cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional Simulation of Summertime Precipitation over the Southwestern United States

Using results taken from a finescale (25 km), regional modeling simulation for the summer of 1999, along with contemporaneous daily surface observations, synoptic variations in summertime precipitation over the southwestern United States are described and analyzed. Two separate techniques for characterizing and evaluating large-scale summertime precipitation patterns within the observed and simulated systems are presented; in addition, these evaluation/characterization techniques are used to analyze the hydrologic forcings associated with observed and simulated modes of rainfall variability. Overall, two robust spatiotemporal precipitation patterns are identified involving 1) precipitation over the western portion of the Rocky Mountain plateau centered on eastern Arizona and southern Utah, and 2) precipitation located over the eastern portion of the plateau and the elevated orography of eastern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Time series associated with these two precipitation regimes are correlated with low-level and midlevel circulation patterns in order to investigate the related large-scale environmental conditions. It is found that for both regimes intraseasonal precipitation is related to the intrusion of midtroposphere, midlatitude low-pressure anomalies over the southwestern United States, resulting in synoptic-scale shifts in the position of the climatological midtroposphere monsoon ridge. The interaction between the resultant midtroposphere pressure fields and the quasi-stationary monsoon surface pressures found over the Rocky Mountain plateau during the summertime produce large-scale vertical velocities consistent with the observed and simulated rainfall patterns associated with each regime.
A Stochastic Model for the Random Impact Series Method in Modal Testing

A novel stochastic model is developed to describe a random series of impacts in modal testing that can be performed manually or by using a specially designed random impact device. The number of the force pulses, representing the impacts, is modeled as a Poisson process with stationary increments. The force pulses are assumed to have an arbitrary, deterministic shape function, and random amplitudes and arrival times. The force signal in a finite time interval is shown to consist of a wide-sense stationary part and two nonstationary parts. The expectation of the force spectrum is obtained from two approaches. The expectations of the average power densities associated with the entire force signal and the stationary part of it are determined and compared. The analytical expressions are validated by numerical solutions for two different types of shape functions. A numerical example is given to illustrate the advantages of the random impact series over a single impact and an impact series with deterministic arrival times of the pulses in estimating the frequency response function. The model developed can be used to describe a random series of pulses in other applications.
Evaluation of stamping lubricants using the deep drawing test

This paper presents a practical methodology that uses the deep drawing test and finite element (FE) analysis to evaluate stamping lubricants under near production conditions. In stamping operations good lubrication helps to reduce wrinkling, premature fracture, and localized thinning. Furthermore, lubrication also reduces tool wear in large-volume production. Determination of reliable friction data associated with a given lubrication system is also important for successful process design and simulation by FE analysis. In this study, five stamping lubricants (four dry film lubes and one wet lube) were evaluated using the deep drawing test. The performance of the lubricants were evaluated based on: (a) maximum punch force measured, (b) the maximum applicable blank holder force (BHF), (c) the draw-in length, (d) the perimeter of flange after test, (e) the change of surface roughness, and (f) the inspection of surface topography. The coefficient of friction for each lubricant tested was determined through the FE-based inverse analysis by matching the predicted and measured values of the load-stroke curve and the draw-in length. This study showed that one of the tested lubricants was most effective, regardless of test speed and the magnitude of BHF. The methodology used was shown to be effective in evaluating various lubricants for sheet metal forming and accurately differentiating their performances.
Global New Product Development Processes: Preliminary Findings and Research Propositions

This study examines the processes and routines firms employ for developing new global products. Observations from 13 Japanese, American and European multinational companies reveal that global new product development processes vary in terms of the involvement of overseas subsidiaries in project teams and the generation of new product concepts. In particular, when the knowledge about different product design requirements among overseas markets or plants is tacit, firms employ cross-national product development teams and use overseas subsidiaries as sources of new product concepts. Anchoring these findings on information processing theory, we develop a set of research propositions on global new product development processes and suggest directions for future research.
Negative magnetoresistance in the variable-range-hopping regime in n-type CdSe

La dependance de la magnetoresistance negative vis-a-vis de la temperature est observee pour tous les echantillons, independamment du fait que la resistivite a champ nul indique un saut de Mott ou un saut a distance variable en presence d'une bande interdite coulombienne. Implications phenomenologiques de ces observations
Silicidation of Niobium Deposited on Silicon by Physical Vapor Deposition

