cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in clot lysis among patients demonstrated in vitro with three thrombolytic agents (tissue-type plasminogen activator, streptokinase and urokinase)

Abstract This study compares the ability of 3 thrombolytic drugs to promote clot lysis using a new in vitro testing procedure. Whole blood samples from 132 patients were tested using 5 different concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), streptokinase (SK) and urokinase. A mixture of blood and thrombolytic drug was placed on a dryreagent test card containing reptilase, buffers and paramagnetic particles where clot formation occurred. Analysis of the motion of the clot-embedded paramagnetic particles caused by an oscillating magnetic field was used to define the lysis onset time. The slope of the linear regression plot of lysis onset time versus 1/[drug concentration] defined the kinetic rate constant (k) for each drug in each patient. Higher values of k indicated greater resistance to in vitro clot lysis. In the patients studied, there was a large range of k values for t-PA and SK (coefficient of variation 143 and 137%, respectively) but a smaller range of k for urokinase (coefficient of variation 32%). The coefficients of variation for t-PA and SK observed in the study group were five- to 10-fold greater than the coefficients of variation determined for replicate test measurements. Resistance to all SK concentrations tested was found in 9% of the patients. In vitro sensitivity to thrombolysis was compared among the drugs by correlating the derived k values. These comparisons indicated no relation for any of the drugs; many patients had a relatively low k value for 1 drug, while having a relatively high k value for a different drug. Preliminary results in 6 patients with acute myocardial infarction tested prospectively with a clinical version of this system identified 1 patient in whom there likely was a failure of the thrombolytic drug. These data suggest that in vitro testing before the administration of a thrombolytic drug is feasible and may be clinically useful in determining the drug choice for an individual patient.
Embryonic development and cardiac morphology of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis, 1949 (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae): embryonic staging

Decapod crustaceans are known for their variation in developmental patterns and their successful adaptation to diverse environmental conditions. The grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis, 1949, inhabits the brackish waters off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America and is a critically important component of the food chain in these ecosystems. A clear description and understanding of early embryonic developmental processes is necessary in order for this species to be used for future physiological, ecological, developmental and toxicological investigations. Here, we establish a uniform staging scheme for the embryonic period of development in grass shrimp using an 8-stage sequence. Under constant conditions (20°C, 32 ppt sea water), mean clutch size was 190 (±5) embryos per female and mean time for embryonic development (fertilization to eclosion) was 13 days. Morphological changes and staging were documented using photomicroscopy (still and video). Also described are cardiac morphological changes associated with embryonic development. The morphometrics of both embryonic development and cardiac ontogeny are provided. The morphological features described for P. pugio throughout embryonic development and the standardized embryonic staging scheme can be used to compare developmental patterns and timing when investigating questions related to an array of biological disciplines making this species a stronger model system.
Evaluating the Economics of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Healthcare in the United States is expensive and becoming more so every year. Policy and decision makers increasingly need information on costs, as well as effectiveness and safety, in order to formulate health-care strategies that are both clinically effective and financially responsible. Many people believe the benefits of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) exceed its costs. Surveys have shown that a substantial portion of the US population uses CIM and pays directly for that use.(1) (-) (4) The most recent estimates show that total US out-of-pocket expenditures for CIM were $34 billion-11% of all US out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.(1) However, if CIM is to be considered in broader healthcare strategies, its economic impact must be determined. Theoretically, CIM seems a good candidate for cost-effectiveness, and even cost savings, because it avoids high technology, offers inexpensive and noninvasive remedies, encourages healthy lifestyle change, and focuses on the whole person, all of which may improve health beyond the targeted disease or condition. However, to many in the conventional health-care system, CIM is seen only as an "add on" expense. What must be demonstrated via economic evaluation are the healthcare costs that can be avoided through the use of CIM. CIM offers the potential for several avenues of cost reduction. The first is as a direct replacement for the usual conventional therapy for a condition. The second is in terms of lower future healthcare utilization both in general (through treating the whole person) and for the targeted disease or condition. A third avenue to cost reduction is through reducing productivity loss for employers. A reduction in costs to employers does not directly reduce healthcare costs (unless the employer is itself a health-care facility); however, both are costs to society. Productivity losses can be reduced through improved employee health, and potentially through the improved employee well-being and empowerment offered by CIM.
The Effect of a Lung Cancer Care Coordination Program on Timeliness of Care

