cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity and timescales of cortical adaptation as inferences about natural movie statistics

Adaptation is a phenomenological umbrella term under which a variety of temporal contextual effects are grouped. Previous models have shown that some aspects of visual adaptation reflect optimal processing of dynamic visual inputs, suggesting that adaptation should be tuned to the properties of natural visual inputs. However, the link between natural dynamic inputs and adaptation is poorly understood. Here, we extend a previously developed Bayesian modeling framework for spatial contextual effects to the temporal domain. The model learns temporal statistical regularities of natural movies and links these statistics to adaptation in primary visual cortex via divisive normalization, a ubiquitous neural computation. In particular, the model divisively normalizes the present visual input by the past visual inputs only to the degree that these are inferred to be statistically dependent. We show that this flexible form of normalization reproduces classical findings on how brief adaptation affects neuronal selectivity. Furthermore, prior knowledge acquired by the Bayesian model from natural movies can be modified by prolonged exposure to novel visual stimuli. We show that this updating can explain classical results on contrast adaptation. We also simulate the recent finding that adaptation maintains population homeostasis, namely, a balanced level of activity across a population of neurons with different orientation preferences. Consistent with previous disparate observations, our work further clarifies the influence of stimulus-specific and neuronal-specific normalization signals in adaptation.
A multiresolution approach to pattern recognition

This paper reports on a family of computationally practical classifiers called dyadic classification trees (DCTs). Like many multiresolution methods in other application areas, DCTs are formed by recursive dyadic partitioning of the input space, followed by pruning to avoid overfitting. We investigate three pruning rules, each motivated by statistical learning theory. These pruning rules involve penalties that are non-additive, data-dependent, and scale-dependent. They produce learning rules that achieve near-minimax rates of convergence for a certain class of problems defined in terms of the smoothness of the Bayes decision boundary. Efficient algorithms exist for implementing each pruning rule. We then briefly mention an extension of dyadic classification trees that places polynomial decision boundaries at each leaf node. This polynomial decorated dyadic classification trees achieve faster rates for smoother decision boundaries, and have improved approximation capabilities relative to classifiers that employ a single polynomial decision rule, such as polynomial-kernel SVMs.
Why firms do and don't offer apprenticeships

The workforce strategy of firms is increasingly important for competitiveness and for producing at high quality and low costs. Firms must decide on the mix of skills and wages for current and future operations and on whether to train skilled workers or hire them from the open labour market. While traditional human capital theory states that firms will not finance training for general skills, modifications of the theory show training for general skills can be profitable. The modifications are compelling, since employer training for occupational skills varies widely across countries. Employers in the U.S. and France provide little occupational training while the extent of employer occupational training in Germany and Switzerland is enough to reach 55–70 % of a youth cohort. This chapter examines the factors influencing firm choices about providing one type of general training-apprenticeships. Offers of apprenticeships are common in countries where knowledge about apprenticeships is widespread, occupational standards are well developed, and the government finances related, off-the-job training. One reason is that firms in these countries recoup most or all of their investments during the apprenticeship itself, mainly because of the productive contributions to output by the apprentices. But in other contexts, such as the U.S., firms are far less likely to offer apprenticeships. South Carolina’s Apprenticeship Carolina demonstrates how marketing to individual firms and simplifying the process of hiring apprentices can lead large numbers of employers to provide occupational skills training.
Discrepancy Theory and Computational Geometry

The recent development of a theory of computational-geometric sampling has revolutionized the design of geometric algorithms, and led to the solution of some of the most outstanding problems in the field. Much of this development owes to the interplay between computational geometry and discrepancy theory. This talk will discuss some intriguing aspects of this development, including the use of data structuring ideas to prove theorems in discrepancy theory.
Coming in from the Cold

It was in 2006, while driving to work knowing I was going to be terminated or laid off soon I was struck by a song I heard by T.I. and Rihanna. One line said, “be grateful for the life you have and not worry about the life you don’t have.” He was right. I faced adversities, grief, loss but I wasn’t grateful. I researched how could I make the life I have better. I signed up for classes at the new location for Capital Community College.
Personality Disorders and Psychological Functioning Among Latina Women with Eating Disorders.

