cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CrashMonkey and ACE: Systematically Testing File-System Crash Consistency

We present CrashMonkey and Ace, a set of tools to systematically find crash-consistency bugs in Linux file systems. CrashMonkey is a record-and-replay framework which tests a given workload on the target file system by simulating power-loss crashes while the workload is being executed, and checking if the file system recovers to a correct state after each crash. Ace automatically generates all the workloads to be run on the target file system. We build CrashMonkey and Ace based on a new approach to test file-system crash consistency: bounded black-box crash testing (B3). B3 tests the file system in a black-box manner using workloads of file-system operations. Since the space of possible workloads is infinite, B3 bounds this space based on parameters such as the number of file-system operations or which operations to include, and exhaustively generates workloads within this bounded space. B3 builds upon insights derived from our study of crash-consistency bugs reported in Linux file systems in the last 5 years. We observed that most reported bugs can be reproduced using small workloads of three or fewer file-system operations on a newly created file system, and that all reported bugs result from crashes after fsync()-related system calls. CrashMonkey and Ace are able to find 24 out of the 26 crash-consistency bugs reported in the last 5 years. Our tools also revealed 10 new crash-consistency bugs in widely used, mature Linux file systems, 7 of which existed in the kernel since 2014. Additionally, our tools found a crash-consistency bug in a verified file system, FSCQ. The new bugs result in severe consequences like broken rename atomicity, loss of persisted files and directories, and data loss.
Comparatively Studying Educational System (Re)Building Cross-Nationally: Another Agenda for Cross-National Educational Research?:

Institutional theory, an important research tradition in analysis of schooling, has examined the development of mass schooling in the United States and worldwide. But research in this tradition has...
APPENDIX 3C Gram Staining

Named after Hans Christian Gram who developed the method in 1884, the Gram stain allows one to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on the basis of differential staining with a crystal violet-iodine complex and a safranin counterstain. The cell walls of Gram-positive organisms retain this complex after treatment with alcohol and appear purple, whereas gram-negative organisms decolorize following such treatment and appear pink. The method described here is useful for assessing bacterial contamination of tissue culture samples or for examining the Gram stain status and morphological features of bacteria isolated from mixed or isolated bacterial cultures.
Method for Predicting Minimum Detectable Residual Alkaline Phosphatase in High-Temperature, Short-Time Processed Dairy Products.

High-temperature, short-time (HTST) processed milk, cream and buttermilk were mixed with small portions (0 to 0.6%) of the raw milk product to obtain desired levels of residual alkaline phosphatase. Samples were subjected to the differential test to discern reactivation and analyzed for phosphatase activity by the rapid colorimetric test. The experimental data were fitted to a linear statistical model to determine the minimum detectable residual phosphatase (Eo) in the product. These observed values and the computed expected values were highly correlated, with a rank correlation coefficient of 0.956, which was significant at a = 0.05 level. The values of [Eo] varied depending upon the extent of phosphatase reactivation in the HTST product when the residual phosphatase was zero. As the differential values of reactivation (reactivated [E] of the control sample minus the reactivated [E] of diluted sample containing magnesium) increased, the [Eo] increased also. In general, the [Eo] in cream was greater than ...
Understanding access and use of municipal parks and recreation through an intersectionality perspective

We applied the multiple hierarchy stratification perspective to examine how access and use of municipal parks and recreation vary based upon the intersections of gender, race/ethnicity, age, income...
Comparative Analysis of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment Outcomes and Complications with the Classic versus Flex Pipeline Embolization Devices and Phenom versus Marksman Microcatheter Delivery System: The Role of Microcatheter Choice on Complication Rate.

