cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The presence of parvalbumin in a nonmuscle cell line attenuates progression through mitosis.

Based on studies that have examined the effect of calcium chelators on cells, it has been proposed that this cation plays a role in regulating cell proliferation. In this study a novel approach was used to indirectly examine the role of calcium in cell cycle progression. A cDNA for the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin has been expressed in mouse C127 cells, using a bovine papilloma virus-based expression vector. The normal role of parvalbumin is that of a calcium buffer in vertebrate fast twitch muscle, and the C127 cells do not normally express this protein. The presence of parvalbumin had several effects on the growth of C127 cells. The most striking phenotype was an increase in cell cycle duration which analysis showed was the result of an increase the length of d and mitosis (predominantly at prophase). Since changes in cell cycle duration typically occur as a result of changes in G1 duration, the observed increase in the length of mitosis is most unusual. The present results indicate that the previou...
Behavioral approaches to smoking cessation--II. Topical bibliography 1969-1979.

This topical bibliography covers the past decade of research into behavioral approaches to smoking cessation. Using multiple sources, including Psychological Abstracts, 335 references were compiled from over 50 psychology, medicine, and related behavioral science journals. All references were comprehensively coded for each of 28 topical areas of interest to behavioral researchers and clinicians. Topics include specific behavioral smoking cessation techniques (e.g. aversive smoking, relaxation techniques, stimulus control), treatment problems (e.g. maintenance problems and procedures, treatment “side-effects”) and important research issues (e.g. predictors of treatment success, physiological correlates of smoking behavior, therapist and treatment factors influencing outcome). An index defining each topic and listing by number all articles related to each topic is included with the bibliography (Tables 1 and 2). With this index, users with specialized interests can quickly locate all citations concerning a particular topic or combination of topics. The preceding article (Orleans et al., 1981) gives guidelines for expanding this bibliography for personal reference use.
Client perception of role in psychotropic drug management.

A cross-sectional exploratory survey of 46 community mental health center clients was conducted to determine if client perception of the role of medication consumer was congruent with the prescribed role. Analysis of findings suggested that the subjects functioned as passive rather than active participants in drug management. The majority of subjects were unable to remember basic information about their psychotropic medication regimens.
Single and Multiple Electron Loss Processes in MeV Heavy Ion-Target Collisions

Experimental data, derived from the study of interactions between MeV heavy ions and gaseous targets, are presented which illustrate important physical aspects such as the dependence of cross sections on projectile velocity, and projectile and target atomic numbers. Included are data which reflect the importance of the electron binding energy, the existence of shell effects, the possibility of target polarizability, and the presence of non-additivity and density effects in electron loss processes. Charge state yield versus scattering angle, a prescription for relating total single electron loss cross section per atom atomic and molecular target data and formulas which predict electron loss cross sections with reasonable accuracy are also given.
1359 Development of a Standardized Rigorous Training Program for Pediatricians Providing Iv Sedation and Tiva in a Children's Hospital

1359 Development of a Standardized Rigorous Training Program for Pediatricians Providing Iv Sedation and Tiva in a Children's Hospital
Protoplast Production and Regeneration in Propionibacterium

Abstract A procedure for the production and regeneration of protoplasts of Propionibacterium freudenreichii is described. A cell population that consisted of >99.9% protoplasts was produced by incubation of midexponential cells with lysozyme in a buffer that contained .5 M sucrose, 100m M Tris-HCl, and 10m M MgCl 2 . Regeneration occurred in sodium lactate agar supplemented with .5 M sucrose and 2.5% gelatin. The protoplast suspension was spread onto the surface of regeneration agar and overlaid with soft regeneration agar. Regeneration of the protoplasts took 21 to 25 d. The use of a soft agar overlay was required for efficient regeneration, as was the presence of sucrose and gelatin in the regeneration medium. Regeneration frequencies were generally in the range of 10 to 30%, although frequencies as high as 85% were obtained.
Osmotic Pressure and Polymer Molecular Weight Determination

A Web-accessible exercise is presented in which upper-division undergraduate students can explore the method of determining polymer molecular weight from osmotic pressure measurements.
Use of Swiss Cheese Whey Permeate by Kluyveromyces fragilis and Mixed Culture of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides and Bacillus megaterium

Abstract The 5-d biochemical oxygen demand of Swiss cheese whey permeate was determined. Growth, lactose depletion, pH change, and 5-d biochemical oxygen demand reduction by K. fragilis in the permeate were observed, and growth of R. spbaeroides and B. megaterium singly and in mixed culture in the yeast growth effluent was measured. The final 5-d biochemical oxygen demand value of the effluent after harvesting the bacteria was then determined. The 5-d biochemical oxygen demand values of the raw permeate, the yeast growth effluent, and the effluent after harvesting the mixed culture of bacteria were 15,500, 4720, and 1580mg/L, The 5-d biochemical oxygen demand analyses indicated that microbial growth inhibitors were present in the raw permeate and growth effluents. The mixed culture of bacteria appeared to consume inhibitors in the yeast growth effluent.
X‐RAY STUDY OF LIME‐PHOSPHATE AND LIME‐BORATE GLASS

