cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal and near-optimal global register allocations using 0–1 integer programming

This paper presents a fundamentally new approach to global register allocation that optimally allocates registers and optimally places spill code, significantly decreasing spill code overhead compared with the traditional graph-coloring approach. The Optimal Register Allocation (ORA) approach formulates global register allocation as a 0–1 integer programming problem, incorporating all aspects of register allocation within a unified framework, including copy elimination, live range splitting, rematerialization, callee and caller register spilling, special instruction-operand requirements, and paired registers. A prototype ORA allocator is built into the Gnu C Compiler (GCC). For the SPEC92 integer benchmarks, the ORA allocator actually produces a net decrease of more than 100 million cycles across the entire benchmark set, because the dynamic copies the ORA allocator removes exceed the dynamic loads and stores that are inserted. In contrast, the GCC allocator and a Chaitin-style graph-coloring allocator each cause a net increase of more than 1 billion cycles. Because global register allocation is NP-complete, optimal register allocation has been considered intractable. However, the run-time complexity of the ORA approach is shown experimentally to be O(n3). A profile-guided hybrid allocation approach is proposed that uses the ORA allocator for the performance critical regions in the performance critical functions, while using a graph-coloring allocator for the non-critical functions and regions. An ORA-GCC hybrid allocator takes an average of 4.6 seconds per function to produce an allocation that is within 1% of optimal for 97% of the SPEC92 integer benchmark functions, showing that the hybrid allocator is practical as an advanced optimization for performance-critical codes.
A role for immunology in invasion biology

Invasive species are of increasing conservation and economic concern, yet mechanisms underlying invasions remain poorly understood. We propose that variation in immune defences might help explain why only some introduced populations become invasive. Introduced species escape many of their native diseases, but also face novel pathogens that can induce costly, and sometimes deadly, immune responses in naive hosts. Therefore, favouring less resource-demanding and dangerous defence mechanisms and allocating a greater proportion of resources to growth and reproduction should favour invasion. Specifically, we argue that successful invaders should reduce costly systemic inflammatory responses, which are associated with fever and metabolic and behavioural changes, and rely more heavily on less expensive antibody-mediated immunity. Here we provide supporting arguments for this hypothesis and generate predictions that are testable using tools from the growing field of ecological immunology.
A refinement of the structure of vitreous silica

Abstract The experimental data of Mozzi and Warren have boon re-evaluated. One of the numerical constants in the analytical technique has been altered and a continuous analytical distribution function has boen substituted for the discrete or non-analytical distributions of interatomic distances used by Mozzi and Warren. Thoir overall conclusions are not altered, but new values are obtained for some of the structural parameters. The most probable Si-O-Si bond angle is found to be 152° instead of 144°. This value is in good agreement with the findings of Bell and Dean who were unable to construct a successful model with 144°, but found satisfactory agreement with 153°.
Intersubjectivity in perception

The embodied, embedded, enactive, and extended approaches to cognition explicate many important details for a phenomenology of perception, and are consistent with some of the traditional phenomenological analyses. Theorists working in these areas, however, often fail to provide an account of how intersubjectivity might relate to perception. This paper suggests some ways in which intersubjectivity is important for an adequate account of perception.
(Un)Bundled Services: A Stakeholder's Framework for Understanding the Impact of MOOC-Like, Third-Party Online Courses

Due to the rise of MOOC-like courses available from third-party providers, the services universities offer students have the potential to become unbundled. Yet the possible impacts of these changes are not well understood. Few university stakeholders can articulate the actual value students receive from a university education, aside from instruction in their chosen field. How universities are doing in this regard is not well known. Furthermore, different stakeholders may have different answers to these questions. This paper proposes a framework that stakeholders-including students, faculty, and administrators-may use as a basis for inquiry into these important questions at institutions of higher education. This effort also lays the groundwork for future scholarly research about the impact of and responses to third-party online courses on higher education and its stakeholders.
Routine cholecystectomy during laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is not necessary.

