cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wideband Pattern Nulling With Multiarmed Spiral Antennas

The wideband modes of multiarmed spiral antennas are studied, with the goal of obtaining insight into their potential for stable pattern nulling over extremely wide bandwidths. Using the mode theory, it is found that for stable and extremely wideband operation, a maximum of N-2 nulls may be inserted into an N-armed spiral's pattern. Single and multiple null insertions are demonstrated numerically and experimentally, using three-, four-, and eight-armed spirals. Spiral mode theory is also utilized to determine limitations imposed by the unequal mode impedances of the multiarmed spiral. Techniques for compensation of frequency-dependent null rotation are also discussed, where it is shown that a simple delay-line compensation technique is satisfactory for stabilizing the null locations over modest bandwidths. It is also shown that the number of nulls that can be practically inserted in the pattern is limited not only by the number of arms, but also by the size of the antenna.
Graphene: pushing the boundaries.

Grain boundaries in polycrystalline graphene are an obstacle to electron transport. However, cunning refinements in growth techniques push the limits to obtain super-sized single-crystal domains.
TNFα and PTH utilize distinct mechanisms to induce IL-6 and RANKL expression with markedly different kinetics

Abstract Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) are bone resorptive agents that upregulate interleukin-6 (IL-6) and RANKL production by osteoblasts. IL-6 mRNA expression induced by PTH is rapid and transient in osteoblasts both in vitro and in vivo. This study found that IL-6 secretion induced by PTH is also rapid and transient. The induction of RANKL mRNA by PTH is also rapid and transient although with an extended time course compared to that of IL-6 mRNA. In contrast, the effects of TNFα are biphasic. During the first 2 h of stimulation with TNFα, the responses are similar to those induced by PTH. This is followed by a period of relatively low IL-6 and RANKL mRNA levels and little IL-6 secretion. A late phase of increased IL-6 and RANKL mRNA expression occurs 12–24 h after stimulation with TNFα leading to a significant increase in IL-6 secretion. A similar biphasic pattern of activation of p38 MAP kinase is induced by TNFα. p38α/β activation is required for the increased RANKL mRNA during the early phase of stimulation by TNFα but not in the late phase. In contrast, p38α/β activation is not required for increased IL-6 mRNA or IL-6 protein secretion in either the early or late phases of stimulation by TNFα. Blocking the increases in IL-6 transcription completely eliminates IL-6 secretion induced during the early phases of stimulation by either PTH or TNFα. Consistent with the dependence on transcription, IL-6 mRNA is rapidly degraded with half-lives of 10–14 min following stimulation with either PTH or TNFα. In contrast to IL-6, RANKL mRNA is substantially more stable with half-lives of 40–60 min. Taken together, our results show that TNFα and PTH utilize distinct mechanisms to induce IL-6 and RANKL expression with markedly different kinetics. The more extensive effect of TNFα likely reflects that TNFα stimulates IL-6 production and bone resorption in pathological situations. In contrast, the less extensive effect of PTH likely reflects that it acts in physiological situations where it is important to minimize the potential adverse effects of high levels of IL-6 on bone and/or surrounding tissues.
MOVING INTO GLOBAL COMPETITION: A Case Study of Alabama's Recruitment of Mercedes‐Benz

Globalization is changing the game of economic development, but the emerging rules and optimal strategies remain somewhat unclear. The Mercedes case discussed in this article illustrates the rough and uncertain nature of this transition. From the perspective of the traditional strategy, the price of the jobs initially promised by Mercedes seemed high; and the ultimate cost was increased by the intense competition among the bidding states. Yet from another perspective, the incentives offered by Alabama can be viewed as “table stakes” for the new global game of economic development.
The gas dynamics of a conical nozzle molecular beam sampling system

Abstract We report on the performance of a miniature conical nozzle for a molecular beam mass spectrometry (MBMS) system. The gas dynamics for the expansion through a conical nozzle sampling orifice of the MBMS system was characterized by probing the gas density distribution of the flow field inside the nozzle with a movable conical skimmer orifice. The observed experimental density distributions for air (25°C) and hydrogen (25°C and 410°C) were formulated in a simple analytical relation, with a similarity parameter for each gas. The phenomenon of mass separation upon sampling was studied using a calibrated sample of argon and nitrogen in hydrogen and comparing the modulated beam signals with the calibrated compositions. It was found that the observed mass separation was in agreement with predictions from molecular diffusion theory.
Loblolly and slash pine height and diameter are related to soil drainage in winter on poorly drained silt loams

