cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strong stability of compact discrete boundary value problems via exact discretizations

This paper is concerned with strong stability inequalities (with respect to discrete and continuous Sobolev norms) for general linear mth order two-point boundary value problems and their discretizations by compact finite-difference schemes. The well-known stability of compact, consistent approximations on irregular grids is demonstrated here by a direct connection with the strong stability inequality of the continuous problem. The connection is made by means of exact discretizations, which are compact schemes that are exactly satisfied by the true solution of the original problem. The analysis involves certain generalized splines related to the Green’s function for the problem.
Sexual behaviour and risk reduction strategies among a multinational sample of women who have sex with women.

Objectives The development of safer sex recommendations for women who have sex with women (WSW) remains challenging given a limited understanding of sexual behaviour between women. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the sexual repertoires of WSW and the safer sex methods they use to reduce the likelihood of sexually transmitted infection acquisition. Methods An online survey targeted towards women with desire, attraction or previous sexual behaviour with women was distributed globally. Women (N=3116) who engaged in at least one sexual act with a woman in the previous year and were currently living in the USA, UK, Canada or Australia were included in the present study. Questions were based upon previously validated items in nationally representative studies. Results Participants indicated a wide diversity of sexual behaviours with the majority of women reporting a history of genital rubbing (99.8%), vaginal fingering (99.2%), genital scissoring (90.8%), cunnilingus (98.8%) and vibrator use (74.1%). Barrier use was reported by a minority ( Conclusions The variety of sexual acts reported by the sample points to the need for the development of more contextually appropriate sexual health guidelines for WSW.
Effect of enhanced seat belt reminders on driver fatality risk.

Abstract Objective Enhanced seat belt reminders in automobiles have been shown to increase belt use rates by approximately 3 percentage points. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of enhanced seat belt reminders on driver fatality risk. Method Data included all passenger vehicle driver deaths and vehicle registration counts in the United States for calendar years 2000-2007. Driver fatality rates per vehicle registration per year were compared for otherwise identical vehicle models with and without enhanced seat belt reminders. Results Driver fatality rates were 6% lower for vehicles with enhanced seat belt reminders compared with vehicles without enhanced belt reminders. After adjusting for vehicle age differences, the estimated effect of enhanced belt reminders on driver fatality risk ranged from a 9% reduction for General Motors vehicles to a 2% increase for Honda vehicles. Combining all manufacturers, enhanced belt reminders reduced fatality risk by approximately 2%. Although not statistically significant, the 2% reduction in fatality risk agrees with what should be expected from a 3 percentage point increase in seat belt use rates. Conclusions Enhanced seat belt reminders have raised driver belt use rates and reduced fatality rates, but more aggressive systems may be needed for some drivers. It can be inferred that nonfatal injury rates also have been reduced. Impact on Industry Manufacturers should be encouraged to put enhanced seat belt reminders on all vehicles as soon as possible.
Melanopsin, the photopigment of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells

Melanopsin (gene symbol: Opn4) is the G protein-coupled photopigment that confers photosensitivity upon intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). ipRGCs are the third class of retinal photoreceptor in mammals, complementing the two previously identified classes, the rods and cones. This novel class, however, differs from rods and cones in many significant ways. First, ipRGCs are more similar morphologically to other retinal ganglion cell classes than to other retinal photoreceptors, i.e., rods and cones. Instead of having photopigment concentrated in a specialized light-absorbing cellular domain such as the outer segment, ipRGCs have photopigment distributed throughout the plasma membrane of the cell. Second, the phototransduction cascade of ipRGCs more closely resembles that of the rhabdomeric photoreceptors that are typically found in the invertebrates rather than that of ciliary photoreceptors typical of vertebrate visual systems. Accordingly, like the rhabdomeric photoreceptors of invertebrates, ipRGCs depolarize in response to illumination while rods and cones hyperpolarize. Third, in addition to their inherent light sensitivity, ipRGCs also function as a conduit for information that originates in the rods and cones and is conveyed to the brain for the purposes of generating non-visual light responses. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:228–237. doi: 10.1002/wmts.29 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Failure of rats to escape from a potentially lethal microwave field

Ocularly pigmented rats, all mature females of the Long-Evans strain, were repeatedly presented an opportunity to escape from an intense 918-MHz field (whole-body dose rate = 60 mW/g) to a field of lower intensity (40, 30, 20, or 2 mW/g) by performing a simple locomotor response. Other rats could escape 800-microamperemeter faradic shock to the feet and tail by performing the same response in the same milieu, a multimode cavity. None of 20 irradiated rats learned to associate entry into a visually well-demarcated area of the cavity with immediate reduction of dose rate, in spite of field-induced elevations of body temperature to levels that exceeded 41 degrees C and would have been lethal but for a limit on durations of irradiation. In contrast, all of ten rats motivated by faradic shock rapidly learned to escape. The failure of escape learning by irradiated animals probably arose from deficiencies of motivation and, especially, sensory feedback. Whole-body hyperthermia induced by a multipath field may lack the painful or directional sensory properties that optimally promote the motive to escape. Moreover, a decline of body temperature after an escape-response-contingent reduction of field strength will be relatively slow because of the large thermal time constants of mammalian tissues. Without timely sensory feedback, which is an essential element of negative reinforcement, stimulus-response associability would be imparied, which could retard or preclude learning of an escape response.
High dose Ara-C related leukoencephalopathy