Abstract Background Similar to gastric bypass patients, a regimen of ursodeoxycholic acid in the immediate postoperative period might obviate the need for routine cholecystectomy. Routine cholecystectomy has been recommended for patients who undergo biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), because of the high prevalence of gallstones in the obese patient and presumed development of gallstones postoperatively. We have considered elective cholecystectomy only if gallbladder disease were present. The aim of this study was to assess the need for cholecystectomy in the postoperative period in such patients. Methods In this retrospective study, the data from 219 patients who had undergone BPD with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), from January 1999 to January 2003, were analyzed. We performed a 150-cm alimentary limb and 100-cm common channel BPD/DS. The patients received 600 mg ursodeoxycholic acid orally daily for 6 months. The following data were recorded: demographics, medical history, medication, weight loss, diagnostic evaluation, and operative and pathologic data. Results Of the 219 patients who underwent surgery, 59 were men (26.9%) and 160 women were (73.1%) (mean age 41.7 years, mean body mass index 55.7 kg/m 2 ). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12–48). Of the 219 patients, 57 (19.6%) underwent cholecystectomy: 28 (12.7%) preoperatively, 10 (4.5%) simultaneously, and 19 (8.7%) postoperatively. Simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed when the patient had a history of colic episodes with gallbladder disease (disclosed by preoperative ultrasonography). The postoperative cholecystectomy pathology reports showed cholecystitis in only 7 patients. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that the incidence of postoperative cholecystectomy in BPD/DS patients is low, and cholecystitis is rare. Routine cholecystectomy in BPD/DS patients is no longer recommended.
Scattering of Elastic Waves by Small Surface-Breaking or Subsurface Cracks in Three Dimensions

The long-wavelength limit of elastic wave scattering by surface cracks in 3d is considered. It is shown that, if the crack is normal to the surface, the scattering can be described by two real parameters, one of which may be taken to be the crack size. The other therefore depends on shape, orientation, and burial depth. Many computed illustrations are given. It is concluded that the amount of information about cracks obtainable by low frequency elastic wave scattering is very limited.
Performance of a Compressor Cascade Configuration With Supersonic Entrance Flow—A Review and Comparison of Experiments in Three Installations

A cascade geometry derived from a research program on high-throughflow, transonic, axial-flow compressors was tested with similar supersonic entrance flow conditions in three linear cascade test facilities. The airfoil section used was representative of advanced rotor-blade, tip-region profiles designed to operate at inlet relative Mach numbers of 1.4 to 1.8. Objectives in the experiments were to study the reproducibility of test conditions and measured performance in facilities that are considered to be “state-of-the-art,” and to generate data sets that could be used as test cases or “benchmark” results to validate computational methods for turbomachine application. It was recognized from the beginning of the project that the aerodynamic regime involved represents a very difficult combination of problems in both experimentation and computation. This difficulty was certainly encountered; the experimental problems are fully discussed in this paper and the companion papers originating in two of the test groups. An excellent series of data sets has been obtained, and our confidence in the results is supported by the exchange of information and personnel that occurred during all phases of the experiments. The results presented here and in the forthcoming AGARD Propulsion and Energetics Panel “test case” compendium should serve as a standard for evaluating current and future computational efforts.
An automatic adjustment procedure for rational splines

Abstract This paper presents the development of an adjustment method for the rational spline. The adjustment of the spline is completed by tensioning each internal section until the spline conforms to user defined data in a way which is both accurate and esthetically pleasing. The tensioning rationale for the rational spline is developed for use in an interactive mode with minicomputer and graphics terminal, but may also be used in a batch environment.
Symmetry Considerations in Pressure-Broadening Theory

Symmetry properties of the Zwanzig-Fano relaxation matrix are studied. Its invariance under rotations and inversion is proven for isotropic gases, to all orders in the gas density. Each multipole radiation operator is confined to a distinct invariant subspace in the Liouville space of operators. These invariant subspaces form the basis for the reduction of the relaxation matrix; therefore, the various multipole spectra are broadened independently. Properties of the relaxation matrix under Liouville conjugation are studied, and expressions are given relating matrix elements in which Liouville-conjugate pairs of vectors are involved.
Cinema of the Not-Yet: The Utopian Promise of Film as Heterotopia

Drawing on Ernst Bloch’s writings on utopia, Michel Foucault’s notion of heterotopia, and the ‘affective turn’ in social theory, I argue that cinema is by its nature heterotopic: it creates worlds that are other than the ‘real world’ but that relate to that world in multiple and contradictory ways. The landscapes and people portrayed in ﬁlm are affectively charged in ways that alter viewers’ relationship to the real objects denoted or signiﬁed by them. But it is the larger context of social and cultural movements that mobilizes or fails to mobilize this affective charge to draw out its critical utopian potentials. I examine four ﬁlms from the 1970s—Deliverance, The Wicker Man, Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000, and Stalker—as examples of richly heterotopic ﬁlms that elicited utopian as well as dystopian affects in their audiences, and I discuss some ways in which American environmentalists, British Pagans, Europe’s ‘generation of ’68’, and Soviet citizens worked with these affects to imagine change in their respective societies.
Labor markets, inequality, and change : A European perspective

