cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving location reliability in crowd sensed data with minimal efforts

People-centric sensing with smart phones can be used for large scale sensing of the physical world by leveraging the cameras, microphones, GPSs, accelerometers, and other sensors on the phones. Ranging from manual photo tasks to automated sensing tasks for activity monitoring, any task can be crowd sourced to smart phones to sense data from different locations at reduced cost. However, the sensed data submitted by participants is not always reliable as they can submit false data to earn money without executing the actual task. Therefore, it is important to validate the sensed data. Validating the context of every sensed data point of each participant is not a scalable solution. One alternative is to first validate the location associated with the sensed data points in order to achieve a certain degree of reliability about the sensed data. However, location validation without support from the wireless carriers is difficult. To address this problem, we propose ILR, a scheme in which we Improve the Location Reliability of mobile crowd sensed data with minimal human efforts. In this scheme, we bootstrap the trust in the system by first manually or automatically using image processing techniques validating a small number of photos submitted by participants. Based on these validations, the location of these photos is assumed to be trusted. Second, we extend this location trust to co-located sensed data points found in the Bluetooth range of the devices that provided the validated photos. This transitive trust is extended until all the co-located tasks are trusted or no new data points are found. In addition, the scheme also helps to detect false location claims associated with sensed data. We applied ILR on data collected from our McSense prototype deployed on Android phones used by students on our campus and detected a significant percentage of the malicious users. Simulation results demonstrate that ILR works well at various densities and helps detect the false location claims based on a minimal numher of validations.
Some notes on confirming hypotheses in qualitative research: An application

(1988). Some notes on confirming hypotheses in qualitative research: An application. Social Epistemology: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 345-352.
Pathophysiology of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a major cause of idiopathic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In recent years, animal models and studies of familial forms of nephrotic syndrome helped elucidate some mechanisms of podocyte injury and disease progression in FSGS. This article reviews some of the experimental and clinical data on the pathophysiology of FSGS.
Effects of Dwell-Time and Ramp-Rate on The Thermal-Fatigue Life of SnAgCu Joints

Finite element analysis examines lead-free part-on-board accelerated thermal environments comprised of ramp and dwell times lasting between 5 and 15 minutes. The accumulated creep strain energy density is determined for each environment and used to evaluate cost-effective accelerated test environments.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Identification of Nuclear Localization, DNA Binding, and Transactivating Mechanisms of Krüppel-like Zinc Finger Protein Gli-Similar 2 (Glis2)

Gli-similar 1–3 (Glis1–3) constitute a subfamily of Kruppel-like zinc finger (ZF) transcription factors that are closely related to the Gli protein family. Mutations in GLIS2 are linked to nephronophthisis, a chronic kidney disease characterized by renal fibrosis and atrophy in children and young adults. Currently, very little information exists about the mechanism of action of Glis2, its target genes, or the signaling pathways that regulate its activity. In this study, we show that a region within ZF3 is required for the nuclear localization of Glis2. Analysis of Glis2 DNA binding demonstrated that Glis2 binds effectively to the consensus Glis binding sequence (GlisBS) (G/C)TGGGGGGT(A/C). Although Glis2 was unable to induce transactivation of a GlisBS-dependent reporter, it effectively inhibited the GlisBS-mediated transactivation by Gli1. Mutations that disrupt the tetrahedral configuration of each ZF within Glis2 abolished Glis2 binding to GlisBS and also abrogated its inhibition of Gli1-mediated transactivation. In contrast, Glis2 was able to activate the murine insulin-2 (Ins2) promoter by binding directly to two GlisBS elements located at −263 and −99 within the Ins2 promoter. Phosphomimetic mutation of Ser245 inhibited the binding of Glis2 to GlisBS and dramatically affected its transactivation of the Ins2 promoter and its ability to inhibit GlisBS-dependent transactivation by Gli1. In this study, we demonstrate that Glis2 can function as a transcriptional activator and that post-translational modification within its DNA-binding domain can regulate its transcriptional activity. This control may play a critical role in the Glis2-dependent regulation of target genes and renal function.
Data integrity analysis of disk array systems with analytic modeling of coverage

Abstract Detailed dependability models of various disk array organizations are developed taking into account both the hard disk failures and transient errors. Various error and failure modes of individual disks and the disk array are identified. A small proportion of transient errors account for uncovered failures in a disk array. This leads to analytic computation of probability of disk failures based on several factors including byte error rate of a disk and ECC code etc. Traditionally used measures like MTTDL and data availability remain virtually unchanged with change in mean recovery time. New dependability measures such as degraded capacity time are considered to bring out the effect of mean recovery time on dependability of disk arrays. Our analysis also reveals that mirrored disk organization has higher MTTDL than other disk array organizations if the only failure mode considered is data loss while catastrophic errors are ignored. However, if catastrophic errors are taken into account, then RAID-3,4,5 organizations have higher data-integrity than other disk array schemes. We also develop models that take into account the reliability of support hardware components and different placement schemes for arranging support hardware such as power supply. Our analysis reveals that RAID-1 benefits the most from orthogonal placement of support hardware.
A Requiem for American Football? Galen to Camp to Hounsfield