X-ray diffraction patterns have been made of two lime-phosphate glasses with compositions of 23% and 28% of CaO by weight, and of one lime-borate glass with 25% of CaO. Fourier analyses of these patterns were carried out, and the radial distribution curves were plotted. In the lime-phosphate glasses, each phosphorus is tetrahedrally bonded to 4 oxygens at a distance of 1.57 A, and each oxygen is bonded to either 1 or 2 phosphorus atoms. The calcium ions, Ca++, are situated in the holes in the phosphorus-oxygen network and have about 7 oxygen neighbors. In the lime-borate glass, some of the borons are triangularly bonded to 3 oxygens, and the others are tetrahedrally bonded to 4 oxygens.
Probing orientation of immobilized humanized anti-lysozyme variable fragment by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry

As methods to orient proteins are conceived, techniques must also be developed that provide an accurate characterization of immobilized protein orientation. In this study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to probe the orientation of a surface immobilized variant of the humanized anti-lysozyme variable fragment (HuLys Fv, 26 kDa). This protein contained both a hexahistidine tag and a cysteine residue, introduced at opposite ends of the HuLys Fv, for immobilization onto nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and maleimide oligo(ethylene glycol) (MEG)-terminated substrates, respectively. The thiol group on the cysteine residue selectively binds to the MEG groups, while the his-tag selectively binds to the Ni-loaded NTA groups. XPS was used to monitor protein coverage on both surfaces by following the change in the nitrogen atomic %. SPR results showed a 10-fold difference in lysozyme binding between the two different HuLys Fv orientations. The ToF-SIMS data provided a clear differentiation between the two samples due to the intensity differences of secondary ions originating from asymmetrically located amino acids in HuLys Fv (histidine: 81, 82, and 110 m/z; phenylalanine: 120 and 131 m/z). An intensity ratio of the secondary ion peaks from the histidine and phenylalanine residues at either end of the protein was then calculated directly from the ToF-SIMS data. The 45% change in this ratio, observed between the NTA and MEG substrates with similar HuLys Fv surface coverages, indicates that the HuLys Fv fragment has opposite orientations on two different surfaces.
The Contribution of International Graduate Students to US Innovation

The impact of international students in the United States on innovative activity is estimated using a model of idea generation. Results indicate that the presence of foreign graduate students has a significant and positive impact on both future patent applications and future patents awarded to university and non-university institutions. Our central estimates suggest that a 10% increase in the number of foreign graduate students would raise patent applications by 4.5%, university patent grants by 6.8% and non-university patent grants by 5.0%. Thus, reductions in foreign graduate students from visa restrictions could significantly reduce US innovative activity. Increases in skilled immigration also have a positive, but smaller, impact on patenting.
Investigation of carrier escape mechanism in InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells

In order to enhance understanding of the short circuit improvement in InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) solar cells, the thermally assisted and tunneling mechanisms of carrier escape from the QD quantum confinement are investigated. The dependence of voltage biased spectral responsivity for QD solar cells at room temperature is studied to analyze carrier extraction through tunneling. Photoexcited carrier confinement and escape were also studied by means of temperature dependent spectral response (TDSR) and temperature dependent photoluminescence (TDPL). Energy required to move a carrier from the ground state to the first excited state, thermal activation energy (E a ), in a quantum dot is calculated from TDPL to be 114 meV. It is found that at room temperature carrier escape from the quantum dot confinement is affected by both thermal assisted escape and tunneling while at low temperature tunneling is the dominant in carrier escape from both wetting layer and QDs. For all temperature ranges, carrier exchange between ground states and excited states and carrier escape from ground states (GS) is first thermal escape to excited states (ES) then tunneling
Carbon nanotube transistor circuits: models and tools for design and performance optimization

In this paper, we describe the development of device models and tools for the design of new transistors such as the carbon nanotube transistor. An HSPICE model for enhancement mode nanotube transistor has been developed. It can be used for design of nanotube transistor circuits as well as to study performance benefits of the new transistor. A model of the carbon nanotube transistor with Schottky barrier is presented. The model enables device design and performance optimization.
Food Security in Bombardopolis, Haiti

Haiti is considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Rural settings are particularly vulnerable to inadequate access to food, clean water, and shelter. Research has shown that chronic malnutrition is one of the underlying problems affecting the overall status and stability of Haiti. In an attempt to understand food security in a rural town in northwest Haiti, a cross-sectional design using an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on food availability and general health status. By assessing the food sources in the community, better understandings of the nutritional needs prevalent in this area were assessed. Further research needs to be completed to understand how to effectively implement a sustainable, long-term approach to fight food security issues and subsequent chronic malnutrition.
Relationship between imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites and monoamine oxidase A and B.