Soil drainage characteristics in winter and the heights and diameters of 10-year-old loblolly and slash pines (Pinus taeda L. and P. elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) were measured on three poorly-drained silt loam sites that had been bedded, furrowed, or disked before planting. Quadratic response functions were used to determine the relationship between depth to water table or volume of drained soil in winter and mean tree height or diameter. These quadratic response functions (species × height or diameter: drainage characteristics) showed that diameter and height were significantly related to soil drainage in winter on these silt loams soils. Slash pines grew better than loblolly pines under more poorly drained conditions while loblolly pines grew better under the better drained conditions. On unbedded silt loams, the soil drainage in winter needed to maximize tree height was 42 cm for loblolly and 49 cm for slash pine. Pines planted on beds did not generally grow better than those on flat-disked plots because where bedding would be most benefical the practice did not form enough additional drainage to significantly influence pine development.
Image-guided, Intravascular Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery to Skeletal Muscle in Pigs

Development of an effective, safe, and convenient method for gene delivery to muscle is a critical step toward gene therapy for muscle-associated diseases. Toward this end, we have explored the possibility of combining the image-guided catheter insertion technique with the principle of hydrodynamic delivery to achieve muscle-specific gene transfer in pigs. We demonstrate that gene transfer efficiency of the procedure is directly related to flow rate, injection pressure, and injection volume. The optimal gene delivery was achieved at a flow rate of 15 ml/second with injection pressure of 300 psi and injection volume equal to 1.5% of body weight. Under such a condition, hydrodynamic injection of saline containing pCMV-Luc (100 µg/ml) resulted in luciferase activity of 106 to 107 relative light units (RLU)/mg of proteins extracted from the targeted muscle 5 days after hydrodynamic gene delivery. Result from immunohistochemical analysis revealed 70–90% transfection efficiency of muscle groups in the hindlimb and persistent reporter gene expression for 2 months in transfected cells. With an exception of transient edema and elevation of creatine phosphokinase, no permanent tissue damage was observed. These results suggest that the image-guided, intravenous hydrodynamic delivery is an effective and safe method for gene delivery to skeletal muscle.
Stories of reading: Inside and outside the texts of portfolios

Abstract This essay employs Barbara Herrnstein Smith's notion of “contingencies of value,” the idea that evaluations of text vary because our readings take place in specific contexts and are shaped by cultural and historical exigencies. In this study, we apply this notion to the reading of student texts in a college composition portfolio assessment. Through an analysis of taped teacher discussions of students' writing and an examination of student responses to the grading process, we conclude that in every reading of a text (but especially in the reading of the multiple texts of a portfolio) readers posit an “implied author.” That is, based on their reading of a single text or portfolio, teacher-readers construct a persona that represents the author, and this projection can strongly influence the reader's evaluation of student work. Group discussions of portfolios allow teachers to expose and explore the value-laden nature of these judgments.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis: A Rare Pathogen for Osteomyelitis of the Foot

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an aggressive gram-positive bacteria that can lead to devastating infections in humans. S. lugdunensis has been associated with rare cases of osteomyelitis of the vertebra, prosthetic implants, and endocarditis. Reports of this organism associated with osteomyelitis of the foot or ankle have been infrequent. We present a unique case of acute osteomyelitis of a foot caused by S. lugdunensis after a patient stepped on a thorn. Our case is unique, because the radiographic changes were noted within 4 days, despite normal plain films and magnetic resonance images on the day of admission. This finding suggests the aggressiveness and virulence of S. lugdunensis. In addition, we report the first case of foot osteomyelitis as a result of isolated S. lugdunensis that involved 2 distinct specimens with 2 different antibiotic sensitivity reports.
Evaluation of volitional control of hand with vertical force assist device for high tetraplegia

Individuals with high tetraplegia have lost motor and sensory function below the neck. This population is highly disabled and requires some method of assistance to accomplish activities of daily living. To date, rehabilitative interventions available in the clinic are limited and have not been designed to exploit residual volitional control. The goal of this study was to validate the presence of volitional control at the hand in individuals with high tetraplegia when the arm is supported against gravity with a vertical assist device. Any volitional control is pertinent to the development of rehabilitative interventions for high tetraplegia because it can be utilized to improve the overall performance and user acceptance of the device. The results from this study provide evidence toward the possibility of an individual with high tetraplegia being able to position their hand and generate forces volitionally in a functional workspace if the weight of their arm is supported by a vertical assist device.
Duration of oral endotracheal intubation is associated with dysphagia symptoms in acute lung injury patients

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate demographic and clinical factors associated with self-reported dysphagia after oral endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Materials and methods This is a prospective cohort study of 132 ALI patients who had received mechanical ventilation via oral endotracheal tube. Results The primary outcome was binary, whether clinically important symptoms of dysphagia at hospital discharge were reported by patients, using the Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire score 200 or more. Of 132 patients, 29% reported clinically important symptoms of dysphagia. Of 18 relevant demographic and clinical variables, only 2 were found to be independently associated with clinically important symptoms of dysphagia in a multivariable logistic regression model: upper gastrointestinal comorbidity (odds ratio, 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-7.26) and duration of oral endotracheal intubation (odds ratio, 1.79; [95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.79] per day for first 6 days, after which additional days of intubation were not associated with a further increase in the odds of dysphagia). Conclusions In ALI survivors, patient-reported, postexubation dysphagia at hospital discharge was significantly associated with upper gastrointestinal comorbidity and a longer duration of oral endotracheal intubation during the first 6 days of intubation.
Pyroclastic block flow from the September, 1976, eruption of La Soufrière volcano, Guadeloupe

