cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Architectures for Efficient and Secure Face Authentication in Embedded Systems

In this paper, we propose an efficient and secure embedded processing architecture that addresses various challenges involved in using face-based biometrics for authenticating a user to an embedded system. Our paper considers the use of robust face verifiers (PCA-LDA, Bayesian), and analyzes the computational workload involved in running their software implementations on an embedded processor. We then present a suite of hardware and software enhancements to accelerate these algorithms-fixed-point arithmetic, various code optimizations, generic custom instructions and dedicated coprocessors, and exploitation of parallel processing capabilities in multiprocessor systems-on-chip (SoCs). We also identify attacks targeted against the authentication process, and develop security measures to ensure the integrity of biometric code/data. We evaluated the proposed architectures in the context of popular open-source software implementations of face authentication algorithms running on a commercial embedded processor (Xtensa from Tensilica). Our paper shows that fast, in-system verification is possible even in the context of many resource-constrained embedded systems. We also demonstrate that the security of the authentication process for the given attack model can be achieved with minimum hardware overheads
Turbulence associated with corotating interaction regions at 1 AU: Inertial and dissipation range magnetic field spectra

[1] We examine five Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs) observed during the recent solar minimum by the Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft at 1 AU. We apply a familiar series of spectral examinations and compare quantities such as the variance anisotropy, spectral index, cross- and magnetic helicities, and the infered geometry of the wave vectors against established correlations seen in 1 AU turbulence apart from CIR regions. We find variance anisotropies that scale with plasma beta and spectral amplitude, spectral indices in the same familiar ranges, indices within the dissipation range scaling with the apparent rate of energy cascade within the inertial range, and the same linear relationship between cross- and magnetic helicities. As the results agree with earlier established correlations, we conclude that the rate of energy injection by large-scale shear is sufficiently slow as to allow for significant reorganization of the injected energy by the turbulent cascade. This does not mean that there is no evidence of newly injected energy as a result of that large-scale shear. Our companion paper argues that there is significant energy injection within the CIRs. This analysis only argues that energy injection is too slow to fully dominate the interplanetary spectrum.
Memory and mental status correlates of modified Braak staging

Abstract We assessed the relationships of performance on memory and mental status tests and neuropathologic stage of Alzheimer’s disease as defined by Braak and Braak in 29 patients from a prospective clinicopathologic series. We predicted that memory changes would occur at an earlier Braak stage than mental status changes. Staging was accomplished by matching the topographic distribution of neurofibrillary lesions detected with tau immunocytochemistry to the best fitting diagram published by Braak and Braak. Higher Braak stages were associated with decrements in performance on both memory and mental status tests. As predicted, memory performance declined from stages II to III and mental status did not decline until stages III to IV. The association between memory and Braak stage was unchanged after adjusting for neocortical senile plaques, whereas adjustments for Braak stage eliminated the association between cognitive functioning and amyloid burden. We conclude that Braak staging provides a useful summary of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology, which is associated with both memory and mental status performance.
δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase: Effects of succinylacetone in rat liver and kidney in an in vivo model of the renal Fanconi syndrome

Abstract Succinylacetone (SA) is a known inhibitor of the heme biosynthetic pathway in liver. We have demonstrated previously the SA enhancement of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in renal tubules, while this enzyme is known to be impaired by SA in the liver. The present studies, based on in vivo treatment of animals with SA, show equivalent degree of inhibition of specific ALAD activity in liver and kidney. Both tissues evidenced an ability to restore enzyme activity with time, the recovery occurring much more slowly in kidney than in liver. The discrepant in vitro and in vivo effect of SA on renal ALAD may be due to differences between a direct inhibitor-enzyme interaction and inhibitor actions in the living cell, respectively. Persistent tissue levels of SA, consistent with demonstrated SA in plasma and urine, might account for continuing inhibition, with the greatest tissue accumulation in kidney where the substance must be cleared for excretion.
Theophylline-induced mesenteric periarteritis in F344/N rats

