cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
''Super-parameterization'': A better way to simulate regional extreme precipitation?

[1] Extreme precipitation is generally underestimated by current climate models relative to observations of present-day rainfall distributions. Possible causes of this systematic error include the convective parameterization in these models that have been designed to reproduce measurements of climatological mean precipitation. One possible approach to improve the interaction of subgrid-scale physical processes and large-scale climate is to replace the conventional convective parameterizations with a high-resolution cloud-system resolving model. A “super-parameterized” Community Atmosphere Model (SP-CAM) utilizing this approach is used in this study to investigate the distribution of extreme precipitation in the United States. Results show that SP-CAM better simulates the distributions of both light and intense precipitation compared to the standard version of CAM based upon conventional parameterizations. The improvements are mostly seen in regions dominated by convective precipitation, suggesting that super-parameterization provides a better representation of subgrid convective processes.
Improvement of salinity representation in an ensemble coupled data assimilation system using pseudo salinity profiles

[1] The scarcity of salinity observations prior to the Argo period makes it tremendously difficult to estimate ocean states. By using the so-called pseudo salinity profiles constructed from temperature and altimetry information, here we show the improvement of salinity representation estimated by the ensemble coupled data assimilation system of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. The comparisons with climatology and independent observations show that the pseudo salinity data considerably improve the assimilation skill for the pre-Argo period (1993–2001). For the Argo period (2002–2007), there is little degradation of the assimilation skill using pseudo salinity instead of Argo observations. This result ensures the robustness of the new assimilation fields with pseudo salinity for the pre-Argo period when salinity observations are sparse. We also suggest that the interannual variability of the existing reanalysis products could suffer from erroneously-estimated discontinuities due to the non-stationary nature of the salinity observing system.
Contractile Properties of Rat, Rhesus Monkey, and Human Type I Muscle Fibers

It is well known that skeletal muscle intrinsic maximal shortening velocity is inversely related to species body mass. However, there is uncertainty regarding the relationship between the contractile properties of muscle fibers obtained from commonly studied laboratory animals and those obtained from humans. In this study we determined the contractile properties of single chemically skinned fibers prepared from rat, rhesus monkey, and human soleus and gastrocnemius muscle samples under identical experimental conditions. All fibers used for analysis expressed type I myosin heavy chain as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Allometric coefficients for type I fibers from each muscle indicated that there was little change in peak tension (force/fiber cross-sectional area) across species. In contrast, both soleus and gastrocnemius type I fiber maximal unloaded shortening velocity (Vo), the y-intercept of the force-velocity relationship (Vmax), peak power per unit fiber length, and peak power normalized for fiber length and cross-sectional area were all inversely related to species body mass. The present allometric coefficients for soleus fiber Vo (-0.18) and Vmax (-0.11) are in good agreement with published values for soleus fibers obtained from common laboratory and domesticated mammals. Taken together, these observations suggest that the Vo of slow fibers from quadrupeds and humans scale similarly and can be described by the same quantitative relationships. These findings have implications in the design and interpretation of experiments, especially those that use small laboratory mammals as a model of human muscle function.
Introduction: An Overview of Lawsuits Against the Gun Industry

This book examines lawsuits against the gun industry within the context of two larger controversies at the top of the nation's domestic political agenda: gun control and tort reform. Throughout, discussion of the litigation is framed by two questions. The first, central to the debate over gun control, is whether regulating the firearms industry can reduce gun violence. The second, underlying the disagreement about tort reform, is what role, if any, courts should play in the creation of public policies such as gun control. The chapters that follow offer a variety of perspectives on gun violence, gun control, the gun industry, gun litigation, and the use of gun litigation as a regulatory tool. The book does not seek to resolve the tensions between these different perspectives, but rather to deepen appreciation of them and the ways in which they sometimes complement and sometimes clash with each other. Thus, while the book seeks to advance discussion about the litigation by providing insight into the diversity of views driving it, it does not pretend to offer a solution.
Observation of valence fluctuation phenomena in YbSi2

Abstract Electrical and magnetic properties of YbSi2 have been investigated experimentally by electrical resistivity and a.c. susceptibility measurements. The resistivity data may be summarized as following: 1. (i) at high temperatures the resistivity shows a tendency to saturate; 2. (ii) there is a negative curvature above T ≅ 65 K ( d 2 ρ dT 2 and ρ exhibits an inflection point at 65 K; 3. (iii) below 37 K the resistivity shows a T2 dependence. The a.c. susceptibility shows a broad peak at about 90 K. The low temperature T2 resistivity and the broad peak in a.c. susceptibility suggest that YbSi2 is a valence fluctuating system. The results will be discussed in terms of valence fluctuating phenomena. Measurements of the magnetic moment in YbSi2 will be carried out in a SQUID magnetometer.
‘Fathers’ and ‘Sons’: Inscribing Self and Empire at Vijayanagara, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries

