cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracellular signalling: Turning down G-protein signals

Abstract The recently discovered family of proteins known as ‘regulators of G-protein signalling' offers a solution to an important puzzle about the termination of signalling by G proteins and may also be important in more long-term modulation of signalling via G proteins.
Application of Multiblock Grid and Dual-Level Parallelism in Coastal Ocean Circulation Modeling

Numerical grid generation techniques play an important role in the numerical solution of partial differential equations on arbitrarily shaped regions. For coastal ocean modeling, in particular, a one-block grid covering the region under study is commonly used. Most bodies of water of interest have complicated coastlines; e.g., the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. Since such one-block grids are not boundary conforming, the number of unused grid points can be a relatively large portion of the entire domain space. Other disadvantages of using a one block grid include large memory requirements and long computer processing time. Multiblock grid generation and dual-level parallel techniques are used to overcome these problems. Message Passing Interface (MPI) is used to parallelize the Multiblock Grid Princeton Ocean Model (MGPOM) such that each grid block is assigned to a unique processor. Since not all grid blocks are of the same size, the workload varies between MPI processes. To alleviate this, OpenMP dynamic threading is used to improve load balance. Performance results from the MGPOM model on a one-block grid, a twenty block grid, and a forty-two block grid after a 90-day simulation for the Persian Gulf demonstrate the efficacy of the dual-level parallel code version.
Sensitivity of incipient particle motion to fluid flow penetration depth within a packed bed.

A discrete element method is applied to a three-dimensional analysis related to sediment entrainment on a micro-scale. Sediment entrainment is the process by which a fluid medium accelerates particles from rest and advects them upward until they are either transported as bedload or suspended by the flow. Modelling of the entrainment process is a critically important aspect for studies of erosion, pollutant resuspension and transport, and formation of bedforms in environmental flows. Previous discrete element method studies of sediment entrainment have assumed the flow within the particle bed to be negligible and have only allowed for the motion of the topmost particles. At the same time, micro-scale experimental studies indicate that there is a small slip of the fluid flow at the top of the bed, indicating the presence of non-vanishing fluid velocity within the topmost bed layers. The current study demonstrates that the onset of particle incipient motion, which immediately precedes particle entrainment, is highly sensitive to this small fluid flow within the topmost bed layers. Using an exponential decay profile for the inner-bed fluid flow, the discrete element method calculations are repeated with different fluid penetration depths within the bed for several small particle Reynolds numbers. For cases with slip velocity corresponding to that observed in previous experiments with natural sediment, the predicted particle velocity is found to be a few percent of the fluid velocity at the top of the viscous wall layer, which is a reasonable range of velocities for observation of incipient particle motion. This method for prescribing the fluid flow within the particle bed allows for the current discrete element method to be extended in future studies to the analysis of sediment entrainment under the influence of events such as turbulent bursting. Additionally, predictions for the slip velocities and fluid flow profile within the bed suggest the need for further experimental studies to provide the data necessary for additional improvement of the discrete element method models.
The choice of electoral systems in new democracies: a case study of South Korea in 1988

Most theories about electoral system choice are based on the experiences of Western European countries, many of which shifted from majority/plurality rule to proportional representation (PR) at the turn of the twentieth century. This article aims to explain the choice of the South Korean legislative electoral system in 1988 as an example of electoral institution choices in new democracies, which may be different from those in the Western European countries. Through analysing multiple steps leading to the choice of a single-member district plurality voting system, this article suggests three potentially generalizable findings. First, in new democracies, labour parties can only induce old parties to shift to a proportional representation system if they have mobilized the working class prior to democratization. Secondly, parties in the developing world at times face unusual systems that are neither majoritarian nor fully PR. Under such unusual systems, party size would not be a reliable predictor for the par...
Cocaine euphoria, dysphoria, and tolerance assessed using drug-induced changes in brain-stimulation reward