Objective The second-generation pipeline embolization device (PED), flex, has improved opening and resheathing ability compared to the first-generation classic PED device. A previously reported single-institutional study suggests that the PED flex devices are associated with lower rates of complications. However, there was limited discussion regarding the complication rate with respect to microcatheter choice for PED delivery and deployment. The present study aims to evaluate outcomes of aneurysm treatment with PED flex versus classic along with the Phenom microcatheter versus Marksman microcatheter. Methods A retrospective, IRB-approved database of all patients who received a PED classic or PED flex device between January 2012 and July 2018 was analyzed. Microcatheter choice, patient demographics, medical comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, treatment information, and outcome data were analyzed using univariate analyses. Results A total of 75 PED procedures were analyzed. There was no significant difference in major complications between the PED classic and PED flex. However, those treated using the Marksman microcatheter were more likely to have a major complication (periprocedural hemorrhage or ischemic event; 16.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.0248) than those treated with the Phenom microcatheter. Within the PED flex cohort, all major complications were associated with the Marksman microcatheter (p = 0.0289). Conclusions The present study does not replicate significantly fewer complications with PED flex but demonstrates a significant reduction in complications with the Phenom microcatheter. Ultimately, this suggests multiple factors are involved in achieving positive outcomes and low complication rates in PED treated unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Clinical Pharmacist Service Associated With Improved Outcomes and Cost Savings in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Institutions providing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures are subject to substantial outcomes reporting, including those influencing payment for services. Although clinical pharmacists are well-poised to add value, a comprehensive approach to optimizing pharmacotherapy across the care continuum for TJA patients has not been described. Methods This prospective, interventional, sequential cohort study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. The objective was to assess the impact of an Orthopedic Clinical Pharmacist service on institutional TJA complication rates and costs. Outcomes were compared for a Baseline period of July 2015 to February 2016 and a Post-implementation period of September 2016 to February 2017, allowing for a 6-month run-in period. Additionally, we pursued a post-discharge, RN-administered patient survey and an exploratory economic assessment. Results A total of 1715 TJA procedures were performed at the institution during the 20-month study timeframe. Postoperative readmission rate (1.3% vs 4.8%, P = .002) and complication rate (1.8% vs 3.4%, P = .760) were lower in the Post-implementation period. Postoperative VTE rate decreased to zero in the Post-implementation period (0.0% vs 0.6%, P = .13) and average hospital length of stay was unchanged (2.8 vs 2.9 days). Patient self-rated understanding of discharge medications was improved and satisfaction with pharmacist interaction was very high. The service conferred an estimated $73,410 net annual cost savings to the institution. Conclusion Integration of a clinical pharmacist service for TJA patients was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in institutional outcomes, likely conferring substantial cost-benefit.
Unoccupied aerial system enabled functional modeling of maize height reveals dynamic expression of loci.

Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) were used to phenotype growth trajectories of inbred maize populations under field conditions. Three recombinant inbred line populations were surveyed on a weekly basis collecting RGB images across two irrigation regimens (irrigated and non-irrigated/rain fed). Plant height, estimated by the 95th percentile (P95) height from UAS generated 3D point clouds, exceeded 70% correlation (r) to manual ground truth measurements and 51% of experimental variance was explained by genetics. The Weibull sigmoidal function accurately modeled plant growth (R 2: >99%; RMSE: <4 cm) from P95 genetic means. The mean asymptote was strongly correlated (r 2 = 0.66-0.77) with terminal plant height. Maximum absolute growth rates (mm/day) were weakly correlated with height and flowering time. The average inflection point ranged from 57 to 60 days after sowing (DAS) and was correlated with flowering time (r 2 = 0.45-0.68). Functional growth parameters (asymptote, inflection point, growth rate) alone identified 34 genetic loci, each explaining 3-15% of total genetic variation. Plant height was estimated at one-day intervals to 85 DAS, identifying 58 unique temporal quantitative trait loci (QTL) locations. Genomic hotspots on chromosomes 1 and 3 indicated chromosomal regions associated with functional growth trajectories influencing flowering time, growth rate, and terminal growth. Temporal QTL demonstrated unique dynamic expression patterns not previously observable, and no QTL were significantly expressed throughout the entire growing season. UAS technologies improved phenotypic selection accuracy and permitted monitoring traits on a temporal scale previously infeasible using manual measurements, furthering understanding of crop development and biological trajectories.
New East Asian Species of Ischaliidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), with a Key to Palaearctic Eupleurida Le Conte, 1862

Eight ischaliid species new to science from China and Peninsular Malaysia are described and illustrated. Updated key to Palaearctic Ischalia Pascoe, 1860 subgenus Eupleurida Le Conte, 1862 species is presented.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Induces Widespread Cortical and Behavioral Activation

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used for management of a variety of neurological conditions, although the therapeutic mechanisms are not fully understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that VNS may modulate cortical state and plasticity through activation of broadly projecting neuromodulatory systems. Using a mouse model, we compared arousal-linked behaviors with dorsal cortical activity obtained with widefield and 2-photon GCaMP6s calcium imaging and electrophysiological recordings. We observed robust and reliable cortical and behavioral dose-dependent activation in waking mice to VNS, including pupil dilation and frequently, whisker movements and locomotion. Widefield calcium imaging and multiunit recording during VNS revealed that this observed increase in arousal state is coupled with a rapid and widespread increase in excitatory activity, including, but not limited to, activation of visual, motor, retrosplenial, auditory, and barrel cortical regions. Two-photon GCaMP6s calcium imaging of cholinergic and noradrenergic cortical axons revealed that VNS strongly activates these neuromodulatory systems. Importantly, VNS-evoked activation of neuromodulatory axons and excitatory neurons in the cortex persisted in mice under light anesthesia, in the absence of overt movement, and arousal state changes were abolished by vagus nerve transection, confirming that observed VNS effects were specific to nerve stimulation and triggered widespread activity above that which can be explained by motor activity. Taken together, our results support a model of VNS in which activation of subcortical structures leads to widespread activation of cortex and an increase in arousal state, at least partially due to the activation of cholinergic and noradrenergic modulatory pathways.
Strategic Liquidity Provision in Uniswap v3.

