cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Follow-the-Regularized-Leader and Mirror Descent: Equivalence Theorems and L1 Regularization

We prove that many mirror descent algorithms for online convex optimization (such as online gradient descent) have an equivalent interpretation as follow-the-regularizedleader (FTRL) algorithms. This observation makes the relationships between many commonly used algorithms explicit, and provides theoretical insight on previous experimental observations. In particular, even though the FOBOS composite mirror descent algorithm handles L1 regularization explicitly, it has been observed that the FTRL-style Regularized Dual Averaging (RDA) algorithm is even more effective at producing sparsity. Our results demonstrate that the key difference between these algorithms is how they handle the cumulative L1 penalty. While FOBOS handles the L1 term exactly on any given update, we show that it is effectively using subgradient approximations to the L1 penalty from previous rounds, leading to less sparsity than RDA, which handles the cumulative penalty in closed form. The FTRL-Proximal algorithm, which we introduce, can be seen as a hybrid of these two algorithms, and significantly outperforms both on a large, realworld dataset.
Spatiotemporal Coding of Individual Chemicals by the Gustatory System

Four of the five major sensory systems (vision, olfaction, somatosensation, and audition) are thought to use different but partially overlapping sets of neurons to form unique representations of vast numbers of stimuli. The only exception is gustation, which is thought to represent only small numbers of basic taste categories. However, using new methods for delivering tastant chemicals and making electrophysiological recordings from the tractable gustatory system of the moth Manduca sexta, we found chemical-specific information is as follows: (1) initially encoded in the population of gustatory receptor neurons as broadly distributed spatiotemporal patterns of activity; (2) dramatically integrated and temporally transformed as it propagates to monosynaptically connected second-order neurons; and (3) observed in tastant-specific behavior. Our results are consistent with an emerging view of the gustatory system: rather than constructing basic taste categories, it uses a spatiotemporal population code to generate unique neural representations of individual tastant chemicals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our results provide a new view of taste processing. Using a new, relatively simple model system and a new set of techniques to deliver taste stimuli and to examine gustatory receptor neurons and their immediate followers, we found no evidence for labeled line connectivity, or basic taste categories such as sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. Rather, individual tastant chemicals are represented as patterns of spiking activity distributed across populations of receptor neurons. These representations are transformed substantially as multiple types of receptor neurons converge upon follower neurons, leading to a combinatorial coding format that uniquely, rapidly, and efficiently represents individual taste chemicals. Finally, we found that the information content of these neurons can drive tastant-specific behavior.
The molecular mechanism of Mo isotope fractionation during adsorption to birnessite

Abstract Fractionation of Mo isotopes during adsorption to manganese oxides is a primary control on the global ocean Mo isotope budget. Previous attempts to explain what drives the surprisingly large isotope effect δ 97 / 95 Mo dissolved - δ 97 / 95 Mo adsorbed = 1.8 ‰ have not successfully resolved the fractionation mechanism. New evidence from extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis and density functional theory suggests that Mo forms a polymolybdate complex on the surfaces of experimental and natural samples. Mo in this polynuclear structure is in distorted octahedral coordination, while Mo remaining in solution is predominantly in tetrahedral coordination as MoO 4 2 - . Our results indicate that the difference in coordination environment between dissolved Mo and adsorbed Mo is the cause of isotope fractionation. The molecular mechanism of metal isotope fractionation in this system should enable us to explain and possibly predict metal isotope effects in other systems where transition metals adsorb to mineral surfaces.
A transcription switch toggled by noncoding RNAs

Life is really getting complicated in the world of eukaryotic transcription. In the good old days, we were comfortable in the belief that transcription occurred primarily across the coding region of a gene, producing an mRNA for translation. However, over the past few years, this view has been turned topsy-turvy. Improved microarray and sequencing technologies have revealed that our picture of transcription was far too simple, as transcription actually occurs essentially everywhere, including both coding regions and noncoding regions, and often on both strands (for recent reviews see refs. 1 and 2). Although some of the noncoding RNAs are known and have been well studied, such as tRNAs, rRNAs, and micro RNAs (miRNAs), the majority of them are longer RNAs of unknown function, generally referred to as noncoding (nc)RNAs. The information about possible functions for these ncRNAs is scant, and their possible biological significance has been the subject of considerable speculation (3, 4). ncRNAs have been demonstrated to play transcriptional regulatory roles in a small number of cases, and these examples point toward a diversity of mechanisms by which they may regulate transcription (reviewed in ref. 1). Now, an article in this issue of PNAS (5) has brought new insights into the possible roles for ncRNAs, revealing for the first time that the interplay between the expression of two of them, transcribed on opposite strands, can exert epigenetic, metastable control on the transcription of the adjacent protein-encoding gene.
The AlternativeTranslational Profile That Underlies the Immune-Evasive State of Persistence in Chlamydiaceae Exploits Differential Tryptophan Contents of the Protein Repertoire