This article examines nᾱyaka political subjectivity and culture in the making of Vijayanagara Empire. It argues that ‘real’ and ‘fictive’ relationships of family produce nᾱyaka kingship in Vijayana...
Immunocytochemical localization of actin in dendritic spines of the cerebral cortex using colloidal gold as a probe

1. Immunocytochemical localization of actin in rat cerebral cortex embedded in the resin LR White was performed using 5 nm colloidal gold as a probe. Antigenicity is maintained throughout the embedding procedure and the low electron opacity of LR White permits fine filamentous structures to be visualized. Control experiments included incubating the sections with normal goat serum or mouse IgG instead of the primary antibody, preadsorbing the antibody with actin from bovine muscle or liver acetone powder, and heat treating the primary antibody. 2. Immunoreactive actin was identified primarily in dendritic spines, particularly in the postsynaptic density (PSD), the subsynaptic web, and the spine apparatus and endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. 3. Within dendritic spines, actin which is labeled in the PSD is in continuity with the filaments of the subsynaptic web. These filaments, in turn, are in continuity with the spine apparatus and/or the spine membranes adjacent to the PSD. The PSD may therefore function like other submembranous filamentous arrays which communicate events occurring at the membrane, in this case, the postsynaptic membrane, to the underlying cytoskeletal network, i.e., the subsynaptic web of the spine. It is also suggested that the actin present in the spine may play a role in changes in spine shape and synaptic curvature. Some actin was also seen in the presynaptic process in association with synaptic vesicles, the filamentous network that is contiguous with the synaptic vesicle membrane, and the presynaptic dense projections. Actin may be involved in dynamic processes in the presynaptic ending which include vesicle translocation.
Alimentäre Blutzuckersteigerung bei Nierenkrankheiten und Ihre Bedeutung für den Zuckerhaushalt

BeiNichtdiabetikern, die an einer Nephrosklerose oder Glomerulonephritis leiden, treten nach Belastung mit Traubenzucker erhebliche Storungen im Zuckerhaushalt in Form einer vorubergehenden aglykosurischen Hyperglykamie auf. Bei rotem Hochdruck werden derartige tiefgreifende Veranderungen des Blutzuckerspiegels nicht wahrgenommen. Andererseits kommt es bei Nephrose zu einer Glykosurie ohne Hyperglykamie.
Latency and accuracy characteristics of saccades and corrective saccades in children and adults

Abstract Accuracy and latency characteristics of the first saccade to a target together with the frequency and latency of corrective saccades were studied in children (mean age = 8.5) and adults. The independent variables manipulated were fixation-light offset to target-light onset warning interval (0 and 300 msec) and the presence and location of nontarget stimuli. Although saccade accuracy was significantly affected by nontarget lights, children could respond as accurately as adults and, in replication of previous findings, as quickly when a 300 msec warning interval was given. No speed-accuracy trade off was found for either group as a function of the warning signal condition. Children were as likely to make corrective saccades as adults, but did so with a significantly longer latency. Corrective saccade latencies were greater when a change in direction was required but this effect did not interact with age.
Interaction of carbon atoms with Fen, Fen, and Fen+ clusters (n = 1-6)

Abstract The electronic and geometrical structures of the ground and exited states of Fe n C, Fe n C − , and Fe n C + ( n =1–6) are computed using density functional theory (DFT). Several exchange-correlation functionals are tested on FeC, for which a number of experimental results are available for comparison. Fe 2 C and Fe 2 C − have triangular high-spin ground states, while the ground state of Fe 2 C + is a linear asymmetric Fe–C–Fe doublet whose spins at the iron sites are antiferromagnetically coupled. The natural bond analysis (NBO) allows us to qualitatively describe the nature of super exchange coupling in Fe 2 C + . There is a competition between twofold and threefold sites in the Fe 3 C species. Carbon is threefold coordinated in the Fe 4 C and Fe 6 C species, while it is fourfold coordinated in the Fe 5 C clusters. Generally, attachment of a carbon atom reduces the number of unpaired electrons of an iron cluster. The maximum reduction of four is found for the largest cluster, Fe 6 C. The C–Fe n bond energies in the neutral clusters are rather high, ranging from 5.5 (Fe 2 C) to 6.5 eV (Fe 6 C). These energies are not significantly affected by attachment or detachment of an electron to/from a Fe n C cluster. Surprisingly, the Fe–Fe n −1 , Fe–Fe n −1 C, and Fe–Fe n C bond energies are found to be nearly the same for given n . The results of our computations are in reasonable agreement with experimental data.
Immunocompetence of cancer patients treated with Levamisole.