It is well known that earnings inequality has trended up more rapidly in the United States than in continental Europe during the past 25 years. These cross-national differences in outcomes are typically attributed to cross-national differences in labor market institutions. But this characterization hides important theoretical disagreements concerning the role of technical forces, institutional change, and the interaction between technical and institutional factors in producing the observed trends. A brief review of the literature clarifies the major issues in the debate and frames the contributions of the articles in this special issue on European labor markets.
Real-time region hierarchy and identification algorithm

In this paper, real-time region hierarchy, contour extraction, and smoothing algorithms are discussed. The hierarchical partitioning method produces the region specifics, median, lowest and highest values, size, and the locations of the pixels for each region. Hierarchical partitioning is achieved using the 'pixel value proximity of intensity' criterion. The partitioning algorithm employs a real-time algorithm that computes the region specifics. The proposed contour extraction method repeatedly selects an optimal pixel among many neighbor pixels until no further eligible pixel is found on the given contour. The result of contour extraction implementation is a boundary with many rough edges. Smoothing is achieved by altering the frequency for which directional values are calculated. The hierarchical partitioning, contour extraction, and smoothing algorithms have been implemented and their results are discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Strain and Damage-Based Analytical Methods to Determine the Kachanov–Rabotnov Tertiary Creep-Damage Constants:

In the power generation industry, the goal of increased gas turbine efficiency has led to increased operating temperatures and pressures necessitating nickel-base superalloy components. Under these...
The Effects of California Proposition 187 on Ophthalmology Clinic Utilization at an Inner-City Urban Hospital:

Abstract Purpose: To determine the effect on ophthalmology clinic utilization at a major public inner-city hospital of California Proposition 187 and the debate surrounding its passage. Proposition 187 was a statewide referendum passed by 63% of the electorate in the November 1994 election that would restrict social services to undocumented immigrants and require providers to report them to immigration authorities. Methods: The ophthalmology clinic volume at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center was analyzed from October 1 to December 31, 1993 and 1994. Results: New walk-in patients significantly decreased (P Conclusions: Proposition 187 may have caused a statistically significant decrease in new walk-ins to the ophthalmology clinics during a 2-month period surrounding the November 1994 election, but it had no measurable effect on other indicators of utilization. In addition, utilization rates returned to baseline after the implementation of Proposition 187 was stayed by the judicial system, and concern that providers would be required to report undocumented immigrants to authorities was alleviated.
Dynamic characteristic analysis on machine tool by Ansys

The paper uses the finite element method and experiments in machine tool to carry out the analysis of dynamic characteristics. This paper uses ANSYS to do the modal analysis which establishes a finite element model of the spring damper connected on machine surface based on the three-dimensional solid model. Comparing test data and the results of finite element analysis, the results verify the reasonableness of finite element model. Using harmonic response analysis to analyse the reason of the machine tools cutting vibration and found the machine resonance frequency range about forced vibration, and presents the corresponding measures to eliminate vibration.
Magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures of ferrite-ferroelectric core-shell nanoparticles and studies on magneto-electric interactions

Composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric are of interest for studies on mechanical strain mediated magneto-electric (ME) interactions and for useful technologies. Here, we report on magnetic-field-assisted-assembly of barium titanate (BTO)-nickel ferrite (NFO) core-shell particles into linear chains and 2D/3D arrays and measurements of ME effects in such assemblies. First, we synthesized the core-shell nano-particles with 50–600 nm BTO and 10–200 nm NFO by chemical self-assembly by coating the ferroic particles with complementary coupling groups and allowing them to self-assemble in the presence of a catalyst via the “click” reaction. The core-shell structure was confirmed with electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. We obtained superstructure of the core-shell particles by subjecting them to a magnetic field gradient that exerts an attractive force on the particles and align them toward the regions of high field strengths. At low particle concentration, linear chains were formed and they ...
Opposing actions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the regulation of HSF-1 activity

Elevated temperatures activate the survival promoters Akt and heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), a transcription factor that induces the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSP-70. Because neuronal mechanisms controlling these responses are not known, these were investigated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Heat shock (45 degrees C) rapidly activated Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and p38, but only Akt was activated in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)-dependent manner, as the PI-3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin blocked Akt activation, but not ERK1/2 or p38 activation. Akt activation was not blocked by inhibition of p38 or ERK1/2, indicating the independence of these signaling systems. Heat shock treatment also caused a rapid increase in HSF-1 DNA binding activity that was partially dependent on PI-3K activity, as both the PI-3K inhibitors attenuated this response. Because Akt inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), an enzyme that facilitates cell death, we tested if GSK-3beta is a negative regulator of HSF-1 activation. Overexpression of GSK-3beta impaired heat shock-induced activation of HSF-1, and also reduced HSP-70 production, which was partially restored by the GSK-3beta inhibitor lithium. Thus, heat shock-induced activation of PI-3K and the inhibitory effect of GSK-3beta on HSF-1 activation and HSP-70 expression imply that Akt-induced inhibition of GSK-3beta contributes to the activation of HSF-1.
Guanylyl cyclase is a heat-stable enterotoxin receptor

