cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interrogating the signaling dynamics of T cell activation with quantum dots

We report the use of antibody-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) to monitor the expression dynamics of the membrane bound cytokine receptor interleukin-2 receptor-α (IL-2Rα) throughout the course of Jurkat T cell activation. Maximal receptor expression is observed 32-48 hours after activation, followed by a sharp decrease subsequent to 48 hours consistent with IL-2R internalization. Fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and FACS analyses were used to verify controlled activation and specificity of QD labeling. Additionally, confocal microscopy demonstrated receptor internalization subsequent to expression and QD labeling. Antibody-conjugated QDs provide a convenient means to rapidly determine cell state and interrogate end products of cell signaling pathways. Interrogation of other signaling pathways can eventually be carried out in a similar manner upon identification of relevant membrane associated receptors. Ultimately, the multiplexing capabilities of QDs will allow the examination of several signaling pathways simultaneously and aid in toxin detection and discrimination.
Effect of coronary artery occlusion on myocardial protection by retroperfusion of cardioplegic solutions

Coronary artery stenoses impede delivery of cardioplegic solutions infused through the aortic root. Therefore, the efficacy of retroperfusion of cardioplegic solution through the coronary sinus was assessed in dogs subjected to cold, potassium cardioplegic arrest. Group I (N = 15) had the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occluded throughout ischemia while Group II (N = 15) had a patent LAD. Transmural biopsies of both the left ventricular (LV) apex and right ventricle (RV) were assayed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP). Regional wall temperatures were sequentially monitored. The time from aortic cross-clamping to electrical arrest varied widely, but the mean arrest time of each group was similar (174 ± 22 vs 175 ± 28 sec). Comparable depletion of ATP stores (vs preischemia) occurred in each ventricle regardless of coronary artery patency. Similarly, CP stores were depleted 60–72% (P < 0.01) during ischemia. Mean temperatures during arrest of the RV and LV (17.2–19.5°C) did not differ and were not affected by LAD occlusion. Coronary venous resistance remained constant with repetitive infusions. These data suggest that myocardial protection with coronary sinus retroperfusion is independent of arterial patency, but is suboptimal, perhaps due to the prolonged time needed to induce ventricular arrest.
Effects of ethanol feeding and withdrawal on plasma glutathione elimination in the rat

Chronic ethanol feeding increases hepatic turnover and sinusoidal efflux of glutathione in rats. The present study was performed to determine whether the observed increase in glutathione efflux was due to increased extrahepatic requirements for glutathione. The concentration and disposition of plasma glutathione were determined in rats fed liquid diets containing 36% of calories as ethanol or pair-fed an isocaloric mixture with carbohydrate replacing ethanol calories for 5 to 8 weeks. The half-life and plasma clearance of [35S]glutathione were found to be similar in ethanol-fed and control rats and in rats withdrawn 24 hr from ethanol. Uptakes of the sulfur moiety of [35S]glutathione by kidney, jejunal mucosa, liver, lung, spleen, muscle and heart were also unchanged by ethanol feeding. The plasma glutathione concentration was significantly higher in ethanol-withdrawn rats 22.30 ± 3.06 nmoles per ml (p < 0.05) compared to pair-fed controls (13.51 ± 2.04), while rats continuing to drink ethanol had intermediate levels (16.96 ± 2.22). Plasma cysteine levels were slightly, but not significantly, higher in ethanol-fed rats. These findings suggest that increased sinusoidal efflux of glutathione in ethanol-fed rats is due to a direct effect of ethanol on hepatic glutathione transport and not due to an alteration in extrahepatic disposition of glutathione. In order to characterize further the effects of ethanol feeding on glutathione-dependent detoxification, activities of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and γ-glu-tamyltransferase were determined. Both glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities were significantly increased by ethanol feeding whereas γ-glutamyltransferase was increased only slightly. Thus, chronic ethanol feeding in rats results in altered hepatic glutathione metabolism, both through nondetoxification pathways and potentially by glutathione-dependent detoxification enzymes.
Variation aware optimal threshold voltage computation for on-chip noise sensors

Runtime noise management systems typically respond to on-chip noise sensors to accurately capture voltage emergencies. As such, the threshold voltage for noise sensors to report emergencies serves as a critical tuning knob between the system failure rate and the runtime performance loss (RPL) due to false alarms. Unfortunately, the problem of optimal threshold voltage computation remains open in literature despite its importance. The problem is further complicated by process variations, which introduce significant variations in load currents and thus in noise across different chips. A uniform noise margin may not work optimally for all the chips. In this paper, we first formulate the problem of minimizing the system failure rate subject to a given RPL constraint. We then put forward a uniform scheme to find an optimal solution for all chips. Compared to a seemingly more intuitive approach which is too conservative, experimental results over a set of industrial designs show an average of 32.1% reduction in system failure rate under the same RPL constraint. We further show that with the help of I ddq measurements during testing which reveals process variation information, it is possible and efficient to compute a per-chip optimal threshold voltage. Such an approach further reduces the system failure rate by 25.0% on average compared with the uniform threshold approach, under the same RPL constraint. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first in-depth study on optimal threshold voltage computation for noise sensors. We hope that it shall point out new directions for systematic studies of on-chip noise sensor utilization.
Economic determinants of IMF financial arrangements

