cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection Of Vacant Parking Spaces Through The Use Of Convolutional Neural Network

This paper focuses on the application of computer vision and convolutional neural network techniques in the automotive industry to reduce the amount of time required to locate a vacant parking spot and to reduce driving time. The main motivation for a vacant parking spot detector is such that today’s drivers are facing major difficulties in finding available spots in largely populated cities. This often time leads to increased congestion and frustration for the driver because they are forced to continue their search for a parking spot. Our approach is able to solve this issue and provide the driver with useful information through the use of transfer learning methodologies. The main contribution of this paper is to examine and improve on previously implemented transfer learning methods in order to better increase the detection accuracy. This paper differs from previous attempts such that it considers all environmental factors such as weather and time of day. Other models are not able to handle these conditions with a high accuracy and subsequently falter. When compared to previous attempts, our implementation focuses solely on the reliance of transfer learning. The results indicate that our model is capable of identifying vacant parking spaces under all conditions with competitive accuracies. The proposed model is able to surpass the accuracy of the latest attempt at solving this issue.
Dialyzing Acute Kidney Injury Patients after Hospital Discharge.

Dialysis-requiring AKI represents a sudden, unexpected, and profound change in a patient’s life, with important implications for morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Although the vast majority of AKI research focuses on the inpatient setting, less is known about AKI after hospital discharge
Outcomes of Kidney Allograft and Recipient Survival After Liver Transplantation by Induction Type in the United States.

There are several choices for induction immunosuppression in kidney-after-liver transplantation. We examined the impact of induction type on kidney graft and patient survival in kidney-after-liver recipients. We utilized the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database and included patients transplanted between 1/1/2000 and 7/31/2017 to study kidney graft and patient outcomes of all kidney-after-liver transplant recipients in the United States. We only included those who were discharged on tacrolimus and mycophenolate with or without steroids and who had a negative crossmatch prior to kidney engraftment. We grouped recipients by kidney induction type into three groups: depletional (N=550), non-depletional (n=434), and no antibody induction (n=144). We studied patient and kidney allograft survival using Cox PH regression, with transplant center included as a random effect. Models were adjusted for liver induction regimen, recipient and donor age, gender, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) mismatches, payor type, live-donor kidney transplant, dialysis status, time from liver engraftment, hepatitis C status, and the presence of diabetes mellitus at time of kidney transplant and transplant year. Six-month and one-year rejection rates did not differ between groups. In the multivariable models, as compared to no induction, neither depletional nor non-depletional induction was associated with improved recipient or graft survival. Depletional induction at the time of liver transplantation was associated with worse patient survival after kidney transplant [HR 1.71, 95%C.I. (1.09, 2.67), P 0.02]. Live-donor kidney transplantation was associated with a 48.1% improved graft survival [HR 0.52, 95%C.I. (0.33, 0.82), P 0.00]. In conclusion, in the settings of a negative crossmatch and maintenance with tacrolimus and mycophenolate, induction use was not associated with a patient or graft survival benefit in kidney after liver transplants.
The politics of genetic technoscience for conservation: The case of blight-resistant American chestnut:

Innovations in genetics and genomics have been heavily critiqued as technologies that have widely supported the privatization and commodification of natural resources. However, emerging application...
An Open Letter to the Editors of the JPE

This is a lengthy appeal to the editors of the JPE to either “retract” or announce an “expression of concern” for an influential article they published in 2007 which contains numerous important errors, several of which are beyond dispute. It is true that economic journals have not, to my knowledge, retracted papers or announced expressions of concern, but articles in the hard sciences and in biological research have begun to do so with increasing frequency, as even a cursory examination of the website “retractionwatch.com” makes clear. Other sites, such as PubPeer allow users to comment on published papers, and criticisms on this source are often the genesis of later retractions. There is nothing like this in economics, but given the poor record of economic articles standing up to replications (see the line of research beginning with Dewald, Thursby, and Anderson in 1986) it would appear that economics is ripe for a close examination of published works. The site “replicationnetwork.com” is a step in the right direction, but having editors of economics journals receptive to the idea of retractions and expressions of concern would move economics into the mainstream of academic research.
‘The francophone world was set ablaze’: Pan-African intellectuals, European interlocutors and the global Cold War

By the mid-1930s, migration from the French colonies had brought Afro-intellectuals into the heart of political and artistic conversations in the metropoles of Europe and had created imbricated spa...
Status of Implementation of the Inverse Born Sizing Algorithm

The inverse Born approximation algorithm (IBA) for flaw sizing was proposed theoretically by Rose and Krumhansl in 1977 (1,2). Since that time, it has been experimentally evaluated at a number of laboratories, both in the U.S. and abroad. This paper summarizes the results of those evaluations and describes the status of efforts to develop a fully automatic version of the algorithm.
Insights into (U)HP metamorphism of the Western Gneiss Region, Norway: A high-spatial resolution and high-precision zircon study