Abstract Imidazoline binding sites or imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS) recognize bioactive endogenous substances and a variety of pharmacologically active compounds containing imidazoline or guanidinium moieties. The family of imidazoline binding proteins consists of multiple membrane-associated proteins that differ in their tissue/subcellular localization, M r and ligand recognition properties. Two of the imidazoline binding proteins are identical to the mitochondrial enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B isoforms, which contain imidazoline binding domains distinct from the enzyme active site. The relationship between the imidazoline binding proteins and monoamine oxidases was further characterized in the present report using a covalent probe (2-[3-azido-4[ 125 I]iodophenoxy]methyl imidazoline, [ 125 ]-AZIPI) to label the imidazoline binding proteins in different species and following transient expression of MAO-A and -B in COS 7 cells. Species homologues of MAO-A and -B in rat and human differ in their apparent molecular weight by ~2000 Da. In rat and human liver [ 125 I]-AZIPI identified peptides with apparent molecular weights similar to those of the species homologues of MAO. Peptides of M r ≈63,000 (MAO-A) and ≈59,000 (MAO-B) were also photolabeled in membranes prepared from COS-7 cells transfected with human cDNA clones encoding MAO-A or -B. Additional experiments indicate that the imidazoline binding domains on MAO-A and -B exhibit different ligand recognition properties. The covalent labeling of human liver MAO-B was more sensitive than that of placenta MAO-A to inhibition by the imidazoline 2-(4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl)-quinoline (BU224). These data indicate that the A and B isoforms of MAO possess imidazoline binding domains that differ in their ligand recognition properties. Allosteric regulation of the activity of MAO via the imidazoline binding domains may be of significance in various disease states associated with elevated enzyme expression or in which the enzyme is a therapeutic target.
/sup 147/Tb and proton single particle states near Z=64

Proton single particle level spacings near $Z=64$ are deduced from an analysis of low-lying levels in $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$, using a pairing force as the residual interaction. Two forms for the pairing force are explored. Using this spectrum, high spin states in $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$, and $^{148}\mathrm{Dy}$ are calculated and compared with known experimental values when possible. The low-lying states in $^{143}\mathrm{Pm}$ and $^{147}\mathrm{Tb}$ are also calculated. The need for experimental data on $^{147}\mathrm{Tb}$ is emphasized.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE $Z\ensuremath{\approx}64$, proton single particle states, pairing force, high spin states.
The Schur group of cyclotomic fields

Abstract We compute the Schur group of the cyclotomic fields Q(ϵm) and real quadratic fields Q(d 1 2 ) where d is a product of an even number of primes congruent to three modulo four. Some results are also given about the Schur group of certain subfields of cyclotomic fields.
A Si MEMS microbearing with integrated safety sensors for surgical applications

Abstract A silicon micromachined bearing was designed and fabricated consisting of a pair of self-aligning v-grooves. The two Si v-grooves were bonded together to form the three-dimensional structure through solder bumps of 75 μm diameter that provide alignment with a crucial vertical displacement tolerance. The microbearing includes integrated diode temperature sensors that serve to monitor a safe operating range under load. Current versus temperature curves and finite element analysis simulate the range of diode sensitivity. This three-dimensional structure, fabricated by silicon technology, demonstrates that a four to ten fold reduction in surgical cutting tool size can be achieved by utilizing the micromachined silicon microbearing in a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device. A prototype microtool has been bench tested and compared with realistic operating conditions. Based on this comparison, the microbearing holds promise for application in microsurgical cutting tools or as a MEMS cutting tool for surgical applications.
Discussion of "evaluation of fire endurance of concrete slabs reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars" by V. K. R. Kodur and L. A. Bisby

This brief discussion article comments on a study (Kodur and Bisby, 2005) undertaken to assess and develop information on the fire endurance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced concrete structural members. The research results showed that FRP-reinforced concrete slabs have lower fire resistance than slabs reinforced with conventional reinforcing steel when fire endurance is defined in terms of the critical temperature of the reinforcement. The researchers conclude that a higher fire resistance for FRP-reinforced concrete (RC) slabs can be obtained through greater concrete cover thickness and through the use of carbonate aggregate concrete. The commentary author addresses the unresolved question about the bond strength of FRP reinforcement, noting that tests of FRP-RC slabs (and beams) thus far have been insufficient. In connection with such tests, a search should be made for polymer matrix materials with the best and worst response to temperature. A final comment is provided on the surface roughness necessary for bond; some approaches may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat than others.
Differential Carnivore Damage as a Potential Indicator of Resource Availability and Foraging Efficiency

