cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diepoxybutane induces the expression of a novel p53-target gene XCL1 that mediates apoptosis in exposed human lymphoblasts.

Diepoxybutane (DEB) is the most potent active metabolite of the environmental chemical 1,3-butadiene (BD). BD is a human carcinogen that exhibits multiorgan systems toxicity. Our previous studies demonstrated that the X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (XCL1) gene expression was upregulated 3.3-fold in a p53-dependent manner in TK6 lymphoblasts undergoing DEB-induced apoptosis. The tumor-suppressor p53 protein is a transcription factor that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes, including apoptosis, through its various target genes. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether XCL1 is a novel direct p53 transcriptional target gene and deduce its role in DEB-induced toxicity in human lymphoblasts. We utilized the bioinformatics tool p53scan to search for known p53 consensus sequences within the XCL1 promoter region. The XCL1 gene promoter region was found to contain the p53 consensus sequences 5'-AGACATGCCTAGACATGCCT-3' at three positions relative to the transcription start site (TSS). Furthermore, the XCL1 promoter region was found, through reporter gene assays, to be transactivated at least threefold by wild-type p53 promoter in DEB-exposed human lymphoblasts. Inactivation of the XCL1 promoter p53-binding motif located at -2.579 kb relative to TSS reduced the transactivation function of p53 on this promoter in DEB-exposed cells by 97%. Finally, knockdown of XCL1 messenger RNA with specific small interfering RNA inhibited DEB-induced apoptosis in human lymphoblasts by 50%. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, that XCL1 is a novel DEB-induced direct p53 transcriptional target gene that mediates apoptosis in DEB-exposed human lymphoblasts.
Scalable and Robust Outlier Detector using Hierarchical Clustering and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network for the Internet of Things

Abstract The emerging centralized entities, like cloud, edge, or Software-Defined Network (SDN), make automated decisions for the Internet of Things (IoT) applications based on the measured data from several sensors. However, the malicious injection of the anomalies or outliers in measured sensor data may disrupt the automated decision making capabilities of the applications running at the centralized location. Therefore, the detection of such outliers is an essential problem for IoT that needs to be researched out. This paper presents a scalable outlier detector that uses Hierarchical clustering in conjunction with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. Hierarchical clustering provides scalability to the outlier detector by finding correlated sensors. The LSTM neural network is coupled with the robust statistics, M-estimator, to accurately detect outliers in time-series data. The simulation results on different data-sets show that the proposed method has an accuracy of more than 90% for different attack strength. Also, the model parameter can be tuned according to the application requirement so that the outlier detector can be tailored to either precision or recall sensitive.
Candesartan could ameliorate the COVID-19 cytokine storm.

Abstract Background Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reducing inflammation and protecting lung and brain function, could be of therapeutic efficacy in COVID-19 patients. Methods Using GSEA, we compared our previous transcriptome analysis of neurons injured by glutamate and treated with the ARB Candesartan (GSE67036) with transcriptional signatures from SARS-CoV-2 infected primary human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and lung postmortem (GSE147507), PBMC and BALF samples (CRA002390) from COVID-19 patients. Results Hundreds of genes upregulated in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 transcriptomes were similarly upregulated by glutamate and normalized by Candesartan. Gene Ontology analysis revealed expression profiles with greatest significance and enrichment, including proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine activity, the NF-kappa B complex, alterations in innate and adaptive immunity, with many genes participating in the COVID-19 cytokine storm. Conclusions There are similar injury mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 infection and neuronal injury, equally reduced by ARB treatment. This supports the hypothesis of a therapeutic role for ARBs, ameliorating the COVID-19 cytokine storm.
Abstract P123: Accuracy Of Hypertensive Emergency Diagnosis Code In Administrative Database: Insights From National Inpatient Sample 2017

Background: Hypertensive emergency (HTNE) diagnostic code was introduced, in the US, in October 2016 to improve identification of patients with end-organ damage due to high blood pressure but its i...
A novel physiologic marker of bulbar motor involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Jaw muscle synergy.

Abstract Objective To identify a novel physiologic marker of bulbar motor involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on jaw muscle synergies. Methods Muscle synergies were extracted from the surface electromyographic recordings of five jaw muscles during speech in 11 individuals at the prodromal or symptomatic stages of bulbar ALS and 10 neurologically-healthy controls, using non-negative matrix factorization. The disrupted muscle synergies in ALS were identified; their efficacy in differentiating individuals with ALS from healthy controls and relation to the previously-reported kinematic and functional speech deficits were determined. Results An antagonist synergy (i.e., masseter × digastric) was significantly disrupted in ALS, which differentiated individuals with ALS from healthy controls with 82% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Such a disruption occurred prodromally and was associated with slowed jaw movement and reduced speaking rate across the range of severity. Conclusions The disruption of jaw antagonist synergy in ALS likely reflects the impact of impaired neural drive on the coordinative functioning of bulbar muscles, which may be used to assess bulbar motor involvement. Significance Jaw antagonist synergy shows promise as a novel physiologic marker of bulbar motor involvement in ALS, which has the potential to serve as a quantitative measurement tool for bulbar assessment.
Comparison of surface energy and adhesion energy of surface-treated particles