Nineteen outpatients with malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who had surgical resection for complete removal of the tumor and no demonstrable metastases following surgery, were administered Levamisole (p.o., 150 mg per day, two days per week) and maintained on this dose for at least six months. Of this group, drug therapy was discontinued in four patients because of severe "flu-like" syndromes leaving a group of 15 patients for detailed analysis. T-lymphocyte percentages and levels, cAMP levels in the lymphocytes and a battery of skin tests for recall antigens were evaluated following surgery and at various intervals during immunotherapy. Patients who responded well to the treatment showed increased levels of T-lymphocytes and increased cAMP levels, whereas non-responders had low T-cell levels and low cAMP levels. Also positive skin test reactions were observed in most patients who responded well to immunotherapy, although this was the least reliable indicator of patient response. Eight of the nine patients in the melanoma group have responded well clinically, whereas five of the six squamous cell carcinoma patients have developed recurrences.
Importance of intraocular pressure in glaucoma

ABSTRACT Glaucoma results in permanent vision loss and affects the peripheral vision initially. It is present in 22.5 million peopleworldwide and is the 3' cause of blindness. Present tonometers are not ideal for intraocular pressure measurements in alleyes. Of concern, PRK and LASIK may result in lower intraocular pressure readings. A challenge now exists for thedevelopment of a tonometer which can easily compensate for corneas with many parameters to avoid a ftiture increase innormal-tension glaucoma or glaucoma which is advanced.Keywords: glaucoma, intraocular pressure, instruments, corneal thickness INTRODUCTION Glaucoma results in permanent vision loss and affects the peripheral vision initially. It is present in 22.5 million peopleworldwide and is the 3rd cause ofblindness. Five million people are estimated to be blind with this disease'. Besides thevisual field deficit, optic nerve head cupping may be observed, and the intraocular pressure may be elevated. Intraocularpressure evaluation with the examiner' s fingers was discussed in 1 862 by William Bowman2. The Schiotz tonometer waswidely used in the early 1900's.Improved tonometers were developed with the Goldmann applanation tonometer being popular in the latter half of thiscentury. It is based upon the Modified Imbert-Fick Law3
Future emission scenarios for chemicals that may deplete stratospheric ozone

Scenarios are developed for long-term future emissions of seven of the most important manmade chemicals that may deplete ozone and the corresponding effect on stratospheric ozone concentrations is calculated using a one-dimensional atmospheric model. The scenarios are based on detailed analysis of the markets for products that use these chemicals and span a central 90% probability interval for the chemicals' joint effect on calculated ozone abundance, assuming no additional regulations.
Three-Body Physics in Strongly Correlated Spinor Condensates

Spinor condensates have proven to be a rich area for probing many-body phenomena richer than that of an ultracold gas consisting of atoms restricted to a single spin state. In the strongly correlated regime, the physics controlling the possible novel phases of the condensate remains largely unexplored, and few-body aspects can play a central role in the properties and dynamics of the system through manifestations of Efimov physics. The present study solves the three-body problem for bosonic spinors using the hyperspherical adiabatic representation and characterizes the multiple families of Efimov states in spinor systems as well as their signatures in the scattering observables relevant for spinor condensates. These solutions exhibit a rich array of possible phenomena originating in universal few-body physics, which can strongly affect the spin dynamics and three-body mean-field contributions for spinor condensates. The collisional aspects of atom-dimer spinor condensates are also analyzed, and effects are predicted that derive from Efimov physics.
Spatial dynamics of mutualistic interactions

Summary 1 I present a model of mutualistic interactions in a patchy landscape. The interaction is between two species that differ in their mobility. The landscape is spatially structured, with several localities interconnected by dispersal of the mobile mutualist. 2 Within a given locality, an Allee effect can occur such that the per capita growth rate of the non-mobile mutualist declines with its own abundance. The Allee effect arises in response to low abundances of the mobile mutualist, and causes extinction of both species once their numbers fall below a critical threshold. 3 Dispersal of the mobile mutualist can rescue such sink communities from extinction, provided there is at least one source community in which both species have abundances above the extinction threshold. Dispersal itself is density-independent, but induces negative density-dependence that counteracts the positive density-dependence due to the Allee effect. This negative feedback effect of dispersal has not previously been demonstrated in mutualism models. 4 Rescue of sink communities, however, depends on how dispersal influences the local dynamics of source communities. If dispersal involves surplus individuals the loss of whom does not affect the reproductive output of the source community, persistence of sink communities is guaranteed as long as the survivorship of long-distance dispersers exceeds a lower threshold. In contrast, if dispersal involves emigrants that constitute a fraction of the source community's reproductive output, persistence of sink communities additionally requires that emigration does not exceed an upper threshold. Too much emigration can cause a net loss of the mobile mutualist from the source community, resulting in landscape-wide extinction of the mutualistic interaction. 5 The effect of dispersal mode on the dynamics of mutualistic interactions has not been appreciated previously. If the benefit of the rescue effect to sinks is outweighed by the cost of dispersal to sources, mutualistic communities linked by dispersal may experience a greater loss of diversity than communities that are isolated.
Geology of quartz and hydrated silica-bearing deposits near Antoniadi Crater, Mars

