cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penicillic Acid Production by Blue-Eye Fungi on Various Agricultural Commodities

Abstract Of 10 Penicillium species reported to cause blue-eye disease of corn, four (P. martensii, P. palitans, P. cyclopium, P. puberulum) were found capable of producing the mycotoxin penicillic acid on various agricultural commodities. Commodities with high protein contents did not support toxin synthesis. The extent of toxin production varied with the strain of mold, the commodity, and the temperature; low temperatures (1 to 10 C) favored toxin accumulation.
Engineering human DNA alkyltransferases for gene therapy using random sequence mutagenesis

Abstract O 6 -Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) is a suicide enzyme that repairs alkylation damage at the O 6 position of guanine in DNA. The essentiality of a limited number of amino acid residues at the active site has been determined by site-directed mutagenesis. We used random mutagenesis techniques to create a plasmid library of > 10 6 human AGT mutants with substitutions at residues 150–172 and selected for clones with mutations rendering Escherichia coli resistant to both the alkylating agent, N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and the AGT inhibitor, O 6 -benzylguanine (BG). On sequencing surviving clones resistant to MNNG in the presence and absence of BG, we found that a majority of the clones contained multiple substitutions at mostly nonconserved positions. We selected nine mutants resistant to a combination of MNNG and BG, and the survival of these mutants was as much as 341-fold higher than that of cells harboring wild-type AGT under the same conditions. Each of the mutants contained at least three amino acid substitutions and as many as eight, suggesting that maximum resistance to MNNG in the presence of BG requires even more substitutions than resistance to MNNG alone. BG is being tested clinically as a way to sensitize tumors to chemotherapeutic alkylating agents. Therefore, our BG-resistant mutants hold strong potential as gene therapy candidates for protecting normal tissue in patients receiving BG in combination with alkylating agents for the treatment of cancer.
Characteristics of Activated Monocyte Phenotype Support R5-Tropic Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background: Microbial translocation has been recognized as an important factor in monocyte activation and contributing to AIDS pathogenesis with elevated plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, as a marker for microbial translocation, seen in advanced HIV disease. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to assess monocyte activation in vitro by LPS and to determine its impact on monocyte phenotype. Methods: Monocytes from non-HIV-infected donors were analyzed for CD14, CD16, CD69, TNFα, and CCR5 by flow cytometry pre- and post-stimulation with LPS. In-vitro cultures were then set up to expose non-activated and activated monocytes to R5-, X4-, and dual (R5/X4)-tropic viruses; and the amount of HIV present on the cells was assayed. Results: Non-HIV-infected monocytes, after LPS stimulation, were confirmed to have an activated phenotype with increase in CD16 and CD69 surface expressions (p 0.05). The activation phenotype was supported by increase in TNFα production, p 0.05. The activated monocytes had increased surface CCR5 (from 21% to 98%; p = 0.05); and were found to have more R5-tropic virus than non-activated monocytes (p 0.05). Conclusions: Following activation by LPS, non-HIV-infected monocytes were found to have increase in surface CCR5. These activated monocytes, when exposed to R5-tropic virus, were found to have more virus compared to non-activated monocytes. The significance of the findings could lie in explaining how microbial translocation plays a role in HIV progression; and possibly promoting CCR5-directed strategies in treating HIV.
Environmental factors affecting the growth of children

Two thirds of the worlds children are undernourished; a significant cause of high mortality rates in children aged 1-5. Survivors of early malnutrition are prone to impairment of the central nervous system. No single measure of aid can be effective in preventing malnutrition unless we fully understand its causes. For some years the author has been involved in studying through yearly examinations the later growth of over 100 infants and children admitted with severe malnutrition to the British American Hospital in Lima Peru between January 1961 and December 1966. One of the basic findings was that there were large individual differences in terms of later growth. While the children who returned to the same poor environment became relatively more stunted in time the ones whose home environment improved (usually through adoption) showed remarkable improvement. Anthropometirc measures (such as head size height etc.) were correlated with income parental education number in family etc. as variables in the analysis. From this study one should be able to identify the income levels and housing conditions below which the growth of children are likely be stunted.
Evaluation of Human Performances in Critical-Skills Occupations: Criteria and Issues

This article analytically reviews the literature to provide a conceptual framework for the development of a comprehensive methodology for the evaluation of human performance effectiveness in critical–skills occupations. The findings are based upon a multiple database search including social sciences, engineering, and government sources to identify prominent citations in the field. These citations were then subjected to rigorous analysis in order to extract the appropriate internal and external criteria and issues to serve as a foundation for such a process. These criteria are then discussed within the framework of the necessary requirements for a comprehensive process for human performance evaluation.
Delta-conotoxin structure/function through a cladistic analysis.

