cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Mouse Skin Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant tumor suppressor gene syndrome in which patients develop several types of tumors, including facial angiofibroma, subungual fibroma, Shagreen patch, angiomyolipomas, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis. It is due to inactivating mutations in TSC1 or TSC2. We sought to generate a mouse model of one or more of these tumor types by targeting deletion of the Tsc1 gene to fibroblasts using the Fsp-Cre allele. Mutant, Tsc1ccFsp-Cre+ mice survived a median of nearly a year, and developed tumors in multiple sites but did not develop angiomyolipoma or lymphangioleiomyomatosis. They did develop a prominent skin phenotype with marked thickening of the dermis with accumulation of mast cells, that was minimally responsive to systemic rapamycin therapy, and was quite different from the pathology seen in human TSC skin lesions. Recombination and loss of Tsc1 was demonstrated in skin fibroblasts in vivo and in cultured skin fibroblasts. Loss of Tsc1 in fibroblasts in mice does not lead to a model of angiomyolipoma or lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
A classroom evaluation of a novel software tool to support introductory data science and visualization

We describe the construction, execution, and analysis of the first deployment of a novel visualization support tool, VisMap, in the classroom lab environment at our institution. Key design goals of VisMap include encouraging students to (1) critically analyze visualization selection by making candidate visualization comparisons and (2) customize and provide appropriate detail to visualizations in meaningful ways. The results of the classroom deployment affirm that these design goals were successfully upheld. We provide additional observations about usage of the tool that demonstrate further strengths as well as areas for improvement. We also outline avenues for tool refinement and future evaluations.
Near-isothermal-isobaric compressed gas energy storage

Abstract In this paper, the effectiveness of storing energy by compressing and expanding a condensable gas is evaluated. A high efficiency energy storage system, which stores energy by compressing/expanding gas (air) using a liquid (water) piston has been recently introduced and extensively studied. With the use of the liquid piston, the inefficient gas turbomachines used in conventional gas compression/expansion systems are replaced with high efficiency hydraulic machines. Utilizing heat transfer techniques and replacing the non-condensable air with a condensable gas (i.e. CO2, synthetic refrigerants, hydrocarbon refrigerants, etc.) have been proposed as methods to improve energy density and roundtrip efficiency of such systems, leading to near isothermal and near isobaric charge/discharge processes. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed concept, a miniature lab-scale experimental setup was designed and built to investigate the compression/expansion characteristics and energy storage efficiency of a system utilizing R134a as the energy storage (primary) working fluid, and mineral refrigerant oil as the liquid piston (secondary) working fluid. Several tests are carried out to quantify energy storage efficiency and energy density. It is found that improving heat transfer rates from/into the storage fluid results in increased efficiency and energy density. A heat-transfer enhancement strategy to achieve near isothermal, isobaric expansion and compression is proposed and investigated experimentally. Some results are generalized and presented in non-dimensional form which can be applied to describe and/or design scaled-up systems. Lastly, a potential working fluid for a scaled-up system is discussed.
The CaMKII holoenzyme structure in activation-competent conformations

The Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) assembles into large 12-meric holoenzymes, which is thought to enable regulatory processes required for synaptic plasticity underlying learning, memory and cognition. Here we used single particle electron microscopy (EM) to determine a pseudoatomic model of the CaMKIIα holoenzyme in an extended and activation-competent conformation. The holoenzyme is organized by a rigid central hub complex, while positioning of the kinase domains is highly flexible, revealing dynamic holoenzymes ranging from 15–35 nm in diameter. While most kinase domains are ordered independently, ∼20% appear to form dimers and <3% are consistent with a compact conformation. An additional level of plasticity is revealed by a small fraction of bona-fide 14-mers (<4%) that may enable subunit exchange. Biochemical and cellular FRET studies confirm that the extended state of CaMKIIα resolved by EM is the predominant form of the holoenzyme, even under molecular crowding conditions. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) forms a 12 subunit holoenzyme central to synaptic plasticity. Here the authors report a 3D structure of the CaMKII holoenzyme in an activation-competent state obtained by single particle EM, and suggest a role for the intrinsically disordered linker domain in facilitating cooperative activation.
Bacterial endospores and their significance in stress resistance

In terms of resistance to extreme environmental stresses, the bacterial spore represents a pinnacle of evolution. Spores are highly resistant to a wide variety of physical stresses such as: wet and dry heat, UV and gamma radiation, oxidizing agents, chemicals, and extremes of both vacuum and ultrahigh hydrostatic pressure. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying spore resistance properties have been elucidated in the laboratory, and involve both: (i) protection of vital spore macromolecules during dormancy, and (ii) repair of damaged macromolecules during germination. Our group has recently become interested in testing if the laboratory model of spore UV resistance is relevant to spore persistence in the environment. We have constructed a number of Bacillus subtilis strains which are defective in various DNA repair systems and spore structural components. Using spores of these strains, we have been exploring: (i) the types of damage induced in DNA by the UV-B and UV-A components of sunlight; (ii) the relative contribution of the major spore DNA repair systems to spore solar radiation resistance; and (iii) the role of spore structural components such as the spore coats and dipicolinic acid (DPA) in attenuation of the lethal and mutagenic effects of solar UV. The current data are reviewed with the ultimate goal of obtaining a complete model describing spore persistence and longevity in the terrestrial solar UV radiation environment.
Online Information Dissemination at the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office Using Map Services and APIs

