cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 190: Purinergic Control of Tissue Factor Transcription in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells: New AP-1 Site and Negative Regulator

Previously we reported that the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) is one of the predominant purinergic receptors expressed in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), and that P2Y2R activation by ATP or UTP induces dramatic up-regulation of tissue factor (TF), key initiator of the coagulation cascade. However, the molecular mechanism of this P2Y2R-TF axis remains unclear. Here we report a role of a newly identified AP-1 consensus sequence along with its new binding components in P2Y2R regulation of TF transcription. We identified with bioinformatics tools that a novel AP-1 site at -1363 bp of human TF promoter region is highly conserved across multiple species. P2Y2R activation increased TF promoter activity and mRNA expression in HCAEC. Truncation, deletion, and mutation of this new distal AP-1 site all significantly supressed TF promoter activity in response to P2Y2R activation. EMSA and ChIP assays further confirmed that upon P2Y2R activation, c-Jun, ATF-2 and Fra-1, but not the typical c-Fos, bound to the new AP-1 site. In addition, loss-of-function studies using siRNAs confirmed a positive transactivation role of c-Jun and ATF-2, but unexpectedly revealed a strong negative role of Fra-1 in P2Y2R-induced TF up-regulation. Furthermore, we found that P2Y2R activation promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation, leading to Fra-1 activation while JNK activated c-Jun and ATF-2. These findings reveal the basis for P2Y purinergic receptor regulation of endothelial TF expression and indicate that targeting the P2Y2R-Fra-1-TF pathway may be an attractive new strategy in control of vascular thrombogenicity and/or inflammation associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Effect of the Yield to Tensile Ratio, Y/T, on Structural Reliability of Linepipes Subject to Bend Loading

A model based on elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) and plasticity theory, was developed to study the effect of the Yield (Y) to Tensile (T) ratio, Y/T, on the structural reliability of linepipes with part through the thickness (PTT) circumferential defects subject to bend loading. The analysis allows for load or deformation control situations. The results are shown in terms of curves of critical defect size vs. the controlling variable, i.e. load or deformation. For each one of the materials studied, different cases with different Y/T values were considered. Even for the lower limits of experimental data, i.e. larger Y/T, the materials have adequate defect tolerance. A Leak Before Break Analysis was also conducted.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Combined unsigned and two's complement hybrid squarers

Designs for high-speed combined squarers, capable of operating on either unsigned or two's complement numbers, are presented. High speed is achieved in part by using a modestly sized ROM table to generate the less significant bits of the square, and combinational logic to generate the more significant bits. These squarers have a shorter carry propagate chain in the final adder and a smaller amount of combinational logic than previous hybrid designs. Area and delay estimates indicate that the combined hybrid squarers presented in this paper have between 28% and 64% percent less area and between 9% and 15% percent less delay than previous unsigned hybrid squarers for 32-bit operands.
Insight of Host Immune Evasion Mediated by Two Variants of Group A Streptococcus Mac Protein

Group A Streptococcus has evolved numerous mechanisms to evade the host immune system to survive, disseminate, and cause disease. Recently a secreted protein named Mac-1 was identified and shown to enhance survival of the pathogen. A new variant of Mac-1 (designated Mac-2) also was recently described and shown to differ from Mac-1 by approximately 50% amino acid sequence divergence in the middle one-third of the molecule. To gain new information about the role of Mac-1 and Mac-2 in host-pathogen interactions, solution binding experiments were performed using surface plasmon resonance and purified Mac proteins. Mac-1 bound the same lower hinge region of human IgG as Fc receptors with 2.5 microM affinity, which lead to proteolytic cleavage of the antibody. Similar Km (6.8-18.9 microM) and kcat (0.02-0.13 s(-1)) values of the Mac-1 endopeptidase activity were obtained for IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Mac-2 variant, in contrast, bound human IgG poorly (KD = 16 mM) and had weak endopeptidase activity against IgG. Instead, Mac-2 bound FcgammaRII and FcgammaRIII with 5 and 75 microM affinity, respectively. This binding competitively blocked IgG from recognition by Fc receptors. Taken together, Mac proteins block immunoglobulin recognition by Fc receptors and degrade immunoglobulins, thereby enhancing survival of the pathogen through the inhibition of phagocytosis, endocytosis of IgG-opsonized particles, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Consequently, these proteins may be potential therapeutic targets.
Solvent effects on the aggregation of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide

Abstract Concentration and temperature dependent 1H and 7Li NMR spectra have been evaluated for lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, LiN[Si(CH3)]32, in ethers and hydrocarbon solvents. The results are interpreted in terms of a monomer-dimer equilibrium in THF and a dimer-tetramer equilibrium in hydrocarbon solvents. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔH0 = −4.0 kcal/mole, ΔS0 = −17 cal · deg−1 · mole−1, obtained for the equilibrium, dimer ⇄ 2 monomer, in THF solutions indicate that the monomer is preferentially solvated in solution. These conclusions are substantiated by isopiestic molecular weight determinations.
Type of Task and Student Achievement and Attitudes in Interpersonal Cooperation, Competition, and Individualization

