cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-dimensional regression with noisy and missing data: Provable guarantees with non-convexity

Although the standard formulations of prediction problems involve fully-observed and noiseless data drawn in an i.i.d. manner, many applications involve noisy and/or missing data, possibly involving dependencies. We study these issues in the context of high-dimensional sparse linear regression, and propose novel estimators for the cases of noisy, missing, and/or dependent data. Many standard approaches to noisy or missing data, such as those using the EM algorithm, lead to optimization problems that are inherently non-convex, and it is difficult to establish theoretical guarantees on practical algorithms. While our approach also involves optimizing non-convex programs, we are able to both analyze the statistical error associated with any global optimum, and prove that a simple projected gradient descent algorithm will converge in polynomial time to a small neighborhood of the set of global minimizers. On the statistical side, we provide non-asymptotic bounds that hold with high probability for the cases of noisy, missing, and/or dependent data. On the computational side, we prove that under the same types of conditions required for statistical consistency, the projected gradient descent algorithm will converge at geometric rates to a near-global minimizer. We illustrate these theoretical predictions with simulations, showing agreement with the predicted scalings.
Intubation of a Patient with a Large Goiter: The Advantageous Role of Videolaryngoscopy

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has long been considered the gold standard for patients who present with a difficult airway. In the case presented, a patient has a large palpable goiter and requires intubation. After the unsuccessful attempt to intubate with the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy, the decision to switch to videolaryngoscopy afforded a positive result. We present this case to suggest that the utilization of videolaryngoscopy may be an alternative option for intubation when other methods have failed. It is imperative for anesthesiologists to understand the benefits that this modality may provide.
Human without Image: Deleuzian Critique beyond the Neighbourhood Effect

In this article, I draw resources from Deleuze's Difference and Repetition to develop an explanation and critique of invasive policing techniques on certain populations in the United States. First,...
Simulating algal dynamics within a Bayesian framework to evaluate controls on estuary productivity

Abstract The Neuse River Estuary (North Carolina, USA) is a valuable ecosystem that has been affected by the expansion of agricultural and urban watershed activities over the last several decades. Eutrophication, as a consequence of enhanced anthropogenic nutrient loadings, has promoted high phytoplankton biomass, hypoxia, and fish kills. This study compares and contrasts three models to better understand how nutrient loading and other environmental factors control phytoplankton biomass, as chl-a, over time. The first model is purely statistical, while the second model mechanistically simulates both chl-a and nitrogen dynamics, and the third additionally simulates phosphorus. The models are calibrated to a multi-decadal dataset (1997–2018) within a Bayesian framework, which systematically incorporates prior information and accounts for uncertainties. All three models explain over one third of log-transformed chl-a variability, with the mechanistic models additionally explaining the majority of the variability in bioavailable nutrients (R2 > 0.5). By disentangling the influences of riverine nutrient concentrations, flows, and loadings on estuary productivity we find that concentration reductions, rather than total loading reductions, are the key to controlling estuary chl-a levels. The third model indicates that the estuary, even in its upstream portion, is rarely phosphorus limited, and will continue to be mostly nitrogen limited even under a 30% phosphorus reduction scenario. This model also predicts that a 10% change in nitrogen loading (flow held constant) will produce an approximate 4.3% change in estuary chl-a concentration, while the statistical model suggests a larger (10%) effect. Overall, by including a more detailed representation of environmental factors controlling algal growth, the mechanistic models generate chl-a forecasts with less uncertainty across a range of nutrient loading scenarios. Methodologically, this study advances the use of Bayesian methods for modeling the eutrophication dynamics of an estuarine system over a multi-decadal period.
Lying is Not an Option for Clinical Ethics Consultants

How one reacts to lying depends on individual temperament, intellectual training and value commitments, freedom status, (which is related to), consideration of consequences, emotional resilience an...
Book Review: To Build a Free China

This is a review of a set of personal memoirs by Xu Zhiyong, one of China's most prominent rights lawyers.
Vertical Mergers and Input Foreclosure When Rivals Can Substitute Inputs: Safe Harbor for Low Share of Input Sales to Rivals?

