cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elimination of ligation dependent artifacts in T4 RNA ligase to achieve high efficiency and low bias microRNA capture.

Adapter ligation is a critical first step in many microRNA analysis methods including microarray, qPCR, and sequencing. Previous studies have shown that ligation bias can have dramatic effects on both the fidelity of expression profiles and reproducibility across samples. We have developed a method for high efficiency and low bias microRNA capture by 3′ adapter ligation using T4 RNA ligase that does not require pooled adapters. Using a panel of 20 microRNA, we investigated the effects of ligase type, PEG concentration, ligase amount, adapter concentration, incubation time, incubation temperature, and adapter design on capture efficiency and bias. Of these factors, high PEG% was found to be critical in suppressing ligation bias. We obtained high average capture efficiency and low CV across the 20 microRNA panel, both in idealized buffer conditions (86%±10%) and total RNA spiking conditions (64%±17%). We demonstrate that this method is reliable across microRNA species that previous studies have had difficulty capturing and that our adapter design performs significantly better than the common adapter designs. Further, we demonstrate that the optimization methodology must be specifically designed for minimizing bias in order to obtain the ideal reaction parameters.
Reconstruction From Limited Projection Data Using Fuzzy Sets

Tomographic reconstruction using limited projection data requires the incorporation of all available a priori information in the reconstruction process. The difficulty in using much of the available information, including the projection data, is the lack of a mathematical model for inaccurate or vague data. The use of the fuzzy set theory gives the flexibility to model and incorporate such information in the reconstruction process.
Influence of Ag nanoparticles on the luminescence dynamics of Dy3+ ions in glass: the ``plasmonic diluent'' effect

This work demonstrates that metallic nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in rare-earth (RE) co-doped dielectrics are able to produce an effect analogous to a reduction in the effective concentration of the luminescent RE ions in the matrix, herein coined the “plasmonic diluent” effect. This has been revealed explicitly for Dy3+ and Ag NP co-doped aluminophosphate glasses, which were investigated using optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy with emphasis on the influence of plasmonic NPs on the luminescence decay dynamics of Dy3+ ions. The glasses were prepared using the melt-quenching technique, where the precipitation of Ag NPs was subsequently induced by heat treatment (HT). The development of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of Ag NPs at around 410 nm resulted in the quenching of Dy3+ emission for the 4F9/2 → 6H15/2, 6H13/2 transitions (484, 574 nm) under resonant excitation of 6H15/2 → 4I15/2 transition at 450 nm. The decay of the 4F9/2 excited state was monitored at 574 nm (away from SPR) under excitation at 450 nm (within SPR), where the PL dynamics indicated the presence of two populations of Dy3+ ions in the glasses, in connection with slow (τs) and fast (τf) lifetime components. A tendency of the decay times to increase gradually with HT holding time was observed as the volume fraction of the plasmonic Ag particles increased. The data are interpreted in terms of an ion-to-particle excitation energy transfer operating via surface plasmons in the nanoscale metal. This produces a Dy3+ deactivation effect analogous to a lowering in the effective concentration of emitting Dy3+ ions in the matrix, i.e., the metal NPs play a role as a “plasmonic diluent” in the glass system with respect to the luminescent RE ions.
Life Space and Risk of Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitive Decline in Old Age

Objective To test the hypothesis that a constricted life space, the extent of movement through the environment covered during daily functioning, is associated with increased risk of incident Alzheimer disease (AD), increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and more rapid cognitive decline in older adults. Design Two prospective cohort studies. Setting Retirement communities, community-based organizations, churches, and senior subsidized housing facilities across the Chicago metropolitan area. Participants A total of 1,294 community-dwelling elders without baseline clinical dementia. Main Outcome Measures Detailed annual clinical evaluation to diagnose incident AD and MCI, and document change in cognitive function. Results During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.4 (1.7) years, 180 persons developed AD. In a proportional hazards model controlling for age, sex, race, and education, a more constricted life space was associated with an increased risk of AD (hazard ratio=1.21, confidence interval: 1.08–1.36). A person with a life space constricted to their home was almost twice as likely to develop AD than a person with the largest life space (out of town). The association did not vary along demographic lines and persisted after the addition of terms for performance-based physical function, disability, depressive symptoms, social network size, vascular disease burden, and vascular risk factors. The association remained consistent after excluding persons with MCI at baseline and who developed AD in the first 2 years of observation. A constricted life space was also associated with an increased risk of MCI (hazard ratio=1.17, confidence interval: 1.06–1.28), and a more rapid rate of global cognitive decline (estimate: −0.012, standard error: 0.003, t [5033] = −3.58, p Conclusions A constricted life space is associated with increased risk of AD, MCI, and cognitive decline among older persons.
Bridging alkyls in d-transition metal chemistry: reaction of (cod)2 RH2 (μ-R)2 with Lewis bases to give (cod)Rh(R)(L) and their reaction with aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract Low temperature (−70°C) reaction of (cod) 2 Rh 2 2 (μ-Cl) 2 with two molar equivalents of RLi in diethyl ether gives (cod) 2 Rh 2 (μ-R) 2 where R = Me, Me 3 SiCH 2 . Even though the bridging alkyls are air and moisture sensitive, they may be stored for prolonged periods at −30°C. The bridging alkyls are fluxional at + 20°C and the NMR spectra are consistent with a dimer of idealized D 2 h symmetry. Low temperature NMR spectroscopic studies suggest that the dimers have idealized C 2 v symmetry as found by X-ray studies described earlier. The bridging alkyls readily react with Lewis bases to give monomeric (cod)Rh(R)(L) where R = Me and L = PMe 3 , PEt 3 , P(NMe 2 ) 3 , P(OMe) 3 , py and R = Me 3 SiCH 2 , L = P(OMe) 3 . The five coordinate, fluxional complex, (cod)RhMe(PMe 3 ) 2 also may be isolated. The four coordinate (cod)RhMe(PEt 3 ), slowly reacts with toluene to give (cod)Rh( m -tolyl)(PEt 3 ), (cod)Rh( p -tolyl)(PEt 3 ), and methane and (cod)RhMe(PMe 3 ) slowly reacts with benzene to give (cod)Rh(Ph)(PMe 3 ) and methane.
Simplicial maps from an orientable n-pseudomanifold into Sm with the octahedral triangulation*