Two patients with acute myelomonocytic leukemia in central nervous system relapse developed clinical signs and computerized tomographic evidence of leukoencephalopathy five to seven days after intravenous high dose Ara-C therapy. The first patient had received 30 gm of intravenous Ara-C with cranial irradiation (1680 rad in 2 fractions) and intrathecal Ara-C (100 mg × twice) for an intracerebral chloroma and leptomeningeal leukemia. In this patient the leukoencephalopathy was probably a result of a synergistic effect of the concomitant triple therapy. The second patient had received intrathecal administration of Ara-C and methotrexate for five and one-half months prior to intravenous Ara-C therapy. He developed altered mental status after 24 gm of intravenous Ara-C infusion. CT scan showed changes in the white matter compatible with leukoencephalopathy. In this patient the intravenous Ara-C probably was the precipitating factor of the development of leukoencephalopathy. The possible mechanism of the Ara-C induced leukoencephalopathy is discussed.
Mesp1 patterns mesoderm into cardiac, hematopoietic, or skeletal myogenic progenitors in a context-dependent manner

Mesp1 is regarded as the master regulator of cardiovascular development, initiating the cardiac transcription factor cascade to direct the generation of cardiac mesoderm. To define the early embryonic cell population that responds to Mesp1, we performed pulse inductions of gene expression over tight temporal windows following embryonic stem cell differentiation. Remarkably, instead of promoting cardiac differentiation in the initial wave of mesoderm, Mesp1 binds to the Tal1 (Scl) +40 kb enhancer and generates Flk-1+ precursors expressing Etv2 (ER71) and Tal1 that undergo hematopoietic differentiation. The second wave of mesoderm responds to Mesp1 by differentiating into PDGFRα+ precursors that undergo cardiac differentiation. Furthermore, in the absence of serum-derived factors, Mesp1 promotes skeletal myogenic differentiation. Lineage tracing revealed that the majority of yolk sac and many adult hematopoietic cells derive from Mesp1+ precursors. Thus, Mesp1 is a context-dependent determination factor, integrating the stage of differentiation and the signaling environment to specify different lineage outcomes.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy on the Gaseous Electronics Conference RF Reference Cell

A summary of the experimental observations of the optical emission from the Gaseous Electronics Conference (GEC) rf Reference Cell plasma will be discussed. Spatially and temporally resolved results are provided for various reference and non-reference conditions, including etching type plasmas. These measurements provide a detailed description of the temporal evolution of optical emission from different excited atomic states within different atomic and ionic species, as well as their radial and axial distributions. Some of the measurements have been placed on a absolute radiometric scale to provide comparisons to model calculations. Spectral line profile measurements are also presented to provide some insight into the multi-component particle velocities present in such plasmas.
Évidement cervical systématique dans les cancers épidermoïdes de la cavité orale

Resume Objectifs Evaluer le controle ganglionnaire par chirurgie initiale chez des patients porteurs de carcinomes epidermoides de la cavite buccale et quantifier la proportion de patients pour lesquels l'evidement ganglionnaire cervical n'a pas represente une reelle plus-value curative. Discuter l'utilite de la recherche du ganglion sentinelle pour ce groupe de patient. Methode Analyse retrospective des patients porteurs de cancers epidermoides de la cavite buccale ayant fait l'objet d'un evidement ganglionnaire systematique. Resultats Trente-neuf dossiers ont ete exploites. Tous stades T confondus, nous avons retrouve 45 % de patients pN0 (dont la moitie environ etait classee pT4). Avec un recul moyen de 19 mois, nous n'avons note aucune situation de recidive ganglionnaire apres evidement systematique. Cinq patients (13,5 %) sont decedes avec un controle ganglionnaire obtenu. Conclusion L'evidement systematique reste le moyen le plus efficace pour obtenir le controle ganglionnaire des cancers epidermoides de la cavite buccale. Il a toutefois ete applique sans plus-value therapeutique pour 45 % des patients de cette serie. La validation de la technique du ganglion sentinelle en tant que methode de depistage du statut ganglionnaire histopathologique devrait permettre d'eviter ce geste chirurgical dans plus d'un tiers des cas.
Are aromatic residues essential at the “active sites” of peptide hormones?