Since its creation in 1974, the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office has been responsible for disseminating information about the availability of geospatial resources for the state. Over time this activity has evolved from the production of paper catalogs to custom programming of Web-based mapping applications. From 1974 to 1993, the office published paper catalogs detailing the availability of aerial photography, maps and geospatial data, and geodetic control data for Wisconsin. With the 2011 release of the Wisconsin Historic Aerial Image Finder, and new versions of its ControlFinder and PLSSFinder applications, the State Cartographer’s Office has completed another chapter in its transition from paper maps to interactive Web-based mapping. These new “Finder” applications incorporate map services and commercial map APIs in an open source geospatial software framework for map-based information delivery over the Web. This chapter provides an overview of the SCO’s Web-based mapping applications, to demonstrate how Web-mapping technology has impacted service delivery to SCO customers, and affected data and software maintenance workflows and activities in the office.
Appearance-Based Global Similarity Retrieval of Images

Visual appearance is an important part of judging image similarity. We readily classify objects that share a visual appearance as similar, and reject those that do not. Our hypothesis is that image intensity surface features can be used to compute appearance similarity. In the first part of this paper, a technique to compute global appearance similarity is described. Images are filtered with Gaussian derivatives to compute two features, namely, local curvatures and orientation. Global image similarity is deduced by comparing distributions of these features. This technique is evaluated on a heterogeneous collection of 1600 images. The results support the hypothesis in that images similar in appearance are ranked close together. In the second part of this paper, appearance-based retrieval is applied to trademarks. Trademarks are generally binary images containing a single mark against a texture-less background. While moments have been proposed as a representation, we find that appearance-based retrieval yields better results. Two small databases containing 2,345 parametrically generated shapes, and 10,745 trademarks are used for evaluation. A retrieval system that combines a trademark database containing 68,000 binary images with textual information is discussed. Text and appearance features are jointly (or independently) queried to retrieve images.
An improved radioimmunoassay of triiodothyronine in serum: its application to clinical and physiological studies.

Abstract A sensitive, specific, convenient, and reproducible radioimmunoassay (RIA) for measurement of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) in unextracted serum is described. The features of the RIA which permit testing of unextracted serum include the use of a thyroidectomized sheep serum for construction of the standard curve and of 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS) to inhibit binding of T 3 to thyroxinebinding globulin (TBG). The serum T 3 concentration in 96 euthyroid subjects was 112.8 ± 3.3 ng. per 100 ml. (mean ± S.E.M.); it was 490.7 ± 42.3 ng. per 100 ml. in 30 hyperthyroid patients, 40.1 ± 7.6 ng. per 100 ml. in 12 hypothyroid patients, and 157.6 ± 31.2 ng. per 100 ml. in 10 euthyroid subjects with elevated serum TBG. Four normal subjects responded to intramuscular administration of TSH (Thytropar, 10 I.U.) with a maximal increase in serum T 3 of 75 to 195 per cent (mean 130) at 4 to 6 hours; the maximal increase in serum T 4 in these patients ranged between 36.4 and 92.7 per cent (mean 57.2), and occurred 12 to 24 hours after TSH administration. Seven euthyroid subjects, given 200 μg of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) intravenously, demonstrated a maximal increase in serum T 3 of 29 to 115 per cent (mean 72) at 2 to 4 hours; the maximal increase in serum T 4 also occurred at 2 to 4 hours of TRH administration but was more modest, 13 to 75 per cent (mean 37).
Supernovae Ia as Standard Candles

The use of Supernovae (SNe) as a mean of distance measurements was proposed already in the early times of supernova research. An extensive study by Baade (1938) of all available data at that time illustrates how SNe were used to infer cosmological parameters.
Generation and post-injury integration of human spinal cord neural stem cells.

