cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccinia virus intermediate stage transcription is complemented by Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein (G3BP) and cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein (p137) individually or as a heterodimer.

Transcription of the DNA genome of vaccinia virus occurs in the cytoplasm and is temporally programmed by early, intermediate, and late stage-specific transcription factors in conjunction with a viral multisubunit RNA polymerase. The RNA polymerase, capping enzyme, and three factors (VITF-1, VITF-2, and VITF-3) are sufficient for in vitro transcription of a DNA template containing an intermediate stage promoter. Vaccinia virus intermediate transcription factor (VITF)-1 and -3 are virus-encoded, whereas VITF-2 was partially purified from extracts of uninfected HeLa cells. Using purified and recombinant viral proteins, we showed that the HeLa cell factor was required for transcription of linear or nicked circular templates but not of super coiled DNA. HeLa cell polypeptides of ∼110 and 66 kDa copurified with VITF-2 activity through multiple chromatographic steps. The polypeptides were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified by mass spectrometry as Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein (G3BP) and p137, recently named cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein-1. The co-purification of the two polypeptides with transcription-complementing activity was confirmed with specific antibodies, and their association with each other was demonstrated by affinity chromatography of tagged recombinant forms. Furthermore, recombinant G3BP and p137 expressed individually or together in mammalian or bacterial cells complemented the activity of the viral RNA polymerase and transcription factors. The involvement of cellular proteins in transcription of intermediate stage genes may regulate the transition between early and late phases of vaccinia virus replication.
A difference based approach to the semiparametric partial linear model

A commonly used semiparametric partial linear model is con- sidered. We propose analyzing this model using a difference based approach. The procedure estimates the linear component based on the differences of the observations and then estimates the nonparametric component by ei- ther a kernel or a wavelet thresholding method using the residuals of the linear fit. It is shown that both the estimator of the linear component and the estimator of the nonparametric component asymptotically perform as well as if the other component were known. The estimator of the linear com- ponent is asymptotically efficient and the estimator of the nonparametric component is asymptotically rate optimal. A test for linear combinations of the regression coefficients of the linear component is also developed. Both the estimation and the testing procedures are easily implementable. Nu- merical performance of the procedure is studied using both simulated and real data. In particular, we demonstrate our method in an analysis of an attitude data set as well as a data set from the Framingham Heart Study.
PocketTouch: through-fabric capacitive touch input

PocketTouch is a capacitive sensing prototype that enables eyes-free multitouch input on a handheld device without having to remove the device from the pocket of one's pants, shirt, bag, or purse. PocketTouch enables a rich set of gesture interactions, ranging from simple touch strokes to full alphanumeric text entry. Our prototype device consists of a custom multitouch capacitive sensor mounted on the back of a smartphone. Similar capabilities could be enabled on most existing capacitive touchscreens through low-level access to the capacitive sensor. We demonstrate how touch strokes can be used to initialize the device for interaction and how strokes can be processed to enable text recognition of characters written over the same physical area. We also contribute a comparative study that empirically measures how different fabrics attenuate touch inputs, providing insight for future investigations. Our results suggest that PocketTouch will work reliably with a wide variety of fabrics used in today's garments, and is a viable input method for quick eyes-free operation of devices in pockets.
Molecular insight into the association between cartilage regeneration and ear wound healing in genetic mouse models: Targeting new genes in regeneration

Tissue regeneration is a complex trait with few genetic models available. Mouse strains LG/J and MRL are exceptional healers. Using recombinant inbred strains from a large (LG/J, healer) and small (SM/J, nonhealer) intercross, we have previously shown a positive genetic correlation between ear wound healing, knee cartilage regeneration, and protection from osteoarthritis. We hypothesize that a common set of genes operates in tissue healing and articular cartilage regeneration. Taking advantage of archived histological sections from recombinant inbred strains, we analyzed expression of candidate genes through branched-chain DNA technology directly from tissue lysates. We determined broad-sense heritability of candidates, Pearson correlation of candidates with healing phenotypes, and Ward minimum variance cluster analysis for strains. A bioinformatic assessment of allelic polymorphisms within and near candidate genes was also performed. The expression of several candidates was significantly heritable among strains. Although several genes correlated with both ear wound healing and cartilage healing at a marginal level, the expression of four genes representing DNA repair (Xrcc2, Pcna) and Wnt signaling (Axin2, Wnt16) pathways was significantly positively correlated with both phenotypes. Cluster analysis accurately classified healers and nonhealers for seven out of eight strains based on gene expression. Specific sequence differences between LG/J and SM/J were identified as potential causal polymorphisms. Our study suggests a common genetic basis between tissue healing and osteoarthritis susceptibility. Mapping genetic variations causing differences in diverse healing responses in multiple tissues may reveal generic healing processes in pursuit of new therapeutic targets designed to induce or enhance regeneration and, potentially, protection from osteoarthritis.
A Bayesian approach to digital matting