Abstract The mineral industry uses tremendous amounts of water every year in the processing of ores. Sustainable practices associated with the processing of ores are, therefore, of critical importance. The project described herein is the first step toward producing a dry, particle-separation process based upon control and exploitation of adhesive forces. In this research, the goal is to determine the surface energy of particles, and further, whether the solid surface energy can be used to understand the adhesion between these particles and surface-modified substrates. Glass spheres were chosen to represent silicate minerals, the most abundant type of minerals found in mineral deposits. The solid surface energy was found by using contact angle measurements and by applying the van Oss-Good-Chaudhury (VOGC) method. The VOGC method utilizes three-liquid triads to determine the Lifshitz-van der Waals, Lewis acid and Lewis base surface energy components. Surface energies from plasma-cleaned glass were between 40.2 and 60.2 mJ/m2; for the same glass with a hydrophobic chemical surface treatment, trichloro(octadecyl)silane (TCOD), the surface energy was between 20.8 and 20.9 mJ/m2; and for the glass with a hydrophilic chemical surface treatment (n1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (TMPA)) the surface energy was between 46.3 and 61.6 mJ/m2. The particle-substrate adhesion was also measured using a mechanical impact tester. Glass disks and beads were used, cleaned and surface treated with TCOD and TMPA. A custom horizontal impact tester was designed and used to measure the adhesion force between the glass spheres and a glass disk substrate. Impact of the disk/particle puck causes particle removal as tensile forces act on the particles. The tensile detachment force and adhesive force are equal at a critical particle size. Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory was used to determine the interfacial energy between the particles and the surface. The average interfacial energy of plasma cleaned glass, glass treated with TCOD and with TMPA were 44.8 mJ/m2, 21.6 mJ/m2, and 40.1 mJ/m2, respectively. These values are in good agreement with the literature values and with the interfacial energy determined using the VOGC method described above, demonstrating that two approaches compare favorably, despite the dramatically different methods (molecular vs mechanical) utilized.
MELD and MELD XI Scores as Predictors of Mortality After Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis.

Abstract Objective To assess the association between the preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and MELD-XI (exclude international normalized ratio) score and outcomes in patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis. Patients and Methods Patients >18 years of age undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis between January 1, 2007, and October 12, 2017, were analyzed with data for MELD and MELD-XI score calculation within 30 days preoperatively. The association between the MELD and MELD-XI scoring systems and risk of postoperative outcomes was assessed in regression models adjusting for relevant covariates. The primary outcome was operative mortality (death within 90 days or in hospital). Secondary outcomes included various measures of postoperative morbidity. Results A total of 175 and 226 patients had data for MELD/MELD-XI, respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 8.7%. When stratified into tertiles of MELD-XI, the unadjusted risk of 90-day mortality was 2.7%, 8.2%, and 16.0%, respectively. In Cox regression models fitted for MELD-XI and MELD, higher scores associated with increased risk of mortality (P Conclusion Among patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis, MELD-XI and MELD were associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Although the simpler MELD-XI score generally performed as well or better than MELD as a correlate of various outcomes, both scores can serve as a simple yet robust risk stratification tool for patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.
A Trusted Federated System to Share Granular Data Among Disparate Database Resources

Sharing data between organizations is difficult due to different database management systems imposing different schemas as well as security and privacy concerns. We leverage two proven NIST technologies to address the problem: Next Generation Database Access Control and the data block matrix.
Development of small-scale plutonium electrorefining in molten CaCl2

Abstract Molten salt extraction and electrorefining of plutonium were successfully conducted with only a 200-g initial charge. Due to this small scale, the electrorefining cell components were redesigned relative to conventional, multi-kg standards. The efficiency and yield of this small-scale process are comparable to those of larger-scale exemplars. Chemical analysis of the plutonium product and the anode heel is presented. The product was 99.8% pure. The anode heel was able to be depleted beyond the expected freezing point without significant impurity carryover.
The Effects of Casting Porosity on the Tensile Behavior of Investment Cast 17-4PH Stainless Steel

