cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HydraSpace: Computational Data Storage for Autonomous Vehicles

To ensure the safety and reliability of an autonomous driving system, multiple sensors have been installed in various positions around the vehicle to eliminate any blind point which could bring potential risks. Although the sensor data is quite useful for localization and perception, the high volume of these data becomes a burden for on-board computing systems. More importantly, the situation will worsen with the demand for increased precision and reduced response time of self-driving applications. Therefore, how to manage this massive amount of sensed data has become a big challenge. The existing vehicle data logging system cannot handle sensor data because both the data type and the amount far exceed its processing capability. In this paper, we propose a computational storage system called HydraSpace with multi-layered storage architecture and practical compression algorithms to manage the sensor pipe data, and we discuss five open questions related to the challenge of storage design for autonomous vehicles. According to the experimental results, the total reduction of storage space is achieved by 88.6% while maintaining the comparable performance of the self-driving applications.
Labor Cost Free-Riding in the Gig Economy

We propose a theory of gig economies in which workers participate in a shared labor pool utilized by multiple firms. Since firms share the same pool of workers, they face a trade-off in setting pay rates; high pay rates are necessary to maintain a large worker pool and thus reduce the likelihood of lost demand, but they also lower a firm’s profit margin. We prove that larger firms pay more than smaller firms in the resulting pay equilibrium. These diseconomies of scale are strong too; firms smaller than a critical size pay the minimal rate possible (the workers’ reservation wage), while all firms larger than the critical size earn the same total profit regardless of size. This scale disadvantage in labor costs contradicts the conventional wisdom that gig companies enjoy strong network effects and suggests that small firms have significant incentives to join an existing gig economy, implying gig markets are highly contestable. Yet we also show that the formation of a gig economy requires the existence of a large firm, in the sense that an equilibrium without any firms participating only exists when no single firm has enough demand to form a gig economy on its own. The findings are consistent with stylized facts about the evolution of gig markets such as ridesharing.
The Anatomy of Collateralized Loan Obligations: On the Origins of Covenants and Contract Design

This paper provides a dissection of the Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) market and examines the significance of covenants in facilitating the provision of credit. Since the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, the leveraged loan market has witnessed unprecedented growth. CLOs play an increasingly central role in the provision of credit to corporations, holding as much as 75% of all new institutional leveraged loans, as reported in 2019. The rise of the leveraged loan and CLO markets have attracted the attention of central banks which have been concerned with both the growth of the market and the opaque nature of interconnections between intermediaries, leveraged borrowers, and investors. Despite their increasing importance, little is understood about CLO intermediaries. In this paper, I describe the agency frictions inherent in the CLO market, and discuss how optimal contracts are derived with covenants that curtail such frictions. In addition, I describe the general macroeconomic milieu that has facilitated the rapid growth of the CLO market as well as recent changes that have developed. Understanding the structural aspects and dynamics of CLOs intermediaries, situated between investors and loan syndicates, is paramount for analysis of the innards of the market, the role of covenants, and developing insights into the shadow banking sector as well as other securitizations.
“Then I Wouldn’t be Unneighborly Neither”: A Reading of Cormac McCarthy’s The Orchard Keeper in Light of the Influence of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Ethan Brand”

Archival evidence in an early manuscript of Cormac McCarthy’s The Orchard Keeper reveals that not only Hawthorne in general, but also Hawthorne’s tale “Ethan Brand” in particular, was in McCarthy’s...
Validation of an activity monitoring system for detecting early behavioral markers of respiratory disease development in young dairy calves

Dairy calf pneumonia (DCP) is a highly prevalent and economically significant problem of dairy calves. DCP commonly affects calves during the pre-weaning and/or post-weaning periods, and is one of the most diagnosed conditions postmortem in calves less than 5 months of age (Hill et al, 2009; Virtala et al, 1996). Aside from the deleterious effects that DCP has on the calf (i.e. decreased performance), the negative impact extends well into adulthood affecting its subsequent productivity and lifespan within the herd (Bach, 2011; Waltner-Toews et al, 1986; Warnick et al, 1997).The ability to identify calves during the initial stages of respiratory disease development is difficult and relies on subjective observations made by farm personnel. However, some behavioral changes in sick calves might be more associated with early disease stages, such as spending more time in the bucket and remaining standing for longer periods after feeding when compared to healthy calves (McGuirk, personal communication). Thus, objective monitoring of activity and feeding behavior may allow for earlier disease detection and intervention, potentially decreasing the consequences of DCP later in the calf’s life. Recent studies demonstrated that group housing or daily increased provision of milk decreased the incidence of disease and increased the daily gain. These findings suggest the potential for a positive effect of the social interactions stemming from group housing. The objective of this study was to identify early behavioral markers of respiratory disease using an activity monitoring device in young dairy calves subjected to standard or high-milk feeding levels (standard or high) and housing (individual or group) on the incidence of respiratory disease in young dairy heifers.
Struggles for an Alternative Globalization: An Ethnography of Counterpower in Southern France

Introduction: the voice of the street The Larzac and Millau Organizing the movement Being and becoming an activist Power and domination Resistance Moral foundations Conclusion Bibliography Index.
The critical role of provider practices in undervaccination.