This paper proposes a new Bayesian framework for solving the matting problem, i.e. extracting a foreground element from a background image by estimating an opacity for each pixel of the foreground element. Our approach models both the foreground and background color distributions with spatially-varying sets of Gaussians, and assumes a fractional blending of the foreground and background colors to produce the final output. It then uses a maximum-likelihood criterion to estimate the optimal opacity, foreground and background simultaneously. In addition to providing a principled approach to the matting problem, our algorithm effectively handles objects with intricate boundaries, such as hair strands and fur, and provides an improvement over existing techniques for these difficult cases.
Fisher Information as a Measure of Time

Fisher information I is a classical concept that originates in estimation theory. Through the Cramer-Rao inequality, it defines the smallest possible error in the estimation of a parameter in the presence of noise obeying a given probability law. More recently, Fisher information has been incorporated within a variational principle for forming the laws of physics (Schrodinger wave equation, Dirac equation, etc.). The premise is that dI / dt ≤ 0, with t the time, so that, at equilibrium, I = min. The premise has recently been proven for any process obeying a Fokker-Planck differential equation. Hence, Fisher information provides a new measure of the passage of time. All errors of estimation increase, on average, with time.
Fast optimization of electromagnetics design problems through the CMA evolutionary strategy

The design of antennas, frequency selective surfaces, arrays, and other electromagnetic devices often requires tuning of many geometric and material parameters to obtain a desired set of characteristics. Typically, a genetic algorithm, particle swarm, or other standard optimization technique is used to obtain a suitable set of parameters that fulfill the design criteria. Although these methods have been shown to be relatively robust and reliable, they often require long optimization times or function evaluations, usually in the form of many simulations, to find an acceptable solution. Many new and improved evolutionary strategies have arisen since the inception of the genetic algorithm [1] and particle swarm techniques. The covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES) is a recently designed algorithm that has generated a great deal of interest in the evolutionary computation community. In addition to being a fast strategy, CMA also requires very few algorithm parameters due to its adaptive nature, eliminating issues with user setting selections [2]. In this paper, this new algorithm is applied to an antenna optimization problem and comparisons are made to a particle swarm technique [3], demonstrating the appealing properties of CMA that make it ideally suited for electromagnetics design.
Shadows and deception: from Borelli's Theoricae to the Saggi of the Cimento

‘Poor Borelli!’ exclaimed Alexandre Koyre at the end of his wonderful and by now classic study of Borelli's ‘celestial mechanics’. Koyre frankly admitted that Borelli lacked Newton's genius and intellectual audacity. However, in his story Borelli deserved a place between Kepler and Newton for his ‘imperfect but decisive’ unification of terrestrial and celestial physics. This framework finds a powerful justification in Borelli's extensive usage of Keplerian astronomy and in Newton's references to Borelli's work on the Medicean planets, Theoricae mediceorum planetarum (Florence, 1666), both in his correspondence with Edmond Halley, with regard to a controversy with Robert Hooke, and in Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica (London, 1687). Newton's own copy of Borelli's work with signs of his reading – the famous dog-earings – is preserved in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge. The magnitude of Newton's achievement has haunted Borelli's work ever since Principia mathematica appeared in print. For example, although Christiaan Huygens was sent a copy of Borelli's book by Prince Leopold in 1666, his marginal annotations in his own copy of the book were written after he had read Newton's masterpiece, as if Huygens had felt the need to read the book again after 1687. From then onwards Borelli's work has almost inevitably appeared in a new light that has coloured its subsequent readings.My ambition in this paper is to provide a fresh reading of Borelli's work by reconstructing its circumstances of composition, establishing a comparison with a relevant strictly contemporary source, and attending to the immediate reception of Theoricae. Borelli's work was written with an eye to a composite audience including Roman Jesuits, Sicilian intellectual circles and Leopold de' Medici's correspondents across the Alps, such as the Copernican astronomer Ismael Boulliau in Paris. Borelli was aware that his Sicilian readers were likely to have different concerns from those of Roman Jesuits or the Medici. Thus the task of charting the reception of his work is a formidable one. For a variety of reasons, including availability of sources, limitations of space, taste and competence, my analysis of Borelli's work on the Medicean planets is limited to a few themes and is not only no less partial than Koyre's, but in many respects it relies on it. If readers feel stimulated to re-read Koyre's text, one of the aims of this paper will have been fulfilled.
Self-assembled monolayers for polymer and protein cationization with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry

Detection of cationized polymers and proteins with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry has been achieved using novel substrates consisting of carboxylic acid terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with silver ion substituted headgroups. However, other metal ions (Na, Cu, Tl, or Li) as SAM headgroups can be used as well. Polymers were deposited on the metal ion derivatized SAMs by spin coating while proteins were adsorbed onto the substrates. Control experiments carried out on nonsubstituted and methyl-terminated SAMs suggest that only metal ions in close proximity to the polymer can cationize the molecules and their fragments. Both cationized fragments and whole molecular species were observed for 1 kD polyethyleneoxide and low molecular weight proteins (<2 kD).
The politics of race in higher education: Governing boards and constituents

Recent theoretical and empirical contributions suggest that patterns of employment discrimination in the public sector can be interpreted as a consequence of political and structural factors in viewing the government as a vote-maximizing entity. According to the analysis presented in this paper, extensions of the discrimating vote-maximizing hypothesis to the higher education industry are also useful in explaining interstate differences in the relative ability of blacks to capture a more equitable share of publicly produced education. The basic empirical finding is that blacks' relative access to and success in public higher education, as measured by relative black enrollments and conferred degrees, is significantly improved by increased black political participation and representation in elected offices. Furthermore, the analysis implies that the organizational structure of higher education also matters. Governing boards enjoying longer terms of office appear to have a negative effect on black equality in public higher education. Although the evidence on this point was weak, further tests would be required before it could be completely dismissed. Finally, the empirical results indicate that the recent structural trend toward fewer governing boards and greater concentration of board power have the likely effect of decreasing blacks' access to and success in higher education. Overall, these findings lend additional support to the present extensions of the vote-maximizing hypothesis in explaining patterns of discrimination in the public sector.
The PIR integrated protein databases and data retrieval system

The Protein Information Resource (PIR) provides many databases and tools to support genomic and proteomic research. PIR is a member of UniProt—Universal Protein Resource—the central repository of protein sequence and function, which maintains UniProt Knowledgebase with extensively curated annotation, UniProt Reference databases to speed sequence searches, and UniProt Archive to reflect sequence history. PIR also provides PIRSF family classification system based on evolutionary relationships of full-length proteins, and iProClass integrated database of protein family, function, and structure. These databases are easily accessible from PIR web site using a centralized data retrieval system for information retrieval and knowledge discovery.
Antihypertensive medication classes used among medicare beneficiaries initiating treatment in 2007-2010.

Background After the 2003 publication of the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines, there was a 5–10% increase in patients initiating antihypertensive medication with a thiazide-type diuretic, but most patients still did not initiate treatment with this class. There are few contemporary published data on antihypertensive medication classes filled by patients initiating treatment. Methods and Findings We used the 5% random Medicare sample to study the initiation of antihypertensive medication between 2007 and 2010. Initiation was defined by the first antihypertensive medication fill preceded by 365 days with no antihypertensive medication fills. We restricted our analysis to beneficiaries ≥65 years who had two or more outpatient visits with a hypertension diagnosis and full Medicare fee-for-service coverage for the 365 days prior to initiation of antihypertensive medication. Between 2007 and 2010, 32,142 beneficiaries in the 5% Medicare sample initiated antihypertensive medication. Initiation with a thiazide-type diuretic decreased from 19.2% in 2007 to 17.9% in 2010. No other changes in medication classes initiated occurred over this period. Among those initiating antihypertensive medication in 2010, 31.3% filled angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), 26.9% filled beta blockers, 17.2% filled calcium channel blockers, and 14.4% filled angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Initiation with >1 antihypertensive medication class decreased from 25.6% in 2007 to 24.1% in 2010. Patients initiated >1 antihypertensive medication class most commonly with a thiazide-type diuretic and either an ACE-I or ARB. Conclusion These results suggest that JNC 7 had a limited long-term impact on the choice of antihypertensive medication class and provide baseline data prior to the publication of the 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults from the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8).
Oxygen isotope evidence for the late Cenozoic development of an orographic rain shadow in eastern Washington, USA

Topographic development of the southern Washington Cascade Range and its influence on regional climate on the leeward side of the range for the past 15.6 m.y. are evaluated, using oxygen isotope ratios (d 18 O) of ancient meteoric water recorded in authigenic smec- tites. The d 18 O values of authigenic smectites from paleosols and altered tuffs on the east side of the range exhibit a temporal and continuous decrease of ;3‰-4‰ from 15.6 Ma to the present. Taking into account a regional temperature change in eastern Washington since the middle Miocene, the calculated d 18 O values of regional meteoric water show a negative shift of ;3.5‰-4.5‰ over the same interval. Such a decrease is similar to the change in the d 18 O values of modern precipitation from the coastal side to a region down- wind of the Washington Cascades. This negative shift of the calculated d 18 O values on the east side of the range is best explained by the development of a rain shadow due to the tectonic rock uplift of the Cascades during the late Cenozoic. Based on the empirically calculated relationship between change in elevation and change in the d 18 O value of pre- cipitation, paleorelief of the southern Washington Cascades since 15.6 Ma is estimated to be ;1.2-1.7 km.
Performance of parallel logic event simulation on PC-cluster