Carnivore damage is typically documented in faunal assemblages to understand if attrition of elements or element portions has occurred. Thus, the amount of carnivore damage often is used to simply reflect how “complete” the assemblage is. However, gnawing is a means for carnivores to extract within bone nutrients. Thus, according to the marginal value theorem, the amount of time a carnivore gnaws on an element should be related to the availability of higher-ranked resources or foraging efficiency. In resource-rich environments, less damage is expected than in less productive ones. This expectation was tested by examining the degree of carnivore damage on fur seal remains from three archaeological sites in New Zealand that vary in availability of high-ranked resources. The analysis indicates that the extent and intensity of carnivore damage can relate to resource availability and thus may be a useful measure in prey choice studies. This research also has implications for the hominid scavenging-hunting debate where the degree of carnivore damage has been used to determine primary (hunting) versus secondary (scavenging) access to carcasses.
Low-Frequency Combustion Stability of Liquid Rocket Motor with Different Nozzles

The effect of the unsteady flow in the supercritical nozzle on the stability of small low-frequency pressure oscillations In the combustion chamber of a liquid rocket motor is investigated. It is found that, for a monopropellant rocket, the effect is simply an increase of the gas residence time in the combustion chamber, with the result that the critical value of the time lag for neutral oscillations is increased (stabilizing) and that the critical frequency is decreased. This is interpreted physically as the volumetric effect of the nozzle in increasing the capacity of the combustion chamber to store the burned gas. For some simple nozzles, it is shown that about nine tenths of the converging portion of the nozzle volume should be added to the chamber volume in evaluating the gas residence time. For bipropellant rockets, the situation is slightly more complicated. However, the qualitative trend of the effect of the nozzle is still the same as in the case of a monopropellant rocket. The dissipation of the energy of the low-frequency disturbances in the combustion chamber due to the out flow through the nozzle is of secondary importance as compared with this volumetric effect. This last fact is in sharp contrast with the effect of the nozzle on high-frequency oscillations of the acoustic type in the combustion chamber, in which case the volumetric effect is secondary, while its effect in dissipating the energy of the disturbances is of primary importance.
Diffusion and transformation kinetics of small helium clusters in bulk tungsten

The production of energy through nuclear fusion poses serious challenges related to the stability and performance of materials in extreme conditions. In particular, the constant bombardment of the walls of the reactor with high doses of He ions is known to lead to deleterious changes in their microstructures. These changes follow from the aggregation of He into bubbles that can grow and blister, potentially leading to the contamination of the plasma, or to the degradation of their mechanical properties. We computationally study the behavior of small clusters of He atoms in W in conditions relevant to fusion energy production. Using a wide range of techniques, we investigate the thermodynamics of the clusters and their kinetics in terms of diffusivity, growth, and breakup, as well as mutation into nanobubbles. Our study provides the essential ingredients to model the early stages of He exposure leading up to the nucleation of He bubbles.
The immunostaining for the hypothalamic vasoactive intestinal peptide, but not for β-endorphin, dynorphin-A or methionine-enkephalin, is affected by the glucocorticoid milieu in the rat: correlation with the prolactin secretion

Effects of the glucocorticoid milieu on the basal and ether stress-induced prolactin (PRL) release and on the immunostaining for hypothalamic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), dynorphin-A (DYN-A) and methionine-enkephalin (Met-ENK), were examined in separate groups of male rats. After colchicine treatment in intact rats, VIP-containing cell bodies were observed only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Adrenalectomy (ADX), performed 7 days previously, resulted in the additional appearance of VIP-immunoreactive neurons in the parvocellular subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as in significantly higher basal and stressed PRL levels than intact values. Treatment of intact rats with a high dose (500 micrograms/kg body weight (s.c.) daily for 7 days) of dexamethasone (DEX), but not with a low dose (50 micrograms/kg) of DEX, significantly reduced both the basal and stressed PRL release. Administration of either the low or high dose of DEX to ADX rats prevented the appearance of the PVN-VIP neurons. In addition, the ADX-induced high basal and stressed PRL levels were restored to intact values by the low dose of DEX, and completely suppressed by the high dose of DEX. The staining of SCN-VIP-, beta-EP-, DYN-A or Met-ENK neurons was not affected by any treatment employed in this study. These results suggest that the appearance of PVN-VIP immunostaining in ADX rats may, at least in part, be responsible for the enhanced PRL secretion observed in this group. However, SCN-VIP-, beta-EP-, DYN-A- or Met-ENK neurons do not seem to play a pivotal role in the glucocorticoid regulation of PRL secretion.
COMMON ORIGIN OF TWO MAJOR SUNGRAZING COMETS