SUMMARY One form of immune evasion is a developmental state called “persistence” whereby chlamydial pathogens respond to the host-mediated withdrawal of l-tryptophan (Trp). A sophisticated survival mode of reversible quiescence is implemented. A mechanism has evolved which suppresses gene products necessary for rapid pathogen proliferation but allows expression of gene products that underlie the morphological and developmental characteristics of persistence. This switch from one translational profile to an alternative translational profile of newly synthesized proteins is proposed to be accomplished by maximizing the Trp content of some proteins needed for rapid proliferation (e.g., ADP/ATP translocase, hexose-phosphate transporter, phosphoenolpyruvate [PEP] carboxykinase, the Trp transporter, the Pmp protein superfamily for cell adhesion and antigenic variation, and components of the cell division pathway) while minimizing the Trp content of other proteins supporting the state of persistence. The Trp starvation mechanism is best understood in the human-Chlamydia trachomatis relationship, but the similarity of up-Trp and down-Trp proteomic profiles in all of the pathogenic Chlamydiaceae suggests that Trp availability is an underlying cue relied upon by this family of pathogens to trigger developmental transitions. The biochemically expensive pathogen strategy of selectively increased Trp usage to guide the translational profile can be leveraged significantly with minimal overall Trp usage by (i) regional concentration of Trp residue placements, (ii) amplified Trp content of a single protein that is required for expression or maturation of multiple proteins with low Trp content, and (iii) Achilles9-heel vulnerabilities of complex pathways to high Trp content of one or a few enzymes.
Transesophageal Echocardiography with a Single‐Plane Probe

The literature suggests that during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a short-axis view can be obtained in the gastric position using a single-plane probe. Recently, we have found that a long-axis apical display of the heart can be achieved by placing the tip of the probe in the fundus of the stomach. In a 3-month period, we attempted to obtain this view in 54 consecutive patients. Twelve of the patients had TEE done under general anesthesia, while the other 42 patients had the procedure performed under sedation with midazolam at hospital bedside or as an outpatient. The long-axis transgastric view was obtained in 51 of the 54 patients (94%). The image quality was graded subjectively as good in 39 (72%) and fair in the other 12 patients (22%). This view helped to establish the diagnosis in eight patients (15%) and to increase the level of confidence about the accuracy of the diagnosis in 23 (43%) other patients. Four patients' findings are described. We conclude that the new long-axis transgastric view is easy to obtain, does not add much time to the usual TEE study, does not add to the low complication rate of TEE, and may help to interrogate the distal structures of the heart.
TPA+-Mediated Conversion of Silicon Wafer into Preferentially-Oriented MFI Zeolite Film under Steaming

TPA+-mediated conversion of silicon wafers into preferentially oriented siliceous MFI zeolite films is achieved by steam-assisted crystallization. Indeed, silicon wafers as the substrate are oxidized by TPAOH(aq) and therefore supplied as Si source for simultaneous crystallization of zeolite film.
Stripe formation in the fractional quantum Hall regime.

An understanding of the physics of the half-filled lowest Landau level has been achieved in terms of a Fermi sea of composite fermions, but the nature of the state at other even-denominator fractions has remained unclear. We investigate theoretically Landau level fillings of the form $\ensuremath{\nu}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}(2n+1)/(4n+4)$, which correspond to composite-fermion fillings ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{*}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}n+1/2$. By considering various plausible candidate states with complete spin polarization, we rule out the composite-fermion Fermi sea and paired composite-fermion state at these filling factors, and predict that the system phase separates into stripes of $n$ and $n+1$ filled Landau levels of composite fermions.
Antiemetic therapy in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine the currently available antiemetic medications and review their uses in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (NV). DATA SOURCES Published articles and book chapters. DATA SYNTHESIS NV is a common yet potentially serious side effect of chemotherapy. Nurses must understand the physiology of NV, its impact on patients, and the proper use of antiemetic medications to effectively manage this problem. Antiemetic medications vary in mechanism of action, indications for use, and adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Nurses are in a position to identify patients who are at risk for NV and to manage their care using accepted practice guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Although practice guidelines have been established, the nurse's role in assessment and implementation of care is critical in the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced NV.
Medication management in North Carolina elementary schools: Are pharmacists involved?