Abstract We have carried out a detailed analysis of the region of the hormone, which can be called an “active site”, that is essential for receptor binding and/or agonist activity, on the basis of structure-activity data of peptide hormones published in the literature. We find that one or more aromatic residues, often in a cluster, is present at the active sites of insulin, glucagon, adrenocorticotropin, gastrin, endorphins and angiotensin. Recognition of the functional importance of aromatic residues, combined with sequence comparisons and secondary structural predictions, enable us to identif active sites of nerve growth factor, somatostatin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone. Aromatic residues also appear to be essential for the function of nonpeptide hormones that act at the plasma membrane, and opiates. The apparently ubiquitous presence of aromatic groups at the active site of peptide hormones may facilitate understanding of the mechanism of action of hormones and provide insights into the design of hormone analogues.
Coordinated, High-Resolution Studies of Hydrated Sediments

Abstract : The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has been conducting coordinated investigations of marine gas hydrates based on precise co-location of both direct sediment cores and data from a deep-tow multichannel seismic system. The seismic instrument (known as the Deep Towed Acoustics/Geophysics System (DTAGS)) was developed by NRL to support detailed studies of deep-ocean marine sediments by towing both the seismic source (220Hz - 1kHz, 200 dB //1 square Pa @ 1m ) and 48 channel hydrophone array 300 m above the seafloor in up to 6km deep water. This instrument has proven to ideal for studies of marine gas hydrates. Data from this system have been used to study the impact of hydrate dissociation on sediment properties on and near the Blake Ridge and on the Cascadia Margin. Investigations in the Gulf of Mexico are schedules for Spring 2005. Using bottom mounted acoustic transponders for long baseline (LBL) navigation, we have been able to co-locate the deep-tow seismic data with sediment cores, water samples, etc. to constrain models for processes that create and dissociate marine gas hydrates in much greater detail than previously possible. We show relationships between geologic features resolved with the seismic data and geochemical evidence for variability in methane flux through the seafloor. We also present preliminary results from lattice-gas numerical simulations of gas-fluid flow through complex sediments where parameters are predicated on results obtained with DTAGS and associated geochemical samples.
Improved phase demodulation for grain orientation measurement

The method of phase demodulation for wood grain orientation measurement has been improved by employing a laser sampling system instead of a laser scanning system and using an edge detection algorithm rather than an intensity detection algorithm. The laser sampling system is able to determine the average grain angle and estimate the wood defect distribution much faster and more accurate than the laser scanning system. The edge detection algorithm is able to transform not only an oriented laser pattern but also an oriented wood texture into a periodic histogram. For the hardwoods with weak tracheid effect but the texture direction indicative of the grain orientation, the orientation measurement of laser pattern can be replaced by the orientation measurement of wood texture.
Waterborne rotavirus: A risk assessment

A risk assessment approach was used to estimate the public health impacts from exposure to human rotavirus in drinking and recreational waters. Rotavirus is the major cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide and several waterborne outbreaks have been documented. This results in a significant economic impact on society in terms of direct medical costs, loss of work, quality of life and mortality. The virus is common in domestic wastewater and polluted surface waters. Dose-response data in human adult volunteers indicate that it is the most infective of all the enteric viruses, and this was used to develop a microbial risk assessment model to estimate daily and yearly risks of infection, morbidity and mortality for exposure via drinking and recreational waters using existing information on the occurrence of rotavirus. The disease is most severe for the very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Case fatality rates in the United States are 0.01% in the general population, 1% in the elderly, and up to 50% in the immunocompromised. Analysis indicates that significant risks of disease (5 × 10−1−2.45 × 10−3) could result for drinking and recreational waters in which rotavirus has been detected. The major limitation in assessing the risks of waterborne rotaviral infections at present is the lack of data on its occurrence in water and the potential for human exposure.
Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Growth of Mouse Neuroblastoma Cells

Abstract Epitopes of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) receptor have been shown in developing dorsal root ganglia in fetal mice, as well as in cells maintained in culture [Johnson, J.A., Grande, J.P., Windebank, A.J. and Kumar, R., 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 receptors in developing dorsal root ganglia of fetal rats, Dev. Brain Res ., 92 (1996) 120–124]. To investigate a possible role for 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in neural cell growth and development, a murine neuroblastoma cell line that expresses 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 receptors, was treated with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Treatment with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation, a change in cell morphology, and the expression of protein markers of mature neuronal cells. The decrease in cell proliferation was accompanied by an increase in the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF). Anti-NGF monoclonal antibody added to the growth medium blocked the decrease in cell proliferation caused by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment. Our results show that the sterol hormone 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , causes a decrease in the proliferation of mouse neuroblastoma cells through alterations in the expression of NGF.
The effect of age on postural and cognitive task performance while using vibrotactile feedback