The toxicity and carcinogenic potential of theophylline (an alkaloid bronchodilator drug) was investigated in male and female F344/N rats in 16-day, 14-week, and 2-year gavage and feeding studies. In 16-day studies, rats were fed diets containing 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 ppm of theophylline or given 0, 12.5 (twice daily), 25 (once daily), 50 (once daily), 50 (twice daily), 100 (once daily), 200 (once daily), 200 (twice daily), and 400 (once daily) mg theophylline/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage. In 14-week studies, rats were fed diets containing 0, 1000, 2000, and 4000 ppm theophylline or given 0, 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg body weight theophylline in corn oil by gavage. In 2-year gavage studies, rats were given 0, 7.5, 25, and 75 mg/kg body weight in corn oil. In 16-day gavage studies, treatment-related periarteritis occurred in arteries of the pancreas and adjacent to the mesenteric lymph nodes of early death male and female rats given 400 mg/kg once daily. In the 14-week studies, treatment-related periarteritis occurred at similar sites and in male rats exposed to 75 and 150 mg/kg, and in all exposed female rats (gavage studies), in females exposed to 1000 ppm, and in both sexes exposed to 2000 and 4000 ppm (feeding studies). In the 2-year study, chronic periarteritis was significantly increased only in the males receiving 75 mg/kg of theophylline. The adventitia, media and intima of medium- and large-sized mesenteric arteries were involved. Similar to other vasodilator chemicals, the pathogenesis of theophylline-induced vascular lesions may be a consequence of hemodynamic changes induced in the vascular wall.
Survey Says: Name a Role Model

“Science off the air” (Random Samples, 28 March, p. [1741][1]) analyzes a survey's results without paying attention to the actual question asked. The article discusses whether Americans “can” or “cannot” name living scientists. You would expect, then, that the survey question actually
Electrochemically Induced High Capacity Displacement Reaction of PEO/MoS2/Graphene Nanocomposites with Lithium

MoS2/PEO/graphene composite is successfully prepared and the discharge mechanism of MoS2 as an anode material for Li-ion batteries has been investigated systematically in this work. The simultaneous formation of Li2S and Mo at deep discharge depth has been shown for the first time. The deposition of Mo metal with Li residing on the defects after the first discharge increases the intrinsic electronic conductivity of the electrode leading to a superior cycling stability for over 185 cycles. After the first discharge the amorphous Mo matrix allows a large amount of Li+ ions to repeatedly deposit and being oxidized during cycling while the transition between Li2S and S contribute to the capacity above 2.0 V. The interactions between as-formed Mo and S prevents the dissolution of the intermediate polysulfide thus providing clues to immobilize the soluble species in a Li-S battery. Excellent rate performances are achieved in this MoS2/PEO/graphene composite indicating a fast diffusion path of Li+ ions existing not only in the bulk material but also in the interface between the electrode and the electrolyte.
Impact of domestic violence posters on female caregivers' opinions about domestic violence screening and disclosure in a pediatric emergency department.

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to examine female caregivers' attitudes about the display of domestic violence (DV) resources in a pediatric emergency department (ED) and to explore whether these resources engendered positive feelings about DV screening and encouraged disclosure.Methods
Lifestyle interventions for youth who are overweight: a meta-analytic review.

Objective Clear evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can be helpful in the treatment of youth who are overweight, but translational research is needed to address the gap between treatment research and clinical care. Design This meta-analysis integrated the results of 66 treatment-control comparisons and 59 alternate treatment comparisons evaluating lifestyle interventions for children and adolescents who were overweight. Main outcome measures Between-groups differences in weight-related outcomes and other health-related behaviors at the end of treatment. Results Lifestyle interventions were effective in a range of settings and with a range of participants. Even relatively brief programs had benefits apparent months after the end of treatment. A key component appeared to be the expectation that parents would be actively involved in treatment. Program benefits included not only better weight management but also better eating habits. Conclusion The results suggest that lifestyle interventions can be effective under a wide range of conditions not limited to the highly controlled conditions of efficacy studies. Parent involvement is associated with significantly better results.
Neonatal Sucking Behaviors

Neonatal sucking responses or behaviors have been of great interest to researchers and clinicians since the early 1800s. Since 1960, there has been a resurgence of interest in the objective study of sucking behaviors in both the psychological and medical literature. The studies have examined both nutritive and non-nutritive sucking measurements. Sucking behaviors have been studied to understand the development of the feeding mechanism as well as to track neurobehavioral development. The relationship between sucking behaviors and behavioral organization of the newborn are considered, along with a historical perspective of sucking measurements, relevant literature on nutritive sucking, physiologic correlates, differences in breast and bottle feeding patterns, non-nutritive sucking, and factors that modify sucking organization. Implications for nursing practice will be discussed.
Erosion by the amplatzer septal occluder: Experienced operator opinions at odds with manufacturer recommendations?