Plasma membrane forms of guanylyl cyclase have been shown to function as natriuretic peptide receptors. We describe a new clone (GC-C) encoding a guanylyl cyclase receptor for heat-stable enterotoxin. GC-C encodes a protein containing an extracellular amino acid sequence divergent from that of previously cloned guanylyl cyclases; however, the protein retains the intracellular protein kinase-like and cyclase catalytic domains. Expression of GC-C in COS-7 cells results in high guanylyl cyclase activity. In addition, heat-stable enterotoxin from E. coli, but not natriuretic peptides, causes marked elevations of cyclic GMP and is specifically bound by cells transfected with GC-C. The enterotoxin fails to elevate cyclic GMP in nontransfected cells or in cells transfected with the natriuretic peptide/guanylyl cyclase receptors. These results show that a heat-stable enterotoxin receptor responsible for acute diarrhea is a plasma membrane form of guanylyl cyclase.
Computing regularization paths for learning multiple kernels

The problem of learning a sparse conic combination of kernel functions or kernel matrices for classification or regression can be achieved via the regularization by a block 1-norm [1]. In this paper, we present an algorithm that computes the entire regularization path for these problems. The path is obtained by using numerical continuation techniques, and involves a running time complexity that is a constant times the complexity of solving the problem for one value of the regularization parameter. Working in the setting of kernel linear regression and kernel logistic regression, we show empirically that the effect of the block 1-norm regularization differs notably from the (non-block) 1-norm regularization commonly used for variable selection, and that the regularization path is of particular value in the block case.
A key general stress response motif is regulated non‐uniformly by CAMTA transcription factors

Plants cope with environmental challenges by rapidly triggering and synchronizing mechanisms governing stress-specific and general stress response (GSR) networks. The GSR acts rapidly and transiently in response to various stresses, but the underpinning mechanisms have remained elusive. To define GSR regulatory components we have exploited the Rapid Stress Response Element (RSRE), a previously established functional GSR motif, using Arabidopsis plants expressing a 4xRSRE::Luciferase (RSRE::LUC) reporter. Initially, we searched public microarray datasets and found an enrichment of RSRE in promoter sequences of stress genes. Next, we treated RSRE::LUC plants with wounding and a range of rapidly stress-inducible hormones and detected a robust LUC activity solely in response to wounding. Application of two Ca(2+) burst inducers, flagellin22 (flg22) and oligogalacturonic acid, activated RSRE strongly and systemically, while the Ca(2+) chelator ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) significantly reduced wound induction of RSRE::LUC. In line with the signaling function of Ca(2+) in transduction events leading to activation of RSRE, we examined the role of CALMODULIN-BINDING TRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIVATORs (CAMTAs) in RSRE induction. Transient expression assays displayed CAMTA3 induction of RSRE and not that of the mutated element mRSRE. Treatment of selected camta mutant lines integrated into RSRE::LUC parent plant, with wounding, flg22, and freezing, established a differential function of these CAMTAs in potentiating the activity of RSRE. Wound response studies using camta double mutants revealed a cooperative function of CAMTAs2 and 4 with CAMTA 3 in the RSRE regulation. These studies provide insights into governing components of transduction events and reveal transcriptional modules that tune the expression of a key GSR motif.
Morpho-syntactic Lexical Generalization for CCG Semantic Parsing

In this paper, we demonstrate that significant performance gains can be achieved in CCG semantic parsing by introducing a linguistically motivated grammar induction scheme. We present a new morpho-syntactic factored lexicon that models systematic variations in morphology, syntax, and semantics across word classes. The grammar uses domain-independent facts about the English language to restrict the number of incorrect parses that must be considered, thereby enabling eective learning from less data. Experiments in benchmark domains match previous models with one quarter of the data and provide new state-of-the-art results with all available data, including up to 45% relative test-error reduction.
Very high energy photons and neutrinos: Implications for UHECR

