cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Random walks on sparsely periodic and random lattices: I. Random walk properties from lattice bond enumeration☆

We have developed a new technique for calculating certain asymptotic random walk properties on sparsely periodic and related random lattices in two and three dimensions. This technique is based on an ansatz which relates the number of lattice bonds in “irreducible lattice fragments” to the number of steps along these bonds. We show that certain random walk properties can be calculated very simply on the basis of this ansatz and that they depend only on the density of bonds and not on the arrangement of the bonds within the lattice. The random walk properties calculated here (mean square displacements, number of distinct sites visited, probability of return to the origin) are in complete agreement with results obtained earlier via generating function techniques. A subsequent paper contains generating function calculations which verify a number of new results presented here, such as mean occupation frequency of lattice sites, and a proof of our basic assumption on the relation between the number of lattice bonds and random walk steps.
Computational Models and Digital Image Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Mediated Laser Cancer Therapy

Laser-based photothermal therapy can provide a minimally invasive treatment alternative to surgical resection of tumors. The selectivity and effectiveness of laser therapy can be greatly enhanced when photo-absorbing nanoparticles such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are introduced into the tissue [1,2]. The effectiveness of nanoparticle enhanced laser treatment can be determined through a combined approach using experimental measurement and computational models. This approach allows ideal laser parameters (e.g. irradiance, pulse duration) and nanoparticle properties (e.g. concentration and delivery method) to be selected to maximize treatment efficacy. We developed a computational model to predict the temperature response of tissue representative phantoms and in vivo murine renal cancer (RENCA) kidney tumors to MWNTs used in combination with external laser irradiation. The accuracy of the computational model prediction of temperature was verified by comparing with experimental measurements of temperature using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRTI). In addition, an image analysis technique is introduced for measuring the spatial viability of cancer cells suspended in tissue phantoms following nanoparticle enhanced laser therapy and correlating cell viability with thermal exposure. Spatial viability and thermal measurements are combined to predict cell death as a function of temperature in tissue phantoms.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Validity of annual report assertions about innovativeness: an empirical investigation

Abstract Over the last few decades, annual reports have been content-analyzed to measure various organizational phenomena. These studies assume, either implicitly or explicitly, that Annual Report Text (ART) assertions are accurate representations of the firm and its managers. This assumption diverges from a common suspicion that corporate managers use their ART as a public relations tool. To date, only three ART validity studies have been occasioned and the results are mixed and dated. In this study, the ARTs of 100 randomly selected Fortune 500 and Service 500 firms were content-analyzed to test the relationship between ART assertions about firm innovativeness and two external measures of firm innovativeness. The results strongly indicate that ART assertions about innovativeness are valid.
Formal Verification of Galois Field Multipliers Using Computer Algebra Techniques

Finite (Galois) field arithmetic finds applications in cryptography, error correction codes, signal processing, etc. Multiplication usually lies at the core of all Galois field computations and is a high-complexity operation. This paper addresses the problem of formal verification of hardware implementations of modulo-multipliers over Galois fields of the type ${\mathbb{F}}_{2^k}$, using a computer-algebra/algebraic-geometry based approach. The multiplier circuit is modeled as a polynomial system in ${\mathbb{F}}_{2^k}[x_1, x_2, \cdots, x_d]$ and the verification test is formulated as a Nullstellensatz proof over the finite field. A Gr\"obner basis engine is used as the underlying computational framework. The efficiency of Gr\"obner basis computations depends heavily upon the variable (and term) ordering used to represent and manipulate the polynomials. We present a variable (and term) ordering heuristic that significantly improves the efficiency of Gr\"obner basis engines. Using our approach, we can verify the correctness of up to $96$-bit multipliers, whereas contemporary BDDs/SAT/SMT-solver based methods are infeasible.
A stochastic model for adhesion-mediated cell random motility and haptotaxis.