There are five principal ways providers can raise immunization coverage levels among their patients. First, assure that all appropriate opportunities for vaccination are taken. Second, give patients all vaccines for which they are eligible. Third, use only valid contraindications. Fourth, assess immunization status and immunize at all visits, regardless of the reason the parent is seeking care. Fifth, implement aggressive reminder systems to notify parents when immunizations are due. The information presented here suggests that some changes in the way physicians deliver vaccinations are needed. Vaccination is one of the most beneficial services providers can give their patients. In addition to avoiding unnecessary suffering through prevention of disease, disability, and death, vaccination saves society from $6 for every $1 spent on oral poliovirus vaccine19 to $29.00 for every $1.00 spent on diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine.20 As health care providers, we have an opportunity to assure that our patients get the full benefit of this service. These results suggest that, once motivated, physicians and nurses should be able to determine the best way to get their patients vaccinated using a variety of techniques.
Echoes of Gilgamesh in the Jacob Story

It was popular for some time to seek apparent Near Eastern parallels to bibli cal narratives. The methodology employed was at times problematic, and conclu sions were often overstated, as similarities between texts explicable in any number of ways were attributed to direct relationship.1 For some biblical texts, of course, there is stronger evidence for Near Eastern influence. I propose that this is the case in regard to one text for which a Near Eastern counterpart has not previously been suggested: the story of Jacobs wrestling match in Gen 32:23-33 (Eng. 32:22-32). There is reason to believe that the Israelite author knew some form of Gilgamesh, and particularly the scene of the wrestling match between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.2 The case presented here is not simply one of a shared motif or logical group ing of elements, but one of an unexpected and striking series of correspondences
High-Resolution Neutron-Induced ϒ-Ray Production Cross Sections for Oxygen and Beryllium for Neutron Energies from 4 to 200 MeV

Measurements of discrete gamma-ray spectra from neutron-induced reactions on a BeO sample have been performed using the broad-spectrum neutron spallation source of the WNR facility at LANSCE. Incident neutron energies were determined by the time-of-flight technique. Two high-purity Ge detectors were used to detect gamma rays in the energy range from 0.150 to 9.0 MeV. Spectra were measured at seven angles. Absolute gamma-ray production cross sections were determined from the measured neutron fluence and detector efficiencies. A new evaluation of the reaction cross sections has been performed based on this data. Comparisons with neutron inelastic scattering measurements show good agreement.
Interferometric Measurements of Atmospheric Species

A number of problems of current interest in atmospheric chemistry have drawn attention to the desirability of obtaining data on the atmospheric concentration of many compounds present in the atmosphere at very low levels. Many of these species have moderate to strong infrared absorption bands. The possibility exists of using infrared techniques to obtain data on the presence and concentration of these species in the atmosphere. In an initial attempt to assess possible detection limits for a given species one generally assumes that the absorption will be weak and in the linear region. Under those conditions the following expression holds: $$\int_{\vartriangle \nu } {A\left( \nu \right)d\nu = Su}$$ (1)
Speedup of self-timed digital systems using Early Completion

An Early Completion technique is developed to significantly increase the throughput of NULL Convention self-timed digital systems without impacting latency or compromising their self-timed nature. Early Completion performs the completion detection for registration stage/sub i/ at the input of the register, instead of at the output of the register as in standard NULL Convention Logic. This method requires that the single-rail completion signal from registration stage/sub i+1/, Ko/sub i+1/, be used as an additional input to the completion detection circuitry for registration stage/sub i/, to maintain self-timed operation. However, Early Completion does necessitate an assumption of equipotential regions, introducing a few easily satisfiable timing assumptions, thus making the design potentially more delay-sensitive. To illustrate the technique, Early Completion is applied to a case study of an optimally pipelined 4-bit by 4-bit unsigned multiplier utilizing full-word completion, where a speedup of 1.21 is achieved while self-timed operation is maintained and latency remains unchanged.
Acute toxicity of some alkylaminocyclohexane carbonitriles, probable contaminants of phencyclidine analogs

The acute toxicities of seven alkylaminocyclohexanecarbonitriles, probable contaminants of Phencyclidine analogs, were investigated in Swiss male mice and i.p. LD50 values were obtained. The LD50 value of each nitrile was significantly increased (two- to three-fold) using sodium nitrite pretreated mice.
Experimental and Density Functional Theory Analysis of Serial Introductions of Electron-Withdrawing Ligands into the Ligand Shell of a Thiolate-Protected Au25 Nanoparticle