AbstractLittle is known about personality disorders (PD) and comorbidities among Latinas with eating disorders (ED). The dysregulation and chronicity of PDs can complicate and augment the symptomatology of EDs. This set of analyses provides a preliminary examination of PD and psychopathology in a sample of Latina women with ED. Participants (N = 34) were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Eating Disorders Examination, and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III to assess personality pathology, and questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory-II and Brief Symptom Inventory) to assess psychological functioning. Results indicated the most common clinically significant trait in the sample was depressive personality (50% of the sample had a score of 75 or higher on this trait). For Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED), avoidant (41%) and depressive (65%) personalities, respectively, were the most common clinically significant traits. Anxiety ...
A Novel Model for Direction Finding and Phase Center With Practical Considerations

The data model for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is revisited and studied with more attention to the practical implementation of the antenna arrays and verified through measurement results. A complete data model for a single-channel direction finding system that includes, for the first time, the effects of the switching mechanism among antennas is presented. In order to combat coupling among antenna elements and the radio frequency switch nonidealities, a comprehensive model is developed, which includes more accurate noise modeling. The effect of the phase center (PC) in DOA estimation is then discussed and an improved data model is presented, which includes the antenna’s PC movement. The Cramer–Rao bound for circular arrays including the newly introduced parameter for the PC is derived. The new model shows significant improvement in the estimation accuracy.
Upper limit for power conversion in magnetoelectric gyrators

We characterized the magnetomechanical conversion abilities of Ni-Zn ferrite, cobalt ferrite, and Metglas by constructing a magnetic power path with two winding coils. We found that under high power drive, a portion of the mechanical power re-transformed to the magnetic form and was captured by the receiver coil, which resulted in a decrease in the magnetomechanical conversion ability of the coil-magnetostriction structure. This presents an upper limit of the power conversion characteristics of magnetoelectric gyrators. Furthermore, the efficiency of a Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 gyrator was characterized by varying the values of the resistive load, magnetic bias, and power density. The maximum measured efficiency for the power transferred across an optimal resistor load was greater than 90% under low drive conditions and 89% with a power density of up to 30 W/in.3
Biodegradation of Blends Containing Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate-CO-Valerate)

Polymer blends containing poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-16%-3-hydroxyvalerate, ( P (HB-coOHV), were investigated by incorporating poly (e-caprolactone), (PCL), poly (styrene-co-35%-acrylonitrile), (SAN), or poly (styrene), (PS), as the second component. Blend concentrations of 20/80, 50/50 and 80/20 weight percents were solvent cast from chloroform and analyzed for miscibility using DSC. Biodegradation studies were conducted using an exposure to the extracellular depolymerase from Penicillium funiculosum at 28°C for 48 and 96 hours. Weight loss and characterization of the exposed samples using GPC, SEM and NMR were used to determine degree of biodegradation. Blends of P (HB-co-HV) with PCL or PS were found to be immiscible at all concentrations investigated. Blends of P (HB-co-HV) with SAN were found to be miscible in all concentrations investigated. Biodegradation results for the miscible blend showed a lower weight loss as compared to the immiscible blends investigated. Weight loss increased with increasing P (HB-co-HV) content for all blends investigated.
The Next Step in Educational Systems Design: Some Contributions From Learning Systems Design

The relationship of educational systems to other systems with which they interact is presented. The position is presented that the design of future educational systems will require input from a wide range of knowledge domains and external stakeholders. As an immediate step curriculum designers (those knowledgeable in strategies to implement reform) must be included in the design process. Later in the process the concerns of a wide range of external stakeholders must be addressed. A brief description of four concerns from the domain of learning systems design is provided: a typology of kinds of goals; the distinction between value-laden and technical curriculum decisions; the impact of learning phases on the organization of curricula; and the relationships among methods, conditions, and outcomes.
Comparison of Calcium Antagonist Properties of Antispasmotic Agents

Several agents commonly employed for the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia or instability are characterized as antispasmotics. Their mechanism of action is not completely understood but it has been proposed that their actions are dependent on anticholinergic activity, CNS mediated relaxation, or local anesthetic properties. The purpose of this study was to determine if imipramine, flavoxate HCl, or oxybutynin HCl possess any calcium antagonist properties. This was accomplished by determining the ability of these agents to inhibit a standard cholinergic stimulus (200 uM bethanechol) over a range of extracellular calcium concentrations (0.5 to 10.0 mM). In-vitro isolated smooth muscle strips of rabbit bladder dome were utilized. Control tissues displayed a reproducible response to bethanechol stimulation at different calcium concentrations with an ED50 of 0.4 mM calcium and a peak response of 5.0+/-0.4 grams tension. Flavoxate (2.5 mM), oxybutynin (2.5 uM), and imipramine 25 uM) all significantly reduced peak tension generation. The ED 50's for extracellular calcium in the presence of flavoxate and oxybutynin were not significantly different from controls. Imipramine at both 3 and 25 uM significantly increased the ED50 for calcium. The above data demonstrate that imipramine possesses competitive calcium antagonism. The relative contribution of calcium antagonism toward the inhibitory effects of imipramine is unknown but may play a significant role in its clinical activity.
Grant and Manuscript Writing

Perhaps nothing is more important to a new investigator than how to properly prepare a grant to request funding for clinical research or how to write a manuscript for publication. In this chapter we will review the basic elements for successful grant and manuscript writing, discuss advantages and disadvantages of K versus R applications for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, illustrate the “fundamentals” for each section for a standard NIH R-series application, and describe the key components necessary to transition to a successful NIH research career.
Seyfert Galaxies in the Universe