Abstract We analyze factors that lead to IMF approval of financial arrangements. We account for both economic variables that induce a country to seek an IMF arrangement (‘demand-side’ factors) and macroeconomic policy commitments that the IMF considers when deciding whether to approve it (‘supply-side’ factors). Using a pooled sample of annual observations for 91 developing countries over 1973–1991, we obtain maximum likelihood bivariate and univariate probit estimates of the approval of an IMF arrangement for a given country in a given year. A number of demand-side and supply-side variables are statistically significant determinants of the approval of an IMF arrangement.
Comparison of GaAsP solar cells on GaP and GaP/Si

We demonstrate metamorphic ∼1.7 eV GaAsxP1−x (x = 0.71 − 0.73) solar cells on high-quality GaP/Si templates and compare them to cells co-grown on bulk GaP. Both n+-emitter/p-base and p+-emitter/n-base polarities are explored. Cells with n-type bases demonstrate current-voltage characteristics that are similar to p-type base cells, but with blue-shifted peak quantum efficiencies. Threading dislocation densities for cells on GaP/Si were 0.92 − 1.3 × 107 cm−2, significantly lower than previous reports but higher than cells grown on bulk GaP. An open-circuit voltage of 1.12 V was obtained for a 1.71 eV cell on Si, leading to a promising bandgap-voltage offset of 0.59 V.
High-throughput synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks and application to CO2 capture.

A high-throughput protocol was developed for the synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). Twenty-five different ZIF crystals were synthesized from only 9600 microreactions of either zinc(II)/cobalt(II) and imidazolate/imidazolate-type linkers. All of the ZIF structures have tetrahedral frameworks: 10 of which have two different links (heterolinks), 16 of which are previously unobserved compositions and structures, and 5 of which have topologies as yet unobserved in zeolites. Members of a selection of these ZIFs (termed ZIF-68, ZIF-69, and ZIF-70) have high thermal stability (up to 390°C) and chemical stability in refluxing organic and aqueous media. Their frameworks have high porosity (with surface areas up to 1970 square meters per gram), and they exhibit unusual selectivity for CO 2 capture from CO 2 /CO mixtures and extraordinary capacity for storing CO 2 : 1 liter of ZIF-69 can hold ∼83 liters of CO 2 at 273 kelvin under ambient pressure.
Survey of MicroRNA expression in pediatric brain tumors

Background A better understanding of pediatric brain tumor biology is needed to assist in the development of less toxic therapies and to provide better markers for disease stratification. MicroRNAs (miRNA) may play a significant role in brain tumor biology. The present study provides an initial survey of miRNA expression in pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies including atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, ependymoma, glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, and pilocytic astrocytoma. Procedure MicroRNA expression in pediatric brain tumors and normal tissue controls was examined by microarray. Three aberrantly expressed miRNAs were further studied in a larger cohort by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results MicroRNA-129, miR-142-5p, and miR-25 were differentially expressed in every pediatric brain tumor type compared to normal tissue controls as measured by microarray. When further examined by qRT-PCR, these miRNAs demonstrated differential expression that significantly correlated with the microarray findings. Distinctive miRNA expression profiles were also observed in the different pediatric brain tumor types. Conclusions MicroRNAs are differentially expressed between pediatric CNS neoplasms and normal tissue suggesting that they may play a significant role in oncogenesis. A greater understanding of aberrant miRNA expression in pediatric brain tumors may aid in the development of novel therapies. The characterization of tumor-specific miRNA signatures may aid in the discovery of biomarkers with diagnostic or prognostic utility.
Innovative way of implementing active voltage contrast

Determining the failure mechanism of a failing unit is becoming more expensive due to the tools for fault isolation. This paper will discuss the low cost and innovative way to implement Active Voltage Contrast (AVC) imaging fault isolation tool using the existing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Importance of the DNA “bond” in programmable nanoparticle crystallization

If a solution of DNA-coated nanoparticles is allowed to crystallize, the thermodynamic structure can be predicted by a set of structural design rules analogous to Pauling’s rules for ionic crystallization. The details of the crystallization process, however, have proved more difficult to characterize as they depend on a complex interplay of many factors. Here, we report that this crystallization process is dictated by the individual DNA bonds and that the effect of changing structural or environmental conditions can be understood by considering the effect of these parameters on free oligonucleotides. Specifically, we observed the reorganization of nanoparticle superlattices using time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering in systems with different DNA sequences, salt concentrations, and densities of DNA linkers on the surface of the nanoparticles. The agreement between bulk crystallization and the behavior of free oligonucleotides may bear important consequences for constructing novel classes of crystals and incorporating new interparticle bonds in a rational manner.
Bismuth Alkoxides. The First Structurally-Characterized Bismuth−Transition Metal Heterobimetallic Alkoxide: [BiCl3OV(OC2H4OCH3)3]2