Abstract Objective To determine the extent of pharmacist use in medication management, roles of school nurses, and use of other health care providers at elementary schools in North Carolina. Methods Prospective survey of 153 (130 public and 23 private) elementary schools in four counties of North Carolina. A 21-question survey was e-mailed to the head administrator of each school (e.g., principal, headmaster) containing a Qualtrics survey link. Questions were designed to elicit information on school policies and procedures for medication management and use of health care providers, including pharmacists, in the schools. Responses were collected during a 2-month period. Results Representatives from 29 schools participated in the survey (19% response rate). All 29 schools reported having a school policy regarding medication administration during school hours. Of those, 27 schools reported consulting with nurses on their policies. Only 1 of 27 respondents reported consulting with pharmacists on medication management policies. The majority of the respondents (93.1%) stated that administrative staff was responsible for medication administration at the schools. Conclusion Use of pharmacists in creating and reviewing policies for schools and actual medication management at schools was extremely low. The findings in this study reinforce the findings in previous studies that pharmacists are not being used and are not a major presence in elementary school health.
ISU REU: diverse, research-intense, team-based

This article describes the Iowa State University (ISU) mathematics REU. The emphasis is on how certain choices made have shaped the ISU REU. The ISU REU draws a diverse group of students from a broad spectrum of colleges and universities nationwide. It is research-intense, with no course or workshop component, and results are disseminated through publications and presentations at conferences. Students in the REU work in teams with graduate students and faculty.
Establishing Effective Simulation Protocols for β- and α/β-Mixed Peptides. I. QM and QM/MM Models.

A quantum mechanical (QM) model for non-natural β- and α/β-mixed peptides is investigated using an approximate density functional method (called SCC-DFTB). In the gas phase the predictions of the model for cyclic and acyclic dipeptides and several acyclic heptapeptides are compared to ab initio B3LYP and LMP2 calculations. The SCC-DFTB reproduces the global minimum of the configurations with the root-mean-square (rms) error in the key dihedral angles of less than 14 degrees. The relative energies of different conformers are also well described in general, with the typical rms error of 2−3 kcal/mol relative to LMP2 energies at either B3LYP or LMP2 optimized structures. The dipole moments are reproduced with a systematic underestimate of less than 15%. The QM model is also used with a molecular mechanical (MM) model of the solvent. For a tetrameric α/β-peptide in water, the SCC-DFTB/MM energies are well correlated with B3LYP/6-31+G**/MM single point energies for a wide range of structures sampled in 2 ns of...
Generalizations of some stochastic epidemic models

Abstract In a population of size bounded by N , we let p rs ( t ) be the probability at time t or r susceptibles and s infectives. We assume that the probability for a new infective in the time interval ( t , t + dt ) is β r 1− b s a dt , where we call β the infection rate, a the infection power, and b the safety-in-numbers power. Furthermore, we assume that the probability that any infective is removed in ( t , t + dt ) is γ s 1+ c dt , where r is the removal rate and c the removal power. This article presents the solutions for p rs ( t ) for the cases (i) ϱ≡γ/β=0 and (ii) ϱ≠0.
Y-Ba-Cu-O thin film infrared detectors

Abstract Y-Ba-Cu-O thin film infrared detectors were fabricated and studied with a CO2 laser. Operation of the detector in both the bolometric and nonbolometric modes was investigated. In the bolometric mode, the detectivity of the detector at 90 K was 2.1 × 108 cm Hz 1 2 W-1 with a response time of 15 μs, corresponding to a bandwidth of 70 KHz. The speed of the detector in the nonbolometric mode was much faster and was beyond the instrument resolution of 10 ns (100 MHz). However, the detectivity could not be determined due to the extremely low noise. The superconducting film quality is critical to the performance of these detectors.
EVALUATION OF FAILSAFE PERFORMANCE FOR HOT GAS FILTRATION

The Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF) is an engineering-scale demonstration facility of advanced coal-fired power systems and high-temperature, high-pressure gas filtration systems. The PSDF was designed at sufficient size so that system components can be evaluated and assessed in an integrated fashion to provide data for commercial scale-up. The PSDF is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Electric Power Research Institute, Southern Company, Siemens Power Generation, Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR), Peabody Energy, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, and the Lignite Energy Council. Coal gasification at the PSDF is achieved with the KBR Transport Gasifier. Particulate laden gas exiting the gasifier is filtered by a downstream particulate control device (PCD). The PCD is a hot-gas filter that can hold up to 91 filter elements arranged in two tiers, with 36 elements in the top cluster and up to 55 elements in the bottom cluster. More than 30 different types of sintered metal powder, metal fiber, and ceramic filter elements have been tested. As of October 2006, the longest exposure of an individual element was approximately 8550 hours, which was achieved with a Pall iron aluminide sintered metal powder element. The outlet particle loading during normal operation has been reliably maintained within the lower limit of measurement resolution (routinely less than 0.1 ppmw). Downstream of each filter element is a failsafe device to prevent particulate leakage in the event of a filter element failure. The failsafe device is a small filter element or other type of particle collector and serves as a backup to the primary filter element. Demonstration of reliable failsafes is a critical factor in advancing hot gas filtration technology and increasing readiness for commercialization. A failsafe test program was developed at the PSDF to identify failsafe devices that would provide satisfactory protection of a gas turbine from particulate damage. In tests that simulated the failure of a single filter element, both metallic and ceramic failsafe devices were typically able to produce an outlet particle loading below 0.1 ppmw after an initial period of seasoning. From the overall particulate collection efficiency point of view, the failsafes tested showed promising results of protecting a gas turbine from being damaged by particles in the event of a filter failure. This paper focuses on failsafe performance and effectiveness in preventing particulate leaking through the PCD in the event of a filter element failure.© 2007 ASME
A fan effect in anaphor processing: effects of multiple distractors.