Abstract Combining high-spatial resolution and high-precision geochronology and geochemistry of zircon provides constraints on the timing and duration of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism resulting from the collision of Baltica–Avalonia and Laurentia during the Scandian orogeny in the Western Gneiss Region of Norway. Zircons were extracted from a layered eclogite in the Saltaneset region (southern UHP domain) and from an eclogite in the Ulsteinvik region (central UHP domain). Zircons were first analyzed for U–Pb and trace element compositions by laser ablation split-stream (LASS) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), followed by analysis of those same zircons that yielded Scandian dates by integrated U–Pb isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry and Trace Element Analysis (TIMS–TEA). LASS results from a garnet–quartz layer within the Saltaneset eclogite give Scandian dates of ca. 413–397 Ma, with subsequent ID–TIMS analyses ranging from 408.9 ± 0.4 Ma to 401.4 ± 0.2 Ma (2σ). An omphacite-rich layer from the same eclogite yields LASS dates of ca. 414–398 Ma and a single ID–TIMS date of 396.7 ± 1.4 Ma. In comparison, the Ulsteinvik eclogite LASS results give dates spanning ca. 413–397 Ma, whereas ID–TIMS analyses range from 409.6 ± 0.6 Ma to 401.3 ± 0.4 Ma. ID–TIMS zircon data from the eclogites reveals two age populations: 1) ca. 409–407 Ma and 2) ca. 402 Ma. Both in situ and solution trace element data show a distinct pattern for Scandian zircons, with strongly-depleted HREE and weakly-negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*), whereas inherited zircon REE patterns are distinguished by steep HREE slopes and marked negative Eu/Eu*. When coupled with partition coefficients calculated for zircon and garnet, these REE patterns indicate that zircon (re)crystallized during eclogite-facies metamorphism at ca. 409–407 Ma and ca. 402 Ma at two widely separated UHP localities.
Differences in penicillin-binding proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes and two derived, stabilized L forms.

The penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) of Streptococcus pyogenes and two of its derived, stabilized (i.e., nonreverting) L forms, an osmotically fragile L form and a physiologic isotonic L form, were compared. The numbers of PBPs in the membranes of these organisms were 6, 4, and 2 for the coccus and the osmotically fragile and physiologic isotonic L forms, respectively. Likewise, the relative amounts of total PBPs were 1.00: 1.48:0.32 for this coccus and the osmotically fragile and physiologic isotonic L forms, respectively. The two largest PBPs (PBPs 1 and 2) of the coccus were absent in both L forms, while the smallest PBPs (PBPs 5 and 6) were found in all three membranes. Deacylation (half-life) of three of the four PBPs in the osmotically fragile L form membrane required a significantly longer time than did deacylation of these presumed identical enzymes in the parental coccal membrane. Conversely, there was no such difference between the only two PBPs of the physiologic isotonic L form and the same coccal membrane proteins. Intact cells of all three organisms secreted PBPs and what appeared to be penicilloic acid and a minimal amount of free penicillin. A greater amount of these PBPs was secreted by both L forms than by the coccus. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns and ratios of secreted PBPs were identical to those from labeled membrane preparations. These differences are correlated with some of our previous findings and are discussed in terms of inhibition of cell wall synthesis and resulting membrane changes in these two derived, stabilized coccal L forms.
K−p interactions from 450 to 670 MeV/c

Angular distributions and polarizations of the two-body final states of the K−p system have been investigated at eight incident K− momenta from 450 to 670 MeV/c. The measured Legendre coefficients appear to be smooth functions of the energy, an upper limit of 5% for the elasticity of the Σ(1616) has been estimated. The result of a multichannel partial-wave analysis is also discussed.
The Effects of Task Interruption on Human Performance: A Study of the Systematic Classification of Human Behavior and Interruption Frequency

Interruptions are prevalent phenomena in modern working environments; yet, few interruption studies have been conducted on different types of human tasks. A study using computer-based human behavior tasks was carried out to investigate the effects of interruptions with 4 different primary-interrupting task sets. The tasks used in this study were determined by cognitive and motor skill processes based on human behavior classification theory. The results showed that interruption effects were most negative in cognitive/cognitive task sets, and skill/cognitive task sets showed the least amount of effects in task completion time, F3, 332 = 77.88, p < .001. In error rate performance, skill/skill task sets showed the highest rate, and error rates for cognitive primary task sets cognitive/cognitive and cognitive/skill task sets were not significantly different, F1, 42 = 41.18, p < .001; F1, 42 = 3.56, p = 0.0661. Interruption frequency also negatively affected task performance, F1, 412 = 89.88, p < .001, but skill tasks' quantitative performance did not show significant effects at different interruption frequencies, F1, 187 = 3.78, p = .0534. The results showed that interruptions increase more time to complete in cognitive tasks and produce more errors in skill tasks. Also, similar types of primary-interrupting tasks were more susceptible from interruptions. Thus, based on task composition of work process, we can estimate different effects from the interruptions and memory load, and task similarity in primary-interrupting task relationship were considered a main factor.
Particle-γ Spectroscopy of the (p,d-γ) 155 Gd Reaction: Neutron Single-quasiparticle States at N=91