ERUPTION A phreatic eruption occurred at 19:22 H from a new set of fissures on the southeast side of the summit dome. The steam jet from the narrow fissure incorporated accessory fragments of the e~sting dome that ranged in size from 3 m blocks down to particles of a few microns in diameter. No juvenile material was erupted. The branching 550 m pyroclastic block flow is surrounded by a zone of total destruction extending out to 900 m from the vent. An outer zone of directed blast projects to at least 1500 nm Profiles of the destructive cloud and the pyroclastic flow allow energy decay curves to be constructed for this eruption. From these curves the potential surface for flows associated with this type of phreatic eruption can be constructed as an initial step in developing a volcanic hazard map.
The Conserved Core of a Human SIR2 Homologue Functions in Yeast Silencing

Silencing is a universal form of transcriptional regulation in which regions of the genome are reversibly inactivated by changes in chromatin structure. Sir2 (Silent Information Regulator) protein is unique among the silencing factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae because it silences the rDNA as well as the silent mating-type loci and telomeres. Discovery of a gene family of Homologues of Sir Two (HSTs) in organisms from bacteria to humans suggests that SIR2’s silencing mechanism might be conserved. The Sir2 and Hst proteins share a core domain, which includes two diagnostic sequence motifs of unknown function as well as four cysteines of a putative zinc finger. We demonstrate by mutational analyses that the conserved core and each of its motifs are essential for Sir2p silencing. Chimeras between Sir2p and a human Sir2 homologue (hSir2Ap) indicate that this human protein’s core can substitute for that of Sir2p, implicating the core as a silencing domain. Immunofluorescence studies reveal partially disrupted localization, accounting for the yeast–human chimeras’ ability to function at only a subset of Sir2p’s target loci. Together, these results support a model for the involvement of distinct Sir2p-containing complexes in HM/telomeric and rDNA silencing and that HST family members, including the widely expressed hSir2A, may perform evolutionarily conserved functions.
TEM and X-ray study of orthopyroxene megacrysts; microstructures and crystal chemistry

La diffraction RX sur monocristal et la microscopie optique indiquent que les orthopyroxenes avec partition (100) prononcee contiennent des lamelles d'amphibole et/ou d'oxydes. La microscopie electronique en transmission et la microscopie electronique analytique d'un megacrist d'orthopyroxene issu d'une anorthosite demontrent que ce pyroxene est un melange complexe de differents types de lamelles qui ont ete caracterisees par diffraction electronique, imagerie de microscopie electronique en transmission et microscopie Auger
Wnt and TGFbeta signals subdivide the AbdA Hox domain during Drosophila mesoderm patterning

Hox genes have large expression domains yet control the formation of fine pattern elements at specific locations. We have examined the mechanism underlying subdivision of the abdominal-A (abdA) Hox domain in the visceral mesoderm. AbdA directs formation of an embryonic midgut constriction at a precise location within the broad and uniform abdA expression domain. The constriction divides the abdA domain of the midgut into two chambers, the anterior one producing the Pointed (Pnt) ETS transcription factors and the posterior one the Odd-paired (Opa) zinc finger protein. Transcription of both pnt and opa is activated by abdA but the adjacent non-overlapping patterns are not due to mutual opa-pnt regulation. Near the anterior limit of the abdA domain, two signals, Dpp (a TGFbeta) and Wg (a Wnt), are produced, in adjacent non-overlapping patterns, under Hox control in mesoderm cells. The two signals are known to regulate local mesodermal cell fates and to signal to the endoderm. We find that, in addition, they precisely subdivide the abdA domain: Wg acts upon anterior abdA domain cells to activate pnt transcription, while Dpp is essential in the same region to prevent abdA from activating opa transcription. pnt activation is required to determine the appropriate numbers of mesodermal cells in the third midgut chamber.
Body image in women with HIV: a cross-sectional evaluation.