A vertical merger between a firm and an input supplier to that firm can generate efficiencies by eliminating double marginalization or alleviating other contracting inefficiencies. However, when the supplier also sells to that firm’s rivals, a key antitrust concern is input foreclosure: the merged firm might raise prices of its input to rivals in order to increase its profit from output sales. A plausible intuition is that foreclosure risk is low when rivals can substitute (imperfectly) the merging supplier’s input with other inputs and the share of their total input costs accounted for by that input (“cost share”) is low. We show this intuition can fail. While a low cost share may reduce the merged firm’s ability to foreclose, it also magnifies the foreclosure incentive because the merged firm cannot extract much revenue from input sales to rivals and, hence, the cost of foreclosing rivals is low. We present a non-contrived analytic example where foreclosure occurs only if the merging supplier’s cost share is low rather than high. In a subset of foreclosure cases, consumers are harmed and in a smaller subset, total welfare—consumer welfare plus industry profits—also declines. By contrast, for intermediate or high cost shares, the merger increases total welfare and consumer welfare: the beneficial effect of eliminating double marginalization outweighs any harmful effect from raising rivals’ costs. In the example, therefore, a safe harbor for mergers where the merging supplier’s cost share is sufficiently low would work in the wrong direction: foreclosure concerns are strongest when this share is low.
Feasibility of singlicate-based analysis in bridging ADA assay on Meso-Scale Discovery platform: comparison with duplicate analysis.

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of singlicate analysis in anti-drug antibody (ADA) assay by comparing performance characteristics for assays qualified in duplicate and singlicate formats. Mater...
All For Naught: An Empirical Examination of the Impact of Breach Notification Laws

In this work, I examine the impact that breach notification laws have had on the incidence rate of breaches of consumer data. Since 2003, every US state has passed some form of breach notification requirement. In doing so, the stated goal has been to create a market for consumer privacy, wherein consumers may select into interacting with firms that are more responsible stewards of their data. However, limited empirical work has been devoted to determining the impact of these legislative efforts. Results from a multi-site difference in difference estimation indicate no significant change in the number of breaches or the number of breached records after the passage of such statutes. Results further suggest no demonstrable long-term change in the number of identity thefts or claims of fraud, i.e., a precisely estimated null. This absence of effect persists when considering legislative efforts that create private rights of action, require notification of the attorney general, and more; and suggests the need to consider different ways to approach consumer privacy. I propose one such alternative, standards setting by an administrative agency which creates safe harbors for conforming firms.
Functional roles for PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in urothelial mechanotransduction and lower urinary tract interoception

The mechanisms that link visceral mechanosensation to the perception of internal organ status (i.e., interoception) remain elusive. In response to bladder filling, the urothelium releases ATP, which is hypothesized to stimulate voiding function by communicating the degree of bladder fullness to subjacent tissues, including afferent nerve fibers. To determine if PIEZO channels function as mechanosensors in these events, we generated conditional urothelial Piezo1-, Piezo2-, and dual Piezo1/2-knockout (KO) mice. While functional PIEZO1 channels were expressed in all urothelial cell layers, Piezo1-KO mice had a limited phenotype. Piezo2 expression was limited to a small subset of superficial umbrella cells, yet male Piezo2-KO mice exhibited incontinence (i.e., leakage) when their voiding behavior was monitored during their active dark phase. Dual Piezo1/2-KO mice had the most affected phenotype, characterized by decreased urothelial responses to mechanical stimulation, diminished ATP release, bladder hypoactivity in anesthetized Piezo1/2-KO females but not males, and urinary incontinence in both male and female Piezo1/2-KO mice during their dark phase but not inactive light one. Our studies reveal that the urothelium functions in a sex- and circadian rhythm-dependent manner to link urothelial PIEZO1/2 channel-driven mechanotransduction to normal voiding function and behavior, and in the absence of these signals, bladder dysfunction ensues.
Salivary Histatins: Structure, Function, and Mechanisms of Antifungal Activity

Immunohistochemical studies identified serous cells of the glandular acini as the cells responsible for production of salivary histatins. Histatins exhibit fungicidal activity against several Candida species, Aspergillus fumigatus, some strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Studies of levels of salivary histatins in vivo show large intersubject variation in both the concentrations of histatins and their rates of degradation. The total concentration of histatins in whole saliva is balanced between secretion of new proteins and removal of “older” proteins by degradation. Endocytosis was initially suggested as a means of histatin cellular entry based upon the observation that bafilomycin, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification, significantly decreased antifungal activity. Confocal imaging of C. albicans cells showed that some histatin 5 was localized to the vacuole but that cells containing only vacuolar histatin were viable. The cell wall of C. albicans is a thick multilayered structure of glucans, chitin, and mannoproteins that protects cells from osmotic stress and maintains structural integrity. Animal and human clinical studies to evaluate histatins as topical agents in prevention of gingivitis reported therapeutic efficacy without adverse side effects. The major requirements for effective use of salt-insensitive fungicidal peptides are selective and specific binding and uptake by candidal cells, efficacy at low concentrations that allow rapid eradication of yeast pathogens within the ionic strength of saliva, and minimal fungal resistance.
Colonialism and Postcolonial Development: Spanish America in Comparative Perspective

1. Explaining levels of colonialism and postcolonial development 2. Spain and its colonial empire in the Americas 3. Mercantilist colonialism 4. Liberal colonialism 5. Warfare and postcolonial development 6. Postcolonial levels of development 7. British and Portuguese colonialism 8. Conclusion.
Histamine antagonists: XII. Neohetramine, 2-(N-dimethylaminoethyl-N-p-methoxybenzyl)-aminopyrimidine hydrochloride; Clinical and pharmacologic results

