cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Egress from the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001

This paper describes the occupant evacuation of World Trade Center (WTC) 1 and WTC 2 on September 11, 2001. Multiple sources of information were collected and analyzed: over 1,000 new interviews with survivors (including 803 telephone interviews, 225 face-to-face interviews, and 6 focus groups); over 700 published interviews; 9-1-1 emergency calls; transcripts of emergency communications, historical building design drawings, memoranda, and calculations; formal complaints filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and other relevant materials. The population in WTC 1 and WTC 2 on September 11, 2001, at 8:46:30 a.m. is enumerated and described, where the characteristics of the population were relevant to the subsequent evacuation, including training, experience, mobility status, among others. The progress of the evacuation of both towers is described in a quasi-chronological manner from 8:46:30 a.m. when WTC 1 was attacked, until 10:28:22 a.m., when WTC 1 collapsed.
High temperature condensates among meteors

It is noted that two meteors which exhibited no lines of iron or sodium in their spectra have been tentatively attributed to aubrites in order to explain their lack of iron. It is shown, however, that no meteorites, including aubrites, have simultaneously low abundances of iron and sodium and that possible parent materials other than aubrites must be considered for the observed meteors. Other possible parent materials considered in this letter include melilite and diopside, two minerals containing both Ca and Mg but neither Fe nor Na. It is suggested that meteoroids rich in Ca and Mg but lacking Fe and Na might form a reservoir for the so-called 'lost' elements (Ca, Mg, Al, Ti, the lanthanides, and other refractory elements) which are depleted in ordinary and enstatite chondrites relative to cosmic abundances.
Laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resections in patients with Crohn's disease: Are abscesses, phlegmons, or recurrent disease contraindications?

Abstract Background. Because of the inflammatory nature of Crohn's disease, ileocolic resections are often difficult to perform, especially if an abscess, phlegmon, or recurrent disease at a previous ileocolic anastomosis is present. Our goal was to determine whether the above factors are contraindications to a successful laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection. Methods. Between 1992 and 1996, 46 laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resections were attempted. Fourteen patients had an abscess or phlegmon treated with bowel rest before operation (group I), 10 patients had recurrent Crohn's disease at the previous ileocolic anastomosis (group II), and 22 patients had no previous operation and no phlegmon or abscess associated with their disease (group III). These groups were compared with each other and with 70 consecutive open ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease during the same time period (group IV). Results. Operative blood loss and time were greater in group IV than in groups I, II, and III (245 versus 151, 131, and 195 ml, respectively, and 202 versus 152, 144, and 139 minutes, respectively). Conversion to open procedure occurred in 5 patients (group I, 1 [7%]; group II, 2 [20%]; group III, 2 [9%]). Morbidity was highest in group IV(21 % versus 0%, 10%, and 10%, respectively). Only one patient died (group IV, 1%). Length of hospital stay was longest in group IV (7.9 versus 4.8, 3.9, and 4.5 days, respectively). Conclusions. The laparoscopic-assisted approach to Crohn's disease is feasible and safe with good outcomes. Co-morbid preoperative findings such as abscess, phlegmon, or recurrent disease at the previous ileocolic anastomosis are not contraindications to a successful laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection in select patients.
c-Myb and p300 regulate hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

Summary Precise control of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation and differentiation is needed to maintain a lifetime supply of blood cells. Using genome-wide ENU mutagenesis and phenotypic screening, we have identified a mouse line that harbors a point mutation in the transactivation (TA) domain of the transcription factor c- Myb (M303V), which reduces c-Myb-dependent TA by disrupting its interaction with the transcriptional coactivator p300. The biological consequences of the c- Myb M303V/M303V mutation include thrombocytosis, megakaryocytosis, anemia, lymphopenia, and the absence of eosinophils. Detailed analysis of hematopoiesis in c- Myb M303V/M303V mice reveals distinct blocks in T cell, B cell, and red blood cell development, as well as a remarkable 10-fold increase in the number of HSCs. Cell cycle analyses show that twice as many HSCs from c- Myb M303V/M303V animals are actively cycling. Thus c-Myb, through interaction with p300, controls the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
High mobility group protein HMGI(Y) enhances tumor cell growth, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND The high mobility group protein HMGI(Y) has oncogenic properties and correlates with an aggressive phenotype in prostate cancer. The molecular mechanisms involved in transformation associated with HMGI(Y) overexpression remain unknown. METHODS The HMG-I isoform was transfected and overexpressed in nonmetastatic Dunning prostate cancer cells (G cells) without detectable HMGI(Y). The assays of cell proliferation, tumor formation, in vitro invasion, and cDNA microarray were performed to assess the effect of HMGI(Y) overexpression in the transfected G cells. RESULTS Overexpression of HMG-I in G cells significantly increases cell proliferation and tumor growth and also modestly enhances in vitro invasion compared to mock transfectant. cDNA microarray revealed that expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) proform was increased eightfold in G cells overexpressing HMG-I. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of HMG-I in prostate cancer cells enhances cell growth, invasion, and expression of the proform of MMP-2, which may initiate early steps involved in the metastatic cascade. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sudden cardiac death: Epidemiologic and financial worldwide perspective