Research suggests that the presence of a non-referent from the same category as the referent interferes with anaphor resolution. In five experiments, the hypothesis that multiple non-referents would produce a cumulative interference effect (i.e., a fan effect) was examined. This hypothesis was supported in Experiments 1a and 1b, with subjects being less accurate and slower to recognize referents (1a) and non-referents (1b) as the number of potential referents increased from two to five. Surprisingly, the number of potential referents led to a decrease in anaphor reading times. The results of Experiments 2a and 2b replicated the probe-recognition results in a completely within-subjects design and ruled out the possibility that a speeded-reading strategy led to the fan-effect findings. The results of Experiment 3 provided evidence that subjects were resolving the anaphors. These results suggest that multiple non-referents do produce a cumulative interference effect; however, additional research is necessary to explore the effect on anaphor reading times.
Heats of Adsorption of Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide on Tooth Components

Adsorption of carbon dioxide and ammonia on human tooth components each were measured at five different temperatures. The surface areas and isosteric heats of adsorption that resulted were combined to yield a criterion for comparing the strengths of adhesives based on their chemically reactive groups.
Expression of a type II collagen gene in the zebrafish embryonic axis

To understand the hierarchy of developmental controls underlying axis specification in vertebrate embryos, it is helpful to identify relationships between regulatory molecules and the genes that given axial cells their differentiated phenotypes. This work reports the cloning and expression pattern of one of these differentiation genes, a type II collagen (col2a1) gene from the zebrafish Danio rerio. Along th8e embryonic axis, col2a1 is expressed dynamically in three rows that are each a single cell wide: the notochord and the rows of cells immediately dorsal and ventral to it—the floor plate of the central nervous system, and the hypochord. In addition, col2a1 is expressed in the pharyngeal arches, the epithelium of the otic capsule, and in the mesenchyme of the neurocranium. Experiments probed the expression pattern of col2a1 relative to that of known or potential regulators of axis development, including axial, sonic hedgehog, twist, and cyclops. The results showed that the spatial and temporal pattern of col2a1 expression in axial mesoderm follows the expression of twist closer than other genes tested. In cyclops embryos, which lack an intact floor plate, col2a1 expression was usually low, but not missing in cells in the ventral spinal cord. Because col2a1 expression reveals abnormalities in the notochord of cyclopsb16 embryos, and less col2a1-expressing mesenchyme accumulates rostral to the notochord in cyclops embryos, the effects of the cyclopsb16 mutation are not confined to the central nervous system. ©1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fluorescence polarization standard for near infrared spectroscopy and microscopy

We present studies of polarized absorption [linear dichroism (LD)] and fluorescence polarization of the styryl derivative (LDS 798) embedded in oriented poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films. These films were oriented by progressive stretching up to eight folds. Both vertical and horizontal components of absorptions and fluorescence were measured and dichroic ratios were determined for different film stretching ratios. The dichroic ratio and fluorescence anisotropy values were analyzed as a function of PVA film stretching ratio by fitting according to the previously developed theory. For maximum stretching ratios, exceptionally high anisotropy (approximately 0.8) and polarization (approximately 0.9) values have been measured. The stretched films have high polarization values also for isotropic excitation in a wide spectral range (500-700 nm). Such films can be conveniently used as high polarization standards and we envision they will also have applications in near infrared (NIR) imaging microscopy, where they can be used for correcting an instrumental factor in polarization measurements.
Is the post in posthuman the post in postmedieval

Strategically offering the case for ‘modernity,’ the ‘human’ and ‘progress,’ this essay seeks to expose some of the problems with a too-hasty exclusivist adoption of their counter-concepts. With Bruno Latour as my principal target, I argue that unless we recognize the Great Divide that capitalism produces historically, we cannot supersede it, and thus we would consign ourselves to an eternity of the capitalist market, in whose totalizing embrace global social justice can never be realized. Above all, I show that ‘alternative modernity’ and ‘we have never been modern’ arguments, in their eagerness to salve the prestige of oppressed populations, actually rationalize their material exclusions from the privatized benefits of modernity. I suggest, instead, that negative dialectic provides the best approach to problems of periodization raised by ‘modernity’ and ‘progress’ – as well as the boundary disputes aroused by the ‘posthuman.’
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of acetylcholine, epinephrine, and serotonin from each other☆