Abstract 1.1. Neohetramine, 2-(N-dimethylaminoethyl-N-p-methoxybenzyl)-amino-pyrimidine hydrochloride, a new antihistamine compound, has been described. 2.2. This compound is antihistaminic, antianaphylactic, inhibits histamine and antigen whealing, and benefits the symptoms of allergic manifestations, with particular emphasis on seasonal hay fever, nonseasonal allergic rhinitis, and itching dermatoses. 3.3. As compared with some of the established antihistaminic compounds, larger doses (100 mg. or more) may be required for therapeutic effects. 4.4. With doses producing a reasonable degree and incidence of therapeutic effectiveness, the incidence and degree of side actions were less than with most other antihistamine drugs. 5.5. The low toxicity and the fact that individual variabilities enable some persons to respond favorably to some of the antihistaminics while not responding to others make this compound a useful addition to the list of available antihistaminic drugs.
An alternate approach to early cancer of the vulva

Early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva has emerged as a controversial issue in recent literature. Reports illustrating metastatic disease in the inguinal lymph nodes have conflicted with other reports suggesting local treatment only. The morbidity produced by radical vulvectomy to both body image and sexual function make this issue worthy of serious consideration. This report deals with an alternate approach to this disease entity which attempts to preserve vulvar tissue without sacrificing curability where possible metastatic disease exists. The concept is proposed of utilizing the superficial inguinal nodes as sentinel nodes in the treatment planning. The results of 20 patients treated in this manner are presented.
The Temperature Coefficients of Electrode Potentials The Isothermal and Thermal Coefficients—The Standard Ionic Entropy of Electrochemical Transport of the Hydrogen Ion

The temperature coefficient of the potential of an electrode can be defined experimentally by reference to (a) the potential of the SHE at the same temperature, (b) the potential of the same electrode at some fixed temperature. These two definitions give rise to the "isothermal" and "thermal" temperature coefficients of electrode potentials. The isothermal coefficient is where ΔS is the reaction entropy of the "SHE//Electrode" cell. The thermal coefficient is where is the entropy transported from the hot to the cold heat reservoir by the passage of n faradays of positive electricity through the cell from the cold to the hot electrode (before the onset of thermal diffusion). The entropy is divided into an entropy of electrochemical transport which determines the electrode temperature effect, and an entropy of migration transport which determines the thermal liquid junction potential.By assuming that is negligible in a saturated potassium chloride bridge, we have deduced that the thermal temperature coefficient of the SHE is +0.871 mv/°C [hot electrode (+) terminal] at 25°C. The standard ionic entropy of electrochemical transport of hydrogen ion is −4.48 cal/deg. Thermal temperature coefficients are computed for calomel, silver chloride, and copper sulfate electrodes and are compared with experiment. Thermal and isothermal temperature coefficients are computed and tabulated for nearly 300 standard electrode potentials.
Predominant use of a T-cell receptor V beta gene family in simian immunodeficiency virus Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a rhesus monkey.

Abstract To explore the structural basis for AIDS virus recognition by CD8+ lymphocytes, we sought to determine whether there is a diverse or restricted usage of T-cell receptors (TCR) by simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the rhesus monkey. Six Gag-specific CTL clones were independently generated from an SIVmac-infected rhesus monkey. All six CTL clones recognized a single SIVmac Gag peptide in association with a single major histocompatibility complex class I gene product, Mamu-A*01. TCR alpha-chain sequences from these six CTL clones employed four different V alpha families and five different J alpha gene segments. In contrast, five of the six CTL clones expressed V beta genes that were members of the same family, a human V beta 23 homolog. Furthermore, only one J beta gene was expressed by four of the six CTL clones. These results indicate that TCR of SIVmac Gag-specific CTL from a rhesus monkey can exhibit a restricted usage of V beta gene families and J beta genes.
An XML-based approach to automated software testing