Uniswap is the largest decentralized exchange for digital currencies. The newest version, called Uniswap v3, allows liquidity providers to allocate liquidity to one or more closed intervals of the price of an asset, instead of over the total range of prices. While the price of the asset remains in that interval, the liquidity provider earns rewards proportionally to the amount of liquidity allocated. This induces the problem of strategic liquidity provision: smaller intervals result in higher concentration of liquidity and correspondingly larger rewards when the price remains in the interval, but with higher risk. We formalize this problem and study three classes of strategies for liquidity providers: uniform, proportional, and optimal (via a constrained optimization problem). We present experimental results based on the historical price data of Ethereum, which show that simple liquidity provision strategies can yield near-optimal utility and earn over 200x more than Uniswap v2 liquidity provision.
Real-World, Self-Hosted Kubernetes Experience

Containerized applications have exploded in popularity in recent years, due to their ease of deployment, reproducible nature, and speed of startup. Accordingly, container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes have emerged as resource providers and users alike try to organize and scale their work across clusters of systems. This paper documents some real-world experiences of building, operating, and using self-hosted Kubernetes Linux clusters. It aims at comparisons between Kubernetes and single-node container solutions and traditional multi-user, batch queue Linux clusters. The authors of this paper have background experience first running traditional HPC Linux clusters and queuing systems like Slurm, and later virtual machines using technologies such as Openstack. Much of the experience and perspective below is informed by this perspective. We will also provide a use-case from a researcher who deployed on Kubernetes without being as opinionated about other potential choices.
A Geometric Method for Periodic Orbits in Singularly-Perturbed Systems

In this work, we establish a modular geometric method to demonstrate the existence of periodic orbits in singularly perturbed systems of differential equations. These orbits have alternating fast and slow segments, reflecting the two time scales in the problems. The method involves converting the periodic orbit problem into a boundary value problem in an appropriately augmented system, and it employs several versions of the exchange lemmas due to Jones, Kopell, Kaper and Tin. It is applicable to models that arise in a wide variety of scientific disciplines, and applications are given to the FitzHugh-Nagumo, Hodgkin-Huxley, and Gray-Scott systems.
La traduzione catalana del commento di Bernardo Ilicino ai Triumphi del Petrarca: alcune novità a proposito del modello italiano*

In questo articolo si approfondiscono alcuni aspetti filologici della traduzione catalana tardoquattrocentesca del commento di Bernardo Ilicino ai Triumphi del Petrarca. L’analisi testuale consente, in primo luogo, di identificare la redazione a partire dalla quale fu realizzata la traduzione (si tratta del testo trasmesso dall’incunabolo veneziano del 1478, contenente sia Triumphi che il Rerum Vulgarium Fragmenta) e, in secondo luogo, grazie anche all’analisi delle traduzioni castigliane cinquecentesche, di stabilirne una datazione piu stretta di quelle proposte sinora (post quem 1478 - ante quem 1512).
Function Following Form

How is visual information relayed from the retina through the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex? In his Perspective, Levitt discusses new findings ( Yabuta et al .) showing how information reaching layer 4B in area V1 of the visual cortex is relayed in separate pathways to higher cortical areas.
Remarks on the calorimetric anomaly in KH2PO4

Abstract The calorimetric anomaly in KH2PO4, which occurs near the ferroelectric transition, is examined with special emphasis given to the question of the temperature range of validity of the Landau expansion. Below Tc, the original Landau expansion represents the calorimetric data well for (1− T T c ) > 2 × 10 -4 . In agreement with recent modifications of the Landau expansion, a logarithmic temperature dependence of the heat capacity is found above Tc.
Symmetrical Antenna Arrays

A relatively simple method is presented for calculating the impedance properties of antenna arrays consisting of n identical radiators oriented at the vertices of regular polygons. All antennas are required to carry currents of equal magnitude, but not necessarily of the same phase. However, the choice of phase angle must be such that the required electrical symmetry of the array is unimpaired. The case of a circular array with a central radiator is discussed. Immediate practical applications of the theory include: (a) Determination of the driving-point impedance of the primary radiator in a corner-reflector antenna. (b) Calculation of the power lost through radiation, or conversely the signal pickup, of certain multiple-wire transmission lines, when operated in a resonant condition. (c) Analyses of problems involving symmetrically disposed fixed antennas for direction-finding purposes. (d) Ascertaining the effectiveness of circular arrays for transmission. Several numerical illustrations of the theory are given.
Scientific data mining: A case study

Scientific data mining is the activity of finding significant information in scientific data. This paper presents an example of scientific data mining: the discovery of approximately common patterns in RNA secondary structures. We represent an RNA secondary structure by an ordered labeled tree based on a previously proposed scheme. The patterns in the trees are substructures that can differ in both substitutions and deletions/insertions of nodes of the trees. Our techniques incorporate approximate tree matching algorithms and novel heuristics for discovery and optimization. Experimental results obtained by running these algorithms on both generated data and RNA secondary structures show the good performance of the algorithms. It is shown that the optimization heuristics speed up the discovery algorithm by a factor of 10. Moreover, our optimized approach is 100,000 times faster than the brute force method.
Toxicity testing of chemical mixtures: some general aspects and need of international guidelines.

