cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA 16 modulates epithelial sodium channel in human alveolar epithelial cells

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating disease characterized by pulmonary edema. Removal of edema from the air spaces of lung is a critical function of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in ALI. The molecular mechanisms behind resolution of pulmonary edema are incompletely understood. MicroRNA's (miRNA) are crucial gene regulators and are dysregulated in various diseases including ALI. Recent studies suggest that microRNA-16 (miR-16) targets serotonin transporter (SERT) involved in the serotonin (5-HT) transmitter system. Alterations in serotonin levels have been reported in various pulmonary diseases. However, the role of miR-16 on its target SERT, and ENaC, a key ion channel involved in the resolution of pulmonary edema, have not been studied. In the present study, the expression patterns of miR-16, SERT, ENaC and serotonin were investigated in mice exposed to room air and hyperoxia. The effects of miR-16 overexpression on ENaC, SERT, TGF-β and Nedd4 in human alveolar epithelial cells were analyzed. miR-16 and ENaC were downregulated in mice exposed to hyperoxia. miR-16 downregulation in mouse lung was correlated with an increase in SERT expression and pulmonary edema. Overexpression of miR-16 in human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) suppressed SERT and increased ENaCβ levels when compared to control-vector transfected cells. In addition, miR-16 over expression suppressed TGFβ release, a critical inhibitor of ENaC. Interestingly Nedd4, a negative regulator of ENaC remained unaltered in miR-16 over expressed A549 cells when compared to controls. Taken together, our data suggests that miR-16 upregulates ENaC, a major sodium channel involved in resolution of pulmonary edema in ALI.
Ultrastructural localization of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the rat dentate gyrus

Neurons containing somatostatin (SOM) are enriched in the dentate gyrus. We sought to establish the ultrastructural localization of this peptide in the dentate gyrus of the rat brain with a double-bridged peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method localizing antisera directed against somatostatin (SOM)-28 and SOM-281–12. Initial light microscopic observations confirmed that the majority of perikarya and thick varicose processes with intense SOM-like immunoreactivity (SOM-LI) were observed in the hilus. Fine varicose processes with SOM-LI were found throughout all layers of the dentate gyrus but were most intense in the outer third of the molecular layer (ML), where an occasional perikaryon with SOM-LI was seen. By electron microscopy, SOM-LI was found in neuronal perikarya, dendrites, axons, and axon terminals. Two types of SOM-containing perikarya were observed. The first type was small (6–10 μm), round or ovoid, and had a labeled cytoplasm with abundant Golgi complexes and a dense accumulation of PAP-reaction product. The second type of perikarya was larger (11–16 μm) and had a more abundant cytoplasm than the first type, but the Golgi complexes did not appear labeled. Most (96% of 374) of the synapses on the SOM-labeled perikarya and dendrites were from terminals without SOM-LI which formed nearly equal proportions of asymmetric and symmetric junctions. The remainder of the presynaptic terminals contained SOM-LI and made primarily symmetric synapses. Synaptic junctions from both unlabeled and labeled terminals were primarily on the shafts of the small (0.5–1.5 μm) SOM-immunoreactive dendrites. The terminals with SOM-LI (0.25-1.3 μm) contained many small, clear vesicles and from zero to four large dense-core vesicles. Terminals with SOM-LI were associated (1) with one unlabeled perikaryon or dendrite (49% of 215 in the hilus; 76% of 326 in the ML); (2) with two unlabeled perikarya or dendrites simultaneously (5% hilus; 4% ML); and (3) with one SOM-containing perikaryon or dendrite (6% hilus; 3% ML). In all three types of associations, synaptic contacts on perikarya were few while the majority were with small (distal) dendrites. Moreover, most of the terminals with SOM-LI formed symmetric junctions or lacked membrane specializations but were without any apparent glial intervention in the plane of section analyzed. The remaining SOM-labeled terminals (40% hilus; 17% ML) were without any apparent synaptic relations. However, a few of these terminals were in direct apposition to other terminals, some of which were also SOM-immunoreactive. These results provide cellular substrates in the dentate gyrus for (1) direct synaptic modulation of SOM-containing neurons by terminals with SOM as well as unidentified transmitters and (2) for primarily inhibition (symmetric synapses) of granule cells and interneurons by SOM-containing terminals. Moreover, they support the concept that SOM-containing neurons in the dentate gyrus may differ in terms of the involvement of the Golgi saccules in the synthesis and/or packaging of the peptide.
Impact of bisphenol-A on early embryonic development and reproductive maturation

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen and monomer component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that are widely used in the production of food and beverage containers. It leaches into our food and drink at concentrations shown to have biological consequences. Here we show that exposure to low levels of BPA accelerated early embryonic development within 24 h of exposure, attenuated body growth, and advanced the times of hatching and reproductive maturation in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). The acceleration in embryonic development and time to hatch were blocked by the thyroid-hormone receptor (TH-R) antagonist amiodarone, suggesting that BPA alters global developmental timing through a thyroid-hormone pathway. Our results are likely to have broad implications regarding the effects of plastic-derived contaminants on embryonic and reproductive development.
DNA methyltransferase-moderated click chemistry.