The effect of casting porosity on the mechanical behavior of investment cast 17-4PH stainless steel was studied as well as the effect of heat treatment on the alloy’s sensitivity to casting defects. Interdendritic porosity, formed during solidification and shrinkage of the alloy, reduces the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength roughly in proportion to the reduction in load bearing cross-section. The effects of casting porosity on ductility (% strain, % reduction in area) are more severe, in agreement with research on other alloy systems. In this study, 10% porosity reduced the ductility of 17-4PH stainless steel by almost 80% for the high-strength H925 condition. Tensile testing at -10°C (263 K) further reduces the alloy ductility with and without pores present. In the lower strength H1100 condition, the ductility is higher than the H925 condition, as expected, and somewhat less sensitive to porosity. By measuring the area % porosity on the fracture surface of tensile specimens, the trend in failure strain versus area % porosity was obtained and analyzed using two methods: an empirical approach to determine an index of defect susceptibility with a logarithmic fit and an analytical approach based on the constitutive stress-strain behavior and critical strain concentration in the vicinity of the casting voids. The applicability of the second method depends on the amount of non-uniform strain (necking) and, as such, the softer H1100 material did not correlate well to the model. The behavior of 17-4PH was compared to previous work on cast Al alloys, Mg alloys, and other cast materials.
Fuzzy set theoretic approaches to natural language in decision support systems

The problem that is addressed in this paper is depicted in Figure 1. In particular, the following questions are addressed here: To what extent can fuzzy set theory be applied as an interface to (ambiguous) natural language descriptions of problems for which a computer resident DSS was designed to handle? Can both precise and ambiguous natural language descriptions be handled by fuzzy set theory in a robust way?
Semi-coupled dictionary learning for deformation prediction

We propose a coupled dictionary learning method to predict deformation fields based on image appearance. Rather than estimating deformations by standard image registration methods, we investigate how to obtain a basis of the space of deformations. In particular, we explore how image appearance differences with respect to a common atlas image can be used to predict deformations represented by such a basis. We use a coupled dictionary learning method to jointly learn a basis for image appearance differences and their related deformations. Our proposed method is based on local image patches. We evaluate our method on synthetically generated datasets as well as on a structural magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI) dataset. Our method results in an improved prediction accuracy while reducing the search space compared to nearest neighbor search and demonstrates that learning a deformation basis is feasible.
MoireTrees: visualization and interaction for multi-hierarchical data

Visualizing hierarchical data is one of the core areas of information visualization. Most of these techniques focus on single hierarchies—hierarchies with a single root element and a single path to each element. In contrast, this work focuses on the browsing of multi-hierarchies—hierarchies with multiple roots or multiple paths per element. A radial focus+context display algorithm and interaction methods are introduced to explore such multi-hierarchical data. A series of examples demonstrate the effectiveness of our new visualization.
Efficacy and safety of ketamine in patients with complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review.

Despite being a recognized clinical entity for over 140 years, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) remains a difficult-to-treat condition. While there have been multiple therapies explored in the treatment of CRPS, NMDA antagonists such as ketamine continue to hold significant interest because of their potential ability to alter the central sensitization noted in chronic pain states. The objective of this review is to identify published literature for evidence of the efficacy and safety of ketamine in the treatment of CRPS. PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (final search 26 May 2011) using the MeSH terms ‘ketamine’, ‘complex regional pain syndrome’, ‘analgesia’ and ‘pain’ in the English literature. The manuscriptbibliographies were then reviewed to identify additional relevant papers. Observational trials were evaluated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria; randomized trials were evaluated using themethodological assessment of randomized clinical trials. The search methodology yielded three randomized, placebo-controlled trials, seven observational studies and nine case studies/reports. In aggregate, the data available reveal ketamine as a promising treatment for CRPS. The optimum dose, route and timing of administration remain to be determined. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of ketamine and to determine its long-term benefit in CRPS.
The Estimation of Sigma for an X Chart: /d2 or S/c4?

The standard approach to estimating sigma for an individual observations control chart is to use moving ranges. We show that, for independent, normally distributed observations, this approach is very inefficient compared to using the sample standard dev..
Aging Performance of Viton® GLT O-Rings in Radioactive Material Packages (U)

Radioactive material packages used for transportation of plutonium-bearing materials often contain multiple O-ring seals for containment. Packages such as the Model 9975 are also being used for interim storage of Pu-bearing materials at the Savannah River Site (SRS). One of the seal materials used in such packages is Viton{reg_sign} GLT fluoroelastomer. The aging behavior of containment vessel O-rings based on Viton{reg_sign} GLT at long-term containment term storage conditions is being characterized to assess its performance in such applications. This paper summarizes the program and test results to date.
Heritability Estimates of Differences in Arbitrary Embryonic Mortality Traits in Turkeys