The advantages of automating the functional testing of application software are well-known, but the manner of automation can lead to difficulties in authenticating the test coverage. In this paper we consider the class of automated tests in which a driver tool simulates the input and responses of a human operator and sequentially checks the output generated by the application software. The driver tool commonly employs its own language to describe the tasks it can be required to perform, for example:• Issue a sequence of characters that simulate input from the keyboard.• Verify that a segment of the display buffer contains the expected bit pattern.Although these tasks are simply stated, the language to effect them in a test script can become complex and hard to maintain. Furthermore, reading the driver tool program is not an effective way to confirm that the test script performs its tasks to the test specification.XML (eXtensible Markup Language)[1)] scripts offer a rigorous intermediate description that can be readily translated into both the driver tool test script and a readable statement of the task the test performs. The advantages accruing from the use of XML are:• The XML scripts are easy to edit, simplifying basic script maintenance. New steps can be included for testing bug fixes.• Content review becomes much easier, as the relevant aspects of the script can be rendered in a readily readable form, such as HTML;• Global changes become feasible, as the structured nature of XML documents makes it possible to search for specific element content;• The structure of the XML document can itself be checked, for example using a validating editor such as Xeena [2)].In the next section we describe an example of automated testing using a driver tool, based on XML scripts. The application being tested is called Wired for Learning [3)] and provides the IT infrastructure for schools to:• Enhance communication between teachers, students and parents.• Enable teachers to plan and share ideas for lessons and activities, linking in with national standards.• Organize team projects involving teachers and students across classes and schools, with the option of inviting members of the community to provide additional information.• Provide an events calendar to keep everyone up to date with what is happening in the school.• Allow teachers easily to create their own home pages for information dissemination.
Policies for the digital age campus

Inappropriate use of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure is a growing problem faced by educational institutions across the nation. Therefore, policies governing such activities are a necessity in today's technologically dependent society and educational system. Consequently, it is vitally important that universities and colleges have easily accessible and clearly defined IT policies to govern and protect campus IT users.In this paper, the authors will describe the problems that higher education institutions face with regard to abuse of the IT infrastructure and why the need for the development of campus computing policies governing such conduct is vital to the campus community. Too often valuable institutional time and resources are often wasted on sexual content, on-line gambling, game-playing, and other inappropriate recreational and commercial activities. Furthermore, IT abuse can cause network down time and create various ethical dilemmas that range from privacy violations to copyright infringement.Moreover, the authors will describe the problems faced at their own university, including departmental issues and stakeholder involvement, and the many challenges involved in the research and creative, cooperative process of developing such documentation for students, faculty and staff. One of the more hotly debated issues dealt with privacy. The concerns revolved around user rights versus those of the university, including, but not limited to, system administration rights. The paper also discusses the creation of the Computer Ethics/Policy Workshop, which was designed to educate initial IT offenders about the campus IT policies. The analysis and discussion of these policy creation endeavors is designed to guide and assist educators and administrators in their efforts to improve, expand and/or create IT policies within their own higher education institution, or design and implement an ethics/policy workshop or credit course.
Crystal growth of metastable phases

Abstract Germania [quartz] has been grown hetero-epitaxially to cm size crystals as a persisting metastable phase in the metastable region, onto a silica [-quartz] substrate, by the temperature differential hydrothermal method with a hot zone at a temperature just over 100 °C.
Purification of α- and β-galactosidases by affinity chromatography

Abstract Jack bean meal β-galactosidase and ficin α-galactosidase were purified 48- and 76-fold, respectively, by chromatography on galactonate-benzidine Sepharose. The use of sugar acid lactones coupled to an inert support may provide a generally applicable method for lysosomal acid hydrolase purification.
Reaction of N-Acylhomoserine Lactones with Hydroxyl Radicals: Rates, Products, and Effects on Signaling Activity

Chemical communication in bacteria, sometimes called quorum sensing, is a fundamental microbial process that is based on the exchange of molecular signals between cells. The signaling molecules involved in this process are thermodynamically unstable in some environments and their degradation affects microbial communication. This work reports the oxidation of a series of substituted N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs, a class of quorum sensing signals) by hydroxyl radicals. The corresponding bimolecular rate constants were obtained and correlated positively with the length of the acyl side chain (C, in numbers of carbon atoms) ranging from 2.4 × 109 M−1 s−1 to 9.4 × 109 M−1 s−1 (C4- to C10-AHL), 2.4 × 108 M−1 s−1 for 3-oxo C6-AHL, and 2.94 × 109 M−1 s−1 for 3-oxo C8-AHL. Liquid chromatography−mass spectrometric techniques were applied to qualify the identity and quantify the yields of the hydroxyl radical oxidation products of C6-AHL (aldo, keto, and hydroxylated C6-analogues identified). The biological activ...
What is life

The author considers life and live systems in the Universe in the present and in the future, in view of our current understanding of biology and of our late technological achievements.
New Synthesis of Pyrvinium that Inhibits the β‐Catenin/TCF4 Pathway.