Vibrotactile feedback (VTF) has been shown to improve balance performance in healthy people and people with vestibular disorders in a single-task experimental condition. It is unclear how age-related changes in balance affect the ability to use VTF and if there are different attentional requirements for old and young adults when using VTF. Twenty younger and 20 older subjects participated in this two-visit study to examine the effect of age, VTF, sensory condition, cognitive task, duration of time, and visit on postural and cognitive performance. Postural performance outcome measures included root mean square of center of pressure (COP) and trunk tilt, and cognitive performance was assessed using the reaction time (RT) from an auditory choice RT task. The results showed that compared with younger adults, older adults had an increase in COP in fixed platform conditions when using VTF, although they were able to reduce COP during sway-referenced platform conditions. Older adults also did not benefit fully from using VTF in their first session. The RTs for the secondary cognitive tasks increased significantly while using the VTF in both younger and older adults. Older adults had a larger increase compared with younger adults, suggesting that greater attentional demands were required in older adults when using VTF information. Future training protocols for VTF should take into consideration the effect of aging.
Too Good to be True? The Variable and Contingent Benefits of Displacement and Relocation among Low-Income Public Housing Residents

The forced displacement and relocation of low-income residents resulting from public housing redevelopment has attracted a great deal of research attention. Tracking studies of HOPE VI and similar redevelopment efforts in the US have depicted a record of mixed and inconsistent benefits for the families displaced. Detailed case studies of individual families are used to illustrate the variable and contingent nature of the impacts of displacement and relocation away from public housing. The cases presented here provide examples of how the experience of displaced families can change, sometimes dramatically, over time and how this affects their own assessments of the experience. Residents' perception of relocation is strongly influenced by their overall view of neighborhood restructuring, regardless of whether they themselves directly benefit. The findings suggest that qualitative and or ethnographic research into the experiences of displaced public housing residents can be useful in understanding how relocat...
Considering Surface Roughness Effects in a Triangular Pore Space Model for Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity

Quantifying the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a porous medium has been a great interest in the fields of hydrology, environmental engineering, and petroleum engineering. Previous research has shown that rough surfaces enhance liquid retention and conductance of flow in the form of liquid film. We present a pore-scale-based water retention and hydraulic conductivity model considering surface roughness effects. In the proposed model, a porous medium is simplified as a bundle of statistically distributed capillaries with triangular cross-sections. Surface roughness effects are characterized by a roughness factor, which accounts for increased film thickness under relatively wet conditions due to capillary effects and increased film area under relatively dry conditions. The model significantly improved the prediction of hydraulic conductivity across the entire range of matric potentials for the illustrative soils compared with the van Genuchten–Mualem model (VGM), while maintaining the same number of adjustable parameters. The improved performance of the proposed model demonstrates the advantage of incorporating surface roughness in the pore-scale-based models. Furthermore, sandy soils and loams showed distinct roughness factors and pore-size distribution functions. Sandy soils tended to have smaller roughness factors and greater mean pore sizes than loams.
Dexamethasone downregulates vitamin D receptors in rat kidney, unmasking a high affinity binding site.

Abstract Dexamethasone exerted tissue-specific effects on rat vitamin D receptor levels: upregulation of receptors in intestine, downregulation in kidney, and no effect on receptors in testis, heart, and lung. Scatchard analysis showed selective downregulation of the low affinity receptor site (Kd=0.9 nM) in kidney, thus unmasking a high affinity binding site (Kd=0.05 nM). The single low affinity site in intestine (Kd=0.3-0.7 nM) was upregulated, while the single high affinity site in testis (Kd = 0.07-0.09 nM) was not changed. These results demonstrate the existence of two types of nuclear binding sites in rat kidney and establish that there are similarities between the high affinity binding site in the rat kidney and the single high affinity receptor site in the testis.
Fast real-time convolution algorithm for transients of nonlinearly-terminated microwave multiport circuits

In this work, a fast real-time convolution algorithm is proposed. By using this approach, the cost for real-time convolution in the presence of nonlinear terminations is reduced from O(N2) to O(N log2N). It is important to reduce the cost for the convolution operation because it usually dominates the computation time in a nonlinear circuit simulation. A nonlinearly-terminated microwave 3-port circuit, characterized by S parameters, is employed to demonstrate the efficiency of this fast algorithm. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 280–282, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11190
Bäcklund Transformation for the Ernst Equation of General Relativity.