Abstract A thin-layer Chromatographic procedure is reported for the separation of acetylcholine, epinephrine, and serotonin from each other. The method involves the use of cellulose coated plates and n -butanol-ethanol-acetic acid-water (8:2:1:3) as developing solvent. Norepinephrine and serotonin interfere with each other.
How does JAK2V617F contribute to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms

A decade on from the discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation in the majority of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), JAK2V617F is now firmly installed in the hematology curriculum of medical students and the diagnostic-testing algorithm of clinicians. Furthermore, the oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, rationally designed to target activated JAK2 signaling in MPN, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States for the past 3 years for the treatment of intermediate- and advanced-phase myelofibrosis. Notwithstanding this, JAK2V617F continues to stimulate the MPN research community and novel insights into understanding the mechanisms by which JAK2V617F contributes to the pathogenesis of MPN are continually emerging. In this chapter, we focus on recent advances in 4 main areas: (1) the molecular processes coopted by JAK2V617F to induce MPN, (2) the role that JAK2V617F plays in phenotypic diversity in MPN, (3) the functional impact of JAK2V617F on hematopoietic stem cells, and (4) therapeutic strategies to target JAK2V617F. Although great strides have been made, significant deficits still exist in our understanding of the precise mechanisms by which JAK2V617F-mutant hematopoietic stem cells emerge and persist to engender clonal hematopoiesis in MPN and in developing strategies to preferentially target the JAK2V617F-mutant clone therapeutically. Critically, although myelofibrosis remains arguably the greatest clinical challenge in JAK2V617F-mediated MPN, the current understanding of myelofibrosis-specific disease biology remains quite rudimentary. Therefore, many important biological questions pertaining to JAK2V617F will continue to engage and challenge the MPN research community in the coming decade.
Chronic inhalation exposure to ozone and nitric acid elevates stress-inducible heat shock protein 70 in the rat lung

Abstract The ability of urban oxidant and acid air pollutants to induce heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the mammalian lung is not known. Such proteins are known to be correlated with environmental stress and pathophysiological conditions. In this study, stress-inducible HSP 70 was assessed by slot-blotting in rat lungs ( N = 10 per group) following inhalation exposures for 4 h per day, 3 days per week for 40 weeks to the following pollutants: (a) purified air; (b) 0.15 ppm ozone (O 3 ); (c) 50 μg/m 3 nitric acid (HNO 3 ); or (d) a combination of both 0.15 ppm O 3 and 50 μg/m 3 HNO 3 . At 24 h following the last exposure, samples from the right apical lobe of the lung were obtained for either slot-blotting or gel electrophoretic separation, subsequent protein immunoblotting, and chemiluminescence detection of HSP 70 levels. Experiments demonstrate that stress-inducible HSP 70 was present constitutively in the control lungs and was separable from the constitutive form of HSP 70. Slot-blotting analysis demonstrate that the O 3 and HNO 3 exposures alone produced significant elevations of HSP 70. Specifically, either O 3 or HNO 3 alone significantly elevated lung stress-inducible HSP 70 levels by 277% and 221%, respectively, above control levels. The group exposed to combined O 3 and HNO 3 showed a 177% elevation in lung stress-inducible HSP 70 that was significantly greater than the group inhaling purified air, but this effect was less than the effects of either pollutant component alone. Moreover, all exposure groups were significantly different from one another. These results indicate that stress-inducible HSP 70 in the rat lung is highly elevated after chronic inhalation exposures to both O 3 and HNO 3 when administered either alone or in combination within the range of urban ambient concentrations.
Marked differences in human melanoma antigen-specific T cell responsiveness after vaccination using a functional microarray.

Background In contrast to many animal model studies, immunotherapeutic trials in humans suffering from cancer invariably result in a broad range of outcomes, from long-lasting remissions to no discernable effect. Methods and findings In order to study the T cell responses in patients undergoing a melanoma-associated peptide vaccine trial, we have developed a high-throughput method using arrays of peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHC) together with antibodies against secreted factors. T cells were specifically immobilized and activated by binding to particular pMHCs. The antibodies, spotted together with the pMHC, specifically capture cytokines secreted by the T cells. This technique allows rapid, simultaneous isolation and multiparametric functional characterization of antigen-specific T cells present in clinical samples. Analysis of CD8+ lymphocytes from ten melanoma patients after peptide vaccination revealed a diverse set of patient- and antigen-specific profiles of cytokine secretion, indicating surprising differences in their responsiveness. Four out of four patients who showed moderate or greater secretion of both interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in response to a gp100 antigen remained free of melanoma recurrence, whereas only two of six patients who showed discordant secretion of IFNgamma and TNFalpha did so. Conclusion Such multiparametric analysis of T cell antigen specificity and function provides a valuable tool with which to dissect the molecular underpinnings of immune responsiveness and how this information correlates with clinical outcome.
Responding to the Human Costs of US Immigration Policy: No More Deaths and the New Sanctuary Movement.