The progress of ligand exchange reactions between the ligands of Au25(SR)18− nanoparticles (SR = S(CH2)2Ph) and thiols with electron-withdrawing substituents (HSPh-p-X; X = Br, NO2) was monitored using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. As the reactions proceed, the introduction of the electron withdrawing −SPhX ligands into the nanoparticle ligand shell causes a shift of the nanoparticle redox waves (Au251+/0 and Au250/1−) to more positive potentials. Combining the NMR and electrochemical results reveals a nearly linear shift of the redox formal potentials as a function of the average number of exchanged ligands: ∼42 and 25 mV/ligand for X = −NO2 and −Br, respectively. Using a simple model electron-withdrawing ligand (−SCH2Cl), density functional theory (DFT) was used to study in detail the effects on the nanoparticle electronic structure caused by exchange of this ligand for −SCH3. The calculations show how the electronegative −X group changes the polarization of the nanoparticle and the charge distribution...
Dissections of p:q rectangles into 13 p:q rectangular elements

We determine all simple perfect dissections of p:q rectangles into 13 p:q rectangular elements. A computer search shows there are 26 such dissections. Previous work yielded only eight such dissections into at most twelve rectangular elements.
Optimal Probing Strategies

Probing is a common operation employed to reduce the position uncertainty of objects. This paper demonstrates a technique for constructing provably near-optimal probing strategies for precisely localizing polygonal parts. This problem is shown to be dual to the well-studied grasping problem of computing optimal finger placements as defined by B. Mishra and others. A useful quality metric of any given probing strategy can easily be computed from simple geometric constructions in the displacement space of the polygon. The approach will always find a minimal set of probes that is guaranteed to be near optimal for constraining the position of the polygon. The size of the resulting set of probes is within O(1) of the optimal number of probes and can be computed in O(n log2 n) time, whereas the exact optimal solution is in NP-hard. The result of this work is a probing strategy useful in practice for refining part poses.
Molecular pathogenesis and extraovarian origin of epithelial ovarian cancer—Shifting the paradigm

Recent morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic studies have led to the development of a new paradigm for the pathogenesis and origin of epithelial ovarian cancer based on a dualistic model of carcinogenesis that divides epithelial ovarian cancer into 2 broad categories designated types I and II. Type I tumors comprise low-grade serous, low-grade endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous carcinomas, and Brenner tumors. They are generally indolent, present in stage I (tumor confined to the ovary), and are characterized by specific mutations, including KRAS, BRAF, ERBB2, CTNNB1, PTEN, PIK3CA, ARID1A, and PPP2R1A, which target specific cell signaling pathways. Type I tumors rarely harbor TP53 mutations and are relatively stable genetically. Type II tumors comprise high-grade serous, high-grade endometrioid, malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (carcinosarcomas), and undifferentiated carcinomas. They are aggressive, present in advanced stage, and have a very high frequency of TP53 mutations but rarely harbor the mutations detected in type I tumors. In addition, type II tumors have molecular alterations that perturb expression of BRCA either by mutation of the gene or by promoter methylation. A hallmark of these tumors is that they are genetically highly unstable. Recent studies strongly suggest that fallopian tube epithelium (benign or malignant) that implants on the ovary is the source of low-grade and high-grade serous carcinoma rather than the ovarian surface epithelium as previously believed. Similarly, it is widely accepted that endometriosis is the precursor of endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas and, as endometriosis, is thought to develop from retrograde menstruation; these tumors can also be regarded as involving the ovary secondarily. The origin of mucinous and transitional cell (Brenner) tumors is still not well established, although recent data suggest a possible origin from transitional epithelial nests located in paraovarian locations at the tuboperitoneal junction. Thus, it now appears that type I and type II ovarian tumors develop independently along different molecular pathways and that both types develop outside the ovary and involve it secondarily. If this concept is confirmed, it leads to the conclusion that the only true primary ovarian neoplasms are gonadal stromal and germ cell tumors analogous to testicular tumors. This new paradigm of ovarian carcinogenesis has important clinical implications. By shifting the early events of ovarian carcinogenesis to the fallopian tube and endometrium instead of the ovary, prevention approaches, for example, salpingectomy with ovarian conservation, may play an important role in reducing the burden of ovarian cancer while preserving hormonal function and fertility.
Unsteady Thermo-Structural Simulation of Nano-Bridge Resonators