The time course of cocaine-induced changes in self-stimulation thresholds were used to evaluate cocaine euphoria and dysphoria as a function of the chronicity of drug treatment, dosage level, and the spacing of injections. It was assumed that cocaine-induced decreases in thresholds were indicative of cocaine euphoria, while increases in thresholds reflected rebound dysphoric responses to cocaine administration. Three experiments were performed using self-stimulating rats implanted with ventral tegmental area electrodes. Cocaine's threshold-lowering effects were evident 15 min postinjection (IP) with thresholds returning to baseline by approximately 3.0 h after treatment. Little evidence for cocaine-induced increases in thresholds was observed during periods of chronic cocaine treatment. However, thresholds were slightly elevated upon withdrawal from chronic cocaine treatment in Experiments 2 and 3. No evidence of tolerance or sensitization to cocaine-induced shifts in thresholds was noted with single daily injections, while multiple daily injections produced tolerance to cocaine's threshold-lowering effects. It is concluded that cocaine's ability to enhance brain-stimulation reward is highly reliable and robust, while decreases in brain-stimulation reward associated with chronic cocaine treatment are less reliable and difficult to demonstrate. The possible influence of drug dosage on the induction of cocaine dysphoria and the ability of various self-stimulation procedures to measure dysphoric effects are discussed.
THE ANTIPROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF SERUM : III. PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE INFLUENCE OF TRYPSIN AND OF ANTIPROTEASE ON BACTERIAL GROWTH AND SULFONAMIDE ACTION

1. Heating diluted serum at 80 degrees C. for 10 minutes made it a better medium for bacterial growth. This is believed to have been at least partly due to destruction of the serum antiprotease. 2. Growth was accelerated, and proceeded further, in the presence of trypsin. 3. Growth was somewhat retarded in the presence of pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. 4. The bacteriostatic action of sulfathiazole in serum was reduced by heating the serum at 80 degrees C., and much more markedly (in any of the media studied) by adding trypsin. It was greater in serum and albumen than in peptone and meat infusion. 5. The significance of the experimental results was considered in relation to the possible influence of leucoprotease and of serum antiprotease on bacterial growth and sulfonamide action.
Cholesteryl ester exchange protein in human plasma isolation and characterization.

Abstract A protein catalyzing the exchange of cholesteryl esters among the lipoproteins was found in human plasma. A rapid method for assaying this activity was developed based on the transfer of radioactive cholesteryl esters from low density lipoprotein to high density lipoprotein and on the selective precipitation of low density lipoprotein with MnCl2 in the presence of phosphate. Fractionation of plasma through a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultracentrifugation at p = 1.25, and chromatography on Phenyl-Sepharose, CM-cellulose, and concanavalin A-Sepharose, yielded a preparation purified 3500-fold compared to the starting plasma. The exchange protein was found to be a glycoprotein with an isoelectric point of 5 and apparent molecular weight of 80 000. On the basis of these properties and its immunological characteristics the exchange protein was judged to be distinct from any of the known apolipoproteins. This protein could also be separated from plasma phosphatidyl-choline cholesterol acyl-transferase on DEAE-cellulose. The exchange protein did not appear to influence cholesterol esterification in lipoproteins by phosphatidylcholine cholesterol acyl-transferase, and the latter had no effect on the transfer of low density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters to high density lipoprotein. The exchange protein did not esterify cholesterol or hydrolyze cholesteryl esters in lipoproteins.
The “Helper” controversy in the construction industry

Helpers, whose role is to assist craftsmen, have been a subject of controversy in the construction industry for nearly a century. The AFL-CIO construction unions have attempted in various ways to control the work of helpers so that helpers cannot “pick up” the trade and then compete with craftsmen for jobs. With the help of the U.S. Department of Labor’s administration of the Davis-Bacon Act, these unions succeeded in almost eliminating the use of helpers on government-financed construction and most union jobs. This has meant that much unskilled and semiskilled work has been done by journeymen at skilled labor wages. The result has hurt union members and unionized contractors by aiding open-shop contractors, who use helpers extensively, to underbid their competitors and win increasing market share. This article examines the ramifications of the helper issue and related training problems from the turn of the century to the present, discusses various union policies, court decisions, and legislation affecting the issues, and concludes that the economies of utilizing helpers are sufficient to cast doubt on the efficacy or future success of current union attempts to limit narrowly the training and use of helpers.
Encyclopedia of Volcanoes