The term sudden cardiac death (SCD) implies the sudden and unexpected loss of an active, productive member of the community. SCD is typically attributed to lethal ventricular arrhythmias; however, these arrhythmias are impossible to diagnose after the fact. Epidemiologic analyses, therefore, rely on inference of the cause of death. Estimates of the incidence of are SCD variable but it may be as high as 1 per 1,000 per year. The cost of SCD to society is incalculable. Current strategies for preventing SCD rely on risk assessment for cardiology patients and implantation of defibrillators (ICD) in high risk patients. Unfortunately, the absolute number of SCDs that occur in the general (relatively low-risk) population is large compared to the number of SCDs in the high risk population. Therefore, prevention of SCD in high risk populations is unlikely to prevent the majority of SCDs. Cost-effectiveness of ICD implantation for prevention of SCD has been studied; ICDs appear to meet U.S. and European criteria for cost-effectiveness if their benefit extends to at least 7-8 years. However, therapies considered cost-effective may nonetheless be too costly for most worldwide societies. Currently, investigators are focusing on refining risk stratification, partly in hopes of identifying patients for whom ICD implantation will not be useful.
Use of differential display for the identification of touch-induced genes from an ethylene-insensitive Arabidopsis mutant and partial characterization of these genes.

Summary Touch has been shown to affect plant growth and development and ethylene has been shown to have similar effects. However, the mechanisms responsible for touch-induced responses remain unclear. Differential display PCR was used to identify touch-regulated genes from 3-week-light-grown ethylene-insensitive etr1-3 Arabidopsis (Columbia ecotype) mutant plants. The differential display PCR screening process yielded 32 cDNA fragments. Subsequent screening of the 32 fragments using northern analysis yielded three touch-inducible clones (A8A, G5A and G7F). These three cDNA were then used to screen a cDNA library. A 1.2 kb fragment for OPR3 was obtained from A8A screenings. This cDNA fragment encodes 12-oxophytodienoate-10, 11-reductase (OPR), an enzyme in the jasmonic acid biosynthetic pathway. OPR3 was found to be induced by touch, wounding, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), NaCl and CaCl2 while ethylene and darkness had no effect. A 2 kb cDNA encoding a calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK32) was obtained with G5A screenings. CDPK32 was shown to be induced by touch, wounding, NaCl and darkness while ethylene and MeJA had little or no effect. A 1.4 kb cDNA encoding a novel protein was recovered from the cDNA library screenings with a G7F fragment. This cDNA had some sequence similarity to GDA1 and was designated GDL for GDA1-like cDNA. GDL was activated by touch, wounding, MeJA, NaCl and CaCl2 while there was no induction with ethylene and darkness. Using differential display PCR we have successfully been able to identify three clones that are inducible by touch and not by ethylene.
Clear cell eccrine carcinomas of the skin. A clinicopathologic study of nine patients.

Background. Sweat gland carcinomas with clear cell features are extremely rare neoplasms, with few well documented cases reported in the literature. Methods. Data on nine patients with malignant eccrine adnexal neoplasms characterized by a prominent clear cell neoplastic component were studied. Immuno-histochemical stains with a panel of antibodies against epithelial, stromal, and neural antigens were performed on five tumors and electron microscopic examination of one. Results. The tumors showed a spectrum of histologic features and growth patterns that ranged from well differentiated, low grade malignant neoplasms to poorly differentiated, highly aggressive, recurrent, and metastasizing tumors. All tumors contained a varied proportion of cells with abundant clear cytoplasm, similar to those seen in a group of benign eccrine adnexal neoplasms that have been variously designated as clear cell hidradenoma, nodular hidradenoma, clear cell myoepithelioma, and eccrine acrospiroma. Immunohistochemical stains on five tumors and ultrastructural examination in one were consistent with eccrine differentiation. Clinical follow-up of eight patients showed local recurrence in six, followed by metastases in three, despite local excision, radiation, and chemotherapy. Criteria for differentiating these tumors from their benign counterparts and from other types of malignant adnexal neoplasms and metastatic lesions are presented. Conclusions. The findings indicate that clear cell eccrine carcinomas comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions that may range from locally recurring, low grade well differentiated tumors to highly aggressive, high grade tumors with a definite potential for uncontrollable local recurrence and metastasis. Wide surgical excision is recommended as the primary treatment for such neoplasms.
Long-term management of bilateral, multifocal, recurrent renal carcinoma