Spinal cord neural stem cells (NSCs) have great potential to reconstitute damaged spinal neural circuitry, but they have yet to be generated in vitro. We now report the derivation of spinal cord NSCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our observations show that these spinal cord NSCs differentiate into a diverse population of spinal cord neurons occupying multiple positions along the dorso-ventral axis, and can be maintained for prolonged time periods. Grafts into injured spinal cords were rich with excitatory neurons, extended large numbers of axons over long distances, innervated their target structures, and enabled robust corticospinal regeneration. The grafts synaptically integrated into multiple host intraspinal and supraspinal systems, including the corticospinal projection, and improved functional outcomes after injury. hPSC-derived spinal cord NSCs could enable a broad range of biomedical applications for in vitro disease modeling and constitute an improved clinically translatable cell source for ‘replacement’ strategies in several spinal cord disorders.
Postdisaster Politics: New Lessons from New Orleans:

How do disasters affect voting? A series of postdisaster studies have sought to answer this question using a retrospective framework through which voters deviate from normal patterns of political s...
The Timing, Nature, and Range of Neurobehavioral Comorbidities in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence suggests that considerable cognitive and psychiatric comorbidity is associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, for which the etiology remains controversial. Our goal was to comprehensively characterize the status of multiple neurobehavioral comorbidities in youth with new- or recent-onset juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, before effects of chronic seizures and medications. Methods A total of 111 children aged eight to 18 years (41 new- or recent-onset juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and 70 first-degree cousin controls) underwent neuropsychological assessment (attention, executive, verbal, perceptual, speed), structured review of need for supportive academic services, parent reports of behavior and executive function (Child Behavior Checklist and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function), and formal structured psychiatric interview and diagnosis (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and Lifetime Version). Results Children with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy performed worse than controls across all tested cognitive domains (F(1,105) = 3.85, P Conclusion Comprehensive assessment of cognitive, academic, behavioral, and psychiatric comorbidities in youth with new- or recent-onset juvenile myoclonic epilepsy reveals a pattern of significantly increased neurobehavioral comorbidities across a broad spectrum of areas. These early evident comorbidities are of clear clinical importance with worrisome implications for future cognitive, behavioral, and social function. It is important for health care providers to avoid delays in intervention by assessing potential comorbidities early in the course of the disorder to optimize their patients' social, academic and behavioral progress.
Opioid mortality following implementation of medical marijuana programs (1999-2017) in the United States

Abstract The United States is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. A prior report using the Center for Disease Control’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database discovered that opioid overdoses decreased by 24.8% from 1999 to 2010 in states with medical cannabis (MC+) relative to those without (MC−). The present study evaluated any differences following MC legislation on WONDER reported opioid overdoses, corrected for population, from 1999 to 2017 using an interrupted time series. Overdoses were significantly higher in MC+ states from 2012-2017. The slope of opioid overdose deaths over time increased significantly post-implementation in states without MC (3-years Pre = 0.1 ± 0.1, 3-years Post = 0.7 ± 0.2, t(16) = 2.88, p ≤ .011). Overdose deaths showed a non-significant elevation in states with MC (Pre = 1.3 ± 0.3, Post = 2.8 ± 0.8, t(11) = 2.01, p = .069). Post-legalization slopes were significantly higher in MC+ than MC− (t(11.95) = 2.70, p
Gravitationally Lensed Sub-mm Sources towards Galaxy Clusters

Recent observations of galaxy clusters with the SCUBA instrument on the James Clarke Maxwell Telescope have revealed a sample of gravitationally lensed sources at sub-mm wavelengths. We extend our previous calculation on the expected number of lensed optical arcs and radio sources to study the sub-mm lensed source statistics due to foreground massive clusters. For a flat cosmology with Omega_m=0.4 and Omega_Lambda =0.6, we predict roughly 1.5 \times 10^4 lensed sub-mm sources with flux densities greater than 4 mJy at 850 microns, and with amplifications due to lensing greater than 2, towards galaxy clusters with X-ray luminosities greater than 8 x 10^44 h^-2 ergs s^-1 (0.3 to 3.5 keV band). We compare our predictions with observations from the SCUBA instrument, and briefly consider the possibility of using the South Pole 10-m sub-mm telescope and the Planck surveyor to identify lensed sub-mm sources. A catalog of around 100 gravitationally lensed sources at 353 GHz may be a useful by-product of Planck.
Letter to the editor regarding the article “Walking cadence required to elicit criterion moderate-intensity physical activity is moderated by fitness status” by Abt et al. (2019)

Dear Editor-in-Chief,We recently read the article “Walking cadence required to elicit criterion moderate-intensity physical activity is moderated by fitness status” (Abt et al., 2019) with great in...
Quantum System Dynamics and the Quasistatic Approximation