The reaction of BiCl3 and VO(OiPr)3 in 2-methoxyethanol resulted in the formation of the first bismuth-transition metal bimetallic alkoxide, [BiCl3(μ-O)(μ-OC2H4OCH3)2(OC2H4OCH3)V]2. The vanadium at...
Global optimization of MINLP problems in Process Synthesis and Design

Abstract Two new methodologies for the global optimization of MINLP models, the Special structure Mixed Integer Nonlinear αBB,SMIN-αBB, and the General structure Mixed Integer Nonlinear αBB,GMIN-αBB, are presented. Their theoretical foundations provide guarantees that the global optimum solution of MINLPs involving twice-differentiable nonconvex functions in the continuous variables can be identified. The conditions imposed on the functionality of the binary variables differ for each method: linear and mixed bilinear terms can be treated with the SMIN-αBB; mixed nonlinear terms whose continuous relaxation is twice-differentiable are handled by the GMIN-αBB. While both algorithms use the concept of a branch & bound tree, they rely on fundamentally different bounding and branching strategies. In the GMIN-αBB algorithm, lower (upper) bounds at each node result from the solution of convex (nonconvex) MINLPs derived from the original problem. The construction of convex lower bounding MINLPs, using the techniques recently developed for the generation of valid convex underestimators for twice-differentiable functions ( Adjiman et al., 1996 ; Adjiman and Floudas, 1996 ), is an essential task as it allows to solve the underestimating problems to global optimality using the GBD algorithm or the OA algorithm, provided that the binary variables participate separably and linearly. Moreover, the inherent structure of the MINLP problem can be fully exploited as branching is performed on the binary and the continuous variables. In the case of the SMIN-αBB algorithm, the lower and upper bounds are obtained by solving continuous relaxations of the original MINLP. Using the αBB algorithm, these nonconvex NLPs are solved as global optimization problems and hence valid lower bounds are generated. Since branching is performed exclusively on the binary variables, the maximum size of the branch-and-bound tree is smaller than that for the SMIN-αBB. The two proposed approaches are used to generate computational results on various nonconvex MINLP problems that arise in the areas of Process Synthesis and Design.
No longer Male: Masculinity Struggles behind Galatians 3:28?

Overcoming the hierarchical dichotomy of male and female according to Gal. 3.26-28 is an essential element of the baptismal oneness in Christ. This article tries to show that the gender-related part of the baptismal formula is not merely a side-quotation in Paul's overall Galatian argument about the unity of Jews and Gentiles; rather the re-conceptualization of masculinity (and femininity, as a consequence) is at the heart of his wrestling with circumcision, foreskin, and a messianic redefinition of Abraham's seed. In a radical subversion of father-based genealogical and social patterns Paul de-centers physical maleness (Gal. 3-4) and develops an ethics of mutuality (Gal. 5-6) which might have confronted the Galatian men with specific problems concerning their gender identity and status, thus explaining in part their desire to take over the dominant Jewish practice of male circumcision.
Photoelectric effects in magnesium aluminum spinel

The electronic and transport properties of magnesium aluminum spinel have been investigated photoelectrically. Photoemission of holes and electrons into spinel from metal contacts (Pt, Au, Ta, Mo, and Cu) has been used to determine barrier heights. From this information, as well as vacuum-uv photoconductivity data, we have obtained the following energy-band parameters: The Fermi level lies \ensuremath{\sim}3 eV below the bottom of the conduction band, which in turn is located \ensuremath{\sim} 2 eV below the vacuum level, and the band gap is \ensuremath{\sim} 9 eV. Photoemission was not observed from graphite electrodes which form Ohmic contacts. Electron, neutron, or gamma irradiation produced three photoconductivity bands of half-width \ensuremath{\sim}0.5 eV, with peaks at 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 eV. The three bands, equally spaced in energy, may be associated with the same center. The optical absorption band of the $F$ center is in the same region of the spectrum; however, its shape did not correspond to the observed photoconductivity spectrum. A lower limit of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/V has been calculated for the $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\tau}$ product of the photogenerated charge carriers.
Geologic mapping of the Hi’iaka and Shamshu regions of Io