Patients with bilateral multifocal renal cell carcinoma are at increased risk of developing locally recurrent or de novo tumors after nephron-sparing procedures. When dealing with recurrent renal masses the options are limited to observation, total nephrectomy, ablation, or repeat surgical intervention. The main reason for recurrence after nephron-sparing surgery is likely to be the presence of multifocal disease, which is identified in 4.3-25.0% of radical nephrectomy specimen. Bilateral renal involvement is seen in almost 90% of cases of multifocal renal carcinoma, and conversely the majority of patients with bilateral disease will have multifocal tumors. Many patients who are treated for multifocal disease, therefore, require subsequent surgical interventions. The outcome data for repeat renal interventions demonstrate reasonable functional and oncologic outcomes despite higher rates of perioperative complications. Our own results support the use of reoperative renal surgery rather than total nephrectomy and renal replacement therapy.
Why Sportsmanship Programs Fail, and What We Can Do About It

(2011). Why Sportsmanship Programs Fail, and What We Can Do About It. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 82, No. 7, pp. 24-29.
Phase diagram of the Holstein-Hubbard two-leg ladder using a functional renormalization-group method

Using a functional renormalization-group method, we obtain the phase diagram of the two-leg ladder system within the Holstein-Hubbard model, which includes both electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions. Our renormalization-group technique allows us to analyze the problem for both weak and strong electron-phonon couplings. We show that, in contrast to results from conventional weak-coupling studies, electron-phonon interactions can dominate electron-electron interactions, and retardation effects play an important role on the phase diagram.
High urine amylase level and the risk of enteric conversion in solitary pancreas transplant recipients.

Abstract Introduction Compared with enteric drainage, bladder-drained solitary pancreas transplants can be monitored for rejection by measuring urine amylase levels. However, bladder drainage is associated with a higher risk of infection and metabolic complications, necessitating enteric conversion in about one third of patients. We hypothesized that hypersecreting pancreata with high urine amylase levels have a higher propensity for enteric conversion from an antecedent elevated enzymatic effect on the urinary tract and increased fluid losses. Patients and Methods We analyzed the risk for enteric conversion in 312 bladder-drained solitary pancreas transplant recipients. Urine amylase levels at 30 days were used to identify those at risk for enteric conversion. Time-to-event analysis was used to evaluate the risk of enteric conversion at 10 years, adjusting for urine amylase level and other confounding factors. Confounding risk factors statistically related to enteric conversion were incorporated into the multivariable analysis by using Cox proportional hazards regression at 3 years' posttransplant. Results During the median follow-up of 184.6 months, 31% of recipients underwent duct conversion. A majority of recipients (84.5%) who required duct conversion were primary transplants. The 30-day median urine amylase level was 1749 IU/h (quartile 1, 3272 IU/h had the greatest specificity for predicting risk of enteric conversion. In the multivariate analysis, high urine amylase levels increased the risk of enteric conversion only in repeated pancreas transplants. Conclusions Primary transplants are more likely to undergo enteric conversion than retransplants. High urine amylase levels increase the risk of enteric conversion in retransplants only, and therefore this enzyme alone cannot serve as the sole predictor for conversion in primary transplants. Other factors, such as fluid and bicarbonate losses, increased bladder pressure, and a pre-existing lower urinary tract pathologic condition may be also responsible for the development of complications; these factors warrant additional study.
Phase relations of jaw and tongue tip movements in the production of VCV utterances.

A previous study by Nittrouer et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 84, 1653–1661 (1988)] found that the spatiotemporal relations between jaw and upper lip movements for speech were affected not only by the segmental structure of the utterance, but by stress pattern and rate of production, as well. Specifically, the angle on the vowel‐to‐vowel jaw cycle phase plane at which the upper lip began moving toward closure for an intervocalic consonant varied systematically and discretely with changes in vowel‐cycle duration. The development of the x‐ray microbeam has permitted the observation of these effects for gestures involving articulators other than the lips and jaw. In the present study, the onset of tongue tip movement for an intervocalic consonant was represented as an angle on the jaw cycle phase plane for vowel–consonant–vowel utterances. Although the tongue tip exhibited greater variability in its movement onset than the upper lip had, the relative phasing of tongue tip movement onset was also found to vary wi...
Resource based view of the firm: measures of reputation among health service-sector businesses.

ABSTRACT Application of the strategic leverage of Resource Based View of the Firm (RBV) directly advocates that a company's competitive advantage is derived from its ability to assemble and exploit an appropriate combination of resources (both tangible and intangible assets). The three companies that were selected were Pittsburgh-based companies that were within relatively easy access, representing healthcare service-related industries, and can be reviewed for the principles of the RBV. The particular firms represented a variety of establishments and included Baptist Homes (a long-term care facility), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) (a provider of hospital and other health services), and GlaxoSmithKline, Consumer Healthcare, North America (GSK-CHNA) (a global provider of healthcare products and services). Through the case studies, it was found that not all intangible assets are strategic, and by extension, not all measures of reputation are strategic either. For an intangible asset to be co...
Lessons of September 11