Abstract Background Timeliness of care improves patient satisfaction and might improve outcomes. The CCCP was established in November 2007 to improve timeliness of care of NSCLC at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS). Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients diagnosed with NSCLC at VACHS between 2005 and 2010. We compared timeliness of care and stage at diagnosis before and after the implementation of the CCCP. Results Data from 352 patients were analyzed: 163 with initial abnormal imaging between January 1, 2005 and October 31, 2007, and 189 with imaging conducted between November 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010. Variables associated with a longer interval between the initial abnormal image and the initiation of therapy were: (1) earlier stage (mean of 130 days for stages I/II vs. 87 days for stages III/IV; P P P = .0002); and (4) depression (126 vs. 98 days; P = .029). The percent of patients diagnosed at stages I/II increased from 32% to 48% ( P = .006) after establishment of the CCCP. In a multivariate model adjusting for stage, histology, reason for imaging, and presence of primary care provider, implementation of the CCCP resulted in a mean reduction of 25 days between first abnormal image and the initiation of treatment (126 to 101 days; P = .015). Conclusion A centralized, multidisciplinary, hospital-based CCCP can improve timeliness of NSCLC care, and help ensure that early stage lung cancers are diagnosed and treated.
Density matrix calculations of AB spectra from multipulse sequences: Quantum mechanics meets In vivo spectroscopy

Localized in vivo spectroscopic studies are generally performed with successive, spatially orthogonal, slice-selective radio-frequency (rf) pulses so that the received signal is confined to a particular volume of interest. Although these techniques spatially restrict the signal, successive rf pulses applied prior to signal acquisition give rise to complex spectral modulations for coupled spin systems. Interpulse timing delays, rf flip angles, and phases all affect these modulations, which must be fully understood and appreciated if sequences are to be optimized for specific in vivo spectroscopic studies. The density matrix formalism is particularly suited for this task. Our purpose is to demonstrate how the density matrix formalism is used to study spectral modulations induced by selected multipulse sequences for an AB system.
83Kr nuclear quadrupole coupling, microwave spectrum, and structure of KrHCN

Rotational spectra have been observed for ten isotopic species of KrHCN using the pulsed Fabry–Perot Fourier transform technique. The 83Kr nuclear quadrupole coupling constant has been measured in 83KrHC 14N, 83KrHC 15N, and 83KrDC 14N. Values of the rotational constants B0, centrifugal distortion constants DJ and H, 14N and 83Kr nuclear quadrupole coupling constants are These constants are consistent with a linear or near‐linear configuration, with a Kr–HCN center‐of‐mass separation of 4.54 A, and the Kr atom located 27° off the HCN figure axis on average, where the vertex of this angle is placed on the HCN center‐of‐mass. KrHCN exhibits unusually large centrifugal distortion in comparison to previously studied Kr–hydrogen halide systems. We find that the measured 83Kr nuclear quadrupole coupling constants in 83KrHC 14N and 83KrDC 14N are consistent with a long range polarization model previously used to explain values of χKr in KrH(D)Cl and KrH(D)F.
A role for protein kinase Cε in the inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor on calcium-stimulated chloride secretion in human colonic epithelial cells.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibits carbachol-induced chloride secretion in T84 colonic epithelial cells and has been shown to activate phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, leading to inhibition of a basolateral potassium conductance. We asked whether the inhibitory effect of EGF on secretion is due to activation of specific isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) by PI 3-kinase. Western analysis revealed that PKCα, γ, e, η, μ, λ/ι, and ζ were expressed in T84 cells. Ro318220 (an inhibitor active against PKCe, 10 μm) but not Go6983 (an inhibitor active against PKCζ, 10 μm) reversed the inhibitory effect of EGF (100 ng/ml) on carbachol-stimulated chloride secretion. EGF induced the rapid translocation of PKCe from the cytoplasm to the membrane. Wortmannin (50 μm) and LY294002 (20 nm), which are PI 3-kinase inhibitors that by themselves had no effect on PKCe activity, significantly suppressed PKCe translocation activated by EGF. LY294002 also reversed the inhibitory action of EGF on chloride secretion. PI (3,4)P2 increased membrane-associated PKCe and reduced carbachol-induced 86Rb+ efflux. Antisense oligonucleotides against PKCe decreased PKCe mass and prevented the inhibitory effect of EGF on carbachol-induced86Rb+ efflux. Thus, the inhibitory effect of EGF on carbachol-induced chloride secretion involves the activation of PKCe mediated by PI 3-kinase. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the cellular mechanisms that control chloride secretion.
Electrophysiologic effects of the new class III antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide compared to the class IA antiarrhythmic drug quinidine in experimental canine atrial flutter: role of dispersion of refractoriness in antiarrhythmic efficacy.