[1] The only area on Mars where crystalline quartz has been identified from orbit is near Antoniadi Crater, on the northern edge of the Syrtis Major shield volcano. However, the method of quartz formation has remained unknown. In this study, we use high-resolution satellite imagery as well as thermal and near-infrared spectroscopy to construct a geologic history of these deposits and their local context. We find that the quartz-bearing deposits are consistently co-located with hydrated silica. This spatial coherence suggests that the quartz formed as a diagenetic product of amorphous silica, rather than as a primary igneous mineral. Diagenetic quartz is a mature alteration product of hydrated amorphous silica, and indicates more persistent water and/or higher temperatures at this site. Beneath the silica-bearing rocks, we also find spectral evidence for smectites in the lowermost exposed Noachian-aged breccia. A similar stratigraphic sequence — smectite-bearing breccias beneath deposits containing minerals suggesting a greater degree of alteration — has also been found at nearby exposures at Nili Fossae and Toro Crater, suggesting a widespread sequence of alteration. By merging the mineral detections of thermal infrared (quartz, feldspar) and near-infrared spectroscopy (hydrated silica, smectite clays) we are able to construct a more complete geologic history from orbit.
Effects of the ACTFLOPI‐Type Training on Student Performance, Instructional Methods, and Classroom Materials in the Secondary Foreign Language Classroom

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training foreign language teachers in the ACTFL-OPI-type training on student performance, instructional methods, and classroom materials in the secondary foreign language classroom. Proficiency-based instruction is one of ACTFL's most significant contributions to foreign language education; however, scarce research data are available on the effects of the ACTFL-OPI training at the secondary level. The hypothesis of this study was that teachers who had been trained in the ACTFL-OPI-type training would become more aware of factors contributing to a proficiency-oriented curriculum. It was carried out in the secondary schools in Pinellas County, Florida, in which teachers who were trained in the ACTFL-OPI-type training showed a 35 percent increase in personalized communication, more specifically when expressing feelings, opinions, and judgments in class. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was found to be statistically significant in this communicative category (F= (1,4) = 13.07) at the .05 alpha level. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. The results of the teacher interviews and questionnaires also supported the hypothesis that trained teachers were more aware of a proficiency-oriented curriculum. No significant differences were found on student performance. Further studies are suggested due to the large effect sizes found in the teacher categories
Novel microwave synthesis of amorphous calcium phosphate nanospheres

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is an important precursor phase in tissue mineralization. It shows high solubility and excellent remineralization ability. Commercially viable techniques for producing ACP are high-cost/low-efficiency process. This article describes a novel microwave (MW)-assisted ACP synthesis route as an alternative to current ACP synthesis methods. An important feature of the process is the use of supersaturated biomimetic fluids (SBFs), which are based on Kokubo-like simulated body fluids. However, our present compositions are substantially different in that they no longer simulate the body fluid compositions. The effects of solution composition and processing parameters were studied. The mechanism of ACP synthesis under MW irradiation process is also discussed. The as-synthesized ACP nanospheres were characterized and showed good reactivity and biocompatibility. These as-synthesized nanoparticles can be potential candidates for biomedical applications and remineralization mechanism study.
Evaluation of the host specificity of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron alpha-1-6, mannanase gene as a sewage marker.

UNLABELLED The specificity of a short fragment functional gene marker (alpha-1-6, mannanase) in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was compared with two other Bacteroidales markers used for identifying sewage as the source of pollution in water. A total of 11 different animal species and 230 faecal samples were tested using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the alpha-1-6, mannanase marker had high specificity (0·97). Limited cross-reactivity was found in swine, gull and cat faeces with copy numbers close to detection limit. Positives were detected in all bovine and sheep faeces tested for the Human-Bac1 marker. The human-specific alpha-1-6, mannanase marker showed greater specificity (0·97) than the HF 183 Bacteroides PCR marker (0·71) and the Human-Bac1 (qPCR) marker. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first study that compares Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron alpha-1-6, mannanase marker with other markers. Our study showed that this marker has strong potential to be used as an indicator for sewage pollution in water.
Neoliberalism and Lower-Class Voting Behavior in Peru:

It is often assumed that lower classes will resist market-oriented neoliberal reforms that impose economic austerity on popular sectors and exacerbate social inequalities. However, the Peruvian cas...
995-18 Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Normal Coronary Angiography and Abnormal Functional Tests