Understanding the dynamics of quantum systems to time-varying perturbations is not only a question of basic physics, it is a question that can have life-critical relevance. Specifically, as GPS signals take on greater roles in autonomous navigation, means must be found to ensure the moment-by-moment integrity of those signals, and thereby the integrity of GPS atomic clock frequencies. The frequency of an electromagnetic field, like the microwave field in a GPS atomic clock, is stabilized to a quantum system's energy structure by modulating the field's frequency and then demodulating the quantum system's response. The first harmonic (i.e., fundamental) demodulated signal provides the correction for field frequency, while the second harmonic is often taken as an instantaneous status-of-health indicator for the correction signal. The interpretative problem for the second harmonic is that the modulation frequency, the quantum system's dephasing rate, and the Rabi frequency are all approximately equal in these frequency stabilization systems, violating the textbook assumptions of quantum mechanics: the quasistatic approximation (QSA), the adiabatic approximation, and the sudden approximation. Here, we take a careful experimental and theoretical look at the QSA under realistic conditions for field stabilization (i.e., the approximation most often employed for the engineering interpretation of atomic dynamics behavior). Our results demonstrate that the second harmonic can be employed as a rapid-response herald of correction signal degradation, and that while the QSA is useful as a means for diagnosing causal effects through the second harmonic, a small-signal approximation (SSA) is better.
Time’s Up/Advertising Meets Red Books: Hard Data and Women’s Experiences Underscore the Pivotal Nature of 2018

This interdisciplinary work provides insight into why 2018 was a pivotal year for women in American advertising. Specifically, the study uses quantitative and qualitative methodology to explore the...
Specificity of Interactions between Components of Two Zinc ABC Transporters in Paracoccus denitrificans

Bacterial ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate the influx of numerous substrates. The cluster A-I ABC transporters are responsible for the specific uptake of the essential metals zinc, manganese or iron, making them necessary for survival in metal-limited environments, which for pathogens include the animal host. In Paracoccus denitrificans, there are two zinc ABC transporter systems: ZnuABC and AztABCD with apparently redundant functions under zinc-limited conditions. The unusual presence of two zinc ABC transporter systems in the same organism allowed for the investigation of specificity in the interaction between the solute binding protein (SBP) and its cognate permease. We also assessed the role of flexible loop features in the SBP in permease binding and zinc transport. The results indicate that the SBP-permease interaction is highly specific and does not require the flexible loop features of the SBP. We also present an expanded table of the properties of characterized cluster A-I SBPs and a multiple sequence alignment highlighting the conserved features. Through this analysis, an apparently new family of binding proteins associated with ABC transporters was identified. The presence of homologues in several human pathogens raises the possibility of using it as a target for the development of new antimicrobial therapies.
Ncor2/PPARα-Dependent Upregulation of MCUb in the Type 2 Diabetic Heart Impacts Cardiac Metabolic Flexibility and Function.

The contribution of altered mitochondrial Ca2+ handling to metabolic and functional defects in type 2 diabetic (T2D) mouse hearts is not well understood. Here, we show that the T2D heart is metabolically inflexible and almost exclusively dependent on mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation as a consequence of mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) inhibitory subunit MCUb overexpression. Using a recombinant endonuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9)-based gene promoter pull-down approach coupled with mass spectrometry we found that MCUb is upregulated in the T2D heart due to loss of glucose homeostasis regulator nuclear receptor co-repressor 2 (Ncor2) repression, and ChIP assays identified PPARα as a mediator of MCUb gene expression in T2D cardiomyocytes. Upregulation of MCUb limits mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ uptake and impairs mitochondrial energy production via glucose oxidation, by depressing Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) activity. Gene therapy displacement of endogenous MCUb with a dominant-negative MCUb transgene (MCUbW246R/V251E) in vivo rescued T2D cardiomyocytes from metabolic inflexibility, and stimulated cardiac contractile function and adrenergic responsiveness by enhancing phospholamban (PLN) phosphorylation via Protein Kinase A (PKA). We conclude that MCUb represents one newly-discovered molecular effector at the interface of metabolism and cardiac function, and its repression improves the outcome of the chronically-stressed diabetic heart.
Additively manufactured electrodes for plasma and power-flow studies in high-power transmission lines on the 1-MA MAIZE facility.

Power-flow studies on the 30-MA, 100-ns Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories have shown that plasmas in the facility’s magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs) and double post-hole convolute can result in a loss of current delivered to the load. To study power-flow physics on the 1-MA, 100-ns MAIZE facility at the University of Michigan, planar MITL loads and planar post-hole convolute loads have been developed that extend into the lines of sight for various imaging diagnostics on MAIZE. These loads use 3D-printed dielectric support structures lined with thin foils of either aluminum or stainless steel. The metal foils serve as the current-carrying power-flow surfaces, which generate plasma during the current pulse. The foil thickness (50 µm) and widths (11.5–16 mm) are selected to ensure a sufficient linear current density (0.5–0.7 MA/cm) for plasma formation. Laser backlighting (532 nm) and visible-light self-emission imaging capture the overall plasma evolution in the anode–cathode gaps, including the gap closure velocities (1–4 cm/μs).
A Commentary on Coordinating Genetic and Archaeology Studies of First Peoples

Over the past few decades several genetic models have been published to explain the peopling of the Americas. Most of these models have not been fully reconciled with prior ones and with local and ...
The frequency and efficacy of genetic testing in individuals with scimitar syndrome.

