cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zero-Shot Recommender Systems

Performance of recommender systems (RS) relies heavily on the amount of training data available. This poses a chicken-and-egg problem for early-stage products, whose amount of data, in turn, relies on the performance of their RS. On the other hand, zero-shot learning promises some degree of generalization from an old dataset to an entirely new dataset. In this paper, we explore the possibility of zero-shot learning in RS. We develop an algorithm, dubbed ZEro-Shot Recommenders (ZESRec), that is trained on an old dataset and generalize to a new one where there are neither overlapping users nor overlapping items, a setting that contrasts typical cross-domain RS that has either overlapping users or items. Different from categorical item indices, i.e., item ID, in previous methods, ZESRec uses items' natural-language descriptions (or description embeddings) as their continuous indices, and therefore naturally generalize to any unseen items. In terms of users, ZESRec builds upon recent advances on sequential RS to represent users using their interactions with items, thereby generalizing to unseen users as well. We study two pairs of real-world RS datasets and demonstrate that ZESRec can successfully enable recommendations in such a zero-shot setting, opening up new opportunities for resolving the chicken-and-egg problem for data-scarce startups or early-stage products.
Targeting metabolism to potentiate NK cell-based therapies

Abstract NK cells are critical components of the immune system that play a major role in immune surveillance against transformed and virally infected cells as well as in immune regulation. Despite their potent effector potential, NK cells face several challenges in pathological conditions, resulting in their impaired functionality and reduced in vivo persistence. These factors limit the overall efficacy of NK cell-based therapies and there is a critical need to understand the mechanisms underlying NK cell dysfunctions. Cell metabolism is now acknowledged to play an important role in determining the functional fate of immune cells. Rapidly emerging evidence suggests that immunometabolism research is opening up new avenues for critical understanding of immune responses and can be targeted to improve NK cell-based therapies. In this review, we discuss the current literature on NK cell metabolism, its regulation in normal and disease conditions, and potential therapeutic approaches targeting NK cell metabolism for improving NK cell-based therapies.
Design and Characterization of a Multi-Domain Unmanned Vehicle Operating in Aerial, Terrestrial, and Underwater Environments

In this paper, we demonstrate and validate the flight characteristics of a multi-domain unmanned platform capable of locomotion in the air, water, and land domains. The OmnibotV2 uses four flight motors in a quad-copter configuration for flight, a dual screwdrive system for land and water locomotion, and optionally features a buoyancy control unit for water operations. Experiments were performed to measure how maximum battery voltage, temperature, and motors of different torque-speed characteristics affect the performance of the platform in flight. Screwdrive locomotion similarly also evaluated on land, underwater, and on the water's surface. The transition between the water's surface and the air was validated as was the use of the flight propulsion for moving around in and under the water. A streaming camera unit as well as other sensors were integrated and validated for future applications in environmental monitoring.
The Mettl3 epitranscriptomic writer amplifies p53 stress responses

The p53 transcription factor, encoded by the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis in response to stress signals. The mechanisms through which p53 promotes downstream tumor suppressive gene expression programs remain, however, only superficially understood. Here, we used tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry to reveal new components of the p53 response. This approach uncovered Mettl3, a component of the m6A RNA methyltransferase complex (MTC), as a p53-interacting protein. Analysis of Mettl3- deficient cells revealed that Mettl3 promotes p53 protein stabilization and target gene expression in response to DNA damage. Mettl3 acts in part by competing with the p53 negative regulator, Mdm2, for binding to the p53 transactivation domains to promote methyltransferase-independent stabilization of p53. In addition, Mettl3 relies on its catalytic activity to augment p53 responses, with p53 recruiting Mettl3 to p53 target genes to co-transcriptionally direct m6A modification of p53 pathway transcripts to enhance their expression. Mettl3 also promotes p53 activity downstream of oncogenic signals in vivo, in both allograft and autochthonous lung adenocarcinoma models, suggesting cooperative action of p53 and Mettl3 in tumor suppression. Accordingly, we found in diverse human cancers that mutations in MTC components perturb expression of p53 target genes and that MTC mutations are mutually exclusive with TP53 mutations, suggesting that the MTC enhances the p53 transcriptional program in human cancer. Together, these studies reveal a fundamental role for Mettl3 in amplifying p53 signaling through protein stabilization and epitranscriptome regulation.
Active Microwave Remote Sensing Observations of Weddell Sea Ice