Niobium was deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) using e-beam evaporation on bare (100) silicon substrates and SiO2 surfaces. The formation of niobium silicide was investigated by annealing PVD Nb films in the temperatures range 400–1000°C. At all elevated annealing temperatures the resistivity of Nb silicide is substantially higher than that of Nb. The Nb silicidation as a function of temperature has been investigated and different NbXSiy compounds have been characterized. It has been observed that the annealing of the Nb film on Si is accompanied by a strong volume expansion of about 2.5 of the resulting reacted film. The films' structural properties were studied using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which was not previously presented in the context of the extant NbSi literature. The X-Ray diffraction characterization of the Nb on Si sample annealed at 1000°C, showed the presence of hexagonal Nb5Si3 phases, with a dominant peak at the (200) plane, and NbSi2 phases. Fractal dimension calculations indicate a distinct transition from Stranski-Krastanov to Volmer-Weber film growth for NbSi formation at the annealing temperature of 600°C and above.
Effect of Cellulose/Hemicellulose and Lignin on the Bioavailability of Toluene Sorbed to Waste Paper

Paper constitutes about 38% of municipal solid waste, much of which is disposed of in landfills. Sorption to such lignocellulosic materials may limit the bioavailability of organic contaminants in landfills. The objective of this study was to identify the effect of individual biopolymers in paper on toluene sorption and bioavailability by subjecting fresh and anaerobically degraded office paper and newsprint to enzymatic hydrolysis and acid hydrolysis. Enzymatic degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose had no effect on toluene bioavailability. In contrast, acid-insoluble lignin controlled toluene sorption and bioavailability for both fresh and degraded newsprint. Acid-insoluble lignin could explain only 54% of the toluene sorption capacity of degraded office paper however, suggesting that crude protein and/or lipophilic organic matter were also important sorbent phases. Toluene sorbed to degraded office paper was also less bioavailable than toluene sorbed to an equivalent mass of lignin extracted from this sorbent. The latter result suggests that a fraction of toluene sorbed to degraded office paper may have been sequestered by lipophilic organic matter. The sorption and bioavailability data indicate that the preferential decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose relative to lignin in landfills should not decrease the overall toluene sorption capacity of paperwaste or increase the bioavailability of sorbed toluene.
HIV infection: analysis in 259 consecutive patients with abnormal abdominal CT findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate abdominal computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans with abnormal findings in 259 patients (247 men, 12 women; age range, 21-60 years) with HIV infection were analyzed. Diagnoses were mycobacterial infection (n = 87), lymphoproliferative disease (n = 63), Kaposi sarcoma (n = 17), fungal infection (n = 17), hepatocellular disease (n = 13), Pneumocystis carinii infection (n = 8), other disorders (n = 39), or unknown (n = 30). RESULTS: Abnormal findings included lymph-node enlargement (n = 159), hepatomegaly (n = 100), splenomegaly (n = 62), gastrointestinal mass or wall thickening (n = 61), and low-attenuation lesions in the liver (n = 50) or spleen (n = 55). Diagnoses thought to account for CT findings were made (n = 229) or suspected (n = 18) in 247 (95%) of the 259 patients. CONCLUSION: In most patients with HIV infection, abnormal abdominal CT findings are due to a second disease. Even relatively...
Career Continuity and Retirement Plans of Men and Women Physicians: The Meaning of Disorderly Careers

Three related assumptions concerning the relationship of u omen to work and retirement shown to be prevalent in the literature were examined among a sample of practicing phy sicians between the ages of 55 and 70. None of them were shown to be valid assumptions for this particular sample. It was demonstrated that older male and female physicians were equally likely to have had irregular work histories. For men these were due to historical circumstances, such as war, whereas the career interruptions of women were related to their basic social identity as wives and mothers. It was also shown that both male andfemale physicians derive their ideas about the meaning of work from the medical culture which defines intrinsic rewards as most satisfying. This, in turn, affects the ability to make realistic plans for retirement, since being active and being dedicated are both values that conflict with assumptions ph ysicians make about retirement. Becker's definition of the concept of commitment was reexamined, and a...
Intragastric administration of cyclo(Leu-Gly) inhibits the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine in the rat

The effect of intragastric administration of cyclo(Leu-Gly), a cyclic dipeptide derived from melanotropin release inhibiting factor (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2), on the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine in the rat was determined. The tolerance to morphine in the rat was induced by subcutaneous implantation of four morphine pellets during a 3-day period. The rats which served as controls were implanted with placebo pellets. The analgesic response to a challenge dose of morphine was determined by the tail-flick test. The tail-flick latencies were determined before and then every 30 min for 180 min. The analgesic response was computed by determining the area under the time-response curve. Implantation of morphine pellets resulted in the development of tolerance as evidenced by decreased analgesic response to morphine in morphine pellet implanted rats as compared to placebo pellet implanted rats. Chronic intragastric administration of cyclo(Leu-Gly) (4 to 16 mg/kg) inhibited the development of tolerance to morphine. A dose of 8 mg/kg of cyclo(Leu-Gly) completely blocked the tolerance to morphine. The study provides for the first time evidence that intragastric administration of a cyclic peptide can inhibit the development of tolerance to morphine, and that effective neuropeptides and their analogs can be developed as potential drugs to inhibit opiate-induced tolerance.
Screening for Problem Substance Use in Community-Based Agencies