Figure 1. Gladiators in the circus arena, Zliten mosaic, 1st century A.D. Ttorial games of the Roman Empire immediately come to mind as the epitome of such a practice. Etruscan in origin, the games were later cultivated in Campania where early schools for training in gladiatorial combat were founded in Paestrum and Pompeii (310 B.C.) (Figure 1). Adopted in Rome 100 years later, they ultimately grew popular throughout the Empire. The gladiatorial games remained a highly popular and politically charged practice until their demise approximately 600 years later. The 50,000-seat Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome remains a remarkable testimony to this practice. Backlash to extremism proved to be a major contributor the ultimate termination of the games. The gladiatorial arena served as a “laboratory” for Claudius Galenus (A.D. 129e200), one of the greatest physicians, surgeons, and philosophers in medical history. First in Pergamon for 4 years and later at the suggestion of Commodus, in Rome, Galen attended to the combatants, leaving a legacy of increased comprehension of the importance of proper diet, fitness, and personal preventive measures for the combatants. Wounds served as “windows to anatomy” and comprehension of the body’s structure and function. Concurrently, Galen refined medical and surgical management techniques associated with the observed trauma. His presence and actions were reported to have had a remarkably beneficial effect on both recovery and mortality rates. His studies impacted medicine and surgery for the next 1500 years. The American sport of football bears a striking similarity to what might be termed its “gladiatorial ancestors.”The game evolved out of English rugby football. It was largely created in metamorphosis by a Connecticut native and New Haven Clock Company chairman during the late 19th century. Walter Camp (1859e1925) attended the New Haven Hopkins Grammar School and graduated from Yale College in 1882 (Figure 2). He was active on various national rules committees as a collegiate player and was instrumental in establishing the rules of the game until his death in 1925. He initiated an evolution in rules and style of play that remains fluid until this day. American football is now a multibillion-dollar industry and consummate sport spectacle of the “contact” genre. Over time, forces of speed, contact, and skill of players have escalatedwith the expected toll on the entire spectrum of human tissues. Despite the sophisticated development of protective devices, many of which have served only to act as weapons and to facilitate infliction of impact, observed injury and both immediate and late consequences of prolonged participation continue to mount collectively (2, 3).
Synthesis of acetylcholine by lung cancer.

The role of autocrine growth factors in the stimulation of lung cancer growth is well established. Nicotine is an agonist for acetylcholine receptors and stimulates lung cancer growth. This suggests that if lung cancers synthesize acetylcholine (ACh), then ACh may be an autocrine growth factor for lung cancer. Analysis of normal lung demonstrated that the cells of origin of lung cancers express the proteins necessary for non-neuronal ACh storage and synthesis. Analysis of mRNA from squamous cell lung carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and adenocarcinoma showed synthesis of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nicotinic receptors. Immunohistochemical analysis of a retrospective series of SCLC and adenocarcinomas showed that more than 50% of the lung cancers screened expressed ChAT and nicotinic receptors. To study the effect of endogenous ACh synthesis on growth, SCLC cell lines were studied. SCLC cell lines were found to express ChAT mRNA and to secrete ACh into the medium as measured by HPLC separation and enzymatically-coupled electrochemical detection. The SCLC cell line NCI-H82 synthesized highest levels of ACh. Showing that the endogenously synthesized ACh interacted with its receptors to stimulate cell growth, addition of muscarinic and nicotinic antagonists slowed H82 cell proliferation. These findings demonstrate that lung cancer cell lines synthesize and secrete ACh to act as an autocrine growth factor. The existence of a cholinergic autocrine loop in lung cancer provides a basis for understanding the effects of nicotine in cigarette smoke on lung cancer growth and provides a new pathway to investigate for potential therapeutic approaches to lung cancer.
The molecular basis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

A recent study shows how a virulence factor of Streptococcus pyogenes activates leukocytes and ultimately damages host tissue.
Systematic bug finding and fault localization enhanced with input data tracking

Fault localization (FL) is the process of debugging erroneous code and directing analysts to the root cause of the bug. With this in mind, we have developed a distributed, end-to-end fuzzing and analysis system that starts with a binary, identifies bugs, and subsequently localizes the bug's root cause. Our system does not require the test subject's source code, nor do we require a test suite. Our work focuses on an important class of bugs, memory corruption errors, which usually have software security implications. Thus, our approach appeals to software attack researchers as well. In addition to our bug hunting and analysis framework, we have enhanced code-coverage based fault localization by incorporating input data tainting and tracking using a light-weight binary instrumentation technique. By capturing code coverage and select input data usage, our new FL algorithm is able to better localize faults, and therefore better assist analysts. We report the application of our approach on large, real-world applications (Firefox and VLC), as well as the classic Siemens benchmark and other test programs.
Metastasis suppression by BRMS1 associated with SIN3 chromatin remodeling complexes

Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription by histone modification and chromatin remodeling has been linked to many biological and pathological events including cancer metastasis. Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) interacts with SIN3 chromatin remodeling complexes, and, upon forced expression in metastatic cells, a nearly complete suppression of metastasis is noted without preventing primary tumor growth. The data for BRMS1-mediated metastasis suppression and SIN3 interaction are clear; however, connecting the inhibition directly to the association of BRMS1 with SIN3 complexes is currently not well defined. Considering the recent advancements in developing epigenetic drugs for cancer therapy, an improved understanding of how the interactions between BRMS1 and SIN3 regulate the process of metastasis should lead to novel therapies specifically targeting the most deadly aspect of tumor progression. In this article, the data for BRMS1-mediated metastasis suppression are reviewed with a focus on how the SIN3 chromatin remodeling complexes may be functionally involved.
Formation and chemical speciation of arsenic-, chromium-, and nickel-bearing coal combustion PM2.5

Abstract Mode of occurrence analyses indicate that As, Cr, and Ni in the Illinois No. 6 (Herrin) coal are generally associated with relatively large discrete mineral grains, whereas these elements are much more strongly associated with macerals and fine-grained minerals in Absaloka subbituminous (McKay or Rosebud seam) coal. The coals were burned using conventional and low-NO x conditions in an ≈7-kW combustion system to evaluate the importance of elemental modes of occurrence and combustion conditions on As, Cr, and Ni volatility and speciation. Chemical analyses of size-classified (≈0.4–7.7 μm) Illinois No. 6 fly ash samples indicated that As, Cr, and Ni concentrations and relative enrichment/depletion (RED) factors generally increased with decreasing particle size which is consistent with an elemental vaporization–particle surface deposition process. Similar semivolatile partitioning systematics were noted for Ni in Absaloka fly ashes. Consistent with nonvolatility, As and Cr in Absaloka fly ashes were characterized by relatively uniform particle-size distributions (PSDs) and RED factors. Low-NO x combustion conditions promoted the elemental vaporization–particle surface deposition process, as evidenced by greater elemental concentrations on fine-particle surfaces. The As, Cr, and Ni speciation of PM 2.5 samples were determined using X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (XAFS). Differences in Illinois No. 6 and Absaloka coal combustion conditions did not significantly affect As, Cr, or Ni speciation. As 5+ O 4 -containing phases occur in Illinois No. 6 and Absaloka PM 2.5 . Cr 3+ /Cr 6+ is much greater in Illinois No. 6 PM 2.5 relative to Absaloka PM 2.5 . The predominance of maceral-bound Cr 3+ and oxygen functional groups in Absaloka coal may have promoted Cr 6+ formation. Illinois No. 6 and Absaloka PM 2.5 contain similar NiO-containing phases, possibly ferrite spinel.
A source of femininity in Japanese: In defense of Robin Lakoff's ‘language and woman's place’

(1977). A source of femininity in Japanese: In defense of Robin Lakoff's ‘language and woman's place’. Paper in Linguistics: Vol. 10, No. 3-4, pp. 275-298.
Toward a transport-based analysis of nutrient spiraling and uptake in streams

Nutrient addition experiments are designed to study the cycling of nutrients in stream ecosystems where hydrologic and nonhydrologic processes determine nutrient fate. Because of the importance of hydrologic processes in stream ecosystems, a conceptual model known as nutrient spiraling is frequently employed. A central part of the nutrient spiraling approach is the determination of uptake length (Sw), the average distance traveled by dissolved nutrients in the water column before uptake. Although the nutrient spiraling concept has been an invaluable tool in stream ecology, the current practice of estimating uptake length from steady-state nutrient data using linear regression (called here the “Sw approach”) presents a number of limitations. These limitations are identified by comparing the exponential Sw equation with analytical solutions of a stream solute transport model. This comparison indicates that (1) Sw is an aggregate measure of uptake that does not distinguish between main channel and storage zone processes, (2) Sw is an integrated measure of numerous hydrologic and nonhydrologic processes—this process integration may lead to difficulties in interpretation when comparing estimates of Sw, and (3) estimates of uptake velocity and areal uptake rate (vf and U) based on Sw are not independent of system hydrology. Given these findings, a transport-based approach to nutrient spiraling is presented for steady-state and time-series data sets. The transport-based approach for time-series data sets is suggested for future research on nutrient uptake as it provides a number of benefits, including the ability to (1) separately quantify main channel and storage zone uptake, (2) quantify specific hydrologic and nonhydrologic processes using various model parameters (process separation), (3) estimate uptake velocities and areal uptake rates that are independent of hydrologic effects, and (4) use shortterm, non-plateau nutrient additions such that the effects of regeneration and mineralization are minimized. In summary, the transport-based, time-series approach provides a means of estimating traditional measures of nutrient uptake (Sw, vf , U) while providing additional information on the location and magnitude of uptake (main channel versus storage zone). Application of the transport-based approach to time-series data from Green Creek, Antarctica, indicates that the bulk of nitrate uptake (~74% to 100%) occurred within the main channel where benthic uptake by algal mats is a likely process. Substantial uptake (~26%) also occurred in the storage zone of one reach, where uptake is attributed to the microbial community.
Effects of two types of fish oil supplements on serum lipids and plasma phospholipid fatty acids in coronary artery disease