Effects of Dofetilide in Canine Atrial Flutter. Introduction: Previous studios that Class III antiarrhythmic drugs are more effective in reentrant arrhythmias because they prolong refractoriness (ERP) and wavelength and reduce dispersion of refractoriness compared to Class IA antiarrhythmic drugs, which slow conduction velocity (CV) in addition to their effects on refractoriness. Methods and Results: To test this hypothesis, the Class III drug dofetilide and the Class IA drug quinidine were studied in the experimental canine crush-injury model of atrial flutter, utilizing right atrial multipoint programmed stimulation and activation mapping. In seven dogs dofetilide prolonged ERP by 23%, slowed CV by 9% at 200-msec cycle length (P < 0.001) and by 39% at 150-msec cycle length (P < 0.001), and increased wavelength by 11% (P < 0.02). Dofetilide reduced dispersion of ERP by 20% (P = 0.003) and adjacent electrodes with ERP difference ≥: 20 msec by 76% (P < 0.001). Dofetilide slowed atrial flutter by 37% (P = 0.003) prior to terminating and suppressing it in all dogs. In eight dogs quinidine prolonged ERP by 14% (P < 0.001), slowed CV by 14% at 200-msec cycle length (P < 0.00) and by 19% at 150-msec cycle length (P < 0.001), and reduced wavelength by 2% (P = NS). Quinidine did not reduce dispersion of refractoriness. Quinidine slowed atrial flutter by 57% (P < 0.001), terminating and suppressing it in only three dogs. Efficacy of dofetilide was greater than quinidine (P = 0.026) and correlated with reduced dispersion of ERP (r = -0.653, P = 0.01), reduced adjacent electrodes with ERP difference ≥ 20 msec (r = -0.637, P = 0.012), and prolonged wavelength (r = 0.61, P = 0.018). Dofetilide and quinidine terminated atrial flutter by similar mechanisms. Myocardial fiber orientation was nonuniform around the crush injury. Conclusions: Antiarrhythmic efficacy of dofetilide was greater than that of quinidine and correlated with drug-induced prolongation of wavelength and reduction in dispersion of refractoriness, effects produced only by dofetilide.
Spectroscopic imaging at the nanoscale

Several technologies have attempted to deliver the analytical capabilities of Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies to developing nanotechnologies. They have, however, two limitations when applied to nanoscale structures: (i) diffraction limit and (ii) weak signal due to a small sampling volume. To overcome the first obstacle, researchers traditionally use aperture-limited near-field optics based on optical fibers with extremely small apertures (down to ~50 nm). Low transmission through the apertures exacerbates the second limitation by strongly decreasing the measured optical signal. An alternative method based on plasmon optics, strong and very local enhancement of the electric field of light in the vicinity of plasmon nanoparticles (usually Ag or Au), helps to overcome both problems. We overview developments in apertureless near-field optics that are based on a combination of optical spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy (SPM), with SPM tips modified to have plasmon resonance at the apex. Apertureless near-field microscopy enables traditional confocal optical imaging, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and a combination of optical and SPM imaging with spatial resolution ~10-20nm, unprecedented for optical techniques. We demonstrate simultaneous Raman and SPM imaging of semiconductor structures and also discuss the challenges facing widespread applicability of this emerging technology, for areas as far ranging as biomedical, semiconductor, and composite materials research.
Strategic Policy Frameworks as Peacebuilding Tools: A Comparative Study

This article provides a brief introduction to selected policy and cooperation frameworks that were adopted by the international community to bring a more strategic and coherent approach to peacebuilding in the last decade. It begins by highlighting some core general characteristics of the various tools (e.g. integrated peacebuilding strategies, compacts, country assistance frameworks and standards implementation plans) in terms of their institutional origins, objectives, scope and thematic focus. The article then describes how these instruments differ in terms of policy emphasis and how they are applied in practice. Based on the shared yet sometimes divergent goals, design elements and practice with these different strategic policy frameworks, some general lessons are extracted about their varied utility in terms of contributing to the advancement of strategic approaches to peacebuilding.
Learning Disabled Boys' Nonverbal Behaviors within a Dyadic Interview1

Learning disabled and nondisabled children were given instructions to either ingratiate or to act naturally with an adult interviewer while discussing their television preferences. The children's behaviors during their three-minute, individually administered interviews were videotaped. A variety of the children's nonverbal behaviors were subsequently analyzed. Differences in the nonverbal behaviors of learning disabled and nondisabled youngsters were found.
Untersuchungen im System Al3+ ? WO42− ? H2O ? H3O+

Mittels der von uns modifizierten Methoden zur Bestimmung der Komplexzusammensetzung (Methode der molaren Verhaltnisse sowie JOB-Methode der kontinuierlichen Variationen) wurde fur das Heteropolywolframat-Anion das verhaltnis 1 Al : 12 W bestimmt. Durch UV-absorptionsspektroskopische Untersuchungen wurden die optimalen Bedingungen fur die Komplexbildung zwischen Al3+- und WO42− -Ionen ermittelt: 1,33 ≤ Sauregrad Z ≤ 1,5; Reaktionstemperatur 105°C; Reaktionsdauer 2–6 Stunden (c = 7,15 ·10−2 bis 6 · 10−3 mol · l−1). Die pH-metrische Untersuchung ergab fur die vollstandige Komplexbildung zwischen Al3+- und WO42−-Ionen den Sauregrad Z = 16 H3O+/12 WO42− = 1,33. Investigations in the System Al3+WO42−H2OH3O+ The composition of the tungstoaluminate anion [AlW12O40]5− was determined by means of the molar ratio and JOB's method of continuous variations modified by us. The optimum conditions for the complex formation in the system Al3+WO42−H2OH3O+ were determined: 1.33 ≤ acid degree Z ≤ 2.5; 105°C; 2–6h (c = 7.15 · 10−2–6 · 10−3 moles · l−1). The complex formation in dependence on the acid degree Z is complete at Z = 16 H3O+/12 WO42− = 1.33.
Informational cascades in IT adoption

