properties of NiMnSb can be reproduced in a magnetically active thin-film device structure.
Coccidioidomycosis Incidence in Arizona Predicted by Seasonal Precipitation

The environmental mechanisms that determine the inter-annual and seasonal variability in incidence of coccidioidomycosis are unclear. In this study, we use Arizona coccidioidomycosis case data for 1995–2006 to generate a timeseries of monthly estimates of exposure rates in Maricopa County, AZ and Pima County, AZ. We reveal a seasonal autocorrelation structure for exposure rates in both Maricopa County and Pima County which indicates that exposure rates are strongly related from the fall to the spring. An abrupt end to this autocorrelation relationship occurs near the the onset of the summer precipitation season and increasing exposure rates related to the subsequent season. The identification of the autocorrelation structure enabled us to construct a “primary” exposure season that spans August-March and a “secondary” season that spans April–June which are then used in subsequent analyses. We show that October–December precipitation is positively associated with rates of exposure for the primary exposure season in both Maricopa County (R = 0.72, p = 0.012) and Pima County (R = 0.69, p = 0.019). In addition, exposure rates during the primary exposure seasons are negatively associated with concurrent precipitation in Maricopa (R = −0.79, p = 0.004) and Pima (R = −0.64, p = 0.019), possibly due to reduced spore dispersion. These associations enabled the generation of models to estimate exposure rates for the primary exposure season. The models explain 69% (p = 0.009) and 54% (p = 0.045) of the variance in the study period for Maricopa and Pima counties, respectively. We did not find any significant predictors for exposure rates during the secondary season. This study builds on previous studies examining the causes of temporal fluctuations in coccidioidomycosis, and corroborates the “grow and blow” hypothesis.
Population coding and behavioral choice

Many individual behavioral acts are produced by the combined activity of large populations of broadly tuned neurons, and the neuronal populations for different behaviors can overlap. Recent experiments monitoring and manipulating neuronal activity during behavioral decisions have begun to shed light on the mechanisms that enable overlapping populations of neurons to generate choices between categorically distinct behaviors.
Modeling multiword phrases with constrained phrase trees for improved topic modeling of conversational speech

Latent topic modeling has proven to be an effective means for learning the underlying semantic content within document collections. Latent topic modeling has traditionally been applied to bag-of-words representations that ignore word sequence information that can aid in semantic understanding. In this work we introduce a method for efficiently incorporating arbitrarily long word sequences into a topic modeling approach. This method iteratively constructs a constrained set of phrase trees in an unsupervised fashion from a document collection using weighted pointwise mutual information statistics to guide the process. In experiments on the Fisher Corpus of conversational speech, the incorporation of learned phrases into a latent topic model yielded significant improvements in the unsupervised discovery of the known topics present within the data.
Instability threshold and stability boundaries of rotor-bearing systems

A direct numerical method for the determination of instability threshold and stability boundaries of flexible rotor-bearing systems is presented. The proposed procedure can also be used to improve the system stability by considering the design variables as operating parameters. The finite element method is utilized in the formulation of system equations of motion. The numerical algorithm is based on nonlinear optimization techniques. Two examples are presented to illustrate the feasibility, desirability, and ability of the proposed algorithm. A simple journal bearing system is used for the parametric study. An industrial high-speed compressor is employed to demonstrate the ability of this algorithm to deal with practical applications. The stability boundaries calculated from this algorithm are in agreement with the experimental results.
A self-assembled hexadecanuclear 4 x[2 x 2] Mn(II)16 square grid from a pyridazine bis(hydrazone) ligand: synthesis, structure and magnetism.

A compartmentalized {4 × [2 × 2]} Mn(II)16 antiferromagnetically coupled square grid results from the self-assembly reaction of a tetratopic pyridazine bis(hydrazone) ligand and Mn(II).
A comment on ‘A Multidimensional Scale for Measuring Business Ethics: A Purification and Refinement’

This comment is offered in response to Hansen's “A Multidimensional Scale for Measuring Business Ethics: A Purification and Refinement”. Five issues arising from Hansen's purification and refinement efforts are addressed. These include the issues of parsimony, predictive validity, collinearity, reliability, and what we see as a confusion between normative and positive theory.
C. elegans pro-1 activity is required for soma/germline interactions that influence proliferation and differentiation in the germ line.