The effects of interpersonal cooperation, competition, and individualization were compared on drill-review, problem-solving, specific-knowledge acquisition, and specific-knowledge retention instructional tasks. Sixty-six fifth graders were included in the study. Males and females were assigned randomly to conditions so that within each condition there were 22 Ss and an equal number of males and females. The results indicate that cooperation generally produced more positive attitudes than did either individualization or competition. Cooperation resulted in higher achievement than did competition and individualization on both the problem-solving and retention tasks, higher achievement than competition and just as high achievement as individualization on the drill-review task, and higher achievement than individualization and just as high achievement as competition on the specific-knowledge-acquisition task.
Connection Coefficients Between Generalized Rising and Falling Factorial Bases

Let \({\mathcal{S} = (s_1, s_2, \ldots)}\) be any sequence of nonnegative integers and let \({{S_{k} = \sum_{i=1}^k} {s_i}}\).We then define the falling (rising) factorials relative to \({\mathcal{S}}\) by setting \({(x)\downarrow_{k, \mathcal{S}} = (x- S_{1})(x-S_2) \cdots (x-S_k)}\) and \({(x)\uparrow_{k, \mathcal{S}}= (x+S_1)(x+S_{2}) \cdots (x+S_{k})}\) if \({k \geq 1}\) with \({(x)\downarrow_{0,\mathcal{S}}= (x)\uparrow_{0, \mathcal{S}}= 1}\). It follows that \({\{(x)\downarrow_{k,\mathcal{S}}\}_{k > 0}}\) and \({\{(x)\uparrow_{k,\mathcal{S}}\}_{k > 0}}\) are bases for the polynomial ring \({\mathbb{Q}[x]}\). We use a rook theory model due to Miceli and Remmel to give combinatorial interpretations for the connection coefficients between any two of the bases \({\{(x)\downarrow_{k,\mathcal{S}}\}_{k \geq 0}, \{(x)\uparrow_{k,\mathcal{S}}\}_{k \geq 0}, \{(x)\downarrow_{k,\mathcal{T}}\}_{k \geq 0}}\), and \({\{(x)\uparrow_{k, \mathcal{T}}\}_{k \geq 0}}\) for any two sequences of nonnegative integers \({\mathcal{S} =(s_1, s_2, \ldots)}\) and \({\mathcal{T} = (t_1, t_2, \ldots)}\). We also give two different q-analogues of such coefficients. Moreover, we use this rook model to give an alternative combinatorial interpretation of such coefficients in terms of certain pairs of colored permutations and set partitions with restricted insertion patterns.
Isoprenoid lipid metabolism in the retina: dynamics of squalene and cholesterol incorporation and turnover in frog rod outer segment membranes.

Frogs were injected intravitreally with [3H]acetate, and the formation of [3H]-labeled squalene and cholesterol in the retina and their incorporation into rod outer segment (ROS) membranes were evaluated biochemically over a 60-day time course. ROS [3H]squalene specific activity was maximal by 1–3 days, then declined with a half-time of ∼ 20–30 days. In contrast, the specific activity of ROS [3H]cholesterol initially increased to a level substantially less than that of [3H]squalene, and then remained constant. Thus, ROS squalene appears to turn over without obligatory conversion to, or coturnover with, ROS cholesterol. When [3H]acetate was injected into one eye, radiolabel in non-saponifiable lipids of the contralateral retina represented
Progressive tearing failure in pultruded composite material tubes

Progressive tearing failure has been identified as an important damage mechanism in single-cell, thin-walled, rectangular pultruded composite material tubes subjected to transverse (bending) loads. This progressive failure occurs along the corners of the tube at the junction between the cell walls and propagates in a stable fashion as the transverse load is increased. This allows the tube to undergo large global flexural deformation as well as local cell wall deformation needed to develop membrane response before ultimate failure. The response enhances load-carrying capacity in the tube and provides energy absorption during the failure. A numerical method has been developed to model the crack propagation along the corners of the tube using an energy criterion. The energy release rate for the mixed-mode crack propagation corresponding to the progressive tearing failure has been determined for pultruded composite material tubes that were tested in a previously reported experimental study. Effects of different tube configurations, geometries, and end-supports on the energy absorption are reported. It was found that substantial energy can be dissipated by the progressive tearing failure of the tube if appropriate axial restraint is provided at the ends of the tube.
Opioid Modulation of Gonadotrophin Release in Tourette's Syndrome