Recent optical spectroscopy of Seyfert galaxies, particularly at Lick Observatory, is discussed. The frame of reference is the luminosity function of Seyfert galaxies, the incompleteness of available surveys, and how complete samples can be found by combining several different types of surveys. The importance of spectral classification, or differentiating between various classes of active galactic nuclei, is stressed. All Seyfert galaxies and AGNs cannot be fitted into a single one-parameter sequence. Starburst galaxies and LINERs are briefly discussed. At the end some recent results on the frequencies of Seyfert galaxies with companions and in interacting systems are briefly summarized.
Fate of milk calcium in the gastrointestinal tract of suckling rats

In the rat, as in many other mammals, the majority of milk Ca is associated with casein micelles. Because luminal proteolysis is immature in the suckling rat, we investigated the hypothesis that milk Ca remains in the macromolecular form as it traverses the stomach and upper small intestine. When intestinal contents of rat pups were examined 1 h after gavage with 45Ca-milk, 98% of the 45Ca was found to be in a soluble form. Surprisingly, chromatography on Sephadex G-10 showed it to have a molecular weight in the range of that of Ca2+. Analysis of gastric contents showed the stomach to be the initial site of release of Ca from the casein micelles. Although only 45% of the 45Ca was in a soluble form in stomach contents, 100% of this soluble 45Ca behaved as Ca2+. Comparison with the fate of 32P from milk confirmed the suggestion that most of the Ca is released as Ca2+. In vitro studies suggested that this release is the result of simple dilution or the combined action of intrinsic milk enzymes and dilution. Because milk Ca appears to enter the small intestine as Ca2+, we presume its mechanism of absorption in suckling animals is the same as that already established using simple salts of Ca. Nevertheless, the slow release from the bound form may be important in establishing the physiological pattern of Ca absorption in the infant. Implications of this for the supplementation of milks for low-birth-weight human infants is discussed.
Spontaneous Oscillations in Heart Rate: Potential Index of Stress

The construct of stress has a variety of definitions. Often the definitions appear circular, since stress has been defined in terms of environmental stimuli (i.e., a stressing environment), as an organismic vulnerability (i.e., a stress-prone organism), and as a response to the environment (i.e., a stress response). The inherent circularity of the definition has limited the succinct articulation of what stress is and what causes it.
Techniques of Elementary Computability Theory

In this chapter we illustrate several techniques for judging a function’s computational status. Sometimes we can prove that a function is computable by writing down a concrete while-program that calculates the function’s values. Often this involves an appeal to the Enumeration Theorem, which permits us to use the interpreter macro $$ X: = \Phi \left( {Y,Z} \right) $$ .
Response of Early Stage Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma to Ultraviolet B Phototherapy

Twenty-five (71%) of 35 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) treated with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy achieved a total remission. Median time to remission was 5 months, and median duration of the remission was 22 months. Twenty-five (83%) of patients with disease limited to patches (Stage I) achieved remission, whereas none of the patients with plaque level disease (Stage II) achieved remission. Of the 25 patients who achieved complete remission, five (20%) had a recurrence of CTCL. These results suggest that UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment for patients with early stage I disease.
Transformation of the civil service in the context of the latest challenges of exogenous nature

У статті зазначається, що невирішеною проблемою для системи державної служби є визначення пріоритетних інструментів її трансформації, які зможуть забезпечити дієвість та ефективність національної системи державного управління в Україні. Узагальнено періодизацію системних параметрів державної служби на основі обґрунтування новітніх викликів екзогенного характеру. В процесі узагальнення інструментів трансформації державної служби обґрунтовано найбільш пріоритетні з них, необхідні для імплементації в державну службу в Україні. Охарактеризовано «державну цільову програму» як інструмент державної служби; виокремлено принципи, дотримання яких забезпечить її успішність, а саме: орієнтація програми на кінцевий результат, системний підхід до управління програмою на всіх етапах її реалізації, забезпечення програми як єдиного об’єкта управління необхідними кадровими, матеріальними, фінансовими та іншими ресурсами. Як окремий інструмент трансформації державної служби визначено комунікаційну сферу діяльності. Окремим контекстом трансформації інструментів державної служби є використання інструментів міжнародної технічної допомоги Європейського Союзу. Узагальнено особливості реалізації специфічного інструменту державної служби – електронного урядування.
Maximizing Recovery and Growth When Treating Moderate Acute Malnutrition with Whey-Containing Supplements.