Brief screening for problem substance use was conducted in a midsize Midwestern city in community-based agencies that provided a range of services. Over 3 years, 14,162 persons requesting both subs...
Abstract 5500: Sensitivity of metastatic breast cancer (4T1) cells to apoptotic effect by Lactobacillus kefiri P-IF via a mechanism that involves hole piercing in cancer cells

Objective: Metastasis, the spread of cancer from its origin, is primarily responsible for the majority of deaths from human solid-organ cancer. Lactobacillus kefiri P-IF, a freeze-dried form of heat-killed L. kefiri, is a specific strain of lactic acid bacteria that has a unique DNA sequence and PET scans showing a 99.6% homology with regular kefiris. In the current study, we evaluate the apoptotic effect of L. kefiri P-IF on metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cells. Materials and Methods: 4T1, murine MBC, were cultured with different concentrations of L.kefiri P-IF (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/ml) and the apoptotic response was assessed by propidium iodide assay and trypan blue exclusion test. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were monitored by flow cytometry. Changes in percentages of cancer cells bearing holes were examined by Giemsa-stained cytospin preparation under a light microscope. Results: L.kefiri P-IF induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells. Incubation with L. Kefiri P-IF at 5 mg/ml induced apoptosis in 91% of 4T1 cells compared to 7% apoptosis for control untreated cells. A significant apoptotic effect by L.kefiri P-IF was detected as early as 90 min post exposure with cancer cells, showing 25 fold increase in apoptotic non-adherent cells as compared to control untreated cells. The apoptotic effect was further increased 30 to 75 fold at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The induction of apoptosis by L.kefiri P-IF was associated with significant decrease in the polarization of MMP and an increase in the percentages of adherent cells bearing multiple holes, suggesting that the mechanism by which L.kefiri P-IF induces its apoptotic effect involves piercing holes in cancer cells. Thes holes are shown to vary in circumference and depth. Control untreated adherent cells showed 40% cells with no holes and 43% cells bearing more than 5 holes. In contrast, L.kefiri P-IF treated adherent cells showed only 7% cells with no holes, while cells bearing more than 5 holes reached 87 %, this represents a 2 fold increase in cells with multiple holes over control cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that L.kefiri P-IF exerts an apoptotic effect on MBC cells by a mechanism that involves the hole piercing in cancer cells, and may represent a new class of adjuvants for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. L.kefiri P-IF was provided by Paitos Co., Ltd. Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Citation Format: Mamdooh H. Ghoneum. Sensitivity of metastatic breast cancer (4T1) cells to apoptotic effect by Lactobacillus kefiri P-IF via a mechanism that involves hole piercing in cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5500. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5500
Tropomyosin Isoforms Localize to Distinct Microfilament Populations in Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts resorb bone through transient rearrangement of their cytoskeletons to create a polarized phenotype in which an apical ruffled membrane is surrounded by a ring of F-actin that creates a tight seal against bone substrate. This process, coupled with the capacity for rapid motility, necessitates the presence of a dynamic, multi-functional actin cytoskeleton. Tropomyosins are a large class of actin-binding proteins that can regulate microfilament stability and organization by recruiting other regulatory proteins to actin, or alternately, by inhibiting their binding. Tropomyosins are expressed from four distinct genes (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) that are alternately spliced to produce over forty isoforms. In recent years, it has become clear that nonmuscle isoforms of tropomyosin may be differentially distributed among intracellular pools of F-actin possessing different functions. Here we have used Western analysis and immunocytochemistry coupled with confocal microscopy to identify the isoforms of tropomyosin expressed by osteoclasts, as well as their distributions within cells. Osteoclasts express at least seven isoforms with markedly different distributions. The products of the alpha gene (Tm-2, -3, and -5a/5b) are up-regulated during osteoclastogenesis, indicating potential cell-specific functions. Some isoforms (Tm-5a/5b, Tm-4) are specifically enriched within and around osteoclast attachment structures, the sealing zone and podosomes, whereas others are more abundant in internal regions of the cell. This compartmentalization of tropomyosins to specific actin structures within osteoclasts is likely to play a critical role in determining the dynamic properties of the actin cytoskeleton and thus osteoclast activity.
CF-252 Neutron brachytherapy of short duration for bulky neck tumors

Cf-252 (Cf) neutron brachytherapy (NT) was tested for treatment of bulky neck tumor masses in 13 patients. Complete regression (CR) or partial regression (PR) was obtained in 100% and local control in 85%. Tumors cleared rapidly and completely after an implant therapy of 4-7 hrs. Short duration Cf-NT can produce rapid and complete clearance of bulky tumors. Efficacy was independent of the implant time duration and without unusual adverse side effects or complications. The median survival time (MST) of patients dying of their disease was 6.8 months and 48% of treated patients survived greater than 18 months despite their advanced diseased status.
Highly reduced organometallics 42. A new method for the syntheses of [V(CO)6]− and [V(PF3)6]− involving anthracenide mediated reductions of VCl3(THF)3

Abstract A new mild (0°C, 1 atm P) and high yield (70%) synthesis of [V(CO) 6 ] − by the sodium anthracenide mediated reductive carbonylation of VCl 3 (THF) 3 is presented. This same procedure is also shown to provide the first conventional, non-photolytic route to [V(PF 3 ) 6 ] − , a remarkably stable substance. Corresponding sodium naphthalenide reductions provide much lower yields of these vanadates.
Incorporation of macromolecules into the salivary cells of Dipteran larvae.