A B\"acklund transformation for the Ernst equation arising in general relativity in connection with several physical problems is derived, using the pseudopotential method of Wahlquist and Estabrook. A prolongation structure is also constructed, using a method of writing the equations in terms of differential forms, and an equation in the spirit of Lax is constructed, somewhat different from that given by Maison. Possible uses of the B\"acklund transformation to generate new solutions are mentioned.
Multinational Enterprises and the Geographical Clustering of Innovation

Research on the geographic clustering of economic activity dates back to the early twentieth century. It is recognized that in spite of advances in transportation and communications, clustering remains most critical, and is consequently prevalent, in knowledge-intensive fields. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) that increasingly base their value creation and competitive advantage on knowledge-intensive activities are key participants in clusters, affecting both the nature and intertemporal evolution of local innovative activities. However, the role of MNEs in clusters remains under-researched. This paper traces the origins of research on geographic clusters, identifies the seminal contributions focusing on the role of MNEs, discusses potential problems inherent to this area of inquiry and develops an organizing framework for new research.
Applications of a feather-weight virtual machine

A Feather-weight Virtual Machine (FVM) is an OS-level virtualization technology that enables multiple isolated execution environments to exist on a single Windows kernel. The key design goal of FVM is efficient resource sharing among VMs so as to minimize VM startup/shutdown cost and scale to a larger number of concurrent VM instances. As a result, FVM provides an effective platform for fault-tolerant and intrusion-tolerant applications that require frequent invocation and termination of dispensable VMs. This paper presents three complete applications of the FVM technology: scalable web site testing; shared binary service for application deployment and distributed Display-Only File Server (DOFS). To identify malicious web sites that exploit browser vulnerabilities, we use a web crawler to access untrusted sites, render their pages in multiple browsers each running in a separate VM, and monitor their execution behaviors. To allow Windows-based end user machines to share binaries that are stored, managed and patched on a central location, we run shared binaries in a special VM on the end user machine whose runtime environment is imported from the central binary server. To protect confidential files in a file server against information theft by insiders, we ensure that file viewing/editing programs run in a VM, which grants file content display but prevents file content from being saved on the host machine. In this paper, we show how to customize the generic FVM framework to accommodate the needs of the three applications, and present experimental results that demonstrate their performance and effectiveness.
On the weak convergence of Wright-Fisher model

Abstract We prove that the sequence of stochastic processes obtained from Wright-Fisher models by transforming the time scales and state spaces in the usual way converges weakly to a diffusion process on the time interval [0,∞). Convergence of fixation probabilities and fixation time distributions are obtained as corollaries. These results extend a theorem of Watterson, who proved convergence in distribution to a diffusion at any given single time point for these processes.
Agile Disk Replacement Strategy for Data Cloud Environment Using Evolutionary Algorithms

Information Technology has become a key differentiator for companies and plays an increasingly critical role within corporations at the same time it commands significant resources and growing respect. Across different types and size of business, the overall dependency on technology is rising. Moreover, due to recent economic turbulence IT spending has come under scrutiny and enterprises are more prudent than before to cut costs. Consequently the cut downs are not only related to macroeconomic parameters, but they influence routine activities like maintenance and hardware replacement in a more direct way. This feature is undesirable for the system administrator/investor but it is also unavoidable. The best that one can do is to try to reduce this uncertainty. Disk failure Prediction (or Forecasting) is one of the instruments in this process. However they are not pragmatic to satiate the needs of today’s enterprise. Given the fundamental financial and price information of power consumption by a particular disk along with its shelf life, we attempt to use Genetic Algorithm to identify disks which if replaced are likely to outperform and at the same time ensuring savings
Patterns of solid–fluid phase equilibria: new possibilities?

Abstract Thermodynamic phase space patterns of solid–liquid–vapor (slg) behavior in binary systems are reviewed. The van der Waals equation of state is used in combination with a common mathematical artifice for the solid–phase fugacity function to map out the slg loci for a model binary homologous series of solvent+solute mixtures as a function of the solute characterization. The computational results suggest the possible existence of a richer thermodynamic phase space topography than previously envisioned.
Wavelength-dependent hot electron relaxation in PVP capped CdS/HgS/CdS quantum dot quantum well nanocrystals

Subpicosecond pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy has been used to examine the probe wavelength-dependent kinetics of PVP capped CdS/HgS/CdS quantum dot quantum well nanoparticles. Using 398- and 520-nm excitations, the relaxation of the excited hot electrons above the band gap state is characterized by both rapid electronic nonradiative relaxation and slower thermal relaxation processes. The wavelength dependence of both the fast rise and fast decay of the transient bleach is discussed in terms of electronic relaxation processes involving mixed CdS/HgS states at short probe wavelengths or pure HgS states at long probe wavelengths. The slow decay of the transient bleach is discussed in terms of a thermal relaxation process leading to the dissipation of heat from the hot nanoparticle lattice to the surrounding medium.
Lack of effective T-lymphocyte response to the PAX3/FKHR translocation area in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