The active migration of blood and tissue cells is important in a number of physiological processes including inflammation, wound healing, embryogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. These cells move by transmitting cytoplasmic force through membrane receptors which are bound specifically to adhesion ligands in the surrounding substratum. Recently, much research has focused on the influence of the composition of extracellular matrix and the distribution of its components on the speed and direction of cell migration. It is commonly believed that the magnitude of the adhesion influences cell speed and/or random turning behavior, whereas a gradient of adhesion may bias the net direction of the cell movement, a phenomenon known as haptotaxis. The mechanisms underlying these responses are presently not understood. A stochastic model is presented to provide a mechanistic understanding of how the magnitude and distribution of adhesion ligands in the substratum influence cell movement. The receptor-mediated cell migration is modeled as an interrelation of random processes on distinct time scales. Adhesion receptors undergo rapid binding and transport, resulting in a stochastic spatial distribution of bound receptors fluctuating about some mean distribution. This results in a fluctuating spatio-temporal pattern of forces on the cell, which in turn affects the speed and turning behavior on a longer time scale. The model equations are a system of nonlinear stochastic differential equations (SDE's) which govern the time evolution of the spatial distribution of bound and free receptors, and the orientation and position of the cell. These SDE's are integrated numerically to simulate the behavior of the model cell on both a uniform substratum, and on a gradient of adhesion ligand concentration. Furthermore, analysis of the governing SDE system and corresponding Fokker-Planck equation (FPE) yields analytical expressions for indices which characterize cell movement on multiple time scales in terms of cell cytomechanical, morphological, and receptor binding and transport parameters. For a uniform adhesion ligand concentration, this analysis provides expressions for traditional cell movement indices such as mean speed, directional persistence time, and random motility coefficient. In a small gradient of adhesion, a perturbation analysis of the FPE yields a constitutive cell flux expression which includes a drift term for haptotactic directional cell migration. The haptotactic drift contains terms identified as contributions from directional orientation bias (taxis).
Bipolar II depressive mixed state: finding a useful definition.

Recent studies showed that depressive mixed state (DMX) (major depressive episode [MDE] with few hypomanic symptoms) was common among depressed outpatients. The aim of the present study was to find a clinicallly useful definition of DMX. A useful definition could be one increasing the probability of making the correct diagnosis of bipolar II. Different definitions of DMX were tested by comparing the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive power for the diagnosis of bipolar II. Three hundred thirty-six consecutive bipolar II (n = 206) and unipolar (n = 130) MDE outpatients were interviewed with the DSM-IV Structured Clinical Interview-Clinician Version (SCID-CV). Different DMX definitions were tested, based on factor analysis, multivariate regression, discriminant analysis, and logistic regression analysis results. The sensitivity, specificity, correctly classified, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area for bipolar II diagnosis were compared. Two factors (factor 1, including irritability, psychomotor agitation, and more talkativeness, and factor 2, including racing thoughts, irritability, and distractibility) were significantly associated with bipolar II diagnosis. Of the hypomanic symptoms most common in bipolar II DMX, only irritability and racing thoughts were significantly associated with bipolar II diagnosis on discriminant analysis. DMX with three or more concurrent hypomanic symptoms (DMX3) was strongly associated with bipolar II diagnosis. Comparisons of sensitivity, specificity, correctly classified, and ROC area of the different DMX definitions (factor 1, factor 2, DMX3, irritability during MDE, racing thoughts during MDE) for the diagnosis of bipolar II, showed that factor 1 had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, high correctly classified and ROC, but DMX3 has the highest specificity, and slightly lower correctly classified and ROC than factor 1. A DMX definition having the highest specificity (DMX3) for bipolar II diagnosis may be more useful to clinicians, leading to few false positives. Bipolar II diagnosis has important treatment and clinical implications, but misdiagnosis is common because diagnosis is often based on history of hypomania (dependent on memory and clinical skills). A cross-sectional marker like DMX3 may increase the probability of making the correct diagnosis of bipolar II, and therefore may be a useful definition of DMX.
An approach for extensibly profiling the molecular states of cellular subpopulations.

Computational compensation for the loss of information from a cellular marker visualized in one fluorescence channel increases the number of markers that can be used to study a population of cells. This should allow a more detailed molecular understanding of heterogeneity in a cellular population. Microscopy often reveals the existence of phenotypically distinct cellular subpopulations. However, additional characterization of observed subpopulations can be limited by the number of biomolecular markers that can be simultaneously monitored. Here we present a computational approach for extensibly profiling cellular subpopulations by freeing one or more imaging channels to monitor additional probes. In our approach, we trained classifiers to re-identify subpopulations accurately based on an enhanced collection of phenotypic features extracted from only a subset of the original markers. Then we constructed subpopulation profiles step-wise from replicate experiments, in which cells were labeled with different but overlapping marker sets. We applied our approach to identify molecular differences among subpopulations and to identify functional groupings of markers, in populations of differentiating mouse preadipocytes, polarizing human neutrophil-like cells and dividing human cancer cells.
The role of graphite boat design in liquid phase epitaxial growth of PbSe0.78Te0.22 on BaF2

Abstract Two different sliding substrate graphite boats were designed and fabricated for liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) growth of PbSe0.78Te0.22 on BaF2 substrates. Layer morphologies were observed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The first boat did not yield smooth and continuous epitaxial layers even though a number of growth variations were tried. The second boat, however, consistently produced high quality epitaxial layers of PbSe0.78Te0.22 on {100} BaF2 substrates. Differences in the way the graphite boat traps growth solution vapors over the substrate prior to growth are believed to be responsible for the dramatic differences in these LPE growth morphologies. We suspect that formation of a barium-chalcogenide reaction product on the BaF2 substrate surface prior to growth is essential for obtaining good epitaxial layers and that trapping of growth solution vapors over the substrate prior to growth allows better control of this epitaxy-enabling substrate surface reaction.
Iron absorption: comparison of prediction equations and reality. Results from a feeding trial in the Philippines.

