cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Training Large Neural Networks with Constant Memory using a New Execution Algorithm

Widely popular transformer-based NLP models such as BERT and Turing-NLG have enormous capacity trending to billions of parameters. Current execution methods demand brute-force resources such as HBM devices and high speed interconnectivity for data parallelism. In this paper, we introduce a new relay-style execution technique called L2L (layer-to-layer) where at any given moment, the device memory is primarily populated only with the executing layer(s)'s footprint. The model resides in the DRAM memory attached to either a CPU or an FPGA as an entity we call eager param-server (EPS). To overcome the bandwidth issues of shuttling parameters to and from EPS, the model is executed a layer at a time across many micro-batches instead of the conventional method of minibatches over whole model. L2L is implemented using 16GB V100 devices for BERT-Large running it with a device batch size of up to 256. Our results show 45% reduction in memory and 40% increase in the throughput compared to the state-of-the-art baseline. L2L is also able to fit models up to 50 Billion parameters on a machine with a single 16GB V100 and 512GB CPU memory and without requiring any model partitioning. L2L scales to arbitrary depth allowing researchers to develop on affordable devices which is a big step toward democratizing AI. By running the optimizer in the host EPS, we show a new form of mixed precision for faster throughput and convergence. In addition, the EPS enables dynamic neural architecture approaches by varying layers across iterations. Finally, we also propose and demonstrate a constant memory variation of L2L and we propose future enhancements. This work has been performed on GPUs first, but also targeted towards all high TFLOPS/Watt accelerators.
Review of North American Neutrino Factory R&D

We report here on the R&D programme of the U.S. Neutrino Factory and Muon Collider Collaboration. Our effort includes work on targetry, muon ionization cooling, simulation work and development of superconducting RF cavities. In addition, we are involved in the international effort towards a muon ionization cooling experiment (MICE). Recent activities in all these areas will be described.
THE MAZE PROCEDURE IS A RISK FACTOR FOR LEFT ATRIAL THROMBUS

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) imparts high risk for thrombus formation and resultant stroke. While 90% of thrombi form in the left atrial appendage (LAA), the other 10% develop in other locations within the LA. Little is known about risks specific to LA thrombus (LAT) formation. We aimed to
Left ventricular thrombus on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS Case reports have described left ventricular (LV) thrombus in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). We aimed to systematically study the characteristics, predictors, and outcomes of LV thrombus in NICM. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-eight patients with LV thrombus detected on late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (LGE CMR) in NICM were compared with 124 patients with LV thrombus in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), and 144 matched patients with no LV thrombus in NICM. The performance of echocardiography for the detection of LV thrombus was compared between NICM and ICM. The 12-month incidence of embolism was compared between the three study groups. Independent predictors of LV thrombus in NICM were LV ejection fraction (LVEF) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.36 per 5% decrease; P = 0.002], LGE presence (HR 6.30; P < 0.001), and LGE extent (HR 1.33 per 5% increase; P = 0.001). Compared with patients with LV thrombus in ICM, those with LV thrombus in NICM had a 10-fold higher prevalence of thrombi in other cardiac chambers. The performance of echocardiography for the detection of LV thrombus was not different between NICM and ICM. The 12-month incidence of embolism associated with LV thrombus was not different between NICM and ICM (8.7% vs. 6.8%; P = 0.69) but both were higher compared with no LV thrombus in NICM (1.5%). CONCLUSION Independent predictors of LV thrombus in NICM were lower LVEF, LGE presence, and greater LGE extent. The 12-month incidence of embolism associated with LV thrombus in NICM was not different compared with LV thrombus in ICM.
Tissue and sex-specific programming of DNA methylation by perinatal lead exposure: implications for environmental epigenetics studies

Early developmental environment can influence long-term health through reprogramming of the epigenome. Human environmental epigenetics studies rely on surrogate tissues, such as blood, to assess th...
THE ECONOMIC PAMPHLETEER: The EAT-Lancet Commission Report: A solution or perpetuation of the problem?