Since July 1991, the European Space Agency's ERS-1 and ERS-2 satellites have acquired radar data of the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The Active Microwave Instrument on board ERS has two modes; SAR and Scatterometer. Two receiving stations enable direct downlink and recording of high bit-rate, high resolution SAR image data of this region. When not in an imaging mode, when direct SAR downlink is not possible, or when a receiving station is inoperable, the latter mode allows normalized radar cross-section data to be acquired. These low bit-rate ERS scatterometer data are tape recorded, downlinked and processed off-line. Recent advances in image generation from Scatterometer backscatter measurements enable complementary medium-scale resolution images to be made during periods when SAR images cannot be acquired. Together, these combined C-band microwave image data have for the first time enabled uninterrupted night and day coverage of the Weddell Sea region at both high (25 m) and medium-scale (-20 km) resolutions. C-band ERS-1 radar data are analyzed in conjunction with field data from two simultaneous field experiments in 1992. Satellite radar signature data are compared with shipborne radar data to extract a regional and seasonal signature database for recognition of ice types in the images. Performance of automated sea-ice tracking algorithms is tested on Antarctic data to evaluate their success. Examples demonstrate that both winter and summer ice can be effectively tracked. The kinematics of the main ice zones within the Weddell Sea are illustrated, together with the complementary time-dependencies in their radar signatures. Time-series of satellite images are used to illustrate the development of the Weddell Sea ice cover from its austral summer minimum (February) to its winter maximum (September). The combination of time-dependent microwave signatures and ice dynamics tracking enable various drift regimes to be defined which relate closely to the circulation of the sea ice in response to current and wind forcing and iceberg barriers. These are closely related to continental-shelf or central basin regimes, in which tidal forcing or barotropic circulation patterns appear to influence the sea-ice motion, respectively. These regimes provide valuable information about the regions of most prolific ice growth and influence of ice conditions upon air-sea-ice exchange processes in the Weddell Sea.
The Effect of Magnesium Ion Concentration on the pH Optimum of the Spinach Leaf Alkaline Fructose Diphosphatase

Abstract The pH optimum of the spinach leaf alkaline fructose diphosphatase depends on the concentration of magnesium ion. At 5 mm MgC12 the pH optimum for enzyme activity is 8.5 and there is very little activity at 7.0. Increasing concentration of magnesium ion up to 40 mm, however, causes a shift of the pH optimum to 7.5. Appreciable activity is observed at pH 7.0 at the higher magnesium ion concentrations (20 to 40 mm). The fructose diphosphate concentration versus velocity curve is sigmoidal at the lower MgC12 concentrations.
Modeling Retrospective Attribution of Responsibility to Hazard-Managing Institutions: An Example Involving a Food Contamination Incident

Perceptions of institutions that manage hazards are important because they can affect how the public responds to hazard events. Antecedents of trust judgments have received far more attention than antecedents of attributions of responsibility for hazard events. We build upon a model of retrospective attribution of responsibility to individuals to examine these relationships regarding five classes of institutions that bear responsibility for food safety: producers (e.g., farmers), processors (e.g., packaging firms), watchdogs (e.g., government agencies), sellers (e.g., supermarkets), and preparers (e.g., restaurants). A nationally representative sample of 1,200 American adults completed an Internet-based survey in which a hypothetical scenario involving contamination of diverse foods with Salmonella served as the stimulus event. Perceived competence and good intentions of the institution moderately decreased attributions of responsibility. A stronger factor was whether an institution was deemed (potentially) aware of the contamination and free to act to prevent or mitigate it. Responsibility was rated higher the more aware and free the institution. This initial model for attributions of responsibility to impersonal institutions (as opposed to individual responsibility) merits further development.
Design technology productivity in the DSM era

Future requirements for design technology are always uncertain due to changes in process technology, system implementation platforms, and applications markets. To correctly identify the design technology need, and to deliver this technology at the right time, the design technology community-commercial vendors, captive CAD organizations, and academic researchers-must focus on improving design technology time-to-market and quality-of-result. Put another way, we must address the well-known design productivity gap by addressing the design technology productivity gap. The future of design technology is most uncertain in the physical implementation space, where many complexities must be managed without sacrificing system value or turnaround time. This talk will begin with examples of changes in methodology and design tool infrastructure needed to support future physical implementation. Then, recent initiatives in the MARCO Gigascale Silicon Research Center (GSRC) are described which support the design technology and designer communities in creating the right design technology when it is needed.
The South's Slave Culture Transplanted to the Western Frontier

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 had a significant impact on northwest Missouri's settlement patterns. Missouri's slave state status attracted a higher number of southern pioneers than what would have normally been expected. These early settlers brought with them their entire cultural-economic system—the production of hemp and tobacco with slave labor. Within the Platte region, the geographic distribution of these cultural variables is explained by pioneer origins. Those areas settled primarily by Upper Southerners possessed the greatest number of slaves and produced the most hemp and tobacco. The findings demonstrate that by 1850 the Upper South's slave culture had been transplanted to northwest Missouri's Platte region.
The effect of ethanol on the phase behavior of membrane lipids extracted from Clostridium thermocellum strains