Background:Much debate exists about the utility of dairy ingredients in the supplementary foods used to treat childhood moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).Objective:To review the evidence regarding ...
The sound insulation performance of mass timber building elements

Mass timber constructions have been gaining popularity in Canada since provincial building codes were changed to allow for taller buildings of mass timber elements. Common mass timber elements include cross-laminated timber, nail-laminated timber, dowel-laminated timber, and glued laminated timber. Many of these elements have been in use for decades, but much still needs to be learned in terms of the transmission of structure-borne noise between elements and the transmission loss and radiation efficiency of the elements with and without linings. Recent and ongoing studies on cross-laminated and nail-laminated elements conducted at the National Research Council have investigated many of the unknowns and a summary of the results are presented in this paper.Mass timber constructions have been gaining popularity in Canada since provincial building codes were changed to allow for taller buildings of mass timber elements. Common mass timber elements include cross-laminated timber, nail-laminated timber, dowel-laminated timber, and glued laminated timber. Many of these elements have been in use for decades, but much still needs to be learned in terms of the transmission of structure-borne noise between elements and the transmission loss and radiation efficiency of the elements with and without linings. Recent and ongoing studies on cross-laminated and nail-laminated elements conducted at the National Research Council have investigated many of the unknowns and a summary of the results are presented in this paper.
No Guts, No Glory: The Influence of Risk-taking on Adolescent Popularity

Existing research finds adolescent popularity to be correlated with risk-taking. While a subset of this research uses longitudinal methods to examine whether part of this correlation may reflect th...
Lupeol, a novel diet-based triterpene modulates insulin growth factor receptor 1 and β-catenin signaling in human prostate cancer cells

1245 Recently we showed that Lupeol, a dietary triterpene, activates apoptotic machinery, decreases serum- PSA levels and inhibits the tumorigenicity of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Current study was conducted to understand the mechanistic basis of the effect of Lupeol in androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) PCa cells. Lupeol (30-50μM) treatment (for 21 days) was observed to inhibit the proliferative and clonogenic potential of LNCaP cells. Lupeol treated cells exhibited reduced expression level of PCNA protein, a marker of proliferation. To understand the mechanism of action of Lupeol, we first determined the effect of Lupeol in a focused microarray of 288-well characterized PCa-associated genes. We found that Lupeol (20 μM) significantly modulates the expression level of genes which are known to be associated with proliferation and survival. Lupeol treatment decreased the mRNA expression level of insulin growth factor receptor-1, myc, cyclin D1, ERBB2 and Jun, and caused an increase in the mRNA expression level of IGFBP6, STEAP1, TIMP3 and KLK10. Immunoblot analysis indicated that Lupeol-induced modulations in the mRNA expression levels of these genes corroborated well with the expression level of their products (proteins). Interestingly, genes which are modulated by Lupeol are also known to be associated directly or indirectly with β-catenin signaling which is highly aberrant in PCa patients. We therefore investigated the effect of Lupeol on the upstream regulators of β-catenin signaling including GSK3β/Axin complex. Treatment of cells with Lupeol (5-30 μM) significantly reduced levels of β-catenin in the cytoplasm as well as in nuclear fractions with an increase in the expression levels of GSK3β/Axin complex, thus rendering β-catenin prone to degradation. Next, we employed luciferase reporter assay to measure the transcriptional activity of TCF responsive element, a marker for β-catenin signaling, and observed that Lupeol caused a significant reduction in the transcriptional activation of TCF responsive element in pTK-TCF-Luc-transfected LNCaP cells. We further observed that Lupeol treatment significantly decreased the expression level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-7 proteins which are known as downstream targets of β-catenin signaling. Treatment of cells with Lupeol significantly reduced the enzymatic activity of MMP-2. Finally, we evaluated the effect of Lupeol treatment on the transcriptional activity of MMP-2. We observed that Lupeol treatment significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of MMP-2 gene in pGL2-MMP-2-Luc-transfected LNCaP cells. We conclude that Lupeol being a multi-target agent effectively targets IGFR1/β-catenin axis thus leading to the inhibition in the proliferation of PCa cells. We suggest that Lupeol could be developed as an agent for chemoprevention as well as chemotherapy of human PCa..
How Do I Approach Pain or Bleeding After Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is a procedure commonly performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. While the overall complication rate is quite low, many patients present for emergency care with various symptoms after endoscopy. Providers will often encounter patients with minor complaints but must remain wary of life-threatening bleeding and perforation. Emergent resuscitation is indicated for perforation and significant GI bleeding, and both require specialty consultation. Imaging and broad-spectrum antibiotics are both indicated if perforation is suspected.
Providing Small Group Instruction to Children With Disabilities and Same-Age Peers:

Small group instruction in classrooms provides children opportunities to collaborate on academic tasks, as well as opportunities for social interactions. Although such arrangements are common for c...
Photocatalytic reduction of chlorite in water using bismuth vanadate (BiVO4): effect of irradiance conditions and presence of oxalate on the reactivity and by-product selectivity