Abstract We produced regional geologic maps of the Hi’iaka and Shamshu regions of Io’s antijovian hemisphere using Galileo mission data to assess the geologic processes that are involved in the formation of Io’s mountains and volcanic centers. Observations reveal that these regions are characterized by several types of volcanic activity and features whose orientation and texture indicate tectonic activity. Among the volcanic features are multiple hotspots and volcanic vents detected by Galileo , one at each of the major paterae: Hi’iaka, Shamshu, and Tawhaki. We mapped four primary types of geologic units: flows, paterae floors, plains, and mountains. The flows and patera floors are similar, but are subdivided based upon emplacement environments and mechanisms. The floors of Hi’iaka and Shamshu Paterae have been partially resurfaced by dark lava flows, although portions of the paterae floors appear bright and unchanged during the Galileo mission; this suggests that the floors did not undergo complete resurfacing as flooding lava lakes. However, the paterae do contain compound lava flow fields and show the greatest activity near the paterae walls, a characteristic of Pele type lava lakes. Mountain materials are tilted crustal blocks that exhibit varied degrees of degradation. Lineated mountains have characteristic en echelon grooves that likely formed as a result of gravitational sliding. Undivided mountains are partially grooved but exhibit evidence of slumping and are generally lower elevation than the lineated units. Debris lobes and aprons are representative of mottled mountain materials. We have explored the possibility that north and south Hi’iaka Mons were originally one structure. We propose that strike-slip faulting and subsequent rifting separated the mountain units and created a depression which, by further extension during the rifting event, became Hi’iaka Patera. This type of rifting and depression formation is similar to the mechanism of formation of terrestrial pull-apart basins. With comparison to other regional maps of Io and global studies of paterae and mountains, this work provides insight into the general geologic evolution of Io.
A characterization of spherical distributions

Abstract It is shown that when the random vector X in R n has a mean and when the conditional expectation E ( u ′ X | v ′ X ) = 0 for all vectors u , v ∈ R n which satisfy u ′ v = 0, then the distribution of X is orthogonally invariant. A version of this characterization is also established when X does not have a mean vector.
Twenty‐one Land Value Taxation Questions and Answers

Question Number One: Why is the exemption of personal property and structures and a tax on land only better than the present system? 1. It avoids the very serious problem of setting the depreciated value of industrial buildings and equipment. 2. It reduces very sharply the job of assessment. 3. It takes the burden of the property tax off value created by individual effort and places it on value created by society.
Associations of Red Meat, Fat, and Protein Intake With Distal Colorectal Cancer Risk

Studies have suggested that red and processed meat consumption elevate the risk of colon cancer; however, the relationship between red meat, as well as fat and protein, and distal colorectal cancer (CRC) specifically is not clear. We determined the risk of distal CRC associated with red and processed meat, fat, and protein intakes in Whites and African Americans. There were 945 cases (720 White, 225 African American) of distal CRC and 959 controls (800 White, 159 African American). We assessed dietary intake in the previous 12 mo. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). There was no association between total, saturated, or monounsaturated fat and distal CRC risk. In African Americans, the OR of distal CRC for the highest category of polyunsaturated fat intake was 0.28 (95% CI = 0.08-0.96). The percent of energy from protein was associated with a 47% risk reduction in Whites (Q4 OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.37-0.77). Red meat consumption in Whites was associated with a marginally significant risk reduction (Q4 OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.43-1.00). Our results do not support the hypotheses that fat, protein, and red meat increase the risk of distal CRC.
Mechanical activation of β-catenin regulates phenotype in adult murine marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Regulation of skeletal remodeling appears to influence the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) resident in the bone marrow. As murine marrow cultures are contaminated with hematopoietic cells, they are problematic for studying direct effects of mechanical input. Here we use a modified technique to isolate marrow-derived MSC (mdMSC) from adult mice, yielding a population able to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic phenotypes that is devoid of hematopoietic cells. In pure mdMSC populations, a daily strain regimen inhibited adipogenic differentiation, suppressing expression of PPARγ and adiponectin. Strain increased β-catenin and inhibition of adipogenesis required this effect. Under osteogenic conditions, strain activated β-catenin signaling and increased expression of WISP1 and COX2. mdMSC were also generated from mice lacking caveolin-1, a protein known to sequester β-catenin: caveolin-1((-/-)) mdMSC exhibited retarded differentiation along both adipogenic and osteogenic lineages but retained mechanical responses that involved β-catenin activation. Interestingly, caveolin-1((-/-)) mdMSC failed to express bone sialoprotein and did not form mineralized nodules. In summary, mdMSC from adult mice respond to both soluble factors and mechanical input, with mechanical activation of β-catenin influencing phenotype. As such, these cells offer a useful model for studies of direct mechanical regulation of MSC differentiation and function.
Experiential project-based learning for university students in K-12 STEM initiatives

One available tool for increasing interest among K-12 students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts and topics is the use of computer science programming processes that lead to the development of programs designed for use on mobile computing devices such as tablets and smartphones (technology “apps”) to be used both by students and their teachers. University students majoring in computing sciences are a valuable resource in developing such technology, particularly in collaboration with local leaders in K-12 school STEM subjects, engaged university faculty mentors, and key members of outside organizations devoted to promoting STEM education. We document our experiences in creating one such large project, the STEM Center Collaboratory at Pace University, which brought together these complementary groups and had as one of its goals to design and develop such resources.
Maximum Norm Analysis of Overlapping Nonmatching Grid Discretizations of Elliptic Equations