Biological methylation plays a vital role in regulatory mechanisms of gene transcription. Methylation of both promoter sequences within the genome, as well as protein substrates, has a profound impact upon gene transcription. Yet, few tools exist by which to identify sites of biological methylation in complex biological mixtures. We have generated a novel adenosine-derived N-mustard that serves as an efficient synthetic cofactor and allows for subsequent “click” chemistry involving the modified nucleic acid substrate.
Multipath exploitationwith adaptivewaveform design for tracking in urban terrain

We integrate multipath exploitation with adaptive waveform design in order to increase the tracking performance of a vehicle moving in urban terrain. Mitigation of both clutter and strong multipath returns can result in increased target detection. However, exploiting multiple bounces from obstacles such as buildings can be shown to increase radar coverage and scene visibility, especially in the absence of direct line-of-sight paths. For this purpose, we formulate the multipath propagation of an arbitrary number of specular bounces in urban terrain for three-dimensional motion. We then further exploit and optimize multipath returns by dynamically selecting the parameters of the transmitted waveform to minimize the predicted mean-squared tracking error. We demonstrate our proposed approach in a realistic urban environment by varying the type of measurement to include regions of obscuration and different number of multipath bounces.
3-D nanomechanics of an erythrocyte junctional complex in equibiaxial and anisotropic deformations.

The erythrocyte membrane skeleton deforms constantly in circulation, but the mechanics of a junctional complex (JC) in the network is poorly understood. We previously proposed a 3-D mechanical model for a JC (Sung, L. A., and C. Vera. Protofilament and hexagon: A three-dimensional mechanical model for the junctional complex in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. Ann Biomed Eng 31:1314–1326, 2003) and now developed a mathematical model to compute its equilibrium by dynamic relaxation. We simulated deformations of a single unit in the network to predict the tension of 6 αβ spectrin (Sp) (top, middle, and bottom pairs), and the attitude of the actin protofilament [pitch (θ), yaw (φ) and roll (ψ) angles]. In equibiaxial deformation, 6 Sp would not begin their first round of “single domain unfolding in cluster” until the extension ratio (λ) reach ~3.6, beyond the maximal sustainable λ of ~2.67. Before Sp unfolds, the protofilament would gradually raise its pointed end away from the membrane, while φ and ψ remain almost unchanged. In anisotropic deformation, protofilaments would remain tangent but swing and roll drastically at least once between λi = 1.0 and ~2.8, in a deformation angle- and λi-dependent fashion. This newly predicted nanomechanics in response to deformations may reveal functional roles previous unseen for a JC, and molecules associated with it, during erythrocyte circulation.
4E-binding Proteins, the Suppressors of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E, Are Down-regulated in Cells with Acquired or Intrinsic Resistance to Rapamycin

To determine whether inhibition of either the ribosomal p70 S6 kinase or eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E pathways downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, contributes to rapamycin-induced growth arrest, clones of Rh30 rhabdomyosarcoma cells were selected for rapamycin resistance. Expression of c-Myc and anchorage-independent growth were enhanced in resistant cells. Resistance was unstable in each of three clones characterized. In resistant cells, as compared with parental cells, ∼10-fold less 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) was bound to eIF4E, and total cellular 4E-BP was markedly reduced. Levels of eIF4E were unchanged. Steady-state levels of 4E-BP transcript remained unaltered, but the rate of 4E-BP synthesis was reduced in resistant cells. In cells that reverted to rapamycin sensitivity, levels of total 4E-BP returned to those of parental cells. Compared with parental cells, resistant clones had either similar or lower levels and activity of ribosomal p70 S6 kinase, but c-Myc levels were elevated in both resistant and revertant clones. Several colon carcinoma cell lines with intrinsic rapamycin resistance were found to have low 4E-BP:eIF4E ratios. In stable clones of HCT8 carcinoma engineered to overexpress 4E-BP, rapamycin sensitivity increased markedly (>1000-fold) as 4E-BP expression increased. These results suggest that the 4E-BP:eIF4E ratio is an important determinant of rapamycin resistance and controls certain aspects of the malignant phenotype.
Voter perception of mud‐slinging in political communication

Respondents perceived mud‐slinging to be “personal” attacks on a political opponent. As expected, they cited name‐calling, attacks on an opponent's family, and distorted charges as mud‐slinging. But a majority of respondents also identified as mud‐slinging references to an opponent's voting record, broken campaign promises, rumors on health and financial dealings, and the use of harsh language.
Partially inner C∗-dynamical systems