δ-Conotoxins are Conus peptides that inhibit inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. The suggestion that δ-conotoxins might be an essential component of the venoms of fish-hunting cone snail...
Polynomial approximation technique for dynamic optimization problems

Abstract This paper considers the general dynamic optimization problem and describes a polynomial approximation technique for its solution. The proposed procedure utilizes the classical method of Ritz, where the unknown decision function is postulated to be a polynomial of degree n, the coefficients of which are solved for with optimization methods such as the sequential unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT). Thus a series of new transformed minimization problems in finite dimensions is created and solved, instead of the original problem of infinite dimensions. The proposed technique is illustrated with a practical example from the aggregate production planning area.
Strain hardening in salt results of the SALMON experiment

Salmon was a nuclear explosion in the Tatum salt dome, near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that took, place on October 22, 1964. Computational attempts to simulate the experimental results had been largely unsuccessful. This paper reports that recent calculations suggest that the reason is that the salt yield strength is extremely sensitive to strain hardening. The hardening effect had not been observed in laboratory-scale measurements, which were not made at small enough strain levels and may not have been representative of in-situ pore-fluid pressure.
The decomposition mechanism of trimethylphosphite on Ni(111)

The chemistry of trimethylphosphite ((CH3O)3P) adsorbed on the Ni(1 1 1) surface has been studied in order to gain insight into the initial steps in the decomposition of alkyl and aryl phosphates commonly used as vapor phase lubricants. The primary products of trimethylphosphite decomposition on the Ni(1 1 1) surface are H2 and CO which desorb at 355 and 400 K with kinetics that are similar to those observed for methoxy (CH3O(ad)) decomposition. In addition a CO desorption feature appears at 620 K consistent with recombination of C and O atoms that must be formed by dissociation of the C–O bonds in some fraction of the adsorbed trimethylphosphite. Other minority species that are observed desorbing from the surface include trimethylphosphite itself, methanol, and formaldehyde. This suggests that the major pathway for decomposition is one in which the P–O bonds in trimethylphosphite are cleaved initially to yield the methoxy species. Of the methoxy groups in trimethylphosphite one third undergo C–O dissociation, either as methoxy groups on the Ni(1 1 1) surface or while still bonded to phosphorus. Following heating to temperatures in excess of 700 K the Ni(1 1 1) surface is left clean of all adsorbed species other than phosphorus atoms. The use of trimethylphosphite serves as a simple, clean method for controlled deposition of phosphorus onto the Ni(1 1 1) surface.
von Hippel and Benson respond.

The issue that Drewnowski and Rehm raise is important for all research examining geographic variation in obesity. Since high-status persons tend to live in desirable areas, features of the environment, both natural and built, are confounded with socioeconomic status. This makes it challenging to assess the effect of environmental features on obesity, since obesity has a strong socioeconomic gradient.1,2
Whole-body insulin sensitivity, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, and oxidized LDL in overweight, nondiabetic men

Abstract Insulin resistance is often accompanied by elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) and a preponderance of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. However, it remains unclear whether or not insulin resistance is related to LDL particle size, independent of plasma TG. We sought to determine the strength of the relationships among these variables in a group of overweight, nondiabetic men (N = 34; body mass index [BMI], 25 to 35 kg/m 2 ; age, 50 to 75 years), as well as to examine the possible relation between insulin sensitivity and oxidized LDL (oxLDL). We also examined the strength of the relationships between these lipid variables and estimates of insulin sensitivity using calculated indices based on fasting insulin and glucose concentrations. Insulin sensitivity (Si) was significantly associated with total TG ( r = [minus ]0.61, P [lt ] .001), very[ndash ]low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TG ( r = [minus ]0.60, P [lt ] .001), and LDL size ( r =.414, P [lt ] .05). LDL size was also significantly associated with TG ( r = [minus ]0.73, P [lt ] .001), VLDL-TG ( r = [minus ]0.73, P [lt ] .001), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ( r = 0.65, P [lt ] .001), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) ( rho = 0.46, P [lt ] .01), and the homeostatic model for the assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ( rho = [minus ]0.45, P [lt ] .01). Si was a significant predictor of LDL size, with age and BMI also independent contributors to the variance in LDL size ( R 2 = 0.172). However, when TG and HDL-C were added to the model, Si was no longer a significant predictor of LDL size. The correlation between Si and oxLDL was weak, but stastically significant ( rho = [minus ]0.40, P = .02). These data suggest that the relation between Si and LDL size is largely mediated by plasma TG, and that Si is only weakly related to oxLDL in overweight, nondiabetic men.
Green Entrepreneurship: A Method for Managing Natural Resources?