Background: Device erosion is a very rare but potentially fatal complication of ASD occlusion by the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO). After reviewing cases of device erosion, recommendations for ASD sizing and device selection were revised by a small group of “experts” and adopted by the device manufacturer in 2004. These revisions, which recommend use of smaller devices, which do not straddle the aorta, remain controversial. Objective: The aim of our study is to help define an expanded expert consensus with respect to the causes and preventive strategies for erosions. Methods: We report a case of device erosion in which the 2004 revisions were carefully followed; and a survey of the members of the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium (CCISC) soliciting experiences with and opinions about device erosion. Results: In our case, the device disk appeared to protrude into the aortic root but not straddle, and had motion independent of cardiac movement. Of 57 survey responders having a total experience of 12,006 ASO implants, 12 members reported 14 erosions among 3,010 implants. Ninety percent of erosions occurred in patients with deficit aortic rim. Of 53 patients, 38 (71.7%) responded that devices, which are undersized and do not straddle the aorta are at highest risk of erosion. Of 52 patients, 44 (84%) responded that motion of the device relative to the heart may cause erosion. Conclusion: Both the survey results and our single case experience suggest that operator opinions (and perhaps also device sizing practices) are at odds with the 2004 revisions. Further study and focus on this issue is needed. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the optimal distribution of sensors in a random field

This article considers the problem of distributing sensors to observe a random field while meeting a series of energy and coverage constraints. In the network under consideration, N identical sensors are to be distributed, with each sensor sending data to a single fusion center at a fixed rate Δ R. The problem of sensor allocation to the coverage area is reduced to the problem of allocating sensors to cells by first partitioning the coverage field into cells, and then assuming that sensors in the same cells make the same observations. It is shown that the resulting sensor allocation problem is equivalent to a discrete form of the rate allocation problem, a well-known problem in the field of information theory. General guidelines for solving this problem are provided.
Serum FSH and LH in male mice following aggressive and nonaggressive interaction

Abstract Previously isolated, adult, male mice were maintained for four days either in continued isolation or as pairs which were either separated from each other or not by a wire mesh barrier. Males without the barrier in place were categorized as dominant or subordinate on the basis of wounding. In general, fighting resulted in decreased concentrations of circulating FSH and LH, as well as the expected increase in adrenal weight and decrease in weight of the seminal vesicles. Such changes were decidedly more exaggerated in subordinates than among dominant males. Body weight was not affected by any of the experimental treatments. Pituitary content of the gonadotropins also remained relatively unchanged except for a significant depression in LH among dominant males.
Phytohormone bioregulation of nomilin biosynthesis in Citrus limon seedlings

Abstract Auxins such as indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid, naphthaleneacetic acid and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid were found to be potent inhibitors of nomilin biosynthesis in young seedlings of Citrus limon. Up to 97 % of the biosynthesis was inhibited. The auxins used were all effective and inhibited the biosynthesis of nomilin selectively. Abscisic acid was also a potent inhibitor of nomilin biosynthesis and the inhibition was reversed with a cytokinin. Gibberellic acid (GA3) had no effect on nomilin biosynthesis.
Person perception: Effects of sex, marital status, and sex-typed occupation

A sample of 208 male college students evaluated a briefly described stimulus person on 20 7-point bipolar scales which described personality traits and professional performance characteristics. Each subject rated one of 16 persons who were described as either female or male; never married, divorced, widowed, or unmarried; and employed in either a feminine or masculine sex-typed occupation. Female stimulus persons generally were rated more favorably than male stimulus persons. The personality traits of married persons of both sexes were evaluated more favorably than those of unmarried persons. Individuals in sex-typical and sex-atypical occupations received similar evaluations.
An innate language faculty needs neither modularity nor localization

Muller misconstrues autonomy to mean strict locality of brain function, something quite different from the functional autonomy that linguists claim. Similarly, he misperceives the interaction of learned and innate components hypothesized in current generative models. Evidence from sign languages, Creole languages, and neurological studies of rare forms of aphasia also argues against his conclusions.
Re-naming, re-imagining America: multicultural curriculum as classification struggle

Abstract This article analyses conflict over multicultural education in the United States as an example of what Pierre Bourdieu terms ‘classification struggle’. By classification struggles, the author means struggles over those symbolic representations of social divisions that help to construct a hierarchical social order. In particular, following Bourdieu, efforts that ‘aim at retrospectively reconstructing a past fitted to the needs of the present’ are emphasised. Consequently, the author focuses particularly on contests over the reconstruction of United States history. To begin, he asks what is at stake in how a nation and its past are symbolically constructed. He then identifies specific ways in which multiculturalism engages in classification struggle and consider the nature of resistance to those efforts. Next, he illustrates limitations in multiculturalism's success in effecting changes in symbolic classification. Finally, he concludes by suggesting the implications of the analysis for answering th...
Non-Gaussian fluctuations near the QCD critical point.