Chlorite (ClO2−) is a disinfection byproduct formed during drinking water treatment when source waters with a high oxidant demand are disinfected with chlorine dioxide. This study investigated the reduction of ClO2− using a visible light (vis) active photocatalyst, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4). The effect of direct photolysis, the presence of oxalate, light source, and fluence on the reaction rate and by-product selectivity was evaluated. A commercial titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as a UV-benchmark comparison. Photolysis was an effective reductant of ClO2−, but it produced the undesirable byproduct chlorate (ClO3−) and required ultraviolet light (UV) less than 360 nm. BiVO4 and TiO2 reduced ClO2− using irradiation greater than 360 nm, but ClO3− was also produced. For BiVO4, the addition of oxalate as a hole scavenger and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analog increased the reaction rate and eliminated ClO3− formation, but it decreased the reaction rate for TiO2 and ClO3− was still detected. In situ vibrational spectroscopy was used to link the reduced rate of TiO2 to the chemisorption behavior between oxalate and TiO2. Analyzing the reaction rates as a function of photon fluence instead of time showed BiVO4 was more efficient at using vis than UV. A higher required energy dose for the 2-log removal of ClO2− was observed for BiVO4 (185 J cm−2) compared to TiO2 (5.11 J cm−2), indicating the poor ability of BiVO4 to separate and use photogenerated charge carriers. The addition of silver to enhance charge separation improved the efficiency and reduced the required dose (45.5 J cm−2). From an operational standpoint, this study strengthens the argument that all photocatalysis treatment studies should report results as a function of fluence as well as time. Though BiVO4 used more energy than TiO2 to achieve the same removal, its ability to avoid ClO3− is attractive. Further, vis sources are more cost and energy efficient with longer lifetimes compared to UV sources, and advanced materials engineering can improve reaction efficiencies, allowing vis photocatalysts like BiVO4 to be an attractive option for treatment of ClO2− and other critical oxidized contaminants.
Providing After Prison: Nonresident Fathers’ Formal and Informal Contributions to Children

Incarceration among young, minority, economically disadvantaged men is pervasive in the United States and can impair their employment prospects. Because many of these men are fathers, incarceration also has serious implications for their ability to support their children. This article investigates the associations between incarceration and nonresident fathers’ cash and in-kind contributions to their children’s household economy. It then examines whether policies intended to protect employment opportunities mitigate the potential costs of incarceration for nonresident fathers’ economic support of their children. Using longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and new state policy data, we find that paternal incarceration reduces formal and informal support and that some policies offset the incarceration penalty, but clear differences by fathers’ race emerge.
Reference Electrodes Based on Ionic Liquid-Doped Reference Membranes with Biocompatible Silicone Matrixes.

Many reference electrodes with an ionic liquid-doped reference membrane contain a plasticizer that can gradually leach out into the sample. However, because many common plasticizers are known to be...
l’Hôpital’s Rule for Multivariable Functions

Zero divided by zero is arguably the single most important concept underlying calculus. For functions of more than one variable, methods of proof for indeterminate limits are not as familiar as for...
Removability of the logarithmic singularity for the elliptic PDEs with measurable coefficients and its consequences

This paper introduces the notion of log-regularity (or log-irregularity) of the boundary point $$\zeta $$ (possibly $$\zeta =\infty $$ ) of the arbitrary open subset $$\Omega $$ of the Greenian deleted neigborhood of $$\zeta $$ in $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$ concerning second order uniformly elliptic equations with bounded and measurable coefficients, according as whether the log-harmonic measure of $$\zeta $$ is null (or positive). A necessary and sufficient condition for the removability of the logarithmic singularity, that is to say for the existence of a unique solution to the Dirichlet problem in $$\Omega $$ in a class $$O(\log |\cdot - \zeta |)$$ is established in terms of the Wiener test for the log-regularity of $$\zeta $$ . From a topological point of view, the Wiener test at $$\zeta $$ presents the minimal thinness criteria of sets near $$\zeta $$ in minimal fine topology. Precisely, the open set $$\Omega $$ is a deleted neigborhood of $$\zeta $$ in minimal fine topology if and only if $$\zeta $$ is log-irregular. From the probabilistic point of view, the Wiener test presents asymptotic law for the log-Brownian motion near $$\zeta $$ conditioned on the logarithmic kernel with pole at $$\zeta $$ .
Gut-kidney axis in oxalate homeostasis.

Purpose of review The gut-kidney axis plays a critical role in oxalate homeostasis, and better understanding of oxalate transport regulatory mechanisms is essential for developing novel therapies. Recent findings Oxalate potentially contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, CKD - and end stage renal disease (ESRD)-associated cardiovascular diseases, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) progression, and/or poor renal allograft survival, emphasizing the need for plasma and urinary oxalate lowering therapies. One promising strategy would be to enhance the bowel's ability to secrete oxalate, which might be facilitated by the following findings. Oxalobacter formigenes (O. formigenes)-derived factors recapitulate O. formigenes colonization effects by reducing urinary oxalate excretion in hyperoxaluric mice by inducing colonic oxalate secretion. Protein kinase A activation stimulates intestinal oxalate transport by enhancing the surface expression of the oxalate transporter SLC26A6 (A6). Glycosylation also stimulates A6-mediated oxalate transport. The colon adapts to chronic acidosis in rats through increased colonic oxalate secretion as previously reported in CKD rats, and A6-mediated enteric oxalate secretion is critical in reducing the body oxalate burden in CKD mice. Intestinal oxalate transport is negatively regulated by proinflammatory cytokines and cholinergic, purinergic, and adenosinergic signaling. Summary These findings could facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for hyperoxalemia, hyperoxaluria, and related disorders if similar regulatory mechanisms are confirmed in humans.
Metabolomic Patterns of Septoria Canker Resistant and Susceptible Populus trichocarpa Genotypes 24 Hours Postinoculation