In this paper, we provide a maximum norm analysis of a finite difference scheme defined on overlapping nonmatching grids for second order elliptic equations. We consider a domain which is the union of p overlapping subdomains where each subdomain has its own independently generated grid. The grid points on the subdomain boundaries need not match the grid points from adjacent subdomains. To obtain a global finite difference discretization of the elliptic problem, we employ standard stable finite difference discretizations within each of the overlapping subdomains and the different subproblems are coupled by enforcing continuity of the solutions across the boundary of each subdomain, by interpolating the discrete solution on adjacent subdomains. If the subdomain finite difference schemes satisfy a strong discrete maximum principle and if the overlap is sufficiently large, we show that the global discretization converges in optimal order corresponding to the largest truncation errors of the local interpolation maps and discretizations. Our discretization scheme and the corresponding theory allows any combination of lower order and higher order finite difference schemes in different subdomains. We describe also how the resulting linear system can be solved iteratively by a parallel Schwarz alternating method or a Schwarz preconditioned Krylov subspace iterative method. Several numerical results are included to support the theory.
Adsorption of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose in an Aqueous System Containing Multicomponent Oxide Particles

The adsorption behavior of a hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer in aqueous suspensions of alumina, silica, kaolin, and talc powders, two-component combinations, and one three-component combination was determined. Powders were well characterized by chemical analysis, XRD, DRIFT, SEM, particle size, surface area, and density analyses. The zeta-potential of each powder in aqueous suspension was determined over a range of pH to determine particle charging and the isoelectric point for each material. Alumina and silica powders having heavily hydroxylated surfaces were observed not to adsorb the HPMC polymer over a range of pH. The layer-type minerals talc, which was noticeably hydrophobic, and kaolin, which had differently hydrated basal planes, adsorbed the HPMC polymer but in different amounts per unit of surface area. In the two-component systems, HPMC polymer adsorption for systems of dispersed particles of like electrical charge (kaolin + silica, talc + silica or alumina, and kaolin + talc) was proportionate to the sum of the fraction x specific surface area x adsorption capacity for each particle type. In systems where particles had an opposite electrical charge (kaolin + alumina, kaolin + talc + alumina), the HPMC polymer adsorption was significantly lower than that calculated for a dispersed system. SEM analysis showed very fine, nonadsorbing alumina particles predominantly on the faces of the adsorbing kaolin particles that apparently masked polymer adsorption. Results suggested a hydrophobic mechanism for the HPMC polymer adsorption and adsorption on only one face of the kaolin particles.
Food addiction: Detox and abstinence reinterpreted?

The senior patient and/or the geriatrician are confronted with a confusing literature describing how patients interested in combating metabolic syndrome, diabesity (diabetes plus obesity) or simple obesity might best proceed. The present paper gives a brief outline of the basic disease processes that underlie metabolic pro-inflammation, including how one might go about devising the most potent and practical detoxification from such metabolic compromise. The role that dietary restriction plays in pro-inflammatory detoxification (detox), including how a modified fast (selective food abstinence) is incorporated into this process, is developed. The unique aspects of geriatric bariatric medicine are elucidated, including the concepts of sarcopenia and the obesity paradox. Important caveats involving the senior seeking weight loss are offered. By the end of the paper, the reader will have a greater appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for geriatric patients who wish to overcome food addiction and reverse pro-inflammatory states of ill-heath. This includes the toxic metabolic processes that create obesity complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which collectively we call diabesity. In that regard, diabesity is often the central pathology that leads to the evolution of the metabolic syndrome. The paper also affords the reader a solid review of the neurometabolic processes that effectuate anorexigenic versus orexigenic inputs to obesity that drive food addiction. We argue that these processes lead to either weight gain or weight loss by a tripartite system involving metabolic, addictive and relational levels of organismal functioning. Recalibrating the way we negotiate these three levels of daily functioning often determines success or failure in terms of overcoming metabolic syndrome and food addiction.
Warranty claims modeling

A company wishes to estimate or predict its financial exposure in a reporting period of length T (typically one quarter) because of warranty claims. We propose a fairly general random measure model which allows computation of the Laplace transform of the total claim made against the company in the reporting interval due to warranty claims. When specialized to a Poisson process of both sales and warranty claims, statistical estimation of relevant quantities is possible. The methodology is illustrated by analyzing automobile sales and warranty claims data from a large car manufacturer for a single car model and model year. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Fast and cost-efficient bid estimation for contextual ads