Background Scimitar syndrome is a rare CHD composed of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection from the right lung, via a scimitar vein, to the inferior vena cava rather than the left atrium. Genetic conditions associated with scimitar syndrome have not been well investigated at present. Methods Our study included patients with scimitar syndrome diagnosed at Texas Children's Hospital from January 1987 to July 2020. Medical records were evaluated to determine if genetic testing was performed, including chromosomal microarray analysis or whole-exome sequencing. Copy number variants identified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic and variants of unknown significance were collected. Analyses of cardiac and extracardiac findings were performed via chart review. Results Ninety-eight patients were identified with scimitar syndrome, 89 of which met inclusion criteria. A chromosome analysis or chromosomal microarray analysis was performed in 18 patients (20%). Whole-exome sequencing was performed in six patients following negative chromosomal microarray analysis testing. A molecular genetic diagnosis was made in 7 of 18 cases (39% of those tested). Ninety-six per cent of the cohort had some type of extracardiac finding, with 43% having asthma and 20% having a gastrointestinal pathology. Of the seven patients with positive genetic testing, all had extracardiac anomalies with all but one having gastrointestinal findings and 30% having congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Conclusions Genetic testing revealed an underlying diagnosis in roughly 40% of those tested. Given the relatively high prevalence of pathogenic variants, we recommend chromosomal microarray analysis and whole-exome sequencing for patients with scimitar syndrome and extracardiac defects.
Measurement of low mass dielectron continuum in \sqrt{s_{NN}} =200 GeV Au+Au collisions in the PHENIX experiment at RHIC

The first measurement of the dielectron continuum at RHIC energies was performed by the PHENIX experiment for Au+Au collisions at \(\sqrt{s_{NN}}\) =200 GeV. Mass spectra for different centralities are presented and compared with the expectations from hadron decays.
Rapid Discontinuation of Chronic, High-Dose Opioid Treatment for Pain: Prevalence and Associated Factors

To examine the prevalence of rapid discontinuation of chronic, high-dose opioid analgesic treatment, and identify associated patient, clinician, and community factors. Using 2017–2018 retail pharmacy claims data from IQVIA, we identified chronic, high-dose opioid analgesic treatment episodes discontinued during these years and determined the percent of episodes meeting criteria for rapid discontinuation. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the probability of rapid discontinuation, conditional on having a discontinued chronic, high-dose opioid treatment episode, as a function of patient, provider, and county characteristics. We identified 810,120 new, chronic, high-dose opioid treatment episodes discontinued in 2017 or 2018, of which 72.0% (n=583,415) were rapidly discontinued. Rapid discontinuation was significantly more likely among Medicare (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.15) and Medicaid enrollees (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05) compared to the commercially insured; in counties with higher fatal overdose rates (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) compared to counties with the lowest fatal overdose rates; and in counties with a higher percentage of non-white residents (aOR 1.21 for counties in the highest quartile relative to the lowest, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.24). Likelihood of rapid discontinuation also varied by prescriber specialty. Most chronic, high-dose opioid treatment episodes that ended in 2017 or 2018 were discontinued more rapidly than recommended by clinical guidelines, raising concerns about adverse patient outcomes. Our findings highlight the need to understand what drives discontinuation and to inform safer opioid tapering and discontinuation practices.
Disparities in Subjective Cognitive Impairment by Sexual Orientation and Gender in a National Population Based Study of U.S. Adults, 2013-2018.

Objectives: This is the first national population-based study to examine cognitive impairment disparities among sexual minority mid-life and older adults. Methods: Using the National Health Intervi...
Six-Year Effects of Two Late Spring Frosts on Appalachian Hardwoods

Severe late spring frosts can kill new shoots and leaves on commercial tree species at higher elevations. A previous short-term study has shown that the resulting defoliation and dieback does not seriously affect the radial growth or mortality of most species except American beech. In this study we found that defoliation, dieback, and radial growth increment were related to species and crown class. The radial growth increment of American beech was reduced to 70% of the previous 6-yr growth during the first year after the frost. The annual growth then increased consistently over the measurement period. Black cherry and sugar maple radial increment was only reduced to 88% of the previous 6-yr growth, but subsequent increments were much more variable. Epicormic branching on the lower bole of black cherry and beech increased significantly after defoliation occurred. At elevations above 3,200 ft, managers should discourage beech regeneration if timber production is the primary management objective. The potential for higher value products may bereduced because of increased variability ingrowth rate.
Blood volume during pregnancy: Significance of plasma and red cell volumes

Abstract During the past 15 years, plasma and red cell volumes have been studied in 85 normal healthy women in the reproductive age and in 375 normal healthy pregnant women. The data have been recorded by weight (ml./Kg.) and by total volume (ml.). Variation between individuals is great but in the same individual it is small.
Stereotypes of Chinese by American College Students: Media Use and Perceived Realism

This study explores American college students’ stereotypes about Chinese and the influences of mediated information sources and perceived realism of media messages on those stereotypes. Results showed that American college students had positive stereotypes about Chinese but also perceived China as a potential threat to the United States. Students’ use of media sources alone did not predict these stereotypes, whereas perceived realism and the interaction between it and media use were important predictors.
Racial differences in perceptions of starting salaries: How failing to discriminate can perpetuate discrimination.