HIV lipodystrophy syndrome is a recognized complication of potent antiretroviral therapy and is characterized by often dramatic changes in various body fat stores, both central and peripheral. Given prior findings of heightened body image dysphoria among HIV-infected men with lipodystrophy as compared to HIV-infected men without lipodystrophy, we sought to determine body image among HIV-infected and HIV-negative women and to determine the relationship of HIV and lipodystrophy with body image. Our a priori hypothesis was that women with HIV and lipodystrophy would have significantly poorer body image as compared to women without HIV and to women with HIV without lipodystrophy. 116 women responded to two previously validated self-report instruments (Body Image Quality of Life Index (BIQLI) and the Situational Inventory of Body-Image Dysphoria – Short Form (SIBID-S)) on body image. 62 (53% subjects) HIV-infected women were recruited at the university-based HIV clinic. 54 (47% subjects) HIV-negative female controls were recruited from another study evaluating bone density in otherwise healthy controls. 96% identified their sexual orientation as women having sex with men. Among the HIV-infected group, 36 reported the presence of lipodystrophic characteristics and 26 reported no lipodystrophic changes. Agreement regarding the presence of lipodystrophy between physician and subject was 0.67 as measured by the kappa coefficient of agreement. Compared to HIV-negative women, HIV-positive women demonstrated poor body image as measured by BIQLI (p = 0.0009). Compared with HIV-infected women who denied lipodystrophy, HIV-infected women with self-reported lipodystrophy demonstrated poor body image as measured by BIQLI (p = 0.02) and SIBID-S scales (p = 0.001). We demonstrate that HIV and lipodystrophy status among women is associated with poor body image. Universal efforts should be made in the HIV medical community to recognize body image issues particularly among persons affected by lipodystrophy so that appropriate intervention and support may be provided.
Creating School-Age Versions of Semistructured Interviews for the Prodrome to Schizophrenia: Lessons From Case Reviews

There is an increasing emphasis on identifying individuals with schizophrenia earlier and earlier in their disease process, with the assumption that earlier identification translates into earlier treatment, which translates into improved outcome. Unfortunately, one age cohort, children under 13 years of age, have been excluded from this critical alteration in clinical intervention strategy, and its associated improved clinical outcome. One of the barriers to inclusion of younger children is the lack of knowledge about diagnostic issues related to attenuated psychotic symptoms in this age sample. This report focuses on our experience with evaluating attenuated psychotic symptoms in young children, in particular subthreshold hallucinations and delusions, using semistructured interviews. The inclusion of both Caregiver and Child report sections and the addition of concrete, detailed examples of clearconscience, non-stress-related subthreshold psychotic symptoms are likely to be necessary.
Synthetic aperture radar image processing on parallel supercomputers

We briefly discuss three algorithms used to process synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images: a polar reformat­ ter that maps raw SAR data to a rectangular mesh, 2-d FFTs that the data set to a real image, and phase gradient autofocusing which creates clear images by cor­ recting blurs resulting from uncompensated phase errors. Implementation details and performance data for the algo­ rithms are given for two parallel supercomputers, a nCUBE 2 hypercube and a CM-2. Portions of the algo­ rithms execute at gigaflop speeds, meaning that large SAR data sets (16,384 x 65,536) can be processed in tens of minutes instead of hours as on conventional supercomput­ ers. Equally significantly, the gigabytes of internal mem­ ory on the parallel machines allow entire images to be
Locking key ranges with unbundled transaction services

To adapt database technology to new environments like cloud platforms or multi-core hardware, or to try anew to provide an extensible database platform, it is useful to separate transaction services from data management elements that need close physical proximity to data. With "generic" transactional services of concurrency control and recovery in a separate transactional component (TC), indexing, cache and disk management, now in a data component (DC), can be simplified and tailored more easily to the platform or to a data type extension with a special purpose index. This decomposition requires that details of the DC's management of data be hidden from the TC. Thus, locking and logging need to be "logical", which poses a number of problems. One problem is the handling of locking for ranges of keys. Locks need to be taken at the TC prior to the records and their keys being known to the TC. We describe generic two approaches for dealing with this. (1) Make a "speculative" visit" to the DC to learn key values. (2) Lock a "covering resource" first, then learn and lock key values and ultimately release the covering resource lock. The "table" is the only logical (and hence known to the TC) covering resourse in the traditional locking hierarchy, but using it limits concurrency. Concurrency is improved with the introduction of new partition resources. We show how partitions as covering resources combine high concurrency with low locking overhead. Using partitions is sufficiently effective to consider adapting it for a traditional database kernel.
BIST assisted wideband digital compensation for MB-UWB transmitters

The recent demand in wireless standards capable of providing short-range, high-speed data transfer has accelerated the growth of the Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) standard. MB-OFDM (Multi Band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) UWB devices suffer from frequency dependent non-idealities due to extreme wideband operation (3.1 to 10.6 GHz). Further these characteristics are subjected to process variations when implemented in nanometer technologies. In this paper we propose two BIST assisted methodologies for estimation and compensation of these effects. The proposed solutions differ in hardware vs. software tradeoffs. The improvement in the linearity of the mixer over a set of process instances and the tradeoffs involved are presented to validate the proposed methodology.
Effect of Tangential Dither Signal on Friction Induced Oscillations in an SDOF Model

This work examines how friction-induced oscillations in a traditional mass-on-a-moving-belt system are affected by high-frequency excitations, commonly referred to as dither signals. Two different friction laws are considered: a Stribeck friction law governed by a relationship that is cubic in the slip velocity, and an exponentially-based friction law that steadily decreases with slip velocity. Although in both cases the friction force has an initial negative slope versus relative velocity, their stability characteristics are quite different. In particular, it is shown that tangential dither can either stabilize or destabilize an initially stable system, depending on the nature of the friction law, and on other system and dither parameters. The behavior of the systems is studied through use of an averaging technique and through direct numerical simulation. The numerical study validates the stability predictions from the averaging method, and quantifies the partial-cancellation performance of tangential dither.
Epitaxy of Co-Metal Superilattices