Abstract Fish oil has consistently been shown to lower triglyceride levels, but its effects on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol remain controversial. The current study compares the long-term effects of 2 different fish oil preparations (ethyl ester and triglyceride) versus olive oil in patients with coronary artery disease. Eighty-nine subjects were randomly assigned to receive capsules containing 6 g/day (triglyceride group) or 7 g/day (ethyl ester group) of n-3 fatty acids, or capsules containing 12 g/day of olive oil for 6 months. Mean triglyceride levels decreased by 28% in the ester and 32% in the triglyceride fish oil groups (p
Targeted mutation in the neurotrophin-3 gene results in loss of muscle sensory neurons

Abstract Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) is one of four related polypeptide growth factors that share structural and functional homology to nerve growth factor (NGF). NT-3 and its receptor, called neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 3 (Ntrk3; also called TrkC), are expressed early and throughout embryogenesis. We have inactivated the NT-3 gene in embryonic stem (ES) cells by homologous recombination. The mutated allele has been transmitted through the mouse germ line, and heterozygote intercrosses have yielded homozygous mutant newborn pups. The NT-3-deficient mutants fail to thrive and exhibit severe neurological dysfunction. Analysis of mutant embryos uncovers loss of Ntrk3/TrkC-expressing sensory neurons and abnormalities at early stages of sensory neuronal development. NT-3-deficient mice will permit further study of the role of this neurotrophin in neural development.
Prevalence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or 3 in Patients with Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance or Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

Objective. We sought to compare the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 and 3 in women with atypia or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) to women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL). Methods. A retrospective review of 2,200 colposcopic examinations (1992–1998) was performed. All women presenting with atypia, ASCUS, LGSIL, mild dysplasia, CIN1, or human papillomavirus (HPV) were included. Stratification of patients into groups [ASCUS (atypia or ASCUS) and LGSIL (mild dysplasia, CIN1, and HPV)] was followed by group comparisons of rates of CIN2 and CIN3. Results. Rates of CIN2 and CIN3 were 11.8% (49 of 415) and 14.3% (152 of 1,064) in patients in the ASCUS and LGSIL groups, respectively ( p = 0.21). These rates represent all patients who underwent colposcopy but not necessarily biopsy. Among those patients who underwent biopsy, the prevalence of CIN2 and CIN3 in patients in the ASCUS group was 18.1% (49 of 271) versus 20.0% (152 of 759) in patients in the LGSIL group ( p = 0.49). Conclusions. No statistically significant difference in rates of CIN2 and CIN3 exists in a comparison of ASCUS and LGSIL in this population.
Stimulation and homologous desensitization of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in cultured beating rat heart cells.

Addition of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), 1 × 10-7 M, to cultured neonatal rat heart cells resulted in rapid increases in beating rate and cellular concentrations of cAMP. Calcitonin (1 × 10-7 M), in contrast, had no significant effect on heart cell beating rate or cAMP content. CGRPstimulated increases in heart cell cAMP content were rapid, transient, dose dependent, and potentiated by isobutylmethylxanthine (1 × 10-4 M). Half-maximal increases in heart cell cAMP content occurred at 1 × 10-8 M CGRP. Heart cell adenylate cyclase responses to CGRP were desensitized in a rapid (i.e. within 5 min) and dose-dependent manner by prior exposure to CGRP. Complete and half-maximal desensitization of heart cells to CGRP occurred at 1 × 10-8 and 3 × 10-10 M CGRP, respectively. Desensitization of heart cells to CGRP did not modify the cAMP response of heart cells to β-adrenergic agonist stimulation, and β-adrenergic agonist desensitization of heart cells did not modify responses to CGRP. Heart cell cAMP res...
Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate and folate transport in rat jejunum.

The intestinal transport of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and pteroylmonoglutamate was examined in everted sacs of rat jejunum exposed to compounds which increase intracellular cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate. Adenyl cyclase stimulators (hydrocortisone and prostaglandin), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, aminophylline and papaverine), and dibutyryl adenosine-3′,5′-cyclicmonophosphate added to the mucosal medium inhibit the mucosal-to-serosal transport of physiological concentrations of 5-methyltetrahydrofalate and pteroylmonoglutamate. Transport inhibition is correlated with the ability of these agents to increase cellular cyclic adenosine-3′, 5′-monophosphate. The active, carrier-mediated transport system of folate compounds is highly sensitive to the increase in cyclic adenosine-3′, 5′-monophosphate level, while the diffusion system is insensitive. These data indicate that the active transport system of folates is modulated by cellular cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate.
A researcher's ode to participants

Introductory Note: Seldom do researchers make explicit the debt owed to research participants. Participants give their time and stories willingly to further knowledge in an area that they and resea...
Evaluation of Storm Water Catch Basin Inserts for Transportation Facilities