Our extensive orbital calculations show that the motion of comet C/1965 S1 (Ikeya-Seki), a major member of the Kreutz sungrazing system, can be derived from the motion of its "sister" comet C/1882 R1 (Great September Comet) on the assumption that the two objects are fragments of a common parent that split in the year 1106, at the time when a very bright comet appeared near the Sun according to a number of historical records. Specifically, the orbit of Ikeya-Seki derived from astrometric positions in 1965-1966 is matched with remarkably high accuracy, well within the errors of observation, by (1) integrating the motion of comet C/1882 R1 back to 1106; (2) launching from the parent a fragment some 18 days after perihelion, 0.75 AU from the Sun, with a relative velocity of about 7 m s-1 nearly in the antisolar direction; and (3) integrating the fragment's motion forward to 1965. We find that having the break-up closer to the Sun or before perihelion yields grossly inferior solutions. We conclude that the fragmentation event itself was not tidal in nature, but appears to have been due to rotational, and possibly other, forces acting on the parent comet, afflicted with cracks and fissures caused by the Sun's tidal forces a few weeks earlier. We note that the derived separation velocity is in the range established for nontidal fragmentation of minor sungrazers at large heliocentric distances and that there are obvious similarities with the behavior of comet D/1993 F2 (Shoemaker-Levy 9) following its close encounter with Jupiter in 1992 July.
Structure−Function Relationships in High-Density Octadecylsilane Stationary Phases by Raman Spectroscopy. 4. Effects of Neutral and Basic Aromatic Compounds

The effects of aromatic compounds (toluene, benzene, p-xylene, anisole, aniline, and pyridine), temperature, and surface grafting method (surface- or solution-polymerized) on alkyl chain rotational and conformational order in a series of high-density octadecylsilane stationary phases ranging in surface coverage from 3.09 to 6.45 μmol/m2 are examined by Raman spectroscopy. Rotational and conformational order are assessed using the intensity ratio of the antisymmetric to symmetric ν(CH2) modes as well as the frequency at which the symmetric ν(CH2) band is observed. Alkyl rotational and conformational order decrease with decreasing surface coverage in these aromatic compounds, which is consistent with the behavior of these materials in air and in other solvents. In addition, order of the alkyl chains is dependent on solvent hydrophobicity, hydrogen-bonding ability, and basicity. The most hydrophobic compounds impart disorder to the stationary phase; the hydrogen-bonding aromatics increase the rotational orde...
On systemic risk in the cloud computing model

The major benefits of the emerging cloud computing infrastructure include elimination of the fixed cost and reduction in the marginal cost for the users due to the economy of scale and dynamic resource sharing. This paper argues that these unquestionable economic benefits of dynamic resource sharing are inherently associated with systemic risks and drawbacks. This possibility necessitates shift in cloud architecture design and operation paradigm from maximizing the economic benefits to managing and optimization of the inherent systemic risk/benefit tradeoffs. This paper is a first step towards exposure and quantification of inherent tradeoffs involving system economic efficiency and systemic risk of cascading overload in the cloud model of shared resources.
Necessary condition for Fokker-Planck statistical equilibrium

In order for a Fokker-Planck equation $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}t}=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\stackrel{n}{i=1}\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}[{Q}_{i}(q)P]}{\ensuremath{\partial}{q}_{i}}+\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\stackrel{n}{i,j=1}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{ij}}\frac{{\ensuremath{\partial}}^{2}P}{\ensuremath{\partial}{q}_{i}\ensuremath{\partial}{q}_{j}}$ with $ng~3$ to admit an asymptotic steady-state solution $P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{P}_{\mathrm{eq}}(q)$ which is independent of $t$, the quantity $S=S(q)\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\stackrel{n}{i=1}\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{Q}_{i}(q)}{\ensuremath{\partial}{q}_{i}}$ must satisfy the inequality ${\left[\ensuremath{\int}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}^{}{|S|}^{\frac{n}{2}}{d}^{n}q\right]}^{\frac{2}{n}}g{2}^{\ensuremath{-}2+\frac{2}{n}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{1+\frac{1}{n}}({n}^{2}\ensuremath{-}2n){\left[\ensuremath{\Gamma}\left[\frac{n+1}{2}\right]\right]}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{2}{n}}{[\mathrm{det}({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{ij}})]}^{\frac{1}{n}}$ where the integral is over the $q$-space region $\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\equiv}{q \ensuremath{\epsilon} {R}_{n}$ such that $S(q)l0}$. The application of this general necessary condition for Fokker-Planck statistical equilibrium is illustrated here for $n$ trophic-level ecosystems of the Nisbet-McKinstry-Gurney type with Montroll stochasticity in the population growth-rate functions.
An adaptive gradient sampling algorithm for non-smooth optimization

We present an algorithm for the minimization of f:ℝn→ℝ, assumed to be locally Lipschitz and continuously differentiable in an open dense subset &#x1D49F; of ℝn. The objective f may be non-smooth and/or non-convex. The method is based on the gradient sampling GS algorithm of Burke et al. [A robust gradient sampling algorithm for nonsmooth, nonconvex optimization, SIAM J. Optim. 15 2005, pp. 751–779]. It differs, however, from previously proposed versions of GS in that it is variable-metric and only O1 not On gradient evaluations are required per iteration. Numerical experiments illustrate that the algorithm is more efficient than GS in that it consistently makes more progress towards a solution within a given number of gradient evaluations. In addition, the adaptive sampling procedure allows for warm-starting of the quadratic subproblem solver so that the average number of subproblem iterations per nonlinear iteration is also consistently reduced. Global convergence of the algorithm is proved assuming that the Hessian approximations are positive definite and bounded, an assumption shown to be true for the proposed Hessian approximation updating strategies.
Super-Resolution Localization Microscopy Identifies Distinct Stages of Antigen-Induced IgE Receptor Cross-Linking and Immobilization in Rbl-2H3 Mast Cells