This is a PRE-PRINT of an article published in the journal Latino Studies. The definitive publisher-authenticated version [Caminero-Santangelo, Marta. “Responding to the Human Costs of US Immigration Policy: No More Deaths and the New Sanctuary Movement.” Latino Studies 7.1 (Spring 2009): 112-22] is available online at: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/lst/index.html
The effects of a compliant workpiece on the input/output characteristics of rigid-link toggle mechanisms

Abstract The introduction of compliance to the workpiece of rigid-link toggle mechanism results in interesting mechanism input/output characteristics. As a flexible workpiece deflects, when acted upon by the mechanism output force, there is a change in the orientation of the rigid links, causing a variation in the mechanism mechanical advantage and output force. Under such conditions, there exists a peak input force required to cause the mechanism to reach its toggle position. This peak force, termed the “characteristic compliance peak force,” occurs when the input link is positioned at its “characteristic input angle.” These phenomena are discussed and illustrated herein.
Goals 2000: Disastrous Unintended Consequences

"Goals 2000: Educate America Act" aims to, among other things, increase the high school graduation rate to at least 90% and eliminate the graduation rate gap between minority and non-minority students. However well intentioned, this goal is doomed to failure. Powerful systemic forces converge to stabilize the high school graduation rate at about 75% where it has been since 1965 and where no traditional national policy will be able to advance it very much. Even if education policy could succeed in increasing the rate to 90% or beyond, undesirable consequences of potentially great magnitude, especially for the targeted minority groups, would result.
A Brief Measure of Adolescent Perceptions of School Climate.

Student perceptions of school climate represent the ways students feel about the school environment. These include perceptions regarding safety, teaching and learning, and relationships within the school. It has been found that student perceptions of school climate are positively correlated with academic achievement (Brookover et al., 1978), and negatively correlated with risky behaviors (Bandyopadhyay, Cornell, & Konold, 2009; Bayar & Ucanok, 2012; Wang, Berry, & Swearer, 2013). The Georgia Brief School Climate Inventory (GaBSCI) is a measure of student perceptions of school climate. The brevity of the 9-item instrument makes it ideal as a general measure that can be used to monitor student perceptions of school climate. The survey was anonymously administered to 130,968 sixth- and eighth-grade students in the state of Georgia. Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.71. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses verified the scale's structure. Student perceptions of climate from the GaBSCI varied based on race/ethnicity, gender, and grade. Additional support for the construct validity of the GaBSCI was obtained based on its relationships with several behaviors related to bullying, and the moderating effects of grade and gender on these relationships. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Phenazine Methosulfate; its Use in Evaluating Activity of Dehydrogenase Systems of Avian Liver

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and suecinate dehydrogenase were demonstrated in livers of 15-day chick embryos. The addition of phenazine methosulfate (PMS) to the LDH and MDH incubation mixtures reduced diformazan deposition in the liver epithelium but not in connective tissue. A 30 sec formalin fixation, absence of PMS, or the addition of sodium azide or potassium cyanide to the PMS-containing incubation mixtures facilitated formazan deposition. These results are explained by assuming that, in the absence of PMS, dehydrogenase activity is demonstrated via endogenous diaphorase. When PMS is present, Nitro BT reduction occurs within the incubation mixture. A side effect of the azide or cyanide is an interference with, the action of PMS, thus allowing diformazan deposition via the endogenous diaphorase when this is present in the tissue.
Architectural History: A Core Collection

This guide attempts to identify those items that should form the foundation of any collection of reference tools on architectural history and upon which more specialized collections can be built. The core collection suggested here is for a college or university library offering courses in architectural history at the upper undergraduate level and above, but the annotations should enable those developing the collections of other types of libraries to select appropriate items.
Antiviral cyclic d,l-α-peptides: Targeting a general biochemical pathway in virus infections

Diverse virus families have evolved to exploit the acidification of endosomal compartments to gain entry into cells. We describe a supramolecular approach for selectively targeting and inhibiting viral infections through this central biochemical pathway. Using adenovirus as a model non-enveloped virus, we have determined that an eight-residue cyclic D,L-α-peptide, selected from a directed combinatorial library, can specifically prevent the development of low pH in endocytic vesicles, arrest the escape of virions from the endosome, and abrogate adenovirus infection without an apparent adverse effect on cell viability. The likely generality of this approach against other pH-dependent viral infections is supported by the inhibition of type-A influenza virus escape from endosomes in the presence of the same peptide. Our studies suggest that self-assembling cyclic D,L-α-peptides hold considerable potential as a new rational supramolecular approach toward the design and discovery of broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Pyramid representations for solids