Globalization has often pushed aside the notion that business owners can use their businesses to create household income, influence community behaviors and values, and impact natural resource management. Here, we identify patterns of social awareness described by green entrepreneurs and how they may be drawn into the natural resource management process. We draw upon case studies of small “green” and “green-green” businesses to learn how they incorporate their businesses into environmental and social justice causes. A few themes emerged from in-depth interviews with a sample of green entrepreneurs, including: low levels of interest in economic success; high degrees of awareness about the business's environmental impact; and high levels of concern for social justice. In addition, several constructs emerged, which included personal motivation and mission, locality, and a forward-thinking orientation about sustainability. The findings reveal innovative models for incorporating green business into environmenta...
Electron-impact cross sections for multiple ionization of Kr and Xe.

Partial cross sections were measured for the ionization M+e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{M}}^{\mathit{n}+}$+(n+1)e for M=Kr and Xe (n=1--6) as a function of electron energy (0--470 eV). The experiment is based on a crossed-beam time-of-flight mass spectrometer employing pulsed electron and atomic beams, and pulsed ion extraction. Cross sections for ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{5+}$, ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{6+}$, and ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{6+}$ have not been previously measured over this energy range. The cross sections reported for the remaining ions considerably narrow the uncertainty of previous measurements. The source of discrepancy among recent work appears to be due to improper account of detector-gain effects. The ionization onsets are fitted to threshold power-law expressions to derive ionization potentials.
Laboratory, field, and modeling studies of bioaugmentation of butane-utilizing microorganisms for the in situ cometabolic treatment of 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane

Abstract A series of laboratory, field, and modeling studies were performed evaluating the potential for in situ aerobic cometabolism of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) mixtures, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) by bioaugmented microorganisms that grew on butane. A butane-grown bioaugmentation culture, primarily comprised of a Rhodococcus sp., was developed that effectively transformed mixtures of the three CAHs, under subsurface nutrient conditions. Microcosm experiments and modeling studies showed rapid transformation of 1,1-DCE with high transformation product toxicity and weak inhibition by butane, while 1,1,1-TCA was much more slowly transformed and strongly inhibited by butane. Field studies were conducted in the saturated zone at the Moffett Field In-Situ Test Facility in California. In the bioaugmented test leg, 1,1-DCE was most effectively transformed, followed by 1,1-DCA, and 1,1,1-TCA, consistent with the results from the laboratory studies. A 1-D reactive/transport code simulated the field responses during the early stages of testing (first 20 days), with the following extents of removal achieved at the first monitoring well; 1,1-DCE (∼97%), 1,1-DCA (∼77%), and 1,1,1-TCA (∼36%), with little or no CAH transformation observed beyond the first monitoring well. As time proceeded, decreased performance was observed. The modeling analysis indicated that this loss of performance may have been associated with 1,1-DCE transformation toxicity combined with the limited addition of butane as a growth substrate with longer pulse cycles. When shorter pulse cycles were reinitiated after 40 days of operation, 1,1-DCE transformation was restored and the following transformation extents were achieved; 1,1-DCE (∼94%), 1,1-DCA (∼8%), and 1,1,1-TCA (∼0%), with some CAH transformation occurring past the first monitoring well. Modeling analysis of this period indicated that the bioaugmented culture was likely not the dominant butane-utilizing microorganism present. This was consistent with observations in the indigenous leg during this period that showed effective butane utilization and the following extents of transformation: 1,1-DCE (∼86 %), 1,1-DCA (∼5%), and 1,1,1-TCA (∼0%). The combination of lab and field scale studies and supporting modeling provide a means of evaluating the performance of bioaugmentation and the cometabolic treatment of CAH mixtures.
Kinetics of dissociation of metal cyanide complexes using iodine as a scavenger for cyanide ion

Iodine react repidly with cyanide ion but does not react directly with metal-bound cyanide. It is therefore an effective scavenger which permits studies of the dissociation rates of a number of metal cyanide complexes. The rates Cd(CN)42−≫Ni(CN)42−≫Pd(CN)42−≫Fe(CN)63−}Co(CN)63− are found.
Therapeutic Approaches to the Regulation of Wound Angiogenesis.

Significance: Re-establishment of a functional vascular network is a critical component of successful wound repair. One of the most potent pro-angiogenic agents is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which, from a basic science and pre-clinical perspective, seems ideal for the therapeutic stimulation of blood vessel growth in non-healing wounds. Critical Issues: Current strategies to improve the dysfunctional angiogenesis that occurs in non-healing wounds are inadequate with regard to the nature and magnitude of the clinical problem. However, VEGF therapy has so far been unsuccessful in promoting healing in the clinic. More effective means of delivery to the wound, which take into account the biochemical and spatio-temporal aspects of angiogenesis, may be necessary to realize VEGF's therapeutic potential. Reviewed approaches for the regulation of wound angiogenesis include: targeting regulators of intracellular VEGF signaling, making use of collagen-binding VEGF fusion proteins for increased retent...
Service Quality: the Front‐stage vs. the Back‐stage Perspective