Depending on the environment of the acceleration processes for ultra-high energy cosmic rays, photons and neutrinos may be produced by interactions in the sources. If so, observations of gamma-rays or neutrinos could pinpoint the sources. This paper reviews some aspects of the search for photons and neutrinos from possible sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays. Both photons and neutrinos are potential tracers of sites of cosmic-ray acceleration because, being neutral, they are not deviated by intervening magnetic fields. Photons are plentiful, but their interpretation is complicated by interactions in the sources and spectral modifications due to cascading in transit. In addition, their origin can be from radiation by electrons as well as from decay of neutral pions. In contrast, high-energy neutrinos would directly imply acceleration of hadrons. Because they interact only weakly, neutrinos are not distorted by interactions in the sources, but for the same reason they are hard to detect. Photons and neutrinos provide complementary types of information about cosmic-ray sources, but they both indicate underlying acceleration of charged particles. It is therefore natural to select known sources of TeV gamma-rays as potential sources of neutrinos. It is useful to distinguish two ways of producing gamma-rays and neutrinos: at the sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) and during propagation through the cosmos. In the first case, the observed spectra of the neutral messengers ( and ν) depend on the source spectrum, on cosmic evolution of the sources and on conditions inside or near the acceleration region. Cosmogenic neutrinos and photons produced during propagation of UHECR depend on the injected spectrum as a function of energy and red shift, but not on conditions at the sources. It is generally assumed that the highest energy cosmic rays are accelerated in extra-galactic sources, and that the transition from the lower energy population of galactic cosmic rays occurs somewhere between 0.3 and 3EeV. Protons and nuclei with energies above 30EeV begin to suffer significant energy losses during propagation from sources more distant than a few hundred Mpc. Ten EeV, being below the suppression energy, but above the transition region is a suitable energy around which to estimate the energy content of the cosmic rays from extra-galactic sources. The observed energy flux at 10EeV by HiRes (1) and Telescope Array (2 )i s
Strategies, Challenges and Prospects for Active Learning in the Computer-Based Classroom

The introduction of computer-equipped classrooms into engineering education has brought with it a host of opportunities and issues. Herein, some of the challenges and successes for creating an environment for active learning within computer-based classrooms are described. The particular teaching approach developed for undergraduate electrical engineering courses is presented. Longitudinal assessment data regarding in-class utilization of computers in the context of achieving program and course learning outcomes are shared.
TRPC6 Enhances Angiotensin II-induced Albuminuria

Mutations in the canonical transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) are responsible for familial forms of adult onset focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The mechanisms by which TRPC6 mutations cause kidney disease are not well understood. We used TRPC6-deficient mice to examine the function of TRPC6 in the kidney. We found that adult TRPC6-deficient mice had BP and albumin excretion rates similar to wild-type animals. Glomerular histomorphology revealed no abnormalities on both light and electron microscopy. To determine whether the absence of TRPC6 would alter susceptibility to hypertension and renal injury, we infused mice with angiotensin II continuously for 28 days. Although both groups developed similar levels of hypertension, TRPC6-deficient mice had significantly less albuminuria, especially during the early phase of the infusion; this suggested that TRPC6 adversely influences the glomerular filter. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recording to measure cell-membrane currents in primary cultures of podocytes from both wild-type and TRPC6-deficient mice. In podocytes from wild-type mice, angiotensin II and a direct activator of TRPC6 both augmented cell-membrane currents; TRPC6 deficiency abrogated these increases in current magnitude. Our findings suggest that TRPC6 promotes albuminuria, perhaps by promoting angiotensin II-dependent increases in Ca2+, suggesting that TRPC6 blockade may be therapeutically beneficial in proteinuric kidney disease.
A Comprehensive Model of a Miniature-Scale Linear Compressor for Electronics Cooling

Abstract A comprehensive model of a miniature-scale linear compressor for electronics cooling is presented. Linear compressors are appealing for refrigeration applications in electronics cooling. A small number of moving components translate to less theoretical frictional losses and the possibility that this technology could scale to smaller physical sizes better than conventional compressors. The model developed here incorporates all of the major components of the linear compressor including dynamics associated with the piston motion. The results of the compressor model were validated using experimental data from a prototype linear compressor. The prototype compressor has an overall displacement of approximately 3 cm 3 , an average stroke of 0.6 cm. The prototype compressor was custom built for this work and utilizes custom parts with the exception of the mechanical springs and the linear motor. The model results showed good agreement when validated against the experimental results. The piston stroke is predicted within 1.3% MAE. The volumetric and overall isentropic efficiencies are predicted within 24% and 31%, MAE respectively.
Downregulation of Activating Transcription Factor 5 Is Required for Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells into Astrocytes