A segmented Si telescope and HPGe array is used to study the $^{156}\mathrm{Gd}$($p,d\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{155}\mathrm{Gd}$ direct reaction by $d$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $d$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence measurements using 25-MeV protons. The present investigation is the first time that this $N=91$ nucleus and the $N=90$ region---which is known for a rapid change from vibrational to rotational character, several low-lying ${0}^{+}$ states in the even-even nuclei, and large Coriolis ($\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\Omega}=1$) plus $\ensuremath{\Delta}N=2$ mixing in the even-odd nuclei---have been studied by particle-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence following a direct reaction with light ions. Gamma-ray energies and branches, excitation energies, angular distributions, and cross sections are measured for states directly populated in the ($p,d$) reaction. A new low-energy doublet state at 592.46 keV (previously associated with the $K=0\ensuremath{\bigotimes}{\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}[521]$ bandhead) and several new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions (particularly for states with excitation energies $g1$ MeV) are presented. Most notably, the previous $\ensuremath{\nu} {\frac{7}{2}}^{+}[404]$ systematics at and around the $N=90$ transition region are brought into question and reassigned as $\ensuremath{\nu} {\frac{5}{2}}^{+}[402]$. This reassignment makes the $\ensuremath{\nu} {\frac{1}{2}}^{+}[400]$, $\ensuremath{\nu} {\frac{3}{2}}^{+}[402]$, and $\ensuremath{\nu} {\frac{5}{2}}^{+}[402]$ orbitals, which originate from the $3{s}_{1/2}$, $2{d}_{3/2}$, and $2{d}_{5/2}$ spherical states, respectively, responsible for the three largest cross sections to positive-parity states in the ($p,d$)$^{155}\mathrm{Gd}$ direct reaction. These three steeply upsloping orbitals undergo $\ensuremath{\Delta}N=2$ mixing with their $N=6$ orbital partners, which are oppositely sloped with respect to deformation. The presence of these steeply sloped and crossing orbitals near the Fermi surface could weaken the monopole pairing strength and increase the quadrupole pairing strength of neighboring even-even nuclei, which would bring $\ensuremath{\nu} $2p-2h ${0}^{+}$ states below $2\ensuremath{\Delta}$. Indeed, this could account for a large number of the low-lying ${0}^{+}$ states populated in the ($p,t$)$^{154}\mathrm{Gd}$ direct reaction.
Filters, Wrappers and a Boosting-Based Hybrid for Feature Selection

In this paper, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of filter and wrapper methods for feature selection and propose a new hybrid algorithm that uses boosting and incorporates some of the features of wrapper methods into a fast filter method for feature selection. Empirical results are reported on six real-world datasets from the UCI repository, showing that our hybrid algorithm is competitive with wrapper methods while being much faster, and scales well to datasets with thousands of features.
Labor Policy and Economic History

This paper is a tentative effort to suggest how some of the problems of economic history look to a student of the history of labor policy. In this, as in other areas of economic history, the investigator wants to know what the policies are and how they have worked. To help him answer these questions he has at his disposal familiar tools of inquiry—economic theory or analysis, the evidence of history, and comparative economic experience.
Population reference values for plasma total homocysteine concentrations in US adults after the fortification of cereals with folic acid

Background: Folic acid fortification has resulted in a dramatic increase in folate intake in the United States. Folate intake is inversely associated with circulating total homocysteine (tHcy). Elevated tHcy is directly associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Objective: The aim of this study was to present the distribution of plasma concentrations of tHcy in US adults by using data from nationally representative sample surveys conducted since folic acid fortification was implemented. Design: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999-2001 and 2001-2002 were used to study tHcy distribution by age, sex, and race-ethnicity in 9196 persons. Results: Plasma concentrations of tHcy were higher in men than in women and in older persons than in younger persons. In those aged 19-30, 31-50, and 51-70 y but not in those aged >70 y, men had significantly (P 70 y. Non-Hispanic blacks aged >70 y had significantly (P < 0.05) higher tHcy concentrations than did non-Hispanic white or Mexican American or Hispanic subjects in the same age group. Age-adjusted plasma tHcy concentrations did not differ significantly between non-Hispanic white (8.39 μmol/L), non-Hispanic black (8.92 μmol/L), and Mexican American or Hispanic (8.12 μmol/L) subjects. The rate of increase in plasma tHcy was greater in non-Hispanic blacks aged ≥50 y than in persons of similar age but of other races-ethnicities. Conclusions: These plasma tHcy data reflect the effects of folic acid fortification. Sex, age, and race-ethnicity differences persist in plasma tHcy concentrations.
The Need for Evolutionarily Rational Disease Interventions: Vaccination Can Select for Higher Virulence.