PC-cluster is becoming more and more popular in many scientific and engineering applications, but not in electronic design areas. One of the reasons that parallel simulations have not been popularized is due to the high cost of frequent communications of small messages. Several simulation techniques have been aggressively studied and developed in the past ten years. These studies mostly focused on parallel VHDL simulation. In this paper, we show the effects of PC-cluster communication latencies on the performance of parallel discrete event simulation. We performed the experiments with two equivalent 8-node PC-cluster systems, one with regular Ethernet cards and one with Myrinet network cards. In order to study the effects of communication costs on the overall performance of parallel simulation algorithms, our study concentrates on fundamental techniques of discrete parallel event simulation scheme. The simulation processes are synchronized by the time warp mechanism and the problem domain is partitioned for best parallel performance. The speedup results show that although current PC-cluster technology is ready for parallel logic simulator, even for high-demanding communication applications, new algorithms that can avoid or minimize the computational rolling-back must be developed in order to catch up the rapid advancement of microprocessor technologies.
Perceiving pitch absolutely: comparing absolute and relative pitch possessors in a pitch memory task.

The perceptual-cognitive mechanisms and neural correlates of Absolute Pitch (AP) are not fully understood. The aim of this fMRI study was to examine the neural network underlying AP using a pitch memory experiment and contrasting two groups of musicians with each other, those that have AP and those that do not. We found a common activation pattern for both groups that included the superior temporal gyrus (STG) extending into the adjacent superior temporal sulcus (STS), the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) extending into the adjacent intraparietal sulcus (IPS), the posterior part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), and superior lateral cerebellar regions. Significant between-group differences were seen in the left STS during the early encoding phase of the pitch memory task (more activation in AP musicians) and in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL)/intraparietal sulcus (IPS) during the early perceptual phase (ITP 0–3) and later working memory/multimodal encoding phase of the pitch memory task (more activation in non-AP musicians). Non-significant between-group trends were seen in the posterior IFG (more in AP musicians) and the IPL (more anterior activations in the non-AP group and more posterior activations in the AP group). Since the increased activation of the left STS in AP musicians was observed during the early perceptual encoding phase and since the STS has been shown to be involved in categorization tasks, its activation might suggest that AP musicians involve categorization regions in tonal tasks. The increased activation of the right SPL/IPS in non-AP musicians indicates either an increased use of regions that are part of a tonal working memory (WM) network, or the use of a multimodal encoding strategy such as the utilization of a visual-spatial mapping scheme (i.e., imagining notes on a staff or using a spatial coding for their relative pitch height) for pitch information.
Crystal Structure of Lithium at 4.2 K

The (heretofore unknown) crystal structure of lithium at low temperature is identified to be close-packed rhombohedral $9R$. The stacking order of the hexagonal layers is $ABCBCA\ensuremath{-}CAB$, a nine-layer repeat sequence. There are three atoms per primitive rhombohedral cell, and nine in the (nonprimitive) hexagonal cell. The only other element with this structure is samarium.
Interaction of Calcium and Phytate in Broiler Diets. 2. Effects on Total and Soluble Phosphorus Excretion

Dietary Ca has been reported to influence the amount of phytate excreted from broilers and affect the solubility of P in excreta. To address the effects of dietary Ca and phytate on P excretion, 12 dietary treatments were fed to broilers from 16 to 21 d of age. Treatments consisted of 3 levels of phytate P (0.10, 0.24, and 0.28%) and 4 levels of Ca (0.47, 0.70, 0.93, and 1.16%) in a randomized complete block design. Feed phytate concentrations were varied by formulating diets with 3 different soybean meals (SBM): a low-phytate SBM, a commercial SBM, and a high phytate Prolina SBM having phytate P concentrations of 0.15 to 0.51%. Fresh excreta was collected from cages during 2 separate 24-h periods; collection I commenced after the start of dietary treatments (16 to 17 d) and collection II followed a 3-d adaptation period (19 to 20 d). Ileal samples were also collected at 21 d. Excreta samples were analyzed for total P, water soluble P (WSP), and phytate P, whereas ileal samples were analyzed for total P and phytate P. Results indicated that excreta total P could be reduced by up to 63% and WSP by up to 66% with dietary inclusion of low-phytate SBM. There was a significant effect of dietary Ca on both the excreta WSP and the ratio of WSP:total P. As dietary Ca increased, the excreta WSP and WSP:total P decreased, with the effects being more pronounced following a dietary adaptation period. There was a linear relationship between the slope of the response in WSP to dietary Ca and feed phytate content for excreta from collection II (r(2) = 0.99). There was also a negative correlation between excreta phytate concentration and excreta WSP during both excreta collections. The response in WSP to dietary manipulation was important from an environmental perspective because WSP in excreta has been related to potential for off-site P losses following land application.
Influence of substrate orientation on feeding kinematics and performance of algae-grazing Lake Malawi cichlid fishes