; Background: A number of algorithms have been developed that seek to predict the bioavailability of iron from mixed meals and diets, but their direct validity in predicting change in iron status remains questionable. Throughout the course of conducting a large feeding trial in convents in Manila, we collected weighed food-intake data and have the opportunity to directly compare the performance of these prediction equations. Aims: The specific aims of this particular analysis are as follows: (a) to determine habitual intakes of macro- and micronutrients in religious sisters in Manila, (b) to determine the predicted efficiency of iron absorption from each of the published bioavailability algorithms (Monsen, Hallberg, Reddy, Tseng, Barghava, and Du), and (c) to determine which of these equations best predicts the actual "gain" in iron in religious sisters over the duration of the trial. Design: The efficacy of consuming high-iron rice was tested during a nine-month feeding trial with a double-blinded dietary intervention; these results have been published [7]. Religious sisters living in 10 convents around metropolitan Manila, the Philippines were randomly assigned to consume either high-iron rice (3.21 mg/kg Fe) or a local variety of control rice (0.57 mg/kg Fe) within each convent. Results: Religious sisters in convents consumed a diet that appeared to be typical of habitual intakes of macro-and micronutrients in this part of the Philippines. The analysis of the six equations revealed highly significant differences in predicted efficiency of iron absorption. The Hallberg, Monsen, and Reddy equations all predicted similar median efficiency (6.88, 7.92, and 6.42%). In contrast, Bhargava (4.68%), Tseng (3.23%), and Du (2.92%) were significantly lower. The correlation (r = 0.98) of Monsen to Hallberg was highly significant and the slope was not different than unity. The median efficiency of absorption based on the gain in body iron in 114 subjects over nine months, combined with an estimate of daily iron requirements, was 17.2%. Thus, none of these equations approximated the computed iron absorption based on improvement in serum ferritin and suggests alternative approaches to predicting iron accumulation from diet need to be formulated. Conclusions: Inhibitory factors in the prediction equations either had little effect or had too large of an effect on apparent bioavailability as compared to median absorption over a nine-month period. The causes of the lack of agreement between computed iron gain and predicted absorption are open to discussion and will need to be resolved.
Data acquisition in emergency medicine: electronic communication using free text.

Objectives: 1) To describe the content of medical data obtained from parents' use of free text during a computer interview; 2) To assess whether differences in parents' demographics or experience with computers differentiate their production of free text; and 3) To compare parents' entry of free text with the final physician-generated electronic medical record (EMR) regarding the chief complaint. Methods: Data entered by parents during a prospective trial of electronic data entry were examined. Content analysis of parents' free text entries examined absolute word count and categorized entries by type of information. Demographic and technology-related variables were analyzed against the type of information and the absolute word count. Two reviewers independently judged agreement between parents' and physicians' data for the chief complaint. Results: Of 100 parents enrolled, 30 entered data for the chief complaint using free text. Amount of free text entered ranged from 1 to 142 words with a median of 8 words. Parents' free text was categorized into 4 types of information: simple descriptive (n = 16), problem-focused (n = 7), descriptive plus a question agenda (n = 2), and descriptive with reference to past medical history (n = 5). Parental demographics and computer-related experience did not predict differential production of free text. Agreement between parents' and physicians' entries for the chief complaint was 80% (95% CI 66-94) [reviewer A] and 73% (95% CI 57-89) [reviewer B]. Seven of 30 parental entries (23%) provided data not contained in the EMR. Conclusions: When entering a chief complaint during an electronic interview, a majority of parents report descriptive data using short phrases. Good agreement between parents' and physicians' electronic report was demonstrated for the chief complaint.
A phase II trial of gefitinib with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan in patients with colorectal cancer

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling contributes to the therapy of colorectal cancer. Gefitinib, an oral EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, shows supra-additive growth inhibition with irinotecan and fluoropyrimidines in xenograft models. We designed a study to determine the tolerability and efficacy of gefitinib in combination with irinotecan, infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), on a 2-week schedule. Among 13 patients with advanced colorectal cancer, 10 required dose reductions of irinotecan and 5-FU because of dehydration, diarrhoea, and neutropenia, seven of whom required hospitalisation, three with neutropenic fever. One patient achieved partial response and seven had disease stabilisation. The combination of this standard chemotherapy regimen with gefitinib is associated with excessive toxicity, suggesting an interaction at a pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic level.
Evolution-aware monitoring-oriented programming