September 11 is first of all a cause of mourning, both for the immediate victims and for the dismal condition of humanity. Seeking to derive lessons for the future, the article explores the implications of the events along three lines: for the United States; for the Muslim world; and for the international community. With regard to the United States, September 11 disclosed the vulnerability of the country in the midst of a relentlessly shrinking and interdependent world. This realization calls into question the deeply ingrained American preference for isolationism and/or unilateralism (that is, the preference for playing by no rules but one's own). With regard to the Muslim world, September 11 disclosed the lack of a viable political agenda (outside and apart from terrorism and the use/abuse of religion) - thus underscoring the need for a political reconstruction of the dar al-Islam. With regard to the international community, September 11 revealed the weakness of mediating institutions between hegemonic g...
Probing transmembrane mechanical coupling and cytomechanics using magnetic twisting cytometry

We recently developed a magnetic twisting cytometry technique that allows us to apply controlled mechanical stresses to specific cell surface receptors using ligand-coated ferromagnetic microbeads and to simultaneously measure the mechanical response in living cells. Using this technique, we have previously shown the following: (i) beta 1 integrin receptors mediate mechanical force transfer across the cell surface and to the cytoskeleton, whereas other transmembrane receptors (e.g., scavenger receptors) do not; (ii) cytoskeletal stiffness increases in direct proportion to the level of stress applied to integrins; and (iii) the slope of this linear stiffening response differs depending on the shape of the cell. We now show that different integrins (beta 1, alpha V beta 3, alpha V, alpha 5, alpha 2) and other transmembrane receptors (scavenger receptor, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule) differ in their ability to mediate force transfer across the cell surface. In addition, the linear stiffening behavior previously observed in endothelial cells was found to be shared by other cell types. Finally, we demonstrate that dynamic changes in cell shape that occur during both cell spreading and retraction are accompanied by coordinate changes in cytoskeletal stiffness. Taken together, these results suggest that the magnetic twisting cytometry technique may be a powerful and versatile tool for studies analyzing the molecular basis of transmembrane mechanical coupling to the cytoskeleton as well as dynamic relations between changes in cytoskeletal structure and alterations in cell form and function.
Biochemical analysis of human milk treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate, an alkyl sulfate microbicide that inactivates human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Reduction of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through human milk is needed. Alkyl sulfates such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are microbicidal against HIV-1 at low concentrations, have little to no toxicity, and are inexpensive. The authors have reported that treatment of HIV-1-infected human milk with ≤ 1% (10 mg/mL) SDS for 10 minutes inactivates cell-free and cell-associated virus. The SDS can be removed with a commercially available resin after treatment without recovery of viral infectivity. In this article, the authors report results of selective biochemical analyses (ie, protein, immunoglobulins, lipids, cells, and electrolytes) of human milk subjected to SDS treatment and removal. The SDS treatment or removal had no significant effects on the milk components studied. Therefore, the use of alkyl sulfate microbicides to treat milk from HIV-1-positive women may be a simple, practical, and nutritionally sound way to prevent or reduce transmission of HIV-1 while still feedi...
Extending Q-Learning to General Adaptive Multi-Agent Systems

Recent multi-agent extensions of Q-Learning require knowledge of other agents' payoffs and Q-functions, and assume game-theoretic play at all times by all other agents. This paper proposes a fundamentally different approach, dubbed "Hyper-Q" Learning, in which values of mixed strategies rather than base actions are learned, and in which other agents' strategies are estimated from observed actions via Bayesian inference. Hyper-Q may be effective against many different types of adaptive agents, even if they are persistently dynamic. Against certain broad categories of adaptation, it is argued that Hyper-Q may converge to exact optimal time-varying policies. In tests using Rock-Paper-Scissors, Hyper-Q learns to significantly exploit an Infinitesimal Gradient Ascent (IGA) player, as well as a Policy Hill Climber (PHC) player. Preliminary analysis of Hyper-Q against itself is also presented.
Intraoperative variables and early outcome after aneurysm surgery.

Abstract BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of blood pressure, temperature, and anesthetic agents on outcome in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebral aneurysms. METHODS All ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms operated on from 1992 to 1998 were reviewed retrospectively. The data included 297 aneurysms (190 ruptured and 107 unruptured). Data were collected on variables known to influence outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as on intraoperative factors that might influence outcome (intraoperative blood pressure, temperature, temporary clipping, anesthetic agents). Outcome was assessed at discharge using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS In univariate analysis of patients with ruptured aneurysms, younger age, better clinical grade, lower Fisher grade, lower intraoperative blood pressure (maximum systolic and mean blood pressure), smaller decrease in intraoperative compared to preoperative systolic blood pressure, shorter duration of surgery, and use of propofol, pancuronium, or N2O were associated with significantly better outcome. In patients with unruptured aneurysms, increased intraoperative minimum diastolic and mean blood pressure, a decrease in the difference between multiple measures of preoperative and intraoperative blood pressure, and a shorter duration of surgery were associated with significantly better outcome. Intraoperative temperature did not affect outcome in either group. In multivariate analysis of patients with ruptured aneurysms, younger age, better clinical grade, lower maximum systolic intraoperative blood pressure, shorter duration of surgery, and use of propofol were independently associated with better outcome. CONCLUSIONS Multivariate analysis of intraoperative factors affecting outcome in patients undergoing craniotomy for ruptured aneurysms shows that decreased intraoperative blood pressure and use of propofol are associated with improved outcome. Univariate analysis suggests that decreasing the magnitude of drop in blood pressure intraoperatively from preoperative values in patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms is associated with better outcome. Intraoperative hypothermia did not affect outcome.
Genome-wide Chromatin Interactions of the Nanog Locus in Pluripotency, Differentiation, and Reprogramming

