cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new inequality for bipartite distance-regular graphs

Let Γ denote a bipartite distance-regular graph with diameter D ≥ 4 and valency k ≥ 3. Let θ denote an eigenvalue of Γ other than k and -k and consider the associated cosine sequence, σ0, σ1, ..., σD We show (σ1 - σi+1)(σ1 - σi-1)≥(σ2 - σi)(σ0 - σi) for 1 ≤ i ≤ D - 1. We show the following are equivalent: (i) equality is attained above for i = 3, (ii) equality is attained above for 1 ≤ i ≤ D - 1, (iii) there exists a real scalar β such that σi-1 - βσi + σi+1 is independent of i for 1 ≤ i ≤ D - 1. We say θ is three-term recurrent (or TTR) whenever (i)-(iii) are satisfied.We discuss the connection between TTR eigenvalues and the Q-polynomial property. When an eigenvalue is TTR, we find formulae for the intersection numbers and eigenvalues of Γ in terms of at most two free parameters, classifying Γ if β = ±2. Among the eigenvalues of Γ in their natural order, we consider which can be TTR. We show Γ can have at most three distinct TTR eigenvalues. We show Γ has three distinct TTR eigenvalues if and only if Γ is 2-homogeneous in the sense of Curtin and Nomura. We show Γ has exactly two distinct TTR eigenvalues if and only if Γ is antipodal with diameter 5, but not 2-homogeneous.
A feminist historian looks at the new historicism: What's so historical about it?

(1991). A feminist historian looks at the new historicism: What's so historical about it? Women's Studies: Vol. 19, Women in the Renaissance: An Interdisciplinary Forum (MLA 1989), pp. 139-147.
A reinterpretation of the timing, position, and significance of part of the Sacramento Mountains detachment fault, southeastern California

A contact previously considered to be part of the Sacramento Mountains detachment fault (SDF), exposed in the Sacramento Mountains metamorphic core complex, is reinterpreted as an unconformity between Tertiary rhyolite of Eagle Peak and cataclastically deformed crystalline lower-plate rocks. This reinterpretation is based on outcrop-scale topographic relief and the absence of deformation along the base of the rhyolite, even where underlying rocks are severely deformed and altered. The rhyolite is dated at about 14.3 Ma. Lower-plate rocks of the SDF comprise gneiss intruded by granodiorite, tonalite, and leucogranite. Mylonitic fabrics are variably developed in lower-plate rocks and are cut by brittle shear zones that contain ultracataclasite, and by high- and low-angle faults. Upper-plate rocks include gneiss; nonmylonitic granodiorite, tonalite, and granite; and middle Miocene sedimentary and volcanic rocks. On the south side of Eagle Peak, a thick ultracataclasite zone dips about 30° west, contains subhorizontal hematite-stained slickenlines, and is interpreted to be part of the SDF system. This ultracataclasite zone is unconformably overlain by more gently dipping, undeformed, 14.3 Ma rhyolite of Eagle Peak. The unconformity records unroofing of a domed SDF after a period of 8 to 9 m.y. of progressive unloading of the lower plate in an evolving extensional shear zone. Extension on part of the SDF was accommodated by a system of high-angle, oblique-slip faults.
Clinical and pathologic characteristics of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis pathologic variants

Histologic variants of idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) may have prognostic value. A recent working classification system has distinguished five FSGS variants. We evaluated a cohort of adult patients with biopsy-proven FSGS diagnosed between March 1982 and July 2001 to determine if subtypes were associated with renal outcome. Renal biopsies were reviewed by two pathologists. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from charts. Outcomes were partial and complete remission of the nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure. The frequency of FSGS variants was: 3% cellular (N=6), 11% collapsing (N=22), 17% tip lesion (N=34), 26% perihilar (N=52), and 42% not otherwise specified (NOS) (N=83). Collapsing FSGS affected younger and more often black patients. Black race was uncommon in tip variant. Collapsing and tip variants had higher proteinuria and lower serum albumin than perihilar and NOS variants. Better renal function and less severe tubulointerstitial injury were observed in patients with tip variant. These patients were more likely to receive steroids and more often achieved complete remission (50%). After a median follow-up of 1.8 years, 23% of patients were on dialysis and 28% had renal failure. Collapsing FSGS had worse 1-year (74%) and 3-year (33%) renal survival compared to other variants (overall cohort renal survival at 1 and 3 years: 86 and 67%). Different histologic variants of FSGS have substantial differences in clinical features at the time of biopsy diagnosis and substantial differences in renal outcomes.
Mating-induced alterations in the regulatory mechanisms of male rats