Before adopting new systems and procedures, IT managers should ensure they are not unwittingly following the herd.
Final-state interaction as the origin of the cronin effect

The Cronin effect that refers to the enhancement of hadron spectra at intermediate p(T) with increasing A in pA collisions is traditionally explained in terms of the broadening of the parton transverse momentum in the initial state. We show that recent data on the nuclear modification factor at eta=0 for d+Au collisions can be understood in terms of the recombination of soft and shower partons in the final state. It is the centrality dependence of the soft parton density that leads to the Cronin effect.
The expression of phosphorylated neurofilament epitopes in human brains.

Abstract The expression of phosphorylated neurofilaments (PNF) epitopes in hippocampal neurons was examined in 5 cases of Alzheimer's disease and 12 brains of schizophrenic patients. A control group(n = 17) consisted of 5 brains of patients with other acute or chronic neurologic disorders and 12 brains of persons who were free of any known neurologic disease. Immunocytochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to PNF was done on formalin-fixed, paraffin sections of hippocampus. Adjacent sections were impregnated with silver. Immunoreactivity to PNF was observed in tangles and plaques of the Alzheimer's brains and also in hippocampal pyramidal cells in 6 of the 12 schizophrenic brains and in 9 of the 17 control brains (2 with neurological disorders and 7 with non-neurological diseases). The positive PNF-stained cell bodies, in silver impregnated sections, generally did not show evident neurofibrillary abnormalities. Enzymatic dephosphorylation prior to immunostaining abolished PNF reactivity. These results suggest the widespread occurrence and relative non-specificity of perikaryonal PNF immunoreactivity in human post mortem brain tissue. We could not exclude the possibility that the hippocampal and brainstem neurons are predilection sites for normal perikaryonal phosphorylation in human brain.
Gender, social network geographies, and low-wage employment among recent Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles

This article explores gender differences in the characteristics, spatiality, and capacities of local social networks and their impacts on the employment of recent Mexican immigrants to Los Angeles. After describing the institutional landscape of the regional labor market that new entrants must navigate to find work, I turn to unique and detailed data from a randomized household survey of Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles County. I analyze the role of friends, family members, and neighbors in shaping occupational segregation and hourly earnings of those who migrated to the region during the preceding 5 years. Results suggest that local social networks operate differently for men and women and tend to reinforce differences in mobility and employment. This research contributes both empirically and theoretically to literature on immigrant economic integration by showing how uneven urban labor markets are constituted spatially through gendered networks that connect workers differently to homes, communities, an...
Perceiving the Problem of Poverty and Schooling: Deconstructing the Class Stereotypes that Mis-Shape Education Practice and Policy.

A rich history of scholarship has demonstrated the ways in which popular stereotypes of disenfranchised communities, including people living in poverty, affect individual biases and preconceptions. Less attention has been paid to the ways in which such stereotypes help frame policy and practice responses regarding social problems, such as the economic “achievement gap.” The purpose of this essay is to examine the nature of poverty-based stereotyping in the context of popular discourses regarding the education of poor and low-income students. In doing so, I analyze stereotypes commonly used to locate the problem of the economic “achievement gap” as existing within, rather than as pressing upon, poor and low-income families. I then discuss how these stereotypes have fed deficit ideology and, as a result, misdirected policy and practice responses to gross class inequities in U.S. schools.
New applications of low temperature PECVD silicon nitride films for microelectronic device fabrication

Abstract Silicon nitride has been widely used in microelectronic device fabrication processes for encapsulation, surface passivation and isolation. In this paper we report new applications of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride films that can be deposited at a temperature lower than the soft bake temperature of normal photoresists. Lift-off of the silicon nitride film was carried out using standard positive photoresist. GaAs MESFETs and InP MISFETs with self-aligned gates were successfully fabricated using this lift-off process of low temperature PECVD silicon nitride.
Analysis and design of multivariable extremum seeking

The paper provides a multivariable extremum seeking scheme, the first for systems with general time-varying parameters. We derive a stability test in a simple SISO format and develop a systematic design algorithm based on standard LTI control techniques to satisfy the stability test. We also supply an analytical quantification of the level of design difficulty in terms of the number of parameters and in terms of the shape of the unknown equilibrium map. Moreover, we remove the requirement of slow forcing for plants with strictly proper output dynamics (and consequent slow convergence) present in earlier works.
Accelerating ordered-subsets X-ray CT image reconstruction using the linearized augmented Lagrangian framework