Abstract The topics discussed by the Working Group on Toxicity Testing of Chemical Mixtures included the following: (l) the study designs and results from two real-life exposure scenarios as additional information to the various investigations reported at the conference; (2) the need to take into consideration low-level, longterm exposure (i.e. mimicking human exposure conditions) as well as the issue of limited resources in experimental toxicology studies; (3) the importance of exploring alternative and predictive toxicology methodologies to minimize animal use and to conserve resources; (4) the realization that interactive toxicity should include the consideration of physical and biological agents in addition to chemicals. Two specific studies reported at the conference were also discussed. A number of recommendations were made concerning the planning and implementation of toxicology studies on chemical mixtures.
Size Control of Porous Silicon Nanoparticles by Electrochemical Perforation Etching

Size-controlled porous silicon-based nanoparticles are prepared by pulsed electrochemical etching of single crystal silicon wafers, followed by ultrasonic fracture of the freestanding porous layer. When high-current density pulses are applied periodically during the porous layer etching process, a porous multilayer results in which porous layers are separated by thin layers of much higher porosity. Ultrasonic fracture selectively cleaves the porous film along these high-porosity perforations, providing greater size control and improved yields (by 5x) of the resulting porous nanoparticles. The effect of pulse width and repetition rate is systematically studied: tunability of the average nanoparticle size in the range 160–350 nm is demonstrated.
Market Hegemony and Economic Theory

It is central to standard economic theory that people act on their interests. People are interested in a variety of things, so a range of values should influence market behavior. When engaged in commerce, however, people generally act for personal gain; the influence of other values usually just disappears in the marketplace. What is missing from the standard account is that people often act on proper subsets of their interests. Economics can, however, be extended to capture this insight.
Robust Neuronal Symmetry Breaking by Ras-Triggered Local Positive Feedback

Neuronal polarity is initiated by a symmetry-breaking event whereby one out of multiple minor neurites undergoes rapid outgrowth and becomes the axon [1]. Axon formation is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related signaling elements [2-10] that drive local actin [11] and microtubule reorganization [3, 12], but the upstream signaling circuit that causes symmetry breaking and guarantees the formation of a single axon is not known. Here, we use live FRET imaging in hippocampal neurons and show that the activity of the small GTPase HRas, an upstream regulator of PI3K, markedly increases in the nascent axonal growth cone upon symmetry breaking. This local increase in HRas activity results from a positive feedback loop between HRas and PI3K, locally reinforced by vesicular transport of HRas to the axonal growth cone. Recruitment of HRas to the axonal growth cone is paralleled by a decrease in HRas concentration in the remaining neurites, suggesting that competition for a limited pool of HRas guarantees that only one axon forms. Mathematical modeling demonstrates that local positive feedback between HRas and PI3K, coupled to recruitment of a limited pool of HRas, generates robust symmetry breaking and formation of a single axon in the absence of extrinsic spatial cues.
Parametric Fin Array Optimization for Radial Flux Machines Considering Time Varying Loads

This work utilizes a novel, generic, thermal model of an electric machine in conjunction with particle swarm optimization to optimize the electric machine’s fin array considering time varying loads. The maximum power rating on radial-flux electrical machines is typically based on the steady state temperature of the windings. This leads to over designs in applications in which only short periods of high power are required. The proposed optimization technique can be used in the design process to reduce the risk of over design therefore leading to reduced material costs for finned frames and increased power density in radial flux machines. Whilst many numerical optimization techniques exist, this paper will consider the application of particle swarm optimization techniques to optimize the fin array parameters. The parameter space to be investigated will consider the fin height (hf ), fin width (wf ), and fin spacing (sf ).© 2011 ASME
Who Deserves Good Schools? Cultural Categories of Worth and School Finance Reform

From the standpoint of the existing literature on cultural categories of worthiness or deservingness, school funding equalization presents a paradox: why has a reform targeted at morally deserving children been so difficult to enact? This article investigates cultural constructions of worthiness, which have been shown to affect the debate and implementation of social welfare policies, in this new policy arena. The authors analyze newspaper coverage in California and Texas, over multiple time periods, to explore whether and how arguments about deservingness of the policy's beneficiaries appear in debates surrounding school finance reform. The authors find that even though children are widely accepted to be morally worthy, the deservingness of other groups complicates the debate. The deservingness of taxpayers, teachers and administrators, and parents is contested, and can challenge or dilute claims about the deservingness of children. These findings help make sense of the paradoxes of school finance reform...
Modes of variability of global sea surface temperature, free atmosphere temperature and oceanic surface energy flux