Abstract The effect of mating behavior on the regulatory mechanisms of male rats was investigated. Moderate levels of copulatory behavior (two ejaculations/week for 6 weeks) reduced body weight gain, and decreased food efficiency. Mating also affected carcass composition: it caused a decrease in fat content and a rise in nitrogen and water levels. The altered regulatory functons were observed in two age groups: 14–17-week- old male rats and 27-week- old male rats. Controls for the non-copulatory components of mating demonstrated the specificity of the copulation effects. The regulatory functions of the control groups (Social-Interation, Voluntary-Exercise, and Novel-Cage) were similar to those of the sexually rested, Home-Cage group. These results demonstrate that a naturally occurring behavior, mating, significantly affects regulatory mechanisms in the male rat. Since growth and longevity have been shown to be interrelated, these findings support the hypothesis that copulation can affect aging.
One man's answer to immunological information overload: microcomputer management of the personal reprint collection

The subject of information overload in immunology has been addressed recently by Waksman, who proposed some innovative solutions for the afferent pathways(1,2), (see also reactions by Sanderson(3), Turk(4) and Franklin(5)). Here Eric Martz describes his solution for efferent overload.
A novel rapid‐reaction spectrophotometric method for monitoring monovalent anion exchange by human erythrocyte band 3

Thiocyanate (SCN-) uptake into human erythrocytes and resealed ghosts was measured by monitoring the intracellular reaction of SCN- with methemoglobin using a dual wavelength stopped-flow apparatus. The cellular reaction was considerably slower than the reaction of SCN- with methemoglobin in solution, indicating that SCN- diffusion and not chemical reaction was rate limiting. This view was confirmed by showing that the uptake rate followed saturation kinetics (K(m) approximately 9 mM), thus indicating that SCN- transport involves a facilitated diffusion process. Addition of DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) totally inhibited SCN- uptake, thus identifying band 3 as the sole facilitator. Substitution of iodide or sulfate for trans chloride, slowed SCN- uptake by 4-fold and 35-fold respectively. Reducing the trans chloride concentration from 150 to 2 mM decreased the extent of the reaction, and slowed the observed rate by about 2-fold. These results define a new approach for the continuous monitoring of monovalent anion exchange by human erythrocyte band 3.
A multidimensional scaling analysis of judged similarity of complex forms from two task situations

Ss provided judgments of pairwise stimulus similarities for 21 12-turn random forms in two experimental tasks: a scaling task, involving a variant of the method of graded dichotomies, and a sorting task, which simply required Ss to categorize the forms. The grouped data from both tasks, when analyzed using nonmetric multidimensional scaling techniques, yielded five-dimensional configurations with euclidean distances. The correspondence of these two spaces, assessed using canonical correlations, was extremely good. The psychological dimensions derived from both tasks were related to two sets of physical measures on the forms: the factor space suggested by Brown and Owen and a set of more basic physical measures. Physical cues of greatest importance involved size, dispersion, angularity, and rotation measures. The value of the tasks and the utility of the Brown and Owen measures were discussed.
SERS from molecules adsorbed on small Ag nanoparticles: A microscopic model

Abstract A microscopic approach to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from molecules adsorbed on noble-metal nanoparticles is developed. For nanoparticle sizes smaller than 10 nm, the classical electromagnetic enhancement mechanism is modified by quantum-size effects. Using time-dependent local field approximation, we perform systematic analysis of SERS in nanometer-sized Ag nanoparticles. We find that, in small nanoparticles, Raman cross-section enhancement is governed by the interplay between Landau damping of the surface plasmon and interband screening in the nanoparticle surface layer.
Ski can negatively regulates macrophage differentiation through its interaction with PU.1

In the hematopoietic cell system, the oncoprotein Ski dramatically affects growth and differentiation programs, in some cases leading to malignant leukemia. However, little is known about the interaction partners or signaling pathways involved in the Ski-mediated block of differentiation in hematopoietic cells. Here we show that Ski interacts with PU.1, a lineage-specific transcription factor essential for terminal myeloid differentiation, and thereby represses PU.1-dependent transcriptional activation. Consistent with this, Ski inhibits the biological function of PU.1 to promote myeloid cells to differentiate into macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR)-positive macrophages. Using a Ski mutant deficient in PU.1 binding, we demonstrate that Ski-PU.1 interaction is critical for Ski's ability to repress PU.1-dependent transcription and block macrophage differentiation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Ski-mediated repression of PU.1 is due to Ski's ability to recruit histone deacetylase 3 to PU.1 bound to DNA. Since inactivation of PU.1 is closely related to the development of myeloid leukemia and Ski strongly inhibits PU.1 function, we propose that aberrant Ski expression in certain types of myeloid cell lineages might contribute to leukemogenesis.
SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF FAST-NEUTRON SPECTRA BY TIME-OF-FLIGHT AND PULSE-HEIGHT UNFOLDING TECHNIQUES.