“A remarkable milestone.” “The list of contributors is a who's who of volcanology” “This is the most important volcano book of the century.” These are but a few of the glowing accolades given in the promotional literature that accompanied the review copy of this book. What is remarkable is that the Encyclopedia ofVolcanoes lives up to its press clippings and is, indeed, a book that “will truly be the authoritative reference book on volcanology for a long time to come.” Perhaps the book's only shortcoming is that its sheer size and moderately high cost may prevent its distribution to a wider audience.
Supporting Group Work in Crisis Management: Visually Mediated Human — GIS — Human Dialogue:

Geospatial information is a fundamental component of many crisis management activities. However, current geospatial technologies do not support work by crisis management personnel, most of whom are not technology specialists—a key impediment is that the technologies require the user to learn the system's language. In addition, geospatial technologies are not ‘collaboration friendly’—they impede rather than facilitate group work. In this paper we address both issues by presenting (1) a theoretical framework for understanding the roles of visual mediation in map-supported human–human dialogues, and (2) a computational approach for enabling such roles in collaborative spatial decisionmaking contexts. Building upon our initial implementation of a map-mediated collaborative environment, the DAVE_G system [a natural, multimodal, dialogue-enabled interface to geographical information systems (GIS)], we model human–GIS and human–GIS–human dialogues as complex visual-cognitive signification processes in which maps...
The Diamond Surface: Atomic and Electronic Structure

Abstract Experimental studies of the diamond surface with primary emphasis on the (111) surface are presented. Aspects of the diamond surface which are addressed include (1) the electronic structure, (2) the atomic structure, and (3) the effect of termination of the lattice by foreign atoms. Limited studies of graphite are discussed for comparison with the diamond results. Experimental results from valence band and core level photoemission spectroscopy (PES), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) are used to study and characterize both the clean and hydrogenated surface. In addition, the interaction of hydrogen with the diamond surface is examined using results from vibrational high resolution low energy electron loss spectroscopy and photon stimulated ion desorption (PSID) yield at photon energies just above the carbon k -edge. Both EELS and PSID verify that the mechanically polished 1 × 1 surface is hydrogen terminated and also that the reconstructed 2×2/2×1 surface is hydrogen free. We apply this basic knowledge of the clean diamond surface and of diamond-hydrogen systematics to understanding of the fundamental growth characteristics of diamond films.
The topology of homologous pairing promoted by RecA protein

In addition to catalyzing the pairing of linear single-stranded DNA with homologous duplex DNA, recA protein promotes the pairing of circular single strands with linear duplex DNA or nicked circular duplex DNA, and of gapped circular duplex DNA with superhelical DNA. RecA protein will thus produce joint molecules of DNA at a high frequency from a pair of homologous molecules if one of them is single-stranded or partially single-stranded, and if either one has a free end. The structure made from a linear single strand and duplex DNA is a D loop. The joint molecule made from circular single-stranded DNA and linear duplex DNA is a branched structure in which the circular strand has displaced a strand from one end of the duplex molecule. In these structures, the heteroduplex regions reach sizes approaching that of full-length fd DNA. When we used restriction fragments of duplex fd DNA that were approximately half-length, we found circular molecules that were half duplex and half single-stranded. Similarly, single-stranded circles displaced a strand from nicked circular duplex DNA, yielding structures related to those made with linear duplex DNA, as well as other structures. Our observations indicate that purified recA protein catalyzes a concerted strand transfer with several features of particular biological interest, including the initiation of a strand crossover (in some cases perhaps the crossing back of a strand as well) and the production of long heteroduplex joints by a kind of branch migration. While a free end permits interwinding of DNA strands and the formation of joints containing stable right-handed helices, the free end is not essential for the promotion of homologous pairing by recA protein. When we mixed phage G4 double-stranded DNA and recA protein with single-stranded circular M13 DNA containing an insert of 274 bases of G4 DNA, we observed by electron microscopy the formation of a few percent of complexes in which single-stranded circular DNA and duplex DNA were joined side by side in the region of shared sequence homology. The frequency of such complexes was twenty to thirty times greater than that observed in a control mixture of G4 duplex DNA and single-stranded circular fd DNA, molecules which do not share a region of extensive homology. We conclude that recA protein can promote homologous association of a single strand and duplex DNA without the plectonemic colling that characterizes the normal Watson-Crick structure of DNA.
SIMULATION OF THE ATMOSPHERIC ANNUAL ENERGY CYCLE1