Sphaerulina musiva is an economically and ecologically important fungal pathogen that causes Septoria stem canker and leaf spot disease of Populus species. To bridge the gap between genetic markers...
Segregation or Use of Separate Milking Units for Staphylococcus aureus - Infected Dairy Cows

Seventy six dairy herds with initial prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus IMI 3 10% were included in this study. Farm managers did not elect to change teat dipping or dry cow treatment practices, were not segregating cows that were positive for S. aureus at the initial visit, and did not cull >50% of those found positive on the initial visit.
Urban Ecology: Science of Cities

How does nature work in our human-created city, suburb, and exurb/peri-urb? Indeed how is ecology - including its urban water, soil, air, plant, and animal foundations - spatially entwined with this great human enterprise? And how can we improve urban areas for both nature and people? Urban Ecology: Science of Cities explores the entire urban area: from streets, lawns, and parks to riversides, sewer systems, and industrial sites. The book presents models, patterns, and examples from hundreds of cities worldwide. Numerous illustrations enrich the presentation. Cities are analyzed, not as ecologically bad or good, but as places with concentrated rather than dispersed people. Urban ecology principles, traditionally adapted from natural-area ecology, now increasingly emerge from the distinctive features of cities. Spatial patterns and flows, linking organisms, built structures, and the physical environment highlight a treasure chest of useful principles. This pioneering interdisciplinary book opens up frontiers of insight, as a valuable source and text for undergraduates, graduates, researchers, professionals, and others with a thirst for solutions to growing urban problems.
Cross-platform 3D video game engine

This exhibit will showcase a powerful and flexible 3d-capable game engine. Not only does this engine boast simulation of advanced physics and interactivity algorithms, it is also capable of running on a variety of platforms such as Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. The engine is designed to allow the user to easily create a game which can then be deployed on several platforms.
A Queueing Model of Manufacturing Systems with Setups and Cycling Discipline

A single server processing two classes of jobs with exhaustive cycling discipline and nonnegligible setup time is examined. It models a machine in a manufacturing environment. The Markovian property of the node allows for solution of performance measures such as average cycle time, average output per cycle, average queue length and utilization. Numerical results show the effects of setup time and service time to the above performance measures. An approximation method based upon mean values analysis is developed, and results are compared to those obtained from the Markovian analysis.
Reactions of t-butyl peresters—VII : Photochemical reactions of peresters in the presence of copper ions☆☆☆★

Abstract t-Butyl peracetate and t-butyl perbenzoate readily react with a variety of substances below 35° upon exposure to UV light in the presence of Cu ions. This photochemical reaction extends the scope of the peroxyester reaction. It provides a simple method for the reaction of low boiling substrates and permits the isolation of heat sensitive acyloxy derivatives. The reaction was studied with the following substates: ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiopene, 1,4-dioxane, N,N-dimethylformamide, cyclohexene, cumene and benzaldehyde. The reaction catalyzed by light only, or by copper ions only, proceeds at a much slower rate than the reaction catalyzed by both light and CU ions.
Morales de la consommation en Pologne (1918-1989)

Cet article s’inscrit dans l’histoire de la mobilisation des consommateurs en faveur de regimes egalitaires de consommation. Il prend le cas de la Pologne au XXe siecle pour montrer comment les morales egalitaires de la consommation ont change de sens. Il montre l’importance de la question de justice sociale dans les tentatives pour imposer un regime de redistribution et de regulation sociales contre un systeme oriente sur le profit, depuis l’entre-deux-guerres jusqu’a la chute du communisme. Pendant toute cette periode, la notion de « profiteur », d’argent gagne de facon immorale en abusant de la detresse d’autrui, evolue considerablement. Pendant l’entre-deux-guerres et la Seconde Guerre mondiale, les conflits autour de l’acces a la nourriture s’organisent sur une base ethnique. Apres-guerre, l’ideal d’une Pologne communiste et ethniquement homogene reconfigure ces conflits autour d’une categorie autant fondee sur la classe que l’ethnie : l’intermediaire profiteur. Dans les annees 1950 et 1960, on remarque que les discours contre les profiteurs prennent une dimension genree, alors que la croisade contre le commerce prive cede la place aux confrontations quotidiennes entre consommateurs et vendeuses des magasins. Enfin, la crise du bloc sovietique a partir des annees 1970 voit un retour a l’entraide familiale et informelle, qui s’averera un puissant facteur de demantelement de l’Etat-providence communiste.
Dendritic Cells Transduced with an Adenovirus Vector Encoding Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2B: a New Modality for Vaccination