Purpose: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) frequently contains the fusion transcription factor PAX3/FKHR. Therefore, clinical studies have been initiated to utilize the PAX3/FKHR translocation point area as a peptide vaccine against ARMS. Our study was directed at identifying antigenic T-lymphocyte epitopes at the PAX3/FKHR translocation point area. Experimental design: The peptide sequence surrounding the PAX3/FKHR translocation point was evaluated by MHC binding algorithms for potential T-lymphocyte antigenic epitopes (class I molecules HLA-A1, -A2 and -A3; class II molecules HLA-DR1, -DR4 and -DR7). Using in vitro techniques, dendritic cells loaded with PAX3/FKHR peptides were used to stimulate naive T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocyte activity was then evaluated by 51Cr release and 3H-thymidine uptake assays. Results: Only one HLA-A3-restricted epitope was predicted by the algorithms. The peptide was prepared and tested for its ability to stimulate naive cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). Unfortunately, the peptide was unsuccessful at stimulating naive CTL. However, induction of naive helper T-lymphocytes (HTL) to recognize and respond to the PAX3/FKHR translocation peptide was successful. Yet, this HTL peptide activity did not translate into recognition of PAX3/FKHR-containing ARMS tumor cells. Conclusions: It appears that the fusion area of PAX3/FKHR may not be a good source of antigenic anti-tumor peptide epitopes. These results raise serious concerns about the success and applicability of future peptide-based vaccine immunotherapy directed at the PAX3/FKHR translocation point.
Possibility of room temperature intra-band lasing in quantum dot structures placed in high-photon density cavities

We study the possibility of room temperature intraband lasing in quantum dots placed in high-photon density cavities. In general, if intra-band population inversion is to created in a quantum well by carrier injection at the barrier energy, it is necessary that the electron intra-band energy relaxation times are long. Additionally the bandedge electron-hole recombination times should be short. The use of sub-two-dimensional structures (quantum dots) allows us to increase the intra-band energy relaxation time from about a picosecond for bulk or quasi-two-dimensional systems to several hundred picoseconds at room temperatures. Also, by placing these structures in a high coherent photon density optical cavity, it is possible to decrease the bandedge electron-hole recombination times through stimulated emission. Our studies show that strong population inversion is possible at room temperature in such systems. Gain versus injection curves are also calculated.
Expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of the BRCT domain of human DNA ligase IIIα

The C-terminal regions of several DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint proteins are homologous to the breast-cancer-associated BRCA-1 protein C-terminal region. These regions, known as BRCT domains, have been found to mediate important protein-protein interactions. We produced the BRCT domain of DNA ligase IIIalpha (L3[86]) for biophysical and structural characterization. A glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion with the L3[86] domain (residues 837-922 of ligase IIIalpha) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by glutathione affinity chromatography. The GST fusion protein was removed by thrombin digestion and further purification steps. Using this method, (15)N-labeled and (13)C/(15)N-double-labeled L3[86] proteins were prepared to enable a full determination of structure and dynamics using heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. To obtain evidence of binding activity to the distal BRCT of the repair protein XRCC1 (X1BRCTb), as well as to provide insight into the interaction between these two BRCT binding partners, the corresponding BRCT heterocomplexes were also prepared and studied. Changes in the secondary structures (amount of helix and sheet components) of the two constituents were not observed upon complex formation. However, the melting temperature of the complex was significantly higher relative to the values obtained for the L3[86] or X1BRCTb proteins alone. This increased thermostability imparted by the interaction between the two BRCT domains may explain why cells require XRCC1 to maintain ligase IIIalpha activity.
Probing the iron pool. Focus on "Detection of intracellular iron by its regulatory effect".

ALL MAMMALIAN CELLS BENEFIT from a healthy dose of iron. In addition to its prominent role as the oxygen-carrying moiety in hemoglobin, iron is a cofactor for cytochromes and a variety of enzymes. During the past decade, a great deal has been learned about cellular iron transport and its regulation (1), but the understanding of iron balance within cells remains limited. Li et al. (Ref. 3; see p. C1547 in this issue) report the development of very useful probes with which to study intracellular iron content. Free iron is dangerous, because it catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species. For that reason, most biological iron is bound to proteins (e.g., transferrin, ferritin) to keep it from causing trouble. However, a very small amount of iron appears to be, at least functionally, free within the cytoplasm. This labile iron pool represents 5% of the total cellular iron. It is chelatable, composed of both Fe 2 and Fe 3 , and associated with a variety of small molecules, including organic anions, polypeptides, and phospholipids (reviewed in Ref. 2). It is a dynamic compartment that can change rapidly and must be
The Art of Rhetoric at the Amphiareion of Oropos: A Study of Epigraphical Evidence as Written Communication.