Abstract A two level quasi-geostrophic model for zonally averaged conditions has been integrated for a period of a few years. The model is forced by Newtonian heating and has internal and surface friction. The interaction between the zonal flow and the eddies is simulated through the use of exchange coefficients for the transports of quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity and sensible heat. The results of the integrations show that the model predicts a qualitatively correct annual variation of the zonal winds and the zonal temperature, although the predicted annual cycle has a too large amplitude compared with observations. The times of the maximum amounts of available potential and kinetic energy are well predicted as well as the typical time lag between the two quantities. The same statement holds for the generation of zonal available potential energy and the dissipation of zonal kinetic energy. The energy diagram obtained as an average for 1 yr of integration compares well with the corresponding diagram...
Shuttling of pre-mRNA binding proteins between nucleus and cytoplasm

RNA polymerase II transcripts, heterogeneous nuclear RNAs (hnRNAs), associate in the nucleus with specific proteins that bind premessenger RNA (hnRNP proteins) and with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). These hnRNA-hnRNP-snRNP complexes assemble on nascent transcripts and hnRNA is processed to mRNA in them. HnRNP proteins have been localized to the nucleoplasm and their functions were presumed to be limited to nuclear events in mRNA biogenesis. It was proposed that an exchange of hnRNP for mRNA-binding proteins accompanies transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. We show here that several of the abundant hnRNP proteins, including A1, shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. HnRNP proteins may thus also have cytoplasmic functions. Furthermore, when in the cytoplasm, A1 is bound to mRNA and RNA polymerase II transcription is necessary before it can return to the nucleus. We propose that the cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complex of mRNA with hnRNP proteins is the substrate of nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of mRNA.
Talc embolism: Sudden death following intravenous injection of phenyltoloxamine

Abstract Talc embolism is reported as the cause of death of a 21-year-old black male, with a history and stigmata of narcotics addiction, who injected a tablet combination of acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine dispensed for oral use. Toxicologic analysis of the injection sites, organs and fluids confirmed the presence of the drug and excluded a chemical basis for the fatality.
Community violence exposure, coping, and problematic alcohol and drug use among urban, female caregivers: A prospective study.

Victimization is associated with substance use in women, but less is known about linkages between witnessing community violence and substance use, even though more women witness versus directly experience violence. Further, factors that contribute to or protect against women's problematic substance use are less well understood. Urban female caregivers (N = 318; > 92% African American/black) living in low-income communities were interviewed annually for three waves regarding exposure to community violence, coping behaviors, substance use, and protective factors. Path analyses revealed that lifetime witnessing of violence, but not victimization, assessed at baseline, was associated with changes in avoidant coping, but not active coping, one year later; avoidant coping, in turn, was related to changes in and higher levels of problematic drug use the following year. Victimization was directly related to problematic drug use, but not to alcohol use. Regression analyses indicated that high levels of religious commitment and social support at baseline were prospectively associated with lower levels of avoidant coping. Because caregivers are important role models for their children, it is important to attend to the factors that contribute to their substance use and abuse. Language: en
Simple calculations on two-colour multiphoton ionization

Calculations are performed, using a one-dimensional short-range potential and a simple model of the helium atom, of multiphoton ionization due to the coherent superposition of a laser beam with one of its higher-order harmonics. Variation of the relative phase leads to the enhancement or suppression of ionization and to large asymmetries in the photoelectron angular distribution.
Imaging in high clutter environments