Lake Malawi cichlids have been studied extensively in an effort to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their adaptive radiation. Both habitat partitioning and trophic specialization have been suggested to be critical ecological axes underlying the exceptional diversification of these fishes, but the mechanisms facilitating this divergence are often unclear. For instance, in the rock-dwelling mbuna of Lake Malawi, coexistence is likely tightly linked to how and where species feed on the algae coating all the surfaces of the rocky reefs they exclusively inhabit. Yet, although mbuna species often preferentially graze from particular substrate orientations, we understand very little about how substrate orientation influences feeding kinematics or feeding rates in any group of organisms. Therefore, for three species of mbuna, we quantified feeding kinematics and inferred the rates that algae could be ingested on substrates that mimicked the top, side and bottom of the algae-covered boulders these species utilize in Lake Malawi. A number of differences in feeding kinematics were found among species, and several of the kinematic variables were found to differ even within species when the fish grazed from different surface orientations. However, despite their preferences for particular microhabitats, we found no evidence for clear trade-offs in the rates that the three species were inferred to be able to obtain algae from different substrate orientations. Nevertheless, our results indicate microhabitat divergence linked to differences in feeding kinematics could have played a role in the origin and maintenance of the vast diversity of co-occurring Lake Malawi mbuna species.
Unhappily Ever After: Effects of Long-Term, Low-Quality Marriages on Well-Being

The present study shows that long-term, low-quality marriages have significant negative effects on overall well-being. We utilize a nationally representative longitudinal study with a multi-item marital quality scale that allows us to track unhappy marriages over a 12-year period and to assess marital happiness along many dimensions. Remaining unhappily married is associated with significantly lower levels of overall happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem and overall health along with elevated levels of psychological distress compared to remaining otherwise continuously married. There is also some evidence that staying unhappily married is more detrimental than divorcing, as people in low-quality marriages are less happy than individuals who divorce and remarry. They also have lower levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem and overall health than individuals who divorce and remain unmarried. Unhappily married people may have greater odds of improving their well-being by dissolving their low-quality unions as there is no evidence that they are better off in any aspect of overall well-being than those who divorce.
Categorical Ontology of Levels and Emergent Complexity: An Introduction

An overview of the following three related papers in this issue presents the Emergence of Highly Complex Systems such as living organisms, man, society and the human mind from the viewpoint of the current Ontological Theory of Levels. The ontology of spacetime structures in the Universe is discussed beginning with the quantum level; then, the striking emergence of the higher levels of reality is examined from a categorical—relational and logical viewpoint. The ontological problems and methodology aspects discussed in the first two papers are followed by a rigorous paper based on Category Theory, Algebraic Topology and Logic that provides a conceptual and mathematical basis for a Categorical Ontology Theory of Levels. The essential links and relationships between the following three papers of this issue are pointed out, and further possible developments are being considered.
On-demand Overlay Networks for Large Scientific Data Transfers

Large scale scientific data transfers are central to scientific processes. Data from large experimental facilities have to be moved to local institutions for analysis or often data needs to be moved between local clusters and large supercomputing centers. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a network overlay architecture to enable high-throughput, on-demand, coordinated data transfers over wide-area networks. Our work leverages Phoebus and On-demand Secure Circuits and Advance Reservation System (OSCARS) to provide high performance wide-area network connections. OSCARS enables dynamic provisioning of network paths with guaranteed bandwidth and Phoebus enables the coordination and effective utilization of the OSCARS network paths. Our evaluation shows that this approach leads to improved end-to-end data transfer throughput with minimal overheads. The achieved throughput using our overlay was limited only by the ability of the end hosts to sink the data.
Separability and the Existence of Aggregates

If a continuous real-valued function Φ in n variables x1,...,xn has the representation $$ \Phi ({x_1},...,{x_n}) = F(f({x_{1,...,}}{x_k}),{x_{k + 1}},...,{x_n}) $$ (1.1) where F and f are continuous real-valued functions, then the function is said to be (continuously) separable in the subset of variables x1,...,xk. The concept of separability is intimately tied with the concept of aggregation and indices: If Φ is a function which gives the interrelationship among n economic quantities x1,...,xn, then a function f may serve as an aggregate for the quantities x1,...,xk when and only when (1.1) holds; moreover, f may qualify as a quantity index for x1,...,xk if it has certain desired properties such as monotonicity (see Eichhorn [4] for a methodological definition of economic indices).
Financial Transparency and Reform: Dodd-Frank, IFRS, and XBRL