Evaluates customers′ and employees′ service quality expectations and perceptions from the example of a hospital environment. Considers employees′ responses in administrative and nonadministrative categories. Notes differences between the groups and discusses the managerial implications arising from the differences found. Includes a detailed description of the methodology involved in the study.
Complex domain distillation calculations

Abstract Lucia and Xu (1992) [ Recent Advances in Global Optimization . Princeton Univ. Press.] have studied the complex domain behavior of various fixed-point methods for solving the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state and show that the bifurcation of a pair of roots into the complex plane coincide with a phase transition. Lucia and Taylor (1992) [ European Symp. Comp. Aided Process Engng , pp. S387–S394] demonstrated that the iterative use of complex roots to cubic equations of state within flash calculations offers significant advantages in convergence in single and multiphase regions near to the critical region. In a sequel to these papers we bring new meaning to the well-used phrase “complex distillation” by carrying out Newton-based multi-stage distillation calculations almost entirely in the complex domain! This removes discontinuities inherent in real domain modes including the need for bounding mole fractions to lie between zero and one. In addition, Cauchy-Riemann conditions remove the one-sided differentiability in some models and thermophysical properties functions at phase boundaries. Numerical examples and geometric illustrations are used to illustrate significant features of complex distillation calculations.
EFFECT OF SURFACTANT THERAPY ON RESPIRATORY DISTRESS OF PREMATURE LAMBS

This study was designed to see if the endotracheal delivery of natural surfactant (NS) prior to the first breath produces a favorable effect on the lungs of prematurely delivered lambs with clinical respiratory distress. Ewes with known breeding dates and twins were delivered by C-section between 120-122 days of gestation, a time when lung surfactant is not normally present and respiratory distress develops. Each twin fetus was ventilated for 2 hours in room air with a volume respirator at 3 cm H2O PEEP. On an alternate basis, one twin received NS and the other saline prior to the first breath. NS was isolated from 2 day old newborn lambs. The quantity of NS instilled was estimated from its saturated lecithin content and was 4 fold the theoretical amount required to cover the total pulmonary alveolar space with one lipid-protein duplex. Studies of excised surfactant-deficient immature lamb lungs have shown that this amount of NS is capable of improving the pressure-volume characteristics at 37°C. Six lambs received surfactant. In comparison with twin controls the following results were observed: better blood gases; improved effective lung compliance; longer survival; better gross appearance of lungs; better pressure-volume curves; normal surface tension of lung extracts; and better histologic appearance of the lungs. These results support the view that the endotracheal delivery of natural surfactant may be a valuable tool in the treatment of RDS.
Hydrothermal hexaaluminate phosphors

Two members of the hexaaluminate family of phosphors, BaMg 2 Al 16 O 27 :Eu 2+ and MgAl 11 O 17.5 :Ce 3+ ,Tb 3+ , were synthesized at low temperatures by hydrothermal reaction at 800°C and 50-70 MPa water pressure. Well-crystallized single-phase products were obtained with a particle size in the range of 1-2 μm. Good luminescence intensities were obtained under near-UV excitation, but luminescence intensities under vacuum UV (plasma display) excitation are less than observed for phosphors synthesized by high-temperature processing. These compounds appear to be a more ordered stacking arrangement and are crystallographically different phases from those produced when the same compositions are fired at high temperatures.
The Approved Narrative of the Srebrenica Massacre

The Srebrenica massacre has taken on both symbolic and mythical properties, all in the service of political agendas. The symbol is of Serb evil, manifested in an alleged cold-blooded and unprovoked massacre of innocents reminiscent of Nazi behavior during World War II. The myth is that 8000 Bosnian Muslim “men and boys” were executed in the vicinity of Srebrenica in July 1995, and that any executions there were unprovoked and carried out in accord with a genocidal plan. Both facts and language have had to be aggressively massaged to support these claims. The political agendas served by the massacre claims were those of the Bosnian Muslims, striving to get NATO to enter the Bosnian struggle more actively, the Croats, who needed a demonization of Serbs to carry out their own ethnic cleansing plans (most notably, removing 250,000 Serbs from Croatian Krajina in the very next month, August 1995), and the Clinton administration, under attack for a failure to intervene more actively on behalf of the Croats and Muslims and searching for an excuse to do so.
Molecular Phylogenetics of the Genus Neoconocephalus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) and the Evolution of Temperate Life Histories