Monthly mean sea surface temperature (SST), free air temperature from satellite microwave sounding units (MSU) and oceanic surface energy fluxes are subjected to empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis for a common decade to investigate the physical relationships involved. The first seasonal modes of surface solar energy flux and SST show similar inter-hemispheric patterns with an annual cycle. Solar flux appears to control this pattern of SST. The first seasonal mode of MSU is similar with, additionally, land-sea differences; MSU is apparently partly controlled by absorption of solar near-infrared radiation and partly by sensible heat from the land surface. The second and third seasonal eigenvector of SST and solar flux exhibit semi-annual oscillations associated with a pattern of cloudiness in the subtropics accompanying the translation of the Hadley cell rising motion between the hemispheres. The second seasonal mode of MSU is dominated by an El Nino signal. The first nonseasonal EOFs of SST and solar flux exhibit El Nino characteristics with the solar pattern being governed by west-to-east translation of a Walker cell type pattern. The first non-seasonal EOF of MSU shows a tropical strip pattern for the El Nino mode, which is well correlated with the latent heat fluxes in the tropical east Pacific but not in the tropical west Pacific. Two possible explanations are: an increase in subsidence throughout the tropical strip driven by extra evaporation in the tropical east Pacific and consequent additional latent heat liberation; a decrease of meridional heat flux out of the tropics.
In situ hybridization and localization of mRNA for the rabbit prostaglandin EP3 receptor

In situ hybridization and localization of mRNA for the rabbit prostaglandin EP 3 receptor. The physiological effects of PGE 2 appear to be mediated by at least three different "E-prostanoid" receptors designated EP 1 EP 2 , and EP 3 . These receptors are differentially activated by structural PGE analogs (such as misoprostol) and each couples to a different signal transduction mechanism. Studies demonstrating that inhibition of water absorption in the collecting duct is mediated by a G i coupled mechanism, suggests that an EP 3 receptor is involved the renal effects of PGE 2 . We used in situ hybridization to determine the tissue distribution of the rabbit EP 3 receptor. [α- 35 S] UTP labeled antisense RNA, comprising transmembrane domains IV through VII, was hybridized to tissue sections. Specific labeling of kidney, stomach and adrenal was observed. In the kidney, medullary thick ascending limb and cortical and medullary collecting ducts were intensely labeled, while no labeling of glomeruli, proximal tubules, or cortical thick ascending limbs was observed. The adrenal gland labeled exclusively in the medulla. In the stomach the gastric epithelial crypts were the predominant site of hybridization, without evidence of labeling of the smooth muscle. These results suggest an important role for the EP 3 receptor in mediating PGE 2 effects in these tissues.
The YJR127C/ZMS1 gene product is involved in glycerol-based respiratory growth of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A putative yeast mitochondrial upstream activating sequence (UAS) was used in a one-hybrid screening procedure that identified the YJR127C ORF on chromosome X. This gene was previously designated ZMS1 and is listed as a transcription factor on the SGD website. Real time RT-PCR assays showed that expression of YJR127C/ZMS1 was glucose-repressible, and a deletion mutant for the gene showed a growth defect on glycerol-based but not on glucose- or ethanol-based medium. Real time RT-PCR analyses identified severely attenuated transcript levels from GUT1 and GUT2 to be the source of that growth defect, the products of GUT1 and GUT2 are required for glycerol utilization. mRNA levels from a large group of mitochondria- and respiration-related nuclear genes also were shown to be attenuated in the deletion mutant. Importantly, transcript levels from the mitochondrial OLI1 gene, which has an associated organellar UAS, were attenuated in the ΔYJR127C mutant during glycerol-based growth, but those from COX3 (OXI2), which lacks an associated mitochondrial UAS, were not. Transcriptome analysis of the glycerol-grown deletion mutant showed that genes in several metabolic and other categories are affected by loss of this gene product, including protein transport, signal transduction, and others. Thus, the product of YJR127C/ZMS1 is involved in transcriptional control for genes in both cellular genetic compartments, many of which specify products required for glycerol-based growth, respiration, and other functions.
Loss of Religious or Spiritual Identities Among the LGBT Population

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are at risk of having negative experiences with religion because of mainstream religions’ non-LGBT-affirming stance. Negative religious experiences can lead to religious or spiritual (R/S) struggles and loss of R/S identity to maintain sexual identity. The authors describe R/S abuse, R/S struggle, and how these can result in loss of R/S identity in LGBT individuals. They provide a case study and discuss counseling implications and areas for future research.
Economic models of urban residential land use

Models of urban residential land use, while intractable analytically, are readily solved numerically by computer. The model presented here replicates certain features of urban population distribution quite closely. The model is used to calculate the effects upon city structure of an optimal allocation of resources to transportation. Postwar changes and the probable effects of the energy crisis and anti-pollution measures are also explored.
Toward trustworthy recommender systems: An analysis of attack models and algorithm robustness