Currently the most prevailing hypothesis attempting to explain the pathophysiology of Tourette's syndrome (TS) suggests that the disease results from dopaminergic (DA) hyperactivity (Golden, 1986). Evidence for this hypothesis is indirect and includes the favorable response of these patients to haloperidol, exacerbation of symptoms with dopaminergic drugs (e.g., methylphenidate) and the findings of reduced DA metabolites in the CSF of some TS patients (Singer et al., 1982). We have recently suggested that deranged opioid functions may also be important in the pathophysiology of TS (Sandyk, 1985). Our hypothesis was based on the favorable response of a subgroup of patients to administration of opiate antagonists (e.g., naloxone, naltrexone) (Sandyk et al., 1986), and is also supported by a recent finding demonstrating depletion of striatal dynorphins in a subject with TS (Haber et al., 1986). Furthermore, based on several clinical features of the disease, we have recently suggested that the hypothalamus could be a site of dysfunction in the disease (Sandyk et al., 1986). To investigate the possible role of deranged opioid-mediated hypothalamic functions in TS further, we tested the effects of acute naloxone (Nx) challenge on plasma FSH and LH levels in 5 male TS patients (aged 11-16 years) and in 4 non-TS-diseased controls (narcoleptics). The plasma FSH and LH levels were drawn prior to and 30 min following the intramuscular administration of 1.2 mg of naloxone.
Operant responding by bonnet macaques for color videotape recordings of social stimuli

Socially reared juvenile bonnet macaques responded at high sustained levels in an operant task for presentation of color videotaped television images of social stimuli. Absolute levels of response depended upon the nature of the stimulus. In two experiments, subjects responded at 60.8% and 74.6% of the 1-h experimental sessions for presentation of a color videotape of a conspecific adult female moving freely in an enclosed stimulus chamber. In a later experiment, subjects maintained high levels of response during 15-min sessions for presentations of the conspecific image, but responded with significantly shorter duration responses for similar presentation of a videotape of an adult female of another macaque species, a still picture of a conspecific adult female, and a videotape of the empty stimulus chamber. With longer, 1-h, stimulus presentation, the three social stimuli sustained high levels of response while responses for presentation of the empty stimulus chamber waned significantly over the experimental session. The sustained high levels of response obtained over several hours of stimulus presentation suggest the value of color videotape stimuli in the experimental study of social perception in nonhuman primates.
Increased in vivo skin penetration of quantum dots with UVR and in vitro quantum dot cytotoxicity

The growing presence of quantum dots (QD) in a variety of biological, medical, and electronics applications means an increased risk of human exposure in manufacturing, research, and consumer use. However, very few studies have investigated the susceptibility of skin to penetration of QD - the most common exposure route- and the results of those that exist are conflicting. This suggests that a technique allowing determination of skin barrier status and prediction of skin permeability to QD would be of crucial interest as recent findings have provided evidence of in vitro cytotoxicity and long-term in vivo retention in the body for most QD surface chemistries. Our research focuses on barrier status of the skin (intact and with ultraviolet radiation induced barrier defect) and its impact on QD skin penetration. These model studies are particularly relevant to the common application condition of NP containing sunscreen and SPF cosmetics to UV exposed skin. Herein we present our initial efforts to develop an in vivo model of nanoparticle skin penetration using the SKH-1 hairless mouse with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to evaluate skin barrier status and determine its ability to predict QD penetration. Our results show that ultraviolet radiation increases both TEWL and skin penetration of QD. Additionally, we demonstrate cytotoxic potential of QD to skin cells using a metastatic melanoma cell line. Our research suggests future work in specific targeting of nanoparticles, to prevent or enhance penetration. This knowledge will be used to develop powerful therapeutic agents, decreased penetration cosmetic nanoparticles, and precise skin cancer imaging modalities.
Rational foundations for the organization of the liberal democratic party in japan

Over the last two decades there have been numerous changes in the organization of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan. The pattern of factionalization has changed significantly in terms of the number of competing major factions, the average size of their membership, and their internal structure. Moreover, a new set of institutionalized norms, such as the seniority and interfactional balancing principles, has emerged to govern organizational processes within the LDP. The conventional approach in the literature on Japanese politics, which focuses on factors unique or distinctive to Japanese history, culture, and social behavior, cannot adequately explain these recent changes in the LDP. This paper proposes an alternative, rational-choice explanation based on the standard microanalytic assumptions. More specifically, it argues that the pattern of the LDP's factionalization is primarily determined by the electoral incentives of two sets of rational actors, LDP politicians and LDP supporters, operating under institutional constraints, such as electoral laws and political funding regulations. It also argues that the organizational norms originate in the promotion incentives of the LDP politicians whose strategies are influenced by the uncertainty in the dynamics of the interfactional political process.
Power and empowerment

Abstract Feminists are understandably ambivalent about accepting and using power within mainstream hierarchical structures that support relationships of domination and inequity. Many feminists accept their membership in a marginalized group but are wary of relating to the dominant culture which threatens to absorb them. Instead, they emphasize the importance of empowering women by helping them to see the special values of their ‘proper sphere’. This position involves a choice to continue operating within the boundaries of women's oppression, since it ignores the extent to which language and consciousness, as well as the structures of power, are all socially determined. It seems more desirable for feminists to reject idealist views of female nature. Instead of disassociating ourselves from power, we should determine the ways in which power can itself be purged of its own crippling effects. An oppositional consciousness must be developed which allows engagement between those feminists at the margins and those who accept responsibility at the center.
Facilitated communication: a response by child protection