Background The katydid genus Neoconocephalus (25+ species) has a prominent acoustic communication system and occurs in large parts of the Neotropics and Nearctic. This group has been subject of numerous behavioral, physiological, and evolutionary studies of its acoustic communication system. Two distinct life histories occur in this group: The tropical life history incorporates multiple generations/year and direct egg development without environmental triggers. Temperate life history is characterized by overwintering in the egg stage, cold trigger of egg development, and one generation/year. This study reconstructs the phylogenetic relationships within the genus to (1) determine the evolutionary history of the temperate life history, and (2) to support comparative studies of evolutionary and physiological problems in this genus. Methodology/Principal Findings We used Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLP), and sequences of two nuclear loci and one mitochondrial locus to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships. The analysis included 17 ingroup and two outgroup species. AFLP and mitochondrial data provided resolution at the species level while the two nuclear loci revealed only deeper nodes. The data sets were combined in a super-matrix to estimate a total evidence tree. Seven of the temperate species form a monophyletic group; however, three more temperate species were placed as siblings of tropical species. Conclusions/Significance Our analyses support the reliability of the current taxonomic treatment of the Neoconocephalus fauna of Caribbean, Central, and North America. Ancestral state reconstruction of life history traits was not conclusive, however at least four transitions between life histories occurred among our sample of species. The proposed phylogeny will strengthen conclusions from comparative work in this group.
Dissociation of MgSiO3 in the cores of gas giants and terrestrial exoplanets.

CaIrO3-type MgSiO3 is the planet-forming silicate stable at pressures and temperatures beyond those of Earth9s core-mantle boundary. First-principles quasiharmonic free-energy computations show that this mineral should dissociate into CsCl-type MgO cotunnite-type SiO2 at pressures and temperatures expected to occur in the cores of the gas giants + and in terrestrial exoplanets. At ∼10 megabars and ∼10,000 kelvin, cotunnite-type SiO2 should have thermally activated electron carriers and thus electrical conductivity close to metallic values. Electrons will give a large contribution to thermal conductivity, and electronic damping will suppress radiative heat transport.
Leadership Lessons Learned from Managing and Being Managed.

Abstract Library leaders must resist the pressures of hierarchical thinking to focus on how they can best enable staff to grow in knowledge and commitment to librarianship. Empowering leadership serves the work-related needs of all employees by ensuring that they understand the significance of their tasks, have sufficient knowledge to perform well, possess a measure of control over their own work, and participate in planning and decision making.
A Double-Blind Comparison of Paroxetine and Placebo in the Treatment of Depressed Outpatients

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was carried out to compare the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine in outpatients with moderate to moderately severe depression without mania. Paroxetine was found to be an effective antidepressant drug when compared to placebo. For most of th
Receptor-dependent and receptor-independent endocannabinoid signaling: A therapeutic target for regulation of cancer growth

The endocannabinoid system comprises the G-protein coupled CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and catabolism. Recent works have revealed several important interactions between the endocannabinoid system and cancer. Moreover, it is now well established that synthetic small molecule cannabinoid receptor agonist acting on either CB1R or CB2R or both exerts anti-cancer effects on a variety of tumor cells. Recent results from many laboratories reported that the expression of CB1R and CB2R in prostate cancer, breast cancer, and many other cancer cells is higher than that in corresponding non-malignant tissues. The mechanisms by which cannabinoids acting on CB1R or CB2R exert their effects on cancer cells are quite diverse and complex. Further, several studies demonstrated that some of the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of cannabinoids are mediated by receptor-independent mechanisms. In this minireview we provide an overview of the major findings on the effects of endogenous and/or synthetic cannabinoids on breast and prostate cancers. We also provide insight into receptor independent mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids under in vitro and in vivo conditions.
Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction of Cellulose Nanocrystal−Alginate Nanocomposite Fibers

Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) was used to determine the structure and orientation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) within alginate nanocomposite fibers and provide correlations with the resulting mechanical property enhancements [Urena-BenavidesLangmuir 2010, 26, 14263]. The alginate junction zones were mostly composed of mannuronate/guluronate (MG) dimers; no evidence was found of an alteration of this structure upon addition of the nanofiller. The orientation of the CNC was studied from the azimuthal intensity distribution of the (2,0,0) reflection. The spread of the orientation increased with higher loads until the nanoparticles within the matrix spiraled around the longitudinal axis, which resulted in a reduction in tenacity and modulus and an increase in elongation at break and toughness. This spiral orientation is also observed in native cellulose fibers and is deterministic of their mechanical properties. Increased fiber stretching during spinning retarded the appearance of a spiral assembly a...
A generalization of Kuzmin's theorem

Dans un modele de masse triaxial avec un potentiel gravitationnel de la forme de Stackel en coordonnees elliptiques, la densite en un point general est liee de maniere simple a la densite sur le petit axe. La densite n'est negative nulle part si et seulement si elle n'est pas negative sur le petit axe. Ceci est la generalisation d'un theoreme obtenu par Kuzmin pour les modeles de masse aplatis a symetrie axiale
On Adaptive HTTP Streaming to Mobile Devices