A C∗-dynamical system (A, G, α) is called H-inner if there is a strictly continuous unitary representation v from the closed subgroup H of G into the α-invariant multipliers of A, such that αt = Ad vt for every t in H. Assuming that G is a locally compact abelian group we show that in this case the crossed product G × αA is isomorphic to IndH⊥G(G × αHA). Here G × αH A is the restricted (or twisted) crossed product studied by N. Dang Ngoc and P. Green, which naturally carries a “dual” action of the subgroup H⊥ of G; and IndH⊥G refers to the induced C∗-algebra obtained from this action.
Transcriptional regulatory networks in Th17 cell differentiation

Upon encountering antigen in the context of antigen presenting cells, naive CD4 + T cells undergo differentiation into effector T helper (Th) cells, which can secrete high levels of cytokines and other immunomodulators to mediate host defense and tissue inflammation. During the past three years, the immunology field has witnessed an explosion of research advances in the biology of Th17 cells, the most recently described subset of T helper cells, which play crucial roles in host immunity and inflammation. Here we review emerging data on transcriptional regulatory networks that govern the differentiation program of Th17 cells, and focus on how the orphan nuclear receptor RORγt coordinates this process in concert with diverse cytokine-induced transcription factors.
Using Petri nets for performance analysis of two-terminal parallel-series communication networks

Abstract The problem of performance analysis of two-terminal parallel-series networks has been considered using the concepts of Petri nets. The reachability and firing concepts of Petri nets are utilized to derive interpreted modules of series and parallel connection in terms of reachability matrix. These independent modules are then subjected to analysis for the evaluation of software parameters, e.g., execution time, reliability, etc. The performance evaluation of any two-terminal parallel-series network is then reduced to its decomposition in terms of these modules, which do not change the structural behaviour and the functioning of the network. It simply changes the firing of certain transitions in the modeled system. The preposed treatment for interpreted modules seems to be sufficient for studying the dynamic behaviour of any kind of the networks at different level of abstractions.
Tin and Iron Content of Canned and Bottled Foods

The tin and iron content of 14 different types of canned foods and of 5 different types of bottled foods were determined. No tin was detected in most bottled foods, but tin was detected in all canned foods. Storage of foods on the shelf for 4 months or in open cans in the refrigerator for 1 wk resulted in increased amounts of tin and iron in some of the canned foods. Those foods which were packed in totally lacquered cans accumulated little tin or iron during storage; those foods which were packed in unlacquered or partially lacquered cans generally accumulated significant amounts of iron and tin during storage. The tin content of the canned foods was not statistically correlated to the pH of the foods.
Nonlinearities in semiconductors for optical limiting

We present measurements of nonlinear absorption and refraction in semiconductors used in the realization of optical limiters. We show that nonlinear refraction at 532 nm in ZnSe is caused by a negative third order electronic Kerr effect in addition to the two-photon-absorption (2PA) induced carrier refraction. We have used time-resolved beam distortion, picosecond time-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing and our recently developed Z-scan technique to determine the sign and magnitude of the 2PA coefficient, the bound electronic nonlinearity, n2 and the refractive index change per free carrier.
Conditions leading to collective negotiations among police

The number of cities that negotiate collectively with their police officers has grown rapidly in recent decades, but union penetration has been uneven. This paper tries to identify some of the factors which led to collective negotiations. A model designed to predict formal negotiations is tested using both logit and discriminant analysis. The results indicate that environmental factors and dissatisfaction with working conditions are significant influences on unionization. Far less important is the desire to maintain salaries above market levels. Evidence of state enabling laws contribute little to overall prediction once other factors are considered.
Termination within Oligo(dT) Tracts in Template DNA by DNA Polymerase γ Occurs with Formation of a DNA Triplex Structure and Is Relieved by Mitochondrial Single-stranded DNA-binding Protein

Xenopus laevis DNA polymerase γ (pol γ) exhibits low activity on a poly(dT)-oligo(dA) primer-template. We prepared a single-stranded phagemid template containing a dT41 sequence to test the ability of pol γ to extend a primer through a defined oligo(dT) tract. pol γ terminates in the center of this dT41 sequence. This replication arrest is abrogated by addition of single-stranded DNA-binding protein or by substitution of 7-deaza-dATP for dATP. These features are consistent with the formation of a T·;A*T DNA triplex involving the primer stem. Replication arrest occurs under conditions that permit highly processive DNA synthesis by pol γ. A similar replication arrest occurs for T7 DNA polymerase, which is also a highly processive DNA polymerase. These results suggest the possibility that DNA triplex formation can occur prior to dissociation of DNA polymerase. Primers with 3′-oligo(dA) termini annealed to a template with a longer oligo(dT) tract are not efficiently extended by pol γ unless single-stranded DNA-binding protein is added. Thus, one of the functions of single-stranded DNA-binding protein in mtDNA maintenance may be to enable pol γ to successfully replicate through dT-rich sequences.
The regulation of leukotoxin production in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strain JP2.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) can produce a potent leukotoxin that is thought to be involved in evasion of the host immune response. In order to understand the role of A.a. and its leukotoxin in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease, it is important determine how the expression of A.a. virulence factors might be regulated by the local periodontal micro-environment. To facilitate the measurement of leukotoxin levels, a leukotoxin-β-galactosidase gene fusion was constructed and recombined into the chromosome of A.a. strain JP2 at the leukotoxin locus. The resulting strain, AAM17, produces β-galactosidase under control of the leukotoxin promoter. It also produces leukotoxin, since integration of the gene fusion into the chromosome was designed to produce a duplication of the leukotoxin gene. This strain was used to measure the change in leukotoxin level in response to alterations in two environmental signals: iron concentration and oxygen tension. When AAM17 was grown in iron-li...
Photocurrents in retinal rods of pigeons (Columba livia): kinetics and spectral sensitivity.

