cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
brother/sister relationships: connectivity, love, and power in the reproduction of patriarchy in Lebanon

The Arab brother/sister relationship has been overlooked, romanticized, or seen as an extension of the patriarchal father/daughter relationship. The central role of the brother/sister relationship in the reproduction of Arab patriarchy, as a result, has been missed, misconstructed, or underestimated. This article argues that Arab brothers and sisters in Borj Hammoud, Lebanon, developed connective relationships based on love and nurturance, while paradoxically also based on power and violence. These dynamics were manifested psychodynamically, social structurally, and culturally. Connectivity, love, and power underwrote the central role played by the brother/sister relationship in the reproduction of Arab patriarchy, [family culture, psychodynamics and social structure, gender, urban working class, Lebanon]
Scientific Impact of Women in Academic Surgery

Objective To evaluate the scientific impact of women in the surgical literature. Methods Gender of the principal investigator of every abstract presented at the 2002, 2003, and 2004 annual meetings of the Association for Academic Surgery and Society of University Surgeons was identified by internet search. Resulting publications were identified using PubMed. Journal impact factor and number of article citations were determined using ISI Web of Knowledge. Results The principal investigator's gender was identified for 649 (98.8%) of the 657 abstracts presented at the 2002–2004 AAS meetings. Women authored 9.1% of abstracts and 11.8% of total resulting publications. The publication rate of abstracts by women was significantly higher than that of men (69.5% versus 52.4%, P = 0.0132). There was a trend toward higher average impact factors of journals in which female authors published (3.265 versus 2.673, P = 0.0626). There was no significant difference in mean number of citations per publication. The principal investigator's gender was identified for all 337 (100%) abstracts presented at the 2002–2004 SUS meetings. Women authored 11.0% of abstracts and 11.2% of resulting publications. Publication rates and average citation numbers were similar for female and male authors. The average impact factors of journals in which women published were significantly higher (4.741 versus 3.348, P = 0.0082). Conclusions Although women comprise a small proportion of principal investigators on abstracts presented at these conferences, the quality of their presented work is equal to or better than those of their male counterparts.
Effects of locus and size of septal lesion on consummatory behavior in the rat

Abstract There have been many reports of enhanced drinking following septal lesions in the rat. In order to designate more precisely the responsible area or structure, the present study was conducted in which the size (15, 30 or 60 millicoulombs of applied current) and vertical placement (dorsal or ventral septal lesion) of the lesion were varied. The more ventrally placed lesions produced the most frequent change. The most significant finding was that large increases in intake, whether transitory or persistent, were associated with damage to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. No consistent relationship was demonstrated between postoperative water intake and damage to a given septal structure or group of septal structures.
Ultra-wideband communication system with transmitting pulses shaped by orthogonal frequencies signals

An ultra-wideband (UWB) short range communication system is investigated in this paper. The system is based on an on-off-keying (OOK) modulation where the transmitted data pulse is obtained by using a set of orthogonal frequency (OF) signals. This optimizes the transmitted signal power and maximizes the equivalent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. The receiver uses a non-coherent energy detector. The system was tested in real communication environment. The radio frequency (RF) band from 3.7 to 4.3 GHz was used. In line-of-sight (LOS) mode and at a distance of 5 m a data rate of 20 Mbit/s was achieved without forward error correction code. The motivation of this work is to provide a non-expensive, medium data rates, and low-power short-range radio communication system suitable for personal area network (PAN) applications.
Studies on the sensitivity of mice to histamine following injection of hemophilus pertussis. I. Effect of strain and age of mice.

Abstract 1.1. It has been found that various strains of white mice differ markedly with respect to their ability to become sensitive to histamine after the injection of H. pertussis Phase I cells. 2.2. It was possible with a strain (B.F.) of mice to increase its sensitivity to histamine by increasing the amount of H. pertussis cells given, but with two other strains (S.D. 2 and C.F.), even when the number of cells given was increased approximately to the toxic dose, no significant degree of sensitivity could be demonstrated. 3.3. Mice 4 weeks old or older of the T.F. and B.F. strains show no obvious difference in their ability to become sensitive to histamine after H. pertussis injections. The 3-week-old mice of the B.F. strain, however, appeared to be slightly more resistant to sensitization than were the older mice of the same strain.
Robust fuzzy adaptive fault-tolerant control for a class of nonlinear systems with mismatched uncertainties and actuator faults