The SEC has proved it is difficult for a regulatory body to keep up with financial innovation. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are designed to require adherence only to those transaction types specifically named in regulation. While International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) address this by enabling more abstract, principles-based regulatory compliance, they also allow as a consequence for more management manipulation of earnings, and have proven logistically and politically unlikely to be successfully integrated with GAAP in the US. Dodd-Frank attempts to adjust the regulatory framework after the fact, but does nothing to address the potential for capture, or the process of information digestion needed for accurate regulation. Regulatory capture is more likely and more likely to be dominant in a traditionally self-regulated, highly-skilled market, which perfectly describes the market for accounting and financial information. Kenneth Button noted in an analysis of air transport regulation that, "The regulatory body had a vested interest in avoiding excessive confrontation. The industry had control over cost information, and there was no incentive to keep costs down when any increase could be passed on to customers." In the case of the accounting industry (and accordingly, the industry for dissemination of accurate and timely financial accounting information), these cost increases could be passed to consumers initially indirectly through encouraging investment in overvalued securities, and later directly through bailouts. Button continues: "Combating this was difficult for the authorities who, in any case, had minimal incentive to be too robust in their application of the rules because the appearance of high complexity (or 'really tough' reform, in the case of Dodd-Frank) justified larger bureaucracies." The central question is how to enable regulators to regulate efficiently and effectively. How can they have real-time access to transparent financial data, cheaply, while making that data available to the entire public, including those lacking technical backgrounds in accounting, finance, or information technology? Open government data in this area is critical to educated and active democratic participation, and will help to counter corruption. The answer lies in decreasing the costs of obtaining and providing accurate and timely financial information, to provide transparency into the financial positions of not just financial institutions, but all publicly-traded companies, and the regulatory agencies themselves. How can the US government best promote democratic accountability, critical to competitiveness and the public trust required for a democratic system to function? The answer is Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), a semantic-web based technology for financial data that could provide infinitely more accurate financial reporting and audit for private firms and government agencies alike.
Automated Highway Systems: an Example of Hierarchical Control

Automated Highway Systems combine control, communication and Computing technologies in ways that promise dramatic increases in safety and high-way capacity without building new roads. This paper outlines key features of one AHS proposal, presents a hierarchical control architecture, and shows the importance of verification and design of hybrid Systems.
Creating Modern Japanese Subjects: Morning Rituals from Norito to News and Weather

This original research on Restoration Shinto Norito seeks to explain the rhetorical devices used in the composition of a morning prayer ritual text. The nativist scholar, Hirata Atsutane, crafted this ritual to create a Japanese imperial subject with a particular understanding of native identity and national unity, appropriate to the context of a Japan in the shadow of impending modernity and fear of Western domination. The conclusions drawn concerning Hirata’s rhetoric are meant to inform our understanding of the technique and power of the contemporary Japanese morning television viewing ritual used to create post-modern Japanese citizens with an identity and unity appropriate to a global secular context.
Dithiocarbamates as capping ligands for water-soluble quantum dots.

We investigated the suitability of dithiocarbamate (DTC) species as capping ligands for colloidal CdSe-ZnS quantum dots (QDs). DTC ligands are generated by reacting carbon disulfide (CS2) with primary or secondary amines on appropriate precursor molecules. A biphasic exchange procedure efficiently replaces the existing hydrophobic capping ligands on the QD surface with the newly formed DTCs. The reaction conversion is conveniently monitored by UV−vis absorption spectroscopy. Due to their inherent water solubility and variety of side chain functional groups, we used several amino acids as precursors in this reaction/exchange procedure. The performance of DTC-ligands, as evaluated by the preservation of luminescence and colloidal stability, varied widely among amino precursors. For the best DTC-ligand and QD combinations, the quantum yield of the water-soluble QDs rivaled that of the original hydrophobic-capped QDs dispersed in organic solvents. The mean density of DTC-ligands per nanocrystal was estimated ...
Simultaneous Dynamic Pupil Coding with On-chip Coded Aperture Temporal Imaging

We describe a new sensor that combines dynamic pupil coding with a digital readout integrated circuit (DROIC) capable of modulating a scene with a global or per-pixel time-varying, pseudo-random, and duo-binary signal (+1-1,0).
EFFECT OF HYOCHOLIC ACID ON CHOLESTEROL AND BILE ACID METABOLISM IN THE MOUSE.