The chromatin state of pluripotency genes has been studied extensively in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and differentiated cells, but their potential interactions with other parts of the genome remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified a genome-wide, pluripotency-specific interaction network around the Nanog promoter by adapting circular chromosome conformation capture sequencing. This network was rearranged during differentiation and restored in induced pluripotent stem cells. A large fraction of Nanog-interacting loci were bound by Mediator or cohesin in pluripotent cells. Depletion of these proteins from ESCs resulted in a disruption of contacts and the acquisition of a differentiation-specific interaction pattern prior to obvious transcriptional and phenotypic changes. Similarly, the establishment of Nanog interactions during reprogramming often preceded transcriptional upregulation of associated genes, suggesting a causative link. Our results document a complex, pluripotency-specific chromatin "interactome" for Nanog and suggest a functional role for long-range genomic interactions in the maintenance and induction of pluripotency.
Nonholonomic Modeling of Needle Steering

As a flexible needle with a bevel tip is pushed through soft tissue, the asymmetry of the tip causes the needle to bend. We propose that, by using nonholonomic kinematics, control, and path planning, an appropriately designed needle can be steered through tissue to reach a specified 3D target. Such steering capability could enhance targeting accuracy and may improve outcomes for percutaneous therapies, facilitate research on therapy effectiveness, and eventually enable new minimally invasive techniques. In this paper, we consider a first step toward active needle steering: design and experimental validation of a nonholonomic model for steering flexible needles with bevel tips. The model generalizes the standard three degree-of-freedom (DOF) nonholonomic unicycle and bicycle models to 6 DOF using Lie group theory. Model parameters are fit using experimental data, acquired via a robotic device designed for the specific purpose of inserting and steering a flexible needle. The experiments quantitatively validate the bevel-tip needle steering model, enabling future research in flexible needle path planning, control, and simulation.
Interactive multimedia development for mixed-signal design and test education

The pervasive nature of Internet has opened new and exciting avenues in the area of engineering and technical education. At the University of Denver, we are developing high-quality programs for undergraduate and graduate education that leverage classroom interaction with multimedia content to provide students of all learning styles with a customized environment. The themes of this paper will include an overview of current methods for developing this content, applications of this content in the emerging field of mixed-signal design and test, and future directions for this educational method as it relates to the creation of an enhanced learning environment. Examples will be provided of learning tools as they relate to the application of testing standards and practical circuit implementation. Additionally an assessment strategy will be developed for dissemination through the World Wide Web so that professionals and students at remote locations will have access to the content free of charge.
A Dynamic and Thermodynamic Foundation for Modeling the Moist Atmosphere with Parameterized Microphysics.

Abstract Moist convection is an exquisite yet powerful participant in the creation of weather on our planet. To facilitate numerical modeling of weather systems in a moist atmosphere, a direct and consistent application of dynamic and thermodynamic principles, in conjunction with parameterized microphysics, is proposed. An earlier formulation of reversible thermodynamics, in terms of the mass of air and water substance and the total entropy, is now extended to include the irreversible process of precipitation through parameterized microphysics. The dynamic equations are also formulated to account consistently for the mass and momentum of precipitation. The theoretical proposal is tested with a two-dimensional model that utilizes a versatile and accurate spectral method based on a cubic-spline representation of the spatial fields. In order to allow a wide range of scale interactions, the model is configured on multiply nested domains of outwardly decreasing resolution, with noise-free, two-way interfaces. ...
Hearing impairment and social isolation in the elderly.

This investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between hearing impairment and social isolation in a sample of community-based individuals over age 65. Each subject reported first no...
Quantum coherence in a coupled exciton-quantum-dot system

Summary form only given. Optically driven semiconductor quantum dots (QD's) are of interest in many areas of opto-electronic devices as well as featuring prominently in many proposals for quantum computing. The necessary component of a scalable quantum computer, the two-qubit logic gate, requires two separate yet interacting qubits. In QD's, this is a multi-exciton state. Recently the bound state of two-excitons (the biexciton) has been successfully created and studied using nonlinear spectroscopy. We report here high resolution coherent nonlinear optical spectroscopy showing spectral features that are distinct from the biexcitonic features but similar to that expected for a coupled two exciton system. The spectroscopic results are interpreted based on a phenomenological Hamiltonian which is consistent with the excitons being confined but interacting in an antibonding state, where the excitons are most likely separately localized.
CHAMPS: a near-ML joint Doppler frequency/TOA search for channel characterization