We study the problem of estimating the value of a contextual ad impression, and based upon which an ad network bids on an exchange. The ad impression opportunity would materialize into revenue only if the ad network wins the impression and a user clicks on the ads, both as a rare event especially in an open exchange for contextual ads. Given a low revenue expectation and the elusive nature of predicting weak-signal click-through rates, the computational cost incurred by bid estimation shall be cautiously justified. We developed and deployed a novel impression valuation model, which is expected to reduce the computational cost by 95% and hence more than double the profit. Our approach is highly economized through a fast implementation of kNN regression that primarily leverages low-dimensional sell-side data (user and publisher). We also address the cold-start problem or the exploration vs. exploitation requirement by Bayesian smoothing using a beta prior, and adapt to the temporal dynamics using an autoregressive model.
Novel activity of eukaryotic translocase, eEF2: dissociation of the 80S ribosome into subunits with ATP but not with GTP

Ribosomes must dissociate into subunits in order to begin protein biosynthesis. The enzymes that catalyze this fundamental process in eukaryotes remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that eukaryotic translocase, eEF2, which catalyzes peptide elongation in the presence of GTP, dissociates yeast 80S ribosomes into subunits in the presence of ATP but not GTP or other nucleoside triphosphates. Dissociation was detected by light scattering or ultracentrifugation after the split subunits were stabilized. ATP was hydrolyzed during the eEF2-dependent dissociation, while a non-hydrolyzable analog of ATP was inactive in ribosome splitting by eEF2. GTP inhibited not only ATP hydrolysis but also dissociation. Sordarin, a fungal eEF2 inhibitor, averted the splitting but stimulated ATP hydrolysis. Another elongation inhibitor, cycloheximide, also prevented eEF2/ATP-dependent splitting, while the inhibitory effect of fusidic acid on the splitting was nominal. Upon dissociation of the 80S ribosome, eEF2 was found on the subunits. We propose that the dissociation activity of eEF2/ATP plays a role in mobilizing 80S ribosomes for protein synthesis during the shift up of physiological conditions.
Evaluating a Modified Version of the Federal Prison System's Inmate Classification Model An Assessment of Objectivity and Predictive Validity

This study evaluated the objective and predictive value of the Nebraska Department of Corrections' Inmate Classification Model, a variation of the Federal Prison System's Model. A sample of 458 male offenders was assessed on 11 predictor variables—5 classification variables and 6 demographic variables—and 5 institutional adjustment variables. The results indicated that the Nebraska model was making objective classification decisions based solely on the classification variables. However, the model was not a valid instrument for predicting the offenders' institutional adjustment problems. Age and education level—two variables not included in this model—emerged as the best predictors of adjustment. These findings suggest that the model's predictive value could be improved by incorporating valid predictor variables into the classification process.
ALE finite element formulation for ring rolling analysis

In this paper, a ring rolling process is analysed by the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite element method. Phenomena associated with the process, such as large deformations, elastoplastic material behaviour and the friction on the interface, are included in the analysis. Special modelling on driven, idle and guide rolls is given. Results which include the overall shape of the formed ring, the time histories of roll separating force and driving torque, the distribution of the normal pressure on the ring–roll interface as well as the distribution of effective stresses in the formed ring, are also presented.
Visual acuity screening versus noncycloplegic autorefraction screening for astigmatism in Native American preschool children.

Abstract Introduction: Visual acuity screening (VAS) is less reliable in preschoolers than in school-aged children as a means of detecting significant refractive error. We wished to compare the effectiveness of VAS with the effectiveness of an objective method, noncycloplegic autorefraction screening (NCARS), in detecting the presence of significant astigmatism warranting spectacle correction. Methods: We examined 245 Native American Head Start registrants aged 3 to 5 years. We attempted to obtain uncorrected visual acuity using Lea Symbols logMAR Chart (Precision Vision Inc, Villa Park, Ill), noncycloplegic autorefraction using the Nikon Retinomax K-plus (Nikon Corp, Melville, NY), and cycloplegic refraction (CR) on each eye. The VAS failure criterion was either a 2-line acuity difference between eyes or acuity worse than 20/40 in either eye. The NCARS and CR failure criterion was the spectacle correction threshold exceeding the 50th percentile on the basis of a survey of AAPOS members. Results: We completed VAS in 96% of children and NCARS and CR in 100% of children. There was high prevalence (31%) of significant astigmatic refractive error in this sample. Ten subjects who did not permit bilateral visual acuity measurements were scored as having a positive test result. The sensitivity and specificity of VAS were 90% and 44%, respectively. NCARS had sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 86%, respectively. NCARS becomes cost-effective after 1044 children are screened, assuming that the cost of the autorefractor is 300 times the cost of the referral examination. Conclusion: VAS offers high sensitivity but suffers from poor specificity. NCARS greatly reduces the number of unnecessary referrals. In this population, NCARS becomes cost-effective after approximately 1000 children are screened. (J AAPOS 1999;3:160-5)
β-Secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein mediates neuronal apoptosis caused by familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by two enzymes, beta-secretase and gamma-secretase, to generate the pathological amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide. Expression of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) mutants of APP in primary neurons causes both intracellular accumulation of the C-terminal beta-secretase cleavage product of APP and increased secretion of Abeta, and eventually results in apoptotic death of the cells. To determine whether either of these two processing products of APP is involved in this apoptotic pathway, we first modeled experimentally the accumulation of the beta-secretase cleavage product in neurons. The C-terminal 100 amino acids (C100) of APP, with and without a signal peptide, was expressed in cells via recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors. Both transgene products were targeted to the membrane, and both caused apoptosis in the neurons, implicating the beta-secretase cleavage product of APP in apoptosis caused by FAD APPs. Expression in neurons of a mutant of FAD APP that inhibited beta-secretase cleavage inhibited its ability to cause apoptosis. However, expression in neurons of a mutant of FAD APP that inhibited gamma-secretase cleavage did not inhibit the ability of this mutant to cause apoptosis. These data suggested that the C-terminal beta-secretase cleavage product of APP, but not Abeta, mediates the apoptosis caused by FAD mutants of APP. Consistent with this hypothesis, C31, which is generated from the beta-secretase cleavage product, itself caused neuronal apoptosis. Inhibitors of caspases 3, 6 and 8, but not of caspase 9, inhibited the apoptosis caused by FAD mutants of APP. It may be inferred from these data that beta-secretase cleavage of FAD mutants of APP allows the appropriate caspase access to its site of action to produce C31, which directly causes neuronal apoptosis.
The Off‐Tonic Return in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58, and Other Works