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus that can establish both latent and lytic infections. EBV is commonly associated with several malignant diseases, including Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), Hodgkin’s disease (HD), undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and various T-cell lymphomas (27). It is also frequently detected in immunocompromised hosts, especially in immunosuppressed allograft recipients who develop posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (29, 39). EBV elicits a strong cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response directed against a broad range of viral antigens, including the latent EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA1, EBNA2, EBNA3, EBNA4, EBNA5, and EBNA6) and latent membrane proteins (LMP1, LMP2A, and LMP2B), that are involved in the maintenance and regulation of latency and in the induction of proliferative transformation (19). These viral antigens, processed as peptide fragments, are presented on the B-cell surface in association with HLA class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in an immunogenic format recognized by CD8+ CTL. Several studies have demonstrated that most EBV-infected individuals generate an immunodominant CTL response specific for EBNA3B- and EBNA3C-derived epitopes (30), with typically a lower T-cell reactivity observed against EBNA2-, LMP1-, and LMP2-derived determinants. Hence, vaccines designed to elicit immunity directed against these latent proteins may prove particularly effective in the clinical setting. There is an increasing body of evidence that EBV-associated malignancies, such as NPC, BL, and HD, can escape the antiviral CTL responses by restricting the transcription of viral genes such as the EBNA1 gene in BL (28) and the LMP1 and LMP2 genes in NPC and HD (3). To date, there is no evidence that EBNA1 is properly processed to allow for immune recognition, indicating that LMPs are potentially the major target antigens for developing immunotherapies designed to induce therapeutically relevant, virus-specific CTL responses. Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) and appear optimally capable of initiating and modulating the T-cell immune response (1). It has been further demonstrated that genetically modified DC can be successfully applied in tumor immunotherapy (33, 38). The clinical utility of DC is supported by evidence that antigen-pulsed or recombinant virus-infected DC promote cellular immunity both in experimental animal models and in humans (5, 6, 25, 41). In this study, we have evaluated the in vitro potential of DC transduced with a recombinant adenovirus encoding the EBV LMP2B antigen to elicit EBV-specific T cells that we believe will prove germane to the treatment of EBV malignancies. DC generated by this approach effectively induced antigen-specific T-cell responses from EBV-seropositive healthy individuals in vitro.
Quantificational and modal interveners in degree constructions

Heim (2001) points out that the relational semantics for degrees predicts ambiguities in sentences with comparatives and quantifiers such as _every girl_ that are not observed. She also notes that the same ambiguities do appear with strong modals such as _must_ and _have to_, but not with weaker modals such as _should_, _ought_, and _want_. The problem is to explain why these classes of expressions would behave differently, given that they are all standardly treated as universal quantifiers. I present several counter-examples to Heim's account of this data and then argue that the puzzle involving universal DPs is the same as the puzzle of weak islands in amount wh-expressions, and that it yields to the analysis of weak islands due to Szabolcsi & Zwarts (1993), who argue that degree expressions are restricted in their interaction with the semantic operations meet. This accounts for universal DPs but leaves to be explained the possibility of modal intervention with strong modals. I argue that the split between universal DPs and strong modals supports recent work proposing that modals are not quantifiers over worlds but scalar expressions. An independently motivated scalar semantics for strong modals generates the ambiguity in a way that is compatible with Szabolcsi & Zwarts' theory, and that the predicted truth-conditions are correct for both readings with strong modals. The corresponding account of mid-strength modals explains their lack of ambiguity as merely apparent, due to the fact that the truth-conditions of the two readings are virtually indistinguishable, and neither embodies the missing reading that the quantificational theory leads us to look for. These results support both the scalar semantics for modality and Szabolcsi & Zwarts' semantic approach to intervention constraints.
Chapter 11 'Failure'

Nearly thirty years of chapter 11 scholarship offers little insight into the reasons why certain firms are unable to confirm a reorganization plan. This paper offers the first empirical model of why firms fail in chapter 11. Using a database of 945 chapter 11 cases filed in 2004, and a simple definition of chapter 11 failure as any case that is converted to chapter 7 or dismissed, I show that some of the most significant predictors of "failure" are observable on the first day of a chapter 11 case.
Philip J. C. Dark and Roger G. Rose. Artistic Heritage in a Changing Pacific.