1. Membrane photocurrents were recorded from outer segments of isolated retinal rods of pigeons (Columba livia), the first such measurements on the photoreceptors of a bird. The amplitude of the response to 20 ms flashes of narrow wavelength bands of light increases linearly with intensity at low photon fluxes and saturates at higher intensities. The maximum (saturating) photocurrent observed in forty-nine rod cells was 50 pA. Larger responses with less variability in the intensity for half-maximal responses were observed when the physiological saline contained 20 mM bicarbonate (in addition to Hepes buffer). 2. The dependence of peak amplitude on intensity is well fitted by an exponential function; it is usually less well fitted by the Michaelis-Menten (Naka-Rushton) equation. 3. In the presence of bicarbonate, the average sensitivity of pigeon rods to dim flashes was 0.56 pA photon-1 microns -2. The effective collecting area per photon was 1.8 microns 2. About 83 +/- 26 (mean +/- S.D.) photoisomerizations were required for a half-saturating response. 4. The response kinetics of rods to dim flashes can be reasonably well described by a series of four to five either Poisson or independent filters. The time to peak, measured from the mid-point of a 20 ms flash, was 319 +/- 83 ms (mean +/- S.D.). The integration time of the response was 851 +/- 86 ms (mean +/- S.D.) with bicarbonate present and 572 +/- 126 ms in the absence of bicarbonate. The responses of pigeon rods appear to be slower than those of mammals at the same temperature. The fraction of current suppressed by a single photoisomerization is smaller in pigeon than in mammalian rods by a factor of at least two. 5. The spectral sensitivity function was measured between 680 and 330 nm. The maximum at about 505 nm (range 497-508 nm) corresponds to the alpha-band of a vertebrate rhodopsin and agrees with previous behavioural measurements of scotopic sensitivity of pigeons as well as the absorption spectrum of extracts of pigeon rhodopsin. There was no pronounced beta-band in the near-ultraviolet wavelengths.
Follow-up of children "at risk" of child abuse: Effect of support on emotional and intellectual development

Abstract This study is a follow-up of 47 children previously reported, who were referred to one paediatric unit and found to be “at risk” of child abuse. They were classified as “Satisfactory” (12), “Unsatisfactory” (18), and “Uncertain” (17), on the basis of breakdown of natural parenting, growth failure, developmental delay, behaviour disturbance and nonaccidental injury. Three years later, of 6 “unsatisfactory” children still with natural parents, 3 were unchanged and 3 had deteriorated. Of 10 fostered children from this group, 4 were considered normal and 5 had improved. Of 17 children in the “Uncertain” group, 3 are reclassified as “Satisfactory,” 3 are now “Unsatisfactory” and in 3 significant organic disease makes attribution of disability difficult. Ten out of 12 children in the “Satisfactory” group have remained in this category. These findings point to the conclusion that in those families where child rearing practices are so poor as to produce emotional and developmental impairment, the usual social work support and other conventional methods are not able to reverse the harm and in some cases to prevent further deterioration.
Commonsense reasoning based on fuzzy logic

Although most human reasoning is approximate rather than precise in nature, traditional logical systems focus almost exclusively on those modes of reasoning which lend themselves to precise formalization. In recent years, however, in our attempt to design systems which are capable of performing tasks requiring a high level of cognitive skill, it has become increasingly clear that in order to attain this goal we need logical systems which can deal with knowledge that is imprecise, incomplete or not totally reliable.
AMBA/D: a new programming environment for image processing

Recent practice in image processing is dominated by heuristic methods used to design practical, relevant algorithms. To ensure high efficiency in the design process, the communication between user and computer should be as direct as possible. An interactive software system for image processing is required to fulfill this demand. Interpreter-based systems with high interactivity available on the software market have the drawback of low operation speed. In AMBA/D we combine the performance of a compiler/based system, with the interactivity of an interpreter system. The AMBA/D system is an interactive programming environment with integrated facilities to create, compile, execute, and debug programs. In AMBA/D, a compiler language, direct execution, and programming concept is combined with a collection of high-level image processing procedures. The design of a special compiler language was necessary because existing computer languages like FORTRAN, C, etc., do not fulfill our requirement of interactivity. The system runs of an IBM-compatible personal computer and can be used with different types of commercially available frame grabbers.
Planar micro-check valves exploiting large polymer compliance