Abstract The phase behavior of aqueous dispersions of extracted lipids from Clostridium thermocellum wild-type and ethanol-tolerant C919 cells has been examined by DSC. The optimum growth temperature of this anaerobe is 60°C. The wild-type lipids exhibit a broad phase transition centered at 30°C; the C919 mutant lipids show a 10°C lower T m . The direct addition of growth inhibiting concentrations of ethanol has no significant effect on T m or headgroup mobility (monitored by 2 H-NMR) of either set of lipids. In contrast, wild-type cells adapted to growth in ethanol exhibit a broadened and lower T m (15–25°C plateau); C919 membrane lipids do not exhibit significantly altered phase behavior when adapted to growth in ethanol. Both wild-type and mutant membranes have fatty acid composition changes upon growth in ethanol, which increases lower-melting components. It is concluded that fatty acid changes which occur upon adaptation of the organism to growth in ethanol are secondary responses and not necessarily direct responses to alter membrane fluidity.
Turnover of several mammary enzymes during lactation.

Abstract Purification and immunological techniques were used to determine the turnover rates of four enzymes in rat mammary glands which were excised at various times after injection of [ 14 C]leucine and [ 14 C]lysine at several stages of lactation. Fructose- 1, 6-diphosphate aldolase (EC 4.1.2.7), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.9), and α-glycerol-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) were selected to represent carbohydrate metabolism, lactose synthesis, and fat synthesis, respectively. All four enzymes were purified from the same homogenate by use of Sephadex G-200, calcium phosphate gel, and Sephadex G-100. The turnover rates at 12 days post partum and the increased rates of synthesis per unit extractable protein at 12 days relative to 5 days post partum were 1.6% per h and 1.4 for aldolase, 2.2% per h and 2.3 for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 1.5% per h and 1.2 for uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase, and 1.7% per h and 2.2 for α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase. Extractable cellular protein had a turnover rate of 3% per h at 5 and 12 days post partum . At 12 days post partum these enzymes were a 1.0–2.4 times larger percentage of extractable protein than at 5 days post partum . Increases in extractable protein with development of lactation accounted for a large proportion of increases in enzyme activities but the 1.2- to 2.3-fold induction of enzymes represented an increased rate of new enzyme synthesis supplemental to those increased enzyme activities caused by increased amounts of extractable protein.
PR-39, a proline/arginine-rich antimicrobial peptide, exerts cardioprotective effects in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

Objective: PR-39, a proline/arginine-rich antimicrobial peptide, has been shown to inhibit the NADPH oxidase activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by blocking assembly of this enzyme. We hypothesized that PR-39 could attenuate PMN-induced cardiac dysfunction by suppression of superoxide production. Methods: We examined the effects of PR-39 in isolated ischemic (20 min) and reperfused (45 min) rat hearts administered PMNs at the onset of reperfusion. Results: PR-39 (4 or 10 μg/ml) given i.v. 30 min prior to ischemia–reperfusion (I–R) significantly improved left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP, P <0.01) and the maximal rate of development of LVDP (i.e. +d P /d t max, P <0.01) compared to I–R hearts obtained from rats given 0.9% NaCl. PR-39-treated PMNs (10 μg/ml) also significantly attenuated cardiac contractile dysfunction after I–R ( P <0.01). Superoxide release was significantly reduced ( P <0.01) in N -formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine stimulated PMNs pretreated with 4 or 10 μg/ml PR-39. PR-39 also significantly attenuated P-selectin expression on the rat coronary microvascular endothelium and CD18 upregulation in rat PMNs. In addition, PR-39 significantly reduced PMN vascular adherence and infiltration into the post-ischemic myocardium. Conclusion: These results provide evidence that PR-39 significantly attenuates PMN-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction in the I–R rat heart at least in part via suppression of superoxide release. This cardioprotection occurred both by inhibition of PMN and endothelial NADPH oxidase.
An efficient and scalable framework for content-based publish/subscribe systems

Challenges for content-based publish/sub scribe systems include efficient subscription management and event matching, load balancing, and efficient and scalable event delivery. This paper presents an efficient and scalable framework for content-based publish/subscribe systems. We propose using K-D trees to dynamically partition and organize subscriptions, thereby preserving subscription locality, minimizing event matching load and ensuring load balance across nodes. We propose an efficient event delivery mechanism that cleverly exploits embedded trees in distributed hash tables to disseminate events. We show that the latency of event publication and delivery is low. The event delivery mechanism can deliver events to a large number of subscribers at low latency and overhead, consuming modest bandwidth.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction of human S100A15.