Monitoring-Oriented Programming (MOP) helps develop more reliable software by means of monitoring against formal specifications. While MOP showed promising results, all prior research has focused on checking a single version of software. We propose to extend MOP to support multiple software versions and thus be more relevant in the context of rapid software evolution. Our approach, called eMOP, is inspired by regression test selection -- a well studied, evolution-centered technique. The key idea in eMOP is to monitor only the parts of code that changed between versions. We illustrate eMOP by means of a running example, and show the results of preliminary experiments. eMOP opens up a new line of research on MOP -- it can significantly improve usability and performance when applied across multiple versions of software and is complementary to algorithmic MOP advances on a single version.
The concurrent logic programming language CP: Definition and operational semantics

In this paper we present some of the control constructs of the language CP, which is based on a concurrent interpretation of Horn logic programming. We present a formal structural operational semantics and relate the meaning of programs in this language to the underlying (pure) Horn clause axioms.
Kohn anomaly and interplay of electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions in epitaxial graphene

The interplay of electron-phonon (el-ph) and electron-electron (el-el) interactions in epitaxial graphene is studied by directly probing its electronic structure. We found a strong coupling of electrons to the soft part of the ${A}_{1g}$ phonon evident by a kink at $150\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15\text{ }\text{meV}$, while the coupling of electrons to another expected phonon ${E}_{2g}$ at 195 meV can only be barely detected. The possible role of the el-el interaction to account for the enhanced coupling of electrons to the ${A}_{1g}$ phonon, and the contribution of el-ph interaction to the linear imaginary part of the self-energy at high binding energy are also discussed. Our results reveal the dominant role of the ${A}_{1g}$ phonon in the el-ph interaction in graphene and highlight the important interplay of el-el and el-ph interactions in the self-energy of graphene.
An Anticoagulant RNA Aptamer That Inhibits Proteinase-Cofactor Interactions within Prothrombinase

The interaction of factor Xa with factor Va on membranes to form prothrombinase profoundly increases the rate of the proteolytic conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. We present the characterization of an RNA aptamer (RNA11F7t) selected from a combinatorial library based on its ability to bind factor Xa. We show that RNA11F7t inhibits thrombin formation catalyzed by prothrombinase without obscuring the active site of Xa within the enzyme complex. Selective inhibition of protein substrate cleavage arises from the ability of the aptamer to bind to factor Xa and exclude interactions between the proteinase and cofactor within prothrombinase. Competition for enzyme complex assembly results from the binding of RNA11F7t to factor Xa with nanomolar affinity in a Ca2+-dependent interaction. RNA11F7t binds equivalently to the zymogen factor X as well as derivatives lacking γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues. We suggest that the ability of RNA11F7t to compete for the Xa-Va interaction with surprisingly high affinity likely reflects a significant contribution from its ability to indirectly impact regions of Xa that participate in the proteinase-cofactor interaction. Thus, despite the complexity of the macromolecular interactions that underlie the assembly of prothrombinase, efficient inhibition of enzyme complex assembly and thrombin formation can be achieved by tight binding ligands that target factor Xa in a discrete manner.
The mild wear mechanism of nodular iron

Abstract Nodular cast iron is well known to be more susceptible to scuffing and seizing than is ordinary gray cast iron. This results largely from the spherical shape of the graphite nodules in its structure which causes relatively large metallic particles to be produced even under mild wear conditions. Furthermore, the graphite in the nodular iron structure produces only a thin and inadequate surface coating.
High, low, and quantitative roads in linear algebra

Abstract The future of core linear algebra is studied, with attention to advanced tools, elementary devices, and the computer.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis inhibition and postoperative wound healing in rats.

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor that acts by binding to specific high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors. SU5416 is an antiangiogenic agent that acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the VEGF Flk-1/KDR receptor tyrosine kinase. SU5416 has been shown to inhibit VEGF-dependent mitogenesis of human endothelial cells and to decrease the growth of xenografts of melanoma, lung carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and gliomas. The effect of pre- or perioperative use of this drug on angiogenesis and wound healing in the postoperative setting has not been shown. We sought to analyze the efficacy and safety with respect to functional dosing of SU5416 in the setting of wound healing. This represents an important step forward in the use of this and similar drugs in the perioperative setting of treatment for multiple types of cancers. The use of an inhibitor of VEGF receptors such as SU5416 is distinct and it is likely complementary to other agents in the treatment of such cancers. Methods. We injected 8-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats with SU5416 (8 or 12 mg/kg) or dimethyl sulfoxide intraperitoneally, daily for 14 days. We then performed a right pulmonary lobectomy and 6-mm full-thickness punch biopsies of the back. Tissue perfusion measured via laser Doppler on Postoperative Day 2 was 1.65, 1.22, and 1.14 perfusion units (P < 0.0004) for control, 8 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg groups, respectively. Results. We successfully treated a murine model with functional doses of the anti-VEGF drug SU5416 so as to achieve decreased vascularity and blood flow in postoperative wounds. There was no effect on gross wound healing or infection in either control or treatment groups. Also, no drug-related impairment of histologic healing or decrease in wound tensile strength was demonstrated at either 6 or 14 days. Conclusion. Preoperative therapy with functional dosing of SU5416 does not appear to have any major effect on postoperative morbidity or mortality in rats. We additionally conclude that preoperative therapy with SU5416 should be investigated further with careful attention to wound integrity.
Automatic lattice detection in near-regular histology array images