Strict spatial and temporal regulation of proliferation and differentiation is essential for proper germline development and often involves soma/germline interactions. In C. elegans , a particularly striking outcome of defective regulation of the proliferation/differentiation pattern is the Pro phenotype in which an ectopic mass of proliferating germ cells occupies the proximal adult germ line, a region normally occupied by gametes. We describe a reduction-of-function mutation in the gene pro-1 that causes a highly penetrant Pro phenotype. The pro-1 mutant Pro phenotype stems from defects in the time and position of the first meiotic entry during early germline development. pro-1(RNAi) produces a loss of somatic gonad structures and concomitant reduction in germline proliferation and gametogenesis. pro-1 encodes a member of a highly conserved subfamily of WD-repeat proteins. pro-1(+) is required in the sheath/spermatheca lineage of the somatic gonad in its role in the proper establishment of the proliferation/differentiation pattern in the germline. Our results provide a handle for further analysis of this soma-to-germline interaction.
Ligogramma wichita, A New Species of Caloneurodea (Polyneoptera: Orthopterida) from the Lower Permian Wellington Formation of Noble County, Oklahoma

Abstract The extinct polyneopterous order Caloneurodea Handlirsch, which includes more than 20 species, has been found in Eurasia and North America, and ranges from the Upper Carboniferous to the Upper Permian. North American records are most numerous from the Lower Permian Wellington Formation of Kansas and Oklahoma. The genus Ligogramma, provisionally assigned by Bethoux et al., 2004, to either Caloneurodea or Orthoptera, is herein redescribed and placed in the Caloneurodea, based on the discovery of a new species, Ligogramma wichita, described from a specimen collected from Noble County, Oklahoma. This brings the total number of Caloneurodea currently known from the Wellington Formation to eight species.
Considerations for ventricular fibrillation detection by implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Abstract Implantable cardioverter defibrillator detection of ventricular fibrillation is inherently a complicated process. Nevertheless, there is a clinical imperative that ventricular fibrillation be detected with 100% sensitivity. Incumbent with the need for such a high sensitivity is a trade-off that results in diminished ventricular fibrillation detection specificity, which in turn results in unnecessary delivery of high-energy shocks. In this review we look in generic terms at the different lead and detection systems available and the effect of these systems on both undersensing and oversensing of ventricular fibrillation. In addition, several clinical and programming issues that affect sensitivity and specifity of ventricular fibrillation detection are reviewed.
SEMIPERMANENT CATHETERIZATION OF THE DOG CRANIAL VENA CAVA OR RIGHT ATRIUM.

Abstract The technique described is one developed for the positive infusion of an isotope or chemical and the extraction of mixed venous blood samples. Silastic (Silicone rubber) catheter was surgically implanted in the right atrium of the dog through the lumen of the jugular vein. No major thoracic surgery is required. Silastic tubing is compatible with tissue. Blood coagulation within the catheter was not a major problem. Of the twenty cases reported the longest patent catheter functioned for 110 days.
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy: The Gap between Practice and Knowledge

Abstract Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is widely used, and the uses to which it can be put are still being developed. However, existing knowledge about this field is insufficient, and most of the research suffers from methodological problems that compromise its rigor. This review will explore research into the linked fields of Animal-Assisted Therapy and Equine-Assisted Activities/Therapies (EAA/T) related to physical health. Existing knowledge of mental, emotional, and social applications of EAA/T is presented. Evaluation studies in the subfield suggest that people benefit from interventions with horses. However, these studies suffer from fundamental problems, such as small sample size and lack of control groups. Naturalistic inquiry about theoretical aspects highlights the fundamental role that human-horse relations play in EAA/T, but these studies exhibit deficiencies in theory development. A multimethod approach could promote knowledge development for EFP. Suggestions for future research concern methodological solutions to improve evaluation studies, use of grounded theory method to develop theory, as well as applying attachment theory to the human-horse context, which may offer insight about the underlying processes for change.
Magneto-Rheological Fluid Dampers for Control of Bridges

Magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) dampers are utilized to control vibration of a scaled, two-span bridge. In this work, the focus is on a combination of passive and semi-active damping capabilities of a bridge structure. Theoretical and experimental studies are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of MRF dampers. In addition, steel and graphite/epoxy-concrete (G/E-C) columns are utilized in the scaled bridge to increase passive structural damping. Finite element and experimental studies are conducted to assess the performance of each column. Strains in the columns are determined under different input motions and electric power input to MRF dampers. The results demonstrate that MRF dampers can significantly improve the response of the scaled model bridge. It is also shown that, although stiffer, the steel column develops much higher strains compared to those of G/E-C column.
Reconfigurable nanoantennas using electron-beam manipulation

Plasmonic nanoantennas have been of increasing interest due to their ability to confine and enhance electric fields in deep sub-wavelength volumes, leading to large near-field optical forces and high refractive index sensitivity. Recently, to enhance the response for sensor applications, metal nanoantennas have been fabricated on pillars. An overlooked consequence of this elevated geometry is the introduction of the mechanical properties, for example, stiffness, as a tunable degree of freedom. Here we demonstrate pillar-bowtie nanoantenna arrays, fabricated on optically transparent SiO2, as a candidate system that couples intrinsic mechanical and electromagnetic degrees of freedom via gradient forces. We show that using a standard scanning electron microscope, individual nanoantenna gap sizes can be controllably tuned down to 5 nm, a factor of ~4 × smaller than what is currently achievable using conventional electron-beam lithography. This approach opens new avenues for fabricating reconfigurable nanoantennas that can inform exciting photonic applications.
Maple syrup analysis for137Cs, K, and B, using a low-background counting system and PGAA