Using a new technology called facilitated communication, a 7-year-old autistic child reported that she had been sexually abused. Because this method of reporting was the first of its kind at Hennepin County's (Minneapolis) Child Protection Agency, steps were taken not only to understand facilitated communication, but also to assess the reliability of the child's report. This article includes a description of the client's complaint, the subsequent referral process that it provoked, and a background description of the client and family situation. It also describes the client's method of communication, including the assessment procedure that was devised to examine her communication production. The article ends with a summary of results from implementation of the assessment procedures, and a discussion of the limitations of these procedures. What is evident is that facilitated communication cannot be ignored.
Preparation of composite membranes by atom transfer radical polymerization initiated from a porous support

Abstract Synthesis of high-flux composite membranes requires deposition of a selective, ultrathin skin on a highly permeable support. This paper describes the use of room-temperature atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from a substrate to synthesize two types of ultrathin (∼50 nm) polymer skins: cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA) and linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). The synthetic procedure involves attachment of an initiating layer to modified porous alumina and subsequent polymerization from the initiator. This method is attractive because film thickness can be easily controlled by varying polymerization time, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images indicate that grafted polymer skins can completely cover a porous surface without filling underlying pores. Gas permeation studies show that PEGDMA has a CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of ∼20 and an O 2 /N 2 selectivity of ∼2; whereas uncross-linked PHEMA films show very little selectivity. However, the selectivity of PHEMA improves significantly after derivatization with fluorinated acid chlorides. The selectivities of these systems demonstrate that ATRP is indeed capable of forming ultrathin, defect-free membrane skins that can potentially be derivatized for specific separations.
A Survey Method for Characterizing Daily Life Experience: The Day Reconstruction Method

The Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) assesses how people spend their time and how they experience the various activities and settings of their lives, combining features of time-budget measurement and experience sampling. Participants systematically reconstruct their activities and experiences of the preceding day with procedures designed to reduce recall biases. The DRM's utility is shown by documenting close correspondences between the DRM reports of 909 employed women and established results from experience sampling. An analysis of the hedonic treadmill shows the DRM's potential for well-being research.
Physicochemical characteristics and supraliminal odor intensity: Reply to Mitchell

The rate of growth (exponent) of the psychophysical function for odor intensity depends upon the physicochemical properties of odorous substances. Although no single property is able to predict rate of growth, a model developed by Dravnieks and Laffort that combines three basic properties has been quite successful. The results of intra-O comparisons of the relative exponents for various odorants have withstood the test of replication, i.e., variation among Os has usually not been a serious problem. In the future, comparisons of the exponents obtained from one laboratory to another would be aided considerably by inclusion of a standard odorant in all scaling studies.
Onset, kinetics and duration of in vivo and in vitro delayed hypersensitivity responses of neonatal calves sensitized with mycobacterial components

Abstract Newborn calves developed delayed skin-test responses 10 days after a single intradermal inoculation at birth with 150 μg of purified derivative of Mycobacterium bovis associated with 150 μg of mycobacterial immunopotentiating glycolipid P3 and oil droplets. Development of tuberculin skin-test reactivity was detected simultaneously with increased lymphocyte transformation responses. Longitudinal studies revealed that two of three calves tested at 17 months of age were still skin-test positive. The kinetics of cellular hypersensitivity responses in neonatal calves sensitized with mycobacterial components are compared to the results of acquired cellular resistance and delayed hypersensitivity studies in phylogenetically disparate species. We concluded that bovine neonates have the capacity to rapidly develop cellular immune responses following stimulation with mycobacterial antigens.
Robustness of optimized collision avoidance logic to modeling errors

Collision avoidance systems, whether for manned or unmanned aircraft, must reliably prevent collision while minimizing alerts. Deciding what action to execute at a particular instant may be framed as a multiple-objective optimization problem has exploredm ethods of efficiently computing the that can be solved offline by computers. Prior work optimal collision avoidance logic from a probabilistic model of aircraft behavior and a cost function. One potential concern with using a probabilistic model to construct the logic is that the model may not adequately represent the real world. Inaccuracies in the model could lead to vulnerabilities in the system when deployed. This paper evaluates the robustness of collision avoidance optimization to modeling errors.
Alcohol and Crime: Beyond Density

Across the United States, cities have begun limiting the number of liquor licenses they issue. Behind such legislation is a belief that the more alcohol outlets there are, the more the problems there will be. However, such a hypothesis has never been rigorously tested. This study will examine a mid-size town with an extremely high density of liquor licenses. Looking at crime data over a 1-year period, and in three different areas, results show that what affects crime the most is not how many liquor licenses there are, but what kinds of licenses exist. Bars that did not promote overconsumption had relatively low crime rates surrounding their establishments, even if they were in a high-density area of alcohol outlets. This is compared to bars that had irresponsible serving practices, all of which had very high crime rates around their establishments.
Carbamoylation of Proteins Following Administration to Rats of Carbamoyl Phosphate and Cyanate and Effects on Memory