Abstract A combinatorial theorem on simplicial maps from an orientable n -pseudomanifold into an m -sphere with the octahedral triangulation is proved. Special results unified by this theorem are discussed.
Detection of the greenhouse gas signal from space - A progress report

The spatial distribution of the expected changes in the atmospheric water vapor content and cloud cover, as predicted by the transient greenhouse gas (GHG) simulation of Hansen et al. (1988), are examined to determine whether the signals would be large enough and unique enough to be useful in a GHG detection study. The nature of the predicted GHG signal was first examined using the transient CO2 run from the GISS ocean/atmosphere general circulation model. Next, the remotely sensed irradiance characteristics data (as the measure of water vapor content) supplied by the HIRS/MSU sensors for the area of the equatorial cold tongue region (the region in which there are no measurement stations). It is shown that HIRS/MSU signals can provide data necessary for detecting GHS signals in atmospheric moisture for regions where ground observations are not possible.
The effect of thiabendazole seedpiece treatment on Monona potatoes in Wisconsin

Seedpiece protectants containing thiabendazole (TBZ) were deleterious to stand establishment and yield and were associated with the formation of secondary tubers from seedpieces on Monona potatoes in four of five years (1980–1984) in Wisconsin. Seed tubers treated with a pre- and/or poststorage mist application of TBZ prior to a post-cutting treatment with a dust formulation containing 0.5% TBZ were most severely affected. The negative effects of pre- and post-cutting TBZ treatment on yield were additive. Observations in grower fields during 1981 indicated that cultivars differed in their sensitivity to this fungicide. Ontario, LaChipper, and Monona were most severely affected while problems were not observed on the Superior and Russet Burbank cultivars.
Frequency and intensity discrimination in Mongolian gerbils, African monkeys and humans.

Abstract Frequency (ΔF) and intensity (ΔI) difference limens were directly compared in Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ), Old World African Monkeys ( Cercopithecus mitis, Cercocebus albigena ), and humans. Methods employed a repeating background AX discrimination procedure, and positive (food) reinforcement for animals. For ΔI, there were small quantitative differences between the species. At 1 kHz, 70 dB SPL, DLs averaged 2.82 dB for gerbils, 2.29 dB for monkeys, and 0.75 dB for humans. For ΔF, there were larger differences between the species. At 1 kHz, 60 dB SPL, frequency DLs were highest for gerbils, averaginf 108 Hz. DLs were lower for monkeys, averaging 32.6 Hz, similar to recently reported DLs for other Old World monkeys (Prosen et al., 1990). Human DLs, averaging 2.27 Hz, were markedly lower than those of either monkeys or gerbils. These results suggest that animals provide better models of human ΔI than ΔF.
Rural Outsourcing: Delivering ITO and BPO Services from Remote Domestic Locations

IT and business process outsourcing providers are building delivery centers in remote domestic locations for several reasons, including to access a more stable, lower-cost workforce and to fulfill social missions such as employing underprivileged or minority populations.
Unsupervised Large-Vocabulary Word Sense Disambiguation with Graph-based Algorithms for Sequence Data Labeling

This paper introduces a graph-based algorithm for sequence data labeling, using random walks on graphs encoding label dependencies. The algorithm is illustrated and tested in the context of an unsupervised word sense disambiguation problem, and shown to significantly outperform the accuracy achieved through individual label assignment, as measured on standard sense-annotated data sets.
The Influence of Surface Reconstruction and C-impurities on Photocatalytic Water Dissociation by TiO2