Human S100A15 is a novel member of the S100 family of EF-hand calcium-binding proteins and was recently identified in psoriasis, where it is significantly upregulated in lesional skin. The protein is implicated as an effector in calcium-mediated signal transduction pathways. Although its biological function is unclear, the association of the 11.2 kDa S100A15 with psoriasis suggests that it contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease and could provide a molecular target for therapy. To provide insight into the function of S100A15, the protein was crystallized to visualize its structure and to further the understanding of how the many similar calcium-binding mediator proteins in the cell distinguish their cognate target molecules. The S100A15 protein has been cloned, expressed and purified to homogeneity and produced two crystal forms. Crystals of form I are triclinic, with unit-cell parameters a = 33.5, b = 44.3, c = 44.8 A, α = 71.2, β = 68.1, γ = 67.8° and an estimated two molecules in the asymmetric unit, and diffract to 1.7 A resolution. Crystals of form II are monoclinic, with unit-cell parameters a = 82.1, b = 33.6, c = 52.2 A, β = 128.2° and an estimated one molecule in the asymmetric unit, and diffract to 2.0 A resolution. This structural analysis of the human S100A15 will further aid in the phylogenic comparison between the other members of the S100 protein family, especially the highly homologous paralog S100A7.
Seasonal plasticity of auditory saccular sensitivity in the vocal plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus.

The plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus, is a seasonally breeding species of marine teleost fish that generates acoustic signals for intraspecific social and reproductive-related communica...
Charge permutation reactions in tandem mass spectrometry

Central to the tandem mass spectrometry experiment is the process that gives rise to product ions, i.e. the reaction intermediate to stages of mass analysis. Changes in mass or charge of the parent ion (or both) are generally readily detected by all forms of tandem mass spectrometry. Charge changing, or charge permutation, reactions have a long history in mass spectrometry. However, with the advent of new ionization methods, such as electrospray ionization, and the expansion of tandem mass spectrometry instrumentation to include ion trapping instruments, the past decade has seen a major increase in the types of charge permutation reactions that can be studied. Most charge permutation reactions involve electrons or protons as the charge mediating agents. This report, therefore, provides an overview of charge permutation reactions involving protons or electrons. Particular emphasis is placed on processes that involve interactions of precursor ions with gaseous neutral species, electrons or oppositely charged ions. Charge permutation reactions involving electron gain/loss are described first according to a rough order of the energy required for the reaction beginning with the most endoergic reactions and ending with the most exoergic reactions. An analogous approach is then taken with charge permutation reactions involving proton gain/loss. Important charge permutation reactions discussed herein, among others, include those referred to as charge inversion, charge stripping, electron capture dissociation, collision-induced ionization and charge separation. These reaction types, and others described herein, are the subjects of active research and are also finding use in many current areas of application. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity and dissimilarity in posets

The relevance of partially ordered sets (or posets) in a wide diversity of contexts in chemistry is emphasized, and the utility of distance functions (or metrics) on such posets is noted. First a notion of “scale similarity” is introduced to make comparisons within certain so-called “scaled” posets, for which there is formulated natural “comparators”, which in turn lead to associated distance functions. Beyond taking note of several chemically relevant examples of these “scaled” posets and their consequent associated similarity measures, a second chemically relevant class of so-called “shifted” posets is similarly developed, with examples. Even further extension of some aspects of the current approach is indicated, and finally the multi-posetic character of chemical periodic law is suggested.
Effects of task outcome and subjective standard on state depression for cognitive and social tasks

Experimental studies of depression in college students have often focused on task outcome. The present study explores the role of subjective standard as a cognitive mediator of the effects of success and failure on mood for both cognitive and social tasks. Subjective standard is defined as the lowest score with which a subject would be satisfied. The data showed a significant main effect of task outcome, a significant main effect of subjective standard, and a significant interaction between these variables on both depression scores and a measure of subject satisfaction with her score. The findings are interpreted as providing support for a cognitive model of depression.
Deposition uniformity of ultra nano crystalline diamond on 6" and 8" wafer substrates using a 915MHz plasma assisted CVD diamond reactor

Summary form only given. Due the combination of diamond's mechanical properties with minimal intrinsic surface roughness ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) is a very promising engineered material for microelectromechanical systems applications. To minimize production costs it is desirable to synthesize the material over large substrate areas with very good thickness uniformity. In this paper we discuss the results of experiments to maximize the thickness uniformity of the UNCD material over 150 mm (6") and 200 mm (8") wafers. The experiments were performed using a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition reactor based on a single mode cavity applicator design operating at 915 MHz. The system technology is now commercially available through Lambda Technologies Inc. The thickness variation across the wafer has been determined by cross sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. The initial uniformity results across 6" wafers of plusmn13% for 4 mum thick films are very promising. The experiments are being continued for 8" wafers
Teaching and Learning Science for Social Justice: Introduction to the Special Issue

This past spring 2009, I (Angie) was teaching a fifth grade science unit on “weather” at a small urban school at the request of one of the teachers. The teacher's request was loaded. Her school had...
Nonlinear interaction of intense laser pulses in plasmas