Coronary endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a vasoconstrictive response to the endothelial-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine. In patients with normal coronary angiograms, stress-induced myocardial ischemia has been considered to be false-positive on functional testing. Since coronary vasodilatation during exercise is endothelial-dependent, this study was designed to test the hypothesis that patients with stress-induced myocardial ischemia and normal coronary angiograms may demonstrate coronary endothelial-dependent vasoconstriction to acetylcholine. Thus, coronary angiography with graded doses of intracoronary acetylcholine was performed in 30 patients who had undergone previous stress functional tests (14 exercise thallium, eight exercise echocardiography, four dipyridamole thallium, and four dobutamine echocardiography). Twenty patients had an abnormal functional test (Group 1), and 10 patients had normal functional tests serve as a control group (Group 2). Acetylcholine Myocardial Ischemia by Functional Testing Positive (Group 1) Negative (Group 2) Vasoconstriction 19 0 Vasodilation 1 10 TOTAL 20 10 p l 0.001 This study demonstrates that patients with stress-induced myocardial ischemia and normal coronary angiograms represent coronary endothelial dysfunction.
The Ideological Bases of Soviet Foreign Policy

Foreign policy, the very existence of which Soviet leaders admitted only hesitatingly during the green years of the Revolution—although they availed themselves of it as an indispensable tool from the moment they gained power—has become a primary weapon in safeguarding the interests of the “Socialist Fatherland” and propagating the struggle against “world capitalism.”
Estimation of the elongational viscosity of polyethylene blends at high deformation rates

Abstract The Binding and Cogswell entry flow analyses were used to model the flow of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and a 50 50 blend of LLDPE with LDPE through a sudden contraction. The entrance angle of the converging stream is estimated by using the two previous analyses and compared to the flow visualization experiments. The entrance angle was well predicted, being more accurate in the case of the Binding analysis, when the entrance angle was small (large vortices). An approximate sink flow analysis is proposed which gave better predictions when the entrance angles were large. Since experimental results of the elongational viscosity at high deformation rates are not available, the elongational viscosity predicted from three previous entry flow analyses were compared to the predictions of the Larson (PEC) model. It was shown that both the strain hardening parameter of the PEC model and the distribution of the relaxation moduli and relaxation times determine the power-law indices t and n of the elongational viscosity and the viscosity, respectively, and therefore control the generation of lip vortices upstream of a contraction. The entrance pressure was shown to have the same dependence on deformation rate for both the Cogswell and Binding analyses. All three models predicted vortex growth if t is greater than n. Complex flow patterns were generated by the flow of the 50 50 blend at high deformation rates whereby a minimum in the entrance angle was observed.
Regression of prostatic cancer metastasis by high doses of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate

Diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (DES-P) has shown effective symptomatic relief in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Although there is little known about its role in soft tissue metastasis, our experience in 3 patients with advanced carcinoma of the prostate infiltrating the trigone and ureterovesical junction revealed significant improvement of hydronephrosis. All patients failed to respond to conventional doses of stilbestrol. Diethylstilbestrol diphosphate is recommended in the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate with soft tissue metastasis. It is safe and effective, and the tumor responses outweigh the side effects of the drug. The mechanism of action of this compound is discussed.
A parallel-design distributed-implementation (PDDI) general-purpose computer.

A scheme of an efficient general-purpose parallel computer is introduced. Its design space (i.e., the model for which parallel programs are written), is a permissive parallel RAM model of computation. The implementation space is presented as a scheme of a synchronous distributed machine which is not more involved than a sorting network followed by a merging network. An efficient translation from the design space into the implementation space is given. Suppose for some t and x there is a parallel algorithm in the design space which has depth (i.e., parallel time) O(tp) using p processors for all p⩽x. This translates to an algorithm in the implementation space with depth O(ts) for all s⩽tl where l depends on the choice of the sorting and merging networks, s is the number of ‘powerful’ processors used (processors not in the sorting or merging networks) and ƒ(s,m) auxiliary processors, where m is the size of the common memory in the design space. For a specific choice, l = log2 s + log m and ƒ(s,m) = O(s log2 s + m log m), comparing favorably with alternative known solutions. Since many parallel algorithms are designed for a wide range of processors our solution pays the fine for implementation where it hurts least.
Analysis of the synaptotagmin family during reconstituted membrane fusion. Uncovering a class of inhibitory isoforms.