We study the effect of the QCD critical point on non-Gaussian moments (cumulants) of fluctuations of experimental observables in heavy-ion collisions. We find that these moments are very sensitive to the proximity of the critical point, as measured by the magnitude of the correlation length $\ensuremath{\xi}$. For example, the cubic central moment of multiplicity $⟨(\ensuremath{\delta}N{)}^{3}⟩\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{4.5}$ and the quartic cumulant $⟨(\ensuremath{\delta}N{)}^{4}{⟩}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\xi}}^{7}$. We estimate the magnitude of critical point contributions to non-Gaussian fluctuations of pion and proton multiplicities.
Broken rail track detection using smart materials

Rail lines are subject to many types of damage that, in the worst cases, can cause train derailments. The damage can arise from either manufacturing defects or external factors, possibly even terrorist acts to disrupt the civil infrastructure. Current rail inspection techniques require train traffic to be interrupted while workers and equipment move along the track. Moreover, a technician with rail testing experience is required to analyze the results. This paper focuses on simple proof of concept experiments to determine if impedance based structural health monitoring may be used to detect anomalies in rail tracks, and in particular broken rails. The technique applies a very low voltage (one volt) high frequency wave to a structure, measures its response and determines the location and extent of a rail break. The monitoring device is envisioned to run off of ambient vibration and thermal gradients provided by passing trains and daily thermal cycles, store the energy and utilize the stored energy periodically to inspect the track (according to the track usage schedule). If damage occurs or starts to occur, a warning signal would be transmitted to substation then broadcast to the appropriate operator listing the location and extent of the damage.
Monitoring nonenzymatic browning in cakes prepared with high fructose corn syrup by high performance liquid chromatography

The purpose of this study was to utilize high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and colorimetric methodology to monitor specified products of nonenzymatic browning in cakes prepared with high fructose corn syrup. Cakes were prepared with different concentrations of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sucrose replacement. Cream of tartar, an acidulant, was used to alter the pH of the batter and reduce nonenzymatic browning. Total browning, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and furosine (a reducing sugar derivative) were analyzed. Analysis of variance for cakes prepared with different concentrations of HFCS, with and without an acidulant, showed significant differences among the different treatments (P ≤ 0.05) for HMF, furosine, and total browning.
Use of FAMACHA system to evaluate gastrointestinal nematode resistance/resilience in offspring of stud rams.

Abstract High levels of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of small ruminants have created the need for animals with greater resistance to these parasites. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FAMACHA system in identification of parasite resilient/resistant offspring, and thus identification of stud rams with greater resilience/resistance. Katahdin ewes bred in separate groups to two sires to lamb in spring (2004, 2005: Ram A and Ram B; 2006, 2007: Ram C and Ram D) at the USDA, Agricultural Research Station in Booneville, Arkansas produced 20–40 offspring/sire each year. Ewes and lambs grazed mixed grass (predominantly bermudagrass and ryegrass) pastures and were supplemented with corn/soybean meal between 30 days pre- and 60 days post-lambing (ewes) and starting 45 days of age until weaning (lambs; 95.0 ± 0.6 days of age). Blood samples and feces were collected from the lambs to determine blood packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC) and FAMACHA scores were determined at 90, 120, and 150 days of age. Lambs were dewormed if anemic (PCV 2) and data removed within 30 days after deworming. Data were analyzed for the 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 groups using general linear models with year, sex of lamb, and sire nested within year as variables. Sire differences were detected (P
Spirituality and the MMPI-2.

The present investigation was an exploratory examination of the relation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) Clinical scales to spirituality operationalized in terms of self-reported religious involvement and scores on a multidimensional measure called the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory (ESI; MacDonald, 1997, 2000). MANOVA and correlational results indicate that the MMPI-2 Clinical scales generate patterns of findings consistent with available research on spirituality and health. In particular, persons reporting involvement in organized religion obtained significantly lower MMPI-2 Clinical scale scores and were found to be less likely to obtain a clinically significant score (i.e., t-scores >64) on any of the MMPI-2 scales. Further, with the exception of Masculine-Feminine and Hypomania, all MMPI-2 scales were found to associate appreciably with ESI dimension scores. The study concludes with a brief discussion of the meaning and implications of the findings for future research aimed at investigating the relation of spirituality to health. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 59: 399–410, 2003.
Asystole after orthotopic lung transplantation: examining the interaction of cardiac denervation and dexmedetomidine.

Dexmedetomidine is an α2-receptor agonist commonly used for sedation and analgesia in ICU patients. Dexmedetomidine is known to provide sympatholysis and also to have direct atrioventricular and sinoatrial node inhibitory effects. In rare instances, orthotopic lung transplantation has been associated with disruption of autonomic innervation of the heart. The combination of this autonomic disruption and dexmedetomidine may be associated with severe bradycardia and/or asystole. Since orthotopic lung transplant patients with parasympathetic denervation will not respond with increased heart rate to anticholinergic therapy, bradyarrhythmias must be recognized and promptly treated with direct acting beta agonists to avoid asystolic cardiac events.
Photo-switchable quantum dots based on reversible FRET