Abstract Proton-recoil spectrometers have frequently been used in the past few years to measure spectra for neutron energies greater than approximately 1 MeV with the results depending strongly on the adequacy of the response matrix used in unfolding pulse-height spectra. By simultaneously measuring a fast-neutron spectrum by time-of-flight and by pulse-height unfolding, the adequacy of the response matrix and unfolding code could be determined. Spectra of several shapes and measurements with different time-of-flight resolutions were used to validate the spectra obtained by unfolding the pulse-height spectrum.
Effects of Fertilizer and Soil Components on Pesticide Photolysis

An environmental fate study was performed analyzing the effects of soil composition on the soil photolysis of a chemical. The study was conducted in two phases in which both moist and air-dried soils were fortified with either the common fertilizer sodium nitrate or the natural soil components iron or humic acid and dosed with niclosamide. The soils were photolyzed under a xenon lamp for 7 days. Increasing concentration of sodium nitrate did not affect the degradation pattern but did produce a lower concentration of aminoniclosamide. Soils fortified with iron displayed an unknown, which was not observed in other experiments, and the degradation of niclosamide from these soils was slower than from the sodium nitrate-fortified soils. There were no extractable degradates from any of the soils fortified with humic acid. In irradiated moist soils, the half-life of niclosamide increased when sodium nitrate was present at 20 ppm, and the half-lives of niclosamide in iron- and humic acid-fortified soil were increased slightly over that in unfortified soil. The effect of the nitrate and iron on the half-lives in dark control moist soils was minimal, but humic acid increased the dark control half-life from 420 to 611 h. No transformation of niclosamide was observed in the dark control air-dried soils. Soils with higher organic or iron contents or exposed to fertilizers do not affect as dramatically the half-life of pesticides as does the presence of moisture in the soil. Soil photolysis samples that were not maintained with moisture exhibited differences in half-life and degradation pattern. The maintenance of moisture was found to be more crucial to the reliability of soil photolysis studies than soil composition.
Many special point scheme for noncubic lattices

The sets of special points which are used in the evaluation of the integral of periodic functions over the Brillouin zone are presented for the tetragonal and trigonal lattices. The accuracy of this approximation is discussed. Die Gruppen der besonderen Punkte, die bei der Berechnung der Integrale von periodischen Funktionen der Brillouin-Zone verwendet werden, werden fur tetragonale und trigonale und trigonale Kristallgitter angegeben. Die Genauigkeit dieser Nahberung wird diskutiert.
Comparative Effectiveness of Nine Hypnotic Drugs: Sleep Laboratory Studies

The effectiveness of nine hypnotic drugs was compared using a standard protocol in separate sleep laboratory drug evaluation studies. All of these drugs were relatively effective in improving sleep with initial and short-term use. However, with intermediate-term use (two weeks), most of the drugs showed a marked decrease in their effectiveness. Following withdrawal, sleep was similar to baseline with most of the drugs, continued to be improved with flurazepam (Dalmane), 30 mg, and worsened beyond baseline levels with triazolam (U33030), 0.5 mg. The determination of a drug's effectiveness with continued use is most important clinically in enabling the physician to rationally and effectively use hypnotic drugs in the adjunctive treatment of insomnia.
Prenatal Androgens Defeminize Activation of GnRH Neurons in Response to Estradiol Stimulation

To determine if prenatal androgens prevent activation of GnRH neurons in response to estradiol stimulation, Fos colocalization with GnRH was compared in the brains of normal female lambs, normal males, and androgenized females in response to a surge-inducing dose of estradiol. Blood samples were collected every 1‐2 h for 6 h before estradiol treatment up to the time of sacrifice at 17‐19 h posttreatment. Following perfusion, 60 mm coronal brain sections were immunostained for Fos (151000, Santa Cruz Biochemicals) and GnRH (1540,000, LR-1) using NiCl-enhanced and unenhanced DAB, respectively. Although LH secretion increased in females before sacrifice, no increase was observed in males or androgenized females. Despite differences in LH secretion, the number and distribution of GnRH neurons was not sexually dimorphic. Moreover, Fos immunostaining was visible throughout steroid-responsive limbic regions in all three groups of lambs. However, the colocalization of Fos with GnRH was highly sexually dimorphic. In females perfused after the peak of the LH surge, 65.7% of GnRH neurons in the preoptic area, anterior hypothalamus, and mediobasal hypothalamus expressed Fos, whereas only 1.7% of GnRH neurons were Fos-positive in males and androgenized females. These findings indicate that sex differences in the activation of GnRH neurons in response to estradiol are determined prenatally through the actions of testosterone.
Forest Occurrence of Trichoderma Species: Emphasis on Potential Organochlorine (Xenobiotic) Degradation