The method uses easily available materials and simple reactions, including the key Friedlaender condensation, to assemble the quinoline ring.
Waveguide effects in quantum wires with double‐bend discontinuities

Quantum waveguide structures with double‐bend discontinuities were fabricated in modulation‐doped AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunctions using a split‐gate technique. The low field ac‐conductance measurements at 50 mK show resonant peaks in the lowest quantized conductance plateau. The number of peaks increases with the effective cavity length of the double bend. This observation may be explained in terms of the allowed standing waves in the bend cavity, which is consistent with the theoretical predictions of a generalized mode‐matching theory. Beyond the simple waveguide behavior, we find that the measured peak conductivity decreases as the channel length increases, which is believed to be associated with elastic scattering due to channel inhomogeneities. Magnetic field studies show that the resonance features are suppressed as the cyclotron radius approaches the one‐dimensional channel width.
An examination of language input and vocabulary development of young Latino dual language learners living in poverty

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the language status of 120 young, Latino dual language learners living in poverty in the United States. Maternal language input and home language and literacy environments were examined with regard to language development at 24 and 36 months. Results suggested that even when combining English and Spanish language knowledge scores, the children in this sample still performed below, albeit closer to, age level. The home language and literacy environments were significantly related to and predicted child language status at 24 and 36 months. The article discusses the implications of these findings with regard to the focus of early intervention efforts.
A comparative pH-dissolution profile study of selected commercial levothyroxine products using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Levothyroxine (T4) is a narrow therapeutic index drug with classic bioequivalence problem between various available products. Dissolution of a drug is a crucial step in its oral absorption and bioavailability. The dissolution of T4 from three commercial solid oral dosage forms: Synthroid (SYN), generic levothyroxine sodium by Sandoz Inc. (GEN) and Tirosint (TIR) was studied using a sensitive ICP-MS assay. All the three products showed variable and pH-dependent dissolution behaviors. The absence of surfactant from the dissolution media decreased the percent T4 dissolved for all the three products by 26-95% (at 30 min). SYN dissolution showed the most pH dependency, whereas GEN and TIR showed the fastest and highest dissolution, respectively. TIR was the most consistent one, and was minimally affected by pH and/or by the presence of surfactant. Furthermore, dissolution of T4 decreased considerably with increase in the pH, which suggests a possible physical interaction in patients concurrently on T4 and gastric pH altering drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors. Variable dissolution of T4 products can, therefore, impact the oral absorption and bioavailability of T4 and may result in bioequivalence problems between various available products.
Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on plasma vasopressin and oxytocin

Background: Animal studies suggest that vasopressin has cognitive-enhancing properties and oxytocin may have amnestic effects. A clinical report suggests that the acute increase in oxytocin-associated neurophysin predicts clinical response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressed patients. Methods: Medication-free patients with major depression were randomized to receive right unilateral or bilateral ECT administered with electrical stimulus intensity at either just above seizure threshold or at 150% above seizure threshold. The associations between plasma vasopressin, oxytocin, ECT treatment parameters, clinical outcome, and cognitive effects were assessed. Results: The sample comprised 55 patients. At the second ECT, patients receiving ECT at 150% above initial seizure threshold had significantly greater increases in plasma vasopressin than patients receiving low-dose ECT (ps < .01–.04), with no effects of electrode placement. At the second and ninth ECT treatments, the vasopressin or oxytocin surges were not associated with clinical improvement, seizure duration, time to orientation, or memory test performance. There were inverse trend-level associations between the acute surge in oxytocin levels at the ninth ECT and clinical response, contradicting a report in the literature. Conclusions: Overall, these findings do not support the hypothesis that diencephalic seizure propagation is central to the mechanism of action of ECT.
Semiempirical formalism for the calculation of deep-level wave functions in k space.

A new multiband formalism for the semiempirical calculation of deep-level wave functions in k space is presented. This approach is based upon the Hjalmarson et al. theory of deep levels in semiconductors and is an extension to k space of the real-space wave-function theory of Ren et al. Wave functions of ${A}_{1}$ symmetry associated with GaP:N and with a level at 1.65 eV above the GaP valence band are calculated and compared with the results of Jaros for the same cases. These calculations demonstrate that this formalism can be used for calculating multiband deep-level wave functions in k space.
Automatic cuing of human-in-the-loop detection system

Rapid detection of landmines and explosive hazards is a critical issue for modern military operations. Due to the varied nature of the objects of interest and the complexity of the surrounding, one approach is to utilize the superior recognition capabilities of the human brain in the detection process. We are developing frameworks and algorithms to fuse image data from multiple sources and to provide cuing capability for a human-in-the-loop detection system.
Interactions of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in epithelial target tissues revisited.