First paragraphs: In 2019, the international EAT-Lancet Commis­sion proposed a global strategy for “healthy diets from sustainable food systems” (EAT-Lancet Commission, 2019, “Exec. Summary,” para. 1). The authors claimed theirs was “the first attempt to set universal scientific targets for the food system that apply to all people and the planet” (EAT, n.d., p. 5). Within the first three months of its release, the report generated over 5,800 media articles in 118 countries and over a million shares on social media (Stockholm Resilience Center, 2019). The report has been praised primarily by advocates of animal welfare and vegetarian and vegan diets. It has been criticized primarily for its draconian restrictions on the consumption of animal products and its lack of affordability and acceptability to many of those in greatest need of healthy foods. The Commission acknowledged that the current global agri-food system is not sustainable, noting that “Food systems have the potential to nurture human health and support environmental sustainability; however, they are currently threat­ening both” (p. 442). The Commission’s “defini­tion of sustainable food production stays within safe planetary boundaries for six environmental processes that together regulate the state of the Earth system” (p. 485). Numerical boundaries were developed for climate change, land-use systems change, freshwater use, biodiversity loss, and interference with the nitrogen and phospho­rus cycle. However, by focusing on the need for global food security as well as ecological sustaina­bility, the Commission implicitly accepts the 1987 United Nations Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future genera­tions to meet their own needs” (United Nations, n.d.). The Commission repeated the conventional wisdom that “increasing crop yields and improving production practices have contributed to reductions in hunger, improved life expectancy, falling infant and child mortality rates, and decreased global poverty” (p. 449). However, it acknow­ledged the failure of current agri-food systems to provide nutritional food security: “Although global food produc­tion of calories has kept pace with population growth, more than 820 million people have insufficient food and many more consume low-quality diets that cause micronutri­ent deficiencies and contribute to a substantial rise in the incidence of diet-related obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes” (p. 447). . . .
Why do Groups Make Riskier Decisions Than Individuals?1

Publisher Summary This chapter comprehensively reviews the literature manifestly concerned with group risk-taking and examines in detail the major alternative interpretations offered to explain the risky-shift. Four explanations receive particular consideration: diffusion of responsibility, persuasion, familiarization, and cultural values. They are chosen because they are the most frequently cited explanations in the literature and have generated the bulk of empirical research on group risk-taking. Other more specific hypotheses concerning the risky-shift effect have been considered but are not dealt with in detail. The chapter uses a standard format in considering each of the four selected interpretations. In each case, derivative hypotheses have been specified and underlying mechanisms presumed responsible for the risky-shift effect have been examined in detail. Relevant research has been brought to bear upon these elements and it serves as the basis for a judgment of the adequacy and validity of each of the four hypothesized explanations.
Refections on Relevance of Agricultural Economics Research: Discussion

Robinson and Colyer, Skees, and Zilberman offer a number of propositions for improving economists' impact on public policy. Unanswered is what the potential impact on policy would be if these propositions are fulfilled. Couching these propositions in economic theory provides some clues for answering this question. Thus, the main point of this discussion is outlining the role that theory can play in developing hypotheses on the potential impact of these alternative propositions.
Repairing structurally complex data

We present a novel algorithm for repairing structurally complex data. Given an assertion that represents desired structural integrity constraints and a structure that violates them, the algorithm performs repair actions that mutate the given structure to generate a new structure that satisfies the constraints. Assertions are written as imperative predicates, which can express rich structural properties. Since these properties can be arbitrarily complex, our algorithm is sound but not complete, and it may not terminate in certain cases. Experimental results with our prototype implementation, Juzi, show that it is feasible to efficiently repair a variety of complex data structures that are routinely used in library code. Juzi can often repair structures comprising of over a hundred objects (even when majority of the objects have some corrupted field) in less than one second. Our algorithm is based on systematic backtracking but does not require storing states and can easily be implemented in a variety of software model checkers, such as the Java PathFinder, SPIN, and VeriSoft.
Crowdsourcing urban air temperature measurements using smartphones

Crowdsourced data from cell phone battery temperature sensors could be used to contribute to improved real-time, high-resolution air temperature estimates in urban areas, a new study shows. Temperature observations in cities are in some cases currently limited to a few weather stations, but there are millions of smartphone users in many cities. The batteries in cell phones have temperature sensors to avoid damage to the phone.
Architektur des Ablaufkontrollsystems ActMan

Das Ablaufkontrollsystem ActMan realisiert den Kontroll- und Datenflus in geregelten arbeitsteiligen Anwendungssystemen. In diesem Kapitel wird die Architektur des Ablaufkontrollsystems in ihren einzelnen Teilkomponenten beschrieben, wahrend im anschliesenden Kapitel ausgewahlte Implementierungsaspekte bei der Realisierung von ActMan aufgezeigt werden. Zunachst wird die Stellung des Ablaufkontrollsystems im Verhaltnis zu den zu integrierenden Anwendungssystemen erlautert (Abschnitt 7.1). Anhand der dabei eingefuhrten Zusatzebene lassen sich die systemtechnischen Anforderungen an das Ablaufkontrollsystem konkretisieren und grundsatzliche Entwurfsentscheidungen aufzeigen. Auf der Basis der getroffenen Entwurfsentscheidungen wird anschliesend die softwaretechnische Rahmenarchitektur des Ablaufkontrollsystems ActMan eingefuhrt (Abschnitt 7.2). Die Rahmenarchitektur schafft einen Uberblick uber die zu realisierenden Softwarekomponenten und somit uber den restlichen Teil des vorliegenden Kapitels.
Monotessaron: The Harmonies of Little Gidding