Magnetic superlattices are of great current interest due to the improvement of crystal growth techniques for their preparation and their potential for practical applications in high density magnetic recording. It is apparent that a strong correlation exists between structural and magnetic properties of these supcrlattices. Careful sample preparation and structural characterization arc necessary in order to tailor their magnetic properties. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) provides the capability for controlled crystal growth and in-situ strtuctoral, chemical and physical characterization. Ex-situ techniques such as X-ray diffraction and high-resolution TEM, also provide insight into interfaces in these structures. Co layers sandwiched with Au, Cu and Pt layers of various thickness are discussed in this paper.
Binding to Nonmethylated CpG DNA Is Essential for Target Recognition, Transactivation, and Myeloid Transformation by an MLL Oncoprotein

The MLL gene is a frequent target for leukemia-associated chromosomal translocations that generate dominant-acting chimeric oncoproteins. These invariably contain the amino-terminal 1,400 residues of MLL fused with one of a variety of over 30 distinct nuclear or cytoplasmic partner proteins. Despite the consistent inclusion of the MLL amino-terminal region in leukemia oncoproteins, little is known regarding its molecular contributions to MLL-dependent oncogenesis. Using high-resolution mutagenesis, we identified three MLL domains that are essential for in vitro myeloid transformation via mechanisms that do not compromise subnuclear localization. These include the CXXC/Basic domain and two novel domains of unknown function. Point mutations in the CXXC domain that eliminate myeloid transformation by an MLL fusion protein also abolished recognition and binding of nonmethylated CpG DNA sites in vitro and transactivation in vivo. Our results define a critical role for the CXXC DNA binding domain in MLL-associated oncogenesis, most likely via epigenetic recognition of CpG DNA sites within the regulatory elements of target genes.
Inversion of seismic reflection traveltimes using a nonlinear optimization scheme

We present the use of a nonlinear optimization scheme called generalized simulated annealing to invert seismic reflection times for velocities, reflector depths, and lengths. A finite-difference solution of the eikonal equation computes reflection traveltimes through the velocity model and avoids ray tracing. We test the optimization scheme on synthetic models and compare it with results from a linearized inversion. The synthetic tests illustrate that, unlike linear inversion schemes, the results obtained by the optimization scheme are independent of the initial model. The annealing method has the ability to produce a suite of models that satisfy the data equally well. We make use of this property to determine the uncertainties associated with the model parameters obtained. Synthetic examples demonstrate that allowing the reflector length to vary, along with its position, helps the optimization process obtain a better solution. We put this to use in imaging the Garlock fault, whose geometry at depth is poorly known. We use reflection times picked from shot gathers recorded along COCORP Mojave Line 5 to invert for the Garlock fault and velocities within the Cantil Basin below Fremont Valley, California. The velocities within the basin obtained by our optimization scheme are consistent with earlier studies, though our results suggest that the basin might extend l-2 km further south. The reconstructed reflector seems to suggest shallowing of the dip of the Garlock fault at depth.
Congenital syphilis: not gone and all too forgotten.

Author Affiliations: Division of STD Prevention, U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Kamb ML)Corresponding Author: Mary L. Kamb, MD, MPH, Division of STD Prevention, U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Email: mlk5@cdc.gov)doi:10.1007/s12519-010-0024-3
CTENACANTHUS AND OTHER CHONDRICHTHYAN SPINES AND DENTICLES FROM THE MINTURN FORMATION (PENNSYLVANIAN) OF COLORADO

Abstract Chondrichthyan spines and dermal denticles are reported from the Middle Pennsylvanian Minturn Formation, Eagle County, Colorado. The most common element is a dorsal finspine referred to Ctenacanthus buttersi St. John and Worthen, 1883. Some of the specimens are more complete distally than the holotype and only previously figured specimen of C. buttersi. Less common remains include a dorsal finspine referred to Acondylacanthus nuperus St. John and Worthen, 1883, a smooth-ribbed dorsal finspine close to “Ctenacanthus” furicarinatus Newberry, 1875, a spine fragment probably referrable to Physonemus sp., and two large-noded dorsal finspines probably referrable to two different species of Bythiacanthus. Dermal denticles are referred to Petrodus patelliformis M'Coy, 1848. Ctenacanthus buttersi finspines and some large cladodont teeth, referred to “Symmorium” occidentalis (Leidy), 1859, may belong to the same species. This conjecture is based mainly on the relative abundances of chondrichthyan teeth fou...
Truth or Legality: The Limits on the Laundering of Illegally Gathered Evidence in a State Under the Rule of Law (Verdad o Legalidad: Los Límites del Blanqueo de Pruebas Ilegalmente Recogidas en un Estado de Derecho) (Spanish)