The augmented Lagrangian (AL) optimization method has drawn more attention recently in imaging applications due to its decomposable structure for composite cost functions and empirical fast convergence rate under weak conditions. However, for problems, e.g., X-ray computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction, where the inner least-squares problem is challenging, the AL method can be slow due to its iterative inner updates. In this paper, using a linearized AL framework, we propose an ordered-subsets (OS) accelerable linearized AL method, OS-LALM, for solving penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS) X-ray CT image reconstruction problems. To further accelerate the proposed algorithm, we also propose a deterministic downward continuation approach for fast convergence without additional parameter tuning. Experimental results show that the proposed algo- rithm significantly accelerates the “convergence” of X-ray CT image reconstruction with negligible overhead and exhibits excellent gradient error tolerance when using many subsets for OS acceleration.
Copper (II) diamino acid complexes: Quantum chemical computations regarding diastereomeric effects on the energy of complexation

Quantum chemical calculations were used to rationalize the observed enantiodifferentiation in the complexation of α-amino acids to chiral Cu(II) complexes. Apart from Cu(II)−π interactions and steric repulsions between the anchoring cholesteryl-Glu moiety and an aromatic amino acid R group, hydrogen bonding also plays a role. In fact, in the case of tryptophan, CO···H−N hydrogen bonding between the glutamate moiety and the tryptophan N−H group compensates for the loss of intramolecular hydrogen-bonding and diminished Cu(II)−π interactions.
Outer Membrane Protein P6 of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Is a Potent and Selective Inducer of Human Macrophage Proinflammatory Cytokines

Interactions of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) with human macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of NTHI-induced infection in humans. However, the immunologic mechanisms that initiate and perpetuate NTHI-mediated macrophage responses have not been well explored. Outer membrane protein (OMP) P6 is a conserved lipoprotein expressed by NTHI in vivo that possesses a Pam3Cys terminal motif, characteristic of immunoactive bacterial lipoproteins associated with Toll-like receptor signaling. We theorized that OMP P6 is a potent immunomodulator of human macrophages. To test this hypothesis, we purified OMP P6 as well as OMP P2, the predominant NTHI outer membrane protein, and lipooligosaccharide (LOS), the specific endotoxin of NTHI, from NTHI strain 1479. Human blood monocyte-derived macrophages, purified from healthy donors, were incubated with each outer membrane constituent, and cytokine production of macrophage supernatants interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-), IL-10, IL-12, and IL-8 was measured. OMP P6 selectively upregulated IL-10, TNF-, and IL-8. While OMP P6 (0.1 g/ml for 8 h) elicited slightly greater concentrations of IL-10, it resulted in over ninefold greater concentrations of TNF- and over fourfold greater concentrations of IL-8 than did OMP P2. OMP P6 at doses as low as 10 pg/ml was still effective at induction of macrophage IL-8, while OMP P2 and LOS were not. OMP P6 of NTHI is a specific trigger of bacteria-induced human macrophage inflammatory events, with IL-8 and TNF- as key effectors of P6-induced macrophage responses.
A Relational Turbulence Model of Communication About Irritations in Romantic Relationships

The authors examined the impact of intimacy, relational uncertainty, and a partner’s interference on the directness of communication about relational irritations. The authors hypothesized that directness has (a) a positive association with the perceived negativity of irritations, intimacy, and self uncertainty; (b) a negative association with relationship uncertainty; (c) a negative association with partner uncertainty that is mediated by relationship uncertainty; and (d) a positive association with a partner’s interference that is mediated by the perceived negativity of irritations. The authors conducted a longitudinal Web-based survey in which individuals in romantic associations reported on qualities of their relationships once per week for 6 weeks. A structural equation model of data from the first week was consistent with the authors’ hypotheses. Longitudinal analyses of the full data set using hierarchical linear modeling provided mixed support for the authors’ predictions. The article discusses the...
DIVERSE: a framework for building extensible and reconfigurable device independent virtual environments

We present DIVERSE, a highly modular collection of complimentary software packages designed to facilitate the creation of device independent virtual environments. DIVERSE is free/open source software, containing both end-user programs and C++ APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). DgiPf is the DIVERSE graphics interface to OpenGL Performer/sup TM/. A program using DgiPf can run on platforms ranging from fully immersive systems such as CAVEs/sup TM/ to generic desktop workstations without modification. We describe DgiPf's design and present a specific example of how it is being used to aid researchers.
Antibodies, viruses and vaccines

Neutralizing antibodies are crucial for vaccine-mediated protection against viral diseases. They probably act, in most cases, by blunting the infection, which is then resolved by cellular immunity. The protective effects of neutralizing antibodies can be achieved not only by neutralization of free virus particles, but also by several activities directed against infected cells. In certain instances, non-neutralizing antibodies contribute to protection. Several viruses, such as HIV, have evolved mechanisms to evade neutralizing-antibody responses, and these viruses present special challenges for vaccine design that are now being tackled.
A 0.46ps RJ rms 5GHz wideband LC PLL for multi-protocol 10Gb/s SerDes