Cross-linking of immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to its receptor, FceRI, by multivalent antigen initiates a transmembrane signaling cascade essential for mast cell activation and important for inflammatory immune responses and allergic disease. In this study, we apply super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy to record receptor organization and dynamics on live RBL-2H3 mast cells undergoing antigen-mediated signaling, allowing us to measure nanoscale clustering and diffusion of FceRI simultaneously. Through comparison of cross-linking-induced changes in these properties as a function of time, we are able to resolve two distinct temporal phases of receptor clustering and immobilization. Additionally, we correlate the time-dependence of the distinct phases with a functional signaling response, Ca2+ mobilization. In the first phase of receptor clustering and immobilization, receptors slow dramatically with a relatively small average increase in clustering, and individual receptors appear to transiently associate with small clusters. This first phase occurs before Ca2+ mobilization and concurrently with initial signaling steps. At later times, receptor-rich clusters become increasingly dense while receptors remain predominately immobilized. These latter behaviors are observed at times following the initiation of the Ca2+ response, and we conclude that although cross-linking is necessary for commencement of downstream signaling, receptor assembly into large, densely packed clusters at later times is likely associated with termination of the stimulated response. These findings motivate future study of the physical interactions that give rise to the observed changes in receptor organization and mobility, and how these translate into cellular functions. In ongoing experiments, we are exploring the requirements of signaling for receptor cross-linking through the use of antigens with controlled structure and valency, and we will correlate our observations with functional responses such as Ca2+ mobilization and receptor association with downstream signaling partners.
Participant gender, stalking myth acceptance, and gender role stereotyping in perceptions of intimate partner stalking: a structural equation modeling approach

The present research used a mock juror experiment (N = 360) to assess two primary goals: (1) to examine the direct and indirect effects of participant gender, stalking myth acceptance, and gender role stereotyping on guilt ratings in a stalking trial; and (2) to examine the role of perceived victim fear and distress, and defendant intended danger on perceptions of a stalking trial. Using structural equation modeling, we found an indirect effect of participant gender, and both direct and indirect effects of stalking myth acceptance and gender role stereotyping on guilt ratings. Men and participants who endorsed more traditional gender role stereotypes were associated with adherence to stalking myth acceptance beliefs. Endorsement of particular stalking myth acceptance beliefs offers a partial explanation for why women and men differed on perceptions of the defendant's intent to cause danger and the victim's perceived fear and distress. Results provide insight into the efficacy of current anti-stalking legi...
Designing usable online stores: A landscape preference perspective

Developing an explanatory theoretical model of website usability is pivotal for understanding usable website design. Such a model would explain and help predict the effects of website usability on online purchases, but few studies have been devoted to such model development. As an exploratory effort, we adopted and extended Kaplan's landscape preference model by including factors of legibility, coherence, variety, and mystery, and examined their effect on cognitive and affective appraisals and their impact on purchase intention. A field survey with 495 online customers using two different categories of websites was conducted to validate the research model. A multi-group analysis with gender and age was performed to cross-validate it. Our findings demonstrated that the proposed model explained a large amount of the variance of purchase intention, invariant across different subgroups. Key implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Interlacing inequalities for totally nonnegative matrices

Suppose λ1⩾⋯⩾λn⩾0 are the eigenvalues of an n×n totally nonnegative matrix, and λ1⩾⋯⩾λk are the eigenvalues of a k×k principal submatrix. A short proof is given of the interlacing inequalities: λi⩾λi⩾λi+n−k,i=1,…,k. It is shown that if k=1,2,n−2,n−1, λi and λj are nonnegative numbers satisfying the above inequalities, then there exists a totally nonnegative matrix with eigenvalues λi and a submatrix with eigenvalues λj. For other values of k, such a result does not hold. Similar results for totally positive and oscillatory matrices are also considered.
Both X chromosomes function before visible X-chromosome inactivation in female mouse embryos

ALTHOUGH neither X chromosome of preimplantation female mammalian embryos exhibits the two cytological signs of inactivation and dosage compensation—heteropyknosis and late replication1,2—it has not been known whether both X chromosomes actually function during this period. Biochemical evidence based on increasing hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) activity during the mouse morula stage indicates that at least one X chromosome is functional3,4. This is corroborated by the observation that mouse embryos lacking an X chromosome do not survive beyond the early cleavage stages5. The principal approach to determining whether both X chromosomes are functional before inactivation has been to look at the distributions of the activities of known X-linked enzymes in individual embryos6,7. A bimodal distribution would be expected if dosage compensation had not yet occurred and female embryos with two X chromosomes made twice as much enzyme as male embryos with only one. However, identities of the embryos being assayed are not known, and conclusions based on activity distributions are necessarily inferential. We have circumvented this difficulty by using a method which facilitates determination of the sex of the embryonic material being assayed. This has led to the demonstration that early male and female mouse blastocysts differ twofold in HGPRT activity, a finding indicative of uncompensated X-chromosome dosage dependent gene activity before X-chromosome inactivation.
A large antenna array for millimeter wave propagation studies