Fifteen maple syrups were analyzed for137Cs and K (via40K) by using a low-background γ-ray counting system, and for B and K by using neutron capture prompt γ-ray activation analysis (PGAA). For low-background γ-ray counting, 3σ limits of detection (24-hour counts) were 0.03 Bq137Cs/kg and 10 mg K/kg for 3.5-L portions and 0.08 Bq137Cs/kg and 20 mg K/kg for 1.0-L portions. K concentrations determined by the two methods (using 2-g portions for PGAA) were in excellent agreement. The products were obtained in 1991, with one produced in Maryland, three in New York, four in Pennsylvania, two in New Hampshire, and five in Canada. The average activity concentration for Canadian syrups (2.8 Bq137Cs/kg) was nearly a factor of 20 greater than the average (0.15 Bq137Cs/kg) for the other syrups, but all137Cs activity concentrations were at least 100 times lower than those for which controls would be recommended according to Federal Radiation Council guidance. The data exhibited distinct groupings related to the sources of the products when the ratios of137Cs activity to K content (BqCs/mgK) were plotted vs. B concentrations.
APPLICATION OF A DIAGNOSTIC NUMERICAL MODEL TO THE TROPICAL ATMOSPHERE1

Abstract A diagnostic, nonlinear balanced model is applied in order to describe numerically the three dimensional structure of the tropical atmosphere. Several comparisons and experiments are made to gain insight into the physical processes and reliability of the model. These include different types of stream functions and temperature analyses, and the addition of surface friction and latent heat. A comparison between the kinematic vertical motion and the final numerical result is performed. Obtained by using the complete form of the balance model, the derived vertical motion for August 12–14, 1961, in the Caribbean is presented in the form of cross sections. The vertical velocity fields, which are displayed in partitioned form, are compared with the analyzed moisture distribution. The validity of the computed vertical motion is discussed along with its possible influence on the tropical weather.
Acute appendicitis mimicking pelvic neoplasm

Acute appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose when it presents in an atypical manner. We report a case of perforated appendicitis mimicking a pelvic neoplasm.
Influence of treatment of "mild" hypertension on coronary heart disease.

. High blood pressure (HBP) in the range 90—104 DBP (»mild») has been shown to carry a sizeable excess risk of coronary death, at least in countries with atherogenic diets. Effective treatment to control HBP should result in lowering CHD risk. Early trials comparing drug treatment vs placebo in such hypertensives were generally too small or too limited to demonstrate this, although overall trends favored treatment. The U.S. Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program (HDFP), a population based trial with 10,940 patients, did demonstrate large reductions in CHD mortality and in nonfatal CHD, as measured by a variety of indices. A subsequent large trial, the Multiple Risk Factor Trial (MRFIT), found benefit in reducing CHD deaths for most hypertensives, but for the subgroup with resting ECG abnormalities, CHD deaths were greater in the Special Intervention than in the Usual Care group. The overall findings of the several studies indicate benefit of effective antihypertensive treatment in reducing CHD mortality and morbidity for most hypertensives with DBP 90—104. However, need to highlight a number of other aspects of anti-hypertensive treatment is indicated: use of lowest drug level possible to achieve BP normalization; need to control all major CHD risk factors in hypertensives; need to utilize nutritional means to further both these aims; need to monitor and counteract unwanted metabolic effects of antihypertensive drug therapy.
Parton fragment yields derived from minimum-bias jet angular correlations

The unbiased spectra of fragments from large-angle-scattered partons (midrapidity parton fragment distributions) in 200 GeV Au-Au collisions can be accurately described by perturbative QCD (pQCD) methods, revealing that a substantial population of parton fragments is present in hadron spectra at low transverse momentum (p{sub t}). Angular correlations including all accepted hadron pairs above some low threshold p{sub t} (minimum-bias correlations) contain jetlike structures with most-probable hadron momentum {approx}1 GeV/c. In this study, we convert minimum-bias jetlike angular correlations to single-particle hadron yields and compare them with parton fragment yields inferred from differential spectrum analysis (spectrum hard components). We find that jetlike correlations in central 200 GeV Au-Au collisions correspond quantitatively to pQCD predictions, and the jet-correlated hadron yield comprises one third of the Au-Au final state in central collisions.
Isolation and characterization of the discrete N- and C-terminal halves of rat brain hexokinase: Retention of full catalytic activity in the isolated C-terminal half☆