This paper presents three types of microfabricated planar check valves that exploit the large compliance of elastomeric polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The micro-check valves consist of a thin compliant flap and a rigid stopper embedded in close proximity in a microchannel. The flap is perpendicular to the flow and lies near the stopper, forming a restricted fluid path inside the channel. The shape and size of the gap between the flap and stopper vary with the applied pressure, resulting in large flow resistance for forward flow and small resistance for reverse flow. The microfabricated valves have either two- or three-dimensional arrangement of valving elements. In particular, a interesting normally closed check valve was designed and fabricated using a special technique, in which the flap and stopper are, as fabricated, in intimate contact and form a zero-gap between them. Testing results show that the check valves can achieve a diodicity up to 105. The check valves can be fabricated using the standard replica molding technique from PDMS, and thus are highly amenable to integration with other PDMS-based microfluidic systems. The planar check valves can potentially used in lab-on-a-chip systems due to its high diodicity, planar configuration and use of inexpensive polymeric materials.
Neurotensin, a central nervous system peptide: apparent receptor binding in brain membranes

Neurotensin, a tridecapeptide recently isolated from bovine hypothalamia, has potent pharmacologic effects in several peripheral systems and a regional distribution in rat brain suggestive of a specialized function. 125I-neurotensin binds to membrane preparations from rat brain saturably, reversibly, and with high affinity (apparent KD = 3 nM) under conditions that minimize degradation of the polypeptide. This binding is displaced by neurotensin sequence fragments with relative potencies generally paralleling their potencies in peripheral systems. 125I-neurotensin binding is highest in specific thalamic, cerebral cortical, and hypothalamic areas of rat and calf brain. White matter, brain stem and cerebellar regions have substantially lower amounts of binding. Characteristics of this binding suggest an association with a physiologically revelant neurotensin receptor.
Critical state of a two-dimensional elastic continuum containing elliptical voids

Abstract The determination of the effective stiffnesses of elastic plates weakened by elliptical voids is focused upon. Some of the most popular effective continuum theories are applied in the case of dilute void concentrations. In addition, the percolation theory is applied to determine the critical void concentration for the case of both non-overlapping and overlapping voids. Finally, few unresolved issues related to the influence of the anisotropy on the critical state are addressed.
Adaptive Methods for Non-Linear Empirical Similitude Method

Several problems in engineering realm pose modeling and simulation difficulty due to severe non–linear behavior and debilitating singular or stiff conditions that act as additional impediments. In many such instances advanced numerical schemes are employed to either relax or simplify the PDE that defines the physical process to obtain reasonable output from the simulation. Digressing from this traditional approach, we present an experimental similitude method in this paper to analyze non–linear systems. Combined with the use of original mapping algorithms, we discuss the benefits of empirical similarity techniques and present a heat transfer example for exposition.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A Comparative Study of Laboratory Measured and Predicted Dynamic Modulus for Characterizing Florida Asphalt Mixtures

Fatigue cracking under repeated load is one of the primary factors to be considered for flexible pavement design. Dynamic modulus test appeared to be a promising simple performance test for linking fundamental material properties to fatigue cracking observed in the field. The dynamic modulus concept was introduced in the AASHTO mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide as one of the critical inputs for characterization of asphalt concrete mixture, and it is employed as a key parameter in most commonly used models to predict fatigue life of bituminous mixtures. This paper presents a laboratory experimental program to evaluate the dynamic modulus of Florida Superpave asphalt mixtures including granite and limestone materials. The dynamic modulus master curves were constructed using the time-temperature superposition principle. The results indicated that the master curves for same type of materials were similar in shape and close to each other. The Witczak prediction model was used to perform a comparison between the measured and predicted dynamic modulus. The comparison showed that the Witczak prediction model provided a good estimation and could be adopted for estimating the modulus characteristics of commonly used Florida asphalt mixtures.
Bone marrow as a major lymphoid organ in Rana.

Abstract The bone marrow of adult frogs ( Rana pipiens and R. catesbeiana ) contains leukocytes equivalent in number to those present in the spleen. As in the spleen, a high percentage of these cells are morphologically identified as lymphocytes, and the bulk of these can be categorized as small or medium lymphocytes. In young frogs ( R. catesbeiana ), the ratio of marrow to spleen leukocytes is considerably greater than in adults, and in limited comparisons a high percentage of lymphocytes are found. A comparison of adult marrow and spleen anti-TNP (trinitrophenyl) plaque-forming cell responses at various days early in the response indicates that in the majority of animals marrow normally produces a larger total primary response.
The Long Nineteenth Century in Intellectual History

THE LONG NINETEENTH CENTURY IN INTELLECTUAL HISTORY By Mark Bevir Department of Political Science University of California, Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720-1950 USA Email: mbevir@socrates.berkeley.edu
A Response to Reviews of The Right Talk

My thinking about the human condition has profited from scholarship in not only political science but also such academic fields as sociology, religious studies, history, and, of particular relevanc...
A study of lightning flashes attending periods of banded snowfall