Despite recent findings suggesting the presence of racial differences in the perception of starting salaries, researchers have yet to empirically investigate this possibility. Consequently, this study examined the interactive effects of race, ethnic identity, and starting salaries on the salary perceptions of 342 undergraduates. Hispanic, Asian American, and White participants exhibited positive effects of salary whereas Black respondents failed to discriminate between the different salaries. However, a three-way interaction involving ethnic identity, race, and salary revealed a more complex pattern of responses for Black participants: Higher ethnic identifiers responded similarly to Hispanic, White, and Asian Americans. The implications of these results regarding the perpetuation of racial wage inequity are discussed.
Computation of optimal switching patterns for voltage-controlled inverters using neural-network software

The feasibility of neural networks for optimal voltage control of three-phase power inverters was investigated. The case study involved elimination of the 5th, 7th, and 11th harmonics of the output voltage using four switching angles per quarter-cycle of the output frequency. Regular and sparse neural networks were experimented with. The regular network requires training, but the number of neurons is low. Training is not necessary for the sparse network which can be synthesized using a simple formula. The sparse network also offers higher accuracy than the regular network, at the expense of a significantly higher neuron count. Results of computer simulations have confirmed the viability of the proposed technique. >
An aqueous, organic dye derivatized SnO2/TiO2 core/shell photoanode

Visible light driven water splitting in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC) based on a phosphonic acid-derivatized donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) organic dye (P–A–π–D) is described with the dye anchored to an FTO|SnO2/TiO2 core/shell photoanode in a pH 7 phosphate buffer solution. Transient absorption measurements on FTO|TiO2|–[P–A–π–D] compared to core/shell, FTO|SnO2/TiO2(3 nm)|–[P–A–π–D], reveal that excitation of the dye is rapid and efficient with a decrease in back electron rate by a factor of ∼10 on the core/shell. Upon visible, 1 sun excitation (100 mW cm−2) of FTO|SnO2/TiO2(3 nm)|–[P–A–π–D] in a phosphate buffer at pH 7 with 20 mM added hydroquinone (H2Q), photocurrents of ∼2.5 mA cm−2 are observed which are sustained over >15 min photolysis periods with a current enhancement of ∼30-fold compared to FTO|TiO2|–[P–A–π–D] due to the core/shell effect. On surfaces co-loaded with both –[P–A–π–D] and the known water oxidation catalyst, Ru(bda)(pyP)2 (pyP = pyridin-4-methyl phosphonic acid), maximum photocurrent levels of 1.4 mA cm−2 were observed which decreased over an 10 min interval to 0.1 mA cm−2. O2 was measured by use of a two-electrode, collector–generator sandwich cell and was produced in low faradaic efficiencies with the majority of the oxidative photocurrent due to oxidative decomposition of the dye.
On the Feedback Capacity of Stationary Gaussian Channels

The capacity of stationary additive Gaussian noise channels with feedback is characterized as the solution to a variational problem. Toward this end, it is proved that the optimal feedback coding scheme is stationary. When specialized to the first-order autoregressive moving-average noise spectrum, this variational characterization yields a closed-form expression for the feedback capacity. In particular, this result shows that the celebrated Schalkwijk--Kailath coding scheme achieves the feedback capacity for the first-order autoregressive moving-average Gaussian channel, resolving a long-standing open problem studied by Butman, Schalkwijk--Tiernan, Wolfowitz, Ozarow, Ordentlich, Yang--Kavcic--Tatikonda, and others.
Classifying onset durations of early VLF events: Scattered field analysis and new insights

The physical processes responsible for a variety of early VLF scattering events have not yet been satisfactorily identified. Properly categorizing the early VLF event type is imperative to understand the causative physical processes involved. In this paper, the onset durations of 26 exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio early VLF scattering events are analyzed, using scattered fields to classify events. New observations of events that exhibit “slow” amplitude changes, but “fast” scattered field changes are presented, which call into question previous analyses of early/slow events. We separately identify and analyze three early VLF events that definitively exhibit slow scattered field behavior. Additionally, we identify a significant number of events which have onset durations between the current definitions of fast and slow. Four events are observed which unambiguously exhibit a rapid initial rotation of the scattered field phasor during the first few seconds of the recovery stage. Possible physical mechanisms are discussed.
Water-Exchange-Modified Kinetic Parameters from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI as Prognostic Biomarkers of Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Antiangiogenic Monotherapy