Adaptive Streaming over HTTP is a new video streaming technique that starts to boom in recent years. Meanwhile, mobile devices are quickly becoming the main platform for streaming services. Adaptive streaming to mobile devices faces additional challenges of high TCP throughput variability and limited battery supply. In this paper, we address those challenges and develop a video adaptation algorithm driven by buffered video time, TCP throughput history, recent video rates, and battery level. Our algorithm smoothly adapts the target video rate to the available network bandwidth and the remaining battery level, while maximally avoiding playback freezes. We implement the proposed algorithm into a fully-functional mobile DASH system and evaluate its performance through extensive experiments over WiFi and 3G connections. We demonstrate that our mobile DASH designs are highly efficient and robust in realistic network environments.
Seller rating, price, and default in online auctions

Whereas in brick and mortar stores quality and seller reliability can be effectively communicated through a variety of quality cues, in the online world different mechanisms help sellers establish reputation and trust. Among the commonly used mechanisms by infomediaries that screen and rate sellers are customer-feedback reputation mechanisms where buyers provide seller ratings and feedback. The success of such mechanisms and their impact on prices in electronic markets are described and empirically investigated in this work. Specifically, we investigate both theoretically and empirically (1) whether seller ratings affect consumer valuations, particularly in the presence of insurance; (2) whether seller ratings are indicative of future default likelihood; and (3) whether a seller who is terminal (about to go out of business) is more likely to default prior to exiting.
Identification of the E. coli groNB(nusB) gene product

The E. coli groNB(nusB) gene product has been previously shown to be necessary for bacteriophage λN protein function. The product of the groNB gene has been identified on SDS polyacrylamide gels after infection of UV-irradiated E. coli cells with various λgroNB + transducing phage derivatives. It is a polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 daltons. Transducing phage carrying either a deletion or an amber mutation in the groNB gene fail to synthesize the 14,000-Mr polypeptide chain upon infection of a sup + host. However, am + revertants of the λgroNBam phage do induce the synthesis of the polypeptide.
Synthesis of the Body Swing Rotator Joint Aligning Mechanism for the Abductor Joint of a Novel Tripedal Locomotion Robot

The unique three-legged walking robot STriDER (Self-excited Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot) utilizes a novel tripedal gait which incorporates aspects of passive dynamic walking into a stable tripedal platform to walk efficiently, and is also capable of changing directions. This unique tripedal gait, however, requires three abductor joints to align two of the three body swing rotator joints in the body, depending on the direction of the step the robot takes. In an earlier prototype of STriDER, the three abductor joints were independently actuated using three DC motors to align the rotator joints which made the robot heavy and inefficient. In this paper, we present the synthesis, analysis, and mechanical design of a novel mechanism for actuating the three abductor joints of this unique three-legged walking robot to generate the required motion using only a single actuator. The mechanism utilizes an internal gear set to generate a Hypotrochoid path curve and uses pin-in-slot joints to coordinate the motion of the three abductor joints to guide them through the four sets of positions required to enable the robot to walk efficiently. A brief description and background of the tripedal locomotion robot STriDER is presented first, followed by the design constraints and requirements of the abductor joint mechanism. Synthesis and kinematic analysis of the mechanism is presented with a study of the force transmission characteristics for a quasi-static case. A description of the detailed mechanical design, results from the experiments, and a conclusion with a discussion for future work is presented next.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Longitudinal measurement of amniotic fluid index in postterm pregnancies and its association with fetal outcome

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the association between dynamic changes in serial amniotic fluid index measurements and adverse fetal outcome in postterm pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Serial amniotic fluid index values were obtained semiweekly in 139 reliably dated, uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies at >41 weeks' gestation. Adverse fetal outcome was defined by the presence of moderate or thick meconium, fetal heart rate decelerations, cesarean delivery for fetal distress, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and perinatal mortality. RESULTS: Prominent changes in the amniotic fluid index (i.e., >50% increase or decrease) had no association with adverse fetal outcome irrespective of rate of change, provided the final value remained >5.0 cm. A significant association with fetal heart rate decelerations and the presence of meconium was detected only in patients whose final amniotic fluid index was ≤5.0 cm ( p = 0.007 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the rate of change in amniotic fluid index, postterm pregnancies are significantly associated with potential complications such as fetal heart rate decelerations and meconium staining when the final amniotic fluid index is ≤5.0 cm.
Selective induction and inhibition of liver and lung cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases by the PCBs mixture, Aroclor 1016.