Abstract INTRODUCTION SPECIFIC embryonic abnormalities in Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys which contributed to low hatchability were classified into eight groups which are referred to as traits in this paper. References to these traits or similar abnormalities in chickens and turkeys are shown in Table 1. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the rates, relative to unhatched fertile eggs, at which these specific traits could be changed by artificial selection which was accompanied by inbreeding. Rapid changes would indicate the traits more responsive to selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four different strains of Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys were introduced as eggs to the University of Missouri Turkey Research Farm in 1957 and for the next six years the usual mass selection for increased body weight and improved body conformation was practiced. No attempts were made to keep the strains pure. A new objective was initiated in 1963. It…
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy: Principles and recent developments

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) was proposed about 30 years ago by D. Auston as an amazing technique for characterizing materials and samples in the far infrared regime of the electromagnetic spectrum. As compared to the popular Fourier-transform spectroscopy, which was the single technique used before, THz-TDS operates at room temperature and the records are very fast. Moreover, it allows one to perform time-resolved measurements, but its frequency resolution is poorer. This tutorial will present the principles and performances of THz-TDS as well as an overview of recent technologies, systems and applications. THz-TDS in transmission, reflection or attenuated total reflection will be compared. We will also address the characterization of absorbing materials, scattering materials, anisotropic and chiral materials.
Microstructural characterization of YBaCuO thin films deposited by rf magnetron sputtering as a function of annealing conditions

Thin films of Y{sub 1}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{ital x}} have been prepared on MgO, SrTiO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} substrates by rf magnetron sputtering. A buffer layer of SrTiO{sub 3} was deposited on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} by flash evaporation. The as-deposited films on MgO and SrTiO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} had an (00{ital l}) orientation whereas the films on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were randomly oriented. The lattice parameters along the c-axis for the as-deposited films on MgO and SrTiO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were longer than the value for bulk crystals and decreased by annealing in oxygen. The critical temperatures ({ital T}{sub {ital c}}) of the superconducting transitions increased with gradual shortening of the {ital c} lattice parameter. These changes in {ital T}{sub {ital c}}'s and {ital c}'s were attributed to the reduction in the concentration of crystal defects formed during sputter deposition. A detailed x-ray diffraction study of YBaCuO on MgO and SrTiO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was carried out and values for the particle sizes and nonuniform strain were obtained by using an integral breadth method. It was observed that changes in {ital T}{sub {ital c}} were related to the reduction in nonuniform strain. The presence of preferredmore » orientation and grain growth after annealing was also studied. The highest {ital T}{sub {ital c}}'s tended to occur when the (00{ital l}) texture was strongest.« less
Effect of 'Captan' on the mouse ascites tumour of Ehrlich.

THE inhibitory effect of various seed-extracts on the development of the mouse ascites carcinoma was traced to the presence of ‘Captan’, a fungicide, with which the seeds had been treated.
A rapidly diverging EGF protein regulates species-specific signal transduction in early sea urchin development.

Abstract The macromolecules mediating species-specific events during fertilization and early development and their molecular evolution are only beginning to be understood. We screened sea urchin ovary mRNA for species-specific gene products using representational differential analysis to identify unique transcripts in Strongylocentrotus franciscanus that are absent or divergent from a closely related species, S. purpuratus. One of the transcripts identified by this screening process is SfEGF-II, which contains four EGF repeats. SfEGF-II is orthologous to the previously reported genes S. purpuratus SpEGF-II and Anthocidaris crassispina AcEGF-II, encoding exogastrulation-inducing peptides (EGIP). EGF peptides derived from EGIP induce exogastrulation, a classical developmental defect, when added to embryos prior to gastrulation. The first three EGF repeats (EGF1–3) share 50 to 60% identity among the three species, but the fourth repeat (EGF4) is more divergent, displaying only 30% identity. Analysis of the sequence divergence indicates that the EGF-II genes display a relatively high nonsynonymous-to-synonymous ratio, a significant excess of radical compared to conservative amino acid substitutions, and a lack of polymorphism within SfEGF-II, indicating that these genes have been subjected to positive Darwinian selection. Recombinant EGF3 from S. franciscanus induces exogastrulation in both S. franciscanus and S. purpuratus. In contrast, recombinant EGF4 from both S. franciscanus and S. purpuratus induces exogastrula in a species-specific manner. In hybrid embryos, both species of EGF4 induce exogastrulation, suggesting that the receptor for this EGF molecule is expressed from both parental genomes during development. Both EGF3 and EGF4 induce the phosphorylation of membrane proteins of the blastula stage embryos, but EGF4 stimulates phosphorylation of proteins only in membranes prepared from homologous embryos, suggesting that it utilizes a unique pathway involving a species-specific receptor for EGF4. Thus, species-specific events of gastrulation and early development may be controlled by these rapidly diverging EGF molecules, through a novel species-specific signal transduction pathway.
Gender Differences in Longitudinal Links between Neighborhood Fear, Parental Support, and Depression among African American Emerging Adults

The transition to adulthood is a developmental period marked by increased stress, especially among African Americans. In addition to stress related to emerging adulthood, neighborhood fear may contribute to depressive symptoms for African Americans. We examined gender differences in longitudinal associations between changes in perceived neighborhood fear, parental support, and depressive symptoms among African American youth who were in transition to adulthood. Five hundred and thirteen African American youths (235 males and 278 females) were included in the study. An increase in perceived neighborhood fear was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms and change in perceived maternal support was predictive of depressive symptoms among males, but not females. The findings suggest that policies and programs should help parents provide support to young adult children who live in violent neighborhoods as a strategy to prevent depressive symptoms during emerging adulthood.
cAMP-induced phosphorylation and inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) are dependent on the presence but not the phosphorylation of NHE regulatory factor.