Abstract A pyramid of a solid is a sequence of representations such that each succeeding representation is of higher resolution. The paper defines methods for deriving pyramids from 3-d arrays that represent volumetric information in 3-d scenes. The methods are based on the oct-tree and binary-tree representations of solids. Algorithms for defining abstractions of a scene and for adding detail to a previous representation are presented. The concepts are illustrated by showing how a solid can be modeled at varying levels of precision.
Structural characterization of the glycoprotein GP2 core domain from the CAS virus, a novel arenavirus-like species

Fusion of the viral and host cell membranes is a necessary first step for infection by enveloped viruses and is mediated by the envelope glycoprotein. The transmembrane subunits from the structurally defined “class I” glycoproteins adopt an α-helical “trimer-of-hairpins” conformation during the fusion pathway. Here, we present our studies on the envelope glycoprotein transmembrane subunit, GP2, of the CAS virus (CASV). CASV was recently identified from annulated tree boas (Corallus annulatus) with inclusion body disease and is implicated in the disease etiology. We have generated and characterized two protein constructs consisting of the predicted CASV GP2 core domain. The crystal structure of the CASV GP2 post-fusion conformation indicates a trimeric α-helical bundle that is highly similar to those of Ebola virus and Marburg virus GP2 despite CASV genome homology to arenaviruses. Denaturation studies demonstrate that the stability of CASV GP2 is pH dependent with higher stability at lower pH; we propose that this behavior is due to a network of interactions among acidic residues that would destabilize the α-helical bundle under conditions where the side chains are deprotonated. The pH-dependent stability of the post-fusion structure has been observed in Ebola virus and Marburg virus GP2, as well as other viruses that enter via the endosome. Infection experiments with CASV and the related Golden Gate virus support a mechanism of entry that requires endosomal acidification. Our results suggest that, despite being primarily arenavirus like, the transmembrane subunit of CASV is extremely similar to the filoviruses.
Restricted parameter space models for testing gene-gene interaction.

There is a growing recognition that interactions (gene-gene and gene-environment) can play an important role in common disease etiology. The development of cost-effective genotyping technologies has made genome-wide association studies the preferred tool for searching for loci affecting disease risk. These studies are characterized by a large number of investigated SNPs, and efficient statistical methods are even more important than in classical association studies that are done with a small number of markers. In this article we propose a novel gene-gene interaction test that is more powerful than classical methods. The increase in power is due to the fact that the proposed method incorporates reasonable constraints in the parameter space. The test for both association and interaction is based on a likelihood ratio statistic that has a x2 distribution asymptotically. We also discuss the definitions used for “no interaction” and argue that tests for pure interaction are useful in genome-wide studies, especially when using two-stage strategies where the analyses in the second stage are done on pairs of loci for which at least one is associated with the trait. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:386–393, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment of Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited progressive neurological disease characterized by chorea, an involuntary brief movement that tends to flow between body regions. HD is typically diagnosed based on clinical findings in the setting of a family history and may be confirmed with genetic testing. Predictive testing is available to family members at risk, but only experienced clinicians should perform the counseling and testing. Multiple areas of the brain degenerate, mainly involving the neurotransmitters dopamine, glutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid. Although pharmacotherapies theoretically target these neurotransmitters, few well-conducted trials for symptomatic interventions have yielded positive results and current treatments have focused on the motor aspects of HD. Tetrabenazine is a dopamine-depleting agent that may be one of the more effective agents for reducing chorea, although it has a risk of potentially serious adverse effects. Some newer neuroleptic agents, such as olanzapine and aripiprazole, may have adequate efficacy with a more favorable adverse effect profile than older neuroleptic agents for treating chorea and psychosis. There are no current treatments to change the course of HD, but education and symptomatic therapies can be effective tools for clinicians to use with patients and families affected by HD.
Paraprofessionals Providing Behavioural Techniques to Families of Disadvantaged Toddlers.

1We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Debby Dick, Pat Pollard and Vicky Weisz for contributing to the development of measures and for collecting data. The authors also sincerely appreciate the aid offered by the staff at Westside Health Services, particularly James Morrice.
Knockdown of NBCe1 in vivo compromises the corneal endothelial pump.

Purpose. To evaluate the role of the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1) as a component of the corneal endothelial pump in the in vivo rabbit eye.
Ectomycorrhizal inoculation of Douglas-fir transplanted container seedlings with commercially produced inoculum

Commercially produced vegetative inocula of Laccaria laccata and Hebeloma crustuliniforme successfully formed ectomycorrhizae with Douglas-fir transplanted container (plug+1) seedlings. After 4.5 months in containers, 83% and 90%, respectively, of short roots were mycorrhizal. L. laccata- or H. crustuliniforme-inoculated seedlings had significantly more mycorrhizal and total short roots than Pisolithus tinctorius-inoculated (4% mycorrhizal root tips) or uninoculated control seedlings. No significant differences were detected in seedling growth at the end of the container phase. After transplantation and growth in nursery beds for 17 months, mean new short root colonization of all seedlings was 80%. H. crustuliniforme persisted as a dominant mycorrhizal fungus on seedlings initially inoculated with this fungus. L. laccata-inoculated seedlings had 40% of their short roots colonized by L. laccata and another 40% by native fungi Rhizopogon and Thelephora spp. All mycorrhizae of control seedlings and those inoculated with P. tinctorius were formed by fungi native to the nusery beds. A significant fungal treatment effect was detected for shoot height only. Control seedlings were significantly taller than L. laccata-inoculated seedlings after transplanting.
Pregnancy and addiction A comprehensive care model