There is little doubt evolution has played a major role in preventing the control of infectious disease through antibiotic and insecticide resistance, but recent theory suggests disease interventions such as vaccination may lead to evolution of more harmful parasites. A new study published in PLOS Biology by Andrew Read and colleagues shows empirically that vaccination against Marek’s disease has favored higher virulence; without intervention, the birds die too quickly for any transmission to occur, but vaccinated hosts can both stay alive longer and shed the virus. This is an elegant empirical demonstration of how evolutionary theory can predict potentially dangerous responses of infectious disease to human interventions.
Frames, bases, and group representations

Introduction Basic theory for frames Complementary frames and disjointness Frame vectors for unitary systems Gabor type unitary systems Frame wavelets, super-wavelets and frame sets Frame representations for groups Concluding remarks Bibliography.
Retention of membrane-localized β-catenin in cells lacking functional polycystin-1 and tuberin

The tuberous sclerosis (TSC) 2 tumor suppressor gene encodes the protein tuberin, which has recently been shown to play a crucial role in the intracellular trafficking of polycystin-1, the product of the polycystic kidney disease (PDK) 1 gene. PKD1 is responsible for most cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which has been described as "neoplasia in disguise." Polycystin-1 is a membrane protein localized to adherens junctions in a complex containing E-cadherin and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenins. To determine whether loss of membrane localization of polycystin-1 and E-cadherin affects the function of beta-catenin, beta-catenin localization and signaling were characterized in tuberin-null EKT2 and ERC15 cells and in tuberin-positive TRKE2 cells derived from polycystic, neoplastic, and normal rat kidney epithelial cells, respectively. EKT2 cells lacking tuberin because of inactivation of the Tsc2 gene fail to localize polycystin-1 and E-cadherin appropriately to these junctions. However, beta-catenin was retained at lateral cell membranes in both tuberin-null and tuberin-positive cells. Moreover, gene transcription mediated by beta-catenin T-cell--specific transcription factor complexes showed no differences among EKT2, ERC15, and TRKE2 cells. Thus, beta-catenin was stably retained at the lateral cell membrane in tuberin-null renal cells lacking membrane-localized polycystin-1 and E-cadherin. These data suggest that, although loss of Tsc2 tumor suppressor gene function disrupts normal polycystin-1 function and membrane localization of E-cadherin, normal beta-catenin signaling is retained in tuberin-null cells.
Ethanol's effect on selective gating of somatic sensory inputs to single cortical neurons.

Abstract The effect of alcohol intoxication was tested on sensory responses of single units in the somatosensory (SI) cortex of awake, freely moving rats. We have previously shown that transmission of cutaneous sensory information from the paw to the cortex during movement is subject to a time varying pattern of sensory suppression which selectively “gates in” sensory information to particular categories of cortical neurons during certain phases of the locomotor step cycle. In the period of 5–20 minutes after alcohol administration (when the rats became hyperactive) the afferent inhibition producing this selective gating was reduced or abolished, depending on the ethanol dose (between 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg). This indicates that the selective suppression of “irrelevant” inputs to certain cortical cells, which is normally seen during movement, is absent during alcohol intoxication. This paradigm may provide a model for study of the neurophysiologic mechanism by which alcohol disturbs higher cognitive functions involving cortical management of sensorimotor tasks.
Bioavailability of aluminum from drinking water

Abstract Aluminum, present in our drinking water as hydroxide or sulfate, is limited by solubility to 2.5 mg/liter at pH 7.0. This study was carried out to determine if aluminum at doses typically found in drinking water would accumulate in rat tissues if a ligand such as citrate at neutral or acid pH is coadministered, or in the absence of citrate at acid pH. Al(OH)3 or AlCl3 was given ad libitum in drinking water to male Sprague-Dawley rats at 0, 0.1, 2.0, or 100 mg/liter, in 4 m m acetate, pH 3.2 (A), 4 m m citrate, pH 2.6 (C), 4 m m citrate, pH 7.0 (7C), or distilled water, pH 7.0 (W). After 10 weeks, rats were killed and tissues were wet-ashed in nitric acid for determination of aluminum by flameless atomic absorption. Copper, iron, and zinc were determined by flame atomic absorption. Metal ion concentrations in tibia, brain, liver, blood, and kidney did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Aluminum accumulated in intestinal cells of all 100 mg Al/liter rats, with the C group accumulating more aluminum than the A or W groups. In the C group, intestinal aluminum content increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Intestinal iron was decreased significantly in all the 100 mg Al/liter groups. Intestinal copper was decreased in the W group at 100 mg Al/liter, with a trend toward a decrease in A and C groups. We conclude that at these low levels studied, aluminum accumulates in intestinal tissue, and that this accumulation is enhanced by citrate ligand. At 100 mg Al/liter, intestinal iron accumulation is decreased, and copper accumulation is marginally decreased.
Capacity-constrained traffic forecasting model