Although the Amphiareion of Oropos is virtually unmentioned by ancient authors, epigraphical evidence reveals that for centuries this sanctuary was a frequent site of rhetorical and literary contests as well as a repository of written communication on these events. Based upon field work in Greece and archaeological reports, inscriptions are examined with other archaeological evidence to reconstruct the nature and duration of these events. This study illustrates that even a relatively small site can yield findings of major importance for the history of rhetoric and emphasizes that scholars should engage in such primary research.
The Benefits and Risks of Mandating Network Neutrality, and the Quest for a Balanced Policy

A fundamental issue in the network neutrality debate is the extent to which network operators should be allowed to discriminate among Internet packet streams to selectively block, adjust quality of service, or adjust prices. This paper first reviews technology now available for traffic discrimination. It then shows how network operators can use this technology in ways that would make the Internet less valuable to Internet users, and why a network operator would have financial incentive to do this if and only if it has sufficient market power. A particular concern is that network operators could use discrimination to extract oligopoly rents from upstream markets that are highly competitive. This paper also shows how network operators can use the very same technology to discriminate in ways that benefit Internet users, as well as the network operator. Thus, network neutrality supporters are right to fear unlimited discrimination in some cases, while network neutrality opponents are right to fear a policy that imposes strict limits on discrimination. From this, we argue that the network neutrality debate should be refocused on the search for a balanced policy , which is a policy that limits the more harmful discriminatory practices in markets where there is insufficient competition, with little interference to beneficial discrimination or innovation. We apply this balanced policy in a few controversial scenarios as examples. There has been too little attention on the possibility of a nuanced balanced policy, in part because the network neutrality debate is focusing on the wrong issues. This paper argues that the debate should shift towards the complex details of differentiating harmful discrimination from beneficial discrimination, and away from high-level secondary questions like whether discrimination is inherently just, who ought to pay for certain Internet services, how important general design principles are, what abstract rights and freedoms consumers and carriers deserve, or whether network operators can give their affiliates special treatment. Reality is more complex than these questions would imply, and none of them will serve as a basis for a sufficiently specific and effective policy.
Attentional and Interpersonal Characteristics of Restaurant General Managers in Comparison With Other Groups of Interest

To identify leadership qualities needed in hospitality management, the Test of Attentional & Interpersonal Style (TAIS) was administered to restaurant general managers (GMs). The TAIS has previously identified high performers among Olympic athletes, and business and sales professionals.The GMs rated themselves above average in their ability to concentrate in a busy environment, to compete, and to interact socially. They compared favorably to top performers in sales and business and were much more impressive on almost all dimensions than college students generally. They were similar to but far more disciplined than hospitality students. Implications for selection and training are discussed.
Adult Stakeholder Perspectives on Social Issues in Theatre for Young Audiences

Producers of theatre for young audiences (TYA) often face the question, “Is this appropriate for children?” when reviewing potentially controversial plays for production. The “this” under consideration can be any topic: bullying, racism, sexual assault, gang violence, or profanity. This study presents the results of a survey of more than 300 adult stakeholders in TYA designed to ascertain what motivates them to produce, fund, or bring young people to particular theatre productions. Participants included TYA professionals (artistic and managing directors, actors, playwrights, and educational staff), school teachers who bring students to TYA productions, university faculty specializing in TYA, and funding agencies. Questions considered participants’ perspectives regarding the role of sometimes controversial social issues in TYA and the functions and responsibilities of different groups involved in TYA production, reception, and funding. In addition to sharing respondents’ views, this article contextualizes ...
Clostridium difficile at a community hospital in the Bronx, New York: Incidence prevalence and risk factors from 2006 to 2008

Background The rate of Clostridium difficile has increased over the last decade. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for infection at a 460-bed community hospital in the Bronx, New York. Method Retrospective study reviewing all patients with a positive stool test for C difficile toxin A/B from 2006 to 2008. Results Three hundred fifty-two stools were positive for toxin. Average age was 58 years; 4% of patients with stools positive for C difficile were asymptomatic; 7% had community-acquired infection; 57% of C difficile acquisition occurred in the hospital; and 36% were in patients who acquired C difficile from a health care facility prior to admission. The incidence of C difficile was 7.8 cases/10,000 days in 2006, 10.3 in 2007, and 9.7 in 2008. The prevalence was 6.2 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2006, 7.6 in 2007, and 7.0 in 2008. The increased prevalence was not uniform throughout the hospital. Conclusion At a community hospital in the Bronx, the incidence of C difficile increased but at a lower rate than previously reported. Prior health facility contact accounted for one third of these cases. Rooms with clusters of patients with C difficile suggest environmental propagation of infection.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and metabolism of acriflavine and proflavine in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