This paper studies the adaptive fuzzy fault-tolerant control (FTC) problem for a class of nonlinear systems with mismatched uncertainties and actuator faults. Two control schemes are designed to compensate for the actuator faults including outage, stuck and loss of effectiveness. The fuzzy logic systems are applied to approximate the bound of unknown nonlinear functions without knowing the information about the upper bound of mismatched uncertainties. By using projection modification algorithm and the improved adaptation law with $$\sigma $$ -modification, the adaptive fuzzy FTC scheme is designed. It is shown that the system states can converge asymptotically to zero even in the presence of actuator faults. However, the chattering phenomenon may occur. To overcome the undesirable chattering phenomenon, a continuous-state feedback control strategy is adopted for the control design so that the required assumption can be removed. It is shown that all the signals in the resulting closed-loop system are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control methods.
The quadratic approximation in rotational dynamical equations

For many problems of interest in rotational dynamics, linearized equations obscure essential features of system response, and non-linear formulations are required. Meaningful progress in dynamic analysis may nonetheless require some level of approximation, and frequently the retention of second degree terms in the variational coordinates and their derivatives is sufficient to reveal the inherently nonlinear characteristics of the response. The formulation of equations in this quadratic approximation is typically fraught with difficulties of detail, with consequent likelihood of computational error. The present note offers a rationale for performing the desired quadratic approximation at the matrix level, and indeed explicit formulas are developed which provide in general terms the required expressions for the direction cosine matrix and the angular velocity matrix. These formulas are illustrated in application to the gravity-gradient satellite, which is known to exhibit nonlinear resonances which can be detected in the quadratic approximation.
A high-affinity and specific carrier-mediated mechanism for uptake of thiamine pyrophosphate by human colonic epithelial cells

All mammals require exogenous sources of thiamine (vitamin B1), as they lack the ability to synthesize the vitamin. These sources are dietary and bacterial (the latter is in reference to the vitami...
Evidence that the polyadenylic acid segment of “35S” RNA of avian myeloblastosis virus is located at the 3′-OH terminus

Summary By means of a periodate oxidation-[3H]borohydride labeling technique, evidence has been obtained which indicates that most of the 3′-OH ends of the high molecular weight RNA of avian myeloblastosis virus are occupied by polyadenylic acid segments, approximately 30 residues long. Of the polyadenylic acid sequences released by endonucleolytic digestion of this high molecular weight RNA, at least 90 per cent have a 3′-OH terminus, and are thus terminally, and not internally, located.
Does bacterial vaginosis cause pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the infection and inflammation of the female genital tract, results in serious reproductive morbidity including infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a complex alteration of the vaginal flora that has been implicated in PID. The role of BV in the etiology and pathogenesis of PID has not been studied extensively. Our objective was to extensively review data related to the relationship between BV and PID (n = 19 studies). Several studies found a link between BV and cervicitis, endometritis, and salpingitis. Furthermore, it seems that some BV-associated organisms are associated with PID, whereas others are not. However, studies demonstrating an independent association between BV-associated organisms and PID are sparse. In addition, a causal association between BV and PID has not been established. Prospective studies are needed to further delineate the role of BV in PID, with particular focus on individual BV-associated organisms.
External coupling and cathode effects in organic light-emitting devices: modeling and experiments

The emission of light and the external coupling after the appropriate excitons have been formed in the organic light-emitting devices has been investigated. A combined classical and quantum mechanical model was used to calculate the distribution of the internally emitted light into the externally emitted and various waveguided modes in an organic light-emitting device on planar substrates. The exciton lifetime in the OLED cavity was calculated by a Green's function formalism, with a focus on the non-radiative energy transfer to the cathode. Various efficiency measures as a function of the thickness of the indium-tin-oxide anode were calculated and the numerical results were in agreement with the measured external quantum efficiencies.
Physical interactions involving preschoolers and kindergartners in a childcare center

This naturalistic observational study described the similarities and differences in physical interactions involving preschoolers and kindergartners within the context of a US childcare facility. It examined patterns of touch involving the children across center and circle activities within the course of their day. Results indicated that preschoolers more often engaged in purposeful forms of physical contact than kindergartners. Of the purposeful forms of physical contact, affectionate touch occurred more frequently involving preschoolers than kindergartners. Together, these findings suggest that the extent and types of physical contact involving preschoolers and kindergartners may serve different developmental needs that are in accordance with children's ages, skills, and the emphasis placed on physical contact in the educational setting.
Arsenic in Ground Water of the Western United States