A 2.3 to 5GHz LC PLL is implemented in 65nm standard CMOS for 0.6 to 10Gb/s SerDes applications. The LC VCO is measured to have 67% coarse tuning range and worst-case hold range of 9.6%. The rms random jitter (RJ rms ) on the TX output with a clock pattern is measured to be 460fs at 5GHz and 548fs at 3.125GHz. The total power dissipated from the 1.8V, 1.0V supplies is 29mW at 5GHz.
Branch penalty reduction on IBM cell SPUs via software branch hinting

As power-efficiency becomes paramount concern in processor design, architectures are coming up that completely do away with hardware branch prediction, and rely solely on software branch hinting. A popular example is the Synergistic Processing Unit (SPU) in the IBM Cell processor. To be able to minimize the branch penalty using branch hint instructions, in addition to estimating the branch probabilities (which has been looked at before [6, 25, 24]), it is important to carefully insert branch hints. Towards this, in this paper, we i) construct a branch penalty model for compiler, ii) formulate the problem of minimizing branch penalty using branch hinting and iii) propose a heuristic to solve this problem. The heuristic is based on three basic techniques that we introduce in this paper: NOP padding, hint pipelining, and nested loop restructuring. Experimental results on several benchmarks show that our solution can reduce the branch penalty as much as 35.4% over the previous approach.
Prognostic Markers and Stratification of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common lymphoid malignancies and is characterized by a tremendously variable clinical course. Additionally, whereas the median age at diagnosis is 72 years, CLL is diagnosed with increasing frequency in younger patients. Given the toxicities associated with currently available therapies, being able to predict which patients will need treatment could play a significant role in preserving bone marrow function and reducing morbidity and mortality. While a great many prognostic markers have been identified that predict outcomes for patients with CLL. Learning how to use these prognostic markers to provide patient care is more difficult.
Male Discrimination of Female Mucous Trails Permits Assortative Mating in a Marine Snail Species

Recent research has shown the potential for nonallopatric speciation, but we lack an adequate understanding of the mechanisms of prezygotic barriers and how these evolve in the presence of gene flow. The marine snail Littorina saxatilis has distinct ecotypes in different shore microhabitats. Ecotypes hybridize in contact zones, but gene flow is impeded by assortative mating. Earlier studies have shown that males and females of the same ecotype copulate for longer than mates of different ecotype. Here we report a new mechanism that further contributes to reproductive isolation between ecotypes in the presence of gene flow. This mechanism is linked to the ability of males to track potential partners by following their mucous trail. We show that cliff ecotype males follow the trails of females of the same ecotype for longer than females of the alternate (boulder) ecotype. In addition, cliff males are more likely to follow the mucous trail in the correct direction if the trail is laid by a cliff-female. The capacity to discriminate the ecotype of female mucous trails combined with differential copulation times creates a strong prezygotic reproductive barrier between ecotypes of L. saxatilis that reduces gene flow from cliff to boulder ecotypes by ≥80%.
The Formation and Movement In the Stratosphere of Very Dry Air

The possible sources of very dry stratospheric air are investigated, extending the analysis of Atticks and Robinson (1983), on the basis of data from about 16,000 radiosonde ascents obtained during the FGGE from December 1978 through November 1979, from high-resolution Tiros and GMS IR-radiance observations on January 28, 1979, and from LIMS zonal-mean H2O-mass-mixing-ratio (HMMR) observations in December 1978 and May 1979. The data are compiled in tables and graphs and analyzed statistically, and the occurrence of low radiance temperatures (below -86 C) in the IR data (0.00025) is shown to be much lower than that (about 0.25) in the radiosonde data. It is inferred that air with HMMR less than 1.5 x 10 to the -6th could be produced in Cb cloud turrets, but not by the mechanism proposed by Danielsen (1982).
A 0.4 nJ/b 900MHz CMOS BFSK super-regenerative receiver

An ultra low-power super-regenerative receiver for BFSK signals has been designed and fabricated in a standard 0.18 mum CMOS process. The use of BFSK allows the receiver to operate at higher data rates and also gives an approximate 3 dB SNR performance increase over the more traditional OOK modulation. At 1 Mb/s the receiver consumes 0.4 nJ/b making it the lowest energy integrated super-regenerative receiver to date.
Work Experience Impacts on Construction Management Students' Cognitions Related to Construction Waste Recycling

Constructors can significantly impact the sustainability of a construction project through the implementation of construction waste recycling programs (CWM). Prior research, however, has identified a lack of implementation of waste recycling programs due to general contractor’s unfamiliarity with and commitment to such practices. Educators are responding by incorporating principles of sustainability into undergraduate curricula. The results from this study, however, suggest that early work experiences may be counter to education efforts in this area. Senior construction management students who had two to three time the work experience of junior students were less willing to participate in CWM programs. Additionally, the senior students were more likely to have less favorable cognitions (i.e. value orientations, attitudes and norms) and behavior intentions toward construction waste recycling. These results are significant to an industry that is trying to become more sustainable and the educational institutions that are striving to provide environmentally literate graduates.
Changing copyright legislation: Two views