An antenna array has been constructed for reception of line-of-sight, ground-to-ground transmissions at 35 GHz over a 28-km path. It measures, individually, the amplitude and the relative phase of the arriving wave at each of eight antenna elements spaced horizontally over a distance of 24 m transverse to the path. Preliminary observations have shown perturbations in amplitude which appear at one end of the array and progress sequentially in a matter of seconds from element to element across the array. Similar traveling perturbations occur in the phase measurements. Variations in tilt of the wave front are observed, usually amounting from a few to tens of seconds of arc. In addition, changes in wave-front curvature have been measured corresponding to an apparent shrinkage or expansion of path length on the order of ten percent. Other capabilities of the array as a propagation-research tool are mentioned.
Review Essay: Mourning Humanism, or, the Idiom of Haunting

Postmodernism’s critique of modernism [as a misguided positivism] is well-taken; unfortunately, postmodernism does not offer a viable independent alternative to modernism. As a perspective founded primarily on critique and opposition, postmodernism is always parasitic on that which it critiques. In presenting a world where public discourse is nothing but deceit, postmodernism precludes the possibility of any community whatsoever.
Apparatus for measuring physical adsorption on intact supported porous membranes

We present a non-destructive, reusable apparatus with which to measure physical adsorption isotherms of intact porous membranes. We developed a two-piece sample container to make reliable sorption measurements of porous membranes, the properties of which may differ from those of powders due to crystal intergrowth. This novel system employs a resealable container that can be immersed in a cryogenic bath, into which tubular, planar, or other porous membranes and films may be placed. Detailed sorption isotherms, including high-resolution adsorption in the low pressure (micropore-filling) region, are shown for MFI-type zeolite membranes grown on two types and configurations of α-alumina support.
Greater Exposure to Sexual Content in Popular Movies Predicts Earlier Sexual Debut and Increased Sexual Risk Taking

Early sexual debut is associated with risky sexual behavior and an increased risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections later in life. The relations among early movie sexual exposure (MSE), sexual debut, and risky sexual behavior in adulthood (i.e., multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use) were examined in a longitudinal study of U.S. adolescents. MSE was measured using the Beach method, a comprehensive procedure for media content coding. Controlling for characteristics of adolescents and their families, analyses showed that MSE predicted age of sexual debut, both directly and indirectly through changes in sensation seeking. MSE also predicted engagement in risky sexual behaviors both directly and indirectly via early sexual debut. These results suggest that MSE may promote sexual risk taking both by modifying sexual behavior and by accelerating the normal rise in sensation seeking during adolescence.
Negative differential resistance: Gate controlled and photoconductance enhancement in carbon nanotube intraconnects

Intraconnects, as-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes bridging two metal electrodes, were investigated as gated structures. We show that even with a seemingly "ohmic" contact at zero gate voltage one observes negative differential resistance (NDR) at nonzero gate bias. Large differential photo conductance (DPC) was associated with the NDR effect raising hopes for the fabrication of novel high-speed optoelectronic devices.
Hemodialysis and Extracorporeal Removal after Pediatric and Adolescent Poisoning Reported to a State Poison Center

Abstract Background There is currently limited literature regarding the use of hemodialysis after acute pediatric and adolescent poisoning. Objective We sought to characterize the use of hemodialysis (HD) and other extracorporeal removal techniques (ECR) in the treatment of acutely poisoned children and adolescents reported to a state poison control system over a 10-year period. Methods After institutional review board approval, a state poison control system database was queried for all cases coded for hemodialysis and other ECR after pediatric and adolescent (0–19 years old) poisoning. We also analyzed National Poison System Data to determine national trends. Results Ninety patients were reviewed after exclusions for errors in coding or incomplete documentation. HD was the principle method of ECR employed. One case of hemoperfusion and hemofiltration was reported. HD was used, on average, nine times per year. ECR was used predominantly in adolescent patients (age ≥ to 12 years) (84 patients, 93%) for intentional ingestions (82 patients, 91%). Fifteen different toxins were encountered, with salicylates (29 patients) and ethylene glycol (23 patients) most commonly encountered. Ethylene glycol and methanol blood levels were not available before initiation of hemodialysis in all but one case. Conclusions All salicylate-poisoned patients who underwent HD demonstrated clinical findings indicative of toxicity even in the absence of elevated levels advocated by some as indication for HD. HD and other ECR are rarely used in the management of pediatric and adolescent poisoning.
Do we need to be concerned about dental caries in the coming millennium