Transportation facilities such as parking lots and maintenance yards often do not have provisions to treat storm water before discharge. Catch basin inserts can provide a retrofit alternative as a method to meet the new National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II storm water pollution prevention regulations. Inserts produced by four manufacturers were evaluated for removal of suspended solids and petroleum hydrocarbons by using a pilot scale catch basin and synthetic storm water. In addition, the inserts were placed at operating transportation facilities and monitored for operational problems. At a flow rate of approximately 0.013 m3/s (200 gal/min) and pollutant concentrations for total suspended solids (TSS) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) of 225 mg/L and 31 mg/L, respectively, the inserts were capable of removing 11% to 42% of TSS and 10% to 19% of TPH.
Calculation of thermal effects in DTA

By considering that the temperature of the end of the thermal effect and the return of the thermal curve to the baseline do not coincide new calculation methods for the thermal effect become possible. Both the integral value of the thermal effect and its distribution over temperature may be calculated by processing only that part of the DTA curve which corresponds to the temperature interval of the transformation.
Correlations in the plasma broadening of ion spectral lines.

Abstract The results of a kinetic theory of spectral line broadening are applied to Stark broadening of ion lines in a unified classical path theory, paralleling existing results for neutral radiators. In the small plasma parameter limit, the radiator-electron interactions are screened by equilibrium electron correlation functions and a frequency-dependent dielectric function.
Anthropogenic stable cesium in water and sediment of a shallow estuary, St. Louis Bay, Mississippi

Abstract St. Louis Bay (SLB), Mississippi, is a small, shallow estuary with moderate local residential and industrial development. Dissolved, stable Cs (i.e., 133 Cs) was significantly enriched in bay waters (up to 1570 nM) as compared to river ( 2 refinery, located on the north shore of the bay, is the likely source of the Cs, given that the highest Cs concentrations were found in waters and in surface sediments (up to 49 μg/g) near the refinery outfall. This setting presented a unique opportunity to study remobilization of Cs in a shallow estuarine system, where sediment resuspension is frequent. Remobilization (up to ∼3 fold increase) of dissolved Cs was observed during sediment resuspension events. A weak correlation between Cs and clay %; strong correlations among Cs, silt % and particulate organic carbon (POC); and simple numerical approaches indicate that desorption from resuspended particulate matter is the likely mechanism of Cs remobilization. Cs-enriched SLB waters can be traced to nearshore Mississippi Sound waters, but not into Mississippi Bight waters further offshore. The findings from this study also suggest that caution needs to be taken when interpreting the radio-cesium distribution in shallow estuarine and coastal systems.
Intertemporal solvency and indexed debt: evidence from Brazil, 1976–1991

Abstract This paper examines domestically held government debt, financial indexation, inflation, and intertemporal solvency in Brazil. An error-correction model is used to examine the temporal causality of expenditures, taxation and real indexation. Evidence shows that, for the 1986–1991 period, reductions in real indexation followed increases in government spending. Such reductions, while generally associated with anti-inflation plans, served as implicit defaults. The policy was largely unrelated to foreign factors. Of course, such a policy cannot be sustained in the long run. Accordingly, Brazil recently ended backward looking financial indexation.
Dual constant composition studies of phase transformation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate into octacalcium phosphate

The nucleation kinetics of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) in a suspension of dissolving dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) crystals has been investigated using the dual constant composition (DCC) technique at pH 7.00–7.40 and 37°C. The rate of DCPD dissolution is directly proportional to the relative undersaturation and the small magnitude of the rate constant suggests that desorption of the lattice ions from the surface is the primary rate-determining step. The rate of heterogeneous OCP nucleation on DCPD crystal surfaces is strongly dependent upon the solution pH and the nature of the supporting electrolytes. Magnesium ion markedly prolongs the induction period for OCP nucleation at concentrations above 1 × 10−4 mol/liter, while a comparable inhibition is achieved with a zinc ion concentration as low as 1 × 10−6 mol/liter. At pH 7, DCPD appears to be the first precipitating crystalline phase in the slightly supersaturated solutions.
Intergenic DNA and the sequence requirements for replication initiation in eukaryotes

Replication in eukaryotes initiates at many origins per chromosome. The locations of most of these origins appear to be restricted to intergenic spacers. In this review, I propose that the sequence dependence of initiation seen in lower eukaryotes may be a by-product of the small size of intergenic sequences and may not reflect a general requirement of the mechanisms that control the initiation of replication.
Our experience with two Virtual Reference Services at IUPUI University Library

Summary Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library first introduced virtual reference in May 2001 after four months of preparation. In the summer of 2002, University Library decided to reconsider the virtual reference software and provider and implemented a new service during the fall 2002 semester. A Reference Team Working Group was formed to review replacement options for the virtual reference software the library had been using for about a year. The decision to find a new virtual reference service was prompted by the connectivity and electronic resource compatibility problems experienced with the first virtual reference software the library chose. This article compares and contrasts the two virtual reference services used at IUPUI University Library and describes the two virtual reference projects. Following the article is a checklist of “Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Virtual Reference Service.”
Factorization versus duality in weak non-leptonic decays

Abstract The standard factorization procedure in weak non-leptonic decays is discussed at the level of 1/ N c terms ( N c is the number of colors). These terms are found to be dynamically suppressed. The results are based on the analysis of a “clean” theoretical limit and are exact in this sense.
Verification timer for AECL 780 cobalt unit

To obtain verification of the proper time setting of the motorized run down timer for a AECL 780 Cobalt Unit, a digital timer is described, which can be added to the system for under $300.
Interactions of various 19-nor steroids with human placental microsomal cytochrome P-450 (P-450hpm).