Abstract The effects of the widely used industrial OCBs mixture, Aroclor 1016, as modifiers of monooxygenases were studied in rats and rabbits. From data presented, it is not possible to generalize the biological effects of PCBs observed with rats, namely, that they are potent, non-specific inducers of monooxygenase activities. In rat liver, Aroclor 1016 exhibited primarily the potent inducing effects of the barbiturate class of inducers. In contrast, in rabbits pretreated with Aroclor 1016, although cytochrome P−450 content of the liver was significantly increased, benzphetamine N-demethylase and benzo [a] pyrene hydroxylase activities were decreased 30–35%; and no changes in the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin and 7-ethoxyresorufin were observed. These results strongly suggest differences in the regulation of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in the liver by the PCBs. A similar conclusion can be drawn from the pulmonary studies of Aroclor 1016-pretreated rabbits. In the lung, cytochrome P-450, form 2 and associated enzymic activities were markedly decreased, with little or no effect on the form 5 isozyme. Electrophoretic and chromatographic studies confirmed these findings. The induction and the repression of a form or forms of cytochrome P-450 by environmentally -derived chemicals may be important determinants of organ-targeted chemical toxicity.
Effect of nutrient sources on growth and acetate production by Clostridium thermoaceticum

The economic viability of producing acetate from dextrose by Clostridium thermoaceticum is dependent on using low cost nutrients in the medium. Under conditions of nutrient depletion or high dextrose concentration, the cells decreased in numbers, reduced their rate of acetate production, and also produced a by-product (fructose). The best alternate nutrients were defatted soy flour with limited protein hydrolysis, corn steep liquor, and ethanol stillage. They gave comparable results to Bacto yeast extract from Difco but at a substantially lower cost.
Sojourn time of almost semicontinuous integral-valued processes in a fixed state

Let ξ(t) be an almost lower semicontinuous integer-valued process with moment generating function of the negative parts of jumps $$ {\xi_k}:E\left[ {{{{{z^{{\xi_k}}}}} \left/ {{{\xi_k} < 0}} \right.}} \right] = \frac{{1 - b}}{{z - b}},\,\,\,0 \leqslant b < 1. $$ For the moment generating function of the sojourn time of ξ(t) in a fixed state, we deduce relations in terms of the roots $ {z_s} < 1 < {\hat{z}_s} $ of the Lundberg equation. Passing to the limit as s → 0 in the relations obtained as a result, we determine the distributions of l r (∞).
Changes in ling morphology and cell number in radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis: A quantitative ultrastructural study

Abstract We used stereologic-morphometric techniques to obtain a detailed quantitative picture of the changes in lung ultrastructure of rats at 12 and 26 weeks after unilateral thoracic irradiation with 3000 cGy. At 12 weeks post-radiation, the total number type 1 epithelial cells, type 2 epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells were decreased 50–70%, total type 1 epithelial and capillary surface areas were decreased 55–60%, and the total volume of intracapillary blood was decreased 75%. The interstitial cells and matrix together accounted for more than 9% of the peripheral lung tissue volume including air, compared to 3% in controls. The numerical density of interstitial cells was increased to 3-fold the control value. The numerical density of interstitial cells was increased to 3-fold the control value. Although fibroblasts still comprised the largest interstitial cell subgroup, the numerical density of mast cells was increased over 150-fold and other inflammatory and immune cells were increased to a lesser extent. At 26 weeks post-radiation, the number, volume, and surface area of the type 1 epithelium and capillary endothelium had further decreased to only 5–10% of control values. The total number of type 2 epithelial cells was reduced by 75% but the volume density was actually increased because of a 4-fold increase in the mean cell volume. The interstitial cells and matrix now comprised over 77% of total peripheral lung tissue volume including air as compared to 6% in controls. Mast cells and plasma cells comprised 11 % and 19% of all interstitial cells respectively and the densities of these cells were 540 and 180-fold the control value respectively. The relation of these morphometric findings to the results of previous morphologic studies is discussed.
Reducing the Burden of Manuscript Reviewing

If anecdotal evidence is to be believed, political scientists are much more heav ily burdened with reviewing manuscripts submitted to professional journals than they were just a few years ago, even more than the expanded number of journals and journals that have expanded their numbers would suggest. Young faculty in particular feel this burden; rightly or wrongly, they feel they cannot refuse requests to review manuscripts because it may make it harder for them to publish in those very same journals. More than a few graduate stu dents have also been asked to review pa pers, a practice one might question both because of the time it takes from budding researchers and because of questions it raises about the quality of reviews. If the number of requests to review manuscripts has in fact risen significantly, it has a number of likely consequences. First, editors have a harder time finding appropriate, willing reviewers, and their job becomes more time-consuming and less rewarding. Editors of journals not at the top of the pecking order may find it especially difficult. Second, faculty spend more time reviewing and less time teaching and producing research. Third, reviewers may do a less adequate job be cause of the time required for the volume of review work they are asked to do, and they may take longer to complete reviews. There may even be spillover effects such as a decreased willingness to do other kinds of service work, such as reviewing candidates for promotion and tenure.
Elevation of multiple cytokines/chemokines in urine of human renal transplant recipients with acute and chronic injuries: potential usage for diagnosis and monitoring