SummaryHyocholic acid effectively prevented accumulation of dietary cholesterol in mice fed diets supplemented with cholesterol but had little or no effect on tissue cholesterol concentrations in mice fed normal diets. Treating mice with antibiotics largely reversed the effect of hyocholic acid, and permitted the accumulation of dietary cholesterol in hyocholic acid-treated mice. It was demonstrated that the hypocholesteremic effect is probably mediated by hyodeoxycholic acid, which arises from the action of intestinal bacteria on hyocholic acid. In animals which received hyocholic or hyodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid disappeared from the bile acid spectrum of the small intestine. Treatment with antibiotics restored cholic acid to the bile acid spectrum of hyocholic acid-treated mice but not to that of hyodeoxycholic acid-treated mice.
CPA's Litigation Support and Expert Witness

This paper discusses the categories for CPA to perform the litigation support, the rights and duties for expert witness, the occasions for witness. The author points out six notable problems when CPA acts as an expert witness.
Localizaton of fibrin converted by thrombin from released platelet fibrinogen.

Treatment of platelets (10(9) cells/ml) with thrombin (1 U/ml) resulted in rapid disappearance of fibrinogen from the system as measured by the tanned red cell hemagglutination inhibition immunoassay (TRCHII). Plasmin digestion of individual pellet and supernatant fractions that had been previously separated from thrombin-treated platelet suspensions by centrifugation resulted in recovery of TRCHII-detectable material in platelet pellets. To elucidate the specific association of fibrin to platelet membranes, control and thrombin-treated platelets were homogenized by a modified glycerol-loading and nitrogen decompression technique. Ultracentrifugation of homogenates through 27% sucrose cushions yielded three subcellular fractions: supernatant, small membrane vesicles, and a particulate fraction for controls; and supernatant membrane vesicles, and aggregated membrane “ghosts” for thrombin preparations. Ultrastructurally identifiable fibrin was noted only in the thrombin fraction containing membrane ghosts. Fibrinogen recovered from 3 thrombin fractions was markedly decreased (3% of the control). Plasmin digestion produced 23% and 46-fold increase in TRCHII- detectable material from 3 subcellular fractions of control and thrombin preparations, respectively. More than 97% of TRCHII material recovered from thrombin preparations was in the fraction containing aggregated membrane fractions. Results suggest that platelet plasma membranes function as surfaces for fibrin deposition.
Endothelial and epithelial sources of endothelin-1 in sheep bronchi

Airway smooth muscle tone and growth is regulated by endothelin-1 (ET-1), but the sources of ET-1 in the airway wall have not been clearly defined. We therefore wished to estimate the relative contributions of the epithelium and endothelium to ET-1 production in the bronchi (mean ID 1.7-4.9 mm) of mature normal sheep. Morphometric assessment of bronchial cross-sections revealed a number of epithelial cells three times greater than endothelial cells by direct cell count. In contrast, the overall cell surface density was five to six times greater, and the airway smooth muscle-centered cell surface density was three to four times greater for endothelial cells than for epithelial cells. The expression of preproendothelin-1 mRNA was detected in cultured aortic endothelial cells (as a substitute for bronchial endothelial cells) but not in cultured bronchial epithelial cells, and the former secreted seven times more immunoreactive ET-1 than the latter. These findings show that topographically the endothelium is better positioned for the regulation of ovine bronchial smooth muscle than the epithelium. Furthermore, the findings suggest greater constitutive ET-1 secretion by cultured endothelium than by epithelium.
Fishery composition and evidence of population structure and hybridization in the Atlantic bonefish species complex (Albula spp.)

The distributions, genetic structure, and occurrence of hybrids were explored among three Atlantic bonefishes (Albula spp.), to determine recreational fishery composition, using 19 microsatellite loci. Between 1977 and 2012, study specimens were obtained from 14 locations across the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean, with an external collection from the eastern Atlantic. The species were broadly sympatric across the region, though occurrence at the local level was variable, likely due to habitat partitioning. Albula vulpes appeared to be the primary contributor to the recreational fishery, which occurs predominantly in coastal flats habitats. Unexpected, non-geographic population partitioning was identified within all three species. Robust evidence for two genetic populations of A. vulpes was further supported by hypothesis testing for migration patterns between them. The potential existence of two quasi-discrete spawning groups (fall and spring) within species may explain the observed partitions. Patterns of interspecific hybridization were explored to further inform management and conservation efforts. Hybrids were observed at low frequency (40 individuals, equaling a 1.5 % hybridization rate), and most were collected from Florida and The Bahamas. Our results suggest that a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic semipermeable barriers to gene flow exists among these divergent species. These findings are congruent with previous studies that revealed substantial genetic divergence among these secondarily sympatric bonefishes. Further, clarification is provided on regional distributions and the composition of the economically and culturally important recreational fishery. On first order, management efforts would have the greatest impact if focused on A. vulpes populations and their preferred habitat.
Fluid and Resistive Tethered Lipid Membranes on Nanoporous Substrates