Background To find prognostic biomarkers in pretreatment dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) water-exchange-modified (WX) kinetic parameters for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with antiangiogenic monotherapy.
Comparative Review of the Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin D Analogues

This article reviews the pharmacokinetic characteristics of calcitriol, paricalcitol, and doxercalciferol, and provides an overview of the metabolism of vitamin D. Calcitriol and paricalcitol have similar pharmacokinetic profiles, with terminal half-lives ranging from 5 to 10 hours in healthy subjects to 15-30 hours in patients undergoing dialysis. Both are active on intravenous administration and little of the active agent remains in the circulation after 24 hours, although they are normally given every 48-72 hours. Doxercalciferol is a prohormone, requiring hepatic metabolism to the active metabolite 1alpha,25-(OH)2D2. The half-life of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D2 is about 34 hours in healthy subjects and about 45 hours in dialysis patients, resembling physiologic blood concentrations of endogenous vitamin D. More studies are warranted to determine the disposition of the vitamin D analogues, especially in selected populations such as pediatric and geriatric dialysis patients.
Process-design considerations for three dimensional memory integration

3D integration of memory for both memory and processor caches provide a fertile application space for 3D integration. A simple 2 strata stack can reduce individual die size by approximately half, improving chip yield. Multi chip memory stacks can ease packaging and can significantly reduce power for main memory. Such stacks are easily testable and repairable through redundancy The design of such 3D stacks is critically dependent on the TSV technology used and is expected to become more attractive as TSV diameters and TSV overhead reduce.
Union list management: The initial project and afterwards

Abstract Two additional libraries have now joined the West Texas Union List. One is a city-supported; the other, state-supported. These two libraries have also joined the Texas Statewide Union List of Serials. Fees for the West Texas Union List are invoiced to each member directly. So far fees for the Texas Statewide Union List have been absorbed by grants awarded the Texas State Library. At this time, the statewide list will be funded with grants for two more years. Member libraries update information in different workflows and on different schedules. Union list coordinators learn that members will update the information in their union lists; when, will vary from library to library and from list to list. Agents and coordinators must be aware of the attitude each member library has towards the list. If the list is available on OCLC, some members may only update holdings when they replace the individual institutional list used in their library. If the list is stored on computer tape, some members may have been interested in it only because it could assist them in future serial automation projects and may not have given much thought to the importance of the list as an ongoing venture. There may be a problem if the library staff responsible for updating the list was never really involved in the decision to join a union list and is not committed to the list beyond the initial project phase. In some cases the members have every intention of keeping the information current but are not good managers or communicators. The agent should ask what is being done and advise members on getting started, and might even offer to visit the library to assist in setting up the proper workflow. Working with libraries involved in union list activities is a challenge. As with all management tasks, communication is the key to success. When users or members discover a problem, the group must solve it quickly or the list will lose its credibility. Each list must face the possibility that members may not want to retain membership. Some members may not want the list to grow in size, while others do. Interpreting standards and choosing bibliographic and holdings formats are potentially controversial issues. If the members agree that the list is needed and if the list is important to them from the beginning, then they will be more flexible and understanding of the problems in each library, and more likely to contribute to keeping the list current. As the members learn to work together, their union list product becomes a major goal or interest. The list becomes a product that represents the work and cooperation of the group as a whole.
A method for computing the amount of evaporation of sea-water from a tank by changes in salinity, with experimental results obtained on board the Scripps August 13-24, 1928

Introduction—Roughly half of the radiant energy of the Sun and sky which strikes the surfaces of a body of water goes into evaporation. If this energy strikes an open tank filled with sea-water, the evaporation is accompanied by an increase in the salinity. The quantity of evaporation may be determined by applying a method which involves taking water-samples periodically, and later observing the changes in salinity of the samples.
Integrative Medicine in Allergy and Immunology

Integrative medicine is a relatively new discipline which attempts to combine allopathic medicine with alternative or complementary medicine, to reap the benefits of both forms of medicine in optimizing the care of patients. Integrative medicine concentrates on treating the patient as a whole, both in body and mind. While the scientific method and "evidence-based" clinical research drives the management and treatment of diseases in conventional Western medicine, alternative or complementary medicine is based on unproven yet potentially beneficial techniques that have been developed throughout history, dating back to the ancient cultures in the Middle East, Africa, and China. In spite of the lack of evidence of most alternative medicine techniques, these methodologies have been practiced for centuries with great acceptance in many countries. It is in the Western world, where "modern" medicine is dictated by the scientific method, that the most controversy in the use of these alternative modes of therapy exists. Since the science behind alternative medicine is incomplete or non-existent, it is difficult for those trained in Western medicine to accept or adopt this approach. But perhaps it is the failure of Western medicine to adequately guarantee our well being and good health that have led to the ongoing debate between the medical profession and the general public as to the benefits of these alternative treatments. In one sense, integrative medicine may be a futile attempt to coin a new term in the hope of legitimizing alternative medicine. On the other hand, there is a wealth of historical experience in the use of the techniques. Studies to evaluate the scientific basis behind ancient medical techniques are ongoing, and it is to be expected that the results will neither be uniformly positive nor negative. Of particular interest is the effect of traditional medicine, herbal formulations, and manipulative techniques on the immune system, and its application in the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Studies are being designed or conducted to investigate immune effects of herbal formulations or their components. Herbal plants or medicines may lead to skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in either direction, thus may offer potential application in the treatment of allergic or autoimmune diseases.
A database perspective on Lotus Domino/Notes