The mechanisms that regulate neural progenitor cell differentiation are primarily unknown. The transcription factor activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is expressed in neural progenitors of developing brain but is absent from mature astrocytes and neurons. Here, we demonstrate that ATF5 regulates the conversion of ventricular zone (VZ) and subventricular zone (SVZ) neural progenitors into astrocytes. Constitutive ATF5 expression maintains neural progenitor cell proliferation and blocks their in vitro and in vivo differentiation into astrocytes. Conversely, loss of ATF5 function promotes cell-cycle exit and allows astrocytic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. CNTF, a promoter of astrocytic differentiation, downregulates endogenous ATF5, whereas constitutively expressed ATF5 suppresses CNTF-promoted astrocyte genesis. Unexpectedly, constitutive ATF5 expression in neonatal SVZ cells both in vitro and in vivo causes them to acquire properties and anatomic distributions of VZ cells. These findings identify ATF5 as a key regulator of astrocyte formation and potentially of the VZ to SVZ transition.
Unemployment, Vacancies and Conditions of Excess Demand for Labor in Canada

(1970). Unemployment, Vacancies and Conditions of Excess Demand for Labor in Canada. Applied Economics: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 101-112.
Alteration of matrix glycosaminoglycans diminishes articular chondrocytes' response to a canonical Wnt signal.

Summary Objective Although Wnt signaling is a key regulator of the chondrocyte life cycle during embryonic development, little is known about Wnt activity in articular cartilage. Recent studies have suggested an association between excess signaling through the canonical Wnt pathway and osteoarthritis (OA). Genetic and in vitro studies with Drosophila have shown that signaling by the orthologous protein, Wingless (Wg), is regulated by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found at the cell surface. The objective of this study was to determine whether alteration in GAG sulfation or matrix content, such as that occurs in OA cartilage, would affect articular chondrocytes' response to a canonical Wnt stimulus. Methods Cells were isolated from shoulder joints of young calves (bovine articular chondrocytes, bACs) and from human cartilage (human articular chondrocytes, hACs) discarded during total knee replacement for OA. Conditioned media from a cell line that is stably transfected with Wnt3a was used as a source of Wnt protein that activates the canonical signaling pathway. Conditioned media from the parental cell line was used as a control. β-catenin levels were measured by immunoblot. In some experiments, chondrocyte cultures were treated with sodium chlorate (NaClO 3 ) to inhibit GAG sulfation, or with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) to digest chondroitin sulfate (CS) in the matrix. Results Cultured bACs showed low steady-state levels of β-catenin that increased upon stimulation with Wnt3a. A decrease in either GAG sulfation or CS content diminished bACs' response to Wnt3a (∼40% and 37% of control, respectively). Similar effects on the response to Wnt3a via β-catenin were observed for cultured hACs with undersulfation of GAGs (16% of control) and decreased CS content (20% of control). Conclusion This study demonstrates that articular chondrocytes respond to canonical Wnt stimulation, and that reduced sulfation or CS content diminishes that response.
SIM astrometric demonstration at 24 picometers on the MAM testbed