Autoradiographisch wurde festgestellt, dass sich injizierte DNS mit der DNS der polytonen Chromosomen verbindet und in die Zellkerne der Speicheldruse eingebaut wird.
Hemodynamic and Humoral Effects of Vasopeptidase Inhibition in Canine Hypertension

Vasopeptidase inhibitors are potent new antihypertensive agents. The dual inhibition of ACE and neutral endopeptidase may result in synergistic humoral effects with unique hemodynamic actions. We investigated the hemodynamic and neurohumoral effects of vasopeptidase inhibition in conscious dogs made hypertensive by bilateral renal wrapping and subsequently instrumented for long-term assessment of left ventricular pressure and volume (n=8). Intravenous vasopeptidase inhibition (omapatrilat, 30 micromol/kg over 10 minutes) reduced peak left ventricular pressure (171+/-6 versus 130+/-6 mm Hg immediately after infusion, P<0.01) through arterial vasodilation (arterial elastance, 9.8+/-0.8 to 5.8+/-1.6 mm Hg/mL, P<0.01) and preload reduction (left ventricular end-diastolic volume, 51.1+/-6.8 to 46.0+/-6.9 mL, P<0.01). At 60 minutes, preload decreased further (40.5+/-5.9 mL, P<0.01 versus baseline). Vasopeptidase inhibition increased plasma levels of adrenomedullin (41.2+/-9.6 versus 72.3+/-15 pg/mL, P<0.01), whereas levels of the natriuretic peptides and cGMP were unchanged. Similar hemodynamic and humoral effects were observed with long-term therapy. Neither an equimolar dose of an ACE inhibitor (fosinopril) nor exogenous adrenomedullin had as potent of a hypotensive effect, and neither reduced preload. In summary, the potent short-term and long-term hypotensive effects of vasopeptidase inhibition were prominently mediated by preload reduction, an effect not reproduced by ACE inhibition nor adrenomedullin augmentation and not associated with enhanced natriuretic peptide levels. Combined arterial vasodilation and preload reduction may confer additional potency as well as unique cardioprotective effects. Synergistic effects on humoral and probably endothelial vasodilatory factors appear to be important in mediating the unique hemodynamic profile of vasopeptidase inhibition in this form of experimental hypertension.
Shortcuts and Signals: An Analysis of the Micro- level Determinants of Aid Allocation, with Case Study Evidence from Brazil

Does the distribution of foreign development assistance depend on the organizational capacity of the recipient organization? I argue that employees at donor agencies seek signals of which recipients will implement aid most effectively, and use these signals to determine the destination of foreign aid on the micro level. Qualitative evidence gathered in the US and Brazil indicates the types of signals donors seek and recipients strive to transmit: signals of a recipient’s professionalism, reputation, and sustainability. After developing a signaling game to derive the conditions under which these signals might be credible indicators of implementation effectiveness, I present quantitative evidence of aid recipient organizations in Brazil and score them on the three signals. Statistical tests confirm that organizations with higher levels of these signals are more likely to receive funding, suggesting that donors use these signals to determine the destination of development assistance.
Shocks as causes of turnover: What they are and how organizations can manage them

Voluntary employee turnover is expensive. Companies that successfully retain the best and brightest employees save money and protect their intellectual capital. Traditional approaches to understanding turnover place accumulated job dissatisfaction as the primary antecedent to voluntary turnover. However, we show that precipitating events, or shocks, more often are the immediate cause of turnover. Using data from more than 1,200 “leavers,” we describe the nature, content, and role of shocks in turnover decisions. We then provide strategies to help organizations manage shocks, and thereby control turnover. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacologic characterization of muscarinic receptors of insect brains.