TiO 2 is well known as a prototype photocatalyst for water dissociation. To understand the mechanism of its photocatalytic water dissociation we performed first-principles calculations. We find that the surface of the catalytically favorable (TiO) termination is very different from the physically favorable (oxygen) termination. The calculated surface energy of the catalytically favorable (TiO) termination is about 10 times larger than that of the physically favorable (oxygen) termination. Analysis of the surface band structure suggests that while O-vacancies are intrinsic active sites for water dissociation into H 2 and O 2 gas, they are not essential for photocatalytic water dissociation. We also find that carbon impurities decrease the band-gap of TiO 2 , in agreement with previously reported experimental results. Moreover, we identify the origin of the arcane “double band gap” in carbon doped TiO 2 . The two onsets seen in the photoabsorption spectrum result from excitations from two of three C p-states within the band gap, not from domains of different composition.
Angiotensin receptor antagonists delay nitric oxide-deficient stroke in stroke-prone rats

We investigated whether chronic deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) precipitates stroke and whether exogenous nitrates and other pharmacological agents can prevent stroke. Groups of five-week-old male SHRSP rats chronically received saline, L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in saline, L-NAME along with pharmacological agents (L-arginine, isosorbide dinitrate, enalapril maleate and L-158,809; angiotensin receptor antagonist; 5,7-dimethyl-2-ethyl-3(-)[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]meth yl]-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in saline to drink. The development of visible neurological deficits following various treatments was considered as an occurrence of stroke. Within hours following onset of stroke, the rats were anesthetized, catheterized and attached to a Cardiomax blood pressure recorder. SHRSP treated with L-NAME (10+/-2 mg/day) developed stroke in 11+/-2 days while no neurological deficit was seen in animals receiving saline till the end of the study period (35 days). Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with enalapril or L-158,809 significantly delayed the onset of stroke (19+/-2 and 20+/-2 days, respectively), but caused only slight reductions in mean arterial blood pressure. These results suggest that chronic inhibition of NO synthase in SHRSP is associated with the development of stroke and such stroke appears to be renin-angiotensin system-dependent.
Inhibition of tumor cell migration and metastasis by the proton-sensing GPR4 receptor

GPR4 is a member of the proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor family. Within tumor microenvironments, the interstitial acidic pH may activate GPR4 to regulate the behavior of tumor cells. Mouse B16F10 melanoma cells and TRAMP-C1 prostate cancer cells, genetically engineered to overexpress GPR4 or the control vector, were subject to a series of cell migration, invasion and metastasis assays. Upon GPR4 overexpression and activation in an acidic pH, the migration of B16F10 and TRAMP-C1 cells was substantially inhibited in comparison to the vector control. Similar results were observed in the Matrigel invasion and transendothelial invasion assays. At the molecular level, stimulation of GPR4 by acidosis induced the activation of RhoA and the formation of actin stress fibers. In addition, treating B16F10 cells with the known Rho activator CN01 (calpeptin) strongly inhibited cell migration, recapitulating the acidosis/GPR4-induced motility inhibition phenotype. To examine the biological effects in vivo, B16F10 melanoma cells were intravenously injected into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice and pulmonary metastasis was inhibited by approximately 80% in GPR4-overexpressing B16F10 cells in comparison to the vector control. Upon treatment with the Rho activator CN01, the phenotype of the B16F10 vector cells paralleled that of the GPR4-overexpressing cells in cell migration and metastasis assays. These findings suggest that GPR4 activation by an acidic pH inhibits tumor cell migration and invasion, and the Rho GTPase is at least partly responsible for this phenotype.
Use of Cottonseed Meal in Aquatic Animal Diets: A Review

Abstract Cottonseed meal is a plant protein source that is abundant in most parts of the world, relatively high in protein, and generally less expensive per unit of protein than soybean meal. It is highly palatable and readily digested by most aquatic animals, though generally not as digestible as soybean meal. Its use in aquaculture feeds may be limited because of the potential toxic effects of free gossypol and its relatively low available lysine and methionine content. However, depending on economics, the protein quality of cottonseed meal can be improved by supplementing it with lysine or both lysine and methionine. Also, the concentrations of free gossypol in diets containing significant levels of cottonseed meal are typically below the levels that are detrimental to many aquatic animals. However, even as a partial replacement of soybean meal, cottonseed meal has generally been used at relatively low levels in aquatic animal diets, partially because the safe levels of cottonseed meal appear to differ...
Validation of Technique to Hyperspectrally Characterize the Lower Atmosphere with Limited Surface Observations