Future space-based optical interferometers, such as the Space Interferometer Mission (SIM), require fringe measurements to the level of picometers in order to produce astrometric data at the micro-arc-second level. To be more specific, it is necessary to measure both the position of the starlight central fringe and the change in the internal optical path of the interferometer to a couple of tens of picometers. The internal path is measured with a small metrology beam, whereas the starlight fringe position is estimated with a CCD sampling and a large concentric annular beam. One major challenge for SIM is to align the metrology beam with the starlight beam to keep the consistency between these two sensors at the system level while articulating the instrument optics. The Micro-Arcsecond Metrology testbed (MAM) developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory features an optical interferometer with a white light source, all major optical components of a stellar interferometer, and heterodyne metrology sensors. The setup is installed inside a large vacuum chamber in order to mitigate atmospheric and thermal disturbances. Recent data show agreement between the metrology and starlight paths to better than 24 pm in the one-degree narrow-angle field of regard of SIM. This paper describes how MAM processes its narrow-angle data, the testbed performance, and how it relates to SIM.
Non-invasive mapping of the gastrointestinal microbiota identifies children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is challenging to diagnose because of the non-specificity of symptoms; an unequivocal diagnosis can only be made using colonoscopy, which clinicians are reluctant to recommend for children. Diagnosis of pediatric IBD is therefore frequently delayed, leading to inappropriate treatment plans and poor outcomes. We investigated the use of 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples and new analytical methods to assess differences in the microbiota of children with IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders. Methodology/Principal Findings: We applied synthetic learning in microbial ecology (SLiME) analysis to 16S sequencing data obtained from i) published surveys of microbiota diversity in IBD and ii) fecal samples from 91 children and young adults who were treated in the gastroenterology program of Children’s Hospital (Boston, USA). The developed method accurately distinguished control samples from those of patients with IBD; the area under the receiver-operatingcharacteristic curve (AUC) value was 0.83 (corresponding to 80.3% sensitivity and 69.7% specificity at a set threshold). The accuracy was maintained among data sets collected by different sampling and sequencing methods. The method identified taxa associated with disease states and distinguished patients with Crohn’s disease from those with ulcerative colitis with reasonable accuracy. The findings were validated using samples from an additional group of 68 patients; the validation test identified patients with IBD with an AUC value of 0.84 (e.g. 92% sensitivity, 58.5% specificity). Conclusions/Significance: Microbiome-based diagnostics can distinguish pediatric patients with IBD from patients with similar symptoms. Although this test can not replace endoscopy and histological examination as diagnostic tools, classification based on microbial diversity is an effective complementary technique for IBD detection in pediatric patients. Citation: Papa E, Docktor M, Smillie C, Weber S, Preheim SP, et al. (2012) Non-Invasive Mapping of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota Identifies Children with
Local velocity and porosity measurements inside Casper sandstone using MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to make nondestructive experimental measurements of fluid flow velocity and rock porosity inside a brine-filled Casper sand-stone sample during brine injection. Two-dimensional images of these values are obtained in arbitrary cross sections, with pixel sizes on the order of 1 mm2. The data are then statistically analyzed to find the variation of the average interstitial velocity as a function of porosity, as well as frequency distributions for both the velocity and porosity. The results show that as local porosity increases, the local flow velocity increases, according to the empirical relationship, V = 0.0669 ϕ + 0.0055. Thus, higher porosity regions of the core are better contacted by the displacement fluid. Results also imply bypassing of fluid around the perimeter of the core, indicating the need for a coreholder capable of sustaining higher overburden pressures on the order of 225 psi (1.55 MPa).
Increased rat testicular heme oxygenase activity associated with depressed microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 levels after repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Abstract Repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to rats results in a maximal depression of testicular microsomal heme and cytochrome P -450 levels at 24 h, followed by increases that plateau at pretreatment levels by day six. Associated with the depressed levels of microsomal heme and cytochrome P -450 is an increase of testicular microsomal heme oxygenase activity at 12–24 h. Testicular mitochondrial δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity was increased at 24 h, and remained elevated throughout the 9-day treatment period. Pretreatment with 1,4,6-androstatrien-3,17-dione, an aromatase inhibitor, failed to prevent the depression of testicular microsomal heme or cytochrome P -450 or increased heme oxygenase activity caused by repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, and administration of estradiol benzoate failed to alter testicular microsomal heme oxygenase activity suggesting that these parameters were not related to altered testicular estrogen content caused by increased aromatase activity. These results suggest that increased testicular heme oxygenase activity is associated with decreased microsomal heme and cytochrome P -450 content during human chorionic gonadotropin-induced desensitization.
Development of a gas chromatographic test for the quantitation of the biomarker 2-butoxyacetic acid in urine samples.

An accurate and precise method is developed and evaluated for the detection and quantitation of 2-butoxyacetic acid (2-BAA), a metabolite and biomarker for human exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. The solvent 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) is extensively used in various industrial and domestic applications, and it is a health concern owing to its toxicity. Sample preparation consists of liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE) of urine, then esterification of 2-BAA to produce the ethyl ester analog. The gas chromatographic conditions utilize a dimethyl polysiloxane phase (HP-1) capillary column and a mass spectrometer (MS) for detection of the analyte. Validation of this method includes a recovery study using fortified urine samples, which demonstrated good accuracy and precision; recovery varied between 100% and 102% of theory, with relative standard deviations of replicate samples at 2.8% and less. The detection limit of this method ranges from 0.005 to 0.015 µg/mL equivalent level of 2-BAA in urine.
Simulation of a functional neuromuscular stimulation powered mechanical gait orthosis with coordinated joint locking

The purpose of this study was to examine a hybrid orthosis system (HOS) for walking after spinal-cord injury (SCI) that coordinates the mechanical locking and unlocking of knee and ankle joints of a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO), while propulsive forces are injected and unlocked joints controlled with functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS). The likely effectiveness of the HOS in terms of forward progression, stability, and posture of paraplegic gait was determined in this simulation study. A three-dimensional computer model of a HOS combining FNS with an RGO incorporating feedback control of muscle activation and joint locking was developed. An anthropomorphic human model included passive joint moments and a foot-ground contact model adapted from other studies. A model of the RGO reciprocally coupled the hips and locked and unlocked the knee and ankle joints during stance and swing respectively. The actions of muscles under FNS activation were modeled via closed-loop control of joint torque inputs. A walking aid that mimicked canes and voluntary upper extremity actions maintained lateral stability by providing the necessary shoulder forces and moments. The simulated HOS achieved gait speeds of 0.51/spl plusmn/0.03 m/s, stride lengths of 0.85/spl plusmn/0.04 m, and cadences of 72/spl plusmn/4 steps/min, exceeding the reported performance of other assistive gait systems. Although minimal forward trunk tilt was found to be necessary during specific phases of gait, posture, and stability were significantly improved over FNS-only systems.
Influence of the Portuguese Bend landslide on the character of the effluent-affected sediment deposit, Palos Verdes margin, southern California