Muscarinic receptors in brain membranes from honey bees, houseflies, and the American cockroach were identified by their specific binding of the non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) and the displacement of this binding by agonists as well as subtype-selective antagonists, using filtration assays. The binding parameters, obtained from Scatchard analysis, indicated that insect muscarinic receptors, like those of mammalian brains, had high affinities for [3H]QNB (KD = 0.47 nM in honey bees, 0.17 nM in houseflies and 0.13 nM in the cockroach). However, the receptor concentration was low (108, 64.7, and 108 fmol/mg protein for the three species, respectively). The association and dissociation rates of [3H]QNB binding to honey bee brain membranes, sensitivity of [3H]QNB binding to muscarinic agonists, and high affinity for atropine were also features generally similar to muscarinic receptors of mammalian brains. In order to further characterize the three insect brain muscarinic receptors, the displacement of [3H]QNB binding by subtype-selective antagonists was studied. The rank order of potency of pirenzepine (PZ), the M1 selective antagonist, 11-[2-[dimethylamino)-methyl)1-piperidinyl)acetyl)-5,11- dihydro-6H-pyrido(2,3-b)-(1,4)-benzodiazepin-6 one (AF-DX 116), the M2-selective antagonist, and 4-DAMP (4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide) the M3-selective antagonist, was also the same as that of mammalian brains, i.e., 4-DAMP greater than PZ greater than AF-DX 116. The three insect brain receptors had 27-50-fold lower affinity for PZ (Ki 484-900 nM) than did the mammalian brain receptor (Ki 16 nM), but similar to that reported for the muscarinic receptor subtype cloned from Drosophila. Also, the affinity of insect receptors for 4-DAMP (Ki 18.9-56.6 nM) was much lower than that of the M3 receptor, which predominates in rat submaxillary gland (Ki of 0.37 nM on [3H]QNB binding). These drug specificities of muscarinic receptors of brains from three insect species suggest that insect brains may be predominantly of a unique subtype that is close to, though significantly different from, the mammalian M3 subtype.
Noninducibility of Atrial Fibrillation as an End Point of Left Atrial Circumferential Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation A Randomized Study

Background— An anatomic approach of left atrial radiofrequency circumferential ablation (LACA) to encircle the pulmonary veins is often effective in eliminating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, no electrophysiological end points other than voltage abatement and/or conduction slowing or block across ablation lines have been used. It has been unclear whether noninducibility of AF is a clinically useful end point. Methods and Results— In 100 patients with paroxysmal AF (mean age, 55±10 years), LACA to encircle the left- and right-sided pulmonary veins was performed during AF, with additional ablation lines in the posterior left atrium and mitral isthmus, with an 8-mm-tip catheter. After completion of this lesion set, sinus rhythm was present, and AF lasting >60 seconds was not inducible in 40 patients (40%; group 1). The 60 patients in whom AF was still present or who still had inducible AF were randomly assigned to no further ablation (group 2; 30 patients) or to additional ablation lines along...
Hierarchy of α Fetoprotein (AFP)-Specific T Cell Responses in Subjects with AFP-Positive Hepatocellular Cancer

We identified a series of immunodominant and subdominant epitopes from α fetoprotein (AFP), restricted by HLA-A*0201, which are recognized by the human T cell repertoire. The four immunodominant epitopes have been tested for immunogenicity in vivo, in HLA-A*0201+AFP+ advanced stage hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients, and have activated and expanded AFP-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells in these patients, despite high serum levels of this self Ag. Here, we have examined the frequency, function, and avidity of the T cells specific for subdominant epitopes from AFP. We find that T cells specific for several of these epitopes are of similar or higher avidity than those specific for immunodominant epitopes. We then tested the peripheral blood of subjects ex vivo with different levels of serum AFP for the hierarchy of response to epitopes from this Ag and find that HCC patients have detectable frequencies of circulating IFN-γ-producing AFP-specific CD8+ T cells to both immunodominant and subdominant epitopes. We find the immunodominant and subdominant peptide-specific T cells to be differentially expanded with different modes of Ag presentation. Whereas spontaneous and AFP protein-stimulated responses show evidence for immunodominance, AdVhAFP-transduced dendritic cell-stimulated responses were broader and not skewed. Importantly, these data identify subdominant epitopes from AFP that can activate high-avidity T cells, and that can be detected and expanded in HCC subjects. These subdominant epitope-specific T cells can also recognize tumor cells and may be important therapeutically.
SCENT: Scalable compressed monitoring of evolving multirelational social networks