(2005). Monotessaron: The Harmonies of Little Gidding. The Seventeenth Century: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 22-52.
Preliminary Experience Using Z to Specify a Safety-Critical System

We present our experiences in developing and using the specification for a safety-critical system. This system is an experimental medical device that is designed to perform robotic human neurosurgery. Our goal is to use this system as a case study to examine the role of software in such systems and the role of specification in achieving safe operation. Our experience with this case study has taught us that although formal specifications are of great value, their use alone is not sufficient to achieve high levels of safety. Required in addition are a clear definition of software safety and a rigorous process for developing the necessary specifications. We present, in addition, some observations on the use of Z in safety-critical applications.
Performance of GaAs concentrator cells under electron irradiations from 0.4 to 2.3 MeV

Gallium arsenide concentrator cells were irradiated with electrons with energies varying from 0.4 to 2.3 MeV, and their electrical performance was measured. The cells are 5*5 mm square with a 4 mm diameter illuminated area. At each of four different electron energy levels (0.4, 0.7, 1.0, and 2.3 MeV), three n/p and two p/n cells were irradiated. I-V performance measurements were made prior to irradiation and at several intermediate fluence levels. The final fluence level was 3*10/sup 15/ e/cm/sup 2/. It is concluded that the power degradation is independent of the temperature at which it is measured. >
“Where there is a will…”: Motivation as a moderator of language processing by bilingual consumers

This article examines the impact of processing motivation on language processing by bilingual consumers. The article begins by outlining the revised hierarchical model (Dufour & Kroll, 1995), which implies that second-language conceptual processing is more challenging and less likely to be successful than first-language processing. Then two empirical studies are conducted to investigate whether intrinsic and/or extrinsic motivation can be moderators of the impact of first- and second-language processing on cognitive measures of advertising effectiveness. Study 1 finds that need for cognition, an intrinsic measure of motivation, fulfills this moderating role. Consistent with the revised hierarchical model, for low-need-for-cognition individuals, first-language processing is superior to second-language processing. By contrast, high-need-for-cognition individuals remember first- and second-language ads equally well. Study 2 finds a significant interaction between need for cognition and an extrinsic manipulation of processing motivation, indicating that first language leads to greater memory under conditions that include both high motivation and low need for cognition. Our results are interpreted using consumer-behavior models. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood stains--why an absurd policy banning gay men as blood donors has not been changed.

If policy concerning blood donation in the United States were based solely on the ‘facts’ then the current FDA prohibition on blood donation from men who have had sex with men even once since 1977 ...
Streamwise upwind algorithm for computing unsteady transonic flows past oscillating wings

A streamwise upwind algorithm has been extended to compute unsteady flows with a moving grid system and applied to compute flows over oscillating wings at transonic Mach numbers. Comparisons have been made between results obtained from this upwind algorithm, using both temporally nonconservative- and conservativeimplicit methods, with the results obtained from a central-difference method, and also with experimental data. The efficiency and practicality of the temporally nonconservative implicit solver are illustrated. Results to show the robustness and accuracy of the upwind method for unsteady computations compared to the central-difference method are presented.
Brothers from Different Mothers—Confucius, Benedict, and Francis: The Historical Search for Humane Leadership

Ongoing global economic downturn, social and political upheavals, revolutionary changes in technology, and frightening climate change are having massive impacts on the ways people live and work. This paper examines the teachings of 3 of these leaders: Confucius, Benedict of Nursia, and Francis of Assisi, whose teachings may inform the ways in which today’s leaders motivate a workforce and deal with uncertainty. Though separated by both time and culture, these 3 men shared common biographical traits that informed their teachings and shaped their ideas about appropriate behaviors for leaders and their subordinates. Compassion, sincerity, wisdom, and trust are traits that all 3 stress as vital for leaders trying to accomplish meaningful goals in the face of adversity.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Behavioral Operations

The observed behavior of customers and managers often does not fit the assumptions of theoretical models used in the operations management (OM) literature. New research in behavioral OM is emerging to bridge the gap between traditional models and these newer observational findings. This work is both deductive and inductive, and it draws on multiple reference disciplines: experimental and behavioral economics, judgment and decision making from psychology, and organizational behavior and decision analysis from management. This special issue presents seven interesting papers that reflect the wide range of current research activity in behavioral OM. These papers provide insightful and thought-provoking introduction to this new direction in OM research.
Measurement of thin film interfacial properties using nanosecond laser source