Abstract Historic accretion of sediment on the Palos Verdes margin off Los Angeles County, CA, is dominated by two sources, effluent from Whites Point outfall and sediment eroded from the toe of Portuguese Bend landslide. In this paper, we document the recent history of sedimentation from these non-marine sources from 1937 until the late 1990s, and attempt to estimate the amount of material preserved on the shelf. Toward that end, we characterized offshore sediment by physical and geotechnical testing, using non-destructive gamma-ray whole-core logging techniques and conventional geotechnical strength tests, and X-ray diffraction. Results are reported within a geographic information system framework that allows for: (1) the evaluation of the spatial variability of the measured properties, and (2) assessment of the influence of these properties on processes affecting the effluent-affected sediment layer. In the inner shelf, material eroded by wave action from the toe of the Portuguese Bend landslide since 1956 has contributed 5.7–9.4 million metric tons (Mmt) of sediment, from a total eroded mass of 12.1 Mmt. A lesser fraction (⩾2.7 Mmt) of sediment is incorporated into the mid- and outer-shelf effluent-affected sediment layer. Evidence from X-ray diffractograms clearly indicates that landslide material has mixed with the mid- and outer-shelf effluent. From 1937–1987, it is estimated that 3.8 Mmt of solid anthropogenic effluent was discharged into the water column and onto the Palos Verdes Shelf.
Temperature and growth phase influence the outer-membrane proteome and the expression of a type VI secretion system in Yersinia pestis

Yersinia pestis cells were grown in vitro at 26 and 37 °C, the ambient temperatures of its flea vector and its mammalian hosts, respectively, and subjected to subcellular fractionation. Abundance changes at 26 vs 37 °C were observed for many outer-membrane (OM) proteins. The cell adhesion protein Ail (y1324) and three putative small β-barrel OM proteins (y1795, y2167 and y4083) were strongly increased at 37 °C. The Ail/Lom family protein y1682 (OmpX) was strongly increased at 26 °C. Several porins and TonB-dependent receptors, which control small molecule transport through the OM, were also altered in abundance in a temperature-dependent manner. These marked differences in the composition of the OM proteome are probably important for the adaptation of Y. pestis to its in vivo life stages. Thirteen proteins that appear to be part of an intact type VI secretion system (T6SS) were identified in membrane fractions of stationary-phase cells grown at 26 °C, but not at 37 °C. The corresponding genes are clustered in the Y. pestis KIM gene locus y3658–y3677. The proteins y3674 and y3675 were particularly abundant and co-fractionated in a M r range indicative of participation in a multi-subunit complex. The soluble haemolysin-coregulated protein y3673 was even more abundant. Its release into the extracellular medium was triggered by treatment of Y. pestis cells with trypsin. Proteases and other stress-response-inducing factors may constitute environmental cues resulting in the activation of the T6SS in Y. pestis.
Dynamics, stability and consistency in representation of genomic sequences

Processing of biological data sequences by mapping into numerical signals is a commonly used technique. The operators such as de-noising filter, smoothing filter and certain algorithm could be used iteratively. Little is known about the consistency of analysis results with different mapping strategies in this situation. Meanwhile, due to the errors and noises in acquisition of data, the stability of analysis results should never be neglected. In this paper, we provide a method for analyzing the consistency between different mappings under iterations of operator. We define different concepts of mapping equivalence. We show the necessary and sufficient condition for consistency under iteration of affine operator. We present a few theoretical results on the equivalent mappings on the concept of Fatou and Julia Set. We give the definition of stability under iteration of operator and show the stability issue can be viewed as a special case of mapping equivalence. We also establish the connection of stability to Fatou and Julia set. Finally, we present experimental results on human gene AD169 sequence and rhodopsin gene sequence under one of the widely used mappings and illustrate the equivalent mapping for a smoothing filter.
The Spark of Intimate Resemblance: A Shabbat HaGadol D’Var Torah on Parshat Tzav

In Jewish liturgical tradition, the last Sabbath before Passover is titled "Shabbat Hagadol," or the Great Sabbath. In 2015, the Torah portion read on Shabbat Hagadol was Tzav, which describes among other things the ceremony by which Moses ordained his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons as the first Cohanim -- priests -- of Israel. This talk discusses both the ordination ceremony and some of the rituals and symbols of the Passover seder, along with other topics, under a common theme: exploring the mysterious process by which radical newness can arise out of the spark of intimate resemblance.