Publicly accessible adaptive systems such as collaborative recommender systems present a security problem. Attackers, who cannot be readily distinguished from ordinary users, may inject biased profiles in an attempt to force a system to “adapt” in a manner advantageous to them. Such attacks may lead to a degradation of user trust in the objectivity and accuracy of the system. Recent research has begun to examine the vulnerabilities and robustness of different collaborative recommendation techniques in the face of “profile injection” attacks. In this article, we outline some of the major issues in building secure recommender systems, concentrating in particular on the modeling of attacks and their impact on various recommendation algorithms. We introduce several new attack models and perform extensive simulation-based evaluations to show which attacks are most successful and practical against common recommendation techniques. Our study shows that both user-based and item-based algorithms are highly vulnerable to specific attack models, but that hybrid algorithms may provide a higher degree of robustness. Using our formal characterization of attack models, we also introduce a novel classification-based approach for detecting attack profiles and evaluate its effectiveness in neutralizing attacks.
Flexible Work and Housework: Work and Family Constraints on Women's Domestic Labor

We examine whether jobs with greater flexibility allow women greater time for housework. With data from the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLS) for young women and mature women employees, we find that part-week, part-year, and shift schedules increase the hours spent on domestic chores, and that unlike on-site employment, hours of home-based work do not significantly reduce time spent on domestic chores. We also find that younger women are more likely to adjust domestic time to job-related conditions than older women.
Solubilization and Properties of Oxytocin Receptors from Rat Mammary Gland

Oxytocin (OT)-binding activity was extracted with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) from rat involuted mammary glands with about 20% yield. The binding in detergent extracts was characterized and shown to be similar or identical to that of OT receptors on intact plasma membranes. Solubilized receptors had a high affinity site (Kd approximately 2 nM) and a lower affinity component, whereas the membrane receptor has only the high affinity site. Several synthetic OT analogs inhibited [3H]OT binding in the same rank order in both solubilized and intact membrane preparations. Both solubilized and membrane-associated receptor required Mn2+ for [3H]OT binding. The concentration of OT-binding sites in solubilized extracts of uterine myometrium from rats in late pregnancy was substantially greater in uteri from rats in labor than in that from rats 2 days before labor, as we have seen previously with receptors on intact membranes. The affinity of the solubilized myometrial receptor (Kd approximately 5 nM) was comparable to that of the membrane-associated receptor. Binding of [3H]OT to solubilized extracts of intestinal smooth muscle, which is not a target for OT, was negligible. Gel filtration analysis on columns of Sepharose 6B indicated that the solubilized [3H]OT-binding component from mammary gland was present in multiple mol wt forms, but the smallest major form eluted with an average apparent mol wt of about 40,000. These studies indicate that CHAPSO-solubilized binding sites for [3H]OT are the same as those in intact membranes and, therefore, are components of the OT receptor.
Pubertal Maturation and African American Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms

The association of pubertal maturation with internalizing and externalizing symptoms was examined with a sample of 867 African-American 10 – 12-year-old children. Children reported their pubertal development status and timing using a self-report questionnaire, and symptoms were assessed through diagnostic interviews with the children and their primary caregivers. Pubertal status and timing were significantly associated with children's reports of the internalizing symptoms of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression and with the externalizing symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit disorder, and conduct disorder. Pubertal development also was associated with caregivers’ reports of children's externalizing symptoms. The pubertal transition was associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in both boys and girls.
Differential protection by certain agents against carbon tetrachloride-induced increase in bile duct-pancreatic fluid flow.

Pretreatment with CCl 4 increased bile duct-pancreatic fluid (BDPF) flow in rats. Since the mechanism is not known, the purpose of this study was to see whether agents which protect against certain effects of CCl 4 on the liver also protect against the increase in BDPF. Change in BDPF was assessed against increased serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) activity, hepatic necrosis (HN), hepatic triglyceride (HTG), and decreased hepatic bile fluid (HBF) flow. Cysteine (1.9 g/kg po) administered 30 min before CCl 4 significantly protected against increased BDPF and SGPT and showed an intermediate protective effect against HTG and HN, but not decreased HBF flow. Pyrazole (300 mg/kg ip) administered 30 min before CCl 4 protected against increased HN and HTG but not against increased BDPF and SGPT; no protection against decreased HBF flow was afforded. A small dose of CCl 4 , 0.2 ml/kg ip, 24 hr before the usual treatment with CCl 4 protected against BDPF, HBF, and SGPT activity with an intermediate effect on HTG increase. Thus, with the combination of results, it is concluded that the increase in BDPF produced by CCl 4 is not related to the extent of liver necrosis, hepatic triglyceride accumulation, or effects on hepatic bile fluid flow. The source of the increased BDPF remains unknown.
Carotid and Vertebral Rete Mirabile in Man Presenting With Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Carotid and vertebral rete mirabile is an unusual segmental regression of both the cavernous carotid artery and transdural vertebral arteries with a network of collateral vessels seen rarely in human beings. We present a 57-year-old woman with carotid and vertebral rete mirabile who presented with an acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The majority of patients present with subarachnoid hemorrhage or ischemic stroke. This is the first case of a non-Asian patient presenting with an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. In this case report, we describe the clinical and angiographic features of this unusual entity.
Numerical Simulation of Transport of Particles Emitted From Ground-Level Area Source Using Aermod and CFD