Both [14C]carbamoyl phosphate and sodium [14C]cyanate injected in rats were extensively incorporated into blood proteins, red cells and tissues, including brain. The rate of cyanate binding to blood protein plateaus 4 h after intraperitoneal administration of [14C]cyanate. The rapid disappearance of free [14C]cyanate was shown to be largely due to protein binding and the release of 14CO2 was found to decrease sharply at 4 h when cyanate binding is essentially complete. Retention of carbamoylated proteins was measured after injection of [14C]cyanate, and at 110 days, when bound radioactivity in blood protein was negligible, brain protein retained about 50% of the radioactivity found at 6 h. A dose-related decrease in learning ability was observed when rats injected with 50, 100 and 150 μmol cyanate per day were tested in a Lashley maze No. III filled with water. This retardation persisted when the animals were retested nine weeks after termination of cyanate injections. When retested at eight months, no retardation could be demonstrated. At this time, only 10% modified proteins should remain in the brain according to the data presented on retention of carbamoylated proteins. The application of this data to a biochemical model for learning based on synaptic facilitation by modified proteins is discussed, as well as the implied effect on humans treated for sickle-cell disease by administration of cyanate or carbamoyl phosphate.
Another derivation of the cos φ-law for molecules scattered statistically from surfaces☆

Abstract The distribution of final scattering angles 0 of an initially and finally state selected beam of molecules which are assumed to diffract statistically into all final diffraction channels is shown to be (2π) −1 cos 0 .
Definition by internal relation

(1961). Definition by internal relation. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 125-142.
Outage secrecy rate in wireless relay channels using cooperative jamming

A wireless relay channel is considered, consisting of a multi-antenna source, a single-antenna destination, a single-antenna eavesdropper and a set of multi-antenna relays (helpers) that act as jammers to the eavesdropper. Each helper knows only its own link to the receiver and independently transmits jamming noise, lying in the null space of its own link to the destination, thus causes no interference to the destination. The source, knowing the main channel explicitly and having statistical information on the eavesdropper channel, designs the input covariance matrix so that the secrecy rate is maximized subject to an outage probability constraint and a sum power constraint. We show that the optimal input covariance matrix has rank one. Assuming that the eavesdropper channels follow a zero-mean Gaussian distribution with known covariance, the outage probability and outage secrecy rate are derived in closed form. Simulation results in support of the analysis are provided.
Dual-mode laparoscopic fluorescence image-guided surgery using a single camera

Iatrogenic nerve damage is a leading cause of morbidity associated with many common surgical procedures. Complications arising from these injuries may result in loss of function and/or sensation, muscle atrophy, and chronic neuropathy. Fluorescence image-guided surgery offers a potential solution for avoiding intraoperative nerve damage by highlighting nerves that are otherwise difficult to visualize. In this work we present the development of a single camera, dual-mode laparoscope that provides near simultaneous display of white-light and fluorescence images of nerves. The capability of the instrumentation is demonstrated through imaging several types of in situ rat nerves via a nerve specific contrast agent. Full color white light and high brightness fluorescence images and video of nerves as small as 100 µm in diameter are presented.
Modifying Lipophilicities of Zn(II) Coordination Species by Introduction of Ancillary Ligands: A Supramolecular Chemistry Approach

A homologous series of neutral Zn(II) coordination complexes including Zn(PNO)2 (1), Zn(PNO)2(3-Br-Py) (2), [Zn(PNO)2(1,10-phenanthroline)](H2O)5/3 (3), and Zn(PNO)2(2,2′-Bipy) (4), where PNO = dep...
Multivariate analysis of the relationship between survival and the microstage of primary melanoma by Clark level and Breslow thickness.

Background. The American joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) uses both Breslow thickness and Clark level in its staging system for malignant melanoma. Stage 1 corresponds to Breslow thicknesses less than 1.5 mm and Clark levels II and III. Stage II corresponds to Breslow thicknesses of at least 1.5 mm and Clark levels IV and V. However, most investigators have found Clark level to be of no prognostic significance once Breslow thickness has been taken into consideration by multivariate analysis. Methods. The authors examined the prognostic significance of Clark level by studying patients in the large database of the john Wayne Cancer Institute
Mixed-norm fir filter optimization using second-order cone programming

It has been shown that second-order cone programming (SOCP) can be used to efficiently optimize FIR filter frequency responses in the sense of L 1 , L 2 , and L ∞ . Although SOCP cannot be used for the more general case of L p minimization, several techniques for combining norms provide the flexibility to minimize a continuum of norms from L 1 to L ∞ . Burdakov's vector e-norm is here extended to complex functions on an interval of the real line, and is compared with a simple convex combination of norms. The dual norms of both are found as well. Discretized approximations of these norms can be used for filter design with SOCP, as shown in the examples.
The isolation of carcinogenic and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from barnacles. II. The goose barnacle (Mitella polymerus).