We propose SCENT, an innovative, scalable spectral analysis framework for internet scale monitoring of multirelational social media data, encoded in the form of tensor streams. In particular, a significant challenge is to detect key changes in the social media data, which could reflect important events in the real world, sufficiently quickly. Social media data have three challenging characteristics. First, data sizes are enormous; recent technological advances allow hundreds of millions of users to create and share content within online social networks. Second, social data are often multifaceted (i.e., have many dimensions of potential interest, from the textual content to user metadata). Finally, the data is dynamic; structural changes can occur at multiple time scales and be localized to a subset of users. Consequently, a framework for extracting useful information from social media data needs to scale with data volume, and also with the number and diversity of the facets of the data. In SCENT, we focus on the computational cost of structural change detection in tensor streams. We extend compressed sensing (CS) to tensor data. We show that, through the use of randomized tensor ensembles, SCENT is able to encode the observed tensor streams in the form of compact descriptors. We show that the descriptors allow very fast detection of significant spectral changes in the tensor stream, which also reduce data collection, storage, and processing costs. Experiments over synthetic and real data show that SCENT is faster (17.7x--159x for change detection) and more accurate (above 0.9 F-score) than baseline methods.
An fMRI Study of Facial Emotion Processing in Patients With Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Emotion processing deficits are notable in schizophrenia. The authors evaluated cerebral blood flow response in schizophrenia patients during facial emotion processing to test the hypothesis of diminished limbic activation related to emotional relevance of facial stimuli. METHOD: Fourteen patients with schizophrenia and 14 matched comparison subjects viewed facial displays of happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust as well as neutral faces. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal changes as the subjects alternated between tasks of discriminating emotional valence (positive versus negative) and age (over 30 versus under 30) of the faces with an interleaved crosshair reference condition. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in performance on either task. For both tasks, healthy participants showed activation in the fusiform gyrus, occipital lobe, and inferior frontal cortex relative to the resting baseline condition. The increase was greate...
Asymmetric Introgression in a Spotted Salamander Hybrid Zone

Before the establishment of reproductive isolation, deeply diverged intraspecific lineages can experience complex genetic and behavioral interactions as they come into secondary contact. Divergent selective and demographic processes mediate gene flow among lineages, resulting in hybrid zones with complex biogeographic structure. Discordance in the biogeographic patterns of autosomal and maternally inherited loci provides a useful window to infer the processes mediating admixture and introgression across hybrid zones. Here, we sampled 489 genotypes across a hybrid zone between 2 phylogeographic lineages of the spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, and characterize discordant patterns of nuclear and mitochondrial introgression across the contact boundary. Our results indicate asymmetric introgression of nuclear DNA beyond the contact boundary from the western to eastern lineage, with introgression of eastern mitochondrial DNA into the western lineage. We discuss alternative mechanisms for this pattern and attribute this result to neutral patterns of population expansion of the western lineage into the east in combination with female mate choice for larger-bodied western males. Our results underscore the complexity of interacting mechanisms that give rise to reproductive asymmetries in the earliest stages of the speciation process.
Template Strand Switching by T7 RNA Polymerase

Abstract T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) is able to traverse a variety of discontinuities in the template (T) strand of duplex DNA, including nicks, gaps, and branched junctions in which the 3′ end of the T strand is not complementary to the non-template (NT) strand. The products represent a faithful copy of the T strand, with no insertions or deletions. On double-stranded templates having protruding 3′ ends the polymerase is able to insert the free 3′ end of the NT strand and to utilize this as a new T strand (“turn around transcription”), resulting in the anomalous production of high molecular weight transcripts. The capacity of T7 RNAP to bypass interruptions in the T strand depends upon the stability of the elongation complex. Sequences that are expected to stabilize a local RNA:DNA hybrid (such as the presence of a C6 tract in the T strand) dramatically reduce dissociation of the RNAP while still allowing the enzyme to insert a new 3′ end. Similar effects on RNAP release are observed when the enzyme reaches the end of a template (i.e. when synthesizing runoff products), resulting in markedly different yields of RNA product during multiple rounds of transcription.
Power-efficient distortion-minimized rate allocation for audio broadcasting over wireless networks

Audio broadcasting over wireless networks is a challenging task due to the limited bandwidth of the wireless channel and limited battery resource in the handheld devices. This paper proposes a power-efficient distortion-minimized rate allocation approach, which maintains the power consumption constraint at the mobile hosts and meanwhile minimizes the total distortions for group users in wireless systems. The performance of our proposed scheme is compared with a fixed rate allocation and downlink power controlled scheme in cellular CDMA systems. The simulation results show that our proposed power-efficient distortion-minimized scheme achieves significant performance gains of audio quality compared to the fixed scheme.
Correlation Between AlGaN/GaN MISHFET Performance and $ \hbox{HfO}_{2}$ Insulation Layer Quality

HfO2 films of 15 nm were deposited using atomic layer deposition at temperatures varying from 110°C to 200°C and then to 300°C on AlGaN/GaN HEMT structures. Devices with 300°C HfO2 show dramatically better ON and OFF-state characteristics under dc biases than those with HfO2 deposited at lower temperatures. High-resolution X-ray diffraction, together with X-ray reflectivity measurements, confirms the superior film quality of the 300°C HfO2 in comparison to the lower temperature grown films.
Detection results of food-borne pathogens in commercially available food in Wuzhou City in 2012