Ca2+-triggered exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells is regulated by the Ca2+-binding protein synaptotagmin (syt) I. Sixteen additional isoforms of syt have been identified, but little is known concerning their biochemical or functional properties. Here, we assessed the abilities of fourteen syt isoforms to directly regulate SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor)-catalyzed membrane fusion. One group of isoforms stimulated neuronal SNARE-mediated fusion in response to Ca2+, while another set inhibited SNARE catalyzed fusion in both the absence and presence of Ca2+. Biochemical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the ability of syt isoforms to bind 1,2-dioleoyl phosphatidylserine (PS) and t-SNAREs in a Ca2+-promoted manner with their abilities to enhance fusion, further establishing PS and SNAREs as critical effectors for syt action. The ability of syt I to efficiently stimulate fusion was specific for certain SNARE pairs, suggesting that syts might contribute to the specificity of intracellular membrane fusion reactions. Finally, a subset of inhibitory syts down-regulated the ability of syt I to activate fusion, demonstrating that syt isoforms can modulate the function of each other.
Temporal profile of serum-induced S-phase entry and retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation in human skin fibroblasts

Temporal profile of serum-induced S-phase entry and retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation in human skin fibroblasts. Cultured skin fibroblasts from type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy have a hyperplastic growth phenotype in comparison with diabetics without nephropathy and controls. We studied the G1 phase cyclins in skin fibroblasts from control subjects to define the temporal profile of serum-induced pRB phosphorylation, cyclin D1 protein expression, and cyclin D1/CDK4(6) kinase activity as well as S-phase entry by FACS analysis. Our preliminary studies indicate that cultured skin fibroblasts from type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy have an enhanced pRB phosphorylation, cyclin D1 protein expression, and cyclin D1/CDK4(6) kinase activity. This finding may become useful to identify patients at risk for the development of nephropathy.
WebChem Viewer: a tool for the easy dissemination of chemical and structural data sets

Sharing sets of chemical data (e.g., chemical properties, docking scores, etc.) among collaborators with diverse skill sets is a common task in computer-aided drug design and medicinal chemistry. The ability to associate this data with images of the relevant molecular structures greatly facilitates scientific communication. There is a need for a simple, free, open-source program that can automatically export aggregated reports of entire chemical data sets to files viewable on any computer, regardless of the operating system and without requiring the installation of additional software. We here present a program called WebChem Viewer that automatically generates these types of highly portable reports. Furthermore, in designing WebChem Viewer we have also created a useful online web application for remotely generating molecular structures from SMILES strings. We encourage the direct use of this online application as well as its incorporation into other software packages. With these features, WebChem Viewer enables interdisciplinary collaborations that require the sharing and visualization of small molecule structures and associated sets of heterogeneous chemical data. The program is released under the FreeBSD license and can be downloaded from http://nbcr.ucsd.edu/WebChemViewer . The associated web application (called “Smiley2png 1.0”) can be accessed through freely available web services provided by the National Biomedical Computation Resource at http://nbcr.ucsd.edu .
The influence of interfering input from the peroneal nerve on tibial-nerve somatosensory evoked potential.

Abstract Using a conditioning-test paradigm, we studied the recovery function of tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) conditioned by preceding peroneal nerve stimulation. The inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs) ranged from 0 to 400 msec, where 0 msec indicated simultaneous arrival of tibial and peroneal nerve volleys at the L1 spine. The recovery curve was W-shaped, showing two peaks of SEP suppression, maximum at 6 msec ISI (1st phase) and 50–75 ISI msec (2nd phase). In the 1st phase suppression, we found distinct differences in wave forms between 0–2 msec ISI and 4–6 msec ISI. At 0–2 msec ISI, P40-N50-P60 amplitude decreased and latencies shortened, while P31 and N35 were unchanged. At 4–6 msec ISI, all peaks, possibly excluding P31, were markedly depressed. We attribute the former change to an “occlusive effect” and the latter to an “inhibitory effect,” each mediated via a central synaptic network between the two nerves. The attenuation of the 2nd but not the 1st phase suppression by peroneal nerve block distal to the stimulating electrodes provided evidence that the 2nd phase suppression resulted primarily from interfering afferent signals generated by peroneal nerve peripheral receptors, activated by foot movement.
Tweet or “re-tweet”? An experiment of message strategy and interactivity on Twitter

Purpose – Although a large number of prior studies have discussed the impact of using social media to organizations, the existing literature has not yet provided a clear guidance on what specific communication strategy organizations should adopt on social media and what relationship they need to establish with the public. To fill this theoretical gap, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of message strategy and interactivity from a relationship-building perspective within a social media context. Design/methodology/approach – Through a 2×2 between-subjects experiment (n=84), this study tests the effects of two message strategies, communal-relationship oriented messages and exchange-relationship oriented messages, with either a high or low level of interactivity within a corporate Twitter setting. Findings – The study findings indicate that communication strategies with different relationship orientations differ in quality. Communal-relationship oriented messages tend to generate more favorab...
Spatiotemporal load curve data cleansing and imputation via sparsity and low rank