Projecting future traffic is an important stage in any traffic and transportation planning study. Accurate traffic forecasting is vital for transportation planning, highway safety evaluation, traffic operations analysis, and geometric and pavement design among others. In view of its importance, this paper introduces a regression-based traffic forecasting methodology for a one dimensional capacity-constrained highway. Five different prediction functions are tested; the best was selected according to the accuracy of projections against historical traffic data. The three-parameter logistic function produced more accurate projections compared to other functions tested when highway capacity constraints were taken into consideration. The R 2 values at various test locations ranged from 88% to 98%, indicating good prediction capability. Using the Fisher's information matrix approach, the t-statistic test showed all parameters in the logistic function were highly statistically significant. To evaluate reliability of projections, predictive intervals were calculated at a 95% level of confidence. Predictions using the logistic function were also compared to those predicted using the compound growth rate and linear regression methods. The results show that the proposed methodology generates much more reasonable projections than current practices.
Abstract 4894: The HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib potentiates effect of ionizing radiation in human non-small cell lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Ionizing irradiation (IR) is used to treat NSCLC however; radiotherapy remains largely palliative due to radioresistance. Recently, we reported that IR-resistant residual cells in NSCLC expresses a complex phenotype combining cancer stem cell (CSC) and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) traits. The tyrosine kinase receptors (RTK) receptors, such as PDGFRa, EGFR FGFR and VEGFR, are expressed in nonrelated cells and IR-resistant residual cells. Moreover, PDGFRb is dramatically upregulated in IR resistant cells. Since all of these RTK receptors, as well as other oncogenic proteins are client proteins of the molecular chaperone HSP90a, NSCLC cells and specifically IR-resistant residual cells could be highly dependent on HSP90 and sensitive to HSP90 inhibition. We hypothesize that inhibition of HSP90 will eliminate IR-resistant residual cells and sensitize NSCLC cells to IR treatment. Methods/Results: HSP90 inhibitor Ganetespib, kindly provided by SYNTA Pharmaceuticals, was used in this study. A549 cells, primary human adenocarcinoma cells and primary normal human airway epithelial (HSAEC), were utilized. Using MTT and clonogenic assays we have demonstrated that ganetespib does not affect primary normal HSAEC cells, but suppresses the proliferation of NSCLC cells and potentiates the effect of IR treatment. Ganetespib inhibits the growth of lung tumor spheres. Using a wound healing assay we have determined that ganetespib inhibits motility of NSCLC cells and IR-resistant residual cells. We also have investigated the effect of ganetespib on cells cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair machinery in irradiated cells. Using a SCID mice model, we have demonstrated that ganetespib applied as monotherapy inhibits the growth of T2821 primary adenocarcinoma cells in vivo and significantly sensitizes T2821 tumors to IR-treatment. Conclusion: The HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib potentiates the effect of IR in NSCLC and eliminates IR-resistant residual cells. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Roberto Gomez Casal, Chitralekha Bhattacharya, Michael Epperly, Mark Socinski, Vera Levina. The HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib potentiates effect of ionizing radiation in human non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4894. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4894
Some practical perspectives for educating gifted children

This article identifies common characteristics of educationally related programs that form a common basis for understanding and working with gifted programs. Special approaches and programs for educational enrichment as well as specific activities that have been successful are discussed.
A Model For The Optically Triggered Pseudo-Spark Thyratron Using Local Field And Beam-Bulk Methods

The optically triggered psuedo-spark, also known as the Back-Lit-Thyratron (BLT), is a low pressure plasma switch having an unheated metallic cathode. In this paper, a computer simulation of the BLT is presented consisting of a 2-1/2 dimensional time dependent continuum model for electron and ion transport. The model utilizes both the local field approximation and a beam component for the electron distribution function. We find that switch closure depends critically on the formation of a virtual anode in front of the cathode hole by generation of positive space charge.
Differential voltage analyses of high-power lithium-ion cells: 3. Another anode phenomenon

We characterized high-power lithium-ion cells in terms of performance and cycle and calendar life at 45 °C. Among other parameters, we measured the C/25 capacity every 4 weeks during the test. Differentiation of the C/25 voltage versus capacity data with respect to capacity (dV/dQ) has been used to elucidate another type of side reaction at the anode. In cycle-life cells, with their higher capacity throughput, the analysis showed that one phase transition (a peak in the profile) was disappearing with time. In contrast, this effect was not seen in calendar-life cells.
Predictor-independent linear models relating lognormally distributed Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms.

AbstractFollowing an EPA recommendation many states switched to Escherichia coli (EC) water-quality standards. However, past data is still in terms of fecal coliforms (FC). EC-FC models are therefore necessary to understand long-term water-quality trends. The predominant method develops a linear relationship between log EC and log FC by minimizing the errors of log EC. These models are difficult to interpret as they are nonlinear. This method also leads to biased model coefficients as log FC is assumed to be error free. The present study develops linear models that do not require predictor identification. The models were developed by minimizing the errors in the logarithmic domain. Linear and log-log models with and without predictor identification were developed for EC-FC data from 10 sites in the lower Passaic River at Paterson, New Jersey. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies (NSEs) of all model types are similar. The authors recommend the use of linear models that do not require predictor identification du...
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENTIAL WEIGHTING OF INDIVIDUAL ITEM RESPONSES ON THE PREDICTIVE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF AN APTITUDE TEST