Abstract From the fleshy peduncle of the goose barnacle ( Mitella polymerus ), collected on the Southern California coast, small amounts of the following compounds were isolated in crystalline form: chrysene, fluoranthene, 1,12-benzperylene, coronene, and a mixture of 3,4- and 1,2-benzpyrenes. Anthracene and phenanthrene were absent.
Charge-State Effects in Displacement Damage Invited Paper

Charge-state effects in displacement damage in covalent semiconductors are reviewed. Specifically the influence on defect production mechanisms, configurations, mobility, annealing kinetics, interaction and dissociation are discussed. The recent theoretical work on the split-interstitial is mentioned, as is the new athermal migration mechanism.
Fractionated radiation therapy for vestibular schwannoma

Vestibular schwannomas are the most common tumors of the cerebellopontine angle. Multiple management paradigms exist for patients with these benign tumors, including observation, microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and fractionated radiation therapy, or some combination of these. While the proper course of management is controversial, the goals of therapy are to achieve excellent local tumor control and optimize functional outcomes with as little treatment-related morbidity as possible. Decision-making is tailored to patient-specific factors such as tumor size, clinical presentation, patient age, and goals of hearing preservation. We review the literature in order to summarize the application of fractionated radiation therapy to this tumor entity, where it is used as a primary treatment or, more commonly, as an adjunct therapy. We also provide an overview of the use of fractionated radiation therapy for the preservation of hearing and facial function, and dosing and other technical considerations, in light of the indolent natural history of vestibular schwannomas. We also discuss potential risks associated with this treatment modality, including its effects on temporal bone structures and cranial nerves among other possible complications. Lastly, we outline future directions in this rapidly evolving segment of vestibular schwannoma therapy, which has benefited from the advent of intensity-modulated radiation therapy coupled with stereotactic localization.
Paired-associate learning with homograph stimuli

Acquisition of a paired-associate list was compared for lists having adjective responses and either homograph or nonhomograph stimuli. The two sets of stimuli were equated for mean length, frequency, and image value. Acquisition of the list with homograph stimuli was significantly slower, a result consistent with Martin’s encoding variability hypothesis.
Domain epitaxial growth of TiN/Si(001), TiN/GaAs(001), and Si/TiN/Si(001) heterostructures by laser physical vapor deposition: theory and experiment

We have successfully deposited epitaxial titanium nitride films on (001) silicon and (001) gallium arsenide substrates and multilayer Si/TiN/Si(001) epitaxial heterostructures using pulsed laser (KrF: λ = 248 nm, τ = 25 ns) physical vapor deposition. The deposition of TiN was carried out at a substrate temperature of 600°C on Si(001) and 400°C on GaAs(00l). The interfaces were sharp without any indication of interfacial reaction. The epitaxial relationships were found to be TiN ‖ Si on the silicon substrate, Si ‖ TiN ¦ Si on the heterostructure, and [1-10] TiN‖[110] GaAs and [001] TiN ‖[110] GaAs on the GaAs substrate. The growth in these large-mismatch systems is modeled and the various energy terms contributing to the growth of these films are determined. The domain matching epitaxy provides a mechanism of epitaxial growth in systems with large lattice mismatch.The epitaxial growth is characterized by domain epitaxial orientation relationships with m lattice constants of epilayer matching with n of the substrate and with a small residual domain mismatch present in the epilayer. This residual mismatch is responsible for a coherent strain energy. The magnitude of compression of Ti-N bond in the first atomic layer, contributing to the chemical free energy of the interface during the initial stages of growth, is found to be a very important factor in determining the orientation relationship. This result was used to explain the differences in the orientaion relationships between TiN/Si and TiN/GaAs systems. The various energy terms associated with the domain epitaxial growth are evaluated to illustrate that the domain epitaxial growth is energetically favorable compared to the lattice mismatched epitaxial growth. The results of this analysis illustrate that the observed variations in the epitaxial growth are consistent with the minimum energy configurations associated with the domain epitaxial growth.
Effect of partial wrist denervation on wrist kinesthesia: wrist denervation does not impair proprioception.