Selective stabilization of either the N- or C-terminal half (by ligands binding to these regions) of rat brain hexokinase against partial denaturation with guanidine hydrochloride and subsequent digestion with trypsin has provided a means for isolating these regions, referred to as N fragment and C fragment, respectively, in quantities adequate for characterization. The N fragment (mol wt 52 kDa) is devoid of catalytic activity. In contrast, the C fragment (mol wt 51 kDa) has a specific activity of about 110 U/mg, nearly twice that (60 U/mg) of the intact 100-kDa enzyme, indicating that the kcat is virtually identical for both species. Unlike the parent enzyme, the C fragment is quite sensitive to inhibition by Pi (competitive vs ATP, noncompetitive vs Glc); sulfate and arsenate, but not acetate, inhibit with effectiveness similar to that seen with Pi. The Glc-6-P analog, 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-P, also inhibits the C fragment (competitive vs ATP, uncompetitive vs Glc). Both N and C fragments bind to Affi-Gel Blue, an affinity matrix bearing a covalently attached analog of ATP, and are eluted by hexose 6-phosphates competitive with nucleotide binding to the parent enzyme. Based on the ability of various hexoses and hexose 6-phosphates (and analogs) to protect against guanidine-induced denaturation and subsequent proteolysis, it is concluded that both fragments contain discrete sites for hexoses and hexose 6-phosphates, with specificities resembling those seen for the binding of these ligands to the parent enzyme. Synergistic interactions between the hexose and hexose-6-P binding sites, previously seen with the parent enzyme, are also observed with the C fragment but not the N fragment. The existence of binding sites for hexoses and hexose 6-phosphates on both halves conflicts with previous binding studies demonstrating a single hexose binding site and a single hexose 6-phosphate binding site on the intact 100-kDa enzyme, leading to the conclusion that one of each pair of sites must be latent in the intact enzyme, becoming manifest only in the isolated discrete halves. Several investigators have previously suggested that the 100-kDa mammalian hexokinases evolved by duplication and fusion of a gene encoding an ancestral 50-kDa Glc-6-P-insensitive hexokinase, similar to the present-day yeast enzyme, with sensitivity to Glc-6-P resulting from evolution of a duplicated catalytic site into a regulatory site. However, the present results suggest an alternative evolutionary relationship between the hexokinases, with sensitivity to Glc-6-P having arisen prior to the gene duplication and fusion event. Thus, the ancestral 50-kDa hexokinase giving rise to the 100-kDa mammalian hexokinases was more similar to the present-day starfish hexokinase than to the yeast enzyme. In fact, a striking similarity is seen in the physical, kinetic, and regulatory properties of starfish hexokinase and the C fragment of the rat brain enzyme.
The Effects of Early Auditory Deprivation on Temporal Perceptions: A Comparison of Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Children on Temporal Pattern Matching Tasks

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hearing children, but not children deprived of early auditory experiences, would use an auditory frame of reference, or auditory encoding, for te...
Effects of microneedle tip geometry on injection and extraction in the skin

Needles of microns dimensions can be fabricated by MEMS techniques and used for painless injections or extraction. However, the effects of microneedle tip geometry, injection/extraction pressure and time on the injected/extracted volume have not been quantified. Thus, to provide microneedles with easily controlled tip geometry, we fabricated hollow beveled glass microneedles with a range of tip diameters (20 - 80 /spl mu/m) and bevel angles (30 - 90 degrees) and punctured them into human cadaver or in vivo rat skin. For infusion, cadaver skin specimens were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen after injecting dye solutions, sectioned using a microtome and digitally imaged, and then analyzed to determine the volume of fluid injected. Over the range of pressures (10 50 psi) and durations (1 - 20 min) studied, the infusion volume was in the range of 1 - 100 nl and the loading depth ranged from 200 to 500 /spl mu/m. For extraction, interstitial fluid (ISF) was collected by beveled microneedles under pressure of -0.02 MPa for 5 min from hairless rat skin. The ISF volume measured in the needle lumen was in the range of 2 - 30 nl. We found that the injected volume increased with both pressure and injection time, but extracted volume was less when suction pressure was too low or too high. We believe this study provides the first quantitative measurements of fluid injection and extraction through microneedles into skin.
The clinical relevance of rising CA-125 levels within the normal range in patients with uterine papillary serous cancer

The utility of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels as an adjunct method of monitoring patients with uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) or endometrial serous carcinoma after surgery and adjuvant treatment has been reported. Our goal was to determine the significance of rising CA-125 levels within the normal range in these patients in the posttreatment surveillance setting. All patients with UPSC who underwent surgical staging and had preoperative CA-125 measurement from 1999 to 2008 were included in this analysis. Information was extracted from records to assess the changes in CA-125 values with clinical and/or radiographic detection of recurrence. Of the 56 evaluable patients, 23 (41%) recurred. Of the 23 patients that recurred, 11 had serial CA-125 levels measured in remission. Elevated CA-125 levels at diagnosis were significantly associated with disease recurrence and advanced stage (P = .01, P = .001, respectively). The rise in CA-125 by 10 U/mL in the normal range and ≥15 U/mL were associated with disease recurrence (P < .001, P < .001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only CA-125 level ≥15 U/mL was significantly associated with worse progression-free survival. In this small cohort of patients with recurrent UPSC after remission, surveillance of CA-125 levels may have a role in disease surveillance and management.
The binding site of the RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) on EBER1 RNA from Epstein–Barr virus

The RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon-induced, RNA-activated enzyme that phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, rendering the translation machinery inactive. Viruses have developed strategies for preventing the action of PKR, one of which is the production of small RNAs that inhibit the enzyme. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encodes EBER1, a 167 nucleotide non-coding RNA that is constitutively expressed by the EBV-infected cells. EBER1 binds PKR in vitro and has been shown to prevent inhibition of translation by PKR in vitro. We used affinity cleavage by the EDTA·Fe-modified double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) of PKR to show that stem–loop IV (nucleotides 87–123) of EBER1 makes specific contacts with the dsRBD. To further demonstrate the specificity of this interaction, we generated a deletion mutant of EBER1, comprising only stem–loop IV (mEBER1). Cleavage patterns produced on mEBER1 by the bound dsRBD were remarkably similar to those found on full-length EBER1. Using cleavage data from two different dsRBD mutants, we present a model of the interaction of PKR dsRBD and mEBER1.
Pituitary-Adrenal Dynamics During Surgical Stress

Under nonstressful conditions, the pituitary-adrenocortical system appears to be regulated, at least in part, by a negative feedback mechanism whereby an increase in plasma cortisol suppresses corticotropin (ACTH) secretion while a decrease in plasma cortisol leads to an increase in the secretion of ACTH. In response to certain stresses, however, both ACTH and cortisol are secreted in increased quantities. The present study was designed to determine what role, if any, the negative feedback mechanism plays in regulating ACTH secretion during the acute stress of pelvic laparotomy. As compared with preoperative levels, plasma 17-hydroxycorticoids (17-OHCS) increased by 17–36 μg/100 ml and urinary 17-OHCS increased by 4–20 mg/day in 22 patients undergoing pelvic laparotomy without exogenous steroids. Similar increases in 17-OHCS were observed in 10 patients given 8 mg of dexamethasone phosphate intramuscularly before the operation and in 7 patients given dexamethasone phosphate intravenously at the rate of 5 ...
Reliability mechanisms for file systems using non-volatile memory as a metadata store

Portable systems such as cell phones and portable media players commonly use non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) to hold all of their data and metadata, and larger systems can store metadata in NVRAM to increase file system performance by reducing synchronization and transfer overhead between disk and memory data structures. Unfortunately, wayward writes from buggy software and random bit flips may result in an unreliable persistent store. We introduce two orthogonal and complementary approaches to reliably storing file system structures in NVRAM. First, we reinforce hardware and operating system memory consistency by employing page-level write protection and error correcting codes. Second, we perform on-line consistency checking of the filesystem structures by replaying logged file system transactions on copied data structures; a structure is consistent if the replayed copy matches its live counterpart. Our experiments show that the protection mechanisms can increase fault tolerance by six orders of magnitude while incurring an acceptable amount of overhead on writes to NVRAM. Since NVRAM is much faster and consumes far less power than disk-based storage, the added overhead of error checking leaves an NVRAM-based system both faster and more reliable than a disk-based system. Additionally, our techniques can be implemented on systems lacking hardware support for memory management, allowing them to be used on lowend and embedded systems without an MMU.
Alcohol ingestion disrupts alveolar epithelial barrier function by activation of macrophage-derived transforming growth factor beta1

Background: Chronic alcohol abuse causes oxidative stress and impairs alveolar epithelial barrier integrity, thereby rendering the lung susceptible to acute edematous injury. Experimentally, alcohol-induced oxidative stress increases the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in the lung; however, we do not know the precise contribution of various alveolar cells in this process. In the present study, we focused on cell-cell interactions between alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells and the potential mechanisms by which TGFβ1 may become activated in the alveolar space of the alcoholic lung. Methods: Primary alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells were isolated from control- and alcohol-fed Sprague– Dawley rats. Expression of TGFβ1 and the epithelial integrin αvβ6 were examined by real time PCR and either immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry. Alveolar epithelial cells were cultured on transwell supports in the presence of macrophage cell lysate from control- or alcohol-fed rats or in the presence of viable macrophages ± alcohol. Epithelial barrier function was assessed by transepithelial resistance (TER) and paracellular flux of Texas Red dextran. Results: TGFβ1 expression was increased in alveolar macrophages from alcohol-fed rats, and TGFβ1 protein was predominantly membrane-bound. Importantly, alveolar macrophage cellular lysate from alcohol-fed rats decreased TER and increased paracellular dextran flux in primary alveolar epithelial cell monolayers as compared to the lysates from control-fed rats. Alcohol-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction was prevented by anti-TGFβ1 antibody treatment, indicating the presence of bioactive TGFβ1 in the macrophage lysate. In addition, co-culturing macrophages and epithelial cells in the presence of alcohol decreased epithelial barrier function, which also was prevented by anti-TGFβ1 and anti-αvβ6 treatment. In parallel, chronic alcohol ingestion in vivo, or direct treatment with active TGFβ1 in vitro, increased the expression of αvβ6 integrin, which is known to activate TGFβ1, in alveolar epithelial cells. Conclusions: Taken together, these data suggest that interactions between alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages contribute to the alcohol-mediated disruption of epithelial barrier function via the expression and activation of TGFβ1 at points of cell-cell contact.
Relationshopping: Investigating the market metaphor in online dating:

In this manuscript we explore the ways in which the marketplace metaphor resonates with online dating participants and how this conceptual framework influences how they assess themselves, assess others, and make decisions about whom to pursue. Taking a metaphor approach enables us to highlight the ways in which participants’ language shapes their self-concept and interactions with potential partners. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 34 participants from a large online dating site revealed that the marketplace metaphor was salient for participants, who employed several strategies that reflected the assumptions underlying the marketplace perspective (including resisting the metaphor). We explore the implications of this metaphor for romantic relationship development, such as the objectification of potential partners.
Transnational meanings of La Virgen de Guadalupe: Religiosity, space and culture at Plaza Mexico

In this paper, we examine Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California, a magnet for Latino communities from throughout the greater Los Angeles region, to show immigrants' use of space to produce transnational communities as coherent. One of the key ways that immigrant identity is formed in this space is through cultural religiosity. Despite the fact that Plaza Mexico is a shopping mall, the place gathers participation from Mexican immigrants and Latinos of other national origins at key times of religious expression during the year. Following what Holloway calls ‘enchanted space’, we analyse the Day of the Dead celebration (2 November) and the Virgen de Guadalupe celebration (during and after 12 December) to discuss the transformation of the mall into a multidimensional place that encompasses secular, religious, cultural and political expressions. We show how Plaza Mexico provides a rich location from which to understand transnational cultural connections and familial transmissions of culture between different gen...
Quantitative determination of calcium oxalate and oxalate in developing seeds of soybean (Leguminosae)

Developing soybean seeds accumulate very large amounts of both soluble oxalate and insoluble crystalline calcium ( Ca) oxalate. Use of two methods of detection for the determination of total, soluble, and insoluble oxalate revealed that at 116 d postfertilization, the seeds were 24% dry mass of oxalate, and three-fourths of this oxalate (18%) was bound Ca oxalate. During later seed development, the dry mass of oxalate decreased. Crystals were isolated from the seeds, and X-ray diffraction and polarizing microscopy identified them as Ca oxalate monohydrate. These crystals were a mixture of kinked and straight prismatics. Even though certain plant tissues are known to contain significant amounts of oxalate and Ca oxalate during certain periods of growth, the accumulation of oxalate during soybean seed development was surprising and raises interesting questions regarding its function.
Can Teacher Immediacy Reduce the Impact of Verbal Aggressiveness? Examining Effects on Student Outcomes and Perceptions of Teacher Credibility

Prior research suggests that teacher immediacy potentially can subdue the adverse effects of negative teacher communication behaviors. This study explored the effects of teacher immediacy and verbal aggressiveness on student outcomes and perceptions of teacher credibility. The results suggest that, while high levels of immediacy and the absence of verbal aggression generate the highest student motivation, affective learning, and positive perception of classroom climate, teachers can use immediacy to reduce the negative effects of verbal aggression in the classroom. Findings also indicate that high amounts of verbal aggression can lead students to perceive teachers as less credible regardless of the teacher's use of immediacy.
The Origins of Aggression

Aggressive behavior, like any other behavior must be determined by an interaction between heredity and environment. However, it is difficult to determine the relative roles of these two contributing factors. Further, the mechanisms of action are not immediately clear.
Study of Plant Distribution on School Grounds

Plant and animal distribution has occupied the attention of naturalists through much of history. "What grows where, and why?" has always been an important question for man whether the culture was primitive or civilized, ancient or modern. Food, medicine, clothing, materials for shelter and construction, and many of the amenities of life, whether simple or sophisticated, are derived from plants and animals. It has always been important that someone knew where certain kinds of plants or animals could be found and gathered or captured, what kinds of places and conditions they lived in, and whether they could be transplanted and cultivated or domesticated. Biogeography and ecology have ancient roots in human needs. The more esoteric concerns that grew out of biosystematics and some aspects of modern ecology have continued the interest in plant and animal distribution not only on a grand scale but also in terms of patterns of local occurrence. It is obvious that school grounds offer laboratory conditions only for certain studies concerning local distribution. It is not necessary that a portion of the grounds be in any sense wild, or that they be forested. A lawn, a playing field, an abandoned field or neglected weed patch, the edges of a road or a path will do for some purposes. What is if? The first question is inescapable, "What is it?" We need names for purposes of discrimination and convenience. The problem of identity should never be avoided. A distinctive thing, process or relationship needs a name if we are to think and communicate clearly. Common names will do, if we use them consistently, or symbols like "a" "b" and "c," until we discover what others have already decided to call something. Teachers, and in some cases students, should consult local, state or regional floras for correct names, common or scientific, of plant species encountered on school grounds. Many states have weed manuals which should be helpful. Land grant colleges and agricultural experiment stations have botanists who can be consulted for identifications. This requires sending them a dried plant specimen, preferably in flower. Where is it? The next question, "Where is it?" arises naturally if the school ground or any other small section of the earth is inspected carefully, for no one species is found everywhere. Each one is found
A generalization of Nehari's univalence criterion