Abstract Recent revisions of copyright law are the source of a debate about the issue of Fair Use in scholarly communication and the influence of commercial interest in determining how copyright is interpreted. The unusual format of this paper reflects a discussion over electronic mail between a library administrator and the director of a university press. The authors trade perspectives on the future of scholarly communication and attempt to construct a vision of a nonmarket-based system. They raise the issues of unrestricted photocopying, electronic distribution, and copyright protection in an era of ever-diminishing serials budgets. Differing views on the Fair Use provision are explored. The authors come to an agreement about the importance of preserving and distributing the results of academic research and discuss the roles of librarians, scholars, and other nonprofit entities in nurturing the process of scholarly communication in an arena separate from the mass market.
Cytomegalovirus Resistance Testing: Pitfalls and Problems for the Clinician

In this review, I describe the available assays for detecting resistance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to antivirals and emphasize the practical utility of the genotypic approach. The indications for such testing and the contraindications are discussed, as are the interpretation of results and the evidence of cross-resistance between antivirals.
Semantic video object extraction using four-band watershed and partition lattice operators

We conceive the problem of multiple semantic video object (SVO) extraction as an issue of designing extensive operators on a complete lattice of partitions. As a result, we propose a framework based on spatial partition generation and application of optimal operators on the generated partitions. Based on a statistical analysis of the watershed algorithm, we develop a multivalued morphological spatial segmentation method that incorporates an edge-driven marker extraction algorithm and a growing method which integrates both color and edge information. Having embedded the problem in the partition lattice framework, we propose a spatio-temporal regional maximum likelihood operator for extraction purposes. Some theoretical properties of the operator are established. Experimental results on several MPEG-4 test video sequences show that our scheme improves the precision of the extracted SVO boundaries compared to traditional watershed algorithms and provides accurate tracking of multiple SVOs in both static and moving camera scenarios. Furthermore, this scheme can be extended to deal with more general interactive video authoring systems.
Multiple Weather Regimes over the North Atlantic: Analysis of Precursors and Successors

Four weather regimes occurring over the Atlantic area and their preferred precursors and successors are identified. The first pattern exhibits the typical European blocking dipole, the second one represents an enhanced zonal flow, the third one consists of a positive anomaly over Greenland, and the last one is characterized by a ridge over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The backward and forward memory times of the different regimes are established. Preferred precursor and successor patterns are identified as the maxima of the composite probability densities of the anomalies occurring before the onsets and after the breaks. The preferred transitions between regimes are also examined. The systematic aspect of this study gives rise to multiple applications, especially for case and composite studies on model prediction errors.
Micromechanical measurements of the effect of surfactants on cyclopentane hydrate shell properties

Investigating the effect of surfactants on clathrate hydrate growth and morphology, especially particle shell strength and cohesion force, is critical to advancing new strategies to mitigate hydrate plug formation. In this study, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and polysorbate 80 surfactants were included during the growth of cyclopentane hydrates at several concentrations above and below the critical micelle concentration. A novel micromechanical method was applied to determine the force required to puncture the hydrate shell using a glass cantilever (with and without surfactants), with annealing times ranging from immediately after the hydrate nucleated to 90 minutes after formation. It was shown that the puncture force was decreased by the addition of both surfactants up to a maximum of 79%. Over the entire range of annealing times (0–90 minutes), the thickness of the hydrate shell was also measured. However, there was no clear change in shell thickness with the addition of surfactants. The growth rate of the hydrate shell was found to vary less than 15% with the addition of surfactants. The cohesive force between two hydrate particles was measured for each surfactant and found to be reduced by 28% to 78%. Interfacial tension measurements were also performed. Based on these results, microscopic changes to the hydrate shell morphology (due to the presence of surfactants) were proposed to cause the decrease in the force required to break the hydrate shell, since no macroscopic morphology changes were observed. Understanding the hydrate shell strength can be critical to reducing the capillary bridge interaction between hydrate particles or controlling the release of unconverted water from the interior of the hydrate particle, which can cause rapid hydrate conversion.
Cell-free reconstitution of the transport of viral glycoproteins from the TGN to the basolateral plasma membrane of MDCK cells.