Near-regular texture (NRT), denoting deviations from otherwise symmetric wallpaper patterns, is commonly observable in the real world. Existing lattice detection algorithms capture the underlying lattice of an NRT pattern and all of its individual texels, facilitating an automated analysis of NRT. Many real world images, as in those of zebrafish larval histology arrays, depart significantly from regularity and challenge the current state of the art wallpaper group theory-based lattice detection methods. We propose an alternative 2D lattice detection algorithm that exploits translation and reflection symmetries and specific imaging cues. By outperforming existing methods on histology array images, our algorithm leads us towards complete automation of high-throughput histological image processing while broadening the spectrum of NRT computation.
Recollection Is a Continuous Process Implications for Dual-Process Theories of Recognition Memory

Dual-process theory, which holds that recognition decisions can be based on recollection or familiarity, has long seemed incompatible with signal detection theory, which holds that recognition decisions are based on a singular, continuous memory-strength variable. Formal dual-process models typically regard familiarity as a continuous process (i.e., familiarity comes in degrees), but they construe recollection as a categorical process (i.e., recollection either occurs or does not occur). A continuous process is characterized by a graded relationship between confidence and accuracy, whereas a categorical process is characterized by a binary relationship such that high confidence is associated with high accuracy but all lower degrees of confidence are associated with chance accuracy. Using a source-memory procedure, we found that the relationship between confidence and source-recollection accuracy was graded. Because recollection, like familiarity, is a continuous process, dual-process theory is more compatible with signal detection theory than previously thought.
Comparison of effects of marihuana cigarettes of three different potencies

Marihuana cigarettes containing 1.32%, 1.97%, and 2.54% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were smoked by six experienced marihuana users at weekly intervals in a double-blind cross-over design under laboratory conditions. Puff duration, number of puffs taken, duration of inhalation holding, interval between puffs, and duration of smoking were recorded for each cigarette smoked. The portion of each cigarette remaining after smoking was weighed and analyzed to determine THC content. Subjective ratings of the "high" achieved and the heart rate acceleration induced by smoking the marihuana were measured. The plasma concentrations of THC and of its principle metabolite, 11-nor-delta 9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (9-carboxy THC), were determined by radioimmunoassay of blood samples drawn at frequent intervals for 6 hr. The results indicate that, irrespective of the potency of the marihuana, the pattern of smoking was much the same. The magnitude of the subjective high, heart rate acceleration, THC, and 9-carboxy THC plasma concentrations were proportional to potency. This dose response was particularly clear between the 1.32% and the 2.54% cigarettes. Peak plasma concentrations of THC consistently occurred 7 to 8 min after initiation of smoking and declined thereafter despite continued smoking for another 6 to 10 min. Peak subjective high and peak heart rate acceleration occurred several minutes after the end of smoking and at a considerable interval after maximal THC plasma concentrations were reached.
Electron Microscopic Findings in Skin Biopsies from Patients with Danon Disease

Danon disease is a rare lysosomal disorder. It is due to deficiency of lysosomal-associated protein-2. In human LAMP-2 gene is located at chromosome region Xq24. Danon disease is characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, mental retardation and retinopathy. To date, the morphological characterization of Danon disease has been limited to endomyocardial and skeletal muscle biopsies. In the current study we demonstrated that electron microscopy of a more accessible tissue, skin biopsies, is a useful method in the diagnosis of Danon disease.
Detection of nanosecond time scale side-chain jumps in a protein dissolved in water/glycerol solvent