This paper discusses the tension between the constitutional rights to silence and to privacy and the important goal of criminal procedure to ascertain the truth. It traces exclusionary rules from the inquisitorial rules relating to nullities, to modern constitutional, statutory and jurisprudential rules for excluding illegally gathered evidence.
Calu-3: a human airway epithelial cell line that shows cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion

Of 12 cell lines derived from human lung cancers, only Calu-3 cells showed high transepithelial resistance (Rte) and increases in short-circuit current (Isc) in response to mediators. Calu-3 cells ...
Substrate Dependent Texture and Heteroepitaxy for Group IIIA Nitride Films by the X-Ray Precession Method

The X-ray precession method has been utilized to study texture and heteroepitaxy for thin films of the Group IIIA nitrides deposited on a variety of amorphous and single-crystal substrates. Films of InN were synthesized by reactive rfmagnetron sputtering [employing an elemental target and N 2 as the sputtering gas], while the GaN films were deposited by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition [utilizing (CH 3 ) 3 Ga and NH 3 as sources]. The quality of (00.1) textured films of InN on fused quartz and slightly off-axis (111) Si are taken as initial examples of the versatility of the X-ray precession method. The powder rings evolving from a lack of azimuthal coherence for InN films grown on quartz are contrasted with the scattering from weakly correlated (pseudo heteroepitaxial) domains for films grown on (111) Si. These latter scattering features are then compared with those from the true heteroepitaxial deposition of InN onto the (111) face of cubic ZrO 2 . And, finally, the scattering from the heteroepitaxial growth of InN and GaN on the (00.1) face of sapphire and some initial studies on the effect of nucleation layers on twinning in the GaN films are presented.
Systems Biology of Photobiological Hydrogen Production by Purple Non-sulfur Bacteria

Photosynthetic purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) can naturally convert electrons from organic compounds, protons from water, and energy from light into H2 gas, via the enzyme nitrogenase. In 2004, the first PNSB genome sequence was reported, that of Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain CGA009. The CGA009 genome sequence revealed natural attributes that favored H2 accumulation and revealed further potential for enhancing H2 production. Since then, the genomes of several more Rp. palustris species and other PNSB have been sequenced. Comparing these genomes has led to new ideas for improving the substrate range, rate, and photosynthetic efficiency of H2 production. Furthermore, systems biology or ‘omics’ approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and fluxomics have been applied. Many of these systems level approaches have focused on the regulation and activity of nitrogenase – the enzyme responsible for H2 production. Guided by these approaches, metabolic engineering has targeted metabolic pathways that compete with H2 production for electrons, leading to strains with higher H2 yields and potentially linking the survival of these strains to the production of H2 biofuel. A systems level examination of PNSB is now turning to characterize largely unexplored but potentially crucial aspects involved in H2 production including non-coding small RNAs and post-translational modifications. Systems biology approaches are also being designed to eliminate experimenter bias and highlight genes of unknown function that contribute to H2 production, ideally providing clues to their function and their place in bacterial physiology. This chapter describes the contributions of systems biology to our understanding and application of H2 production by PNSB, focusing on Rhodopseudomonas palustris and referencing examples from other PNSB.
Wszystkie stopnie widoczności. Mishki Hennera widoki z góry

Making use of satellite images from surveillance and government sources, Belgian artist Mishka Henner exposes two of America's most lucrative economies, oil and meat. His series "Pumped" and "Feedlots" give view to landscapes marked by the largescale production of the nation's most sought after commodities.
Implementing an Open-Access, Data Science Programming Environment for Learners

A key retention issue when educating computing novices is ensuring that the frustrations of mastering programming fundamentals do not demotivate and discourage students from studying the discipline. In particular, non-CS majors often struggle to find relevance in traditional computing curricula that tend to either emphasize abstract concepts, focus on non-practical entertainment (e.g., game and animation design), or rely on decontextualized settings. To address these issues, this paper introduces BlockPy, a block-based environment for Python (http://www.blockpy.com). BlockPy is a web-based, open-access programming environment that supports introductory programming with an emphasis on data science. It promotes long-term transfer by scaffolding an introduction to textual programming (Python) through a block-based programming view, ideal for beginners of any background. By supporting the latest Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards, BlockPy is designed to support both informal learners and formal class settings. Specifically, it can be configured to provide guiding feedback for its interactive programming problems, so as to support learners at their own pace. The results from a pilot study of the initial deployment and utilization of BlockPy indicate the potential of the environment to address many of the problems faced by novice learners.
Distribution, Risks, and Responses to Parkinson's Disease.