A high energy Nd:YAG laser source is used to determine the intrinsic adhesion strength of thin films deposited on substrates. The specimen is designed to convert the thermal energy of the short duration laser pulse to a strong compressive stress on the back face of the substrate. The compressive stress propagates through the layered structure, and upon reflection from the free surface of the film, generates a tensile wave which produces tensile failure of the interface. The stress associated with the interface failure is calculated from a theoretical model of wave propagation through the layered medium. The compressive stress produced by the laser source is determined from a second experiment involving the homogeneous substrate by removing the film. Examples of the applications of the technique in cell biology are presented.
Metabolism of acetanilide with hepatic microsomes and reconstituted cytochrome monoxygenase systems

Abstract Hepatic miscrosomes and reconstituted cytochrome monoxygenase systems from control rats and from rats that have been pretreated with phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene convert radioactive acetanilide to ring-hydroxylated products, primarily 4-hydroxyacetanilide. 3-Methylcholanthrene pretreatment results in the greatest enhancement of activity: cytochrome fractions from 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated rats have many-fold higher activity than cytochrome fractions from control or phenobarbital-treated rats. The percentage of migration and retention of tritium (NIH Shift) measured in 4-hydroxyacetanilide after enzymatic oxidation of 4-[ 3 H]acetanilide is nearly identical using microsomes or the corresponding reconstituted system, but in both cases the percentage of migration and retention of tritum is markedly lower for preparations from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated animals with values of 25%, as compared to the values of 40–60% for preparations from control or phenobarbital-treated animals. High-pressure liquid chromatography was employed for separation and quantitation of radioactive products.
Bazex syndrome: acrokeratosis paraneoplastica

The focus of this article is acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, one of two disorders that have acquired the eponym Bazex syndrome. To date, all of the patients reported in the literature have had an underlying neoplasm, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. In this review of 113 cases of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (mean age, 61 years; 105 males, 8 females), the psoriasiform lesions preceded the diagnosis of the associated malignancy in 73 (67%) of 109 patients, whereas the cutaneous manifestations followed the diagnosis of the neoplasm in only 16 (15%) of 109; in the remainder, the onset of the skin lesions and the diagnosis of the tumor occurred simultaneously. Therefore, awareness of the cutaneous signs of Bazex syndrome is of obvious importance to dermatologists. Evidence in favor of the paraneoplastic nature of this disease is as follows: in 81 (93%) of 87 patients with adequate clinical descriptions, the skin lesions either improved significantly (or resolved) when the underlying neoplasm was treated or they remained unchanged in the setting of persistent disease. Occasionally, the reappearance of skin lesions has signaled a recurrence of the tumor.
Single-Molecule Studies Reveal Dynamics of DNA Unwinding by the Ring-Shaped T7 Helicase

Helicases are molecular motors that separate DNA strands for efficient replication of genomes. We probed the kinetics of individual ring-shaped T7 helicase molecules as they unwound double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or translocated on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). A distinctive DNA sequence dependence was observed in the unwinding rate that correlated with the local DNA unzipping energy landscape. The unwinding rate increased ∼10-fold (approaching the ssDNA translocation rate) when a destabilizing force on the DNA fork junction was increased from 5 to 11 pN. These observations reveal a fundamental difference between the mechanisms of ring-shaped and nonring-shaped helicases. The observed force-velocity and sequence dependence are not consistent with a simple passive unwinding model. However, an active unwinding model fully supports the data even though the helicase on its own does not unwind at its optimal rate. This work offers insights into possible ways helicase activity is enhanced by associated proteins.
Cu+- and Cu2+-sensitive PEBBLE fluorescent nanosensors using DsRed as the recognition element

Abstract The red fluorescent protein (DsRed) has typically been used as either a fluorescent tag or FRET acceptor, but here, we detail its use as a recognition element for Cu2+ and Cu+ in a fluorescent photonic explorer for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding (PEBBLE) nanosensor. DsRed and the reference dye Alexa Fluor 488 have been encapsulated within a polyacrylamide matrix by a microemulsion polymerization process, to produce spherical, ratiometric, 80 nm-sized sensors, which allow for spatially resolved real-time measurements. These nanobiosensors have excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards copper ions, with a detectable range in the nanomolar (ppb) regime, even in the presence of other divalent and heavy metal ions. The nanosensors are both photostable and reversible, which allows for continuous monitoring.
Prolonged Residence Time of a Noncovalent Molecular Adapter, β-Cyclodextrin, within the Lumen of Mutant α-Hemolysin Pores