Natural occurrences of ground water with moderate (10 to 50 micrograms per liter) to high (greater than 50 micrograms per liter) concentrations of arsenic are common throughout much of the Western United States. High concentrations of arsenic are generally associated with one of four geochemical environments: (1) basin-fill deposits of alluvial-lacustrine origin, particularly in semiarid areas, (2) volcanic deposits, (3) geothermal systems, and (4) uranium and gold-mining areas. These findings are based on an extensive literature review, compilation of unpublished reports and data, and the review of data bases containing more than 7,000 analyses of ground-water samples for arsenic. In the first two environments, arsenic appears to be associated with sediments derived, in part, from volcanic rocks of intermediate to acidic composition. Dissolved arsenic concentrations in water from volcanic aquifers in the same regions, however, may be low (less than 10 micrograms per liter). Solid phases (minerals, amorphous solids, and sedimentary organic matter) that supply the dissolved arsenic have not been identified in most areas. Alluvial and lacustrine sedimentary deposits appear to be an important source of arsenic in volcanic areas (such as Lane County, Oregon) and in areas underlain by basin-fill deposits (such as Carson Desert in Nevada and the Tulare Lake basin in California). Mobilization of arsenic in sedimentary aquifers may be, in part, a result of changes in the geochemical environment due to agricultural irrigation. In the deeper subsurface, elevated arsenic concentrations are associated with compaction caused by groundwater withdrawals.
Pathological narcissism and serial homicide: Review and case study

Serial homicide, as a psychopathological condition, has been described as long ago as 1886. The traits and characteristics of serial murderers are varied, as are the theories that attempt to explain their motivation. Theorists have emphasized, for example, traumatic events in early life, sexual disturbance and dynamics, and neurobiological abnormalities. In the past fifteen years, as narcissistic disturbance in general has been better understood, a relationship has been noted between pathological narcissism and serial homicide. Narcissistic personality disorder, narcissistic injury, underlying feel-ings of inadequacy and humiliation, self-glorifying compensatory fantasies, and the erection of narcissistic defenses have all been mentioned as important factors in un-derstanding the serial killer. An illustrative case report, which encompasses many of these characteristics, is presented here along with a review of clinical research, theory, and findings.
Does improved detection of blunt vertebral artery injuries lead to improved outcomes? Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank.

The rate of blunt vertebral artery (BVI) has increased in institutions using aggressive screening protocols. It is unclear whether earlier diagnosis and therapy have improved outcomes. Our goal was to estimate the national incidence of BVI and BVI-related stroke (BVI-S), and report on the functional outcome of patients with this diagnosis. The annual rates of BVI and BVI-S were estimated by using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB®) from 2001 to 2005. The functional outcome was evaluated by the modified functional independence measure (FIM) score (range, 3–12). A total of 574 patients with BVI were identified among the 761,385 blunt trauma admissions (0.075% overall incidence). BVI-S was diagnosed in 12% of patients with BVI and no associated blunt carotid injury. The FIM on discharge was 9.62 ± 2.78 (range, 3–12), and 49% of the patients showed complete functional independence. Overall mortality was 8%. The annual incidence showed a steady increase from 0.053% in 2001 to 0.1% in 2005 (p < 0.001). No difference in annual BVI-S and complete functional independence was observed. As a result of increased awareness, the nation-wide rate of detection of BVI has doubled in recent years. However, BVI-S rates and functional outcome have not improved, raising questions about the available treatment protocols.
The subgingival microbial flora associated with human dental implants

I n recent years the microbial colonization on different surfaces in the oral cavity has been studied by oral microbiologists. Resident bacterial populations have been examined from the buccal mucosa,’ the tongue,2 enamel,3 cemental root surfaces,4 epoxy resin crowns,s overhanging amalgam restorations,6 and surfaces of dentures? However, none of the studies has involved surfaces of dental implants, despite their wide use over the past 15 years for the replacement of teethin edentulous spores. Even with clear anatomic and morphologic differences, clinical and histopathologic descriptions of gingival inflammation, pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss around protruding dental implants that are remarkably similar to periodontal lesions associated with natural teeth have been reported.8s’2 With natural teeth the relationship between periodontal disease and the presence of periodontopathic microorganisms in subgingival plaque has become widely accepted. 13,14 In contrast little is known about the nature of the subgingival bacterial populations that colonize around dental implants and their relationship to peri-implant tissue conditions. Direct microscopic examinations of dental plaque enables a rapid and inexpensive study of subgingival bacterial types without encountering the many difficulties inherent in carrying out conventional bacteriologic culturing, and they have been used previously to characterize the microorganisms around natural teeth.‘5,‘6 In this investigation the subgingival microbiologic flora associated with 17 gingival tissue-protruding dental implants was studied with direct phasecontrast microscopy.
Elucidating the Origin of Conformational Energy Differences in Substituted 1,3-Dioxanes: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study.

13C NMR spectroscopy, ab initio quantum mechanics, and molecular mechanics have been used to investigate the trans-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2,2,6-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane chair/twist-boat equilibrium. The ...
The impact of side-chain packing on protein docking refinement.