In solution, the correlation time of the overall protein tumbling, τR, plays a role of a natural dynamics cutoff—internal motions with correlation times on the order of τR or longer cannot be reliably identified on the basis of spin relaxation data. It has been proposed some time ago that the ‘observation window’ of solution experiments can be expanded by changing the viscosity of solvent to raise the value of τR. To further explore this concept, we prepared a series of samples of α-spectrin SH3 domain in solvent with increasing concentration of glycerol. In addition to the conventional 15N labeling, the protein was labeled in the Val, Leu methyl positions (13CHD2 on a deuterated background). The collected relaxation data were used in asymmetric fashion: backbone 15N relaxation rates were used to determine τR across the series of samples, while methyl 13C data were used to probe local dynamics (side-chain motions). In interpreting the results, it has been initially suggested that addition of glycerol leads only to increases in τR, whereas local motional parameters remain unchanged. Thus the data from multiple samples can be analyzed jointly, with τR playing the role of experimentally controlled variable. Based on this concept, the extended model-free model was constructed with the intent to capture the effect of ns time-scale rotameric jumps in valine and leucine side chains. Using this model, we made a positive identification of nanosecond dynamics in Val-23 where ns motions were already observed earlier. In several other cases, however, only tentative identification was possible. The lack of definitive results was due to the approximate character of the model—contrary to what has been assumed, addition of glycerol led to a gradual ‘stiffening’ of the protein. This and other observations also shed light on the interaction of the protein with glycerol, which is one of the naturally occurring osmoprotectants. In particular, it has been found that the overall protein tumbling is controlled by the bulk solvent, and not by a thin solvation layer which contains a higher proportion of water.
Dye-doped inorganic/organic composite films as fluorescence sensors for methanol vapor

The sol–gel method has been employed in the fabrication of mesoporous composite films consisting of a non-ionic surfactant, Pluronic P123, as the organic component, and silica as the inorganic component. The hybrid nature of these films resulted in them having an internal structure consisting of nanometer size self-assembled organic mesostructures surrounded by a silica framework. These films served as the host matrix for the laser dye coumarin 481 (C481), and an energy transfer complex formed between C481 and J-aggregated meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP). Upon exposure to methanol vapor, a rapid and reversible decrease in fluorescence intensity occurs for films containing C481 alone, as well as the energy transfer complex. Steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic studies indicated that the decrease in fluorescence intensity was primarily due to an excited state interaction between methanol and C481. Additionally, morphological changes within the film appear to play a role for films containing the C481/TSPP energy transfer complex.
What's post racial discourse got to do with it? Obama and the implications for multiculturalism in college classrooms

With the election and re-election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States came the vexing yet perhaps expected conclusion that issues of race and ethnicity were no longer grave concerns. Somehow Obama’s presence suggests the transcendence of race. While a nod to the political progress made in terms of social race relations may be in order, Obama’s election does not translate into a “color-blind,” “post race” American nation. This essay explores how current and ongoing conversations about a post race nation shape student perceptions of race and how they directly affect the teaching instruction of professors, like myself, who are invested in multicultural and inclusive pedagogy. As an instructor invested in inclusive learning, my former struggle of getting students to understand the importance of acknowledging the validity of cultural differences has resurfaced as students who buy into the rhetoric of a “post race” nation no longer think it necessary to examine closely racially charged inequities. Rather than adhere to the problematic ideology of Obama as the embodiment of a “post race” nation, I propose an exploration of his identity and politics as those that encourage fluidity and cultural plurality without denying rightful acknowledgement of race as a viable political reality.
Radical Islam and Nonviolence: A Case Study of Religious Empowerment and Constraint among Pashtuns

Religious traditions, like national traditions, frequently foment collective violence. Yet all of the world's major living religious traditions also contain the seeds of tolerance, justice, compassion, and peace. A preoccupation with the violent elements of these traditions may impede the expression of their less violent themes. For diverse reasons, religious and political leaders may give insufficient attention to the peace-building prospects in religious traditions. As this case study of Islamic political activism among Pashtuns in the North-West Frontier Province of colonial India in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s demonstrates, religion may motivate people for bold action against political repression while confining them to nonviolent means in pursuit of humanitarian ends. A formula for Muslim nonviolent direct action, developed by Abdul Ghaffar Khan, has many applications in contemporary conflicts where change is desirable but violent means are often self-destructive. This study demonstrates that Islamic religious identity can provide the basis for recruiting people to become political activists, for nurturing a strong identity and discipline within their movement, for enabling activists to overcome their timehonored inclination to use violence, for contesting the more violent elements of a religious tradition in religious rather than secular terms, for avoiding intolerance toward people of other religious traditions, and for nurturing courage and determination against great odds. If imaginative leadership today would draw upon the bold yet nonviolent contributions that religious traditions could make, even in contexts where violent reactions may seem justified, then a possible clash of civilizations might be managed without irretrievable disasters for the human race.
The Doubting Dance: Contributions to a History of Parent/Professional Interactions in Early 20th Century America