This note is a sequel to our paper [OS] where we generalized the Schwarzian derivative to conformal mappings of Riemannian manifolds. There we found that many of the phenomena familiar from the classical theory have counterparts in the more general setting. Here we advance this another step by giving a generalization of the well known univalence criterion of Nehari [N]. Despite its relatively advanced age, this result continues to generate interest, see [L]. The argument used here in the general case, if specialized to the situation considered by Nehari, gives a somewhat different and a more geometric proof of his theorem than is often presented. We want to keep this note short, since the proof of the Theorem is really quite simple, and also fairly self-contained. We shall need a number of facts from our earlier paper and we collect them here with very little additional discussion. We refer the reader to that paper for more details.
A Bayesian algorithm for tracking multiple moving objects in outdoor surveillance video

Reliable tracking of multiple moving objects in video is an interesting challenge, made difficult in real-world video by various sources of noise and uncertainty. We propose a Bayesian approach to find correspondences between moving objects over frames. By using color values and position information of the moving objects as observations, we probabilistically assign tracks to those objects. We allow for tracks to be lost and then recovered when they resurface. The probabilistic assignment method, along with the ability to recover lost tracks, adds robustness to the tracking system. We present results that show that the Bayesian method performs well in difficult tracking cases and compare the probabilistic results to a Euclidean distance based method.
Adaptive pulse rate scheduling for reduced dose X-ray cardiac interventional fluoroscopic procedures

Presents an approach for reducing X-ray absorbed dose during cardiac fluoroscopic interventional procedures. The approach hinges on two main concepts: (1) adapting the X-ray pulse rate to the activity of the organ under investigation (the heart); and (2) maintaining the appearance of a 30-frame/s display rate to the viewer. The first concept was accomplished through the processing of multiple sensor information to determine the onset of the various phases of ventricular motion within the cardiac cycle. For each detected phase of the cardiac cycle, a specific tube pulse rate is assigned or automatically determined (after a learning period) such that high activity phases will have higher tube rate than phases with low activity. In order to maintain a 30-frame/s display rate to the viewer, a last-frame-hold approach was used and the resultant sequence shows minimal jerkiness artifacts as a result of the adaptive-motion-dependent sampling strategy. Preliminary results of the proposed system indicate the possibility of a three-to-one reduction of the tube pulse-rate. This translates to a dose reduction of a similar ratio. >
An Extension of BLANC to System Mentions

BLANC is a link-based coreference evaluation metric for measuring the quality of coreference systems on gold mentions. This paper extends the original BLANC ("BLANC-gold" henceforth) to system mentions, removing the gold mention assumption. The proposed BLANC falls back seamlessly to the original one if system mentions are identical to gold mentions, and it is shown to strongly correlate with existing metrics on the 2011 and 2012 CoNLL data.
Enhanced neonatal Fc receptor function improves protection against primate SHIV infection

To protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) must be active at the portals of viral entry in the gastrointestinal or cervicovaginal tracts. The localization and persistence of antibodies at these sites is influenced by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), whose role in protecting against infection in vivo has not been defined. Here, we show that a bnAb with enhanced FcRn binding has increased gut mucosal tissue localization, which improves protection against lentiviral infection in non-human primates. A bnAb directed to the CD4-binding site of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein (denoted VRC01) was modified by site-directed mutagenesis to increase its binding affinity for FcRn. This enhanced FcRn-binding mutant bnAb, denoted VRC01-LS, displayed increased transcytosis across human FcRn-expressing cellular monolayers in vitro while retaining FcγRIIIa binding and function, including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, at levels similar to VRC01 (the wild type). VRC01-LS had a threefold longer serum half-life than VRC01 in non-human primates and persisted in the rectal mucosa even when it was no longer detectable in the serum. Notably, VRC01-LS mediated protection superior to that afforded by VRC01 against intrarectal infection with simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). These findings suggest that modification of FcRn binding provides a mechanism not only to increase serum half-life but also to enhance mucosal localization that confers immune protection. Mutations that enhance FcRn function could therefore increase the potency and durability of passive immunization strategies to prevent HIV-1 infection.
Submandibular gland morphogenesis: Stage-specific expression of TGF-α/EGF, IGF, TGF-β, TNF, and IL-6 signal transduction in normal embryonic mice and the phenotypic effects of TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and EGF-r null mutations