An in vitro system to study the transport of plasma membrane proteins from the TGN to the basolateral plasma membrane of polarized MDCK cells has been developed in which purified cell fractions are combined and transport between them is studied under controlled conditions. In this system, a donor Golgi fraction derived from VSV or influenza virus-infected MDCK cells, in which 35S-labeled viral glycoproteins were allowed to accumulate in the TGN during a low temperature block, is incubated with purified immobilized basolateral plasma membranes that have their cytoplasmic face exposed and are obtained by shearing-lysis of MDCK monolayers grown on cytodex beads. Approximately 15–30% of the labeled glycoprotein molecules are transferred from the Golgi fraction to the acceptor plasma membranes and are recovered with the sedimentable (1 g) beads. Transport is temperature, energy and cytosol dependent, and is abolished by alkylation of SH groups and inhibited by the presence of GTP-gamma-S, which implicates GTP-binding proteins and the requirement for GTP hydrolysis in one or more stages of the transport process. Endo H-resistant glycoprotein molecules that had traversed the medial region of the Golgi apparatus are preferentially transported and their luminal domains become accessible to proteases, indicating that membrane fusion with the plasma membrane takes place in the in vitro system. Mild proteolysis of the donor or acceptor membranes abolishes transport, suggesting that protein molecules exposed on the surface of these membranes are involved in the formation and consumption of transport intermediates, possibly as addressing and docking proteins, respectively. Surprisingly, both VSV-G and influenza HA were transported with equal efficiencies to the basolateral acceptor membranes. However, low concentrations of a microtubular protein fraction preferentially inhibited the transport of HA, although this effect was not abolished by microtubule depolymerizing agents. This system shows great promise for elucidating the mechanisms that effect the proper sorting of plasma membrane proteins in the TGN and their subsequent targeting to the appropriate acceptor membrane.
Improving performance, privacy and relevance of location-based services for mobile users

Location-based services are becoming increasingly popular due to the ubiquity of smartphones and the emergence of vehicular computing applications. Mobile clients have traditionally been consumers of location-based services, but various social applications have recently demonstrated that mobile clients can also be producers of location-based data. Our thesis is that the quality of the location-based services critically depends on the performance of the service, the privacy assurances offered to the clients, and the quality of the data provided by the service. In this dissertation, we propose three contributions addressing key aspects of these challenges: network performance, location privacy for the mobile clients, and relevance of data provided by the service. With respect to the wireless network performance for location-based services, we present Context-Aware Rate Selection (CARS), a rate adaptation algorithm that makes use of knowledge of speed and distance between communicating nodes to choose the optimum transmission rate. Our experimental evaluation in real outdoor vehicular environments shows that CARS adapts to changing link conditions at high vehicular speeds significantly faster than existing rate-adaptation algorithms. With respect to the client location privacy, we present SybilQuery, a fully decentralized and autonomous k-anonymity-based scheme that generates synthetic queries that resemble a real client query. Our experiments on real mobility traces of approximately 500 cabs in the San Francisco Bay area show that SybilQuery can efficiently generate synthetic queries and that these queries are indistinguishable from real queries. Finally, with respect to improving the relevance of location-based data, we present SocialTelescope, a novel location-based service that leverages user interactions in mobile social networks to infer people's preference for places. Our results evaluating the coverage and relevance of our system in comparison to current state-of-the-art approaches show that our approach returns results that are at least as relevant as those returned by current approaches, at a substantially lower cost. The main conclusion of this dissertation is that location-based services can become truly ubiquitous services by providing mobile clients with good network performance, privacy guarantees, as well as relevant results.
Compensatory Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: The Third Circuit's Partially Mis-Leading Position

This Article evaluates and proposes revisions for the Third Circuit's approach to remedies under the federal special education statute, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Third Circuit has been a leader in interpreting the IDEA, including its broad equitable grant of "appropriate relief." Its interpretations concerning tuition reimbursement, which is the high-stakes remedy when a parent elects to unilaterally place the child with a disability outside the public schools, have generally been well reasoned and in line with the primary purpose of the IDEA, which is to promptly provide "free appropriate public education" to children with disabilities. However, the court's criteria for compensatory education, which has become the primary remedy under the IDEA, are inconsistent with its framework for tuition reimbursement. Moreover, its view that money damages are available under the IDEA, via §1983, is at odds with both the purpose of the Act and the case law elsewhere. This Article suggests various revisions in the approach to compensatory education based on the underlying analogy to tuition reimbursement and also recommends reversing the court's position regarding money damages. The result would be a much more coherent and defensible position that would fully establish the leading role of the Third Circuit in the important area of education law.
Obesity Leads to Tissue, but not Serum Vitamin A Deficiency

Obesity negatively affects multiple metabolic pathways, but little is known about the impact of obesity on vitamin A (VA)[retinol (ROL)], a nutrient that regulates expression of genes in numerous pathways essential for human development and health. We demonstrate that obese mice, generated from a high fat diet (HFD) or by genetic mutations (i.e., ob/ob; db/db), have greatly reduced ROL levels in multiple organs, including liver, lungs, pancreas, and kidneys, even though their diets have adequate VA. However, obese mice exhibit elevated serum VA. Organs from obese mice show impaired VA transcriptional signaling, including reductions in retinoic acid receptor (RARα, RARβ2 and RARγ) mRNAs and lower intracellular ROL binding protein Crbp1 (RBP1) levels in VA-storing stellate cells. Reductions in organ VA signaling in obese mice correlate with increasing adiposity and fatty liver (steatosis), while with weight loss VA levels and signaling normalize. Consistent with our findings in obese mice, we show that increasing severity of fatty liver disease in humans correlates with reductions in hepatic VA, VA transcriptional signaling, and Crbp1 levels in VA storing stellate cells. Thus, obesity causes a "silent" VA deficiency marked by reductions in VA levels and signaling in multiple organs, but not detected by serum VA.