1. The disposition of proflavine (PRO) and acriflavine (ACR) were examined in channel catfish after intravascular (i.v.) dosing (1 mg/kg) or waterborne exposure (10 mg/l for 4 h). 2. After i.v. dosing, plasma concentration-time profiles of parent PRO and ACR were best described by two- and three-compartment pharmacokinetic models respectively. Terminal elimination half-lives of PRO and ACR in plasma were 8.7 and 11.4 h respectively. 3. In animals dosed with 14C-PRO or 14C-ACR, total drug equivalent concentrations were highest in the excretory organs and lowest in muscle, fat and plasma. In PRO-dosed animals, residues in the liver and trunk kidney were composed primarily of glucuronosyl and acetyl conjugates of PRO; residues in muscle were composed mostly (> 95%) of the parent drug. In ACR-dosed animals, the parent compound comprised > 90% of the total residues in all tissues examined. 4. PRO and ACR were poorly absorbed in catfish during waterborne exposure. At the end of a 4-h exposure, parent PRO and ACR concentrations in muscle were 0.064 and 0.020 microgram/g respectively. Levels in muscle declined below the limit of determination (0.005 microgram/g) within 1-2 weeks.
Iteration-complexity of first-order penalty methods for convex programming

This paper considers a special but broad class of convex programming problems whose feasible region is a simple compact convex set intersected with the inverse image of a closed convex cone under an affine transformation. It studies the computational complexity of quadratic penalty based methods for solving the above class of problems. An iteration of these methods, which is simply an iteration of Nesterov’s optimal method (or one of its variants) for approximately solving a smooth penalization subproblem, consists of one or two projections onto the simple convex set. Iteration-complexity bounds expressed in terms of the latter type of iterations are derived for two quadratic penalty based variants, namely: one which applies the quadratic penalty method directly to the original problem and another one which applies the latter method to a perturbation of the original problem obtained by adding a small quadratic term to its objective function.
Is It Safe and Effective to Lengthen a Chin With Interpositional Allogenic (Iliac) Graft

Purpose This is a retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients undergoing chin lengthening at the time of orthognathic surgery over a 3-year timeframe. Materials and Methods The genioplasty procedures studied included lengthening to the extent that an interpositional graft was deemed necessary (n = 19). Allogenic (iliac) corticocancellous bone was used in all cases. Each patient underwent lateral cephalometric radiography within 2 months before and 5 weeks after surgery. From the radiographs, quantitative measurements (millimeters) were made to document the vertical lengthening and horizontal advancement achieved. Chin region wound healing parameters were reviewed to document evidence of infection, sequestra, need for reoperation, and evidence of fibrous union. Inpatient hospital and outpatient office records were reviewed for any evidence of sepsis or viral transmission. Results The patients' mean age at operation was 35 years (range, 15 to 58 yr). Analysis of preoperative and 5-week postoperative radiographs documented a mean vertical lengthening of 7 mm (range, 4 to 10 mm). The mean horizontal advancement at the pogonion was confirmed to be 2 mm (range, 1 to 3 mm). None of the study patients sustained chin region infection graft sequestra, fibrous union, or need for reoperation. There were no cases of postoperative sepsis or viral illness to indicate systemic infectious sequelae. Conclusion The study confirms the safety of allogenic (iliac) corticocancellous grafting to fill interpositional defects associated with a transverse symphyseal lengthening osteotomy.
The Effect of Cultivation and Interferon Treatment on the Surface Morphology of Hairy Cell Leukemia Cells

AbstractThe ability of interferon to induce alterations in the surface morphology of malignant B cells from 4 patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) was investigated under scanning electron microscopy. Peripheral blood hair). cells showed the same surface features as those isolated from spleens involved with HCL, and constantly exhibited both ruffles and microvilli. Cultured hain, cells displayed extreme polarization of their surface microprojections, and very active surfaces with elongated microvilli and broad-based ruffles were evident. All 4 cases of HCL were treated with recombinant human leukocyte interferon in vitro, and one-third of the HCs from 3 cases displayed deformed surfaces with “bubbling” membrane and altered microprojections. Most of these IFN-treated hairy cells appeared to be larger in size compared to the untreated control cells, and frequently showed a villous bud-like formation at their extremity. The possibility that these unique surface alterations reflect IFN-induced changes in th...
p53 downregulates Down syndrome‐associated DYRK1A through miR‐1246

Several microRNAs mediate the functions of p53 family members. Here we characterize miR-1246 as a new target of this family. In response to DNA damage, p53 induces the expression of miR-1246 which, in turn, reduces the level of DYRK1A, a Down syndrome-associated protein kinase. Knockdown of p53 has the opposite effect. Overexpression of miR-1246 reduces DYRK1A levels and leads to the nuclear retention of NFATc1, a protein substrate of DYRK1A, and the induction of apoptosis, whereas a miR-1246-specific inhibitor prevented the nuclear import of NFATc1. Together, these results indicate that p53 inhibits DYRK1A expression through the induction of miR-1246.