Noncovalent molecular adapters, such as cyclodextrins, act as binding sites for channel blockers when lodged in the lumen of the alpha-hemolysin (alphaHL) pore, thereby offering a basis for the detection of a variety of organic molecules with alphaHL as a sensor element. beta-Cyclodextrin (betaCD) resides in the wild-type alphaHL pore for several hundred microseconds. The residence time can be extended to several milliseconds by the manipulation of pH and transmembrane potential. Here, we describe mutant homoheptameric alphaHL pores that are capable of accommodating betaCD for tens of seconds. The mutants were obtained by site-directed mutagenesis at position 113, which is a residue that lies near a constriction in the lumen of the transmembrane beta barrel, and fall into two classes. Members of the tight-binding class, M113D, M113N, M113V, M113H, M113F and M113Y, bind betaCD approximately 10(4)-fold more avidly than the remaining alphaHL pores, including WT-alphaHL. The lower K(d) values of these mutants are dominated by reduced values of k(off). The major effect of the mutations is most likely a remodeling of the binding site for betaCD in the vicinity of position 113. In addition, there is a smaller voltage-sensitive component of the binding, which is also affected by the residue at 113 and may result from transport of the neutral betaCD molecule by electroosmotic flow. The mutant pores for which the dwell time of betaCD is prolonged can serve as improved components for stochastic sensors.
Being Kitties in a Preschool Classroom: Maintaining Group Harmony and Acting Proper in a Female Peer-Culture Play Routine.

This study examines how young girls construct emotional themes in their peer-culture play routines and rituals in the daily life of a preschool classroom. This research is part of a larger eight-month ethnographic study of one preschool classroom. The data selected and analysed in this article are taken from a focused six-week theoretical sampling of five female preschool children's play. Micro-level analysis of the data (field notes, videotaping, video revisiting and interviews with teachers and students) revealed how children's peer-culture and emotional themes were socially constructed through a specific play narrative that centred on five females being ‘kitties’. A closer look at one group member named Mary uncovered emotional themes that centred on acting proper and group harmony. Females used their peer-culture and emotional themes to hold group members accountable, resolve conflict and appropriate society's emotional display rules. These data reveal the social–emotional ‘work’ of children and the r...
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate-induced Endothelial Cell Migration Requires the Expression of EDG-1 and EDG-3 Receptors and Rho-dependent Activation of αvβ3- and β1-containing Integrins

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP), a platelet-derived bioactive lysophospholipid, is a regulator of angiogenesis. However, molecular mechanisms involved in SPP-induced angiogenic responses are not fully defined. Here we report the molecular mechanisms involved in SPP-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and migration. SPP-induced HUVEC migration is potently inhibited by antisense phosphothioate oligonucleotides against EDG-1 as well as EDG-3 receptors. In addition, C3 exotoxin blocked SPP-induced cell attachment, spreading and migration on fibronectin-, vitronectin- and Matrigel-coated surfaces, suggesting that endothelial differentiation gene receptor signaling via the Rho pathway is critical for SPP-induced cell migration. Indeed, SPP induced Rho activation in an adherence-independent manner, whereas Rac activation was dispensible for cell attachment and focal contact formation. Interestingly, both EDG-1 and -3 receptors were required for Rho activation. Since integrins are critical for cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis, we examined the effects of blocking antibodies against αvβ3, β1, or β3 integrins. SPP induced Rho-dependent integrin clustering into focal contact sites, which was essential for cell adhesion, spreading and migration. Blockage of αvβ3- or β1-containing integrins inhibited SPP-induced HUVEC migration. Together our results suggest that endothelial differentiation gene receptor-mediated Rho signaling is required for the activation of integrin αvβ3 as well as β1-containing integrins, leading to the formation of initial focal contacts and endothelial cell migration.
Understanding the tenets of agile software engineering: lecturing, exploration and critical thinking

The use of agile principles and practices in software development is becoming a powerful force in today's workplace. In our quest to develop better products, therefore, it is imperative that we strive to learn and understand the application of agile methods, principles and techniques to the software development enterprise. Unfortunately, in many educational institutions, courses and projects that emphasize agile software development are minimal. At best, students have only limited exposure to the agile philosophy, principles and practices at the graduate and undergraduate levels of education. In an effort to address this concern, we offered an advanced graduate-level course entitled "Agile Software Engineering" in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. The primary objectives of the course were to introduce the values, principles and practices underlying the agile philosophy, and to do so in an atmosphere that encour-ages debate and critical thinking. The course was designed around three central components: (1) teaching the essentials of how one develops a product within an agile framework, (2) having invited talks by notable industry experts, and (3) having students present and discuss current agile research topics and issues. This paper describes our experiences during the offering of that course, and in particular, the unique perspectives of the class instructor, the teaching assistant and a student who was enrolled in the course.
Spatial regulation of UBXD8 and p97/VCP controls ATGL-mediated lipid droplet turnover