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is anticipated to be a powerful tool in observing biological structures and processes smaller than the diffraction limit of light microscopy (~200nm). Yet, many super-resolution techniques (STORM/PALM, STED) employ photo-switchable fluorescent probes (i.e., dyes and fluorescent proteins) that are limited in brightness and stability, reducing potential image resolution. Here, we describe photo-switchable quantum dots (QDs) with enhanced brightness and stability, and excellent optical properties, including narrow emission spectra and broad excitation spectra, compared to fluorescent dyes. These QDs are composed of one green QD, one gold nanoparticle (AuNP), and complimentary single stranded DNA (ssDNA) modified with photo-sensitive azobenzene groups bound to each of the particles. Because of the azobenzene photosensitive property, the ssDNA strands hybridize when excited with visible light, yielding a QD-AuNP conjugate in which QD fluorescence is quenched through Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET); and dehybridize under visible light, yielding separate QDs and AuNPs that are free to diffuse from each other. Because FRET is strongly distance dependent (i.e., α 1/r 6 , in this case, a few nanometers), QD fluorescence is restored. Moreover, the photo-switchable QD-AuNP conjugate scheme has the potential to be integrated with a DNA nano-machine platform, adding the potential for photo-manipulated functionality. As a preliminary proof of concept, we tethered different nanocomponents, including QD micelle assemblies and AuNPs, to DNA origami structures (hinge and platform shapes) using ssDNA hybridization.
Mitral valve surgery in advanced heart failure

The appropriateness and timing of mitral valve surgery in patients with advanced heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation remains controversial. Recent surgical results provide evidence for beneficial effects on left ventricular remodeling and functional capacity. Given the absence of randomized trials comparing the outcomes of mitral valve surgery to medical therapy, however, clinical decision making regarding surgery for these fragile patients poses a dilemma to thoughtful clinicians. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of mitral regurgitation in heart failure and proposes an integrated approach to management.
Geographical information systems and location science

Since the 1970s the field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has evolved into a mature research and application area involving a number of academic fields including Geography, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Land Use Planning, and Environmental Science. GIS can support a wide range of spatial queries that can be used to support location studies. GIS will play a significant role in future location model development and application. We review existing work that forms the interface between GIS and Location Science and discuss some of the potential research areas involving both GIS and Location Science.
Tenure and forest conditions: community forestry in the Nepal Terai

There is a current trend towards decentralization of forest management, particularly among developing nations. Nepal has taken a lead in initiating innovative policies of community forestry. Although these initiatives have been largely deemed successful in the mountains, within the Terai lowlands, there is considerable debate about their outcomes. This research evaluates forest condition within recently declared community forests, national forests and protected areas in the Nepal Terai, using plot mensuration techniques and interviews with local users. The initial condition of forests that were handed over to local communities for use was significantly poorer than those retained as national forests. Protected areas had the highest levels of plant abundance, biomass and biodiversity, which is not surprising, given the level of funds and manpower input to managing these limited areas. In the context of current controversy about the outcome of community forestry in the Nepal Terai, the poor initial condition of forests handed over to local communities is highly significant, and needs to be factored into evaluations of community forest management. This research underscores the need for benchmark studies for evaluating the future outcomes of forest policies in the Terai, provides a valuable addition to the limited information on forest conditions under different management regimes in Nepal, and indicates some of the difficulties that local communities face while dealing with community forestry in practice.
Quantitative comparison of tissue oxygen and motexafin lutetium uptake by ex vivo and noninvasive in vivo techniques in patients with intraperitoneal carcinomatosis.

Near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy DRS has been used to noninvasively monitor optical properties during photo- dynamic therapy PDT. This technique has been extensively vali- dated in tissue phantoms; however, validation in patients has been limited. This pilot study compares blood oxygenation and photosen- sitizer tissue uptake measured by multiwavelength DRS with ex vivo assays of the hypoxia marker, 2-2-nitroimida-zol-1H-yl-N- 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylacetamide EF5, and the photosensitizer motexafin lutetium, MLu from tissues at the same tumor site of three tumors in two patients with intra-abdominal cancers. Similar in vivo and ex vivo measurements of MLu concentration are carried out in murine radiation-induced fibrosarcoma RIF tumors n=9. The se- lection of optimal DRS wavelength range and source-detector separa- tions is discussed and implemented, and the association between in vivo and ex vivo measurements is examined. The results demon- strate a negative correlation between blood oxygen saturation StO2 and EF5 binding, consistent with published relationships between EF5 binding and electrode measured pO2, and between electrode mea- sured pO2 and StO2. A tight correspondence is observed between in vivo DRS and ex vivo measured MLu concentration in the RIF tumors; similar data are positively correlated in the human intraperitoneal tu- mors. These results further demonstrate the potential of in vivo DRS measurements in clinical PDT. © 2007 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation
Newlywed Couples' Debt Portfolios: Are All Debts Created Equally?