An empirical investigation of the effect of choice weight scoring on predictive validity and reliability. Choice weight scoring refers to the procedure whereby different weights may be assigned to all the options of an item. Four groups of subjects were included in the experiment. Weights derived from each group were used to score tests for another group in order to assess the cross-validity of the weighted scoring. In no case did the increments in reliability and validity due to the weighted scoring exceed .03.
Incipient yielding and solids production for perforated casing completions

Production rate limits for perforated casing completions in weak rock formations are estimated for a material obeying a quadratic yield condition. Plastic stresses around a spherical cavity are calculated to determine the well pressure value which precipitates solids production. Elastic solutions for a cylindrical cavity are utilized to place upper and lower bounds on the well pressure value which initiates yielding around a perforated casing. The separate analyses define consistent critical well pressure values for initial yield and solids production as a function of rock properties and in-situ conditions.
Single particle spectroscopy on composite MEH-PPV/PCBM nanoparticles

The preparation and characterization of composite MEH-PPV/PCBM nanoparticles with doping levels up to 75 wt% PCBM is reported. These nanoparticles represent structures in between single molecules and bulk that allow for a detailed investigation of the role of nanostructure on the properties of the corresponding functional materials. Combining this material system with single particle spectroscopy studies reveals molecular scale information on the extent to which variations in polymer chain folding and interactions between polymer chains and fullerenes affect material morphology and photophysical properties. Key observations are that the single particle ensemble spectra shift with respect to each other depending on PCBM doping levels, and that the vibronic structure of the single particle ensemble spectra changes with PCBM doping levels. These observations are indicative of a reduction in conducting polymer conjugation length and interchain interactions due to steric effects caused by the presence of PCBM that result in reduced exciton transport.
High temperature, wireless seismometer sensor for Venus

Space agency mission plans state the need to measure the seismic activity on Venus. Because of the high temperature on Venus (462° C average surface temperature) and the difficulty in placing and wiring multiple sensors using robots, a high temperature, wireless sensor using a wide bandgap semiconductor is an attractive option. This paper presents the description and proof of concept measurements of a high temperature, wireless seismometer sensor for Venus. A variation in inductance of a coil caused by the movement of an aluminum probe held in the coil and attached to a balanced leaf-spring seismometer causes a variation of 700 Hz in the transmitted signal from the oscillator/sensor system at 426° C. This result indicates that the concept may be used on Venus.
Effect of zinc on versicolorin production by a mutant strain ofAspergillus parasiticus

A rapid method for quantification of versicolorin, based upon the red shift in the visible absorbance spectrum upon ionization of the phenolic hydroxyl groups, has been developed. The production of versicolorin requires zinc concentrations in excess of those required for growth. Maximal growth occurs with 2 μM zinc; maximal versicolorin production requires 5 μM zinc in the medium. Maximum production of versicolorin occurs after cessation of rapid growth, but does not absolutely depend upon exhaustion of the carbon source.
Interlimb transfer of load compensation during rapid elbow joint movements

Previous research has shown that training of a novel task can improve subsequent performance in the opposite arm owing to anticipation of the previously learned task conditions. Interestingly, we recently reported preliminary evidence that such transfer might also include modulation of feedback-mediated responses. We now test interlimb transfer of load compensation responses, measured through kinematic and EMG recordings during rapid 20° elbow flexion movements. Two subject groups, LR and RL, each comprising six right-handed subjects, first performed using either the left (LR) or right (RL) arm, followed by opposite arm performance. After 30 trials of consistent performance, five random trials within a background of 50 trials were loaded with a 2-kg mass prior to the “go” signal. We compared load compensation responses for naive performance with those following opposite arm exposure. Under naive conditions, the resulting load compensation responses began about 50 ms following movement onset, and were substantially more effective for the nondominant arm. Opposite arm exposure substantially improved the accuracy of only dominant arm responses. This, however, did not occur through changes in the short latency components of the load compensation response. Instead, changes in muscle activities, associated with interlimb transfer, began some 150 ms following movement onset. We expect that these changes represent transfer in the “volitional” component of the load compensation response. Because the shorter latency response was unaffected by opposite arm exposure, modulation of this component likely requires prior experience with limb specific effectors.
Water stress provokes a generalized increase in phosphatidylcholine turnover in barley leaves.