We study the impact of optimizing the side-chain positions in the interface region between two proteins during the process of binding. Mathematically, the problem is similar to side-chain prediction, which has been extensively explored in the process of protein structure prediction. The protein–protein docking application, however, has a number of characteristics that necessitate different algorithmic and implementation choices. In this work, we implement a distributed approximate algorithm that can be implemented on multiprocessor architectures and enables a trade-off between accuracy and running speed. We report computational results on benchmarks of enzyme–inhibitor and other types of complexes, establishing that the side-chain flexibility our algorithm introduces substantially improves the performance of docking protocols. Furthermore, we establish that the inclusion of unbound side-chain conformers in the side-chain positioning problem is critical in these performance improvements. The code is availa...
Pyrethroid insecticides: Potent, stereospecific enhancers of mouse brain sodium channel activation

Abstract Deltamethrin and NRDC 157, pyrethroid insecticides that produce different poisoning syndromes in mammals, enhanced veratridine-dependent, sodium channel-mediated 22Na+ uptake in mouse brain synaptosomes. Concentrations producing half-maximal enhancement were 2.5 × 10−8 M (deltamethrin) and 2.2 × 10−7 M (NRDC 157). This effect was stereospecific: The nontoxic 1S enantiomers had no significant effect on veratridine-dependent activation. At high deltamethrin concentrations, enhancement was maximal at 5 × 10−5−1 × 10−4 M veratridine. Pyrethroid enhancement was completely blocked by 5 × 10−6 M tetrodotoxin, and neither pyrethroid affected 22Na+ uptake in the absence of veratridine at concentrations up to 1 × 10−5 M. The relative potencies of deltamethrin and NRDC 157 in the synaptosomal sodium channel assay agree well with their relative acute toxicities to mice when administered by intracerebral injection. These findings demonstrate that pyrethroids exemplifying both characteristic poisoning syndromes are potent, stereospecific modifiers of sodium channel function in mammalian brain.
Why irony sometimes comes to mind: Paradoxical effects of thought suppression

Research on the pragmatics of irony focuses on verbal irony use or on people’s ironic conceptualizations of external events. But people sometimes experience irony within themselves whenever conscious attempts to accomplish something (e.g., fall asleep, quit smoking, not think of a failed relationship) lead to completely contrary results (e.g., staying awake, having a stronger desire to smoke, constant thoughts about the failed relationship). These situations sometimes seem ironic and evoke strong emotional reactions precisely because people understand the incompatibility between what is desired and what has occurred, enough so that the idea of irony may pop into consciousness. Psychological research now reveals that the difficulty in suppressing unwanted thoughts is shaped by distinct “ironic processes of mental control”. This paper describes previous empirical evidence in support of this theory, suggests how this perspective explains why we occasionally recognize irony within ourselves, presents some new data on people’s ironic understandings of and emotional reactions to ironic events, and relates this new work within psychology to contemporary theories of situational irony.
MANAGEMENT APPROACHES TO ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMAS: A View from Ann Arbor, Michigan

Adrenal masses are commonly discovered during the evaluation of abdominal complaints, particularly pain, by means of sensitive abdominal imaging (CT, MR imaging, or ultrasound). Various reports since the early 1980s estimate a 1% to 3% prevalence of such masses on abdominal CT scans. This rate is consistent with the finding of nonfunctioning adrenal cortical adenomas or nodules in 1.45% to 2.85% of autopsies. 1 Usually, these masses are not uncovered as a result of symptoms associated with adrenal hormone production and are therefore classified as incidental masses. Adrenal masses include benign or malignant adrenal cortical tumors, pheochromocytomas, adrenal myelolipomas, and adrenal cysts and hematomas.
Correlation between polydrug abuse and alpha density

Abstract Alpha density was computed on six polydrug users and six nonusers to determine whether drug use may be related to basal levels of alpha density and/or efficiency of alpha conditioning. Alpha density was computed during four consecutive daily sessions, with each session consisting of one no-feedback and three alpha contingent, auditory feedback periods. The polydrug users were found to have greater alpha density than the nonusers under both the feedback and no-feedback conditions. Alpha contingent feedback did not increase alpha density in either group. It is suggested that psychophysiological parameters may be important variables in determining the etiology of drug use.
Auditory brainstem response in sheep. Part II: Postnatal development.

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) was recorded from 15 chronically instrumented lambs between birth and 7 weeks of age as well as from four adult ewes. Latency changes observed within two days of birth may be related to the dissipation of fluid from the lamb external auditory canal and middle ear cavity. Developmental changes observed in the lambs included an early period of wave latency decrements from 1 to 4 weeks followed by a subsequent increase in wave latencies from 4 to 7 weeks. These changes were significant for the I-IV interwave interval, possibly reflecting the combined effects of increased myelinization and increased neural track length. Responses from 7-week-old lambs were not significantly different from those obtained from the ewes. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Knowing without doing.