Various compositional problems and opportunities may accompany the return of a main theme that has a non-tonic opening. There are four overlapping strategies for approaching such ‘off-tonic returns’: (1) the thematic return may be preceded by V of the main key; (2) the returning theme may be preceded by an applied chord which points to the theme's opening, non-tonic harmony; (3) the theme may return in the middle of a larger progression; or (4) the theme may be recomposed so as to start on the tonic when it returns. In many compositions, these various strategies have deep harmonic, motivic, or narrative implications. Beethoven was particularly adept in handling off-tonic returns, as may be witnessed in works such as his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G Major, Op. 58.
Scale of use, safety and impact of birth control methods

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine the use, effectiveness and safety of leading methods of birth control in developed and developing countries. Hormonal contraceptives for women are most often chosen in developed countries. Male or female sterilization prevents more births in Asian countries and the use of these methods is increasing in the United States.
Alternating current polarographic behavior of pyrimidine in aqueous media

Summary The electrochemical reduction of pyrimidine in aqueous media was studied using alternating current (a.c.) polarography. Over the pH-range, 0.5–13, five moderately to highly irreversible a.c. waves were observed, which corresponded to the five waves observed on d.c. polarography. Although the electrochemical reduction path of pyrimidine is complex and only partially understood, good qualitative agreement between the features of the mechanism and various polarographic parameters was achieved, providing further support for the proposed mechanism, and indicating the validity of current theoretical and experimental results in the area of the a.c. polarography of quasi-reversible electrode reactions. Summit potentials for the five waves, which vary linearly with pH, are independent of applied alternating voltage, mercury column height (drop-time) and concentration, but shift to more negative potential with increasing frequency. Total alternating current for all waves increases linearly with amplitude of applied alternating voltage and the negative square root of droptime; plots of total alternating current vs . square root of applied frequency exhibit curvilinear trends with a maximum in the range, 15–50 Hz.
Risk of inpatient stay for mental illness among individuals with substance use disorders.

Objective:Whereas most studies of inpatient stay for mental illness examine whether substance use is present, this study identified types or combinations of abused substances that most increased hospitalization risk. Methods:Logistic regression of data from the 2007 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (N=37,654) was used to predict past-year hospitalization of individuals with DSM-IV substance use disorders. Results:Even after the inclusion of control variables, adults with four types of substance abuse or dependence were more likely to be hospitalized than adults without substance abuse or dependence. High-risk disorders included abuse of or dependence on opioid analgesics (odds ratio [OR]=6.85, p<.001), cocaine (OR=2.65, p<.05), alcohol and cocaine (OR=2.58, p<.05), and alcohol and marijuana (OR=3.10, p<.01). Conclusions:Researchers examining inpatient stays may find it beneficial to look at abuse of specific substances or combinations of substances, and efforts to prevent inpatient stays could targe...
A Nontraditional Teacher's Experience after Student Teaching: Implications for Early Childhood Teacher Education

Introducing critical pedagogies into undergraduate early childhood teacher education programs may enable working class teachers who work with working class children to better examine assumptions of developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. This study focuses on a Latino assistant teacher who, after having returned from a semester of student teaching, attempted to cultivate an ethos of professional interaction among his peers. His ability to name, challenge and ultimately reject inappropriate ideologies and practices (Bartolome, 2004) are coupled with his concern for his children and his community. Illustrating Dahlberg, Moss, and Pence's definitions of “quality” and “meaning making,” (2001) this study also considers ways in which administrators and teacher educators can respond to and support teachers who return to their jobs after their student-teaching experiences.
Mechanisms of foam formation in anaerobic digesters