The problem of substance abuse in pregnancy is a major public health dilemma. Effective comprehensive care of drug addicted women has been shown to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. The Center for Addiction and Pregnancy (CAP) combines the disciplines of pediatrics, substance abuse treatment, obstetrics/gynecology, and family planning in an effort to reduce the barriers to care often presenting in this subpopulation. For the first 100 CAP births, 82% were delivered vaginally, with a mean gestational age of 38 weeks. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission rate was 10%, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development performed at 6 and 12 months revealed mean developmental indices within the normal range. In a comparison study, a group of CAP participants had nearly $5,000 savings in costs when compared to a matched cohort. The CAP model of care appears to be an effective mode of treatment for substance abusing pregnant women.
A study of the influence of predeformations on the vibrations of blades

Abstract The influence of flapwise predeformations on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of rotating and non-rotating blades is studied, by using a new method presented recently by the authors. This method combines a principal curvature transformation, a velocity component transformation and the generalized co-ordinates approach. In the present paper it is used to analyze the small free vibrations of a blade superimposed on predeformations of finite magnitude. The influence of such parameters as the magnitude and shape of the predeformation, the presence of a root torsional spring representing control system flexibility and changes in structural properties are addressed and discussed. It appears that the influence of predeformations on the free vibrations of blades may be more difficult to anticipate than appears at first glance. The influence is sensitive to various parameters and, therefore, use of detailed numerical calculations will often be required to predict these influences correctly. Blades with predeformations will generally have substantial coupling among out-of-plane and in-plane bending and torsion. It is shown that use of mode identification criteria, such as the strain energy criterion, can be misleading for rotating, predeformed blades.
Structural and electronic instabilities in AgMo6Se8

Abstract The structural parameters, superconducting critical temperatures, and magnetic susceptibilities of the solid solution AgMo 6 S 8− x Se x are reported. The behavior of the physical properties across the solid solution are similar to those observed for other ternary molybdenum chalcogenide solid solutions, except for the end member, AgMo 6 Se 8 , which has an anomalously low superconducting critical temperature relative to those observed in the solid solution. A discontinuity in the magnetic susceptibility of AgMo 6 Se 8 was observed at 110 K. The decrease in the Pauli susceptibility at this temperature reflects a reduction in the density of states at the Fermi level which leads to the low T c observed for this compound. Since structural distortions are a likely cause of such anomalies, the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters of this material was investigated. A discontinuity in thermal expansion was discovered at the same temperature observed for the discontinuity in the magnetic susceptibility. This suggests that a structural distortion may be responsible for the decrease in the density of states, although our X-ray study did not show any splitting of the Bragg reflections. The presence of a structural distortion, however, also affords an explanation for the positive pressure dependence of the superconducting critical temperature of this material previously reported. The application of pressure will stabilize the high-temperature structure, thereby increasing the density of states. The increased density of states results in an increased superconducting critical temperature.
A 160 mV Robust Schmitt Trigger Based Subthreshold SRAM

We propose a novel Schmitt trigger (ST) based differential 10-transistor SRAM (static random access memory) bitcell suitable for subthreshold operation. The proposed Schmitt trigger based bitcell achieves 1.56 x higher read static noise margin (SNM) ( Vdd = 400 mV) compared to the conventional 6T cell. The robust Schmitt trigger based memory cell exhibits built-in process variation tolerance that gives tight SNM distribution across the process corners. It utilizes differential operation and hence does not require any architectural changes from the present 6T architecture. At iso-area and iso-read-failure probability the proposed memory bitcell operates at a lower (175 mV) Vdd with 18% reduction in leakage and 50% reduction in read/write power compared to the conventional 6T cell. Simulation results show that the proposed memory bitcell retains data at a supply voltage of 150 mV. Functional SRAM with the proposed memory bitcell is demonstrated at 160 mV in 0.13 mum CMOS technology.
State-sponsored development, oil and democratization

This study seeks to examine the relationship between natural resource revenues, most notably oil-generated wealth, and democratization. I show that the prevalent theoretical framework fails to explain the variation in rentier states' level of democracy. The empirical evidence from the fixed-effects regression models for the 1972–1999 period poses a challenge to the currently prevalent ‘resource curse’ hypothesis and suggests the possibility of a positive relationship between oil wealth and democratization.