Is it possible to know what to do without being able to act upon this knowledge? In a recent study, Atallah et al. show clear evidence that learning a new skill and expressing it are two separate steps that can be dissociated.
Size Dependence of a First Order Solid-Solid Phase Transition: The Wurtzite to Rock Salt Transformation in CdSe Nanocrystals

Measurements of the size dependence of a solid-solid phase transition are presented. High-pressure x-ray diffraction and optical absorption are used to study the wurtzite to rock salt structural transformation in CdSe nanocrystals. These experiments show that both the thermodynamics and kinetics of this transformation are altered in finite size, as compared to bulk CdSe. An explanation of these results in the context of transformations in bulk systems is presented. Insight into the kinetics of transformations in both bulk and nanocrystal systems can be gained.
An overview of real time hardware-in-the-loop capabilities in digital simulation for electric microgrids

This paper explores and presents the capabilities of real time hardware-in-the-loop (RT-HIL) digital simulation for electric microgrids. RT-HIL is used by academia and industry for the simulation and testing of power systems at both the component and system levels. A literature survey is presented to identify existing real time simulation systems and some relevant applications. Simulations using RT-HIL involve modeling the interface between the components and systems in greater detail for increased understanding of interface issues. This is aimed at de-risking and hastening the penetration of new technologies such as microgrids.
Sonic Hedgehog, Apoptosis, and the Penis

ABSTRACT Introduction Smooth muscle apoptosis in the penis is common in prostatectomy patients and animal models of erectile dysfunction (ED). A critical regulator of smooth muscle apoptosis in the penis is the secreted protein Sonic hedgehog (SHH). Since SHH protein treatment of the penis prevents cavernous nerve (CN) injury‐induced apoptosis, SHH has the potential to treat post‐prostatectomy apoptosis. However, little is known about how SHH signaling is regulated in the adult penis. Aim The goal of this review is to examine what is known about SHH signaling in the penis, to offer insight as to how SHH inhibition induces apoptosis in penile smooth muscle, and to define the role of the SHH pathway in maintaining CN integrity. Methods Information presented in this review was derived from a literature search using the National Library of Medicine PubMed Services. Search terms included SHH, apoptosis, smooth muscle, penis, ED, pelvic ganglia, corpora cavernosa, CN, regeneration, Schwann cell, neural activity, and transport. Results In this review, we have discussed the role of the CN in regulation of SHH abundance and apoptosis induction in the penis, and have examined the function and localization of SHH signaling in the CN. Conclusion There is substantial potential to develop SHH for delivery to the penis of prostatectomy patients at the time of surgery in order to prevent apoptosis induction and long‐term ED development. Studies are in progress that will identify if SHH may be used as a regenerative therapy to speed CN regeneration. Podlasek CA. Sonic hedgehog, apoptosis and the penis.
The addition of alkyllithium reagents to trans-cyclooctene. The facile elimination of lithium hydride in the cyclooctyl ring

Abstract The addition of s-butyllithium and t-butyllithium to trans -cyclooctene has been shown to occur very readily. The facile elimination of lithium hydride from s-cyclooctyllithium compounds affording cyclooctenes is also reported.
Overexpression of receptors of the steroid/thyroid family

The cloning of cDNAs for the various members of the steroid/thyroid receptor family has sparked a flurry of research that has revealed many aspects of receptor structure and function (1, 2). Much of the information has come from mutational analysis of the respective cDNAs. Despite the rapid progress, mutational studies do not provide adequate information on the threedimensional structure of the receptors or the nature of their interaction with ligand, DNA, and other proteins. Crystallography is the method of choice for obtaining such information which, however, requires large quantities of pure receptors. Members of the steroid/thyroid family of receptors are expressed in ceils in low quantities. This has necessitated the search for expression systems that can provide the quantities of receptor necessary for crystallographic analysis. This review provides an overview of the various expression systems that have been used to date and discusses some of the problems posed as a result of overexpression in a heterologous system.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour and other mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract: the role of immunohistochemistry in an evolving era of molecular diagnostics

Abstract Significant progress has been made in the molecular characterization of soft tissue tumours arising in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily with the identification of recurrent translocations, gene amplifications and mutations in different tumour types. Translational studies have resulted in the development of many diagnostically useful immunohistochemical markers that reflect these underlying genetic changes. In addition, expression of some such markers is associated with distinctive clinical and histologic features, which may impart prognostic or predictive information, particularly for gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The advent of ‘next-generation' immunohistochemistry has reduced the need for additional, more costly, molecular studies; however, it is important to understand the complementary role of ancillary molecular studies, which may be needed for diagnostic or therapeutic information. This review outlines the different roles of immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of select soft tissue neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, emphasizing their utility and limitations in clinical practice, molecular correlates, and the role of immunohistochemistry in guiding the appropriate application of ancillary molecular studies.
jVerbs: ultra-low latency for data center applications