Early diagnosis and intervention of acute dysfunction caused by both immune and nonimmune factors in the kidney transplant are crucial for the long-term well-being of the recipient. The monitoring and diagnosis of acute dysfunction and chronic allograft nephropathy in kidney transplant are currently based on clinical symptoms, serum creatinine (Cr), proteinuria, and renal biopsy. A renal biopsy can indicate infiltration of inflammatory cells, structural damage, and fibrosis in the kidney. It is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute and chronic injury. Nonetheless, the biopsy tissue is only a tiny sample of the kidney and may miss focal inflammation or damages. Furthermore, the biopsy procedure is invasive and has potential complications. A sensitive noninvasive test that is able to detect acute and chronic injuries in the kidney transplant will be a very useful adjunct in clinical practice to monitor the renal graft and to help guide the performance of biopsies. We and others have observed a significant elevation of cytokines and chemokines in urine of kidney transplant recipients with acute and chronic injuries. For example, CXCR3 binding chemokines elevate in urine samples of recipients with acute dysfunction in the kidney transplant. Furthermore, the elevation of these chemokines predicts the occurrence of acute rejection earlier than the rise of serum Cr. A rapid fall of the chemokines in urine indicates response to antirejection therapy, which is more sensitive than the serum Cr. Cytokines and chemokines excreted into the urine are made by both the infiltrating inflammatory cells and the kidney cells, and therefore the elevation of these factors in urine may indicate inflammation and renal tissue injury. Based on these observations, we think that cytokines and chemokines in urine may become useful biomarkers in the clinic for monitoring the kidney graft.
Werner Helicase Wings DNA Binding

In this issue of Structure , Kitano et al. describe the structure of the DNA-bound winged-helix domain from the Werner helicase. This structure of a RecQ/DNA complex offers insights into the DNA-unwinding mechanisms of RecQ family helicases.
Thc: yag, ultrasonic, and electrohydraulic gallstone lithotriptors

There is considerable interest in methods of dealing with gallstones that would be less invasive than traditional gallbladder surgery. Our group has been especially interested in percutaneous endoscopic or transcatheter methods for performing biliary lithotripsy. We performed an in vitro comparison of three methods for lithotripsy, the thulium-holmium-chromium:YAG laser (THC:YAG), the ultrasonic lithotriptor (UL) and the electrohydraulic lithotriptor (EHL). We concluded that no one modality is clearly superior to the others, but rather that these methods are complementary with each modality having a preferred role.
Neutral Atom Quantum Computing

This talk provides an overview of worldwide efforts toward neutral atom quantum computing. While the talk will focus principally on NIST efforts, I will attempt to point out some of the important results from other groups while focusing on those aspects of neutral atoms that should make them an ideal candidate for quantum computing. Neutral atoms have two basic features that make them ideal. One is that they are among the best understood and controlled quantum systems known today, having led to Bose-Einstein condensation and the observation of the quantum phase transition from a superfluid to a Mott-insulator. The second feature that supports neutral atom quantum computing is that potential solutions for building a scalable quantum architectures based on neutral atoms already exist. The need for scalable quantum architectures, unfortunately places numerous constraints and requirements on physical systems. These requirements have been discussed by several authors; however, since the requirements are not widely known I will briefly review them along with their potential solutions for neutral atom systems. I will then conclude with a few speculative statements about the future of quantum computing and quantum information.
Meaning in benga music of western Kenya

This article presents three ethnographic case studies relating to benga music and related genres in Kisumu town in western Kenya that point to ways in which musical performances can be understood as affording multiple layers of meaning. I suggest that musical performance be approached as a multivalent process within which many meanings and interpretations are projected and received, and I outline ways in which benga and related musical performances (gospel singing, nyatiti playing and praise singing) can be understood through a stylistics of listening in which the reception of meaning and the experience of listening are coextensive.
Introducing Governmental Documents in Academic Libraries and School Media Centers: A Selected Bibliography and Guide

Library patrons' lack of awareness about the governmental documents held in public and academic libraries is an often repeated theme in the literature of documents librarianship. Various programs are implemented in academic libraries to inform students about governmental publications, including one of the more common methods of user‐education, namely, bibliographic instruction. Classes can range from those that introduce general library resources and mention documents, to those that are devoted exclusively to describing governmental documents. Few college students without specialized training are aware of governmental publications, and some academic librarians and elementary and secondary media specialists may share this ignorance. One illustration of this point is Smelser's study, done in 1978, which showed that only 10 percent of the librarians in Minnesota secondary school libraries and media centers had completed any formal course work in governmental documents. Another 60 percent had taken a course that devoted nine or fewer actual hours of class time to some aspects of governmental publications. Library schools commonly offer only one course on governmental documents; thus, many public and academic librarians feel inadequately prepared to provide assistance in this changing field of reference work.