Cell membranes perform important biological roles including compartmentalization, signaling, and transport of nutrients. Supported lipid membranes mimic the behavior of cell membranes and are an important model tool for studying membrane properties in a controlled laboratory environment. Lipid membranes may be supported on solid substrates; however, protein and lipid interactions with the substrate typically result in their denaturation. In this report, we demonstrate the formation of intact lipid membranes tethered on nanoporous metal thin films obtained via a dealloying process. Uniform lipid membranes were formed when the surface defect density of the nanoporous metal film was significantly reduced through a two-step dealloying process reported here. We show that the tethered lipid membranes on nanoporous metal substrates maintain both fluidity and electrical resistivity, which are key attributes to naturally occurring lipid membranes. The lipid assemblies supported on nanoporous metals provide a new platform for investigating lipid membrane properties, and potentially membrane proteins, for numerous applications including next generation biosensor platforms, targeted drug-delivery, and energy harvesting devices.
Phosphorus-31 and Sodium-23 NMR Studies of Diamagnetic Metal Ion Binding to Phosphatidylserine Vesicles

Changes in P-31 chemical shifts and relaxation times demonstrate that Ca2+ binds to the phosphate group of phosphatidylserine (PS) and restricts the motion of this group more than does Mg2+. Smaller differences in P-31 shifts and relaxation occur if tetramethylammonium is substituted for Na+ or the bulk concentration of Na+ is decreased. These latter changes support the conclusion from a Na-23 relaxation rate study that Na+ binds specifically to the PS headgroup.
Abstract 582: Novel insights into the antitumor activity of an antibody specific for transferrin receptor 1 (ch128.1) in anin vivomodel of human multiple myeloma

The transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), also known as CD71, is a type II transmembrane homodimeric protein involved in cellular iron uptake and regulation of cell growth. The high levels of TfR1 expression on cancer cells, its extracellular accessibility, and its central role in cancer pathology make it an attractive target for antibody-mediated cancer therapy. We have previously developed a mouse/human chimeric IgG3 specific for human TfR1 (ch128.1), which exhibits direct cytotoxic activity against certain human malignant B cells in vitro through TfR1 degradation and iron deprivation. In addition, we showed that ch128.1 is capable of inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CDC) against malignant B cells in vitro. Importantly, ch128.1 shows exceptional antitumor activity in xenograft models of disseminated multiple myeloma (MM) in immunosuppressed mice (SCID-Beige) in an early disease setting. Intriguingly, this activity is observed even in malignant cells that show no sensitivity to the direct cytotoxic activity of ch128.1 in vitro. In order to study the mechanism of the in vivo antitumor activity, we generated a ch128.1 mutant with abolished binding to FcγR and the complement component C1q (L234A/L235A/P331S). Interestingly, this antibody mutant exhibited a total lack of in vivo protection against MM. This lack of antitumor activity is not due to increased clearance as determined by bioavailability studies. If fact, the two antibodies showed comparable affinity for the mouse FcRn (the neonatal Fc receptor, also known as the Brambell receptor) as determined via surface plasmon resonance analysis. This result suggests a critical role for the antibody Fc fragment in ch128.1-mediated antitumor activity. However, preliminary in vivo studies showed that depletion of complement using cobra venom factor (CVF) does not decrease the antitumor activity of ch128.1, suggesting that CDC is not a relevant mechanism of action, at least in the model used. Furthermore, we recently found that treatment with ch128.1 also significantly increased survival in late MM disease. Further studies aiming to provide a better understanding of the in vivo activity conferred by this antibody are in progress. Our results suggest that ch128.1 can be effective in the therapy of incurable human B-cell malignancies such as MM. Citation Format: Lai Sum Leoh, Yoon Kyung Kim, Otoniel Martinez-Maza, Tracy R. Daniels-Wells, Manuel L. Penichet. Novel insights into the antitumor activity of an antibody specific for transferrin receptor 1 (ch128.1) in an in vivo model of human multiple myeloma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 582.
Extension Staffing Models to Serve 4-H Clientele in Changing Times

In response to budget cuts in 2002, 4-H staffing models were restructured. The response by University of Idaho Extension was intended to continue meeting the needs of Idaho’s citizens with fewer UI Extension faculty. This staffing reorganization led to the formation of the District III 4-H Team who united to bring stronger 4-H programs to south central Idaho and expand programs to underserved audiences. Information from surveys and interviews over the past seven years reflects the effectiveness, challenges and successes of the District III 4-H Team. In Making the Best Better: 4-H Staffing Patterns and Trends in the Largest Professional Network in the Nation (2007), author Kirk A. Astroth notes a nationwide change in 4-H leadership at the county level from 4-H faculty to program assistants or coordinators. The information gathered in our research may help other states determine staffing models to meet the needs of clientele in these changing times.