Network latency has become increasingly important for data center applications. Accordingly, several efforts at both hardware and software level have been made to reduce the latency in data centers. Limited attention, however, has been paid to network latencies of distributed systems running inside an application container such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) or the .NET runtime. In this paper, we first highlight the latency overheads observed in several well-known Java-based distributed systems. We then present jVerbs, a networking framework for the JVM which achieves bare-metal latencies in the order of single digit microseconds using methods of Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). With jVerbs, applications are mapping the network device directly into the JVM, cutting through both the application virtual machine and the operating system. In the paper, we discuss the design and implementation of jVerbs and demonstrate how it can be used to improve latencies in some of the popular distributed systems running in data centers.
Balancing co-stimulation and inhibition with BTLA and HVEM

The interaction between B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), an inhibitory receptor whose extracellular domain belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and herpesvirus-entry mediator (HVEM), a co-stimulatory tumour-necrosis factor receptor, is unique in that it is the only receptor-ligand interaction that directly bridges these two families of receptors. This interaction has raised many questions about how receptors from two different families could interact and what downstream signalling events might occur as a result of receptor ligation. As we discuss, recent studies show that engagement of HVEM with its endogenous ligand (LIGHT) from the tumour-necrosis factor family induces a powerful immune response, whereas HVEM interactions with BTLA negatively regulate T-cell responses.
A capture-recapture model with heterogeneity and behavioural response

We develop the non-parametric maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the full Mbh capture-recapture model which utilizes both initial capture and recapture data and permits both heterogeneity (h) between animals and behavioural (b) response to capture. Our MLE procedure utilizes non-parametric maximum likelihood estimation of mixture distributions (Lindsay, 1983; Lindsay and Roeder, 1992) and the EM algorithm (Dempsteret al., 1977). Our MLE estimate provides the first non-parametric estimate of the bivariate capture-recapture distribution. Since non-parametric maximum likelihood estimation exists for submodels Mh (allowing heterogeneity only), Mb (allowing behavioural response only) and M0 (allowing no changes), we develop maximum likelihood-based model selection, specifically the Akaike information criterion (AIC) (Akaike, 1973). The AIC procedure does well in detecting behavioural response but has difficulty in detecting heterogeneity.
Neutrophil and cytokine activation with neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objective: To determine whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), like cardiopulmonary bypass, produces systemic inflammatory responses that could potentiate organ injury in infants with respiratory failure. Study design: We evaluated the effects of neonatal ECMO on neutrophil surface adherence proteins, elastase release, and cytokine levels in blood samples from 15 patients before and during ECMO, and from banked blood and ECMO circuit blood before cannulation. Neutrophil elastase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin types 1(3, 6, and 8 were measured. Chest radiographs were evaluated by a radiologist using a lung injury score in blinded fashion. Results: Primed ECMO circuit blood, in comparison with patient pre-ECMO blood, demonstrated marked up-regulation of CDllb (mean fluorescence intensity 1660 ± 109 vs 361 ± 81; p l -selectin (mean fluorescence intensity 10 ± 2 vs 89 ± 38; p l -selectin was not significantly shed. Concentrations of circulating neutrophil elastase increased significantly during ECMO. Corrected circulating quantities of interleukin-8 also rose significantly, but the responses of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1(3 were minimal. Radiographic lung injury scores worsened with the initiation of ECMO (median score: 6 before ECMO vs 11 in first hour of ECMO; p = 0.012), in conjunction with indicators of neutrophil activation. Conclusion: Neonates with respiratory failure have activation of the inflammatory cascade. ECMO incites additional neutrophil and cytokine activation in association with early pulmonary deterioration. Routine leukodepletion of blood for circuit priming to remove activated neutrophils may be beneficial.
Fluorescence properties of near-infrared tricarbocyanine dyes bound to double-stranded DNA

The non-covalent binding and spectroscopic properties of several near-infrared tricarbocyanine dyes to sonicated calf-thymus DNA is reported. The dyes investigated were diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DTTCI), diethyloxatricarbocyanine iodide (DOTCI) and 1,1',3,3,3',3'-hexamethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (HDITCI), which are cationic and possess absorption maxima at 772 nm, 695 nm and 750 nm, respectively, in DMSO. In buffered aqueous solutions, these dyes demonstrated extensive ground state aggregation as seen by gross changes in the NIR absorption spectra. In the presence of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), the absorption peak in the NIR was restored, indicative of dye-deaggregation. Inspection of the fluorescence emission spectra revealed enhancement ratios of bound-to-free dye ranging from 4.5 for DOTCI to 128 for DTTCI. Scatchard analyses of the dye-dsDNA complexes showed two linear regions, suggestive of at least two possible binding sites on the DNA. For DTTCI, the binding constants were 2.88 X 104 M-1 and 4.78 X 103 M-1.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A New Advanced Graduate Course for Developing and Challenging World