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are recognized as "keystone or controller" organisms in forest soils due to their involvement in decomposition and nutrient cycling and their regulation of associated mycoflora. Recent evidence has identified additional potential importance in the decomposition of xenobiotics. Both T. harzianum and T. viride have been shown capable of organochlorine degradation in vitro. During the 1990 growing season soil immersion tubes were employed to sample Trichoderma species growing in the forest floors of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest and of near-by Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire. At Hubbard Brook, sample sites included a mature forest (100 years old) and a regenerating forest (5 years old). On Mount Moosilauke, sample sites included haplorthod and cryofolist soil types and low, medium, and high elevation. T. harzianum was isolated from both sites in relatively high amount. T. viride was also present at both sites but in relatively low amount. T. polysporum was consistently isolated at all elevations but in relatively low amount. The abundance of T. harzianum decreased with increasing elevation, while the abundance of T. viride increased with increasing elevation. The evidence presented is consistent with other studies stressing the high spatial variability of members of this genus. Causes of this variability are presumed to be numerous and involve abiotic and biotic forces. Persistence of organochlorine contaminants in northern forest soils may be influenced by the abundance of fungal degraders such as T. harzianum and viride.
14-3-3 isoforms are induced by aldosterone and participate in its regulation of epithelial sodium channels.

Aldosterone increases sodium absorption across renal collecting duct cells primarily by increasing the apical membrane expression of ENaC, the sodium entry channel. Nedd4-2, a ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase, tags ENaC with ubiquitin for internalization and degradation, but when it is phosphorylated by the aldosterone-induced kinase, SGK1, Nedd4-2 is inhibited and apical ENaC density and sodium absorption increase. We evaluated the hypothesis that 14-3-3 proteins participate in the aldosterone-mediated regulation of ENaC by associating with phosphorylated Nedd4-2. Mouse cortical collecting duct (mCCD) epithelia cultured on filters expressed several 14-3-3 isoforms; this study focused on an isoform whose expression was induced 3-fold by aldosterone, 14-3-3β. In polarized mCCD epithelia, aldosterone elicited significant, time-dependent increases in the expression of α-ENaC, SGK1, phospho-Nedd4-2, and 14-3-3β without altering total Nedd4-2. Aldosterone decreased the interaction of α-ENaC with Nedd4-2, and with similar kinetics increased the association of 14-3-3β with phospho-Nedd4-2. Short interfering RNA-induced knockdown of 14-3-3β blunted the aldosterone-induced increase in α-ENaC expression, returned α-ENaC-Nedd4-2 binding toward prealdosterone levels, and blocked the aldosterone-stimulated increase in transepithelial sodium transport. Incubation of cell extracts with a selective phospho-Nedd4-2 antibody blocked the aldosterone-induced association of 14-3-3β with Nedd4-2, implicating SGK1 phosphorylation at Ser-328 as the primary site of 14-3-3β binding. Our studies show that aldosterone increases the expression of 14-3-3β, which interacts with phospho-Nedd4-2 to block its interaction with ENaC, thus enhancing sodium absorption by increasing apical membrane ENaC density.
Images of single x‐ray photons from x‐ray phosphor screens

Photographs show the efficiency and resolution characteristics of single X-ray photons converted to optical photons in a variety of commercial X-ray phosphor screens. The recording system uses a cooled, two-stage image intensifier system with fiber optics coupling to the phosphor screen. High efficiencies in the energy range 20-100 keV with position resolution of the order 200 microns are readily achievable, although the sensitive area is presently limited. Potential applications include X-ray astronomy, high-speed X-ray diffractometry, and extremely low dose radiography.
An algorithm for improving the accuracy of discrete ROI integrals

Many problems in the analysis of medical digital images, e.g., digitized x‐ray radiograph,computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), or positron emission tomography(PET), require a detailed and precise analysis of user chosen regions of interest (ROIs). Examples of their use include calculating integrals of area, volume, mass, structural moments, and statistical measures for either organs, tumors, or the musculoskeletal system. Among various ROI scan conversion schemes, binary approximate scan conversion is usually preferred due to its efficiency. In this paper, geometric area error is tabulated for typical scan conversion techniques, including whole pixel (WP) approximation and subpixel (SP) approximation methods, and compared to exact pixel (EP) coverage methods for medical ROIs. A new efficient and general EP method for scan conversion of these ROIs is presented. The algorithm traverses the boundary of the polygon while simultaneously scan converting the ROI, and calculates the fractional area of each pixel covered at the perimeter. The resultant geometric area is substantially more accurate than the SP or WP methods, without a significant loss of speed. The numerical results for a ROI with a large ratio of boundary to polygon area demonstrated that the geometric error for a SP method was 40% of the total polygon area, and 150% of the total polygon area for a WP method. The new algorithm could ‘‘exactly’’ calculate the pixel coverage area, in addition to being four times faster than the widely used EP method of Catmull. Efficient and accurate calculation of ROI integrals is essential for comparative analysis.
Enhancement of pigeons' conditional discrimination performance by expectancies of reinforcement and nonreinforcement