UBXD8 is a membrane-embedded recruitment factor for the p97/VCP segregase that has been previously linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation and to the control of triacylglycerol synthesis in the ER. UBXD8 also has been identified as a component of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs), but neither the mechanisms that control its trafficking between the ER and LDs nor its functions in the latter organelle have been investigated previously. Here we report that association of UBXD8 with the ER-resident rhomboid pseudoprotease UBAC2 specifically restricts trafficking of UBXD8 to LDs, and that the steady-state partitioning of UBXD8 between the ER and LDs can be experimentally manipulated by controlling the relative expression of these two proteins. We exploit this interaction to show that UBXD8-mediated recruitment of p97/VCP to LDs increases LD size by inhibiting the activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the rate-limiting enzyme in triacylglycerol hydrolysis. Our findings show that UBXD8 binds directly to ATGL and promotes dissociation of its endogenous coactivator, CGI-58. These data indicate that UBXD8 and p97/VCP play central integrative roles in cellular energy homeostasis.
Alterations in Spleen Norepinephrine and Lymphocyte [3H] Dihydroalprenolol Binding Site Number in Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats

Abstract Noradrenergic neurotransmission plays an important role in normal immune reactivity. Genetically epilepsy-prone (GEPR-9) rats exhibit deficits in central noradrenergic systems and diminished plaque-forming cell responses following immunization in vivo . In the present study we examined the hypothesis that immunosuppression in GEPR-9 rats is associated with alterations in the splenic noradrenergic system. The content of norepinephrine (NE) in spleens of GEPR-9 age-matched nonepileptic Sprague–Dawley control rats was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC–EC). In addition, we measured the number of β-adrenergic receptors on splenic lymphocyte membranes of GEPR-9 and control rats using the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist dihydroalprenolol ([ 3 H]DHA). HPLC–EC analysis revealed that splenic norepinephrine content was significantly greater in GEPR-9 rats than in controls. Results from receptor binding studies indicated a 33% reduction in specific binding of [ 3 H]DHA to splenic lymphocyte membranes of GEPR-9 rats. Saturation of binding studies revealed a significant decrease in the maximum number of [ 3 H]DHA binding sites on splenic lymphocyte membranes from GEPR-9 rats. These results indicate that the noradrenergic system in GEPR-9 rat spleen is altered. Whether either or both of these changes contribute to reduced immune reactivity in GEPR-9 rats remains to be determined.
Multiport Well Design for Sampling of Ground Water at Closely Spaced Vertical Intervals

Detailed vertical sampling is useful in aquifers where vertical mixing is limited and steep vertical gradients in chemical concentrations are expected. Samples can be collected at closely spaced vertical intervals from nested wells with short screened intervals. However, this approach may not be appropriate in all situations. An easy-to-construct and easy-to-install multiport sampling well to collect ground-water samples from closely spaced vertical intervals was developed and tested. The multiport sampling well was designed to sample ground water from surficial sand-and-gravel aquifers. The device consists of multiple stainless-steel tubes within a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) protective casing. The tubes protrude through the wall of the PVC casing at the desired sampling depths. A peristaltic pump is used to collect ground-water samples form the sampling ports. The difference in hydraulic head between any two sampling ports can be measured with a vacuum pump and a modified manometer. The usefulness and versatility of this multiport well design was demonstrated at an agricultural research site near Princeton, Minnesota where sampling ports were installed to a maximum depth of about 12 m below land surface. Trace experiments were conducted using potassium bromide to document the degree to which short-circuiting occurred between sampling ports. Samples were successfullymore » collected for analysis of major cations and anions, nutrients, selected herbicides, isotopes, dissolved gases, and chlorofluorocarbon concentrations.« less
The Demise of Native American Mascots: It's Time to Do the Right Thing

Purpose – The intent of this article is to show why the use of Native American mascots, logos, and nicknames by sports teams perpetuates depictions that are perceived as harmful and racist by Native Americans.Design/methodology/approach – This article examines data from published research, personal correspondence, and essays by Native Americans so that non‐natives can understand the issue from the native perspective. It also calls into question previous communication efforts that may have limited the voices of Native Americans.Findings – By examining the meaning of warriors and other cultural symbols for Native Americans and by exploring the different views of sports between natives and non‐natives, the article shows why it is unacceptable to ignore the native voice. It also demonstrates that it is possible for a sports team with a native identity to successfully change its brand image.Practical implications – Marketers, consumers, owners of sports teams, universities, and members of outside organizations...
Circular dichroism (CD) studies on yeast enolase: Activation by divalent cations