This paper demonstrates the capability of AFIT/CDE's Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) model to accurately characterize the meteorological parameters and radiative transfer effects of the atmospheric boundary layer with only surface observations of temperature, pressure, and humidity. The LEEDR model is a fastcalculating, first principles, worldwide surface to 100 km, atmospheric propagation and characterization package. This package enables the creation of profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor content, optical turbulence, atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer transmission, path and background radiance at wavelengths from the ultraviolet to radio frequencies. Physics-based cloud and precipitation characterizations are coupled with a probability of cloud free line of sight (CFLOS) algorithm for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-air (or space) look angles. In general, LEEDR defines the well-mixed atmospheric boundary layer with a worldwide, probabilistic surface climatology based on season and time of day, and then computes the radiative transfer and propagation effects from the vertical profile of meteorological variables. However, the LEEDR user can also directly input surface observations. This research compares the LEEDR vertical profiles created from input surface observations to actual observations from balloon launches. Results are then compared to the LEEDR ExPERT climatological sounding for the same time of day and season. RMSE are calculated and it was found that closer for those profiles made from surface observations than those made from climatological data for the same season and time. Impacts of those differences are shown with a relevant tactical scenario in AFIT/CDE HELEEOS program.
Fracture risk and adjuvant hormonal therapy among a population-based cohort of older female breast cancer patients.

Summary The risk of hip and other fractures was examined among a population-based group of older women with breast cancer. Women using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) were found to be over three times more likely to have a hip fracture over approximately 3 years’ follow-up. Other fracture risk factors were also identified.
Response to ‘Possible cause of recurrent renal artery stenosis’

We thank Tanemoto et al.1 for their letter and agree on the importance of including other diagnoses of 'percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty-resistant' renal artery stenosis, such as retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) and chronic aortitis, that we did not mention in our renal case report.
Compartmental study of T1 and T2 in rat brain and trigeminal nerve in vivo

The integrated T1–T2 characteristics of rat brain and trigeminal nerve water were studied in vivo using a rapid method for acquiring a series of images that depend on T1 and T2 relaxation times. Gray matter regions showed only one signal component in both the T1 and T2 domains. Trigeminal nerve, however, which has been shown previously to exhibit three T2 components, was found to also exhibit three T1 components. The correlations between these T1 and T2 components were demonstrated by uniquely filtering out each of the three T2 components using an inversion-recovery preparation, as determined by the component T1 values. Based on previous works, it is postulated that each of these three signal components is derived from a unique microanatomical region of the nerve. Knowledge of these T1 components may thus prove valuable in devising novel methods of identifying the presence and quantifying the volume of tissue subtypes such as myelin. Magn Reson Med 47:274–283, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pyrolysis of transvaal kerogens I. Diagenesis of kerogen in a stromatolite near Zeerust, South Africa: One possible chemical evolution process

Abstract This study represents an attempt to understand some of the many post-lithification chemical processes which affect the evolution of kerogen. Kerogens separated from four carbonate stromatolites, collected over a horizontal distance of ∼ 350 km from the Malmani Dolomite of the Olifants River Group in the Transvaal Supergroup, were characterized by combined vacuum pyrolysis—gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The relative profiles of the gas chromatographic peak distributions and intensities (·finger print patterns’) of three of the kerogen pyrolyzates were closely similar. The Zeerust stromatolite kerogen yielded a different pattern, showing a greater abundance of higher molecular weight aliphatic and alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon moieties than the other three samples. Many of the stromatolites near the Zeerust area contain epigenetic fluorite introduced by aqueous solutions. Fluid inclusion homogenization analysis showed that the emplacement temperature of fluorite in the sample studied was 100–200°C. Fluoride ion initiated base catalyzed condensations may have been a feasible cause for the production of higher molecular weight aliphatic and (indirectly) some alkyl aromatic moieties in this stromatolite, as compared to those in the other three samples. Acid-catalyzed condensations may also achieve similar results in aqueous diagenetic environments.
Biomechanics of DNA structures visualized by 4D electron microscopy

We present a technique for in situ visualization of the biomechanics of DNA structural networks using 4D electron microscopy. Vibrational oscillations of the DNA structure are excited mechanically through a short burst of substrate vibrations triggered by a laser pulse. Subsequently, the motion is probed with electron pulses to observe the impulse response of the specimen in space and time. From the frequency and amplitude of the observed oscillations, we determine the normal modes and eigenfrequencies of the structures involved. Moreover, by selective “nano-cutting” at a given point in the network, it was possible to obtain Young’s modulus, and hence the stiffness, of the DNA filament at that position. This experimental approach enables nanoscale mechanics studies of macromolecules and should find applications in other domains of biological networks such as origamis.
Rectal electrostimulation of erection in macaca fascicularis primates

Noninvasive transrectal electronic stimulation using a Biosonics MEGS (registered trademark and devices by Biosonics, Inc.; patent pending) unit was employed to produce erection in five Macaca fascicularis primates. Using an electrode-bearing glove (Biosonics, patent pending) a modulated pulse stimulus of 12 and 15 V was applied to five intra-rectal loci overlying the prostate. The locus that produced the most positive response was then stimulated at six intensities between 7.5 and 15 V. Erectile response was quantitated with a new device that measures penile rigidity (Biosonics, patent pending). Of the five loci tested (midline central, midline base, midline apex, right and left border), the right border of the prostate produced the most consistent and strongest erectile response. Increasing the stimulus intensity between 7.5 and 15 V demonstrated that a minimum voltage of 10.5 V was necessary for erection. There was a rapid progressive increase in rigidity, which became maximum at 15 V. These results demonstrate that the use of the Biosonics MEGS device and rigidometer provides a reliable method of producing and quantitating erection in primates.
Unintended clinical consequences of the implementation of a checklist-based, low-dose oxytocin protocol.