[1] Lightning flashes (N = 1088) associated with 24 thundersnow events in the central United States were analyzed to document flash polarity, signal strength, and multiplicity. Negative lightning flashes (N = 872; 80%) dominated positive flashes (N = 216; 20%) with wintry precipitation in this study, which stands in contrast to the majority of the research done on winter thunderstorms (primarily in Japan). Otherwise, limited work has been done, although thundersnow has been documented in the mid-latitudes of North America, Europe and Asia. Statistics on peak amplitude were determined for negative (positive) flashes, yielding mean and standard deviation values of −24 kA ± 22 kA (+38 kA ± 34 kA). A subset of winter lightning events (N = 16) were then sought that occurred with banded (single or multiple) snowfall, as banding often denotes greater organization in the atmosphere (e.g., a jet streak aloft to aid in ascent, or a low level jet streak to aid with moisture and thermal transport) and thus the potential for deeper snow totals. Radar reflectivity values were recorded at the location of each lightning flash, as well as the maximum radar reflectivity within the associated snow band. The location of the lightning activity within the snow band was also noted as being either leading edge (LE), trailing edge (TE), core (C), or not correlated (NC), with respect to the motion of the parent band. The majority of lightning flashes were found downstream of areas of highest radar reflectivity with respect to the motion of the snow bands, and not with the highest reflectivity values. If one uses the highest reflectivity values in a snowband as a proxy for the greatest surface snowfall intensity, then the ground terminus of a cloud-to-ground lightning (CG) flash is often not co-located with the heaviest snowfall rates. However, the work completed here does place the location of the typical CG flash ∼15 km downstream of the snowband location, so one could use the occurrence of lightning as a nowcasting tool for impending snow intensification at the site of the CG flash.
Mapping the Dynamics of a Bursting Neuron

The anterior burster (AB) neuron of the lobster stomatogastric ganglion displays varied rhythmic behavior when treated with neuromodulators and channel-blocking toxins. We introduce a channel-based model for this neuron and show how bifurcation analysis can be used to investigate the response of this model to changes of its parameters. Two dimensional maps of the parameter space of the model were constructed using computational tools based on the theory of nonlinear dynamical systems. Changes in the intrinsic firing and oscillatory properties of the model AB neuron were correlated with the boundaries of Hopf and saddle-node bifurcations on these maps. Complex rhythmic patterns were observed, with a bounded region of the parameter plane producing bursting behavior of the model neuron. Experiments were performed by treating an isolated AB cell with 4-aminopyridine which selectively reduces g $\_{\text{A}}$ , the conductance of the transient potassium channel. The model accurately predicts the qualitative changes in the neuronal voltage oscillations that are observed over a range of reduction of g $\_{\text{A}}$ in the neuron. These results demonstrate the efficacy of dynamical systems theory as a means of determining the varied oscillatory behaviors inherent in a channel-based neural model. Further, the maps of bifurcations provide a useful tool for determining how these behaviors depend upon model parameters and comparing the model to a real neuron.
Statins and cerebrovascular disease: plaque attack to prevent brain attack

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the USA and in the developed world. The beneficial role of cholesterol reduction in decreasing stroke has been uncertain. However, recent data indicate that statin treatment in patients with a history of myocardial infarction not only reduces the risk of a second myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, revascularization procedures and death, but also significantly reduces the risk of stroke. However, the mechanism(s) by which statins reduce stroke remain uncertain. Thus, the therapeutic armamentarium for the reduction of stroke in secondary prevention now includes cholesterol reduction with statins.
A practical comparison of three robot learning from demonstration algorithms

Research on robot learning from demonstration has seen significant growth in recent years, but existing evaluations have focused exclusively on algorithmic performance and not on usability factors, especially with respect to naive users. Here we present findings from a comparative user study in which we asked non-experts to evaluate three distinctively different robot learning from demonstration algorithms - Behavior Networks, Interactive Reinforcement Learning, and Confidence Based Autonomy. Participants in the study showed a preference for interfaces where they controlled the robot directly (teleoperation and guidance) instead of providing retroactive feedback for past actions (reward and correction). Our results show that the best policy performance in most metrics was achieved using the Confidence Based Autonomy algorithm.
THE RELATION BETWEEN COEFFICIENTS OF CORRELATION AND DIFFICULTY FACTORS

The purpose of the following inquiry was to test the view, put forward by Ferguson and others, that unequal dichotomization of items tends to produce spurious difficulty factors. Subtests of three levels of difficulty were compiled for each of the three factors, and applied to nearly 500 students. The correlations were calculated by the phi, cosine-pi, and full tetrachoric formulae, and four factors extracted. The results obtained do not support Ferguson's hypothesis.
Theodore J. Lowi and the Administrative State