Prior work has shown that when the separate correct responses of a conditional discrimination are followed by different reinforcing outcomes, performance is enhanced relative to that obtained under the conventional, single-reinforcer procedure. Four experiments with pigeons yielded the analogous finding when the different outcomes were reinforcement and explicit nonreinforcement. Controls indicated that the results could not be attributed to the effects of intermittent reinforcement, to possible differences in cue duration, or to a variety of potential sources of conditioned reinforcement. An interpretation in terms of expectancy learning is proposed.
Numerical modeling of transport phenomena in reinforced concrete exposed to elevated temperatures

The objective of this study is to develop a finite difference model that simulates coupled heat and mass transport phenomena in reinforced concrete structures exposed to rapid heating conditions such as fires. A mathematical and computational model for simulating the multidimensional, thermohydrological response of reinforced concrete structural elements is developed and subsequently used to study the effects of steel reinforcement on thermodynamic state variables. Key material parameters describing multiphase fluid flow and thermohydrological behavior of concrete are discussed. Spatial and temporal distributions of temperature, pore pressure, and degree of saturation are illustrated as predicted under extreme thermal-loading conditions. Simulation results indicate that the presence of steel reinforcement impedes moisture movement and produces quasi-saturated zones in cover concrete where significant pore pressures are developed.
ALTERATIONS IN MOTONEURON PROPERTIES INDUCED BY ACUTE DORSAL SPINAL HEMISECTION IN THE DECEREBRATE CAT

Using intracellular recording techniques, we studied the response characteristics of two separate populations of triceps surae motoneurons in unanesthetized decerebrate cats, recorded before and after low thoracic hemisection of the spinal cord. In each preparation, we studied the response properties of one group of motoneurons and the protocol was then repeated for a separate group, immediately following the dorsal hemisection. In each group, we examined both the minimum firing rates of motoneurons during intracellular current injection and a range of cellular properties, including input resistance, rheobase current and afterhyperpolarization time course and magnitude. Although earlier studies from this laboratory have shown substantial reductions in minimum firing rate in reflexively active motoneurons in the hemisected decerebrated preparation, the response of motoneurons to intracellular current injection in the current preparation proved to be quite different. Minimum firing rates were either normal or even somewhat higher in the post-lesion group, while the time course of the afterhyperpolarization was shortened. Moreover, these effects were not evenly distributed across the motoneuron pool. The rate effect was most evident in motoneurons with higher conduction velocity, while the afterhyperpolarization effect occurred predominantly in motoneurons with lower conduction velocity. Neither of these effects could be accounted for by lesion-induced changes in other cellular properties. We conclude that tonically active neurons with descending axons traversing dorsolateral white matter may influence both the discharge characteristics and membrane properties of spinal motoneurons in novel ways, presumably by modifying voltage or calcium activated motoneuronal conductances. The previously described reactions in the firing rate of motoneurons after such lesions appear to be mediated by different means, perhaps by alterations in synaptic input from segmental interneurons.
A variational solution of the stochastic liouville model of chemically induced electron polarization in radical pairs

Abstract A variational solution is proposed for the integral equation form of the stochastic Liouville equations describing the radical pair mechanism of chemically induced electron polarization.
Current Instrument Transformer Error Calculations

A nonlinear differential equation describing the steady-state operation of a current instrument transformer is formulated based upon a Rayleigh hysteresis loop approximation of the magnetic core effects. Using a harmonic-balance technique, a suitable approximate solution of this equation provides expressions for the RCF (ratio correction factor) and phase angle errors for the transformer directly in terms of the magnetic properties of the core material and the transformer instrument burden.
Review of extracorporeal photopheresis in early‐stage (IA, IB, and IIA) cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for nearly 20 years for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). A substantial body of literature reports that this form of photoimmunotherapy improves or stabilizes the course of disease in a subset of patients across all stages. However, current clinical approach usually reserves ECP for patients who do not respond to other treatments or for patients with late-stage disease or Sezary syndrome (SS). Methods: A comprehensive Pubmed/Medline literature search was performed to identify studies reporting the use and efficacy of ECP in early stage (IA, IB, and IIA) CTCL. Information regarding prognostic factors and survival of early-stage patients treated with ECP was also obtained and summarized. Results: The heterogenous nature of the reports and lack of any prospective randomized trials made evaluation of response to treatment difficult. However, the current literature contains at least 124 early-stage patients treated with ECP or ECP plus adjuvant therapy from 1987–2007 in 16 different reports. Response rates of treatment for this patient population with ECP and ECP plus adjuvant therapy varied from 33–88%. Conclusions: Given the very low side effect profile of ECP compared with other therapies and its demonstrated efficacy, this treatment modality is possibly beneficial for patients with earlier stages of CTCL. Randomized prospective studies are needed to establish the role of ECP in this disease subset.
On the extension of the method of moments to a cascade of well-mixed discrete stages with back-flow between stages