The members of the regulatory factor (RF) gene family, Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)-RF and NHE3 kinase A regulatory factor (E3KARP) are necessary for cAMP to inhibit the epithelial brush border NHE isoform 3 (NHE3). The mechanism of their action was studied using PS120 fibroblasts stably transfected with rabbit NHE3 and wild type rabbit NHE-RF or wild type human E3KARP. 8-Bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) had no effect on Na+/H+ exchange activity in cells expressing NHE3 alone. In contrast, in cells co-expressing NHE-RF, 8-Br-cAMP inhibited NHE3 by 39%. In vivo phosphorylation of NHE3 demonstrated that cAMP increased phosphorylation in two chymotrypsin-generated phosphopeptides of NHE3 in cells containing NHE-RF or E3KARP but not in cells lacking these proteins. The requirement for phosphorylation of NHE-RF in this cAMP-induced inhibition of NHE3 was examined by studying a mutant NHE-RF in which serines 287, 289, and 290 were mutated to alanines. Wild type NHE-RF was a phosphorylated protein under basal conditions, but treatment with 8-Br-cAMP did not alter its phosphorylation. Mutant NHE-RF was not phosphorylated either under basal conditions or after 8-Br-cAMP. 8-Br-cAMP inhibited NHE3 similarly in PS120/NHE3 cells containing wild type or mutant NHE-RF. NHE-RF and NHE3 co-precipitated and did so similarly with and without cAMP. Mutant NHE-RF also similarly immunoprecipitated NHE3 in the presence and absence of 8-Br-cAMP. This study shows that members of the regulatory factor gene family, NHE-RF and E3KARP, are necessary for cAMP inhibition of NHE3 by allowing NHE3 to be phosphorylated. This inhibition is not dependent on the phosphorylation of NHE-RF.
Mechanical limitations on feeding by meadow spittlebugs Philaenus spumarius (Homoptera: Cercopidae) on wild and cultivated host plants

. 1. Field observations on the distribution of Philaenus spumarius (L.) on pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) showed that the range of feeding sites exploited increased with instar. Development of trichomes, depth of xylem elements, and tissue hardness were measured as possible factors determining the suitability of sites on food plants. 2. Spittlebugs caged outside their normal feeding sites experienced difficulty feeding. Experimental removal of trichomes showed that trichomes prevented younger instars from feeding on the stem. The depth of the xylem elements and tissue hardness were not significant barriers to feeding near the stem apex. 3. By caging fourth and fifth instar nymphs at increasing distances below the terminal bud on A.margaritacea stems, we showed feeding ability declined with distance below the apex, and feeding was more restricted in fourth compared to fifth instars. A similar decline was demonstrated in experiments with fifth instars on M.sativa. 4. On A.margaritacea, this restriction was associated with increasing tissue hardness of the stem with distance from the apex and the presence of trichomes in regions with hard tissues. On M.sativa the associated barriers were a combination of tissue hardness and reduction in the availability of xylem vessels in the penetrable region of the stem. Although the tissues impeding stylet penetration differed in the two hosts, the critical factor in both species was the increase in the amount of lignification of those tissues at increasing distances from the terminal bud.
Some Properties of connectedness in two-way designs

It is known that if a two-way design is connected, it is row-connected and column-connected. That the converse is not true was pointed out by Shah and Khatri (1973). It is shown here that for a particular class of two-way designs the converse is true under certain conditions.
Welfare Reform and the Race to the Bottom: Theory and Evidence

Economists have argued that welfare migration leads to a race to the bottom in the choice of welfare benefits. Although a system of federal matching grants can remedy this problem, the recent welfare reform law replaced the existing matching-grant structure with block grants, a policy change that appears undesirable. To judge whether this critique of welfare reform is justified, this paper evaluates the evidence in favor of a race to the bottom. After explaining the theoretical effects of welfare migration, the paper surveys the empirical evidence on the occurrence of such migration, concluding that the evidence is mixed. The discussion also considers recent empirical tests for strategic interaction, which show that benefit levels in nearby states affect a given state’s benefit choice. The most plausible source of such interaction is a concern about welfare migration, which leads policymakers to look at benefits in neighboring states when making their own choices. Judging that the evidence appears consistent with the existence of a race to the bottom, the paper concludes that the demise of matching grants may be undesirable from a policy perspective.
A coupled soil moisture initialization scheme for the FSU/COAPS climate model