A nonlinear one-dimensional theory is developed that describes some important aspects of intense laser-plasma interactions. The self-consistent laser-plasma analysis includes nonlinear plasma wake-field generation, relativistic optical guiding, coherent harmonic radiation production, as well as other related phenomena. Relativistic optical guiding is found to be most effective for long laser pulses having slow rise times. Short laser pulses are shown to be weakly guided. Coherent harmonic generation using a linearly polarized laser is found to be most efficient for short laser pulses and can be enhanced by the presence of large amplitude plasma wake fields. Aspects of particle acceleration by laser pulses as well as possible methods for upshifting the frequency of laser pulses are also discussed.
Promoting Physical Activity for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Barriers, Benefits, and Strategies for Success

Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fall short of the recommended physical activity levels and experience challenges in physical activity and physical education settings. This article reviews factors that can improve the physical activity statistics of students with ASD, outlines the researched benefits of physical activity for students with ASD, and summarizes previously published strategies for success in physical education. It serves as a tool for teachers who wish to promote best practices and advocate for quality movement programs for these students.
Design of phononic materials/structures for surface wave devices using topology optimization

We develop a topology optimization approach to design two- and three-dimensional phononic (elastic) materials, focusing primarily on surface wave filters and waveguides. These utilize propagation modes that transmit elastic waves where the energy is contained near a free surface of a material. The design of surface wave devices is particularly attractive given recent advances in nano- and micromanufacturing processes, such as thin-film deposition, etching, and lithography, which make it possible to precisely place thin film materials on a substrate with submicron feature resolution. We apply our topology optimization approach to a series of three problems where the layout of two materials (silicon and aluminum) is sought to achieve a prescribed objective: (1) a grating to filter bulk waves of a prescribed frequency in two and three dimensions, (2) a surface wave device that uses a patterned thin film to filter waves of a single or range of frequencies, and (3) a fully three-dimensional structure to guide a wave generated by a harmonic input on a free surface to a specified output port on the surface. From the first to the third example, the resulting topologies increase in sophistication. The results demonstrate the power and promise of our computational framework to design sophisticated surface wave devices.
Definitions and control of the CEP and CEO

The definitions of the carrier to envelope phase (CEP) and carrier to envelope offset (CEO) arc reviewed. It is pointed out that a unique separation of the field of an ultrashort pulse in a “carrier” and “envelope” is not always possible for ultrashort pulses. Another definition is proposed for pulses of a few optical cycles, that is not dependent on the notion of “carrier” and “envelope.” The carrier to envelope offset (CEO) is a frequency, generally defined as the ratio of the change in CEP between pulses, to the pulse (temporal) spacing. It is shown that the CEO exists for trains of long pulses, for which the CEP cannot be measured. Methods of measuring the CEO of a mode-locked laser are proposed. It is shown that MQW have a locking tendency on the CEO of two pulse trains.
Precise Frequency Regulation on 400 Cycle M-G Sets

This paper discusses a system of rotating electrical equipment and its control which converts fluctuating alternating current into precisely regulated power with controlled frequency.
ADSORPTION OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE ON POLYCRYSTALLINE GOLD

The adsorption of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on a polycrystalline Au surface was studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Three desorption states due to chemisorbed NO2 were observed using TPD, with desorption activation energies,Ed, of 11,13, and 17 kcal/mol. The desorption energies reflect the heats of adsorption of NO2 on the polycrystalline gold surface, since NO2 adsorption is not an activated process. Desorption of physisorbed NO2 from N2O4 multilayers was also seen at 130–140 K. The sticking probability of NO2 at 120 K is independent of coverage indicating a strong influence of a precursor state in the adsorption kinetics. Vibrational spectra using HREELS show that chemisorbed NO2 is molecularly adsorbed on the surface, probably as a Au O,O'-nitrito surface chelate. No evidence for the dissociation of NO2 on Au was found using AES, TPD, or HREELS, even for large exposures of NO2 at surface temperatures up to 500 K. Comparison of these results with those for NO2 adsorption on a Au(111) surface is made. High energy sites, such as steps and kinks, and other crystal faces of Au can chemically bond NO2 more tightly than occurs on Au(111), but the activation energy for dissociation of NO2 at all of these sites exceeds 17 kcal/mol, and thus NO2 adsorption is reversible on Au under low pressure conditions.
Inhibition of [3H]kainic acid receptor binding by divalent cations correlates with ion affinity for the calcium channel.