Abstract The interplay between mineralocorticoids (MCs) and glucocorticoids (GCs) in sodium transporting epithelia is complex and only partially understood. In seminal papers published in the years soon after the discovery of aldosterone, various investigators experimentally observed that mineralocorticoid-induced renal sodium retention could only be reliably measured in adrenalectomized animals. Addition of endogenous GCs or their 11-dehydro metabolites blunted the antinatriuretic action of aldosterone and 11-dehydro-GCs decreased binding of aldosterone to mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). Under normal circumstances, endogenous GCs alone do not induce sodium transport in MC responsive epithelia yet these same GCs are able to activate MR and induce sodium transport if the enzyme 11β-HSD2 is inhibited. Given the physiologic concentrations of both MCs and GCs, it is likely that the local epithelial cell exposure to GCs is great enough to allow GC binding to MR despite the presence of 11β-HSD2. Thus other factors supplement the receptor selectivity role suggested for 11β-HSD2. Why GCs bind to MR under one set of conditions and produce no effect and under different sets of conditions (11β-HSD2 inhibition) elicit sodium transport remains a puzzle to be solved. What is clear is that a dual role for 11β-HSD2 is emerging; first as the putative “guardian” over the MR reducing GC binding, and second as a source for 11-dehydro-GCs, which may serve as endogenously and locally produced “spironolactone–like substances”, which may thus attenuate aldosterone-induced sodium transport.
Role of autoionization and characteristic decay in core-electron energy-loss spectra of La and Ce

A theoretical model is presented for an analytical treatment of electron-impact ionization intensity profiles in the region of an isolated core-electron excitation threshold. Allowing for core-hole lifetime broadening through autoionization and characteristic decay mechanism, Fano line shapes are obtained for $4\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{d}4f$ transitions in La and Ce.
The non-uniform motion of arbitrary dislocation distributions by climb and by glide along non-planar paths

Abstract A s a basis for obtaining insight into both plastic flow in terms of dislocation motion and dynamic crack extension, the general problem of non-uniform motion of largely arbitrary dislocation distributions by climb and by glide along non-planar paths is considered. An exact solution is found in two forms: one form, vectorial in nature, shows that the essential distribution and path properties are contained in a symmetric tensor. The other form, consisting of complex functions, shows that the solution involves the inner product of the displacement discontinuity vector and complex vectors whose components normal and tangential to the path contour are related through tangent angle derivatives. Both forms illustrate that the solution has two components, one arising from the velocity discontinuity along the contour, the other arising from the displacement discontinuity at its edge and the edge speed.
The effects of the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 on the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines in mixed glial cell cultures.

Although the neurotoxicity induced by the HIV envelope protein, gp120, has been demonstrated to require the presence of glial cells (microglia/astrocytes), the mechanisms for the gp120-induced neurotoxicity are not well understood. Moreover, the neurotoxic potencies of gp120s obtained from various HIV isolates are different. Since nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) produced by glial cells have been involved in the neuropathogenesis of various diseases, this study examined the effects of gp120 obtained from two strains, HIV-1IIIBand HIV-1SF2, of the HIV-1 virus on the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in murine primary mixed glial cell cultures. The glial cells exposed to HIV-1IIIBgp120 released NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas IL-1α and IL-1β were undetectable. The cells exposed to HIV-1SF2gp120 increased the release of IL-6 only. The gp120-induced effects were significantly enhanced by priming glial cells with IFN-γ. To investigate the cellular sources and mechanisms of the gp120-induced IL-6 production,in situhybridization with mRNA for IL-6 was performed in HIV-1IIIBgp120- or HIV-1SF2gp120-stimulated microglia-enriched or astrocyte-enriched cultures. HIV-1IIIBgp120 or HIV-1SF2gp120 induced the expression of IL-6 mRNA in both microglia-enriched and astrocyte-enriched cultures, indicating that both microglia and astrocytes produce IL-6, and that the transcriptional regulation is involved in the gp120-induced IL-6 production. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1, or IL-6 from glial cells is differentially regulated by HIV-1IIIBgp120 and HIV-1SF2gp120. These results may provide insights into the roles of NO and proinflammatory cytokines in the neurotoxicity of gp120s and the neuropathology of different strains of HIV-1 viruses.
A comparison of generalized multinomial logit and latent class approaches to studying consumer heterogeneity with some extensions of the generalized multinomial logit model

We calibrate and contrast the recent generalized multinomial logit model and the widely used latent class logit model approaches for studying heterogeneity in consumer purchases. We estimate the parameters of the models on panel data of household ketchup purchases, and find that the generalized multinomial logit model outperforms the best-fitting latent class logit model in terms of the Bayesian information criterion. We compare the posterior estimates of coefficients for individual customers based on the two different models and discuss how the differences could affect marketing strategies (such as pricing), which could be affected by applying each of the models. We also describe extensions to the scale heterogeneity model that includes the effects of state dependence and purchase history. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cortical responses to cochlear implant stimulation: channel interactions.