Branching morphogenesis of the mouse submandibular gland (SMG) is dependent on cell-cell conversations between and within epithelium and mesenchyme. Such conversations are typically mediated in other branching organs (lung, mammary glands, etc.) by hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and the like in such a way as to translate endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine signals into specific gene responses regulating cell division, apoptosis, and histodifferentiation. We report here the protein expression in embryonic SMGs of four signal transduction pathways: TGF-a/EGF/EGF-R; IGF-II/IGF-IR/IGF-IIR; TGF-bs and cognate receptors; TNF, IL-6, and cognate receptors. Their in vivo spatiotemporal expression is correlated with specific stages of progressive SMG development and particular patterns of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mucin expression. Functional necessity regarding several of these pathways was assessed in mice with relevant null mutations (TGF-b2, TGF-b3, EGF-R). Among many observations, the following seem of particular importance: (1) TGF-a and EGF-R, but not EGF, are found in the Initial and Pseudoglandular Stages of SMG development; (2) ductal and presumptive acini lumena formation was associated with apoptosis and TNF/TNF-R1 signalling; (3) TGF-b2 and TGF-b3 null mice have normal SMG phenotypes, suggesting the presence of other pathways of mitostasis; (4) EGF-R null mice displayed an abnormal SMG phenotype consisting of decreased branching. These and other findings provide insight into the design of future functional studies. Anat Rec 256:252‐268, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Applying the transtheoretical model to pregnancy and STD prevention: a review of the literature.

Abstract Purpose. To conduct a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on the Trans-theoretical Model (TTM) and pregnancy and STD prevention. Data Sources. Computer database search (Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts [ASSIA], Biological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts, CINAHL-Allied Health, Current Contents, Current Index to Journals in Education, Education Index, ERIC, Excerpta Medica, Family Index, Index Medicus, Medline, Multicultural Education Abstracts, PsychInfo, Psychological Abstracts, Research Alert, Social Science Citation Index, Social Work Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts), and manual journal search. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. All English, peer-reviewed, original articles on the TTM as it relates to pregnancy and STD prevention published prior to December 31, 2001, were included. Editorials, commentaries, theses/dissertations, unpublished studies, technical reports, and books were not included. Data Extraction Methods. Articles were categorized as Inte...
Nuclear Powered Laser Driven Plasma Propulsion System

A relativistic plasma thruster that could open up the solar system to near-term human exploration is presented. It is based on recent experimental and theoretical research which show that ultrafast (very short pulse length) lasers can accelerate charged particles to relativistic speeds. In table top-type experiments charge-neutral proton beams containing more than 10 14 particles with mean energies of tens of MeV's have been produced when high intensity lasers with femtosecond (10 -15 s) pulse lengths are made to strike thin solid targets. When viewed from a propulsion standpoint such systems can produce specific impulses of several million seconds albeit at modest thrusts and require nuclear power systems to drive them. Several schemes are proposed to enhance the thrust and make these systems suitable for manned interplanetary missions. In this paper we set forth the physics principles that make relativistic plasma driven by ultrafast lasers particularly attractive for propulsion applications. We introduce the "Laser Accelerated Plasma Propulsion System" LAPPS, and demonstrate its potential propulsive capability by addressing an interstellar mission to the Oort Cloud, and a planetary mission to Mars. We show that the first can be carried out in a human's lifetime and the second in a matter of months. In both instances we identify the major technological problems that must be addressed if this system is to evolve into a leading contender among the advance propulsion concepts currently under consideration.
Using Out-of-Domain Data for Lexical Addressee Detection in Human-Human-Computer Dialog

Addressee detection (AD) is an important problem for dialog systems in human-humancomputer scenarios (contexts involving multiple people and a system) because systemdirected speech must be distinguished from human-directed speech. Recent work on AD (Shriberg et al., 2012) showed good results using prosodic and lexical features trained on in-domain data. In-domain data, however, is expensive to collect for each new domain. In this study we focus on lexical models and investigate how well out-of-domain data (either outside the domain, or from single-user scenarios) can fill in for matched in-domain data. We find that human-addressed speech can be modeled using out-of-domain conversational speech transcripts, and that human-computer utterances can be modeled using single-user data: the resulting AD system outperforms a system trained only on matched in-domain data. Further gains (up to a 4% reduction in equal error rate) are obtained when in-domain and out-of-domain models are interpolated. Finally, we examine which parts of an utterance are most useful. We find that the first 1.5 seconds of an utterance contain most of the lexical information for AD, and analyze which lexical items convey this. Overall, we conclude that the H-H-C scenario can be approximated by combining data from H-C and H-H scenarios only.