We developed a coupled soil initialization scheme for the Florida State University/Center for Ocean-Atmosphere Prediction Studies (FSU/COAPS) climate model, which is coupled to the Community Land Model version 2. This method indirectly initializes the land surface component of the climate model by assimilating precipitation in the atmospheric component. A continuous assimilation is performed while the land and atmosphere components exchange fluxes, thus keeping the coupled model in a physically consistent state, obviating the need for any correction. Comparison with in situ observations in Illinois and Oklahoma shows very good agreement with the initialized soil moisture profile. A global comparison of the initialized land surface model with the Global Soil Wetness Project 2 multi-model analysis also shows very good agreement. Short-term climate forecasts (2 weeks to 2 months), performed in conjunction with the Global Land Atmosphere Coupling Experiment, Part 2, show that initialized soil moisture conditi...
The carboxy-terminal domain of ROS1 is essential for 5-methylcytosine DNA glycosylase activity.

Arabidopsis thaliana repressor of silencing 1 (ROS1) is a multi-domain bifunctional DNA glycosylase/lyase, which excises 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) as well as thymine and 5-hydroxymethyluracil (i.e., the deamination products of 5mC and 5hmC) when paired with a guanine, leaving an apyrimidinic (AP) site that is subsequently incised by the lyase activity. ROS1 is slow in base excision and fast in AP lyase activity, indicating that the recognition of pyrimidine modifications might be a rate-limiting step. In the C-terminal half, the enzyme harbors a helix–hairpin–helix DNA glycosylase domain followed by a unique C-terminal domain. We show that the isolated glycosylase domain is inactive for base excision but retains partial AP lyase activity. Addition of the C-terminal domain restores the base excision activity and increases the AP lyase activity as well. Furthermore, the two domains remain tightly associated and can be co-purified by chromatography. We suggest that the C-terminal domain of ROS1 is indispensable for the 5mC DNA glycosylase activity of ROS1.
The role of autoantigens in the induction and maintenance of autoimmunity.

Years ago, there was a radio program, 'The Answer Man,' on which questions written in by listeners were read and answered by a Mr. Knowit-all (doubtless prompted by a staff of Ms. Know-it-alls). Soon, a popular pastime among kids was to supply an answer and then a witty question for which this was the answer. A sophisticated example: Answer: "Strontium 90, carbon 14." Question: "What was the score of the carbon-strontium game?" The papers in this symposium supply a series of answers about 13 cell epitopes of the autoantigens of the connective tissue diseases, and they can be distilled into several useful generalizations, but what questions have these experiments answered? get by which the autoantibody was originally identified. The B cell sees the native, folded and functional protein/particle, other than the fact that they are often bind nucleic acids, the proteins as a group appear unexceptional. What about the questions? In fact, the effort to study B cell epitopes, into which so much excellent work has gone over the past several years, is really the center of a wider enterprise which engages those who study autoimmunity. In order to understand what has been achieved by this work and to chart a path for the future, it is helpful to place the B cell epitope question within that larger enterprise.
Whole-body gene expression by data mining.

To date, a comprehensive survey of the expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX), lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1), and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has yet to be performed. The use of in vitro strategies to accomplish this task would prove daunting as it is both time-consuming and costly. We present a new in silico data mining strategy that directly addresses these limitations. Sequences corresponding to the 3' untranslated regions of LOX, LOXL1, and LOXL2 were individually queried against the human expressed sequence tag database (dbEST). In this manner, the entire tissue repertoire available in the dbEST was surveyed. This provided an estimate of the levels of mRNA transcripts in a variety of adult and fetal tissues. We have also employed this strategy to determine the pattern of expression and levels of a newly discovered gene, CGI-15. The veracity of this technique has been independently assessed by semiquantitative PCR analysis. The application of this technology is bounded only by the ever-growing information available in the GenBank, UniGene, and human EST databases. The utility of our data mining strategy to establish relative transcript levels in numerous tissues is presented.
3D reconstruction for multimodality phase microscopy using boundary detection constraints

Phase microscopy modalities are extensively used to image living transparent biological samples because of their ability to obtain high contrast images without the use of enhancing agents. Quantitative phase techniques in particular provide valuable information that can be interpreted easily when the imaged object is optically thin, that is, when the thickness of the object is much less than the depth of field of the imaging system. However, many biological objects of interest have thicknesses comparable to or larger than the depth of field. This work focuses on the initial development of inversion techniques for phase images to reconstruct features of thick transparent samples. Our goal is to estimate the unknown indices of refraction of the object. We use a constrained boundary iterative approach under the assumption that the index of refraction inside the object can be approximated as piecewise constant. The boundary location of all inhomogeneities are obtained by combining the information provided by several phase imaging modalities. Initial results indicate the ability of our approach to find the indices of refraction from images of uniform objects.
A method for on-line reorganization of a database