The paper introduces a frequency-domain near-maximum likelihood (ML) joint Doppler frequency (DF)/time of arrival (TOA) search for channel characterization. The search is iterative and operates by finding one or more DF/TOA pairs at each step that minimize the channel estimation mean squared error. Because of its excellent ability to estimate frequency-domain channels as well as identify channel parameters (i.e., DFs and TOAs), we call the algorithm CHAMPS (CHannel estimation via an Approximate ML Parameter Search). CHAMPS is used to characterize the channels measured from an experimental 18.775 MHz OFDM mobile system operating at 3.676 GHz. The experimental system was used to collect data in Schaumburg, Illinois, an environment characterized by both industrial and residential areas. Differential delays up to 24 /spl mu/sec were detected as well as Doppler frequencies that are three times the expected Doppler frequency due to reflections off vehicles traveling in the opposite direction as the test van.
DCCA Shrinkproofing of Wool Part I: Importance of Antichlorination

Dichlorodicyanuric acid (DCCA) is one of the oldest chlorination reagents for imparting shrinkage resistance to wool. It is commonly used in the Hercosett® shrink-proof process in which certain rea...
Cooperative Jamming for Secure Communications in MIMO Relay Networks

Secure communications can be impeded by eavesdroppers in conventional relay systems. This paper proposes cooperative jamming strategies for two-hop relay networks where the eavesdropper can wiretap the relay channels in both hops. In these approaches, the normally inactive nodes in the relay network can be used as cooperative jamming sources to confuse the eavesdropper. Linear precoding schemes are investigated for two scenarios where single or multiple data streams are transmitted via a decode-and-forward (DF) relay, under the assumption that global channel state information (CSI) is available. For the case of single data stream transmission, we derive closed-form jamming beamformers and the corresponding optimal power allocation. Generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD)-based secure relaying schemes are proposed for the transmission of multiple data streams. The optimal power allocation is found for the GSVD relaying scheme via geometric programming. Based on this result, a GSVD-based cooperative jamming scheme is proposed that shows significant improvement in terms of secrecy rate compared to the approach without jamming. Furthermore, the case involving an eavesdropper with unknown CSI is also investigated in this paper. Simulation results show that the secrecy rate is dramatically increased when inactive nodes in the relay network participate in cooperative jamming.
Defective Enamel Histology of Prehistoric Teeth from Illinois

Histological enamel defects have been used as indicators of childhood morbidity and nutritional inadequacy. However, the usefulness of these defects has been hampered by a lack of clear criteria for differentiating normal and defective enamel. This report demonstrates that the criteria of abnormal prism structure can accurately differentiate defective enamel (i.e., pathological bands) from normal enamel. In addition, pathological bands can be divided into three distinct subtypes: distorted structure bands, black spot pathological bands, and structureless pathological bands. It has been assumed that the patterning of pathological bands and enamel hypoplasia is the same for all populations. Comparisons between populations show that each population has its own unique pattern. It has also been assumed that striae of Retzius, pathological bands, and enamel hypoplasias represent three grades of severity of the same phenomenon. Correlations between these three features demonstrate instead that this patterning is possibly influenced by the morphology of the teeth.
Innate Preference or Opportunism: Mosquitoes Feeding on Birds of Prey at the Southeastern Raptor Center

The amplification of mosquito-borne pathogens is driven by patterns of host use by vectors. While each mosquito species is innately adapted to feed upon a particular group of hosts, this “preference” is difficult to assess in field-based studies, because factors such as host defenses and spatial and temporal overlap of mosquitoes and hosts affect which host animals actually get bitten. Here we examined patterns of host use by mosquitoes feeding on caged raptors at a rehabilitation and education center for birds of prey in Alabama, U.S.A. PCR-based techniques were used to determine the host species fed upon. Of 19 raptor species at the facility, seven were found to be fed upon by mosquitoes. Feeding indices and linear regression indicated that no species or family of raptor were significantly preferred over another (R2=0.46). Relative abundance adjusted for bird size explained a statistically significant amount of the variation in relative host use (R2=0.71), suggesting that bird size is an important component of host selection by mosquitoes. These findings support the hypothesis that traits of host animals drive patterns of host use by mosquitoes in nature, an interaction that leads to amplification of mosquito-borne viruses.
JAPANESE AND AMERICAN ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Japanese and Americans are compared in terms of the extent each sample believes that capital punishment should be abolished, Blacks and white American females are more likely to approve of the abolition of capital punishment. No differences by sex were found in the Japanese sample. For both countries, those who are younger and more educated hold less punitive attitudes The Japanese as a whole are less likely than Americans to approve of the abolition of capital punishment. Problems found in cross-cultural secondary analysis are discussed.
Attachment Disorganization and Creativity in Fanny and Alexander

There are many indications that Fanny and Alexander (2004) represents Bergman's struggle to find creative resolution to the traumatic and unintegrated aspects of his own childhood experiences. In a...
The first structure of an RNA m5C methyltransferase, Fmu, provides insight into catalytic mechanism and specific binding of RNA substrate.