AbstractFugitive sources, including animal feeding operations, can contribute significantly to particulate pollution and cause environmental and health problems. Transport of particles emitted from these sources can be simulated using atmospheric dispersion models and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study evaluated the capability of AERMOD, the U.S. EPA preferred dispersion model, in modeling transport of particles emitted from area sources by comparing it to CFD. The two models responded similarly to effects of atmospheric stability and wind speed. AERMOD calculated lower downwind particle concentrations than CFD. In addition, predicted particle concentrations at locations downwind of the source remained constant with height in AERMOD but varied with height in CFD. Comparison of convection and diffusion rates simulated in CFD indicated that the assumptions on transport processes in AERMOD are suitable for modeling dispersion for area sources. However, estimated values for eddy diffusivity in cro...
Microtubule stability in severed axons

We examined severed axons of cat sympathetic nerves and severed neurites of cultured chick sensory neurons for evidence of extensive microtubule depolymerization. Cat sympathetic fibres fixed at various times after severing were cross-sectioned for electron microscopy from both cut ends. The number density of microtubules was determined at various times after severing for matched proximal and distal regions equidistant from cut ends. These data show that the number density of microtubules was nearly identical in proximal and distal fragments at 10, 20 and 60 min and at distances between 10 and 50 μm from the cut ends. In chick sensory neurites the microtubule array was examined in longitudinal sections. In order to define objectively a normal microtubule array, the distance between 100 microtubule pairs was measured in seven control neurites, giving a mean distance (±S.D.) of 33nm±19nm. A normal array of microtubules was defined as having microtubules within 52nm of their nearest lateral neighbour. Among 11 neurites at times from 1 to 15 min after transection, the mean distance from the cut tip to the first microtubule was 1.3 μm in proximal fragments and 0.5 μm in distal fragments. The mean distance to the normal microtubule array was 2.8 μm in proximal fragments and 2.1 μm in distal fragments. There was no trend or pattern with respect to the times after severing that the neurite was fixed and the amount of microtubule depolymerization. Our results show no evidence for stabilization of axonal/neurite microtubules by capping structures at their ends. We conclude that microtubule instability is unlikely to play a role in the response of axons to axotomy.
Immunotherapy for cancer by direct gene transfer into tumors

16.0 Scientific Abstract The goal of immunotherapy is to stimulate the immune system by modification of tumor cells or expansion of lymphocytes which respond specifically to tumor antigens. In this...
Effects of Oxygen Tension on Flow-Induced Vasodilation in Porcine Coronary Resistance Arterioles

Abstract Vascular tone has been shown to be importantly influenced by flow-induced release of endothelium-derived vasodilators. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that in porcine coronary resistance-size arterioles, flow-induced vasodilation is sensitive to oxygen tension. Arterioles (55–150 μm) were studied in vitro under conditions of constant intraluminal pressure to dynamically measure arteriolar diameter in response to changes in flow or, alternatively, in response to bradykinin under three conditions: hyperoxia ( p O 2 400 mm Hg), normoxia ( p O 2 160 mm Hg), and hypoxia ( p O 2 40 mm Hg). Under conditions of constant pressure and no flow, hypoxia alone resulted in vasodilation that was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Ω-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Hypoxia did not alter the vasodilator response to bradykinin when compared to the vasodilator response to bradykinin during normoxia. During hyperoxia, flow-induced vasodilation was significantly reduced by either indomethacin, or L-NAME. Indomethacin and L-NAME combined completely abolished flow-induced vasodilation under conditions of hyperoxia. Under conditions of normoxia and hypoxia, indomethacin or L-NAME alone only partially blocked flow-induced vasodilation. No further inhibition was observed when indomethacin and L-NAME were combined. Glybenclamide failed to alter flow-induced vasodilation either alone or in combination with indomethacin and L-NAME. The results suggest that the mechanisms responsible for flow-induced vasodilation in coronary arterioles are complex and are different depending upon the oxygen tension. During hyperoxia, vasodilation is due to the combined actions of prostanoids and nitric oxide, while under conditions of normoxia and hypoxia, flow-induced vasodilation is the result of not only prostanoids and nitric oxide, but of another as of yet unidentified oxygen-sensitive endogenous vasodilator.
The impact of hydrogel lens settling on the thickness of the tears and contact lens.