Dental caries continues to be a pubic health problem despite claims that 50% of schoolchildren are caries-free. There are widespread variations in the prevalence of caries worldwide. Caries lesions are the clinical manifestation of a pathogenic process that may have been occurring on the tooth surface for months or years. Acid production by bacteria embedded in a biofilm termed "dental plaque" is a key aspect of the pathogenesis of dental caries; nevertheless, the ability of micro-organisms to survive in a hostile acid milieu and the influence of fluoride and additional agents on this acid tolerance receive scant attention. Study of cariogenic micro-organisms largely has been limited to observations made on them in the planktonic state; clearly dental caries is essentially a surface phenomenon, and micro-organisms behave distinctively when grown on a surface. Although significant progress has been made in our understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of dental caries, it still remains a scientific and clinical enigma worthy of the attention of the best scientists.
Quantification of the Adenylate Cyclase Toxin of Bordetella pertussis In Vitro and during Respiratory Infection

Whooping cough results from infection of the respiratory tract with Bordetella pertussis, and the secreted adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is essential for the bacterium to establish infection. Despite extensive study of the mechanism of ACT cytotoxicity and its effects over a range of concentrations in vitro, ACT has not been observed or quantified in vivo, and thus the concentration of ACT at the site of infection is unknown. The recently developed baboon model of infection mimics the prolonged cough and transmissibility of pertussis, and we hypothesized that measurement of ACT in nasopharyngeal washes (NPW) from baboons, combined with human and in vitro data, would provide an estimate of the ACT concentration in the airway during infection. NPW contained up to 10 8 CFU/ml B. pertussis and 1 to 5 ng/ml ACT at the peak of infection. Nasal aspirate specimens from two human infants with pertussis contained bacterial concentrations similar to those in the baboons, with 12 to 20 ng/ml ACT. When 10 8 CFU/ml of a laboratory strain of B. pertussis was cultured in vitro, ACT production was detected in 60 min and reached a plateau of60 ng/ml in 6 h. Furthermore, when bacteria were brought into close proximity to target cells by centrifugation, intoxication was increased 4-fold. Collectively, these data suggest that at the bacterium-target cell interface during infection of the respiratory tract, the concentration of ACT can exceed 100 ng/ml, providing a reference point for future studies of ACT and pertussis pathogenesis.
Silicon nanowire radial p-n junction solar cells.

We have demonstrated a low-temperature wafer-scale etching and thin film deposition method for fabricating silicon n−p core−shell nanowire solar cells. Our devices showed efficiencies up to nearly 0.5%, limited primarily by interfacial recombination and high series resistance. Surface passivation and contact optimization will be critical to improve device performance in the future.
Inferring direction of figure using a recurrent integrate-and-fire neural circuit

Several theories of early visual perception hypothesize neural circuits that are responsible for assigning ownership of an object's occluding contour to a region which represents the "figure". Previously, we presented a Bayesian network model which integrates multiple cues and uses belief propagation to infer direction of figure (DOF) along an object's occluding contour. In this paper, we use a linear integrate-and-fire model to demonstrate how such inference mechanisms could be carried out in a biologically realistic neural circuit. The circuit, modeled after the network proposed by Rao, maps the membrane potentials of individual neurons to log probabilities and uses recurrent connections to represent transition probabilities. The network's "perception " of DOF is demonstrated for several examples, including perceptually ambiguous figures, with results qualitatively consistent with human perception.
Toward a more comprehensive gait disorder analysis expert system

The design of an expert system for diagnosis of gait pathology is described. Knowledge is represented by means of frames representing particular abnormal gait patterns. A divide and conquer matching technique is used for inferring the action of specific dysfunctional muscles. Input data include: (1) muscle activation, from electromyographic signals measured by fine wire electrodes inserted in leg muscles, (2) the foot-floor contact pattern, measured by switches embedded in a special insole placed in shoes or taped to the subject's foot, (3) the angular motion at the hip, knee and ankle, measured by a 3-D computerized motion analysis system, and (4) ground reaction forces, measured by a force plate embedded in the floor along the test track. output data include a processed and summarized version of the input data, diagnoses, and explanations. >
A Note on Conditional-Sum Addition for Base - 2 Systems

Conditional-sum addition in a -2 base system and its comparison with normal binary conditional-sum addition is discussed. It is found that approximately 2.0 to 2.5 times as much hardware is required for this high-speed addition method in the negative binary system as compared to the positive binary system.
Genetic analysis of atherosclerosis: a research paradigm for the common chronic diseases

Rapid discoveries of novel and unexpected disease-associated genes for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) are anticipated as genomic maps become more detailed and methods for mapping complex disease phenotypes become more refined. Although establishing association or linkage of a marker locus to a CAD susceptibility gene is an important first step, the long-term goal should be to define the underlying functional mutations and explore possible disease mechanisms, including the gene-environment interactions that culminate in clinically apparent disease. This review will define a contemporary research paradigm for study of the genetics of CAD and other common chronic diseases using the tools of modern molecular biology and human genetics.