Abstract The method of moments has been applied to a system of well mixed discrete stages with backflow between adjacent stages. Both differential and difference time dependency have been treated. The recycle rate (back-flow rate) for both cases has been related to the variance of the concentration-time distributions resulting from an arbitrary input of nontransferable tracer.
SU(2) lattice gauge-Higgs theory with dynamical I = 1 fermions and the role of Fermion representation in chiral phase structure☆

We study the chiral phase structure for SU(2) lattice gauge theory with an I = 12 Higgs field and I = 1 dynamical fermions. The order and location of the chiral transition for strong gauge coupling are in agreement with our previous analytic results. In the interior of the phase diagram, it is found that the chiral boundary lies above the line of transitions connecting to the O(4) critical point. This study elucidates the effect of fermion representation on the chiral transition and strengthens the basis for a possible explanation for the fact that the known weak nonsinglet fermions have I = 12.
Cross-talk between GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation: roles in insulin resistance and glucose toxicity

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a dynamic posttranslational modification that, analogous to phosphorylation, cycles on and off serine and/or threonine hydroxyl groups. Cycling of O-Glc...
Time-delay and memory effects in GaAs 1-x P x injection laser

The delay between turn-on of current and onset of lasing was measured in a GaAs 0.60 P 0.40 injection laser as a function of current. The delay can be as long as 700 ns but decreases with overdrive. The trap density is estimated at 1019cm-3. A double-pulse experiment shows that the memory of the first pulse may persist for longer than a millisecond. A burst-of-pulses experiment indicates that the traps cannot be emptied optically by stimulated emission. A reverse bias was not able to empty the traps electrically.
On Indexing Commercial Real Estate Properties and Portfolios

Commercial real estate indices play an important role in performance evaluation and overall investment strategy. However, the issue of how representative they are of the returns on portfolios of commercial properties is an open issue. Our study addresses this topic by analyzing a sample of 12,427 repeat sales transactions between Q4 2000 and Q2 2011. We find that the aggregate real estate indices (Moody’s REAL CPPI) do a good job of tracking real returns when portfolios of more than 20 properties are considered. At this level, tracking is somewhat less effective than our benchmark of the S&P500 and its component stocks. Compared to the average root mean squared deviation (RMSD) from one asset, randomly selected portfolios with 20 assets reduce the RMSD by 75 % for the S&P500 compared to 66 % for the aggregate index. These results suggest that the aggregate indices can be effective in hedging and evaluating the performance of direct real estate investment. We further find that tracking at the property type level provides little benefit over using an aggregate index. However, indexing using a property type and location matched index provides lower tracking error for any level of diversification.
Calibration of the Beginning of the Age of Mammals in Patagonia

Beds of the Rio Chico Formation containing the earliest known land mammals in Patagonia, southern Argentina, were calibrated by potassium-argon age determinations and paleomagnetic polarity data. The Riochican land mammal age encompasses the middle and late Paleocene and corresponds in time with Torrejonian and Tiffanian land mammal faunas in North America.
HIV-1 Protein Tat Induces Apoptosis of Hippocampal Neurons by a Mechanism Involving Caspase Activation, Calcium Overload, and Oxidative Stress

Patients infected with HIV-1 often exhibit cognitive deficits that are related to progressive neuronal degeneration and cell death. The protein Tat, which is released from HIV-1-infected cells, was recently shown to be toxic toward cultured neurons. We now report that Tat induces apoptosis in cultured embryonic rat hippocampal neurons. Tat induced caspase activation, and the caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk prevented Tat-induced neuronal death. Tat induced a progressive elevation of cytoplasmic-free calcium levels, which was followed by mitochondrial calcium uptake and generation of mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species (ROS). The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and the inhibitor of mitochondrial calcium uptake ruthenium red protected neurons against Tat-induced apoptosis. zVAD-fmk suppressed Tat-induced increases of cytoplasmic calcium levels and mitochondrial ROS accumulation, indicating roles for caspases in the perturbed calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress induced by Tat. An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, and the peroxynitrite scavenger uric acid, protected neurons against Tat-induced apoptosis, indicating requirements for nitric oxide production and peroxynitrite formation in the cell death process. Finally, Tat caused a delayed and progressive mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and cyclosporin A prevented Tat-induced apoptosis, suggesting an important role for mitochondrial membrane permeability transition in Tat-induced apoptosis. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Tat can induce neuronal apoptosis by a mechanism involving disruption of calcium homeostasis, caspase activation, and mitochondrial calcium uptake and ROS accumulation. Agents that interupt this apoptotic cascade may prove beneficial in preventing neuronal degeneration and associated dementia in AIDS patients.
Segmenting Cruise Passengers With Perceived Reputation