PURPOSE. To investigate the effect of contact lens insertion on the thickness on the prelens tear film (PLTF), the contact lens, and the postlens tear film (PoLTF). METHODS. Twelve contact lens wearers (mean age, 32.7 years; four males) inserted etafilcon A hydrogel lenses (power: -2.00 D, base curve: 8.3 mm) in both eyes immediately before testing. Previously described interference techniques, based on oscillations in reflectance spectra, were used to measure the thickness of the PLTF, contact lens, and PoLTF. The thickness of the layers is derived from the frequency of the oscillations. Spectra were captured 1 minute after lens insertion and every minute thereafter for 30 minutes. Least squares regression fits were used to determine the relation between thickness of each layer and time. RESULTS. The combined data from all subjects for PLTF thickness were fit with an exponential decay plus a constant thickness; the initial thickness was 4.5 micrometers, the time constant was 7.1 minutes (P < 0.001), and final thickness was 2.5 micrometers. The apparent thickness of the contact lens declined linearly at an average rate of 0.051 micrometers/minute (P < 0.001). The PoLTF thickness remained constant at 2.5 micrometers (P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS. For most subjects, the PLTF thinned significantly over the course of the first 30 minutes of lens wear. The apparent thinning of the contact lens may be caused by a real thinning of the lens, but also may have a contribution from improved centration over the 30-minute period. The PoLTF remained relatively stable during this period.
Pertussis-toxin insensitive enkephalin inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in lacrimal acinar cells.

Abstract The mechanism by which the inhibitory effect of d-ala 2 -met-enkephalinamide (DALA) on lacrimal acinar adenylyl cyclase is exerted was assessed in membrane preparations by a cAMP protein binding assay. Inhibition by the analogue was GTP-dependent with a significant enhancement of the inhibitory effect by GTP. While pretreatment of membranes with either cholera or pertussis toxin resulted in stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, modification of the G iα subunit by pertussis-toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation did not effect the hormonal inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Incubation of membranes with manganese, however, prevented the inhibitory action of DALA in addition to enhancing basal and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of DALA in lacrimal acinar cells is exerted via a mechanism other than pertussis-toxin sensitive coupling of the receptor to adenylyl cyclase through G i . The mechanism may be effected through a pertussis-toxin insensitive G protein, through an interaction with G i that is pertussis-toxin insensitive, or through an interaction with the catalytic subunit of adenylyl cyclase.
Characterization and taxonomic validity of the ciliate Oxytricha trifallax (Class Spirotrichea) based on multiple gene sequences: limitations in identifying genera solely by morphology.

Oxytricha trifallax — an established model organism for studying genome rearrangements, chromosome structure, scrambled genes, RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance, and other phenomena — has been the subject of a nomenclature controversy for several years. Originally isolated as a sibling species of O. fallax, O. trifallax was reclassified in 1999 as Sterkiella histriomuscorum, a previously identified species, based on morphological similarity. The proper identification of O. trifallax is crucial to resolve in order to prevent confusion in both the comparative genomics and the general scientific communities. We analyzed nine conserved nuclear gene sequences between the two given species and several related ciliates. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that O. trifallax and a bona fide S. histriomuscorum have accumulated significant evolutionary divergence from each other relative to other ciliates such that they should be unequivocally classified as separate species. We also describe the original isolation of O. trifallax, including its comparison to O. fallax, and we provide criteria to identify future isolates of O. trifallax.
Photon-number squeezing by two-photon absorption in an organic polymer

We report the generation of photon-number squeezed light by two-photon absorption in a thin film of the organic polymeric dye R-478 with intense femtosecond laser pulses at 800 nm. Photon-number noise measurements of the transmitted laser beam were carried out simultaneously with the measurement of the sample's nonlinear transmission. A two-photon absorption coefficient (β) of 7 cm/GW was estimated for the organic polymer thin film. At the highest incident peak irradiance used we observed a reduction of the photon-number noise of 0.1 dB (4.6%) below the standard quantum limit. By considering the detection losses we inferred 7.7% squeezing at the sample output. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of a theoretical model relating the Fano factor to the nonlinear transmission. The analysis of the experimental results indicates that sub-Poissonian photon statistics occurs when the linear optical losses in the sample are overcome by the quantum noise reduction effect of multi-photon absorption.
Ordered ternary compounds of the rare earth sesquisulfides

Intermediate compositions were investigated in eight Ln{sub 2}S{sub 3}-Ln{sub 2{prime}}S{sub 3} systems and reaction products characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra are reported for the ordered structures reported in earlier literature. Based on the Raman spectra, LaLuS{sub 3}, previously reported as isostructural with LaDyS{sub 3} (the I-type structure) is actually a new ordered compound. It was indexed on an orthorhombic cell with a = 7.304, b = 6.659 and c = 9.817 {angstrom}. A second previously unreported compound, Dy{sub 3}ScS{sub 6}, was identified by its Raman spectrum. Sharp Raman lines with a unique arrangement for each structure type, indicated that the ternary rare earth sulfides are well-ordered structures.