Abstract The effect of divalent cations on the near ultraviolet circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of yeast enolase showed that calcium, magnesium, and nickel ions produced identical changes. This was interpreted as indicating that the cations bound to the same sites on the enzyme and produced identical changes in tertiary structure. There was no effect of magnesium ion on the far ultraviolet spectrum. Evidently magnesium ion has no effect on the secondary structure. Substrate bound to the enzyme when the above cations were present although calcium permits no enzymatic activity. The CD spectral difference produced by the substrate was nearly the reverse of that produced by the metal ions. Glycolic acid phosphate, a competitive inhibitor lacking carbon-3, produced no effect, indicating carbon-3 was necessary for the CD spectral changes. The CD and visible absorption spectra of nickel and cobalt bound to various sites on the enzyme showed that the binding sites were octahedral or distorted octahedral in coordination and that the ligands appeared to be oxyligands: water molecules, hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. Examination of the effects of substrate and two compounds thought to be “transition state analogues” showed that these perturbed the “conformational” sites of the enzyme. The “catalytic” and “inhibitory” sites did not appear to be very CD active.
Sputum peroxidase activity correlates with the severity of lung disease in cystic fibrosis

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) of the same age differ significantly in their degree of pulmonary disease. Based on preliminary observations, we postulated that the activity of my-eloperoxidase would be significantly increased in patients with greater structural lung damage than in those with less lung damage. Acid extracts of weighed sputum samples were assayed for lactoferrin concentrations by ELISA. Activities of peroxidase, cathepsin G, and elastase (with and without proteinase 3) were determined by kinetic analysis using chromogenic substrates. The patients were divided into quartiles based on their Brasfield chest-radiograph score. Patients in the first quartile (least amount of structural lung abnormality) were compared to those in the fourth quartile. The concentration of lactoferrin, a specific (secondary) granule protein of neutrophils, did not differ between the two patient groups. However, the activities of the neutrophil primary granule proteins, peroxidase, elastase, and elastase plus proteinase 3, were significantly elevated in the group with the most structural lung abnormality. Sputum albumin concentration was used to estimate leakages of plasma proteins into the airways. Peroxidase activity, but not the activity of cathepsin G, of elastase, or of elastase plus proteinase 3, correlated significantly with albuminig sputum in both quartile groups. To confirm the association of sputum peroxidase activity with differences in lung structure and to test its correlation with lung function, spirometry was performed in a second group of patients during the week prior to the time of sputum sampling. In this second group, increased sputum peroxidase activity was associated with worse Brasfield scores and with decreased percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. Lactoferrin concentration again did not differ between the groups. Bacterial factors also did not differ. The results indicate that the degree of lung damage in patients with CF was more closely related to sputum peroxidase activity than to age, gender, CFTR genotype, or sputum bacterial parameters. Further study is required to determine whether or not peroxidase activity in the airway causes this lung damage. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Impact of Comorbidity on Perioperative Outcomes of Hip Fractures in a Geriatric Fracture Model

Background:Older adults who sustain hip fractures usually have multiple coexisting medical problems that may impact their treatment and outcomes. The geriatric fracture center (GFC) provides a mode...
It may be bigger than you think

Are you a soon-to-graduate student approaching the decision of choosing which job offer to accept for your first “permanent” position in industry? Or might you already be employed and be considering a change of companies? The decision may be bigger—much bigger—than you had thought. This article focuses on a subtle, yet highly serious issue about which any prospective employee should be aware: A company may require its employees to sign an agreement that imposes restrictions on one's choice for future employment with another company. The article also offers a step that the prospective employee can take to keep from being caught by surprise about this problem.
Cell Fusion as a Hidden Force in Tumor Progression

Cell fusion plays an essential role in fertilization, formation of placenta, bone and muscle tissues, immune response, tissue repair, and regeneration. Increasing recognition of cell fusion in somatic cell dynamics has revitalized the century-old hypothesis that cell fusion may contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. In this review, we discuss findings from experimental and clinical studies that suggest a potentially multifaceted involvement of cell fusion in different stages of tumor progression, including aneuploidy and tumor initiation, origin of cancer stem cells, multidrug resistance, and the acquisition and diversification of metastatic abilities.
A note on the effects of nonuniform spreading velocity of submarine slumps and slides on the near-field tsunami amplitudes

Abstract The effects of variable speeds of spreading of submarine slides and slumps on near-field tsunami amplitudes are illustrated. It is shown that kinematic models of submarine slides and slumps must consider time variations in the spreading velocities, when these velocities are less than about 2cT, where c T = gh is the long period tsunami velocity in ocean of constant depth h. For average spreading velocities greater than ∼2cT, kinematic models with assumed constant spreading velocities provide good approximation for the tsunami amplitudes above the source.
Parent and youth perfectionism and internalizing psychopathology