Abstract An anaerobic digester (AD) is the most essential step to generate energy in the form of biogas from waste. AD foaming is widespread and leads to deterioration of the AD process and operation. In extreme conditions, AD foaming poses a significant safety risk and considerable economic impacts. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the fundamentals of AD foaming to develop effective strategies that can help minimize the foaming impacts. Several aspects of AD foaming have attracted considerable research attention, however, the focused has been mainly on site specific causes and prevention. Here, the available three-phase foam literature is reviewed with an emphasis on the fundamental aspects of bubble formation in AD: similarities between AD foams and other “desirable” foams, surface rheology, physico-chemical aspects of carbon dioxide (CO2) in digesters, dynamics of the gas-phase, pH, alkalinity and certain relationships between these factors are discussed. All of the abovementioned fundamental aspects seem to be involved in AD foam formation. However, the detailed relationship between these uncontrolled and controlled factors, foam formation and its implications for process and operation of AD is still inconclusive.
Character and reader emotions in literary texts

Abstract This paper addresses two types of emotions: character emotions and reader emotions, in particular suspense. We assumed that character emotions and suspense are enhanced or suppressed by other story aspects, such as pragmatic intent, imagery, literary devices, and indeterminacy. We also assumed that character emotions and suspense have an effect on the speed with which a story segment is read. We performed two multiple regression analyses to examine to what extent variability in character emotion and suspense could be predicted by the strength of other story aspects. The paper also summarizes the results of a study by Zwaan et al. (1993), which show that character and reader emotion affect the on-line comprehension of literary stories.
Determination of Kinetic Parameters of Maize Starch in Air Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Maize starch is abundant in quantity in China. The hazard from dust explosion of maize starch was very great. Number simulation is a good way to predict the consequent of dust explosion, but the known of reaction kinetics of hazardous materials is necessary. The objective of this research was to determine the reaction kinetics of maize starch using thermo-gravimetric analyses. Thermo-gravimetric analyses of maize starch were performed at heating rates of 5, 10, and 15 min-1 in an air atmospheres. The weight losses of maize starch in an air atmosphere were found to occur in three stages. The parameters of the reaction kinetics were obtained in Stage and .
American Cities and American Political Science—a Look at Thick Injustice: A Discussion of Clarissa Rile Hayward and Todd Swanstrom's Justice and the American Metropolis

The back cover of Clarissa Rile Hayward and Todd Swanstrom's Justice and the American Metropolis concisely lays out a central challenge of contemporary politics: “Today's American cities and suburbs are the sites of ‘thick injustice’—unjust power relations that are deeply and densely concentrated as well as opaque and seemingly intractable. Thick injustice is hard to see, to assign responsibility for, and to change.” The fact that the topic of “urban politics” is not a major theme of political science scholarship both reflects and exacerbates this challenge. And so we have decided to invite a diverse group of social scientists to discuss the book in light of the very big question that it poses: How do American cities look when assessed in terms of their “justice” (or “injustice”), and how might they look if they were assessed in these terms more seriously? In considering this question, discussants have also been asked to consider a related question: How does American political science look when assessed in terms of the extent to which it takes the question of urban justice and injustice seriously?—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Multi-class Fukunaga Koontz discriminant analysis for enhanced face recognition

Linear subspace learning methods such as Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Unsupervised Discriminant Projection (UDP), and Locality Preserving Projections (LPP) have been widely used in face recognition applications as a tool to capture low dimensional discriminant information. However, when these methods are applied in the context of face recognition, they often encounter the small-sample-size problem. In order to overcome this problem, a separate Principal Component Analysis (PCA) step is usually adopted to reduce the dimensionality of the data. However, such a step may discard dimensions that contain important discriminative information that can aid classification performance. In this work, we propose a new idea which we named Multi-class Fukunaga Koontz Discriminant Analysis (FKDA) by incorporating the Fukunaga Koontz Transform within the optimization for maximizing class separation criteria in LDA, UDP, and LPP. In contrast to traditional LDA, UDP, and LPP, our approach can work with very high dimensional data as input, without requiring a separate dimensionality reduction step to make the scatter matrices full rank. In addition, the FKDA formulation seeks optimal projection direction vectors that are orthogonal which the existing methods cannot guarantee, and it has the capability of finding the exact solutions to the "trace ratio" objective in discriminant analysis problems while traditional methods can only deal with a relaxed and inexact "ratio trace" objective. We have shown using six face database, in the context of large scale unconstrained face recognition, face recognition with occlusions, and illumination invariant face recognition, under "closed set", "semi-open set", and "open set" recognition scenarios, that our proposed FKDA significantly outperforms traditional linear discriminant subspace learning methods as well as five other competing algorithms. HighlightsSolve small-sample-size problem in LDA, UDP, LPP using FKT formulation.Can work with high dimensional data without inverting any scatter matrices.Finds optimal projection direction vectors that are orthogonal.Finds exact solutions to the objective in the form of trace ratio.Improvement in unconstrained face recognition scenarios.