This study provides a thermo-structural simulation to investigate the behavior of nano-bridge resonators. A three-dimensional doubly clamped bridge with a length of 10 microns, a width of 1 micron and a thickness of 300 nm vibrating in the air is simulated. A free molecular heat transfer model is used to define the heat transfer coefficient and the damping coefficient. A Finite Difference method is used to solve the transient heat transfer equation coupled with the dynamic structural equation at each time step. The study is performed for silicon. The results show the steady state amplitude variations and vibration amplitude variations by the total heat amplitude correspond to a linear system. The results also show that increasing the total heat amplitude has more significant effects on increasing the vibration amplitude rather than the steady state amplitude by a factor of 1.2. The steady state amplitude and vibration amplitude variation by the surrounding gas pressure is investigated over a range of pressures from 1 kPa to 500 kPa for a total heat amplitude of 5000 MW/m2 (50 mW). The steady state amplitude and the vibration amplitude decrease by increasing the pressure due to an increase in the damping coefficient and the heat transfer coefficient. The rate of decrease is significantly higher for the vibration amplitude. This is due to the combination of increasing heat transfer coefficient, and increased damping, as the pressure increases.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Effect of the anticarcinogenic drug 6-mercaptopurine on mineral metabolism in the mouse

Abstract The effect of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) on mineral metabolism was investigated in mice. C57BL mice were given 6-MP for 5 consecutive days. Treatments were: (1), no injection; (2), saline; (3), vehicle injection (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)); (4), 5 mg/kg 6-MP; (5), 25 mg/kg 6-MP; (6), 50 mg/kg 6-MP; (7), 100 mg/kg 6-MP; and (8), 150 mg/kg 6-MP. After the 5-day period, tissues were removed and the levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cn) and manganese (Mn) were measured. In liver, but not in intestine or kidney, zinc and calcium levels increased in a dose-dependent manner. The weight of the stomach relative to body weight was significantly greater in mice receiving 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg BW doses of 6-MP than in those given lower doses, despite significantly lower body weight. This result indicated that 6-MP produced gastric toxicity. Injection of saline or vehicle had no effect on any of the parameters measured. The effect of 6-MP on mineral changes and on stomach-emptying may be partly responsible for at least some of its negative side-effects.
Marine Radar for Peacetime Use

MILITARY RADAR systems by the score have been developed for such varied purposes as surface search, aircraft detection, height finding, gunfire control, range finding, and other wartime uses not as yet released from the classified categories.
Photoconductivity in garnets

Abstract Photoconductivity in gadolinium iron garnet and gadolinium gallium garnet has been detected. The photoconductivity is associated with empty d-levels in the former and sp bands in the latter.
Ambush Marketing: Is Confusion To Blame for the Flickering of the Flame?*

Previous studies about the use of ambush marketing during major global sports events like the Olympics concentrated on the battle between ambush marketers versus official sponsors, and their success or failure to create a high level of recall or recognition. Almost no attention has been paid to the role event organizers are playing in this battle. This article presents the view that the Olympic event organizers are partially to blame for the growing use of ambush marketing, and the indifference that consumers exhibit to the use of ambush marketing. Data collected from a random sample of 1,500 consumers following the conclusion of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games reveal that consumers exhibit a lack of knowledge and confusion about the rights of official sponsors, the different levels of sponsorship, and the commitment to the event that is associated with each sponsorship level. Furthermore, the results demonstrate consumers' apathy to the use of ambush marketing. Some implications and actions that event organizers should take to improve consumer knowledge about the role of sponsors and to increase consumer public opinion against ambushers are suggested. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Practical Value of Biological Information for Research

Many philosophers are skeptical about the scientific value of the concept of biological information. However, several have recently proposed a more positive view of ascribing information as an exercise in scientific modeling. I argue for an alternative role: guiding empirical data collection for the sake of theorizing about the evolution of semantics. I clarify and expand on Bergstrom and Rosvall’s suggestion of taking a “diagnostic” approach that defines biological information operationally as a procedure for collecting empirical cases. The more recent modeling-based accounts still perpetuate a theory-centric view of scientific concepts, which motivated philosophers’ misplaced skepticism in the first place.
Airway nitric oxide in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract The expression of muscle membrane-associated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) is significantly impaired in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mean (± SEM) exhaled NO in 13 male patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was significantly lower than in 11 healthy age-matched male control subjects (7.5 ± 1.4 vs 16.6 ± 3.2 parts per billion, P P
Differential effects of hemorrhage on Kupffer cells: decreased antigen presentation despite increased inflammatory cytokine (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF) release.