This study examined the interactions between electrical stimuli presented through two channels of a cochlear implant. Experiments were conducted in anesthetized guinea pigs. Multiunit spike activity recorded from the auditory cortex reflected the cumulative effects of electric field interactions in the cochlea as well as any neural interactions along the ascending auditory pathway. The cochlea was stimulated electrically through a 6-electrode intracochlear array. The stimulus on each channel was a single 80-µs/phase biphasic pulse. Channel interactions were quantified as changes in the thresholds for elevation of cortical spike rates. Experimental parameters were interchannel temporal offset (0 to ±2000 µs), interelectrode cochlear spacing (1.5 or 2.25 mm), electrode configuration (monopolar, bipolar, or tripolar), and relative polarity between channels (same or inverted). In most conditions, presentation of a subthreshold pulse on one channel reduced the threshold for a pulse on a second channel. Threshold shifts were greatest for simultaneous pulses, but appreciable threshold reductions could persist for temporal offsets up to 640 µs. Channel interactions varied strongly with electrode configuration: threshold shifts increased in magnitude in the order tripolar, bipolar, monopolar. Channel interactions were greater for closer electrode spacing. The results have implications for design of speech processors for cochlear implants.
Hydrodynamic modes of superfluid helium adsorbed on Nuclepore

A theory is presented to describe sound propagation in superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ adsorbed on Nuclepore, a planar porous substrate. The theory predicts the dependence of the sound velocity on film thickness. For thin films the sound speed is lower than on an equivalent nonporous substrate while for thick films the reverse holds. The transition between these regimes occurs when the fluid in the pores capillary condenses. The predictions of the theory are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results of Hallock and co-workers.
C-reactive protein and primary prevention of ischemic heart disease

C-reactive protein (CRP) is the prototype acute phase reactant and therefore a marker of systemic inflammation. In the last decades, accumulating data have demonstrated the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. High CRP levels, measured by high-sensitivity methods, on admission have a short-term negative prognostic value and are associated with a worse outcome. In epidemiological studies, minor elevations of CRP are associated with future risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. This increased risk is independent of other biochemical and clinical risk factors, and the association between high CRP and an abnormal cholesterol ratio significantly increases the risk in the individual patient. Finally, the observation of an increased level of CRP may be of clinical utility in primary prevention, because these subjects favourably benefit from statin therapy.
LABOUR SUPPLY AND TAX RATES IN A MANY‐PERSON ECONOMY

This paper questions the validity of the belief held by some "supply side" economists that an income tax cut will have no aggregate income effect and that the aggregate supply-of-labor curve must be upward sloping. It is shown, within the context of a many-person economy, that (1) there will in general be an income effect and (2) it is quite possible for the economywide labor supply curve to be downward sloping. This occurs despite the assumption that government expenditures consist only of income transfer programs. Copyright 1991 by Scottish Economic Society.
Proteomic analysis of breast tissue and nipple aspirate fluid for breast cancer detection

Clinical proteomics has great promise, but many hurdles. Proteomic approaches may prove to be the answer to decades of frustrating searches for markers that are specific and selective for breast cancer. In order to achieve this goal, the challenge arises that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and individual variations are enormous. To identify sensitive and specific breast cancer markers will require standardization of every method, from tissue collection through statistical analysis and diligence. Small pilot studies of tumors with varied characteristics will not suffice; large, homogeneous sample sets will be the most efficient route to identify breast cancer markers. Proteomic analysis of nipple aspirate fluid may identify markers that can be used for screening with this noninvasive technique. Proteomic analysis of breast biopsies will allow more detailed characterization of the individual’s cancer, with therapy tailored to the disease based on this information.
Selective synthesis of phenyl salicylate (salol) by esterification reaction over solid acid catalysts

Abstract Esterification of salicylic acid with phenol to synthesize phenylsalicylate over solid acids as catalysts has been studied. Catalytic activity of different oxides such as Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , ZrO 2 and their sulfated forms and zeolites such as Na-Y, Na-β, ZSM-5 and their protonated forms have been investigated. Catalytic activity studies have been conducted in liquid phase under refluxing conditions. A systematic study has been made to find the effect of amount of the catalyst, the molar ratio of alcohol to acid and the duration of reaction on the synthesis of the ester. Product analysis has been done on gas chromatograph and further characterized by GC–MS, IR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR. All the catalysts have been found to be active and exhibit 100% selectivity towards the formation of phenylsalycilate as the reaction product. The catalytic activities of sulfated oxides and protonated forms of zeolites are found to be higher than their parent forms. The catalysts have been characterized for their surface acidity and BET surface area.
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF STATIC-RECURSIVE MODEL SYSTEMS OF TRANSPORTATION AND LOCATION

In the past decade there have been a number of efforts aimed at the development of more-complete representations of urban transportation and land-use interactions. In this paper, it is suggested that there is a great deal to be learned from experimentation with existing as well as emerging techniques. Systems of models are discussed in general terms with particular reference to the implications of selecting one system over another. A report is given of some empirical work with an integrated transportation and land-use model structure and the consequences of the model-system structure for the empirical work are discussed. (Author/TRRL)
The design space of ultra-low energy asymmetric cryptography