Artistic Heritage in. Changing Pacific. Edited by PHILIP J. C. DARK and ROGER G. ROSE. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1993. vii. 261 pp. 10 color plates, references. $39.00 (cloth).
Evidence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced tissue damage in fetal and placental tissues and changes in amniotic fluid lipid metabolites of pregnant CF1 mice

Abstract Pregnant CF1 mice were given 30 μg 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)/kg or the vehicle as a single i.p. dose on day 12 of gestation and killed 48 h later. Increases in DNA elution rate constants (single strand breaks) in fetal and placental nuclei of 1.8- and 2.3-fold, respectively, were observed. Increases in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in placental and fetal tissues of 1.9- and 1.5-fold, respectively, were also observed. TCDD administration produced increases in the amniotic fluid levels of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) of 2.5-, 1.6-, 1.4-, and 1.6-fold, respectively relative to control animals. The results suggest that reactive oxygen species may participate in the teratogenic effects of TCDD.
Lottery winners: The myth and reality

This paper is based on a study of 576 lottery winners from 12 states. Respondents to a mailed questionnaire included winners of sums ranging from $50,000 to millions. The data indicate that popular myths and stereotypes about winners were inaccurate. Specifically, winners came from various education and employment backgrounds and they were clustered in the higher income categories than the general population indicating that lotteries might not be as regressive as popularly believed. Winners were older than the general population and more often male (60 versus 40%). There was significant association between the amount a person won and his or her work behavior. Individuals with psychologically and financially rewarding jobs continued working regardless of the amount they won, while people who worked in low paying semi-skilled and unskilled jobs were far more likely to quit the labor force. Contrary to popular beliefs, winners did not engage in lavish spending sprees and instead gave large amounts of their winnings to their children and their churches. The most common expenditures were for houses, automobiles and trips. It was found that overall, winners were well-adjusterd, secure and generally happy from the experience.
Reliability analysis of redundant arrays of inexpensive disks

Abstract A reliability analysis of various disk array architectures (different levels of RAID) is performed. The dependence of reliability and mean time to data loss on various parameters of a disk array is characterized. A study of these characteristics reveals the impact of several design choices for a disk array on its reliability. Issues such as scalability of disk arrays, imperfect coverage of disk failures, cold versus hot spares, effect of predictive disk failures, and dependence of disk array reliability on data reconstruction time are studied.
Leibniz and the possibility of God's existence

L'A. s'interesse a la position de Leibniz face a la possibilite de l'existence de Dieu. En 1676, celui-ci a rencontre Spinoza a plusieurs reprises. Lors d'une de ces rencontres, Leibniz, en effet, a presente une preuve de la possibilite de l'existence de Dieu. Dans sa preuve, le philosophe presuppose qu'une proposition est necessairement vraie si et seulement si sa verite est demontrable ou evidente en soi. Il presuppose aussi que les perfections divines sont des qualites simples et affirmatives. L'A. soutient l'idee selon laquelle les propositions de Leibniz sapent, plus qu'elles n'etablissent, la necessaire existence de Dieu. Son argumentation est basee sur la consideration des documents ecrits par Leibniz avant son Discours sur la metaphysique (1686)
Integrity Levels: A New Paradigm for Protecting Computing Systems

As the field of determined and increasingly sophisticated adversaries multiplies, the risk to integrity of deployed computing devices magnifies. Given the ubiquitous connectivity, substantial storage, and accessibility, the increased reliance on computer platforms make them a significant target for attackers. Over the past decade, malware has transitioned from attacking a single program to subverting the operating system (OS) kernel by means of what is commonly known as a root kit. While computer systems require patches to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, undiscovered vulnerabilities remain. Furthermore, typical solutions utilize mechanisms that operate within the OS. If the OS becomes compromised, these mechanisms may be vulnerable to being disabled or upon detection of the potential compromise, being "shut down" until patched, or otherwise mitigated. We propose an innovative approach to designing computer systems that allows the behavior or functionality of the computer system to change based on the integrity of the system. Instead of attempting to prevent or detect all malware attacks, our proposed approach allows possible graceful degradation of functionality according to the security policy specification as anomalies of security concern are detected. We believe this innovative paradigm can determine the "integrity level" of the system. Based on the integrity level, the computer system may behave differently or limit access to data.
Environmental conditions surrounding the origin and early Archean evolution of life: A hypothesis

Abstract The supposition that free oxygen was absent from the Earth's early atmosphere may be questioned. The paradoxes raised for the prebiotic formation of early peptides, proteins and nucleic acids by the absence of oxygen (UV-destruction) and the presence of oceans (spontaneous hydrolysis) are difficult to resolve and are usually ignored. An alternative hypothesis may be entertained that the primitive Earth lacked an early condensed ocean of water and was surrounded instead by a moist greenhouse atmosphere capable of providing the small amounts of photolytic oxygen necessary for a UV-protective ozone screen. These conditions favor the hydration—dehydration cycles needed for complex organic polymerizations, while they minimize the problem of UV-destruction. Simpler prebiotic starting materials can be derived from carbonaceous chondrites (or comets) rather than from terrestrial atmospheric reactions.