Abstract Although studies indicate that simple hemorrhage induces profound depression of cell-mediated immunity and enhances the host's susceptibility to sepsis, the mechanism for this remains unknown. Since the Kupffer cells (KC) are positioned to have constant exposure to various immunomodulators and antigens released during hypotension, we have examined whether antigen presentation by KC, a critical component in eliciting an antigen specific immune response or those processes associated with it, are depressed following hemorrhage. C3H/HeN mice were bled to and maintained at a mean BP of 35 mmHg for 60 min, and then resuscitated with their own blood and adequate fluids. The mice were killed at varying periods of time after hemorrhage to obtain KC from the liver, and assessed for their capacity to present antigen to a sensitized clone T h /cell line (D10.G4.1). Hemorrhaged mice exhibited a marked decrease in antigen presenting capacity beginning as little as 2 h and lasting up to 3–5 days post-hemorrhage. The ability of KC to express mouse interleukin 1 (mIL-1) showed a significant decline at 2 h following hemorrhage, but this effect was not apparent at 24 h post-hemorrhage. In contrast, KC capacity to produce IL-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (cytokines which can co-stimulate T cell antigen presentation) was markedly enhanced during the first 24 h following hemorrhage. A marked decrease was observed in both the mean of the average fluorescence per KC and the percent of Ia antigen-positive KC which persisted for at least 3 days after hemorrhage. The ability of ibuprofen (a cyclooxygenase blocker) to partially restore the antigen presenting capacity of KC from hemorrhaged mice in vitro indicates that prostaglandins are involved in this dysfunction. Thus, the depression of KC antigen presentation, as well as the enhanced capacity of these cells to release inflammatory mediators (TNF, IL-1, IL-6 and prostanoids) which may produce cell and organ dysfunction, could contribute to the host's enhanced susceptibility to sepsis following hemorrhage.
Technical Communique: Control reconfigurability of linear time-invariant systems

For any fault-tolerant control method to take effect, sufficient redundancy must exist in the plant (process) to be controlled. This paper is intended to establish a means of measuring the level of redundancy in connection with feedback control by borrowing the notion of the second-order modes. In particular, it is assumed that foreseeable faults of a process are parameterized in the model of the process. The smallest second-order mode is used as a measure of the potentiality of the process to maintain a certain performance through control reconfiguration at the occurrence of the worst faults over a prescribed set in the fault parameter space. This measure is called by the authors a control reconfigurability. The control reconfigurability is calculated for two process models to show its relevance to redundant actuating capabilities in the models.
Physical activity after myocardial infarction

Abstract Experimental and clinical research has provided substantial knowledge of the potential benefits and risks associated with the performance of physical activity by patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction. This knowledge has resulted in the earlier mobilization, a reduction in length of hospitalization, an increase in physical working capacity and a more successful return to work of many patients. These improvements have been associated with a variety of physiologic and psychological changes produced by increased activity during each stage of the patient's recovery. During hospitalization, changes in posture and low intensity activity minimize the cardiovascular and psychological complications caused by prolonged bed rest. After hospitalization, the most valuable benefit of regularly performed exercise appears to be a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand at rest and during submaximal exertion. The unique contribution of increased physical activity to reducing the frequency and severity of reinfarction has not been adequately established but, when combined with other behavior designed to reduce risk factors, the preliminary results are favorable. For these benefits to be obtained without undue risk, exercise for the postmyocardial infarction patient needs to be individually prescribed and periodically reevaluated.
Restriction-Fragment—Length Polymorphisms of 5′-Flanking Region of Insulin I Gene in BB and Other Rat Strains: Absence of Association With IDDM

Because the 5'-flanking hypervariable region of the human insulin gene may be associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), we examined the spontaneously diabetic BB rat and other rat strains for polymorphisms of the two rat insulin genes, the localization of such polymorphisms, and their possible association with IDDM. By use of restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis, we found that the transcribed portion of the insulin I gene, its 3'-flanking region, and the insulin II gene were not polymorphic. However, four alleles of the insulin I gene were identified, two of which (IA and IB) were found in BB rats. Alleles IA and IB varied in their 5'-flanking regions, yet neither was associated with IDDM in the BB rat.
Teaching Kids About Healthy Lifestyles Through Stories and Games: Partnering With Public Libraries to Reach Local Children

Each year, the Medical Library faculty members of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) focus on an outreach project that moves them beyond the walls of the Library to serve the local community. In the spring of 2009, the librarians embarked on a project to create a kids' health Web portal as part of the Library's consumer health Web site healthelinks. The purpose of the “For Kids” Web portal was to provide health information, games, and activities appropriate for children. Another goal was to feature stories and follow-up activities selected for story hours hosted by LSUHSC-S Library faculty in the Shreve Memorial Public Library System in Shreveport, Louisiana. This article provides an overview of the project, highlighting both successes and lessons learned.
Fishing in the Parks: A Research‐based Outreach Program

Abstract In 1995 a new research-based fisheries outreach program called Fishing in the Parks began as a university-agency-organization collaboration. The focus of this effort was to understand outreach program participants and to assess whether this program effectively reached the targeted novice-angler segment of families with young children. In 1995 and 1996, surveys were administered to 2,374 adult and youth program participants, and we achieved a 77% overall response rate. Most adults (79%) attended with their own children, and most participants had never fished before or had fished very little. Adult survey respondents indicated they were very satisfied with the program: 92% intended to fish again, and 75% either had or intended to purchase a fishing license after the program. Almost all of the youth participants also were satisfied with the program: 99% intended to fish again, and 83% intended to buy equipment after the program. Carefully targeted, research-based outreach programs allow fisheries ag...
Learning from Spillovers: Towards an Integrative Framework of Intra-Organizational Learning