Objective Standardized oxytocin protocols have been used to improve the safety and quality of obstetric care. We examined rates of chorioamnionitis and labor dystocia requiring cesarean delivery as unintended consequences of the implementation of a low-dose, checklist-based oxytocin protocol. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of live singleton deliveries that underwent a trial of labor in two 15-month periods, comparing outcomes in those who delivered before to after protocol implementation. Patients and outcomes were identified using a combination of electronic medical records and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Time trend analysis was performed to evaluate for secular trends. Results A total of 8,717 women were included; 5,077 received oxytocin. Despite an unchanged rate of cesarean deliveries from before to after initiation of the protocol (15.15 vs. 14.75%, p = 0.60), deliveries after protocol implementation were generally characterized by higher rates of chorioamnionitis (7.48 vs. 5.97%, p Conclusion Low-dose oxytocin protocols are intended to increase safety, but they may have unintended consequences related to prolonged labor, and should be studied before widespread use.
Apparel‐manufacturing Capital Investment Adviser

Apparel firms have been discouraged from investing in advanced manufacturing technology because it is difficult to justify. To help to resolve this problem, members of the Clemson Apparel Research group have designed a personal computer‐based system specifically to provide decision support to apparel firms which are considering the acquisition of new equipment. Describes the Apparel Manufacturing Capital Investment Adviser (AMCIA) system which includes worksheets which help to quantify cash flows typically associated with apparel‐manufacturing technology. In addition to “traditional” cash flows (those which are normally considered), the system accounts for two “non‐traditional” cash flows which are often overlooked in justifications: quality revenues and response‐time revenues. Results in a summary sheet which provides decision criteria for the overall investment: net present value (NPV), pay‐back, and return on investment (ROI). Reports a field study involving justification of unit production systems, which showed that the AMCIA system was well suited to analysing such an investment. Representatives of the two participating apparel companies each reviewed the AMCIA justification prepared for their firm and were favourably impressed by it.
Regulation of fast-spiking basket cell synapses by the chloride channel ClC-2

Parvalbumin-expressing, fast-spiking basket cells are important for the generation of synchronous, rhythmic population activities in the hippocampus. We found that GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic inputs from murine parvalbumin-expressing basket cells were selectively modulated by the membrane voltage- and intracellular chloride-dependent chloride channel ClC-2. Our data reveal a previously unknown cell type-specific regulation of intracellular chloride homeostasis in the perisomatic region of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
Compositional analysis of small peptides using capillary electrophoresis and Ru(bpy)33+-based chemiluminescence detection

Abstract Ru(bpy)33+-based chemiluminescence detection of underivatized amino acids was coupled to capillary electrophoresis and evaluated as a separation and detection methodology for the compositional analysis of peptides and proteins. Two tripeptides were studied: glycine–phenylalanine–alanine, and valine–proline–leucine, and the method was demonstrated to be quantitative and reproducible at the 10-μg and 5-μg peptide levels, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.5 pmol for gly–phe–ala and 80 fmol for val–pro–leu (S/N=2). Ru(bpy)33+-based chemiluminescence detection coupled to CE offers a sensitive and time-efficient method for the determination of the amino acid composition of peptides or proteins without derivatization. The detection limits for most amino acids were demonstrated to be at, or below the level achievable using ninhydrin or phenyl isothiocyanate derivatization. Amino acids were identified by their migration time through the capillary and their relative luminescence. The relative luminescent response obtained upon reaction of Ru(bpy)33+ with amino acids was dependent upon the amino acid R-group at the α-carbon, and the relative response may be useful in broadly classifying a number of amino acids.
The public value approach to strategic management

Abstract In an environment of resource constraints and constant change, the museum manager's role is as a strategist, managing and adapting the assets of the organization toward maximum value creation. Mark Moore's public value model, the Strategic Triangle, provides the most comprehensive framework for strategic management in the public and nonprofit sectors. According to Moore, bad strategy or strategic failure in the public sector results when the organization's goals do not mirror the community's desires, the organization is unable to produce the desired good or service, or what is produced has no long-term public value. The authors demonstrate the use of the Strategic Triangle as an adaptive strategy framework that museum managers and other public and nonprofit executives can use to continuously position and reposition their organizations in a changing environment. The model accounts for the unique characteristics of museums and other public organizations, and can provide a useful framework as leader...
Trustworthy Operations in Cellular Networks: The Case of PF Scheduler