Abstract Each of seven 19-nor steroids exhibited the capacity to facilitate the binding of carbon monoxide (CO) to human placental microsomal cytochrome P-450 although quantitative differences were shown to exist. In every case the facilitation was antagonized by androstenedione. 19-Norandrostenedione produced the most pronounced effect followed by 19-nortestosterone, nandrolone decanoate, norethandrolone, norgestrel, norethynodrel and norethindrone in that order. All steroids investigated produced typical type I binding spectra when added to placental microsomes. Scatchard plots also indicated binding of each steroid to two sites — a high-affinity, low-capacity binding site and a low-affinity, high-capacity binding site. Correlations between affinity for either site and capacity to facilitate binding of CO to the cytochrome were not observed nor were there good correlations between maximal absorbance differences (∼390–420 nm) producible and facilitation capacity. It was therefore concluded that no definitive relationships existed between facilitation capacity and qualitative or quantitative aspects of the steroid-binding spectra. The capacity to facilitate CO binding appeared to reside in the absence of a chemical group substituted at the 10 position on molecules of androgenic steroids since all investigated steroids possessing 10-methyl or other 10-substituted groups either had no effect on the CO-binding spectrum or caused a displacement of CO from ferrous heme. In contrast, all steroids studied that lacked a substitution at C-10 (19-nor steroids) produced a facilitating effect on heme-ligand binding.
Electrically driven plasma via vaporization of metallic conductors: A tool for impulse metal working

Abstract Forming, cutting and welding of metal by impulse has significant advantages, in that short time scales change the fundamental nature of the forming process and short duration impulses can enable much lighter and more agile equipment because large static forces do not need to be resisted. Impulse forming is most commonly executed using electromagnetic forming. However, the application of electromagnetic forming is limited at high energies and large numbers of operations by the availability of long-lived electromagnetic coils (or actuators, as they are sometimes referred to). Low-cost, disposable actuators have been suggested as one method to counteract this issue. Here we propose the use of low-cost foils or wires that are intentionally vaporized by a pulsed electric current, in order to create an intense mechanical impulse. Applications including cutting, forming, and dimensional calibration are demonstrated and discussed. The available literature that could provide design guidance is reviewed. A simple cutting and welding experiment using a vaporizing aluminum foil is demonstrated. Further experiments study the expansion of simple copper tubes using the impulse developed from copper and aluminum wires that are vaporized using capacitor bank discharge with nominal charged voltages between 3.4 and 6.7 kV, and peak currents between 60 and 150 kA delivered with rise times on the order of 20 μs. This gives some guidance on how forming operations may be designed and, opens possible areas for further research.
mSharp-1/DEC2, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Protein Functions as a Transcriptional Repressor of E Box Activity and Stra13 Expression

Transcription factors belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family play critical roles in the regulation of cellular differentiation of distinct cell types. In this study, we have characterized the DNA-binding and transcriptional properties of the bHLH factor mSharp-1/DEC2. mSharp-1 belongs to the Hairy/Enhancer of Split subfamily of bHLH factors and exhibits the highest structural and sequence identity with Stra13. We show that mSharp-1 specifically binds to the E box motif (CANNTG) as a homodimer and acts as a potent transcriptional repressor of MyoD- and E12-induced E box activity and differentiation. The inhibitory activity of mSharp-1 occurs through several mechanisms including occupancy of E box sites by mSharp-1 homodimers and by direct physical interaction with MyoD and E proteins. Furthermore, by using gel mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we have identified Stra13 as a target for mSharp-1-mediated repression. We demonstrate that transcriptional repression of Stra13 depends, in part, on binding of mSharp-1 to three conserved E box motifs in the Stra13 proximal promoter. Moreover, mSharp-1 directly interacts with the transcriptional activator Sp1 and impairs Sp1 induction of Stra13 promoter. Our results suggest that mSharp-1 functions as a transcriptional repressor by DNA binding dependent and independent mechanisms.
Evidence that a viral replicase protein is involved in the disassembly of tobacco mosaic virus particles in vivo.