Any database management system may need some type of reorganization. However, reorganization typically requires taking a database off line, which can be unacceptable for a very large or highly available (24-hour) database. A solution is to reorganize on line (concurrently with users' reading and writing of data in the database). This paper describes a method for performing one type of reorganization on line. The type of reorganization distributes free space evenly, removes overflow, and clusters data. The method for on-line reorganization copies data while arranging the data in the new copy in reorganized form. The method then applies the database log to bring the new copy up to date (to reflect users' writing of the old copy). The method maintains a table that maps between old and new record identifiers, to match log entries with data records in the new copy.
Time Diversification When There Are Periodic Withdrawals

The author examines the long-run return and risk to various asset classes when held in an account from which one makes periodic withdrawals, such as an endowment or retirement fund. As in previous studies, this article finds that small-cap stocks have the greatest wealth relative on average followed by large-cap stocks. There is little difference between the average wealth relatives for corporate bonds, and Treasury bills have the lowest wealth relative on average. Conclusions regarding risks vary greatly depending on which risk measure is used. As the investment horizon lengthens, the probability of stocks earning less than Treasury bonds or bills decreases. However, these probabilities are much higher than those in previous studies. For the most part, the other risk measures suggest that the risk of stocks relative to bonds or Treasury bills increases as the investment horizon lengthens.
LDL receptors in coated vesicles isolated from bovine adrenal cortex: Binding sites unmasked by detergent treatment

Coated vesicles isolated from bovine adrenal cortex contain specific binding sites that recognize 125I-labeled human low density lipoprotein (LDL). These sites share the properties of the functional LDL receptors previously demonstrated on the surface of adrenal cells and in unfractionated adrenal membranes. Approximately 90% of the LDL receptors of the isolated coated vesicles were initially masked. Binding of 125I-LDL increased 10 fold after the vesicles were disrupted with the detergent octylglucoside. The LDL receptors of intact coated vesicles were also shielded from destruction by pronase; proteolytic destruction occurred only after the vesicles had been disrupted with octylglucoside. The adrenal coated vesicles measured 60 nm in diameter, suggesting that they were derived from the Golgi apparatus. Like the previously studied coated vesicles from brain and other tissues, the coated vesicles from adrenal cortex contained clathrin as the major protein component. In contrast to the coated vesicles of adrenal cortex, however, the brain coated vesicles failed to reveal masked LDL receptor activity when treated with octylglucoside. The current data indicate that isolated coated vesicles from the adrenal cortex contain LDL receptors and that these receptors exist in a masked form, apparently because their binding sites face the interior of the vesicle.
Determination of molecular weight of acid mucopolysaccharides by gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels can be utilized to estimate the molecular size of ultramicro samples of acid mucopolysaccharides. The distance of migration of hyaluronate, chondroitin sulfate A, and chondroitin sulfate C varied linearly with the logarithm of the molecular size for each set of homologous polymers.
In vivo estrogen uptake by individual cell types of the rat anterior pituitary after short-term castration-adrenalectomy

In vivo estrogen uptake was measured in five anterior pituitary cell types of the rat by a quantitative autoradiographic-immunocytochemical technique. In male and female rats that had been castrated and adrenalectomized for one day all five cell types showed nuclear concentration of label one hour after injection of 3H-estradiol. The order of labeling intensity was lactotropes > somatotropes > gonadotropes > corticotropes > thyrotropes. No significant overall sex difference in estrogen uptake was apparent although male pituitaries tended to take up slightly more. Physiological correlates to these data are discussed.
Practical Sliced Configuration Spaces for Curved Planar Pairs

In this article, the author presents a practical configuration-space computation algorithm for pairs of curved planar parts, based on the general algorithm developed by Bajaj and the author. The general algorithm advances the theoretical understanding of configuration-space computation, but is too slow and fragile for some applications. The new algorithm solves these problems by restricting the analysis to parts bounded by line segments and circular arcs, whereas the general algorithm handles rational parametric curves. The trade-off is worthwhile, because the restricted class handles most robotics and mechanical engineering applications. The algorithm reduces run time by a factor of 60 on nine representative engineering pairs, and by a factor of 9 on two human-knee pairs. It also handles common special pairs by specialized methods. A survey of 2,500 mechanisms shows that these methods cover 90% of pairs and yield an additional factor of 10 reduction in average run time. The theme of this article is that application requirements, as well as intrinsic theoretical interest, should drive configuration-space research.
The influence of amendments on the volumetric shrinkage and integrity of compacted clay soils used in landfill liners