The relationship ofprofessionals with families ofchil­ dren and adults wiJh intellecuwl disabilities is a key component in the planning and delivery of effective and enduringsupponservices. Yet, the history ofsuch relation­ ship!>' is not \Vell understood- After briefly describing the context for these relationships in the early 20th century, a thematic anaLysis is presell1ed of correspondence be­ tween parents and professionals at one instinaion for peo­ ple with. intellectual dimbilities during the earLy 1900s. The study concludes with a brief discussion of what we can. learn from this troubled history to improve famiLy/ profeSSional relationships. DESCRIPTORS: history, families, institutions, professional/family relationships Parents of children and young adults with disabilities have always had a complicated relationship with the professionals in medicine, education, and otber fields wbo claim special expertise to help, or even cure, their offspring. On the one hand, the families are often grate­ ful for whatever help and support they can find. On the other hand, they equally often end up expressing a desire for more or different types of belp than they find available. Throughout the history of disability and the formal service systems tbat emerged to respond LO that segment of the population (e.g., special education, bealth care, rehabilitation), there bas been a choreogra­ phy of care as parents and professionals danced around the issue of who would take tbe lead in providing sup­ port for dependent children. This is no where clearer than in the evolution of formal services for children with intellectual disabilities (Farber, 1986). This study explores one corner of the history of family-professional relationships in the area of intel­ lectual disabilities by looking at a particular period of rapid expansion ofservices in the United States, roughly 1900 to 1930. In this era, professionals with new spe­ cializations (e.g., clinical psychology, special education, social work) pushed for new or expanded services tbat
Object detection at multiple scales improves accuracy

For detecting objects in natural visual scenes, several powerful image features have been proposed which can collectively be described as spatial histograms of oriented energy. The HoG [3], HMAX C1 [12], SIFT [10], and shape context feature [2] all represent an input image using with a discrete set of bins which accumulate evidence for oriented structures over a spatial region and a range of orientations. In this work, we generalize these techniques to allow for a foveated input image, rather than a rectilinear raster in order to improve object detection accuracy. The system leverages a spectrum of image measurements, from sharp, fine-scale image sampling within a small spatial region to coarse-scale sampling of a wide field of view. In the experiments we show that features generated from the foveated input format produce detectors of greater accuracy, as measured for four object types from commonly available data-sets.
A Comparison of Delinquent Prostitutes and Delinquent Non-Prostitutes on Self-Concept.

(1985). A Comparison of Delinquent Prostitutes and Delinquent Non-Prostitutes on Self-Concept. Journal of Offender Counseling Services Rehabilitation: Vol. 9, No. 1-2, pp. 89-101.
Influence of pycnocline topography and water-column structure on marine distributions of alcids (Aves: Alcidae) in Anadyr Strait, Northern Bering Sea, Alaska

Systematic ship-board surveys were used to simultaneously record seabird abundances and resolve coarse-scale (3 to 10 km) horizontal and fine-scale (1 to 10 m) vertical variability in water-column structure and bathymetry for portions of the coastal zone in Anadyr Strait near western St. Lawrence Island, northern Bering Sea, Alaska, during August and September 1987. Three plankton-feeding alcids, parakeet (Cyclorrhynchus psittacula), crested (Aethia cristatella) and least (A. pusilla) auklets, each exhibited distinct associations for different pycnocline characteristics. Least auklets were more abundant in mixed water, but they also occurred within stratified water where the pycnocline and upper-mixed layer were shallow (≤8 m) and thin (≤10 m), respectively. Low body mass (85 g), high buoyancy, and relatively poor diving ability may have restricted this auklet to areas where water-column strata nearly intersected the surface, or to areas from which strata were absent altogether due to strong vertical mixing. Parakeet and crested auklets, which are larger-bodied (ca. 260 g) planktivores with presumably greater diving ability, were more abundant in stratified water, and both species exhibited less specific affinities for water-column characteristic at intermediate and shallow levels. All three auklets avoided locations with strong pycnocline gradients (≤0.22σ t m−1), a crude index of the strong, subsurface shear in water velocities characteristic of this region. Auklet distributions in Anadyr Strait were consistent with: (1) strata accessibility, as estimated from relationships between body mass and relative diving ability, (2) possible avoidance of strong subsurface water motions, and (3) habits and distributions of plankton prey. In contrast, largebodied (>450 g) alcids [i.e., common (Uria aalge) and thick-billed (U. lomvia) murres, pigeon guillemots (Cephus columba), tufted (Fratercula cirrhata), and horned (F. corniculata) puffins feeding on fish or benthic invertebrates] showed no consistent relationships with either the pycnocline or upper-mixed layers. All large alcids were more common in stratified than in vertically-mixed waters, but differences in abundance between mixing regimes were small or equivocal. The only measured variable with which all large alcids were associated was total water-column depth: murres, guillemots, and puffins each used areas with shallow sea floors and avoided areas with deeper sea floors. Failure of large alcids to discriminate among foraging areas in Anadyr Strait as a function of pycnocline topography and strength may be attributable to: (1) greater reliance on large pelagic and benthic prey not associated with the pycnocline; (2) higher body mass, lower buoyancy, and greater diving ability; (3) foraging over a uniquely shallow continental shelf where all vertical strata, including the sea floor, are potentially accessible from the ocean surface.
On the role of sentence stress in sentence processing