The fast developing engineering technology and globalization process have changed traditional educational roles and expectations from teachers. This leads to the course curriculum and teaching reforms that focus on introducing potential technologies and programs which can provide students with latest and challenging engineering knowledge. A recent graduate course titled “Manufacturing Strategy and Lean” has been developed to establish entrepreneurship opportunities for fast-pace and developing world. Some advanced technologies, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), and Lean Manufacturing, have been introduced in helping students to gain high level of engineering experiences. It also helps students to examine political, social and economic issues that associated to engineering project delivery processes that can lead to save product process expenses, increase manufacturing efficiency, improve product quality and shorten production period. Although this course was taught at mechanical and manufacturing engineering majors, it can also benefit the students from many other engineering disciplines such as industrial engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and engineering management. The fundamental theories and technologies taught in this class can be applied to most areas of US industrial and engineering practices.
Contrasting geochemical expressions of copper mineralization at Namosi, Fiji

ABSTRACT Leggo, M.D., 1977. Contrasting geochemical expressions of copper mineralization at Namosi, Fiji. J. Geochem. Explor., 8: 431–456. Three areas of Cu mineralization have been extensively diamond drilled at Namosi on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. Two of these areas, Waisoi and Waivaka, were initially located by stream sediment geochemistry whilst the third, Wainabama, provided very little stream sediment geochemical response because of dilution by externally derived material. One-kilometre sample spacing at the first two prospects would produce two or three locations anomalous in either total Cu or cold-extractable Cu. Despite similar topographic, climatic and geological settings, detailed soil and pit geochemistry was useful in siting drill holes at Waivaka, moderately useful at Wainabama, but of little value at the principal prospect of Waisoi. Two main factors are involved. Firstly, recent superficial cover of both alluvial and “mud avalanche” origin has obscured the surface geochemistry in places. Secondly, the geochemical expression varies as a function of pyrite content, its geometry relative to the Cu mineralization and the relationship of the sulphide mineralization to weathering and drainage. Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo, Au and pH determinations were used to reach these conclusions. Magnetics and induced polarization showed a good correlation with hydrothermal magnetite and sulphides respectively at Waivaka and, to a lesser extent, at Wainabama, and were used to define and seek extensions of mineralization. A combination of these two geophysical techniques at Waisoi was useful in understanding the generalized geology, but was not directly applicable in the detailed definition of drill targets. Quartz veining density was the other principal quantitative approach used at the three prospects and this proved to be of considerable value.
Self-report and Cognitive Processing Measures of Depressive Thinking Predict Subsequent Major Depressive Disorder

We examined the utility of two measures of cognitive bias—a self-report questionnaire, the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (Weissman and Beck 1978), and a cognitive processing task, the Scrambled Sentences Test (Wenzlaff 1988, 1993), in predicting episodes of depression prospectively in a community-based sample of nondepressed women. When examined separately, each measure contributed significantly to predicting a subsequent diagnosis of MDD, supporting the utility of both types of measures as indicators of depression vulnerability. When examined together, each measure made an independent contribution to the prediction of MDD, raising the possibility that questionnaire and processing tasks may assess separate aspects of cognitive vulnerability to depression.
Bayesian analysis of threshold autoregressions

A nonasymptotic Bayesian approach is developed for analysis of data from threshold autoregressive processes with two regimes. Using the conditional likelihood function, the marginal posterior distribution for each of the parameters is derived along with posterior means and variances. A test for linear functions of the autoregressive coefficients is presented. The approach presented uses a posterior p-value averaged over the values of the threshold. The one-step ahead predictive distribution is derived along with the predictive mean and variance. In addition, equivalent results are derived conditional upon a value of the threshold. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the approach.
Evidence of Fluid Flow in Microfractures in Geopressured Shales

Petrographic and microprobe analyses of geopressured shales from the Oligocene Frio Formation, Brazoria County, Texas, provide direct evidence of hydraulic fracturing and significant fluid flow in the shales. The optical continuity of the fracture margins and their higher Al/Si ratios indicate that the fracture margins have undergone more complete alteration of smectite to illite than the interiors of the fracture blocks. Crosscutting relationships between calcium sulfate and the organic material that fills the fractures indicate that calcium sulfate was emplaced before the organic material, and thus was precipitated in the subsurface. The calculated fracture permeabilities of the shales (on the order of 10-13 m2) are similar in magnitude to that of he Frio sandstone reservoirs, which suggests that these fractured shales could support flow comparable to that in the sandstones. Fracture-fill deposits or collapse could, in turn, reduce this flow. In addition, the more extensive alteration of the fracture margins suggests that fluid in these shales flowed preferentially through the microfractures rather than through the matrix.
Functional analysis of Plasmodium falciparum parasitophorous vacuole membrane protein (Pfs16) during gametocytogenesis and gametogenesis by targeted gene disruption