Water and salt stress promote betaine accumulation in leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) by accelerating the de-novo synthesis of betaine, via choline. Previous radiotracer kinetic studies have implicated stress-enhanced turnover of the choline moiety of phosphatidylcholine (PC) as a major source of choline for betaine synthesis. Two approaches have therefore been followed to show whether stress-induced PC turnover is a cellor organelle-specific phenomenon, or a generalized one. In the first approach, [3H]ethanolamine of high specific activity was supplied to second leaves of unstressed and water-stressed barley plants; after 1 h, paired sections of tissue were excised from each leaf, one for extraction and analysis of [3H]metabolites and the other for autoradiography. The3H-activity remaining in the leaf tissue after washing out the water-soluble3H-metabolites during preparation for autoradiography was taken to be mainly in phospholipids. In unstressed leaves, [3H]phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was the major labeled phospholipid, whereas there were approximately equal amounts of [3H]PE and [3H]PC in stressed leaves. At the light-microscope level, silver grains were associated with all living cells in both unstressed and stressed leaves; grains were concentrated in the cytoplasmic regions of highly vacuolate mesophyll cells, and were distributed throughout densely cytoplasmic vascular parenchyma. At the electron-microscope level, silver grains were not confined to any particular types of membranes in unstressed or stressed leaves. In the second approach, second leaves of stressed plants received a 1-h pulse of [14C]ethanolamine, and were then homogenized. The brei was subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The specific radioactivity of [14C]PC was quite similar in the gradient fractions, whether they contained microsomes or mitochondrial plus chloroplast membranes. We infer that stress does not enhance the turnover of any structurally discrete class of PC, but rather stimulates PC turnover in several or all classes of membranes in most cells of the leaf.
CULTURAL ALGORITHMS: COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF HOW CULTURES LEARN TO SOLVE PROBLEMS: AN ENGINEERING EXAMPLE

ABSTRACT Our previous work on real-valued function optimization problems had shown that cultural learning emerged as the result of meta-level interaction or swarming of knowledge sources, “knowledge swarms,” in the belief space. These meta-level swarms induced the swarming of individuals in the population space, “Cultural Swarms.” The interaction of these knowledge sources produced emergent phases of problem solving. In this article, we apply the approach to a real-world problem in engineering design. We observe the emergence of these same features in a completely different problem environment. We conclude by suggesting the emergent features are what give cultural systems their power to learn and adapt.
Genome-Wide Association for Sensitivity to Chronic Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a common byproduct of mitochondrial energy metabolism, and can also be induced by exogenous sources, including UV light, radiation, and environmental toxins. ROS generation is essential for maintaining homeostasis by triggering cellular signaling pathways and host defense mechanisms. However, an imbalance of ROS induces oxidative stress and cellular death and is associated with human disease, including age-related locomotor impairment. To identify genes affecting sensitivity and resistance to ROS-induced locomotor decline, we assessed locomotion of aged flies of the sequenced, wild-derived lines from the Drosophila melanogaster Genetics Reference Panel on standard medium and following chronic exposure to medium supplemented with 3 mM menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB). We found substantial genetic variation in sensitivity to oxidative stress with respect to locomotor phenotypes. We performed genome-wide association analyses to identify candidate genes associated with variation in sensitivity to ROS-induced decline in locomotor performance, and confirmed the effects for 13 of 16 mutations tested in these candidate genes. Candidate genes associated with variation in sensitivity to MSB-induced oxidative stress form networks of genes involved in neural development, immunity, and signal transduction. Many of these genes have human orthologs, highlighting the utility of genome-wide association in Drosophila for studying complex human disease.
Modification of the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutic drugs by the hypoxic cytotoxic agent tirapazamine.

Purpose: Preclinical studies were performed to examine the interaction of the hypoxic cell toxin tirapazamine (TPZ), a benzotriazine di-N-oxide, with several chemotherapeutic agents, including carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), taxol, and navelbine. Methods: The modification by TPZ of the antitumor drug activity and the effect of schedule were determined with an in vivo/in vitro clonogenic assay using well-established RIF-1 murine tumors transplanted into C3H mice. Results: Additive, or greater than additive, tumor cell killing was observed when TPZ was combined with carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, 5-FU and taxol. With the exception of 5-FU there were only small, or no, enhancements of the systemic toxicities of the drugs by TPZ. The greatest enhancement of antitumor activity was with carboplatin, with the maximum effectiveness when TPZ was given 2–3 h before the carboplatin. The activity of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide and taxol were most enhanced when TPZ was given 24 h before the drug. Additional investigations with three-drug combination treatments using cisplatin and TPZ with either etoposide or navelbine indicated a substantial therapeutic gain from the addition of TPZ. Conclusions: The data for each of the drugs tested in combination with TPZ, with the exception of 5-FU, indicate that potential clinical benefit may be obtained from therapies combining TPZ with conventional chemotherapy.
Variational principles in hot atom chemistry

Abstract General variational principle are established from Boltzmann's equation for the rate constant of steady-state reactions of hot atoms with a reservoir of molecules, offering an alternative computational method to the theories of Keizer and Shizgal.
Use of nonmedical treatment by cystic fibrosis patients

To determine frequency, perceived effectiveness, and cost of religious, physical, and other nonmedical practices, we interviewed all (n = 402; 100% participation) of our cystic fibrosis patients/families [age, 0-45 (median, 18) years]. At least one type of nonmedical therapy was used by/on 264 (66%), two-thirds of which was religious. Most respondents perceived benefit (e.g., group prayer, 95%; religious articles, 81%; chiropractic, 69%). Only 17 (4.2%) invested over $200 lifetime (minimal compared with medical costs). These treatments, apparently used by most patients/families, rarely interfered with medical care. Physician openness and empathy toward patients' beliefs might enhance rapport and facilitate discussion of possible helpful or adverse effects of nonmedical treatment.
Alternative promoters and polyadenylation regulate tissue-specific expression of Hemogen isoforms during hematopoiesis and spermatogenesis.