Four microwave imaging methods are presented with the goal of suppressing natural clutter from such images. Unlike traditional clutter filtering approaches, based on a known clutter distribution, imaging algorithms aim to suppress any scattering mechanism not “stable” across all sensor locations. The four methods considered are (a) Coherence factor correction, (b) Model-based correction, (c) Adaptive sidelobe reduction (apodization), and (d) Image sparsity optimization (compressive sensing). In all cases, a clearer image is attained. However, image sparsity optimization leads to significantly sharper images. The images are actually super-resolved and are improved subject to available CPU time and/or data additions. Simulated and measured imaging examples are presented to demonstrate the stated conclusions.
Early term birth: the impact of practice patterns on rates and outcomes.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks gestation, but clinicians continue to schedule elective inductions and cesareans re...
High-power, femtosecond, thermal-lens-shaped Yb:KGW Laser

Thermal lens shaping for astigmatism compensation is extended to a 65 MHz, diode-pumped Yb:KGW oscillator mode-locked with the aid of a saturable Bragg reflector to yield 250fs (347fs) pulses at an output power of 3.5 W (5W).
A Hermite WENO reconstruction-based discontinuous Galerkin method for the Euler equations on tetrahedral grids

A Hermite WENO reconstruction-based discontinuous Galerkin method RDG(P"1P"2), designed not only to enhance the accuracy of discontinuous Galerkin method but also to ensure linear stability of the RDG method, is presented for solving the compressible Euler equations on tetrahedral grids. In this RDG(P"1P"2) method, a quadratic polynomial solution (P"2) is first reconstructed using a least-squares method from the underlying linear polynomial (P"1) discontinuous Galerkin solution. By taking advantage of handily available and yet invaluable information, namely the derivatives in the DG formulation, the stencils used in the reconstruction involve only von Neumann neighborhood (adjacent face-neighboring cells) and thus are compact and consistent with the underlying DG method. The final quadratic polynomial solution is then obtained using a WENO reconstruction, which is necessary to ensure linear stability of the RDG method. The developed RDG method is used to compute a variety of flow problems on tetrahedral meshes to demonstrate its accuracy, efficiency, robustness, and versatility. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the developed RDG(P"1P"2) method is able to maintain the linear stability, achieve the designed third-order of accuracy: one order accuracy higher than the underlying DG method without significant increase in computing costs and storage requirements.
The Uses of Comparative History in Macrosocial Inquiry

Comparative history is not new. As long as people have investigated social life, there has been recurrent fascination with juxtaposing historical patterns from two or more times or places. Part of the appeal comes from the general usefulness of looking at historical trajectories in order to study social change. Indeed, practitioners of comparative history from Alexis de Tocqueville and Max Weber to Marc Bloch, Reinhard Bendix, and Barrington Moore, Jr. have typically been concerned with understanding societal dynamics and epochal transformations of cultures and social structures. Attention to historical sequences is indispensable to such understanding. Obviously, though, not all investigations of social change use explicit juxtapositions of distinct histories. We may wonder, therefore: What motivates the use of comparisons as opposed to focussing on single historical trajectories? What purposes are pursued—and how—through the specific modalities of comparative history?
The life and times of Dr David M. Young, Jr

Professor David M. Young, Jr was instrumental in the development of iterative algorithms and software for solving large sparse systems of linear algebraic equations of the type that typically arise in the numerical solution of partial differential equations. We present a brief overview of his life, accomplishments, and research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High stakes testing Why

This response argues that, although evaluation of student learning is required for accountability, high stakes testing is not required and may even be counterproductive. It also questions whether the goals of the ‘No Child Left Behind Act’ are reasonable and contends that, if they are not, there may be no justification for imposing punishments and sanctions on children and schools unable to meet them. Moreover, high stakes testing may be incompatible with many defensible aims - among them, critical thinking.
Racial variations in self-reported osteoarthritis symptom severity among veterans