In this one-page summary, I introduce the database aspects of Lotus Domino/Notes. These database features are covered in detail in the corresponding SIGMOD99 tutorial available at www.almaden.ibm.com/u/mohan/domino_sigmod99.ps.
Energy split and kinetics of ball mill grinding of mixture feeds in heterogeneous environment

Complex interactions between the constituents of a multicomponent mill charge can be conveniently characterized by an energy split factor, which is defined as the ratio of energies consumed per unit mass of a component when it is ground in an admixture and ground alone for equal time intervals. It is shown that the grinding paths of the components are independent of the homogeneous or heterogeneous nature of the particulate environment, and as a consequence the energy split factors can be computed from a mill power-grinding rate correlation. Using these split factors, it is possible to track the flow of energy to the constituents of the feed charge and integrate the energetic and kinetic aspects of multicomponent grinding. Extensive data on dry and wet ball mill grinding of binary feeds comprising calcite-quartz, hematite-quartz and dolomite-hematite mixtures in different proportions have been analyzed using the energy split factors. Interaction effects between hard and soft minerals are quantified, energies expended in grinding individual constituents are estimated, and kinetics of mixture grinding are simulated successfully. Some industrial implications of grinding in heterogeneous environments are discussed.
Regulation of RNA polymerase I activity by ornithine decarboxylase

Abstract Ornithine decarboxylase activity was elevated from 5- to 80-fold in rat liver by the administration of various methylxanthine derivatives, i.e. theophylline, aminophylline, and 3-isobutyl,1-methylxanthine. The increased activity of ornithine decarboxylase in all instances was closely followed (within 0.5 hr) by an increase in the activity of RNA polymerase I. The increment in ornithine decarboxylase activity and the increase in RNA polymerase I activity after all three drugs showed a parallel relationship. That is, theophylline administration resulted in the least stimulation of both ornithine decarboxylase and RNA polymerase I activities, and 3-isobutyl,1-methylxanthine administration produced the greatest stimulation of both enzymes. The enhanced RNA polymerase I activity resulted in a significant increase in the total RNA content of the liver within 24 hr. Administration of inhibitors of protein synthesis and RNA synthesis indicated that attenuation of the increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity was closely paralleled by attenuation of the increase in RNA polymerase I activity. RNA polymerase I activity was not stimulated by putrescine concentrations which were physiological and above. We suggest, therefore, that ornithine decarboxylase may be involved in the regulation of RNA polymerase I activity.
Rapid neurophysiological effects of corticosterone on medullary neurons : relationship to stress-induced suppression of courtship clasping in an amphibian

Courtship clasping of females by male roughskin newts ( Taricha granulosa ) is rapidly blocked by exposure to corticosterone (CORT). This behavioral effect appears to result from CORT
Predicting outcome in patients with thyroid cancer.

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing. Although it is debated whether the increase is primarily due to ascertainment bias or due to improvement in imaging and detection, the SEER database clearly demonstrates an almost 3-fold increased incidence over the past 35 years; the age-adjusted rate of thyroid cancer in 1975 was 4.85 per 100 000, and in 2010 it was 13.85 per 100 000 (1). Yet the mortality has remained constant between 1975 and 2010 at 0.48 and 0.51 per 100 000, respectively, and the 5-year survival has increased from 92.1 to 97.9%. In 2013 it is estimated that 60 220 individuals will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer, yet only 1850 will die (2). And almost one-third of the deaths are attributable to anaplastic thyroid cancer, which represents only 1% of the annual incidence.
The Prediction of Graduate School Success by the Canonical Correlation

A study was undertaken to determine whether the canonical correlation could exhibit predictive efficiency regarding success in a graduate program. Two criteria and 8 predictors were established as the two variable sets to be correlated. A single significant coefficient of .624 between the two variates indicated that 38.9% of the variance of one set was common to the other variate. However, when subjected to cross-validation, the canonical correlation shrank to a non-significant value. Thus a lack of predictive utility in a population other than the standardization group was indicated.