This study investigates the composition of newlywed couples' debt portfolios as it affects their debt difficulty, measured via three different financial ratios--a solvency ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a debt repayment ratio. While about 90% of all couples had some debt, the newlywed couples, all at the same family life cycle stage, had quite variable debt portfolios. Having charge account balances due, automobile loans outstanding, and other debt (including medical and educational debt and debts owed to family and friends) most consistently discriminated newlywed couples at risk for debt difficulty from other couples.
Conversion of hydroxyproline to pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid.

Although studies on the degradative metabolism of hydroxyproline have revealed that this amino acid is converted at least in part to glutamic acid (I-G), knowledge of the intermediates in this conversion and of other products of hydroxyproline metabolism is not yet complete. In the course of experiments on the metabolism of hydroxyproline, it was observed that incubation of hydroxyproline with kidney pre.parations led to the formation of a compound which we have identified as pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (PCA) (7).’ Subsequent study revealed that kidney D-amino acid oxidase oxidizes hydroxy-n-proline and allohydroxy-n-proline to an intermediate compound which appears to be Al-pyrroline-4-hydroxy-2-carboxylic acid. The int’ermediate is spontaneously converted (at pH 8.3) to PCA; this conversion occurs much more rapidly in acid solution. PCA formation was also observed as a product of t,ransamination of y-hydroxyornithine with glyoxylate, pyruvate, or wketoglutarate. The evidence suggests that such transamination, in contrast to that of ornithine (8, 9), involves the a-amino group rather than the b-amino group. This report describes experiments on the formation of PCA by enzymatic oxidation, by enzymatic and non-enzymatic transamination, and also by non-enzymatic oxidation of hydroxyproline by hydrogen peroxide. Some implications of these findings in terms of the metabolism of hydroxyproline are discussed.
Laser communication system using wavelet-based multi-rate signaling

Free space optics (FSO) communication is a promising candidate for broadband applications, achieving bit rates far beyond possible by radio frequency (RF) technology. Communications via RF signals are generally reliable and well understood but cannot support emerging data rate needs unless they use a large portion of the precious radio spectrum, FSO communications offer enormous data rates but operate much more at the mercy of the environment. The perennial limitations of FSO communications are manifested in the channel attributes of scintillation (optical turbulence) and path obscurations. Both phenomena reduce the availability of the optical channel to support reliable communications. Since RF paths are relatively immune to the same phenomena, combining the attributes of a high data rate but bursty link (FSO) with the attributes of a low data rate (by comparison) but reliable link (RF) could yield attributes better than either one alone: high availability with high data rates. This transmission configuration is normally referred to as a hybrid RF/FSO wireless system [Kavehrad, M et al., 1990, 1991]. Increased FSO availability can ease the design of a hybrid radio, significantly. The focus of this paper is on a specific approach; fractal transmission on an FSO link, leading to improved availability of such links.
RADIATION-INDUCED NEOPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION IN VITRO, HORMESIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT

Dose-response curves for various low-LET radiation sources have consistently been demonstrated to be J-shaped for the cancer-relevant endpoint of neoplastic transformation in vitro. Most of these studies have been performed where the radiation has been delivered at intermediate to high dose-rates (30–3000 mGy/min), where the threshold dose for induction of neoplastic transformation is around 100–200 mGy. Below these doses, the transformation frequency is less than that seen spontaneously, indicative of a hormetic effect. More recently, data have been obtained for low dose rates ( 1000 mGy. Similar trends have been reported in animal experiments as well as in human epidemiologic studies. Indeed, the relative risks for induction of neoplastic transformation in vitro in the dose range 1 to 1000 mGy agree well with those for incidence of radiation-induced breast cancer and leukemia in humans. These findings support the notion that the endpoint of neoplastic transformation in vitro is a plausible endpoint to not only study mechanisms involved in response to low doses of radiation, but also to provide information of potential importance to risk assessment.
High Resolution Feshbach Spectroscopy of Cesium

We measure high-resolution Feshbach resonance spectra for ultracold cesium atoms colliding in different hyperfine and magnetic sublevels. More than 25 resonances are observed for magnetic fields up to 230 G and their positions are measured with an accuracy down to 0.03 G. From these spectra several ground-state molecular interaction parameters can be extracted with sufficient accuracy to permit for the first time an unambiguous and accurate determination of cesium's ultracold collision properties [P. J. Leo, C. J. Williams, and P. S. Julienne, following Letter, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 2721 (2000)].
Na+ fluxes in Chara under salt stress