Purpose To evaluate the potential effect of partial wrist denervation on wrist kinesthesia, we hypothesized that anesthetizing the anterior interosseous nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve does not impair the kinesthesia. Methods We performed a double-blinded, prospective, randomized study on 80 healthy volunteers (20–54 y old) to compare the ability to detect active and passive wrist movement in 2 conditions. The test group received an anesthetic block of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves, and the control group subjects received an injection of saline. The kinesthesia of the 2 groups was then tested in 2 conditions by measuring the error in an active and passive wrist repositioning task. Results were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results In both active and passive conditions, there was no difference in the repositioning errors between the test group and the control group. Conclusions Our results show that kinesthesia is not impaired by blocking the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves. These findings are consistent for both active and passive motion. The study gives strong evidence that partial denervation does not impair wrist kinesthesia. However, because only kinesthesia was studied, we cannot conclude that partial denervation is a totally safe procedure for all aspects of proprioception. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic I.
Immimohistochemical localization of corticotropin-releasing factor in selected brain areas of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was localized in the brains of two passerine species, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), by means of immunohistochemistry. The hypothalamic distribution of this peptide in these species includes a complex of immunoreactive perikarya observed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), in both its medial and lateral divisions. Nerve fibers were also seen running from these areas to the anterior median eminence (AME) where a terminal field is apparent. A wide variety of extrahypothalamic nuclei containing CRF-immunoreactive cells and fibers were identified. An apparent CRF terminal field can be visualized in the lateral septum. A dense fiber plexus is present in the nucleus accumbens (Ac) and more caudally in the nucleus of the stria terminalis (nST). In colchicine-pretreated animals, it was revealed that these areas also contain CRF-stained perikarya. The pattern of CRF immunoreactivity in the Ac-nST complex is continuous, with no distinction apparent between the nuclei. The medial preoptic area (mPOA) and the adjacent diagonal band of Broca contain CRF-fibers, while cells are apparent in the mPOA. In the mesencephalon, cells were visualized in the midbrain central gray; a terminal field and scattered positively stained perikarya were found in areas more ventral to the central grey that are adjacent to the third cranial nerve. Scattered cells were also seen at the border of the nucleus intercollicularis-nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis complex. In contrast to mammalian studies, no immunoreactive nerve fibers or perikarya were observed in telencephalic areas homologous to the mammalian neocortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Preparation of l-α-phosphatidyl-d-myo-inositol 3-phosphate (3-PIP) and 3,5-bisphosphate (3,5-PIP2)

Practical, asymmetric total syntheses of the title phospholipids from a readily available myo-inositol derivative as well as short chain and cross-linkable aminoether analogues are described.
A parallel plate gas scintillation proportional counter for improved resolution of low-energy photons

Abstract A transparent parallel plate gas scintillation proportional counter has been designed which provides improved resolution, more efficient use of counter volume, and better counting geometry than center wire or spherical anode counters.
Chondrogenic Differentiation on Perlecan Domain I, Collagen II, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2–Based Matrices

Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in cartilage cooperate with growth factors to regulate chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage development. Domain I of perlecan (Pln) bears heparan sulfate chains that bind and release heparin binding growth factors (HBGFs). We hypothesized that Pln domain I (PlnDI) might be complexed with collagen II (P-C) fibrils to improve binding of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and better support chondrogenesis and cartilage-like tissue formation in vitro. Our results showed that P-C fibrils bound more BMP-2 than collagen II fibrils alone, and better sustained BMP-2 release. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based scaffolds coated with P-C fibrils immobilized more BMP-2 than either PLA scaffolds or PLA scaffolds coated with collagen II fibrils alone. Multipotential mouse embryonic mesenchymal cells, C3H10T1/2, were cultured on 2-dimensional P-C fibrils or 3-dimensional P-C/BMP-2-coated (P-C-B) PLA scaffolds. Chondrogenic differentiation was indexed by glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production, and expression of the pro-chondrogenic transcription factor, Sox9, as well as cartilaginous ECM proteins, collagen II, and aggrecan. Immunostaining for aggrecan, perlecan, tenascin, and collagen X revealed that both C3H10T1/2 cells and primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts cultured on P-C-B fibrils showed the highest expression of chondrogenic markers among all treatment groups. Safranin O-Fast Green staining indicated that cartilage-like tissue was formed in the P-C-B scaffolds, while no obvious cartilage-like tissue formed in other scaffolds. We conclude that P-C fibrils provide an improved biomimetic material for the binding and retention of BMP-2 and support chondrogenic differentiation.
Optimizing data locality for fork/join programs using constrained work stealing

We present an approach to improving data locality across different phases of fork/join programs scheduled using work stealing. The approach consists of: (1) user-specified and automated approaches to constructing a steal tree, the schedule of steal operations, and (2) constrained work-stealing algorithms that constrain the actions of the scheduler to mirror a given steal tree. These are combined to construct work-stealing schedules that maximize data locality across computation phases while ensuring load balance within each phase. These algorithms are also used to demonstrate dynamic coarsening, an optimization to improve spatial locality and sequential overheads by combining many finer-grained tasks into coarser tasks while ensuring sufficient concurrency for locality-optimized load balance. Implementation and evaluation in Cilk demonstrate performance improvements of up to 2.5x on 80 cores. We also demonstrate that dynamic coarsening can combine the performance benefits of coarse task specification with the adaptability of finer tasks.
Nicotine dependence among clients receiving publicly funded substance abuse treatment