[Objective]To understand the contamination status of food-borne pathogens in commercially available foods in Wuzhou City,to identify the distribution and possible sources of food hazards,to discover potential safety hazards of food in time,and provide scientific basis for supervision of food hygiene supervision departments.[Methods]Samples of 7 kinds of foods were collected from wuzhou for common food-borne pathogens test.[Results]Of 256 food samples in 7 kinds tested,50 target strains were detected,accounting for 19. 53%. The detection rate was 40. 00% in aquatic products,the main pathogen was Vibrio parahaemolyticu( 23. 33%). The main pathogen of infantile food contamination was Bacillus cereus( 31. 11%). The detection rate of fruit and vegetable was 32. 00%,the main pathogen was Escherichia coli. The detection rate of meat products was 10. 00%,the main pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus( 8. 57%). The detection rate of cooked rice products was 6. 45%,the main pathogen was Bacillus cereus( 6. 45%). The detection rate of sweetmeats was 3. 12%,the main pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus( 3. 12%). No pathogen was detected in bakery products. [Conclusion]The situation of food contamination by food-borne pathogens in Wuzhou City is not optimistic. It is necessary to strengthen food supervision and management to reduce the incidence of food-borne diseases.
Effect of Surface Energy on Freezing Temperature of Water

Previous studies have found that superhydrophobic surfaces are effective in delaying freezing of water droplets. However, the freezing process of water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces depends on factors such as droplet size, surface area, roughness, and cooling rate. The role of surface energy, independent of any other parameters, in delaying freezing of water is not understood. Here, we have used infrared-visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) to study the freezing of water next to solid substrates with water contact angles varying from 5° to 110°. We find that the freezing temperature of water decreases with increasing surface hydrophobicity only when the sample volume is small (∼10 μL). For a larger volume of water (∼300 μL), the freezing temperature is independent of surface energy. For water next to the surfaces with contact angle ≥54°, we observe a strong SFG peak associated with highly coordinated water. This research sheds new light on understanding the key factors in designing ...
NIMG-35RESULTS OF EXPLORATORY 18F-FLT PET IMAGING IN TEN RECURRENT HIGH-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS TREATED WITH THE SELECTIVE T-TYPE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER MIBEFRADIL FOLLOWED BY TEMOZOLOMIDE (ABTC TRIAL 1101)

BACKGROUND: Mibefradil (MIB) is a selective T-type calcium channel blocker that has shown preclinical impact on cell cycle activity, specifically arrest at G1/S in tumor cells, suggesting a potential chemo-sensitizing effect if given prior to chemotherapy. In our study, MIB was administered orally QID x 7 days prior to standard temozolomide (150-200 mg/m2 x 5/28d) in recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) patients. 18F-FLT PET was used as an exploratory imaging biomarker to assess influence of MIB on overall tracer accumulation in tumor. METHODS: 18F-FLT PET was performed in 10 patients treated at the maximum tolerated dose of MIB (87.5 mg po QID) at 5 different institutions. Prior to MIB administration, 2 PET scans were performed as a double baseline to assess repeatability of PET measurements. A third scan was performed on day 7 of MIB treatment to assess 18F-FLT uptake for response. Tumor standardized uptake values (SUVs) were measured at a central laboratory by automatically positioning a 1mL sphere at the region of highest uptake (SUVpeak). RESULTS: The double baseline data indicated 95% limits of repeatability of 18.5% (6.7% within-patient coefficient of variation) for SUVpeak. Two of the 10 patients demonstrated a drop in SUVpeak after 7 days of MIB that exceeded these limits (-47% and -67%). No significant change between double baseline and day 7 of MIB was seen in the remaining 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this first 18F-FLT PET imaging study within a multicenter HGG trial, 18F-FLT PET was found to be feasible and highly repeatable. The results suggest influence of MIB on tumor accumulation of the radiotracer, possibly in part due to alterations in cell cycle activity in a subset of patients, but the precise mechanism remains to be determined as tracer delivery/transport effects may also be contributing to the decline in signal observed in the two patients.
Does selenium accumulation in meat confer a health benefit to the consumer

Selenium is an essential nutrient with many potential health benefits for humans, including protection against some cancers, enhancement of neuropsychological function, and maintenance of a healthy immune system. Dietary Se is present in a variety of chemical forms and many of its biological actions depend on the chemical form of Se that is consumed. Meat and meat products, especially beef, are a primary source of dietary Se for humans. However, the Se content of meat may vary depending on the Se content of the soil, the feedstuffs grown on that soil, and whether the animal has been supplemented with Se. As a result, the actual contribution of Se from meat to an individual’s diet may be quite variable. The bioavailability of Se has traditionally been assessed by feeding different forms of Se to Se-deficient animals and measuring the increases in selenoprotein activities (e.g., glutathione peroxidase) and tissue accumulation of Se. When Se bioavailability from meat is assessed using this method, meat is considered a highly bioavailable source. However, when bioavailability is assessed in such a manner it does not address many of the other important health benefits of Se such as cancer protection and improvement of neuropsychological function. Consequently, specific studies must be conducted to determine whether the Se in meat does more than merely increase Se status and whether Se in meat can improve health.
Piecewise Regression Analysis of Secular Change in the Maximum Femoral Vertical Head Diameter of American White Males and Females