Gametocytogenesis is a tightly regulated process marked by differentiation through distinct morphological forms and coordinated expression of sexual stage gene products. The earliest known gene product expressed at the onset of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis is Pfs16 localized on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). Targeted gene disruption was undertaken to disrupt expression of Pfs16 and examine its potential role during sexual development. Three independent clones were demonstrated to have the coding sequence of Ps16 gene disrupted by the targeting plasmid by homologous recombination. No full-length transcripts and PVM localized 16 kDa protein were detected. Instead, all three "16ko" clones expressed a protein of 14 kDa recognized by Pfs16 specific antibodies that was mislocalized to an unidentified double membrane compartment in the parasites. Disruption of Pfs16 gene resulted in a significant reduction in gametocyte production, although the small number of gametocytes produced appeared to be normal by molecular and phenotypic evidences. Preliminary observation also suggested impaired ability of male gametocytes to exflagellate in vitro. Pfs16 does not appear to be essential for sexual development, instead may be required for optimal production of sexual parasites. Understanding mechanisms involved in the development of sexual stages of P. falciparum may identify novel targets for drugs and vaccines effective in reducing malaria transmission.
Nuclear Factor-κB and Cell Survival: IAPs Call for Support

Programmed cellular death can occur in all cells by highly efficient mechanisms, leading to the quiet disposal of millions of cells in the adult human each minute. This efficient execution of unwanted cells is regulated not only by cellular death signals but also by cellular survival signals. Imbalances in these signals are lethal in the development of higher organisms and likely play a major role in pathophysiological processes as diverse as atherosclerosis, cancer, heart failure, and inflammation. As a ubiquitous multifunctional signaling system, members of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family play prominent roles in the cell death/survival balance.1 NF-κB proteins are homodimers or heterodimers in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that share a 300 amino acid motif called the REL homology domain.2 The REL homology domain mediates dimer formation, nuclear localization, and interaction with inhibitory proteins (IκB proteins) that keep NF-κB proteins in the cytoplasm. Diverse cellular stimuli including mechanical forces, oxidative stress, and cytokines lead to phosphorylation of IκB proteins, allowing NF-κB dimers to enter the nucleus and activate specific target genes. Under many circumstances, activation of NF-κB complexes is a powerful stimulus for cell survival (Figure⇓). For example, in B lymphocytes, the cell type in which NF-κB was originally identified, engagement of cell surface IgM activates NF-κB and inhibits apoptosis.3 In addition, mice lacking RelA, one of the NF-κB family members, die at embryonic development day 10 of massive hepatic apoptosis.4 However, NF-κB activation does not always confer a clear survival advantage. For example, studies have demonstrated a proapoptotic role of NF-κB in many cell types (reviewed in Reference …
Characterizing tenant behavior for placement and crisis mitigation in multitenant DBMSs

A multitenant database management system (DBMS) in the cloud must continuously monitor the trade-off between efficient resource sharing among multiple application databases (tenants) and their performance. Considering the scale of \attn{hundreds to} thousands of tenants in such multitenant DBMSs, manual approaches for continuous monitoring are not tenable. A self-managing controller of a multitenant DBMS faces several challenges. For instance, how to characterize a tenant given its variety of workloads, how to reduce the impact of tenant colocation, and how to detect and mitigate a performance crisis where one or more tenants' desired service level objective (SLO) is not achieved.We present Delphi, a self-managing system controller for a multitenant DBMS, and Pythia, a technique to learn behavior through observation and supervision using DBMS-agnostic database level performance measures. Pythia accurately learns tenant behavior even when multiple tenants share a database process, learns good and bad tenant consolidation plans (or packings), and maintains a pertenant history to detect behavior changes. Delphi detects performance crises, and leverages Pythia to suggests remedial actions using a hill-climbing search algorithm to identify a new tenant placement strategy to mitigate violating SLOs. Our evaluation using a variety of tenant types and workloads shows that Pythia can learn a tenant's behavior with more than 92% accuracy and learn the quality of packings with more than 86% accuracy. During a performance crisis, Delphi is able to reduce 99th percentile latencies by 80%, and can consolidate 45% more tenants than a greedy baseline, which balances tenant load without modeling tenant behavior.