Abstract Background Smoking and nicotine dependence (ND) are prevalent among substance abusers but little is known about characteristics of ND in this population. This information would help identify those most in need of smoking cessation programs. This study evaluated the associations of socio-demographic, tobacco- and substance use-related, and health/mental health factors to ND in adults receiving publicly funded substance abuse treatment in Tennessee. Methods All Tennessee residents who received federal block grant-funded substance abuse treatment during July–December, 2004 were invited to participate in a 6 month post-intake telephone follow-up interview. Socio-demographic characteristics, perceived health and mental health, tobacco use history and patterns, and ND, assessed by the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), were obtained at follow-up. Alcohol and illicit drug use and smoking status prior to treatment were assessed at intake. This paper analyzes data for 855 clients who were current cigarette smokers at both intake and follow-up. Results Sixty three percent of smokers were ND (FTND score ≥4). Correlates of ND included older age, poorer self-rated overall health, earlier age of onset of cigarette smoking and substance abuse, fewer smoking quit attempts in past year, single substance use (alcohol or illicit drug, vs. multiple substances) at intake, use of opiates/narcotics and sedatives, and past month self-reported depression. Conclusion ND was highly prevalent and correlated with specific types and patterns of substance abuse and depression. These results suggest that intensive smoking cessation interventions, involving behavioral support, pharmacotherapy, and mood management, are needed to effectively assist this population.
Ultrastructural Alteration of Trypsin- and Pancreatin-separated Embryonic Rabbit Palate Epithelium and Mesenchyme

The effects of 30- and 45-minute trypsin- and pancreatin-separation on embryonic rabbit palate epithelium and mesenchyme were studied with the electron microscope. Changes in epithelium included fragmentation of the basal lamina and formation of cytoplasmic blebs associated with the basal cell layer. Changes in mesenchymal cells were first evident at 45 min of incubation and included cell fragmentation, nuclear pyknosis, and dilation of extracellular space. Results indicate a differential susceptibility of mesenchyme to the separating agent.
Panum's Phenomenon and the Confluence of Signals from the Two Eyes in Stereoscopy

The signals from the two eyes must be routed to allow either eye to have access to the processing mechanisms for position, shape, colour, etc.; at the same time, information as to the eye of origin must be retained for the purposes of stereoscopy. The study of this confluence of signals from the two eyes was approached psychophysically by studying induced position and depth changes of adjacent binocular and monocular stimuli in the human fovea. It was demonstrated that a monocular visual stimulus located near a binocular one acquires a depth signal, according to a scheme originally proposed by Panum. The effect is unspecific as regards feature shape and brightness, and falls off with a length constant of about 15 minutes of arc in the fovea. A monocular stimulus also affects the apparent depth of its binocular neighbour in a centre-surround manner; disparity pooling changes to disparity repulsion when features are separated by distances of about 3 minutes of arc in the fovea. The findings led to the development of a scheme of uniocular connectivity to a matrix of depth units. Excitation patterns here would depend on the state of the input lines, the intrinsic neuronal interaction properties, and contextural configuring influences from other parts of the nervous system. Experiments showing the spatial extent of pooling and repulsive interaction within the disparity domain help to characterize the stimulus processing in this neural ensemble.
Failed lactation and perinatal depression: common problems with shared neuroendocrine mechanisms?

Abstract In the early postpartum period, mother and infant navigate a critical neuroendocrine transition from pregnancy to lactation. Two major clinical problems that occur during this transition are failed lactation and perinatal mood disorders. These disorders often overlap in clinical settings. Failed lactation is common. Although all major medical organizations recommend 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, only 13% of women in the United States achieve this recommendation. Perinatal mood disorders affect 10% of mothers, with substantial morbidity for mother and child. We hypothesize that shared neuroendocrine mechanisms contribute to both failed lactation and perinatal mood disorders. In this hypothesis article, we discuss data from both animal models and clinical studies that suggest neuroendocrine mechanisms that may underlie these two disorders. Research to elucidate the role of these underlying mechanisms may identify treatment strategies both to relieve perinatal depression and to enable women t...
Reconciling Galileo Probe Data and Ground-Based Radio Observations of Ammonia on Jupiter

Abstract Prior to the Galileo probe entry in Jupiter's atmosphere, the ammonia abundance in the planet's deep atmosphere as deduced from microwave observations was thought to be close to the solar N value at P >3 bar and subsolar at P 3 to be 3.6±0.5 times solar N at P >8 bar (Folkner et al. 1998). Assuming this high value is globally representative of the NH 3 abundance in Jupiter's deep atmosphere, we show in this article that to match Jupiter's microwave spectrum the ammonia abundance must, globally, decrease at pressures P ≲4 bar, and reach subsolar (≲0.5) values at P ≲2 bar. We confirm earlier analysis of the 1.3-cm wavelength region indicating that the disk-averaged relative humidity must be of the order of 10% at P 3 could decrease globally at altitudes well below the level where the NH 3 -ice clouds form. We also present radio images of Jupiter taken with the VLA at 2, 3.6, and 6 cm wavelength in November/December 1995 and January 1996. The Galileo probe entered Jupiter's atmosphere on 7 December 1995, at a latitude of 6.5°N, i.e., at the southern edge of the north equatorial belt (NEB). Simulations of our data suggest that the longitude-averaged NH 3 abundance in the NEB at the time of the Galileo probe entry is of the order of 50–70% of the value in the equatorial zone (EZ), while the NH 3 abundance in the EZ is about ≲0.5×solar N . This low ammonia abundance in the NEB must extend down to the ∼4- to 6-bar level.