In this study, we explored intra-organizational (intra-OL) processes occurring in a Training and Development (T&D) organization in a Saudi petrochemical company. We conducted semi-structured interv...
Dental Abnormalities in a Mouse Model for Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia

Mice carrying a knock-in mutation (Phe377del) in the Ank gene replicate many skeletal characteristics of human craniometaphyseal dysplasia, including hyperostotic mandibles. AnkKI/KI mice have normal morphology of erupted molars and incisors but excessive cementum deposition with increased numbers of Ibsp- and Dmp1-positive cells on root surfaces. The cervical loops of adult AnkKI/KI lower incisors are at the level of the third molars, while they are close to the mandibular foramen in Ank+/+ mice. Furthermore, AnkKI/KI incisors show decreased eruption rates, decreased proliferation of odontoblast precursors, and increased cell apoptosis in the stellate reticulum. However, their capability for continuous elongation is not compromised. Quantification of TRAP-positive cells in the apical ends of AnkKI/KI incisors revealed decreased osteoclast numbers and osteoclast surfaces. Bisphosphonate injections in Ank+/+ mice replicate the AnkKI/KI incisor phenotype. These results and a comparison with the dental phenotype of Ank loss-of-function mouse models suggest that increased cementum thickness may be caused by decreased extracellular PPi levels and that the incisor phenotype is likely due to hyperostosis of mandibles, which distinguishes AnkKI/KI mice from the other Ank mouse models.
The Liminal Hero

This critical autoethnography is about my encounters, throughout my life, with the “Western” (liminal) heroes and villains, who came to life on screens large and small. It is about the shifting visions of heroism, villainy, and violence in our culture. It is about walking the borderlands between all these territories. And it is about my own gradual awakening.
A simple method for computing discrete spectrum relaxations of body of revolution targets using eigenvalue decomposition

A conducting body's Discrete Spectrum of Relaxation Frequencies (DSRF) is a valuable classifying characteristic that is used in the detection and discrimination of buried objects. In physical terms, the DSRF depicts the decay of eddy currents in a conducting body that is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field. An object's DSRF can only be computed analytically for a few canonical cases. Numerical computations for bodies of revolution (BOR) have been presented using boundary-element and finite-element techniques, but these techniques are complex. In this work, a simpler approach based on eigenvalue decomposition is presented that is capable of computing the DSRF for a class of BORs. Approved for public release, distribution unlimited.
Biochemical and serological comparisons between carnation yellow fleck virus and sugar beet yellows virus protein subunits

Abstract Carnation yellow fleck virus is serologically related to sugar beet yellow virus. Amino acid analyses and tryptic peptide maps indicate about 50 amino acid differences between the proteins from the two viruses.
Oceanic variability off the Central California coast

Abstract Mesoscale variability off the Central California coast is strongly influenced by coastal upwelling and related processes. Off Point Sur, there is significant space-time variability in oceanic properties over periods of days and distances of several tens of km. However, the internal density field, averaged over space (ca. 120km alongshore) and time (ca. 18 days), reveals the expected characteristics of a coastal upwelling regime, including an equatorward surface jet 25km to 40km offshore and weaker poleward flow below 150m and within 20km of the coast. Upper ocean circulation is strongly influenced by the bathymetry offshore to water depths of at least 1000m. Based on repeated horizontal grids of oceanographic stations, horizontal correlation scales for temperature are of the order of 30km in the upper 100m; hence, a horizontal sampling rate of ca. 10km is desirable. Vertical correlation scales for temperature are of the order of 100m; hence, a vertical sampling rate of ca. 10m is desirable. Similarly, there are indications of a temporal correlation scale of a few weeks; hence, a temporal sampling rate of ca. a few days is desirable. Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) in the cross-shore vertical plane suggest the influence of coastally-trapped motions within 40km of the coast, with an intense alongshore, near-surface, transient coastal jet located ca. 20km offshore. Sudden spring transitions to coastal upwelling conditions are often pronounced in coastal temperature records, and they may precede the offshore migration of the major upwelling front by at least a month or more. The spring transitions occur over a period of about a week. In 1980, the spring transition propagated poleward along the California coast at a speed of ca. 64km d −1 . During spring and summer, movement of a coastal upwelling front, often located between 15km and 50km offshore, is a major contributor to cross-shore variability. The upwelling front meanders with an alongshore scale of about 80km, a time scale of 30 to 40 days, and an amplitude scale of 10km RMS, based on satellite infrared (IR) imagery. The along-shore mean position of the major upwelling front migrates offshore during spring and summer. Offshore displacement of the front may be caused by Ekman transport over periods of days-to-weeks, and by Rossby wave dispersion over longer periods. During summer, a time-dependent offshore scale based on Rossby wave dynamics was more appropriate than the baroclinic Rossby radius. Every three to four years, during 1971 through 1984, El Nino episodes produced interannual variability in coastal sea surface temperature (SST) off Central California. Most of the warming occured during fall and winter. El Nino episodes were often followed by major spring transitions. The recent 1982/1983 episode was 2 to 3°C warmer than the three previous episodes over the past 14 years, and its influence lasted almost twice as long.
HIV rounds at Cornell: selected neurologic complications of HIV disease.