Background and aims: This study aimed at examining factors related to osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity in African American and Caucasian veterans (n=202). Methods: OA symptom severity (lower extremity pain, stiffness, and physical function) was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). We also examined whether racial differences existed when controlling for other important demographic and clinical variables, including age, gender, income, educational level, employment status, marital status, number of years with OA symptoms, location of arthritic joints (hip, knee, back, foot/ankle), use of exercise, and current use of OA medications. Lastly, we examined whether factors associated with self-reported OA symptom severity differed in African American and Caucasian veterans. Results: The mean WOMAC score for AfricanAmerican veterans (on a scale of 0–96) was 54.6 (SD=17.2), and the mean score for Caucasian veterans was 48.4 (SD=17.6; p=0.02). In a multivariable regression model including demographic and clinical variables, African American veterans had significantly higher WOMAC scores than Caucasians (β=0.185, p=0.009). In Caucasian veterans, greater number of years with OA, presence of hip OA, and a low income were associated with greater WOMAC scores. In African Americans, no use of exercise and the presence of OA in the hip or back were associated with greater WOMAC scores. Conclusions: Among this sample of veterans, African Americans had significantly higher WOMAC scores than Caucasians after controlling for other important demographic and clinical factors. Different and more intense treatment strategies may be needed for African American veterans with OA.
Electrodeposition of high-T{sub c} superconductor material for microsensor fabrication

Thin films of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} (YBCO) superconductor precursor were synthesized using electrodeposition. The YBCO precursor thin films were deposited on Ag foils using pulsed potential deposition conditions of 10 s at -4 V and 10 s at -1 V (vs Ag reference electrode). The post-annealed films showed zero electrical resistance at 60 K. The procedures for fabricating a high precision micro-sensor using YBCO superconductor, for measuring weak magnetic fields are outlined. The micro-sensor templates were patterned using x rays and precursor films were deposited into the features. 8 figs, 10 refs.
INSIGHTS IN PARA-AORTIC RADIATION THERAPY FOR ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA

It was believed in past decades that if patients with gynecologic malignancies had metastatic disease in the periaortic (PA) nodes, cure was all but impossible, and it was indicative of concomitant systemic spread. Or if one did treat the PA nodes, the required radiation dose would produce an unacceptable risk of severe complications. These perceptions began to abate somewhat with observations gleaned from various small studies demonstrating that selected subsets of patients with metastatic disease in the PA nodes could benefit, in terms of survival and local control, if extended field irradiation therapy was given (2, 12, 13). On the presumption that carcinoma of the uterine cervix spreads in a reasonably predictable manner, first to the pelvic nodes and then to the PA nodes, it was hypothesized that effective treatment could be directed prophylactically to the PA nodes. This hypothesis was proposed by Rotman et al. in 1979 and later confirmed by the prospective randomized trial of the RTOG in 1990 (14, 15). Although such information regarding cervical cancer was forthcoming, considerably less information was available regarding endometrial cancer. The incidence of PA nodes in the endometrial carcinoma was first studied in a relatively systematic way by the Gynecologic Oncology Group. Their Pilot Study One was envisioned by Boronow and Morrow, with subsequent collaboration from DiSaia and Creasman (7) early in the 1970s (7). This project was prompted, in part, by the impressive report from Oxford, England who reported their experience with pelvic lymph node metastasis in Stage I cancer of the endometrium (11). It was of great interest that in their series, one-third of the patients achieved cure when postoperative external beam treatment was directed to the pelvis only, and when metastatic pelvic nodes had been resected. The GOG Pilot Study suggested the predictive role that pelvic node dissection could provide (3). If pelvic nodes were negative, only 2% of patients were found to have aortic node metastasis; conversely, if pelvic node metastasis were found, about two-thirds of the patients had positive PA nodes. This surgical pathologic data meshed impressively with the Oxford clinical experience (i.e., one-third with positive pelvic nodes were salvaged with pelvic RT, but two-thirds were not-and the GOG study suggested that these two-thirds likely had aortic spread).
Compliance costs for regulatory approval of new biotech crops.