Cellular data networks are proliferating to address the need for ubiquitous connectivity. To cope with the increasing number of subscribers and with the spatiotemporal variations of the wireless signals, current cellular networks use opportunistic schedulers, such as the Proportional Fairness scheduler (PF), to maximize network throughput while maintaining fairness among users. Such scheduling decisions are based on channel quality metrics and Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) feedback reports provided by the User's Equipment (UE). Implicit in current networks is the a priori trust on every UE's feedback. Malicious UEs can, thus, exploit this trust to disrupt service by intelligently faking their reports. This work proposes a trustworthy version of the PF scheduler (called TPF) to mitigate the effects of such Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. In brief, based on the channel quality reported by the UE, we assign a probability to possible ARQ feedbacks. We then use the probability associated with the actual ARQ report to assess the UE's reporting trustworthiness. We adapt the scheduling mechanism to give higher priority to more trusted users. Our evaluations show that TPF 1) does not induce any performance degradation under benign settings, and 2) it completely mitigates the effects of the activity of malicious UEs. In particular, while colluding attackers can obtain up to 77 percent of the time slots with the most sophisticated attack, TPF is able to contain this percentage to as low as 6 percent.
Increasing poverty in timber‐dependent areas in Western Washington

During the 1980s (before the northern spotted owl was listed as an endangered species) the timber industry in the West went through an extended period of restructuring. At that time, inefficient mills were shut down, pay and benefits to workers were reduced, and work was contracted out to improve competitiveness. Because the 1990 census occurred just prior to harvest reductions brought on by listing the northern spotted owl as endangered, linking this census with the 1980 census captures much of the effects of the transition in timber‐dependent areas caused by restructuring. This research examines changes in timber‐dependent counties in western Washington between 1980 and 1990 compared with other nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties in the region, focusing particularly on changes in poverty. Several factors contribute to poverty, including inadequate employment, low wage and salary incomes, and changing family structures. Each factor is examined to see if differences point to a minor lag between timb...
Performance and Energy Consumption of Lossless Compression/Decompression Utilities on Mobile Computing Platforms

Data compression and decompression utilities can be critical in increasing communication throughput, reducing communication latencies, achieving energy-efficient communication, and making effective use of available storage. This paper experimentally evaluates several such utilities for multiple compression levels on systems that represent current mobile platforms. We characterize each utility in terms of its compression ratio, compression and decompression through-put, and energy efficiency. We consider different use cases that are typical for modern mobile environments. We find a wide variety of energy costs associated with data compression and decompression and provide practical guidelines for selecting the most energy efficient configurations for each use case. The best performing configurations provide 6-fold and 4-fold improvements in energy efficiency for compressed uploads and downloads over WLAN, respectively, when compared to uncompressed data transfers.
Professionals' accounts for work-related deceptions

Using interview and observational data, this article analyzes how private detectives account for using work-related deceptions, I place special emphasis on how practitioners' accounts draw on professional affiliations and organizational resources that are less available to individuals in their private lives. These affiliations and resources include economic and demographic characteristics of employers, practitioners, clients and investigative targets, state licensing, the profession's social repute, and asymmetries in specialized knowledge between practitioners and laypersons. The conclusion addresses how accounts for work-related deceptions benefit professionals through advantaging them over targets, obscuring harmful consequences of work, and helping them and their clients to avoid negative labeling. If you call someone up and say, “Hi, would you mind telling me where your brother is, so that I can put his ass in jail for the next five years,” you won't last too long in the private detective business. —Anonymous private detective
Diffusion and Mobility in a Stirred Dense Granular Material

We describe a probe of diffusivity (D) and mobility (B) for a dense 2D granular system. We introduce random motion by stirring, and characterize D by particle tracking. To measure B we measure the force needed to push a particle through the medium at fixed velocity, v, using three sizes of tracer particle. We find simple Brownian diffusion, but B depends strongly on v because the force needed to push a tracer through a sample is nearly independent of v. Data for D/B depend on the tracer particle size.
Crystal structures of the carboxyl terminal domain of rat 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase : Implications for the catalytic mechanism of aldehyde dehydrogenases

10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) catalyzes an NADP+-dependent dehydrogenase reaction resulting in conversion of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and CO2. This reaction is a result of the concerted action of two catalytic domains of FDH, the amino-terminal hydrolase domain and the carboxyl-terminal aldehyde dehydrogenase domain. In addition to participation in the overall FDH mechanism, the C-terminal domain is capable of NADP+-dependent oxidation of short chain aldehydes to their corresponding acids. We have determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of FDH and its complexes with oxidized and reduced forms of NADP. Compared to other members of the ALDH family, FDH demonstrates a new mode of binding of the 2‘-phosphate group of NADP via a water-mediated contact with Gln600 that may contribute to the specificity of the enzyme for NADP over NAD. The structures also suggest how Glu673 can act as a general base in both acylation and deacylation steps of the reaction. In...
Treatment of uncertainties in IPCC Assessment Reports: past approaches and considerations for the Fifth Assessment Report

The assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), since the First Assessment Report, have involved calibrated uncertainty language and other methods aimed towards clear communication of the degree of certainty in findings of the assessment process. There has been a continuing tradition of iterative improvement of the treatment of uncertainties in these assessments. Here we consider the motivations for the most recent revision of the uncertainties guidance provided to author teams of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).WefirstreviewthehistoryofusageofcalibratedlanguageinIPCCAssessmentReports, along with the frameworks for treatment of uncertainties that have been provided to IPCC author teams. Our primary focus is the interpretation and application of the guidance provided to author teams in the Fourth Assessment Report, with analysis of the successes and challenges in the application of this guidance and approaches taken in usage of its calibrated uncertainty language. We discuss the ways in which the AR5 Guidance Note attempts to refine the calibrated uncertainty metrics and formalize their interrelationships to improve the consistency of treatment of uncertainties across the Working Group contributions.
Luminescence of mixed ZnS · CdS semiconductor catalysts in Nafion polymer films

Abstract The Luminescence of CdS and mixed ZnS · CdS semiconductor particles supported in Nafion polymer films has been studied to elucidate the previously reported synergism in the ZnS · CdS system for photoredox H2 production. (J. Phys. Chem. 89 (1985) 723). The luminescence of these systems is complex, depending on the history of the particular sample, the intensity and wavelength of the exciting light, and the presence of ions that can quench specific emitting states (e.g. S2- or methylviologen). For the mixed ZnS · CdS system the two semiconductors do not alloy but there is intimate contact between the ZnS and CdS phases, indicated by the complete quenching of ZnS luminescence. Prolonged irradiation produces a luminescent ZnS phase. The emission features agree reasonably well with sub-bandgap states deduced from earlier photoconductivity studies on CdS crystals. These results help explain why the reported emission features of CdS are as varied as the laboratories reporting them.
Computer optimization of trailer suspensions

Abstract This paper presents an optimization procedure which has been developed to select appropriate suspension design parameters for a simple two wheel trailer. A modern approach to the optimization problem has been used applying non-linear programming to the constrained search for the minimum of an objective function. The acceleration response to roadway input of selected points on the load of the trailer has been designated for minimization. This acceleration has an important significance to the trailer design because of its effect on the stable and smooth ride of the trailer. Two computational procedures have been used and the results compared. The first approach involves the linear superposition of responses to a series of discrete sinusoidal inputs while the second applies more contemporary random vibration theory using power spectral density curves to simulate the actual road surfaces. The results of the optimization procedure are then compared with the response characteristics of the original trailer design and demonstrate that a substantial improvement has been made.
Effect of a neutral intermediate boson on the hyperfine splitting of muonium

The effect of a massive neutral intermediate boson on the hyperfine splitting of muonium is shown to be negligible in Weinberg's SU(2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} U(1) model. This conclusion does not agree with the prediction made in a recent paper by Repko on the same subject.
Distance similarity matrix using ensemble of dimensional data reduction techniques: Vibration and aerocoustic case studies

Vibration and acoustic-based health-monitoring techniques are used in the literature to monitor structural health under dynamic environment. In this paper, we propose a damage detection and monitoring method based on a distance similarity matrix of dimensionally reduced data wherein redundancy therein is removed. The matrix similarity approach is generic in nature and has the capability of multiscale representation of datasets. To extract damage-sensitive features, dimensional reduction techniques are applied and compared. An ensemble method of dimensional reduction feature outputs is presented and applied to two case studies. The results supports why ensembles can often perform better than any single-feature extraction method. For the first case study, aeroacoustic datasets are collected from controlled scaled experimental tests of controlled known damaged subscale wing structure. For the second case study, a vibration experiment study is used for abrupt change detection and tracking. The results of the two case studies demonstrate that the proposed method is very effective in detecting abrupt changes and the ensemble method developed here can be used for deterioration tracking.
Long-wavelength In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As metamorphic p-i-n photodiodes on GaAs substrates

Metamorphic In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As p-i-n photodiodes on GaAs substrate exhibiting the lowest dark current ever reported were fabricated and characterized. Their dark current, DC and RF performances were measured and compared for devices of different sizes. Typical dark current for 15-/spl mu/m-diameter devices was 600 pA under 5-V reverse bias, corresponding to a dark current density of 3.40/spl times/10/sup -4/ A/cm/sup 2/. Typical responsivity measured with 1.55-/spl mu/m optical radiation was 0.55 A/W corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 44%. The electrical 3 dB bandwidths of the photodiodes with diameters smaller than 20 /spl mu/m were over 20 GHz.
Simple discrete-time malarial models