Abstract The crystal structure of E. coli Fmu, determined at 1.65 A resolution for the apoenzyme and 2.1 A resolution in complex with AdoMet, is the first representative of the 5-methylcytosine RNA methyltransferase family that includes the human nucleolar proliferation-associated protein p120. Fmu contains three subdomains which share structural homology to DNA m 5 C methyltransferases and two RNA binding protein families. In the binary complex, the AdoMet cofactor is positioned within the active site near a novel arrangement of two conserved cysteines that function in cytosine methylation. The site is surrounded by a positively charged cleft large enough to bind its unique target stem loop within 16S rRNA. Docking of this stem loop RNA into the structure followed by molecular mechanics shows that the Fmu structure is consistent with binding to the folded RNA substrate.
The use of rabbit polyclonal antibodies for the isolation of carcinogen-adducted DNA by immunoprecipitation

Polyclonal rabbit antibodies elicited against DNA with high levels of (+/-) 7r,8t-dihydroxy-9t,10t-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE-I) adducts were used to isolate DNA fragments modified by this carcinogen. DNA treated in vitro with different concentrations of BPDE-I was used as substrate in double-antibody immunoprecipitation reactions. The IgG fraction from immune rabbit serum (primary antibody) was reacted with single-stranded plasmid DNA bearing BPDE-I adducts, and the complexes were immunoprecipitated using goat antirabbit-IgG as secondary antibody. DNA was isolated from the immunoprecipitated pellet, blotted onto nitrocellulose or nylon, and hybridized with 32P-labeled sequences homologous to a fragment of the plasmid DNA used in the assay. The recovery of both DNA and adducts in the immunoprecipitated pellet increased with the level of carcinogen adduction of the DNA. The immunoprecipitation reaction appeared to be more efficient for fragments of DNA containing a high number of adducts. The amount of 32P-hybridizing material recovered by immunoprecipitation was virtually identical to the amount added to the reaction in DNA samples that contained three adducts per 10(3) nucleotides.
Backbone dynamics of the CC-chemokine eotaxin-2 and comparison among the eotaxin group chemokines.

The eotaxin group chemokines (eotaxin, eotaxin-2, and eotaxin-3) share only 35–41% sequence identity but are all agonists for the receptor CCR3. Here we present a detailed comparison between the backbone dynamics of these three chemokines. The dynamics of eotaxin-2 were determined from 15N NMR relaxation data and compared to those obtained previously for eotaxin and eotaxin-3. For all three chemokines, the majority of residues in the first two β-strands and the α-helix show highly restricted motions on the subnanosecond time scale but there is dramatically higher flexibility in the N- and C-terminal regions and also substantial mobility for residues in the N-loop region and the third β-strand. The latter two regions form a groove on the chemokine surface that is the likely binding site for the N-terminal region of the receptor. Taken together, the available data suggest a model in which conformational rearrangements of both the chemokine and the receptor are likely to occur during binding and receptor activation. Proteins 2003;50:184–191. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Salivary histatin 5 internalization by translocation, but not endocytosis, is required for fungicidal activity in Candida albicans.

Salivary histatin 5 (Hst 5) is a cationic salivary protein with high fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. Binding to the cell wall followed by intracellular translocation is required for killing; however, specific binding components and critical toxic events are not understood. In this study, laminarin (β-1,3-glucan) but not sialic acid, mannan or pustulan mediated Hst 5 binding to C. albicans, and was disassociated by 100 mM NaCl. Time-lapse confocal microscopy revealed a dose-dependent rate of cytosolic uptake of Hst 5 that invariably preceded propidium iodide (PI) entry, demonstrating that translocation itself does not disrupt membrane integrity. Cell toxicity was manifest by vacuolar expansion followed by PI entrance; however, loss of endocytotic vacuolar trafficking of Hst 5 did not reduce killing. Extracellular NaCl (100 mM), but not sorbitol, prevented vacuolar expansion and PI entry in cells already containing cytosolic Hst 5, thus showing a critical role for ionic balance in Hst 5 toxicity. Hst 5 uptake, but not cell wall binding, was blocked by pretreatment with azide or carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone; however, 10% of de-energized cells had membrane disruption. Thus, Hst 5 is capable of heterogeneous intracellular entry routes, but only direct cytosolic translocation causes cell death as a result of ionic efflux.
Content addressable memory for flash redundancy

The authors describe content addressable memory (CAM) used on a 1-Mb flash memory. Yield is improved by replacing defective columns containing fatal random defects. The CAM provides the address of a redundant column as an output needed to implement column redundancy. Novel placement of the CAM can decrease redundant CAM area, decreases the total chip area, and increases the redundancy efficiency. >
Mid-infrared interband cascade lasers operating CW at room temperature

Improvements in the design of mid-infrared interband cascade lasers have allowed them to operate cw to 334 and 319 K for devices with emission wavelengths of 3.3 and 3.7 µm, respectively.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in the red pacu (Colossoma brachypomum) after intramuscular, oral and bath administration