Research has found that corporate reputations are particularly important for service firms. Yet, extant, similar research has not been conducted in the tourism sector where customers typically purchase complex bundles of services. Hoping to assist in filling this void, the purpose of this study was to segment cruise passengers based on their perceptions of a cruise line's reputation and identify differences between the resultant reputation groups. Data were collected on two separate 7-day Caribbean voyages, on board the same Holland America Line (HAL) ship. Vast differences were found between reputation groups and their perceptions of prior experiences. It was further revealed that reputation has a great influence over cruise passengers' perceptions of price sensitivity, monetary price, behavioral price, quality, value, satisfaction, word of mouth, and repurchase intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
IL‐12‐polarized Th1 cells produce GM‐CSF and induce EAE independent of IL‐23

CD4(+) T-helper (Th) cells reactive against myelin antigens mediate the mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is currently debated whether encephalitogenic Th cells are heterogeneous or arise from a single lineage. In the current study, we challenge the dogma that stimulation with the monokine IL-23 is universally required for the acquisition of pathogenic properties by myelin-reactive T cells. We show that IL-12-modulated Th1 cells readily produce IFN-γ and GM-CSF in the CNS of mice and induce a severe form of EAE via an IL-23-independent pathway. Th1-mediated EAE is characterized by monocyte-rich CNS infiltrates, elicits a strong proinflammatory cytokine response in the CNS, and is partially CCR2 dependent. Conversely, IL-23-modulated, stable Th17 cells induce EAE with a relatively mild course via an IL-12-independent pathway. These data provide definitive evidence that autoimmune disease can be driven by distinct CD4(+) T-helper-cell subsets and polarizing factors.
Price elasticities and tax reform in Mexico

Price responses are usually estimated for the average household. However, different households are unlikely to respond in a similar way to movement in prices. Consequently, relying on averages may be misleading when examining the behaviour of a particular group of households such as the poor. This article uses six household surveys collected in Mexico between 1989 and 2000 to derive price responses for 10 product groups and for five levels of income households. The estimated price elasticities are then fed into a micro simulation model to measure the effect of a marginal tax reform. The results find that that poorer households tend to react substantially more to movement in prices, suggesting the usefulness of estimating elasticities that reflect the behavioural responses of the poor rather than of the entire population. The micro simulation results indicate that reducing the taxes on maize, alcoholic beverages and vegetables would be both more equitable and more efficient in terms of social welfare. Mean...
Independent effects of complement factor H Y402H polymorphism and cigarette smoking on risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Objective To examine the potential gene–environment interaction between cigarette smoking and the complement factor H (CFH) T1277C polymorphism, 2 strong risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Retrospective case–control study. Participants A university clinic-based sample of 599 people with AMD and 242 controls. Methods Standard criteria were used to rate disease severity (grades 1–5) from fundus photographs. Individuals were classified as "ever smokers" or "never smokers" based on self-reported lifetime smoking of at least 100 cigarettes. Intensity of smoking was evaluated by calculating pack-years of smoking, which was analyzed as a continuous variable, and by categorizing individuals as smoking more or less than the median 30 pack-years. T1277C genotypes were determined by sequencing the polymorphic site. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of smoking and genotype, controlling for age and gender and adjusting for correlations among related subjects. Main Outcome Measure Age-related macular degeneration affection status. Results Interaction terms between T1277C genotype and smoking variables were not statistically significant, indicating a multiplicative relationship between risk factors. Effects of both T1277C genotype and cigarette smoking were stronger when comparing neovascular (grade 5) AMD with grade 1 controls than when comparing all cases (grades 3–5) with grades 1 to 2 controls. Conclusion These results suggest that cigarette smoking and T1277C are independent risk factors for AMD and that both risk factors are associated more strongly with neovascular AMD than all forms of AMD combined.
On the Tension between Sex Equality and Religious Freedom