Clay liners remain an important component of composite liners used in landfill construction. Because their hydraulic integrity is frequently lost due to desiccation cracking, either during construction or shortly thereafter. The present study was initiated to evaluate the effects of common soil additives including lime, cement, and sand on the shrinkage and hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay soils commonly used in clay liner construction. Three soils having predominant clay minerals of smectite, illite and kaolinite were amended with varying amounts of lime, cement or sand; compacted using the Harvard miniature compactor; and the volumetric shrinkage was measured on the compacted samples. Additional samples of each treated soil were compacted according to ASTM 698 and used for measurement of the hydraulic conductivity. The results show that the majority of shrinkage occurs when the samples were dried to 25 °C with little additional shrinkage at temperatures up to 105 °C. The amendments of either 4% lime or 40 to 50% sand resulted in reduced shrinkage and increased hydraulic conductivity. The addition of 3% cement reduced shrinkage by up to 50% and simultaneously reduced hydraulic conductivity by 2 orders of magnitude. Thus, amendment of clay soils having a high shrink-swell potential with Type I Portland cement has the greatest poetential for field application as an amendment to help maintain the integrity and improve the long term performance of compacted clay liners.
SU‐FF‐T‐241: Feasibility and Accuracy of Using Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scans for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Planning and Dose Verification

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of using on‐board imager (OBI) cone‐beam computed tomography(CBCT) scans for stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) planning and dose verification. Method and Materials: The simulation CT scan and OBI CBCT scan of a Rando head phantom were imported into a commercial SRStreatment planning system, BRW‐coordinate localized and co‐registered. A simulated clinical target volume (CTV), planning target volume (PTV) and critical organs were contoured on the simulation CT scan and transferred to the CBCT scan. A SRS treatment plan with 10 static conformal fields was created using the simulation CT volume. Beam parameters of this CT plan were also imported into a second treatment plan using the CBCT volume. Dose volume histogram (DVH), mean dose, monitor unit (MU), and equivalent depth of the CBCT plan were compared with those of the CT plan, with and without the inhomogeneity correction. Results: The DVH of CTV, PTV and critical organs for these two plans were indistinguishable without inhomogeneity correction. The MU and equivalent depth of the CBCT plan were on average 0.2 % (standard deviation (SD)=0.4%) higher and 0.3% (SD=1.3%) lower, respectively, than the CT plan. Although the DVH of these two plans were comparable with inhomogeneity correction, significant discrepancy was observed for the MU (mean=1.4% and SD=1.3%) and equivalent depth (mean=5.3% and SD=3.9%) due to the lower Hounsfield numbers of the CBCT scan. However, when the CT plan was applied to the CBCT volume, mean doses to PTV and critical organs were only slightly (1.2% and on average 1.0% with SD=3.2%, respectively) higher than those of the CT plan. Conclusion: The OBI CBCT scans can be used for SRS planning and dose verification. More accurate Hounsfield number calibration is needed for inhomogeneity correction.
The effect of the operator on the clinical performance of amalgam

Performance of operators varied according to the type of amalgam placed; certain amalgams were less susceptible to variations. The effect of the operator on the clinical performance of several dental amalgam alloys is examined. A non- γ 2 amalgam performed better clinically with less susceptibility to differences in the abilities of the operators.
Macro-Level Social Forces and Micro-Level Consequences: Poverty, Alternate Occupations, and Drug Dealing

This article is an empirical examination of the ways in which macro-level social forces have had micro-level consequences in the New Orleans drug market. The article illustrates a clear connection between poverty and entrance into the drug market, as mitigated by race, lack of societal opportunity, lack of social capital, distressed families, and closed neighborhoods. Specifically, the research illustrates the mechanisms by which macro-level social forces intersect to legitimize drug dealing as a viable alternative method of acquiring money and social capital. These intersecting macro-level social forces, such as poverty, race, family structure, and neighborhood characteristics, ultimately constrain the life chances of those living in the inner city irrespective of personal traits, individual motivations, or private achievements.
Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve entrapment

Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve entrapment was described as early as 1942 as a rare but proven cause of chronic inguinal pain in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery. We describe two cases of patients who presented to the emergency care unit with complaints of chronic lower abdominal pain. Surgical histories revealed known risk factors for ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve entrapment. After application of a simple bedside procedure, the diagnoses were confirmed.
Some Simple Results Following from Löwdin’s Partitioning Technique

It is shown that several simple theorems follow from Lowdin’s partitioning technique. Our results concern the properties of matrices whose eigenvectors have linearly dependent parts. It is also demonstrated that the solutions of most energy eigenvalue problems satisfy a non-trivial manifold of quadratic equations in energy.