The smart grid vision is to build an intelligent power network with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and controllability over its services and infrastructure. This paper advocates statistical inference methods to robustify power monitoring tasks against the outlier effects owing to faulty readings and malicious attacks, as well as against missing data due to privacy concerns and communication errors. In this context, a novel load cleansing and imputation scheme is developed leveraging the low intrinsic-dimensionality of spatiotemporal load profiles and the sparse nature of “bad data.” A robust estimator based on principal components pursuit (PCP) is adopted, which effects a twofold sparsity-promoting regularization through an l 1 -norm of the outliers, and the nuclear norm of the nominal load profiles. After recasting the non-separable nuclear norm into a form amenable to distributed optimization, a distributed (D-) PCP algorithm is developed to carry out the imputation and cleansing tasks using a network of interconnected smart meters. Computer simulations and tests with real load curve data corroborate the convergence and effectiveness of the novel D-PCP algorithm.
Viewing Alcohol and Other Drug Use Cross Culturally: A Cultural Framework for Clinical Practice:

The authors present a conceptual framework for cross-cultural investigation of alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, including attitudes, values, and behaviors. Elements include Cultural views of using alcohol and other drugs, life problems, seeking help, relapse, and recovery. Acculturation, subgroup identity, and migration are critically important variables in the framework. The framework can be used to view a single culture or to compare several and can help clinicians explore clients' earliest exposure to alcohol and other drugs, family and community messages regarding AOD use, and stigma and shame. It can stimulate clinicians' thinking about culturally specific intervention methods and family and community supports for recovery.
Restoration of Growth Arrest by p16INK4, p21WAF1, pRB, and p53 Is Dependent on the Integrity of the Endogenous Cell-Cycle Control Pathways in Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the induction of growth arrest in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines by retrovirus-mediated transduction of growth control genes was dependent upon the integrity of specific endogenous control pathways. We assessed the status of the endogenous p16INK4A, p21CIP1, pRb, or p53 genes in eight GBM lines. As expected, we found varied combinations of gene defects. The outcome of transducing five of these cell lines with p16INK4A, p21CIP1, pRb, or p53 genes was not entirely predictable. The growth-inhibitory effects mediated by the transfer of the gene encoding p16 was dependent on the presence of the pRb protein, but was independent of p53 status. p21, a broadly active CDK inhibitor and a strong inducer of growth arrest, was not a universal growth suppressor in the group of glioblastoma cell lines analyzed. The suppression of GBM cell proliferation by viruses encoding pRb or p53 was generally predictable and appeared to be independent of the status of either p16 or p21. Suppression of cell growth was assessed by a colony formation assay, by observance of alterations in morphology, and by cell viability staining for trypan blue exclusion. Our findings suggest that to accomplish the suppression of GBM cell proliferation by the transduction of these cell-cycle control genes, the status of endogenous cell-cycle control genes must be taken into account.
Classical conditioning, signal detection, and evolution

Strength of classical conditioning is increased either by increasing discriminability of the conditioned stimulus (CS) from the background, or by increasing contingency between conditioned and unconditioned stimili (US). Classical conditioning can be regarded as a decision process in which the subject has to decide whether or not to respond with a conditioned response in the presence or absence of the CS. According to modern evolutionary theories, it might be assumed that this decision process maximizes the trade-off between cost and benefits. By assuming that the decision rule maximizes expected benefit, the empirical relationship between contingency and the strength of classical conditioning is theoretically derived. In addition, when the decision rule is incorporated to a signal detection paradigm, theoretical results describing the relationship between CS discriminability and CS - US contingency with the strength of classical conditioning are in agreement with experimental data.
The temporal dynamics of event memory: A stage analysis of mnemonic processing by man and macaque

Extensive anatomical and psychophysical data suggest that macaques can serve as surrogates for man in studies of the neural substrates of visual mnemonic processing. However, the extent to which mnemonic-mechanisms in macaques can be validly compared to those in man depends critically on the demonstration that the cognitive strategy and temporal dynamics of mnemonic retrieval are congruent For the two species. Seven human and six macaque subjects were tested on identical versions of an item recognition task that required the classification of probe stimuli as positive or negative according to whether or not they were members of a previously defined set of target stimuli. For the human subjects, reaction time increased by an average of 24 msec/target. The macaques were able to respond as accurately as the human subjects, but each additional target resulted in a reaction time increment of only 7 msec. A detailed analysis of the statistical properties of the reaction-time distributions indicated that these data do not reflect a between-species difference in the efficiency of execution of otherwise comparable, serial-exhaustive, retrieval mechanisms. Rather, the data suggest that human subjects engage two memory-load dependent processes before generating a response, while macaques execute only one of these. Additional data indicate that a reaction-time approach toward the analysis of the stages of mnemonic processing can provide new insights into the specific nature of mnemonic deficits induced by brain damage.
Heterogeneity of motorneuron driver potential properties along the anterior-posterior axis of the lobster cardiac ganglion