We investigate dynamics of mosquito population models under two assumptions, respectively, and then formulate simple discrete-time compartmental susceptible-exposed-infective-recovered models for the malaria transmission based on the mosquito population models. We show that the mosquito population models either have robust dynamics or exhibit period-doubling bifurcation depending on the model assumptions. We derive a formula for the reproductive number of infection for the malaria model, which determines the stability of the infection-free fixed point. We then determine the existence of endemic fixed points for the malaria models. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the dynamical characteristics of the mosquito populations, such as the global stability of the endemic fixed point and the appearance of a period-doubling bifurcation, are reflected in the dynamics of the malaria transmission.
Structure of the Benioff Zone under Southern Peru to Central Chile

Abstract An attempt is made to define the shape of the Benioff Zone between Southern Peru and Central Chile. Approximately 708 earthquake events with MB⩾ 3.5 and depths of 35–300 km, located within a zone bounded by 15°S–30°S, and 60°W–75°W, were selected. Two aseismic zones are observed. One starts at about 150 km depth and is located near 17°S latitude. The second is located near 25°S latitude beginning at a depth of 70 km. The subducting plate appears to dip between 12° and 25° eastward as evidenced from vertical cross-sections through the hypocenter locations. Trend analysis of the Benioff Zone is made by fitting polynomial surfaces through the hypocenter locations. The first-degree trend surface approximates the subducting plate as a planar surface dipping 12° towards N75°E. The second- through fourth-degree trend surfaces accentuate the curved nature of the Benioff Zone. The overall shape of the Benioff Zone appears to be a continuous but undulating slab rather than separate tongues or a segmented slab of the subducting lithosphere.
Organ specificity of neonatal methyl mercury hydroxide poisoning in the rat: Effects on ornithine decarboxylase activity in developing tissues

Abstract To determine the organ specificity of neonatal methyl mercury hydroxide (CH3HgOH) exposure on biochemical development of its potential target tissues, effects on rat brain, liver, heart and kidney were compared utilizing the ontogenetic pattern of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, an early index of perturbation of cellular maturation. CH3HgOH was given daily beginning at birth for up to 21 days, using three dose levels (1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg s.c.). In the brain, CH3HgOH treatment resulted in an initial reduction in ODC followed by a subsequent elevation of activity, a maturational pattern known to be associated with delayed cellular development. In contrast to the effects of CH3HgOH on brain, the pattern obtained in the liver, an initial elevation followed by a subsequent decline, is usually associated with compression of the time course of cellular development. In the heart and kidney, CH3HgOH produced sustained elevations of ODC representing prolongation of the developmental period of rapid tissue growth and development; these patterns were associated with tissue hypertrophy which was sustained through the preweaning stage for both tissues and well into the postweaning period for the kidney. The results obtained with ODC clearly demonstrate that neonatal CH3HgOH poisoning causes organ-specific biochemical lesions which can play a role in subsequent effects on overall tissue development.
Some Agreement on Kin Selection and Eusociality

Our paper [1] was not about the exact mathematical equivalence of inclusive fitness and other approaches. Theoreticians will continue to debate this question, but the rest of us want to know whether it matters for biology. We asked whether the model of Nowak, Tarnita, and Wilson (NTW)[2], when applied to their chosen test case of eusociality, makes any important difference. Does it refute kin selection theory? Does it offer new insights? The answer to both questions is no. Now Nowak and Allen [3] suggest that we have misinterpreted NTW. For example, NTW did not mean that relatedness is unimportant. Instead, they only meant that if relatedness is high and held constant, other factors determine which species evolve eusociality, and that this is an issue the kin selectionists have not considered. On the contrary, it is completely obvious from Hamilton’s rule; if you hold relatedness constant, differences will be determined by variation in costs and benefits. There have also been more specific studies about synergistic factors affecting these costs and benefits [4,5]. Moreover, if this is the basis for NTW’s claim that relatedness is not causal, then we have shown that NTW’s other parameters are also not causal, because when we force them to be constant, only variation in relatedness matters [1]. Finally, this apparent concession about the importance of relatedness is perplexing, given that Nowak and Allen expend significant effort questioning the details of exactly how we modeled lower relatedness, while continuing to equivocate about the real issue of how relatedness matters. Low relatedness groups are real and can be formed in many ways, but with offspring control they do not give rise to eusociality [6]. If Nowak and Allen think otherwise and believe that there are reasonable ways to lower relatedness so that it does not make eusociality harder to evolve, then they should show how. We could direct similar skepticism at Nowak and Allen’s [3] interpretations of the other two NTW claims that we investigated. But let us accept at face value all three of their interpretations about what NTW meant. If NTW did not actually mean that relatedness is unimportant, and if they did not mean that workers are merely robotic extra-somatic projections of the queen’s genome, and if they did not mean that eusociality was as hard to evolve as suggested in their main examples, then we are in happy agreement! But if this is so, why do they not just explicitly say, for example, “our method agrees with inclusive fitness in showing that higher relatedness is crucial in the evolution of eusociality”? Perhaps because it would require admitting that what we have learned about eusociality from kin selection models still stands, and that the NTW models, despite their much greater complexity, have so far added little more.