Abstract Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct that has only recently received greater attention in parents and their children. Perfectionism is often shared among family members, and one developmental model indicates that anxious parents may help predispose perfectionism in youths. This study examined relationships between parent and youth perfectionism and between parent perfectionism and youth internalizing psychopathology among adolescents aged 11–17 years. Both relationships were examined for mediation by parent internalizing psychopathology. Maternal perfectionism was found related to sons’ self-oriented perfectionism and internalizing psychopathology. Maternal self-oriented perfectionism was most closely related to sons’ self-oriented perfectionism, but maternal socially prescribed perfectionism was most closely (and inversely) related to sons’ internalizing psychopathology. Maternal obsessive compulsive symptoms also mediated the relationship between mothers’ and sons’ self-oriented perfectionism. Several possible pathways between parent and child perfectionism are discussed, including information transfer, modeling, and excessive control.
Divination of closed-loop stability and performance via frequency response function estimates

With knowledge of the internal stability of a closed-loop system with an unknown plant P and a known controller C"1, the stability and performance of another closed-loop system with the same P and a known candidate controller C"2 are divined without constructing the (P,C"2) loop. This is performed through nonparametric identification of the frequency response functions of P or other transfer functions, based on a limited amount of signal data collected from experiments on the internally stable (P,C"1) closed-loop system excited by designed reference signals and corrupted by disturbances. An error analysis is provided and conditions for the reliable assessment of stability and performance are characterized. Linkages with the works of others in controller validation, certification, and unfalsification are studied and connections to system identification for control are explored, notably in the treatment of deliberate experiments and assumptions in moving from unfalsification to divination.
The role of sequential stream segregation and frequency selectivity in the perception of simultaneous sentences by listeners with sensorineural hearing loss.

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of frequency selectivity and sequential stream segregation in the perception of simultaneous sentences by listeners with sensorineural hearing lo...
Workshop on the creation of standardized test collections, tasks and metrics for music information retrieval (MIR) and music digital library (MDL) evaluation

This workshop is designed to engage the participation of all those interested in MIR and MDL research and evaluation. Interested parties have been encouraged to submit formal "White Papers" outlining their individual perspectives on what needs to be done to create meaningful MIR and MDL test collections, retrieval tasks and evaluation metrics. Interested parties include musicologists, music theorists, audio-retrieval experts, symbolic-retrieval experts, librarians, lawyers, and business representatives. The compilation of these perspectives and the discussion that follows at the workshop are intended to form the bedrock upon which a solid foundation of future research can be built.
Remediating Overload in Over-Subscribed Computing Environments

Resource over subscription brings the risk of resource overload. This paper proposes a mechanism to remediate overload without assuming there is always resource available for migration. A work value notion is introduced to compare importance of VMs, and the overload remediation problem is formulated as a variant of Removable Online Multi-Knapsack Problem. An algorithm is proposed to solve this optimization problem. The mechanism is implemented in a large commercial Cloud environment. Experiments and model-based studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism in remediating overload and its performance in maximizing work values provided by computing environments (27% higher work values than the baseline algorithm in our study).
Structure-based query-specific document summarization

Summarization of text documents is increasingly important with the amount of data available on the Internet. The large majority of current approaches view documents as linear sequences of words and create query-independent summaries. However, ignoring the structure of the document degrades the quality of summaries. Furthermore, the popularity of web search engines requires query-specific summaries. We present a method to create query-specific summaries by adding structure to documents by extracting associations between their fragments.
System prototype for vehicle collision avoidance using wireless sensors embedded at intersections

This paper presents research results regarding a vehicle collision avoidance system that uses a wireless sensor platform and communication based on 802.15.4 standard. The system is comprised of two components: monitoring stationary nodes mounted on the road and mobile nodes installed in vehicles. Signal strength and link quality indicators are evaluated to assist in the sequence identification of vehicles as they approach each other at an intersection. The study shows the feasibility of implementing 802.15.4 standard in wireless sensor network communication to act as a time-critical vehicle warning system that can be used for safety application.
The global existence of nonlinear observers with linear error dynamics: A topological point of view

In this paper we show that under suitable assumptions, there exists a global homeomorphism Ψ(=Φ-1) of Rn which maps a nonlinear system x˙=f(x),x(0)=x0,y=h(x) onto a linear system with output injection z˙=Az+β(y),z(0)=Ψ(x0). Thus, an observer for state x can be directly constructed as x^˙=f(x^)+β(y)-β(h(x^)), which is a generalized version of Luenberger observer. An important feature of the obtained result is that there is no need to find the corresponding change of coordinates Ψ explicitly, which is different from current various existing approaches.
Correlation of unique mitochondrial inclusions with substances metabolically derived from farnesol

The presence of arrays of rod-like structures, each with a diameter of about 300 A and of variable length, is demonstrated in some mitochondria of digitonin-treatedAllium sativum root tip cells, and in untreated Leydig cells of the testes and thecal cells of the ovary of the convict cichlid (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum). It is suggested that the occurrence of such structures within mitochondria is related to the presence of substances derived from farnesol.