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles have been shown to undergo bidirectional disassembly when they are introduced into host cells. Approximately three-quarters of the genomic RNA (i.e., the 126-kDa and 183-kDa protein ORFs) is first uncoated in the 5'-to-3' direction and the process is then completed by removal of coat protein molecules in the 3'-to-5' direction. An effort was made to determine whether the 126-kDa protein or the 183-kDa protein, both of which are involved in replication of the viral RNA, is required for the second part of the disassembly reaction. It was shown that progeny negative-strand viral RNA begins to be produced in inoculated cells at about the same time that 3'-to-5' disassembly is initiated thus suggesting that the two processes may be coupled. Particles containing mutant forms of the viral RNA in which large sections of the 126-kDa and 183-kDa protein ORFs were missing were not disassembled in the 3'-to-5' direction when they were introduced into cells. However, they were disassembled when the inoculum contained purified TMV RNA from which, presumably, the two functional proteins could be translated Particles containing mutants of the RNA from which a few codons had been deleted in or near conserved regions in the 126-kDa protein ORF also did not undergo 3'-to-5' disassembly unless mixed with wild type viral RNA prior to inoculation. These results suggest that the 126-kDa and/or 183-kDa protein plays a role in the completion of disassembly of TMV particles at the onset of the infection process.
Reproductive Cycle of the California Leaf-Nosed Bat, Macrotus californicus

Spermatogenesis is limited to summer and fall, and females are inseminated during the fall concurrent with ovulation and fertilization. While most of the embryonic development is deferred until March, there is slow growth of embryo and placenta during the winter. This sequence is termed "delayed development." Birth is in June, and the young bats are able to join the forage flights by August.
Comparison of corn and switchgrass on marginal soils for bioenergy

Crop residues such as corn (Zea mays L.) stover are viewed as an abundant and inexpensive source of biomass that can be removed from fields to produce bioenergy. Assumptions include that with minimum or no-tillage farming methods, there will be no deleterious production or environmental effects. A long-term field study was established in eastern Nebraska, USA, to compare the switchgrass managed as a biomass energy crop versus no-till corn on a non-irrigated site, marginal for row-crop production, in the western Corn Belt. Our objective in this paper is to report on corn stover removal effects on corn grain yields and potential ethanol production in both cropping systems. Corn, under no-till management, and switchgrass were grown at three N fertilizer levels. In the first 5 years (2001-2005), removal of half the available stover significantly reduced corn yields. During that same time period, the potential ethanol yield for switchgrass was equal to or greater than the potential total ethanol yield of corn grain and harvested stover fertilized at the same optimum N rate. The effect of crop residue removal on crop productivity needs to be investigated in other agro-ecosystems and the potential use of dedicated perennial biomass energy crops should remain a viable renewable energy option on non-irrigated marginal croplands.
The Suprastructure of the Saccular Macula

Inclusion of tannic acid in the primary fixative fortuitously preserved the macular suprastructure, from the macular surface to the otoconia, in rat. Results demonstrate that fluid-filled channels around the stereociliary tufts and a slit-like space immediately above the macula are artefacts of tissue preparation. Filaments fill the area between, and show linkage to, the macular surface and the more peripheral, closely knit layer identified here as the true otoconial membrane. The material also passes through the otoconial membrane at various sites to surround the otoconia and extends well beyond the maculas in all directions. Although it may prove later to be endolymph, it is referred to here as supramacular substance. Kinocilia and the tallest stereocilia as well as the otoconia are tethered to the otoconial membrane. Findings were confirmed in decalcified material. Results are discussed in terms of functional and biochemical implications, and by analogy to man-made acceleration sensing devices.
Molecular determinants of the response of glioblastomas to EGFR kinase inhibitors.

Background The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently amplified, overexpressed, or mutated in glioblastomas, but only 10 to 20 percent of patients have a response to EGFR kinase inhibitors. The mechanism of responsiveness of glioblastomas to these inhibitors is unknown. Methods We sequenced kinase domains in the EGFR and human EGFR type 2 (Her2/neu) genes and analyzed the expression of EGFR, EGFR deletion mutant variant III (EGFRvIII), and the tumor-suppressor protein PTEN in recurrent malignant gliomas from patients who had received EGFR kinase inhibitors. We determined the molecular correlates of clinical response, validated them in an independent data set, and identified effects of the molecular abnormalities in vitro. Results Of 49 patients with recurrent malignant glioma who were treated with EGFR kinase inhibitors, 9 had tumor shrinkage of at least 25 percent. Pretreatment tissue was available for molecular analysis from 26 patients, 7 of whom had had a response and 19 of whom had rap...
Antagonism of botulinum toxin by theophylline

Abstract Theophylline increased the time required for botulinum toxin to cause neuromuscular blockade in an isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. Theophylline also offered some protection against botulinum toxin in mice, in vivo .
DUI Policy: Can the United States Learn from Scandinavia?