The influx and efflux of Na + across the plasma membrane of Chara corallina and Chara longifolia were examined under mild salt stress conditions. Na + influx was found to be rapid in both species with the freely exchangeable cytoplasmic Na + coming into isotopic equilibrium with external 22 Na + within 1 h of exposure to isotope. Cytoplasmic Na + concentration and Na + influx were greater in C. corallina than in C. longifolia under the same conditions
Design and Performance Comparison of Single- and Double-Hot Arm Polysilicon Surface Micromachined Electrothermal Actuators and Arrays Applied to Realize a Microengine

Several microactuator technologies have been investigated for positioning individual elements in large-scale microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Electrostatic, magnetostatic, piezoelectric and thermal expansion represent the most common modes of microactuator operation. This research focuses on the design and comparative performance evaluation of asymmetrical electrothermal actuators. The motivation is to present a unified description of the behavior of the electrothermal actuator so that it can be adapted to a variety of microsensor and microactuator applications. This research compares the tip deflection performance of the asymmetrical single- and double-hot arm electrothermal actuator designs. Deflection measurements of both actuator designs as a function of arm length and applied electrical power are presented. As a practical application of the electrothermal actuator, the recent realization of a MEMS microengine is described, and evidence of its bi-directional motion is presented. The electrothermal actuator and microengine designs were accomplished with the MEMSProreg CAD software program, and they were fabricated using the MEMSCAP Integrated Microsystems Multi-User Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Processreg (MUMPs) foundry.
Localization of Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-Trisphosphate to Phagosomes in Entamoeba histolytica Achieved Using Glutathione S-Transferase- and Green Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Lipid Biosensors

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscess. Phagocytosis by the parasite is a critical virulence process, since it is a prerequisite for tissue invasion and establishment of chronic infection. While the roles of many of the proteins that regulate phagocytosis-related signaling events in E. histolytica have been characterized, the functions of lipids in this cellular process remain largely unknown in this parasite. In other systems, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)), a major product of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3-kinase) activity, is essential for phagocytosis. Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are protein domains that specifically bind to PIP(3). In this study, we utilized glutathione S-transferase (GST)- and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled PH domains as lipid biosensors to characterize the spatiotemporal aspects of PIP(3) distribution during various endocytic processes in E. histolytica. PIP(3)-specific biosensors accumulated at extending pseudopodia and in phagosomal cups in trophozoites exposed to erythrocytes but did not localize to pinocytic compartments during the uptake of a fluid-phase marker, dextran. Our results suggest that PIP(3) is involved in the early stages of phagosome formation in E. histolytica. In addition, we demonstrated that PIP(3) exists at high steady-state levels in the plasma membrane of E. histolytica and that these levels, unlike those in mammalian cells, are not abolished by serum withdrawal. Finally, expression of a PH domain in trophozoites inhibited erythrophagocytosis and enhanced motility, providing genetic evidence supporting the role of PI3-kinase signaling in these processes in E. histolytica.
GENERAL ROBUST DESIGN BY SEMI-SECOND-ORDER TAYLOR EXPANSION

The purpose of robust design optimization is to minimize variations in design performances and therefore to make the design insensitive to uncertainties. Current robust design methods fall into two types — probabilistic robust design and worst-case (interval) robust design. The former method is used when random variables are involved. In this method, robustness is measure by standard deviations of design performances. The later method is used when uncertainties are represented by intervals. The widths of design performances are then used to measure robustness. In many engineering application, both random variables and interval variables may exist simultaneously. In this paper, a general approach to robust design optimization is proposed. The generality comes from the ability to handle both random and interval variables. To alleviate the computational burden, we employ a previously developed general robustness assessment method — semi-second-order Taylor expansion method, to evaluate the maximum and minimum standard deviations of a design performance. An efficient integration strategy of the general robustness assessment and optimization is proposed. With the integration strategy, the number of function calls can be reduced while good accuracy is maintained. A robust shaft design problem is given for demonstration.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stabilization of Markovian jump linear systems with limited information - A convex approach

In this paper, we study the second order stabilization problem of Markovian jump linear systems (MJLSs) with logarithmically quantized state feedbacks. We give explicit constructions of the stabilizing logarithmic quantizer and controller. We also present a semi-convex way to determine the coarsest stabilizing quantization density. In addition, we show that the problem of stabilizing a linear time-invariant (LTI) system over a lossy channel can be viewed as a special example of the framework developed here. A contribution of the work is a simultaneous treatment of finite bandwidth constraints (logarithmic quantization) and latency in feedback channels.
SOME NEW STRUCTURAL ASPECTS AND OLD CONTROVERSIES CONCERNING THE CYTOCHROME b6f COMPLEX OF OXYGENIC PHOTOSYNTHESIS.