Despite its author's lip service to such traditional principles of liberal constitutionalism as the rule of law and separation of powers, the system of "juridical democracy" advocated by Theodore Lowi in his influential book The End of Liberalism actually represents a considerable departure from the intentions of the American founders. Its true ancestry lies rather in the political science of Woodrow Wilson, who sought to subordinate apolitically "neutral "civil service to the majority "will, "as articulated and shaped by rival "opinion leaders. "A serious doubt must be raised as to whether Lowi's system provides adequate security for individual liberty, or for the rights of the citizenry as a whole. In fact, as Tocqueville's argument suggests, the sort of citizen "access" to the administrative process that Lowi denounces may be essential to the preservation of free government.
Report on SciFlow 2006: the IEEE international workshop on workflow and data flow for scientific applications

Computation has been described as the "third leg" of science, along with theory and experimentation. Certainly, modern information systems are vital to managing and processing the huge amounts of data produced by simulations and experiments. However, existing tools are only now beginning to catch up with the needs of today's scientists, and much more needs to be done to support the computational needs of tomorrow's scientists. In particular, scientists still need effective tools to deal with massive data sets that may be geographically scattered, to apply multiple complex and interacting transformations to the data, and to ensure the quality and repeatability of their computations. The IEEE SciFlow workshop brought together computing researchers who are exploring how to build the next generation of information systems to address these needs. The workshop was held on April 8, 2006, in conjunction with the IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The Risk of Maternal Nutritional Depletion and Poor Outcomes Increases in Early or Closely Spaced Pregnancies

An adequate supply of nutrients is probably the single most important environmental factor affecting pregnancy outcome. Women with early or closely spaced pregnancies are at increased risk of entering a reproductive cycle with reduced reserves. Maternal nutrient depletion may contribute to the increased incidence of preterm births and fetal growth retardation among these women as well as the increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. In the past, it was assumed that the fetus functioned as a parasite and withdrew its nutritional needs from maternal tissues. Studies in both animals and humans demonstrate, however, that if the maternal nutrient supply is inadequate, the delicate balance between maternal and fetal needs is disturbed and a state of biological competition exists. Furthermore, maternal nutritional status at conception influences how nutrients are partitioned between the mother and fetal dyad. In severe deficiencies maternal nutrition is given preference; in a marginal state the fetal compartment is favored. Although the studies of nutrient partitioning have focused on energy and protein, the partitioning of micronutrients may also be influenced by the maternal nutritional status. Marginal intakes of iron and folic acid during the reproductive period induce a poor maternal status for these nutrients during the interpregnancy interval. Poor iron and folic acid status has also been linked to preterm births and fetal growth retardation. Supplementation with food and micronutrients during the interpregnancy period may improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health among women with early or closely spaced pregnancies.
TGFF: task graphs for free

We present a user-controllable, general-purpose, pseudorandom task graph generator called Task Graphs For Free (TGFF). TGFF creates problem instances for use in allocation and scheduling research. It has the ability to generate independent tasks as well as task sets which are composed of partially ordered task graphs. A complete description of a scheduling problem instance is created, including attributes for processors, communication resources, tasks, and inter-task communication. The user may parametrically control the correlations between attributes. Sharing TGFF's parameter settings allows researchers to easily reproduce the examples used by others, regardless of the platform on which TGFF is run.
Fractures of the Middle Third of the Tibia Treated with a Functional Brace

It generally is accepted that fractures of the tibia located in the proximal and distal thirds tend to angulate more than midshaft fractures when treated with intramedullary nails. We therefore compared the angular deformities and final shortening of 434 closed fractures located in the middle third of the tibia treated with a functional brace with those in fractures in the proximal and distal thirds treated in the same manner. Ninety-seven percent in the middle third healed with 8° or less angulation in the mediolateral plane, which was a higher percentage than we had experienced in distal and proximal third fractures treated with this method. Nonunions occurred in four (0.9%) fractures. We found correlations between initial shortening, final shortening, initial displacement, final displacement, and time to brace with initial angulation and final angulation in the mediolateral and anteroposterior planes. The overall mean final shortening of the fractures located in the middle third was 4.3 mm. These experiences suggest satisfactory results can be obtained in most instances using a functional brace for management of closed fractures of the middle third of the tibia. Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
EXCITATORY AMINO ACID-MEDIATED CHEMOREFLEX EXCITATION OF RESPIRATORY NEURONES IN ROSTRAL VENTROLATERAL MEDULLA IN RATS