One major concern regarding the drinking and driving issue is whether actual sentencing practice reflects policy. This article examines three Danish judges from different jurisdictions in regard to sentencing DUI offenders. A comparison is made between DUI, property, and personal offences in Denmark. Results from this pilot study indicate that compared with other crimes DUI, offences are dealt with in a uniform fashion.
Statistical methods for model comparison in parameter estimation problems for distributed systems

In this note we outline some recent results on the development of a statistical testing methodology for inverse problems involving partial differential equation models. Applications to several problems from biology are presented. The statistical tests, which are in the spirit of analysis of variance (ANOVA), are based on asymptotic distributional results for estimators and residuals in a least squares approach.
Managing the Impact of On-chip Temperature on the Lifetime Reliability of Reliably Overclocked Systems

Physical and environmental variations require the addition of safety margins to the clock frequency of digital systems, making it overly conservative. Aggressive, but reliable, dynamic clock frequency tuning mechanisms that achieve higher system performance, by adapting the clock rates beyond worst-case limits, have been proposed earlier. Even though reliable overclocking guarantees functional correctness, it leads to higher power consumption and overheating. As a consequence, reliable overclocking without considering on-chip temperatures will bring down the lifetime reliability of the chip. In this paper, we analyze how reliable overclocking impacts the on-chip temperature of microprocessors, and evaluate the effects of overheating, due to reliable dynamic overclocking mechanisms, on the lifetime reliability of such systems. We, then, evaluate the effects of performing thermal throttling, a technique that clamps the on-chip temperature below a predefined value, on system performance and reliability. Our study shows that a reliably overclocked system, along with dynamic thermal throttling, achieves around 25% performance improvement, while operating within 355K.
The Methodology of Economics and the Case for Policy Diffidence and Restraint

The ‘testing of hypotheses’ is frequently merely a euphemism for obtaining plausible numbers to provide ceremonial adequacy for a theory chosen and defended on a priori grounds. (Harry G. Johnson) ... our choice is between forming these notions carelessly and forming them carefully. The harder the task, the greater the need for steady patient inquiry. (Alfred Marshall)
LEPIDOPTERAN CELL LINES AFTER LONG-TERM CULTURE IN ALTERNATIVE MEDIA: COMPARISON OF GROWTH RATES AND BACULOVIRUS REPLICATION

Three insect cell lines, IPLB-LdFB and IPLB-LdEIta from gypsy moth fat body and embryos and UFL-AG-286 from velvetbean caterpillar embryos, have been concurrently maintained for 1 to 12 yr on two media formulations, modified TC-100 containing 9% fetal bovine serum and Ex-cell 400, a commercial serum-free medium (SFM). Cells grown in each medium were tested for susceptibility to and productivity of various multiply embedded nucleopolyhedroviruses. The three lines chosen for these experiments fall into three categories of relative growth in SFM versus TC-100: LdFB cells grew similarly in each medium, LdEIta grew better in Ex-Cell than in TC-100, and AG-286 grew better in TC-100 than in Ex-Cell. The susceptibility of cells to infection also varies, although without any apparent correlation to which medium was best for supporting growth. Endpoint assays suggested that LdFB cells grown in serum-containing medium are more susceptible to virus infection than their SFM counterparts, while the opposite is true for LdEIta cells. Production of virus, based on numbers of occlusion bodies, showed fewer differences with only AcMNPV production with AG-286 in TC-100 being statistically higher than production of the same virus in Ex-cell 400. These studies suggest that long-term passage in alternative media may impact the ability of cells to support virus infection and replication, but the effects on each cell line and virus system need to be determined.
Significant Increases in Light Extraction From YAP:Ce Scintillators With a Uniform Surface Taper Modification at the Exit Boundary

A technique for increasing light extraction out of scintillation crystals has been developed by introducing a uniform surface taper at the exit boundary of thin YAP:Ce scintillators. This taper was introduced by precision machining pyramidal structures on the scintillator's surface on a scale significantly larger than the scale typical of surface roughness. Light extraction out of the crystal is increased because the surface modification significantly reduces the chance that light can be incident on the crystal's exit boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle for total internal reflection. For the best case, a factor of 4.8 increase in light collection was measured without optical coupling, relative to the same crystal with a normal, polished exit boundary. The characteristics of the etched surfaces were precisely quantified, and measured increases in light collection relative to a polished surface are presented. Gains in light extraction are interpreted through detailed light transport simulations, and good agreement between predicted and measured light collection was observed.
Effect of acute glucose depletion following glucose excess on surfactant phospholipid synthesis in developing fetal lung.

Exposure to high glucose and insulin inhibits surfactant synthesis in vitro. We have demonstrated that fetal lung insulin receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) activity is downregulated after culture in high glucose plus insulin, with a resultant decrease in glucose uptake. To see whether relative substrate depletion following substrate excess would further diminish surfactant synthesis, 20-day fetal rat lung explants were initially cultured for 44 hours in media containing 100 mM glucose with or without 0.1 U/mL insulin, followed by a 4-hour pulse in 10 mM glucose +/- insulin or 100 mM glucose +/- insulin, after which the rate of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC) or disaturated PC was measured. Choline incorporation was significantly lower after a 4-hour pulse in low glucose (+/- insulin) than under continuing high glucose (+/- insulin) conditions (P<.01). To determine the time required for reversal of TK downregulation in lung explants, insulin receptor TK activity was assayed after 44 hour...