Words bearing high stress appear to be easier to process during sentence comprehension. Since sentence stress typically falls on content words this suggests that comprehension is organized according to a form class bias: process stressed items as content words. The present study measured reaction-time (RT) to word-initial phoneme targets on content and function words in sentence contexts. Half of the words of each type were stressed, half were not. In addition, a variable of "normality" of stress pattern was manipulated. It was found that RTs were shorter for stressed items independent of their syntactic function. No effect for content v. function words or normal v. non-normal stress pattern was observed. Results were interpreted within the framework of a predictive model utilizing the concept of semantic focus.
TCT-533 Optimal Excimer Laser Atherectomy for Treatment of Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis. Does debulking matter?

In-stent restenosis (ISR) after femoropopliteal artery stenting is a significant problem occurring in up to 50% of cases. The EXCITE ISR trial aimed to demonstrate that procedural safety and efficacy after debulking ISR lesions with laser atherectomy is superior to balloon angioplasty (PTA) alone.
Automatic discovery of language models for text databases

The proliferation of text databases within large organizations and on the Internet makes it difficult for a person to know which databases to search. Given language models that describe the contents of each database, a database selection algorithm such as GIOSS can provide assistance by automatically selecting appropriate databases for an information need. Current practice is that each database provides its language model upon request, but this cooperative approach has important limitations.This paper demonstrates that cooperation is not required. Instead, the database selection service can construct its own language models by sampling database contents via the normal process of running queries and retrieving documents. Although random sampling is not possible, it can be approximated with carefully selected queries. This sampling approach avoids the limitations that characterize the cooperative approach, and also enables additional capabilities. Experimental results demonstrate that accurate language models can be learned from a relatively small number of queries and documents.
Chronic Activation of mTOR Complex 1 Is Sufficient to Cause Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) is a nutrient-sensitive protein kinase that is aberrantly activated in many human cancers. Whether dysregulation of mTORC1 signaling in normal tissues increases the risk for cancer, however, is unknown. We focused on hepatocellular carcinoma, which has been linked to environmental factors that affect mTORC1 activity, including diet. Ablation of the gene encoding TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis complex 1), which as part of the TSC1-TSC2 complex is an upstream inhibitor of mTORC1, results in constitutively increased mTORC1 signaling, an effect on this pathway similar to that of obesity. We found that mice with liver-specific knockout of Tsc1 developed sporadic hepatocellular carcinoma with heterogeneous histological and biochemical features. The spontaneous development of hepatocellular carcinoma in this mouse model was preceded by a series of pathological changes that accompany the primary etiologies of this cancer in humans, including liver damage, inflammation, necrosis, and regeneration. Chronic mTORC1 signaling led to unresolved endoplasmic reticulum stress and defects in autophagy, factors that contributed to hepatocyte damage and hepatocellular carcinoma development. Therefore, we conclude that increased activation of mTORC1 can promote carcinogenesis and may thus represent a key molecular link between cancer risk and environmental factors, such as diet.
Long-Term Loss of Osteoclasts and Unopposed Cortical Mineral Apposition Following Limited Field Irradiation

Late-onset fragility fractures are a common complication following radiotherapy for metastatic disease and soft tissue sarcomas. Using a murine hindlimb focal irradiation model (RTx), we quantified time-dependent changes in osteoclasts and mineral apposition rate (MAR). Mice received either a single, unilateral 5 Gy exposure or four fractionated doses (4x5 Gy). Osteoclast numbers and MAR were evaluated histologically at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 26 weeks post-RTx. Radiation induced an early, transient increase in osteoclasts followed by long-term depletion. Increased osteoclast numbers correlated temporally with trabecular resorption; the resorbed trabeculae were not later restored. Radiotherapy did not attenuate MAR at any time point. A transient, early increase in MAR was noted in both RTx groups, however, the 4x5 Gy group exhibited an unexpected spike in MAR eight weeks. Persistent depletion of osteoclasts permitted anabolic activity to continue unopposed, resulting in cortical thickening. These biological responses likely contribute to post-radiotherapy bone fragility via microdamage accumulation and matrix embrittlement in the absence of osteoclastic remodeling, and trabecular resorption-induced decrease in bone strength. The temporal distribution of osteoclast numbers suggests that anti-resorptive therapies may be of clinical benefit only if started prior to radiotherapy and continued through the following period of increased osteoclastic remodeling.
An experimental investigation of a method to obtain isoclinic data from isochromatic data

If the photoelastic model has a line of symmetry and is made from a stress frozen sheet, then it is shown how the isoclinics can be obtained from isochromatic measurements only. The accuracy is investigated with experimental examples. The method should have applications in transient problems and where the sandwich method is used.