Edited byJacquelyn H. Flaskerud, RN, PhD, FAANUniversity of California, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, California, USAEdited byJanna Lesser, RN, PhDUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San...
Shadows of a Sunbelt City: The Environment, Racism, and the Knowledge Economy in Austin

Austin, the capital of Texas, is well known as a high-tech center for innovation and education. This reputation stems from its high quality of life, its dynamic culture, and its “farsighted local g...
Communitarian regionalism in India: how lessons from the New Deal Greenbelt Town programme translated to postwar India

ABSTRACTThis article examines transnational planning history following the Second World War with a focus on the diffusion of Western planning principles to postwar India by US architect-planner Albert Mayer. Specifically, Mayer’s role as a foreign advisor to the Indian government from 1946 to 1958 and the application of a US communitarian regionalist planning ethos to rural village improvement and town planning at Cawnpore (Kanpur), Greater Bombay (Mumbai), and Chandigarh is explored. Using the stages of transnational planning flows as a framework, we review the foundations of communitarian regionalism in American planning practice and Mayer’s participation in the New Deal Greenbelt Town programme to inform his translation, in partnership with American and Indian planners, of these town planning principles to suit postwar Indian planning needs. This comparative assessment allows us to present a re-examination of the transfer and adaptation of Western planning as well as exchanges of knowledge and practice...
Effects of increasing IV tPA-treated stroke mimic rates at CT-based centers on clinical outcomes

Objective: To determine to what degree stroke mimics skew clinical outcomes and the potential effects of incorrect stroke diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective analysis of data from 2005 to 2014 included IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)–treated adults with clinical suspicion for acute ischemic stroke who were transferred or admitted directly to our 2 hub hospitals. Primary outcome measures compared CT-based spoke hospitals9 and MRI-based hub hospitals9 mimic rates, hemorrhagic transformation, follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and discharge disposition. Secondary outcomes were compared over time. Results: Of the 725 thrombolysis-treated patients, 29% were at spoke hospitals and 71% at hubs. Spoke hospital patients differed from hubs by age (mean 62 ± 15 vs 72 ± 15 years, p Conclusions: Thrombolysis of stroke mimics is increasing at our CT-based spoke hospitals and not at our MRI-based hub hospitals. Caution should be used in interpreting clinical outcomes based on large stroke databases when stroke diagnosis at discharge is unclear. Inadvertent reporting of treated stroke mimics as strokes will artificially elevate overall favorable clinical outcomes with additional downstream costs to patients and the health care system.
Interaction of central venous pressure, intramuscular pressure, and carotid baroreflex function

Seven healthy volunteer men participated in an experiment involving lower body positive pressure (LBPP) of 30 Torr and acute volume expansions of 5-6% (VE-I) and 9-10% (VE-II) of their total blood volume (TBV) to differentiate the effect of increased intramuscular pressure and central venous pressure (CVP) on the maximal gain (Gmax) of the carotid baroreflex. During each experimental condition, the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP; intraradial artery or Finapres), and CVP (at the 3rd-4th intercostal space) were monitored continuously. Gmax was derived from the logistic modeling of the HR and MAP responses to ramped changes in carotid sinus transmural pressure using a protocol of pulsatile changes in neck chamber pressure from +40 to -65 Torr. The increase in CVP during +30-Torr LBPP was 1.5 mmHg (P 0.05). The Gmax of the carotid baroreflex of HR and MAP was significantly decreased during LBPP by -0.145 +/- 0.039 beats x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (38%) and -0.071 +/- 0.013 mmHg/mmHg (25%), respectively; however, VE-I did not affect Gmax. During VE-II, CVP was significantly greater than that elicited by LBPP, and the Gmax of the carotid baroreflex of the HR and MAP responses was significantly reduced. We conclude that carotid baroreflex responsiveness was selectively inhibited by increasing intramuscular pressure, possibly resulting in an activation of the intramuscular mechanoreceptors during LBPP. Furthermore, it would appear that the inhibition of the carotid baroreflex, via cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading (increased CVP), occurred when a threshold pressure (CVP) was achieved.
Tweet You Very Much: An Analysis of Candidate Twitter Usage from the 2016 Iowa Caucus to Super Tuesday

The 2016 presidential primary featured the widespread use of Twitter by candidates. This chapter examines Twitter use by the two leading candidates from each party (Trump, Cruz, Clinton, and Sanders) from the Iowa Caucus through Super Tuesday. Their strategies reflected scholarly findings as well as unique aspects of their situations. They attacked other primary candidates and the other party, publicized policy positions, promoted campaign organizations, and informed supporters. Trump and Cruz, reflecting their crowded race, aimed more attacks at other Republicans. Meanwhile, Democrats tweeted more about policy and attacked each other less. Clinton’s presumptive nominee status and resource advantage allowed her to attack her primary opponent least, focusing instead on attacking Republicans and tweeting information about herself, while Trump, Cruz, and Sanders tried to make up for their relative organizational weaknesses. Clinton’s strategy reflected scholars’ expectations for incumbents, while the others to some extent reflected the strategies associated with challengers.
Usefulness of the Luciferase Reporter System to Test the Efficacy of siRNA