1. In anaesthetized rats, extracellular and intracellular recordings were made from 119 respiratory neurones in the rostroventrolateral reticular nucleus (RVL) of the medulla oblongata. 2. Two types of active respiratory neurones were detected in RVL: expiratory (E) and pre-inspiratory (Pre-I), based on the relationship between their discharge and that of the phrenic nerve. Some Pre-I but none of the E neurones could be antidromically excited from the C(3)-C(4) level of the spinal cord. 3. E and Pre-I neurones of RVL were excited by stimulation of the arterial chemoreceptors by a close arterial injection of sodium cyanide. The reflex excitation of RVL E neurones was preceded by increased phrenic nerve activity, while the excitation of RVL Pre-I neurones preceded the increases in phrenic nerve activity. 4. The chemoreflex excitation of the two types of RVL respiratory neurones as well as their resting discharge was abolished or significantly depressed by microionophoresis of kynurenate, a wide-spectrum antagonist of excitatory amino acid receptors, while xanthurenate, an inactive analogue of kynurenate, was without effect. 5. In ventilated rats, bilateral microinjection into RVL of kynurenate, but not xanthurenate, abolished resting activity and chemoreflex excitation of phrenic nerve activity, whilst in spontaneously breathing rats, kynurenate microinjection into RVL produced apnea and silenced phrenic nerves. 6. We conclude: (a) chemoreflex excitation of the phrenic nerves is mediated by stimulating Pre-I neurones of RVL by excitatory amino acidergic inputs and (b) RVL Pre-I neurones may directly and/or indirectly excite spinal phrenic motor neurones and hence are involved in inspiratory rhythmogenesis.
Hemodynamic effects of inhaled nitric oxide in four patients with severe liver disease and pulmonary hypertension

Patients with moderate and severe pulmonary hypertension have a very high mortality rate when undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Because nitric oxide has been successful in reducing pulmonary artery pressures in certain patients with pulmonary hypertension, the efficacy of NO inhalation (40 and 80 ppm) in 4 patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with liver disease was determined. No clinically significant changes in pulmonary artery pressures or other hemodynamic parameters were observed using either concentration of NO. In conclusion, no pulmonary vasodilatory response from inhalation of NO in 4 patients with severe liver disease and pulmonary hypertension was found.
Cellulitis in Obesity: Adverse Outcomes Affected by Increases in Body Mass Index.

Purpose: Cellulitis in obese patients is associated with increased rates of treatment failure compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI); however, patients have not been extensively studie...
Influence of a Cash Fee on Outpatient Heroin Detoxification

Twenty-eight employed heroin addicts who were admitted to 10-day, outpatient detoxification and paid a modest fee were compared to 28 poverty-level, unemployed patients who received free detoxification. Patients were matched for admission date within ±30 days, sex, age within ±5 years, total lengrh of heroin use within ±3 years, and parole/probation status. At the end of detoxification treatment, 9 of 28 (32.1%) patients who paid a fee, and 11 of 28 (39.3%,) patients who were given free treatment had urines which were devoid of heroin derivative (PNS). Three or less patients in each group chose to remain in longer-term treatment (PNS). These results suggest that a patient fee did not favorably influence outcome of outpatinent heroin detoxification.
Hyperfemininity: Measurement and initial validation of the construct

Asocial control model of rape proposes that there are societal mechanisms including rape in place to maintain the power imbalance between males and females. One of the forces that perpetuates the problem of rape is traditional gender‐role socialization. A gender‐role model of rape characterizes males as aggressive initiators of sexual activity and women as passive participants. Research has established a link between extreme adherence to a male gender role and experience with sexual aggression; it has been proposed that females learn attitudes about sexuality that might negatively influence their sexual experiences as well, but there is little research to support such a proposal. In the present study, “hyperfeminine” women were hypothesized to indicate particular traditional attitudes and beliefs regarding the rights and roles of women that would have implications for male‐female relationships. The development of a scale to measure hyperfemininity is reported, and several studies are presented that provid...
The Influence of Environment and Heredity on Flight Activity in the Milkweed Bug Oncopeltus

1. Most long flights of Oncopeltus , tested using tethered flight in the laboratory, took place during the middle of the day. This is consistent with field data from other Heteroptera. 2. In bugs reared at 23° C., regardless of length of photoperiod, 20% of males and 30% of females were migrants. Temperatures of 19° and 27° C. reduced these proportions. 3. A short photoperiod of 12 hr. of light failed to increase the proportion of migrants over that present at 16 hr. The period in the life-history during which migration took place, however, was lengthened considerably. In spite of the lengthened flight period and a delay in oviposition, migrants arrive at their destinations with reproductive value high and are therefore colonizers. 4. Food deprivation may increase somewhat the proportion of migrants if it occurs shortly after eclosion, although most of the extra activity seems to be due to additional non-migratory flight. If it occurs after oviposition has begun, food deprivation can result in migration at a time when it would ordinarily have ceased. 5. The proportion of migrants could be significantly increased by appropriate selection and breeding. The basis for migratory behaviour is thus, in part at least, genetic. 6. The data in general support the hypothesis that migration is elicited, enhanced, or suppressed in genotypical migrants by those environmental factors which influence ovary (and corpus allatum) development.
A surprising fibration of S3 x S3 by great 3-spheres

In this paper, we describe a new surprising example of a fibration of the Clifford torus S3 x S3 in the 7-sphere by great 3-spheres, which is fiberwise homogeneous but whose fibers are not parallel to one another. In particular it is not part of a Hopf fibration. A fibration is fiberwise homogeneous when for any two fibers there is an isometry of the total space taking fibers to fibers and taking the first given fiber to the second one. We also describe in detail the geometry of this surprising fibration and how it differs from the Hopf fibration.