The intramuscular (i.m.), oral (p.o.), and bath immersion disposition of enrofloxacin were evaluated following administration to a cultured population of red pacu. The half-life for enrofloxacin following i.m. administration was 28.9 h, considerably longer than values calculated for other animals such as dogs, birds, rabbits, and tortoises. The 4 h maximum concentration (Cmax) of 1.64 micrograms/ml, following a single 5.0 mg/kg dosing easily exceeds the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 20 bacterial organisms known to infect fish. At 48 h post i.m. administration, the mean plasma enrofloxacin concentration was well above the MIC for most gram-negative fish pathogens. The gavage method of oral enrofloxacin administration produced a Cmax of 0.94 microgram/mL at 6-8 h. This Cmax was well above the reported in vitro MIC. A bath immersion concentration of 2.5 mg/L for 5 h was used in this study. The Cmax of 0.17 microgram/mL was noted on the 2 hour post-treatment plasma sample. Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin exceeded published in vitro MIC's for most fish bacterial pathogens 72 h after treatment was concluded. Ciprofloxacin, an active metabolite of enrofloxacin, was detected and measured after all methods of drug administration. It is possible and practical to obtain therapeutic blood concentrations of enrofloxacin in the red pacu using p.o., i.m., and bath immersion administration. The i.m. route is the most predictable and results in the highest plasma concentrations of the drug.
Silurian Reef-Dwelling Brachiopods and Their Ecologic Implications

Abstract Brachiopods were one of the most diverse groups of reef-dwellers during the Paleozoic, and their degree of specialization for reef habitats provides an important way of assessing the ecologic complexity in reef communities. Silurian (Wenlockian) reef brachiopods in Gotland and Wisconsin are compared to level-bottom brachiopods in Gotland, Wisconsin, and the Welsh Borderland. The reef—level-bottom comparisons are made at the level of single bulk samples, as combined groups of samples from single reefs and from single level-bottom communities, and as combined groups of samples from several reefs that occupy the same stratigraphic horizon. Species diversity of reef brachiopods is higher than that of level-bottom brachiopods, but the amount of this difference decreases from the scale of entire reefs to the scale of single samples, where Shannon indices (H′) and rarefaction curves of reef and level-bottom samples commonly overlap. In terms of species richness, maximum reef values reach 44 species (n =...
Spectral Properties of Large Gradual Solar Energetic Particle Events. I. Fe, O, and Seed Material

We have surveyed ~0.1–100 MeV nucleon^(−1) O and Fe fluence spectra during 46 isolated, large gradual SEP events observed at ACE during solar cycles 23 and 24. Most SEP spectra are well represented by the four-parameter Band function with a normalization constant, low-energy spectral slope, high-energy spectral slope, and break energy. The O and Fe spectral slopes are similar and most spectra steepen above the break energy, probably due to common acceleration and transport processes affecting different ion species. SEP spectra above the break energies depend on the origin of the seed population; larger contributions of suprathermal flare material result in higher Fe/O ratios and flatter spectra at higher energies. SEP events with steeper O spectra at low energies and higher break energies are associated with slower coronal mass ejections (CMEs), while those associated with fast (>2000 km s^(−1)) CMEs and ground level enhancements have harder or flatter spectra at low and high energies, and O break energies between ~1 and 10 MeV nucleon^(−1). The latter events are enriched in ^3He and higher-energy Fe, and have Fe spectra that rollover at significantly lower energies compared with O, probably because Fe ions with smaller Q/M ratios can escape from the distant shock more easily than O ions with larger Q/M ratios. We conclude that SEP spectral properties result from many complex and competing effects, namely Q/M-dependent scattering, shock properties, and the origin of the seed populations, all of which must be taken into account to develop a comprehensive picture of CME-driven shock acceleration of large gradual SEP events.
Intimate partner violence and condom negotiation efficacy among gay and bisexual men in Atlanta

Background: The experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been shown to decrease condom negotiation efficacy among women; however, studies of this association among gay and bisexual men (GBM) are lacking. Methods: A venue-recruited sample of 745 GBM was recruited in Atlanta, GA, USA in 2012-13. Participants self-completed a survey including questions on recent (previous 12 month) experience and perpetration of IPV using the IPV-GBM Scale. Multivariate regression analysis examined the association between reporting low condom negotiation efficacy with the respondent's most recent sex partner (19.2% of respondents) and recent experience of IPV with the same or another partner. Results: Nearly half the sample (49.1%) reported recent receipt of IPV, although prevalence varied considerably across the forms of IPV. GBM who reported recent IPV experience were significantly less likely to report having felt able to negotiate condom use. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IPV may be a significant risk factor for HIV acquisition and transmission among GBM.
Further Studies on the Genetics of Plasmodial Incompatibility in a Honduran Isolate of Didymium Iridis

Genetic studies of the Honduran (Hon 1) isolate of Didymium iridis has resulted in the determination of 16 different plasmodial phenotypic fusion classes. A large number of incompatibility genotype...