▪ Abstract The cytochrome b6f complex functions in oxygenic photosynthetic membranes as the redox link between the photosynthetic reaction center complexes II and I and also functions in proton translocation. It is an ideal integral membrane protein complex in which to study structure and function because of the existence of a large amount of primary sequence data, purified complex, the emergence of structures, and the ability of flash kinetic spectroscopy to assay function in a readily accessible ms–100 μs time domain. The redox active polypeptides are cytochromes f and b6 (organelle encoded) and the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (nuclear encoded) in a mol wt = 210,000 dimeric complex that is believed to contain 22–24 transmembrane helices. The high resolution structure of the lumen-side domain of cytochrome f shows it to be an elongate (75 A long) mostly β-strand, two-domain protein, with the N-terminal α-amino group as orthogonal heme ligand and an internal linear 11-A bound water chain. An unusual electr...
Structural Geology of the Specter Range Quadrangle, Nevada, and its Regional Significance

The Specter Range quadrangle, Nevada, lies across the projected trend of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone, a right-lateral fault zone with more than 25 miles of displacement. At the north end of the quadrangle a narrow strip of Paleozoic rocks is stratigraphically continuous and nearly continuous in outcrop across the projected trend of the shear zone, but shows no evidence of displacement by a large strike-slip fault. The Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone is interpreted as a deep crustal structure (Longwell, 1960), and in the Specter Range quadrangle most of the displacement on the shear zone at depth is taken up by bending in the overlying sedimentary rocks rather than by fracturing. The Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone should be regarded as a separate structure from the Walker Lane in the Cedar Mountain area. The westward extension of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone appears to be south of the western part of the Walker Lane. The most characteristic structural features of the Specter Range quadrangle are the high-angle faults, many of which are topographically expressed. Folding is relatively unimportant and local. Three sets of high-angle faults are recognized on the basis of similar strike: (1) a northwest set, (2) a north-south set, and (3) a northeast set. The north-south set is interpreted as a regional set of normal faults whereas the northwest and northeast sets are interpreted as right-lateral oblique-slip and left-lateral oblique-slip faults, respectively. Evidence indicates that the Johnnie thrust mapped by Nolan (1929) is not present in the Specter Range quadrangle. The contact between the Johnnie Formation and the overlying Stirling Quartzite is conformable in some places and not marked by a thrust. The “tectonic” contact visible at some localities is regarded as bedding-plane slip between competent and incompetent rock types.
Voltage-clamp analysis of halothane effects on GABAAfast and GABAAslow inhibitory currents

Abstract Voltage-clamped GABAA fast and GABAA slow inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were selectively elicited in hippocampal area CA1 pyramidal neurons. Clinically relevant concentrations of halothane (1.2 vol.%) prolonged both GABAA fast and GABAA slow IPSC decay times approximately 2.5 fold, while having little to no effect on current amplitudes or rise times. Current–voltage analysis revealed that IPSC reversal potentials (−70 to −75 mV) remained constant in the presence of halothane. Under control conditions, GABAA slow IPSC decay times increased linearly with membrane depolarization, and this IPSC decay time voltage dependence was not significantly altered by halothane. These results confirm the existence of separable GABAA fast and GABAA slow IPSCs in hippocampus, and further elucidate the effects of halothane on these currents.
Fast and memory efficient polygonal simplification

Conventional wisdom says that in order to produce high-quality simplified polygonal models, one must retain and use information about the original model during the simplification process. We demonstrate that excellent simplified models can be produced without the need to compare against information from the original geometry while performing local changes to the model. We use edge collapses to perform simplification, as do a number of other methods. We select the position of the new vertex so that the original volume of the model is maintained and we minimize the per-triangle change in volume of the tetrahedra swept out by those triangles that are moved. We also maintain surface area near boundaries and minimize the per-triangle area changes. Calculating the edge collapse priorities and the positions of the new vertices requires only the face connectivity and the the vertex locations in the intermediate model. This approach is memory efficient, allowing the simplification of very large polygonal models, and it is also fast. Moreover, simplified models created using this technique compare favorably to a number of other published simplification methods in terms of mean geometric error.
Differential Effects of Left versus Right Monaural Biofeedback for Heart Rate Increase

Cerebral lateralization in the voluntary increase of heart rate was investigated in a biofeedback experiment involving 20 right-handed female subjects randomly assigned to one of two groups: right or left ear input of stimulus and biofeedback information. The stimulus was a 1000 Hz tone which signalled the start and duration of 30 20-sec training trials. Feedback was a click presented every time an interbeat interval was shorter than a criterion established through a shaping schedule. A monetary bonus provided additional reinforcement at the end of each trial. Subjects given right ear feedback increased their heart rate significantly more than subjects given left ear feedback. The largest difference between the group means (7 bpm) was recorded after the first 20 training trials. The results are discussed in terms of hemispheric perceptual and functional differences.