Since the neurotoxicity of kainic acid may be due to the opening of membrane channels for calcium ions for (Ca2+), the effects of Ca2+ and other cations were examined on the specific binding of [3H]kainic acid to membranes from the forebrain of the rat. [3H]Kainic acid bound to a high affinity site (KD = 5.6nM) that was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by Ca2+ ions with an IC50 of 3.2 mM. In the presence of 1 mM Ca2+, the KD of the binding of [3K]kainic acid increased to 11.1 nM without any change in the Bmax. The divalent cations, manganese and cobalt, also were potent inhibitors of the binding of [3H]kainic acid, while barium and strontium were much weaker. The inhibitory effects of Ca2+ on the binding of [3H]kainic acid were blocked by the inorganic Ca2+ channel Mockers, cadmium and lanthanum. These data suggest that Ca2+ modulates the binding affinity [3H]kainic acid through an allosteric interaction between the binding site on the Ca2+ channel and the kainic acid receptor.
Modeling of bubble-column flows with quadrature-based moment methods

Abstract Bubble-column reactors are frequently employed in the biological, chemical and petrochemical industries. This paper presents a novel approach to model bubble-column flows using quadrature-based moment methods (QBMM). A fully two-way coupled flow solver is developed that solves the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation for the liquid phase and moment transport equations for the dispersed bubble phase. The moment transport equations for the dispersed bubble phase are solved using a kinetic theory approach. Contributions from the liquid-phase pressure gradient, vorticity, drag, virtual mass and gravity are accounted for in the bubble-phase force balance. The solution algorithm and coupling procedure are described in detail, and results are presented for a 2-D bubble column with two different gas flow rates (1.6 and 8.0 l/min).
Quasi-saturation region model of an NPN − N transistor

A time dependent circuit model of an NPN−N transistor is described for the simulation of the quasi-saturation region. A Current Induced Base factor is defined from an injection level model of the N− collector and used to modify the static and dynamic properties of a basic Ebers-Moll model. Curve tracer and time dependent, turn-on characteristics are used to demonstrate the effect of the CIB factor.
Perceptions of treatment value, therapeutic orientation, and actual experience of psychiatric residents.

LTHOUGH A FAIRLY EXTENSIVE literature exists on how psychiatrists develop professionally,‘-g three important areas remain inadequately documented. First, doubts remain about the ideologic orientation of residents toward psychiatry. Second, how psychiatry residents perceive the value of various treatment modalities used in psychiatry is essentially undetermined. Third, the actual experience that residents accumulate in using various treatment modalities requires considerable elaboration. These deficiences of information are striking since a psychiatrist’s professional identity is clearly related to what he believes valuable and what experiences he incorporates in his practice.‘O The investigators that have evaluated these three topics have concentrated on the attitudes toward treatment approaches mainly of practicing psychiatrists,“-I5 although the work by Stone and his colleagues is a major exception.16 In this era of concern about the question “what is a psychiatrist?” (as shown by the existence of an American Psychiatric Association Committee to study this subject), renewed attention must be given to the possible danger of premature theoretic closure among psychiatry residents. If ideologic closure occurs early in residency, the acquisition of new knowledge will clearly be impaired. The present study evolved from our observations that residents in several residency programs in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore, Md. vicinity seemed to share the same opinions about the worth of various therapies regardless of level of training and orientation of their programs. Most residents also seemed to be firmly set in their opinions at an early stage. To provide some data for these subjective impressions, we decided to survey a relatively large population of psychiatry residents. Several main questions were formulated: How do residents from different training programs rate the value of various psychiatric treatments when applied to three hypothetic psychiatric conditions? Do residents in different levels of training rate treatment modalities differently? What is the self-reported treatment orientation among the population of psychiatry residents? Does premature ideologic closure appear to be present?
Regulation of Mycobacterium-specific mononuclear cell responses by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

The active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), has been shown to be an important regulator of innate and adaptive immune function. In addition, synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) by the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase in monocytes upon activation by TLR signaling has been found to regulate innate immune responses of monocytes in an intracrine fashion. In this study we wanted to determine what cells expressed 1α-hydroxylase in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures and if conversion of 25(OH)D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3 in PBMC cultures regulated antigen-specific immune responses. Initially, we found that stimulation of PBMCs from animals vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) BCG with purified protein derivative of M. bovis (M. bovis PPD) induced 1α-hydroxylase gene expression and that treatment with a physiological concentration of 25(OH)D3 down-regulated IFN-γ and IL-17F gene expression. Next, we stimulated PBMCs from M. bovis BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle with M. bovis PPD and sorted them by FACS according to surface markers for monocytes/macrophages (CD14), B cells (IgM), and T cells (CD3). Sorting the PBMCs revealed that 1α-hydroxylase expression was induced in the monocytes and B cells, but not in the T cells. Furthermore, treatment of stimulated PBMCs with 25(OH)D3 down-regulated antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-17F responses in the T cells, even though 1α-hydroxylase expression was not induced in the T cells. Based on evidence of no T cell 1α-hydroxylase we hypothesize that activated monocytes and B cells synthesize 1,25(OH)2D3 and that 1,25(OH)2D3 down-regulates antigen-specific expression of IFN-γ and IL-17F in T cells in a paracrine fashion.
Integrated automatic optimal design of manufacturing systems