This chapter argues that the Asymmetry Thesis cannot be defended, and that much of the time, sex equality principles are properly applied to religious institutions. It discusses the controversial idea that facially neutral laws may be applied to religious institutions even if they have a severe adverse effect on religious practices. The Asymmetry Thesis is in grave tension with the Donald Smith principle, which would seem to permit application of antidiscrimination laws, facially neutral as they are. The strongest challenge to the principle is that many facially neutral laws do impose substantial burdens on religion; that they lack sufficient liberal justification; and that institutions, including judicial institutions, should not be deemed incapable of drawing the appropriate lines. American law makes the basic prohibitions on employment discrimination inapplicable where religion, sex, or national origin is "a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that particular business or enterprise".
Non-Manhattan routing using a Manhattan router

In deep sub-micron (DSM) designs, wire delays comprise a significant fraction of the total delay of a design. Therefore, techniques such as non-Manhattan routing, which reduce the total wire length of a design, are highly relevant for today's designs. However, a great deal of effort has gone into the design and development of algorithms to perform Manhattan routing, both in industry and in academia. Therefore, it would be desirable to use existing Manhattan algorithms and tools to perform non-Manhattan routing. In this paper, we describe a technique to perform non-Manhattan routing by combining the results of two related Manhattan routing instances. The second routing instance is derived from the first by rotating the coordinate system by 45/spl deg/. As a result, the Manhattan routes that are computed for the second instance are actually 45 /spl deg/ rotated in the original coordinate system. We combine the results of the two instances to obtain a final routing result that contains non-Manhattan routes. We demonstrate that our router produces highly efficient results, reducing the total wire length by an average 9.8% over a traditional router, with a via-count increase of 2%.
Discrediting Victims' Allegations of Sexual Assault: Prosecutorial Accounts of Case Rejections

Complaint filing is a critical stage in the prosecution of a case, for here prosecutors decide which cases will go on for adjudication by the courts. A significant percentage of sexual assault cases never get beyond this stage in the criminal justice process. This paper examines prosecutorial accounts for sexual assault case rejection. A central feature of these accounts is discrediting the victim's rape allegation with the techniques of finding discrepancies in the victim's story and assuming ulterior motives for reporting the assault. The resources that prosecutors use to develop these techniques are official reports and records, typifications of rape-relevant behavior, and knowledge of the victim's personal life and criminal connections. Prosecutors' accounts reveal the indigenous logic of prosecutors' decisions to reject cases and the organizational structure in which these decisions are situated.
Immunohistochemical detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bovine tissue sections.

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Modeling the Appearance of Fluorescent Colors

The advent of improved durability pigments has resulted in the increased use of fluorescent colored materials in safety and warning applications (e.g., high-priority traffic signs; safety vests). Y...
A Collaborative Model to Improve the Training of Student Interns in Medical Settings

Due to the increasing demands of professionals working in health care settings, there is less and less time to commit to the training of future clinicians and thus fewer health care agencies are willing to provide internship experiences. Yet, in order to meet the complex clinical needs and ever evolving demands in the changing health care environment, on-site training at a medical facility is critical if we are to adequately prepare speech-language pathology and audiology graduate students for service delivery in these settings. An informal survey of speech-language pathologists and audiologists working in medical settings in Southern California indicated there was a need to strengthen the relationship between the university training programs and the professional community working in these settings. To address this need, members of the Southern California Medical Speech Pathology and Audiology Council (SCMC) and members from three of the six graduate training programs in Southern California met to explore common issues and concerns. The major problems identified were: 1. Lack of information about what is expected of master clinicians (supervisors) during the internship experience. 2. Lack of consistency in conveying the expectations for the internship experience from one university program to another. 3. Lack of standards in the student evaluation process. There was great disparity in the student evaluation tools used by the various universities and site supervisors had to continually adjust to these varied procedures. The principal outcome of this meeting was the establishment of an ad hoc committee consisting of three SCMC members and two clinical coordinators from two of the graduate training programs. The charge to this committee was to explore the possibility of developing uniform materials that could be used by all training programs and that would serve as the center piece for the supervision and training of graduate student interns in medical settings. A request for what training materials were already available went out to various medical centers and university training programs, and the responses received revealed how little printed information was actually available. Forms and materials used for training student interns varied greatly from one university and/or medical setting to the other. More importantly, there was no real documentation about what was expected of either the intern or the supervisor.
Automatic Event Extraction with Structured Preference Modeling

This paper presents a novel sequence labeling model based on the latent-variable semi-Markov conditional random fields for jointly extracting argument roles of events from texts. The model takes in coarse mention and type information and predicts argument roles for a given event template. This paper addresses the event extraction problem in a primarily unsupervised setting, where no labeled training instances are available. Our key contribution is a novel learning framework called structured preference modeling (PM), that allows arbitrary preference to be assigned to certain structures during the learning procedure. We establish and discuss connections between this framework and other existing works. We show empirically that the structured preferences are crucial to the success of our task. Our model, trained without annotated data and with a small number of structured preferences, yields performance competitive to some baseline supervised approaches.