Abstract Endogenous long-duration burst-organizing potentials (driver potentials, DPs) generated by neurons in the lobster cardiac ganglion play a critical role in the ability of the system to generate rhythmic bursts of nerve impulses. The DPs are normally terminated by a voltage-dependent potassium current, but when this is suppressed by tetraethylammonium ion (TEA), the five motorneurons in the system show heterogeneity in properties. Perfusion with TEA increases DP amplitude in all cells in a similar fashion, but it increases DP duration disproportionately in the most anterior motorneurons. Substitution of barium ions for calcium also prolongs DPs in all of the motorneurons, but the effect of this treatment is not different along the anterior-posterior axis of the ganglion. The results suggest that the different behavior of the neurons reflects a difference in either the extent of calcium inactivation of the calcium current responsible for the DP, or in the kinetics or magnitude of a calcium-activated potassium conductance which contributes to membrane repolarization. In contrast to previously reported results, reduction in extracellular sodium ion concentration decreases driver potential amplitude and/or duration. This effect is not differentially expressed in different motorneurons.
Studies of Drug-Eluting Stents To Each His Own?

All technology has limitations, some of which are not recognized at the time of introduction. Once adopted, technology may be challenged as to whether the initial promise of patient benefit demonstrated in clinical trials has been achieved in the setting of routine practice. This challenge is the objective of observational studies. Among interventional cardiologists, the jury on drug-eluting stents is still out. Article p 2071 Progress has not been linear for coronary stenting technology. The introduction of 2 new stents that largely prevented the problem of restenosis1,2 was met by an explosive adoption of these techniques by physicians and requests by patients. Within the first 8 months of introduction in Massachusetts, the rate of drug-eluting stents (DES) as a proportion of total stent procedures reached 90%.3 However, reports of late adverse events and stent thrombosis, a rare but morbid event, raised alarm in patients and prompted caution from regulators and physicians. The net outcome has been a return to increased use of bare-metal stents, with DES use decreasing to 64% in the United States (Millenium Research Group, Waltham, Mass, written communication, 2007). The benefits of restenosis prevention observed in randomized trials comparing DES to bare-metal stents were far greater in magnitude than many other incremental changes in medicine. Relative reductions in the need for repeat procedures to treat restenosis reached 75% to 80%,1,2 a larger jump forward than that achieved with the introduction of bare-metal stents to replace balloon angioplasty.4,5 Although the composite end points in the pivotal trials of drug-eluting stents included myocardial infarction and death and patients were followed for 5 years after stenting, the trials were not powered to detect harm in these important end points.6,7 Some have voiced concern that the trials leading to DES approval did not anticipate the broad …
A Microcomputer Program for Matrix Multiplication Using a Tape Unit

A microcomputer program is described for multiplying two matrices as large as 41 × 42 apiece. The major advantages of using a tape drive are single entry rather than multiple entry of data elements of matrices A and B and increase of memory capabilities. The major limitation is slowness of tape search. Verbal description of logic facilitates use of the program on different brands of computers.
A quick and simple method of preparing a palatal stent

A simple, quick, and inexpensive method of preparing a palatal splint or stent is presented. It is very useful after any palatal surgery including the transpalatal approach, palate resection, and repair of the fistula.
Origins and Early Development of Outdoor Advertising in the United States

Enumerates the origins and early development of outdoor advertising in the USA, stating that in early times (pre‐newspapers) most signs or symbols over shops, or handbills, were copied from the UK. Goes on to identify the areas and years that newspapers began to appear and make an impression, and gives breakdowns of how and where they started and grew to become formidable forces in the media‐starved years back then. Furthers the point that outdoor advertising in the USA evolved at a similar, but much slower, pace than in the UK. Posits that large circuses had an impact with regard to outdoor advertising and in particular Phineas Taylor Barnum, who was the first to use large illustrated posters for effect, and this soon caught on.
Underplating and Partial Melting: Implications for Melt Generation and Extraction

The quantitative assessment of underplating and concomitant partial melting of continental crust requires the use of geologically reasonable melt fraction distributions as a function of temperature. Conductive modeling indicates that simple underplating of metapelite by basalt can yield magma bodies with melt fractions above the rheological limit of extraction for almost any reasonable geotherm. Convection and subsequent homogenization are likely in these bodies. Granitic and tonalitic protoliths do not appear to yield substantial amounts of extractable magma. These results indicate that underplating involves repeated intrusion or occurs in deep crust.