In this paper, an industrial-facilities selection problem has been considered. The selection of machine tools is the most important capital investment decision made by managers. In this research, an attempt has been made to use set theory for the facility-selection problem. From a known work load and the known capabilities of manufacturing resources, a set theoretic analysis leads to the identification of constraints bearing upon the process of resource selection in any given case. A suitable criterion of optimality then permits an optimal selection to be made by integer programming or other mathematical programming methods. The manufacturing system design for aircraft engine parts has been investigated.
Autophagy Mediates Tolerance to Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin

Summary Resistance and tolerance are two defense strategies employed by the host against microbial threats. Autophagy-mediated degradation of bacteria has been extensively described as a major resistance mechanism. Here we find that the dominant function of autophagy proteins during infections with the epidemic community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 is to mediate tolerance rather than resistance. Atg16L1 hypomorphic mice (Atg16L1 HM ), which have reduced autophagy, were highly susceptible to lethality in both sepsis and pneumonia models of USA300 infection. Autophagy confers protection by limiting the damage caused by α-toxin, particularly to endothelial cells. Remarkably, Atg16L1 HM mice display enhanced survival rather than susceptibility upon infection with α-toxin-deficient S. aureus . These results identify an essential role for autophagy in tolerance to Staphylococcal disease and highlight how a single virulence factor encoded by a pathogen can determine whether a given host factor promotes tolerance or resistance.
Acceptability of positive and punitive discipline methods: Comparisons among abusive, potentially abusive, and nonabusive parents

The present study compared abusive, potentially abusive, and control group parents' perceptions of commonly used discipline procedures. The clinical samples were obtained from Parents Anonymous (PA) and consisted of both court-referred (abusive) and self-referred (potentially abusive) members. The subjects were presented with case vignettes that described a child with either mild or severe behavior problems and asked to rate four methods of disciplining the child. The discipline methods involved positive reinforcement, timeout, timeout with spanking, and spanking. The findings indicated that (1) overall, the parents generally evaluated positive reinforcement as significantly more acceptable than timeout, timeout with spanking, and spanking; (2) self-referred PA members viewed timeout, timeout with spanking, and spanking as relatively more acceptable than did their demographically similar comparison group; and (3) court-referred PA parents' ratings did not significantly differ from their comparison group, since both groups rated the reinforcement method as significantly more acceptable than the other three discipline methods.
The evolution of galaxies: expectations and observations

Abstract The light from a galaxy changes with time as new generations of stars are born and as the stellar population ages. Results from detailed studies of the solar neighborhood may be used to guess how the integrated light from other galaxies evolves. These expectations can be tested by comparison of local calibrating galaxies with distant samples seen at remote epochs.
Pulsed laser damage thresholds in vitro for intraocular lenses and membranes

Energy and power density damage thresholds were determined in air, for plastic IOL's and membranes at the focal point of several solid-state laser systems: 1) 694 nm, Q -switched single pulse (30 ns), multimode, 2) 1064 nm, Q -switched single pulse (20 ns), TEM 00 , 3) 1060 nm, mode-locked single pulse, 15 ps, TEM 11 , 4) 530 nm, mode-locked single pulse, 15 ps, TEM 11 , and 5) 1064 nm, mode-locked pulse train (9-11 pulses, 30 ps), TEM 00 . Pulse energies bracketing damage thresholds as well as focal diameter and pulse duration for each system were determined. Energy density thresholds are lower, and power density thresholds higher, for shorter duration pulses-e.g., 23 J/cm2(1.15 GW/cm2) versus 6 J/cm2(400 GW/cm2) at the same wavelength as in systems 2) and 3) (p = 0.005). Damage thresholds for glass IOL's are 37 J/cm2(1.9 GW/cm2) and 37 J/cm2(1235 GW/cm2) as in systems 2) and 5). Damage threshold values for plastic membranes (Saran Wrap®) exposed to nanosecond and picosecond pulse trains of Nd:YAG at 1064 nm are about half that of plastic IOL's. When laser pulses with a cone angle of 14° from systems 2) and 5) are focused on plastic membrane next to the IOL, damage thresholds are 30 J/cm2(1.5 GW/cm2) for 20 ns Q -switched pulses and 20 J/cm2(670 GW/cm2) for trains of 30 ps mode-locked pulses. Damage thresholds of IOL's immersed in 0.9 percent saline are approximately the same as those obtained in air.
Electrodes for wide-bandwidth substrate-removed electro-optic modulators

This Letter is on wide-bandwidth electrodes suitable for ultralow voltage substrate-removed compound semiconductor electro-optic modulators. Using a loaded line approach, traveling wave electrodes suitable for wide-bandwidth and low-voltage operation were studied theoretically and experimentally up to 35 GHz. Using staircase waveguides and n-i-p-i-n epilayer designs, electrode capacitance and resistance were reduced significantly. Experimental and modeling results are found to agree very well. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that subvolt modulators with electrical to optical bandwidths in excess of 30 GHz are possible.
P2P file sharing and the law: a brief survey of legislation and jurisprudence

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) applications are easy to use and pervasive at a variety of institutions, both public and private, business, governmental and academic. They cause major problems with the networks upon which they are applied: viruses, worms, spyware and adware can cause crippling congestion of the network resources. Additionally, P2P file sharing applications typically violate the copyright law, as well as create legal liability through the concepts found in tort law. This paper will present very basic definitions of P2P technology, a review of the pervasiveness of the use of IP2PFS and a brief survey of legal measures designed to prevent illegal usage.
Synthesis and controlled self-assembly of UV-responsive gold nanoparticles in block copolymer templates.