The energy cost of asymmetric cryptography, a vital component of modern secure communications, inhibits its wide spread adoption within the ultra-low energy regimes such as Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs), Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), and Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFIDs). Consequently, a gamut of hardware/software acceleration techniques exists to alleviate this energy burden. In this paper, we explore this design space, estimating the energy consumption for three levels of acceleration across the commercial security spectrum. First we examine an efficient baseline architecture centered around a pipelined RISC processor. We then include simple, yet beneficial instruction set extensions to our microarchitecture and evaluate the improvement in terms of energy per operation compared to baseline. Finally, we introduce a novel, dedicated accelerator to our microarchitecture and measure the energy per operation against the baseline and the ISA extensions. For ISA extensions, we show between 1.28 to 1.41 factor improvement in energy efficiency over baseline, while for full acceleration we demonstrate a 4.36 to 6.45 factor improvement.
Exploring stakeholders' perceptions of adult female sexual assault case attrition.

Objective: Previous research has documented both the problem of adult sexual assault case attrition and negative experiences for victims who pursue criminal justice responses. To date, most of this research has focused on calculating attrition statistics or examining juror or justice personnel attitudes. The purpose of the current study was to uncover how views of successes and challenges of criminal justice system responses triangulate across a sample of key stakeholders. Method: Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology formed the philosophical underpinning of the methodology and the collaborative approach to data analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 51 professionals including police, prosecutors, victim witness advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, and crisis center advocates in 1 northeastern U.S. state. Results: Three themes evolved that included the impact of the CSI effect on prosecutorial decisions and jury outcomes, justice and healing as an expectation of the criminal justice process, and inconsistent responses as a reflection of the variability of knowledge and skill among responders across communities. Conclusions: Themes revealed surprising convergence of views despite differing vantage points among stakeholders. Antidotes to case attrition include a coordinated community of responders and victim-centered approaches to justice and healing. The current study showcases a research method that can help bring together often-divergent professional voices around common goals.
Cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children : How is it different?

T HE CARE OF CHILDREN undergoing surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) provides a remarkable challenge to the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and perfusionist. Much of the knowledge regarding appropriate care for adults undergoing cardiac surgery may not apply in this unique scenario. Because surgical outcomes have improved and mortality has decreased, more attention is being given to decreasing the important morbidities still associated with repair of congenital heart lesions. It is critical to understand the important relevant anatomic and physiologic differences between infants and neonates relative to adults and how these differences interact in the setting of perfusion of the pediatric patient.
The Press and Reform in Japan

What political role does the Japanese press play? How does it cover important political issues and events? The common answers in the literature offer two very different views: the press as a “watch...
The importance of constraint relief caused by rubber cavitation in the toughening of epoxy

Many rubber-toughened epoxies are thought to derive the bulk of their toughness through the processes of rubber cavitation and plastic shear-yielding in the epoxy matrix. Constraint relief has been considered to be a key mechanism which allows extra plastic shear deformation to occur. The present work attempts to provide direct experimental evidence of the constraint relief effect by combining testing geometries that vary the degree of constraint with microscopic observations. The results show that the success of a rubber as a toughening agent for epoxies is closely related to its ability to cavitate. Evidence for local constraint relief is presented. Upon cavitation of the rubber, the stress state in a specimen with initial constraint is found to change to a plane stress state. The constraint relief circumvents or delays the crack initiation in the matrix, which allows more plastic deformation to occur.
Nerve growth factor action on 2-deoxy-D-glucose transport in dorsal root ganglionic dissociates from chick embryo.

Abstract Dorsal root ganglionic cells, when incubated in vitro in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF), undergo a general metabolic degeneration which is preceded by loss of certain permettion properties. To determine in which ways an absence of NGF can also affect the capacity of these cells to take up an important energy source, namely glucose, experiments were carried out in which cells were incubated with or without NGF for varying times, and then presented with the factor and tested for the ability to take up3H-labeled 2-deoxy- d -glucose. As with exogenous uridine, hexose transport in DRG cells was reduced by NGF deprivation and restored by delayed NGF administration (up to 6 h). Both the initial rate and equilibrium level were affected in an NGF dose-dependent fashion. Calculation of apparentKt and Vmax in NGF-deprived and NGF-supported cells showed about two-fold differences between NGF-controlled and NGF-independent hexose transports, suggesting corresponding differences between NGF-dependent and other ganglionic cells. Restoration of hexose transport by delayed NGF administration took place within minutes of presentation of the factor. The delay before onset of restoration and the speed with which restoration was achieved have been found also to be dependent on the NGF concentration, suggesting that they reflect equilibration kinetics between NGF and its binding sites rather then the development of the response within the cells. Thus, NGF can rapidly modulate permeation properties which regulate the availability of major energy substrates for the cell. This effect of NGF is discussed in the context of current views on the mode of action of the factor.