Osteometric measurements of the femur are consistently used to estimate stature, sex, and race in constructing demographic profiles. The presence of positive or negative changes in the size of the maximum vertical diameter of the femoral head could potentially affect the validity of such profiles. Additionally, changes in femoral head size may be an indicator of the socioeconomic status, health, and nutrition of a population over periods of time. Two large data sets consisting of white male and white female femoral vertical head diameter measurements with birth years spanning 1841–1990 are used in this study. A combination of both LOESS and piecewise regression models determined the presence of secular changes in femoral head size. Tests of the residuals were also conducted to assess normality of the data and goodness of fit of the nonlinear models. The results indicate that white males and females experienced nonsignificant increases in femoral head diameter size before 1920 and significant decreases in size thereafter. The results of this study are consistent with other studies that have identified changes in body and skeletal morphology. Considerable changes and improvements in environmental conditions that humans have experienced since the mid-nineteenth century likely contribute to the decrease in femoral head size observed in this study.
Insights from a machine learning model for predicting the hospital Length of Stay (LOS) at the time of admission

A Cubist model for hospital Length of Stay (LOS) is proposed.The groups of cases covered by the Cubist rules differ in their characteristics.The LOS primarily depends on historical variables such as number of admissions.Applying CARMA algorithm allows discovery of important relations among variables.A method to separate the cases by their level of Cubist error. A model that accurately predicts, at the time of admission, the Length of Stay (LOS) for hospitalized patients could be an effective tool for healthcare providers. It could enable early interventions to prevent complications, enabling more efficient utilization of manpower and facilities in hospitals. In this study, we apply a regression tree (Cubist) model for predicting the LOS, based on static inputs, that is, values that are known at the time of admission and that do not change during patient's hospital stay. The model was trained and validated on de-identified administrative data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals in Pittsburgh, PA. We chose to use a Cubist model because it produced more accurate predictions than did alternative techniques. In addition, tree models enable us to examine the classification rules learned from the data, in order to better understand the factors that are most correlated with hospital LOS. Cubist recursively partitions the data set as it estimates linear regressions for each partition, and the error level differs for different partitions, so that it is possible to deduce what are the characteristics of patients whose LOS can be accurately predicted at admission, and what are the characteristics of patients for whom the LOS estimate at that point in time is more highly uncertain. For example, our model indicates that the prediction error is greater for patients who had more admissions in the recent past, and for those who had longer previous hospital stays. Our approach suggests that mapping the cases into a higher dimensional space, using a Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel, helps to separate them by their level of Cubist error, using a Support Vector Machine (SVM).
Diagnosis of Decadal Predictability of Southern Ocean Sea Surface Temperature in the GFDL CM2.1 Model

AbstractThe average predictability time (APT) method is used to identify the most predictable components of decadal sea surface temperature (SST) variations over the Southern Ocean (SO) in a 4000-yr unforced control run of the GFDL CM2.1 model. The most predictable component shows significant predictive skill for periods as long as 20 years. The physical pattern of this variability has a uniform sign of SST anomalies over the SO, with maximum values over the Amundsen–Bellingshausen–Weddell Seas. Spectral analysis of the associated APT time series shows a broad peak on time scales of 70–120 years. This most predictable pattern is closely related to the mature phase of a mode of internal variability in the SO that is associated with fluctuations of deep ocean convection. The second most predictable component of SO SST is characterized by a dipole structure, with SST anomalies of one sign over the Weddell Sea and SST anomalies of the opposite sign over the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Seas. This component has sig...
Isotope labeling ratios: a tool for the exploration of metabolic compartments.

Reports of metabolic compartmentation often stem from data viewed as unfortunate by the reporters. Namely, an investigation of a metabolic pathway by isotopic tracer techniques yields results incompatible with the starting assumption that a single pool of each metabolite is present in the system. Thus compartmentation is added so that the data are consistent. A reader offered a specific compartmentalized arrangement in the closing paragraphs of a paper may wonder what other possible compartmental arrangements might have been uncovered if, from the onset of the project, multiple compartments of each metabolite had been assumed. Our goal is to describe techniques for determining the information available from steady state isotopic tracer studies if we assume that multiple pools of each metabolite exist which mix when the system is analyzed. Essentially we assume that the specific radioactivity (SA) of metabolite pools cannot be determined by experiment. We are particularly interested in the application of these techniques to investigations of oxidative energy metabolism and pathways involving metabolic cycles. Our previous studies have focused on the TCA cycle (Kelleher, 1984; Mallet et al., 1984). In this area of metabolism, the presence of enzyme aggregates and a variety of compartments including mitochondrial and cytoplasmic spaces render the estimation rates from isotopic tracer studies especially perilous.