Hemogen is a nuclear protein encoded by HEMGN (also known as hemogen in mouse, EDAG in human and RP59 in rat). It is considered to be a hematopoiesis-specific gene that is expressed during the ontogeny of hematopoiesis. Herein, we characterize two distinct splicing variants of HEMGN mRNA with restricted expression to hematopoietic cells and to round spermatids in the testis, respectively. Expression of the testis-specific HEMGN mRNA (HEMGN-t) is developmentally regulated and is concurrent with the first wave of meiosis in prepuberal mice. Sequence analysis reveals that HEMGN-t and the hematopoietic HEMGN mRNA (HEMGN-h) share a common coding sequence with distinct 5' and 3' untranslated regions and that these two isoforms are transcribed from the same gene locus, HEMGN, through the use of alternative promoters and polyadenylation sites. Thus, HEMGN expression exemplifies a developmental regulatory mechanism by which the diversification of gene expression is achieved through using distinct regulatory sequences in different cell types. Moreover, the existence of a testis-specific isoform of HEMGN suggests a role in spermatogenesis. Finally, fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrates that HEMGN is localized to chromosome 4 A5-B2 in mouse and to chromosome 9q22 in human, which is a region known to harbor a cluster of leukemia breakpoints.
Photolytic interface for high-performance liquid chromatography-chemiluminescence detection of non-volatile N-nitroso compounds

A photolytic interface between high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a chemiluminescence detector has been developed for the trace detection of non-volatile N-nitroso compounds in biological matrices. A chromatographic effluent containing separated N-nitrosoamino acids and N-nitrosamides is introduced into a glass coil with a purge stream of He and irradiated with ultraviolet light. Nitrogen oxide, cleaved by photolysis, is separated rapidly from the solvent through a series of cold traps and carried by the He into the reaction chamber of a chemiluminescence detector. The method is compatible with most types of HPLC, especially reversed-phase, and yields low-nanogram sensitivity for underivatised N-nitrosoamino acids and N-nitrosamides. The detection of a model N-nitrosamide, trimethylnitrosourea, in spiked porcine gastric fluid (42 µg l–1), and of N-nitrosoproline and N-nitroso-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, in spiked human urine (7–8 µg l–1), is demonstrated.
Cell rheology: Stressed-out stem cells.

Experiments have shown that the physical characteristics of the matrix surrounding a stem cell can affect its behaviour. This picture gets further complicated by studies of stem cells and their differentiated counterparts that show that the cells' own softness also has a clear role in how they respond to stress.
Nuclear Receptor SHP Activates miR-206 Expression via a Cascade Dual Inhibitory Mechanism

MicroRNAs play a critical role in many essential cellular functions in the mammalian species. However, limited information is available regarding the regulation of miRNAs gene transcription. Microarray profiling and real-time PCR analysis revealed a marked down-regulation of miR-206 in nuclear receptor SHP−/− mice. To understand the regulatory function of SHP with regard to miR-206 gene expression, we determined the putative transcriptional initiation site of miR-206 and also its full length primary transcript using a database mining approach and RACE. We identified the transcription factor AP1 binding sites on the miR-206 promoter and further showed that AP1 (c-Jun and c-Fos) induced miR-206 promoter transactivity and expression which was repressed by YY1. ChIP analysis confirmed the physical association of AP1 (c-Jun) and YY1 with the endogenous miR-206 promoter. In addition, we also identified nuclear receptor ERRγ (NR3B3) binding site on the YY1 promoter and showed that YY1 promoter was transactivated by ERRγ, which was inhibited by SHP (NROB2). ChIP analysis confirmed the ERRγ binding to the YY1 promoter. Forced expression of SHP and AP1 induced miR-206 expression while overexpression of ERRγ and YY1 reduced its expression. The effects of AP1, ERRγ, and YY1 on miR-206 expression were reversed by siRNA knockdown of each gene, respectively. Thus, we propose a novel cascade “dual inhibitory” mechanism governing miR-206 gene transcription by SHP: SHP inhibition of ERRγ led to decreased YY1 expression and the de-repression of YY1 on AP1 activity, ultimately leading to the activation of miR-206. This is the first report to elucidate a cascade regulatory mechanism governing miRNAs gene transcription.
T1-T2 correlation analysis of complex foods

The potential of nuclear magnetic resonance two-dimensionalT 1-T 2 correlation spectroscopy for quality control in food science is explored for three types of food, namely, egg (white and yolk), cellular tissue (fruit and vegetable) and hydrocolloids (creams and baked products). The complications of cross-relaxation and diffusive exchange are highlighted and various tools for peak assignment are discussed.
Enzyme Specificity as a Factor in Regulation of Fatty Acid Chain Length in Escherichia coli

Various acyl-acyl carrier protein intermediates in saturated and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were tested as substrates for β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthetase. With both classes of substrates the condensing enzyme in fatty biosynthesis demonstrates specificities which indicate that it might be an important factor in determining fatty acid chain length in Escherichia coli.