Small interefence RNA (siRNA) has revamped the technology of gene silencing in cultured mammalian cells after its first demonstration by Tushl et al. 4 yr ago. To circumvent the cost and the inconvenience in identifying a unique siRNA duplex that can quench target gene expression, we devised a reporter-based system to test knockdown efficiency of selected siRNAs. We demonstrated that this luciferase-based siRNA testing system can be used to evaluate the knockdown efficiency of a directly transfected siRNA duplex or an siRNA expressed from a lentiviral vector.
Pathways of Association from Stress to Obesity in Early Childhood.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to critically review the literature on early life stress in relation to obesity in humans, including the multiple biological and behavioral mechanisms through which early life stress exposure (birth to the age of 5 years) may associate with obesity risk during childhood. METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to identify studies on associations between early childhood stress and risk for obesity and the mechanisms of association. Multiple databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Google Scholar) were used in the search as well as a "snowball" search strategy. All study designs were included. RESULTS Early life stress and adverse childhood experiences are associated with obesity and overweight in adults. Evidence is less consistent in children. Studies vary in the nature of the stress examined (e.g., chronic vs. acute), sample characteristics, and study designs. Longitudinal studies are needed, as the effects of early life stress exposure may not emerge until later in the life-span. Early life stress exposure is associated with biological and behavioral pathways that may increase risk for childhood obesity. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that early life stress is associated with multiple biological and behavioral pathways in children that may increase risk for later obesity. Little work has detailed the interconnections among these mechanisms across development or identified potential moderators of the association. Mapping the mechanisms connecting early life stress exposure to obesity risk in young children longitudinally should be a priority for obesity researchers. Recommendations for developmentally sensitive approaches to research that can inform obesity prevention strategies are presented.
The Operational Development and Empirical Testing of the Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP–18)

The Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18) is a structured professional judgment instrument for threat assessment of the individual terrorist. It is a rationally derived theoretical model comprising eight proximal warning behaviors and 10 distal characteristics. Empirical research on the TRAP-18 is reviewed, including both nomothetic and idiographic studies of individual terrorists in both the United States and Europe. Mean interrater reliability is 0.895 (Cohen's kappa), ranging from 0.69 to 1.0. Evidence of criterion validity has been demonstrated, including usefulness of the instrument across various extremist ideologies (jihadism, ethnic nationalism, and single-issue), and its ability to discriminate between thwarted and successful attackers. The instrument appears to advance the domain recommendations of Monahan (2012, 2016) for the risk assessment of the individual terrorist. The TRAP-18 is further discussed as a threat assessment instrument for mental health clinicians. The limitations of the current research provide direction for further studies to assess its reliability and construct, discriminant, and predictive validity.
Plantain (Starchy Banana) and Breadfruit

According to Sauer, the banana was probably among the first plants domesticated by man. This occurred in southeast Asia, probably Malaya. At that time vegetative parts were used as food since fruits were inedible. During the evolution of the banana, the first and crucial event to take place was the occurrence of the parthenocarpic fruit. First records of bananas were in India about 500–600 BC; also, there are records of this fruit growing in China about 200 AD. Subsequently, banana spread from its place of origin to Africa and to the Mediterranean region before 650 AD. It was introduced to the New World in post-Columbian times.
CRUSTACEAN LARVAL PHOTOTAXIS: POSSIBLE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

ABSTRACT Light adapted larvae from the estuarine crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii show a positive phototaxis to moderate and high light intensities, but become negative at lower intensities. The pattern reverses upon dark adaptation. The negative phototaxis by light adapted larvae is speculated to participate in predator avoidance and/or diurnal vertical migration. Present evidence suggests that it is probably not involved in migration, since the light intensity level necessary for producing this behavior exceeds that which initiates negative phototaxis. In addition, estuarine light measurements indicate that the rate of intensity decrease at sunset may be slower than dark adaptation. Thus, it is predicted that the negative phototaxis probably functions primarily during predator avoidance in the higher light intensities, which occur near the surface of the water during the day.
Virulence Determinants of Bartonella bacilliformis

Understanding the molecular basis for pathogenesis in B. bacilliformis will serve as a model system to study virulence mechanisms in other hemotrophic bacterial pathogens. A more comprehensive understanding of pathogenesis is important,as many species of bartonella, including B. quintana, B. henselae, and B. elizabethae, are recognized as emerging pathogens of clinical importance.Examples that illustrate the increasing clinical impact of the genus include the secondary infection of AIDS patients with B. henselae and the recent outbreak of urban trench fever (B. quintana) in Seattle.39 The development of a transformation system using electroporation40 and the genetic mapping of the B. bacilliformis genome 41 are enhancing our ability to continue the characterization and genetic manipulation of the virulence factors of B. bacilliformis.
Modulation of Resistance Genes: Two Paths to Alternaria Resistance in Apple.

Apple ( Malus × domestica ) is a major fruit crop worldwide that faces production losses due to many pathogens. Among them, Alternaria alternata is a fungal pathogen that causes necrotic leaf spots (see [figure][1]), defoliation, and moldy fruit cores and constitutes a serious threat to orchards.