We demonstrate the facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) functionalized by UV-responsive block copolymer ligands, poly(styrene)-b-poly(o-nitrobenzene acrylate)-SH (PS-b-PNBA-SH), followed b...
Delay bound of youngest serve first (YSF) aggregated packet scheduling

A simple scalable aggregated traffic scheduling scheme is proposed, called the 'youngest serve first' (YSF) algorithm. It is shown analytically that YSF can provide bounded end-to-end delay time with high link utilisation that may not be possible for the first-in first-out (FIFO) scheme.
'Subclinical hypothyroidism'. Natural course of the syndrome during a prolonged follow-up study.

Objective: To determine the natural course of the syndrome "subclinical hypothyroidism." Design: Prospective study of 30 subjects with "subclinical hypothyroidism," as documented precisely by normal serum thyroxine and triiodithyronine concentrations and high serum thyrotropin levels on three occasions at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks. The subjects were followed up for 4 to 15 years (mean, 8.2±2.3 years), with repeated determinations of thyroid hormone indices at intervals of 3 to 6 months. Setting: Endocrinology Clinic at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Results: 16 subjects developed definitive primary hypothyroidism within 3 months to 2 years, as reflected by a progressive rise in serum thyrotropin level with a gradual decline in serum thyroxine and triiodithyronine concentrations, with serum thyroxine levels falling to subnormal concentrations. In 14 of these subjects, primary hypothyroidism could be attributed to known etiologic factors, whereas in the remaining two the cause was not apparent. Persistently elevated serum thyrotropin with normal serum thyroxine and triiodithyronine concentrations following a cyclic pattern was observed in 14 subjects during the follow-up period. In 11 of these subjects, there was a history of non-radical surgery or conventional radiation therapy to the neck area, whereas in the remaining three subjects, no apparent cause could be identified. Conclusions: "Subclinical hypothyroidism" is not always a forerunner of primary hypothyroidism. Two distinct populations evolve: (1) those with true preclinical or subclinical hypothyroidism, which may be predicted by the presence of one of the well-known etiologic factors responsible for onset of primary hypothyroidism, and (2) euthyroidism with reset thyrostat—a permanent state without a definitive progression to hypothyroidism, most probably secondary to a previous subtle insult to the thyroid gland. (Arch Intern Med. 1993;153:957-961)
Non-plaque dystrophic dendrites in Alzheimer hippocampus: a new pathological structure revealed by glutamate receptor immunocytochemistry

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive dementia characterized by a pronounced neurodegeneration in the entorhinal cortex, hippocampal CA1, and subiculum. Excitatory amino acid receptor-mediated excitotoxicity is postulated to play a role in the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigated immunocytochemical localization of excitatory amino acid receptor subunits in the hippocampus of twelve Alzheimer's disease and eleven controls, matched for age, sex and post mortem interval. Immunocytochemistry with antibodies specific for glutamate receptors GluR1, GluR2(4) (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid), GluR5/6/7 (kainate) and NR1 (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor subunits demonstrated that virtually all projection neurons in all subfields contained subunits from each receptor class. However, regional differences in immunoreactivity were apparent in Alzheimer's disease vs normal human brain. In the vulnerable regions (i.e. CA1) immunolabelling of GluR1, GluR2(4), GluR5/6/7 and NR1 was reduced, presumably due to cell loss. In contrast, GluR2(4) immunolabelling appeared to be increased in the inner portion of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. In addition to cellular labelling, GluR1, GluR2(4) and NR1 immunolabelling revealed a novel pathological structure in 12 of 12 Alzheimer's disease, but none of the control brains. The lesions were juxtacellular clusters of granular immunoreactivity in the neuropil of the pyramidal cell layer. Ultrastructural analysis revealed these to be cellular processes containing dense vesicles and flocculent material with immunolabelling localized to plasma and vesicular membranes. They were not specifically associated with amyloid fibrils and did not contain paired helical filaments and they were also distinct from granulovacuolar degeneration. Several structures contained Hirano body filaments indicating that the dystrophic processes were most likely dendritic in origin. Additional studies are needed to determine the pathogenesis of these lesions, which could provide an additional index of dendritic deterioration in Alzheimer's disease.