Neurological disorders are among the most frequent and devastating complications of HIV infection and AIDS. As patients survive longer with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, it is likely that the frequency of some of these disorders will increase, since patients will survive long enough to develop them. The central and peripheral nervous system may be affected by numerous primary and secondary complications. These neurological disorders include HIV dementia, primary CNS lymphoma, toxoplasmosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, vacuolar myelopathy, peripheral neuropathies, and myopathy. In this review we discuss current thoughts on clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and clinical trials in several of these HIV-associated neurologic disorders.
Effects of ethanol on serotonin metabolism in brain.

The effect of ethanol on serotonin metabolism in brains of mice was determined both after a single injection and ‘chronic’ administration of ethanol. Behavioral effects were also monitored.‘Chronic’ administration of ethanol by inhalation to mice resulted in an increased susceptibility to Metrazole induced seizures. This susceptibility was evident for 48 h after ‘withdrawal’ of mice from ethanol chambers. No differences in brain 5-HT levels between control and ethanol treated mice were evident during withdrawal. However, a significant elevation in brain 5-HIAA levels was noted during this period. Short lived increases in brain 5-HIAA levels were also noted after a single injection of ethanol. Ethanol treatment produced no significant changes in the activity of brain MAO, aldehyde dehydrogenase, or aldehyde reductase. Other mechanisms for ethanol induced increases in brain 5-HIAA are discussed.
A method for determining a prostate-specific antigen cure after radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Purpose: A method that allows the determination of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) cure after definitive management for prostate carcinoma with radiation therapy is presented and tested. Methods and Materials: The method involves a calculation of the patient’s theoretical baseline PSA prior to the development of prostate cancer by using three serial rising PSA determinations obtained prior to the institution of therapy. The rate of rise of the PSA prior to therapy and the rate of decline of the PSA posttherapy are calculated, using an exponential model. Two criteria must be satisfied to define a PSA cure. First, the PSA nadir after treatment should be less than the calculated theoretical baseline PSA. Second, the rate of decline of PSA posttreatment should be greater than the rate of rise of the PSA prior to treatment. Results: Applying these two criteria to the patient data base (n = 16) at a median follow-up of 19 months enabled the accurate prediction of 6 out of 6 (100%) of patients with documented PSA failure and 7 out of 10 (70%) of patients without PSA failure. Therefore, despite short follow-up, all six patients with PSA failure were predicted. Further follow-up is needed to ascertain if the seven patients predicted to be cured will remain PSA failure free and if the three patients currently without PSA failure in whom the model predicts failure, will subsequently fail. Conclusion: Therefore, using each patient’s PSA history as the natural control may eliminate the error that is introduced with defining a PSA cure by using a single value for the PSA nadir at a specified time after radiation therapy. Prostate cancer, Prostate specific antigen, Radiation therapy, PSA kinetics.
Efficient menu structures for pricing interruptible electric power service

A “menu” of interruptible service offerings provides a means for matching the reliability of electric power to the preferences of consumers with diverse interruption costs. Appropriately designed pricing induces a distribution of customer service selections such that the welfare loss (i.e., total interruption cost) of all customers is minimized, when averaged over a distribution of shortfall situations. This paper derives one and two dimensional price menus that consider lost service time and interruption frequency as separate attributes. The relative efficiencies of three types of menus are compared and discussed.
Subsurface temperatures and surface heat flow in the Michigan Basin and their relationships to regional subsurface fluid movement

Abstract Linear regression of 405 bottomhole temperature (BHT) measurements vs. associated depths from Michigan's Lower Peninsula results in the following equation relating BHT and depth: BHT(°C) = 14.5 + 0.0192 × depth(m) Temperature residuals, defined as (BHT measured)—(BHT calculated), were determined for each of the 405 BHT's. Areas of positive temperature residuals correspond to areas of regional groundwater discharge (determined from maps of equipotential surface) while areas of negative temperature residuals correspond to areas of regional groundwater recharge. These relationships are observed in the principal aquifers in rocks of Devonian and Ordovician age and in a portion of the principal aquifer in rocks of Silurian age. There is a similar correspondence between high surface heat flow (determined using the silica geothermometer) and regional groundwater discharge areas and low surface heat flow and regional groundwater recharge areas. Post-Jurassic depositional and tectonic histories suggest that the observed coupling of subsurface temperature and groundwater flow systems may have persisted since Jurassic time. Thus the higher subsurface palaeotemperatures (and palaeogeothermal gradients) indicated by recent studies most likely pre-date the Jurassic.
Hamiltonian line graphs

Sufficient conditions on the degrees of a graph are given in order that its line graph have a hamiltonian cycle.
DENATURATION CHANGES IN EGG ALBUMIN WITH UREA, RADIATION, AND HEAT

The extent of urea denaturation depends on the concentration of protein and urea and also on the temperature of the solution. Egg albumin solutions (0.9 per cent) are not denatured by 20 per cent urea, denature slowly with 25 per cent urea, and denature rapidly with 35 per cent urea at room temperature. At a higher temperature 30 per cent urea is rapidly effective. Denaturation of the egg albumin molecule by radiation or by heat is accompanied by structural changes as evidenced by optical rotation values, but is not accompanied by association or dissociation of the molecule in the pH range outside the zone in which aggregation follows denaturation. Denaturation of the egg albumin molecule by urea produces no change in optical rotation until the concentration of urea is high enough to dissociate the molecule. In the presence of urea a urea-protein complex is formed in which the protein is denatured but cannot flocculate because of the dispersive action of the urea. This prevents flocculation of proteins exposed to radiation and subsequent heating to 40° C. as the urea-protein complex is not broken down at a temperature of 40° C. The presence of urea therefore prevents the flocculation of proteins denatured by radiation. The urea-protein complex is broken down by heating to 55–58° C. so that the molecules aggregate at a temperature below the temperature of rapid heat denaturation. This appears to be an acceleration of heat denaturation or a lowering of the heat denaturation temperature, but in reality is an effect of heat on the urea-protein complex which frees the urea-denatured protein and permits its aggregation.
The low pH stability of human coagulation factor XII (hageman factor) is due to reversible conformational transitions

Factor XII undergoes autoactivation when bound to negatively charged surfaces. To gain insight into the mechanism of factor XII autoactivation and stability at low pH, structural studies in the presence and absence of a soluble surface, dextran sulfate, at pH 5.3 and pH 8.3 were carried out. The circular dichroism data indicate that the secondary structure at pH 5.3 is only modestly different from that at pH 8.3. However, large changes in the secondary structure are found to occur when factor XII is exposed to pH 5.3 in the presence of surface. Changes in tertiary structure at low pH are also evident from the difference in tryptophan fluorescence and chemical reactivity of the histidine residues. Factor XII binds to the surface even at pH 5.3 though it is inactive at this pH. It is concluded that factor XII adopts a different conformation at pH 5.3 and causes it to interact differently with dextran sulfate. This results in an obstructed cleavage site that accounts for its stability at low pH.
Microbial reference genomes for human metagenomics

A key resource for metagenomics projects is a representative catalog of annotated microbial genome sequences to serve as a reference for classification and functional annotation [1]. The Human Microbiome Project (HMP) [2], which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, began with the goal of sequencing 600 genomes from culturable prokaryotes that are representative of those inhabiting the major niches within and on the human body. This effort has been expanded to include uncultured organisms, small eukaryotes, and viruses that infect prokaryotes or eukaryotes, and the current sequencing target is 3,000 microbes. An automated pipeline for prokaryotic gene calling and annotation has been established for the project, yet very few of the HMP organisms have been subjected to in-depth analysis. Comparisons of several HMP genomes have revealed substantial intraspecies differences and provide clues about the pathogenic and physiological potential of these organisms.
A Distributed Approach to Computational Earthquake Science: Opportunities and Challenges

Advances in understanding earthquakes require the integration of models and multiple distributed data products. Increasingly, data are acquired through large investments, and utilizing their full potential requires a coordinated effort by many users, independent researchers, and groups who are often distributed both geographically and by expertise.
High-Temperature Adiabatic Calorimeter for Constant-Volume Heat Capacity Measurements of Compressed Gases and Liquids.

A high-temperature adiabatic calorimeter has been developed to measure the constant-volume specific heat capacities (cV ) of both gases and liquids, especially fluids of interest to emerging energy technologies. The chief design feature is its nearly identical twin bomb arrangement, which allows accurate measurement of energy differences without large corrections for energy losses due to thermal radiation fluxes. Operating conditions for the calorimeter cover a range of temperatures from 250 K to 700 K and at pressures up to 20 MPa. Performance tests were made with a sample of twice-distilled water. Heat capacities for water were measured from 300 K to 420 K at pressures to 20 MPa. The measured heat capacities differed from those calculated with an independently developed standard reference formulation with a root-mean-square fractional deviation of 0.48 %.