The regulatory approval process for new biotech crop varieties is said to be unduly slow and expensive, presenting important barriers to the development of new cropping technologies. To date, however, the private and social costs have not been analyzed or measured, let alone compared with alternatives. This chapter reports initial findings from our continuing project on the costs of regulatory compliance for biotech crops. In this chapter we describe and document the regulatory requirements, and we provide estimates of representative compliance costs for key biotechnologies based on confidential data supplied to us by several major biotech companies.
Blind image separation through kurtosis maximization

Blind source separation has been an extremely active area of research for the last few years. Most of the research has been focused on separation of sources from one-dimensional mixture signals such as speech. More recently, separation of two-dimensional sources (images) has been also examined to a limited extent using second-order statistics, information theoretic models and neural networks. We extend a simple kurtosis maximization algorithm, successfully used in separation of instantaneous speech signals, to images. The higher-order statistics-based algorithm is simple and performs relatively well.
Expansion of Human Regulatory T-Cells From Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE—Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) have catalyzed the field of immune regulation. However, translating Treg-based therapies from animal models of autoimmunity to human clinical trials requires robust methods for the isolation and expansion of these cells—a need forming the basis for these studies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Tregs from recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients and healthy control subjects were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and compared for their capacity to expand in vitro in response to anti-CD3–anti-CD28–coated microbeads and IL-2. Expanded cells were examined for suppressive function, lineage markers and FOXP3, and cytokine production. RESULTS—Both CD4+CD127lo/− and CD4+CD127lo/−CD25+ T-cells could be expanded and used as Tregs. However, expansion of CD4+CD127lo/− cells required the addition of rapamycin to maintain lineage purity. In contrast, expansion of CD4+CD127lo/−CD25+ T-cells, especially the CD45RA+ subset, resulted in high yield, functional Tregs that maintained higher FOXP3 expression in the absence of rapamycin. Tregs from type 1 diabetic patients and control subjects expanded similarly and were equally capable of suppressing T-cell proliferation. Regulatory cytokines were produced by Tregs after culture; however, a portion of FOXP3+ cells were capable of producing interferon (IFN)-γ after reactivation. IFN-γ production was observed from both CD45RO+ and CD45RA+ Treg populations. CONCLUSIONS—The results support the feasibility of isolating Tregs for in vitro expansion. Based on expansion capacity, FOXP3 stability, and functional properties, the CD4+CD127lo/−CD25+ T-cells represent a viable cell population for cellular therapy in this autoimmune disease.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN PEDIATRIC TRICHOTILLOMANIA.

Objective To examine long-term outcome in children with trichotillomania. Method We conducted follow-up clinical assessments an average of 2.8 ± 0.8 years after baseline evaluation in 30 of 39 children who previously participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for pediatric trichotillomania. Our primary outcome was change in hairpulling severity on the Massachusetts General HospitalHairpulling Hospital Hairpulling Scale (MGH-HPS) between the end of the acute phase and follow-up evaluation. We also obtained secondary measures examining styles of hairpulling, comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as continued treatment utilization. We examined both correlates and predictors of outcome (change in MGH-HPS score) using linear regression. Results None of the participants continued to take NAC at the time of follow-up assessment. No significant changes in hairpulling severity were reported over the follow-up period. Subjects reported significantly increased anxiety and depressive symptoms but improvement in automatic pulling symptoms. Increased hairpulling symptoms during the follow-up period were associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms and increased focused pulling. Older age and greater focused pulling at baseline assessment were associated with poor long-term prognosis. Conclusions Our findings suggest that few children with trichotillomania experience a significant improvement in trichotillomania symptoms if behavioral treatments are inaccessible or have failed to produce adequate symptom relief. Our findings also confirm results of previous cross-sectional studies that suggest an increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms with age in pediatric trichotillomania. Increased focused pulling and older age among children with trichotillomania symptoms may be associated with poorer long-term prognosis.
Piezoelectric materials for SAW applications

The various reported values of the material constants of interest for surface acoustic wave (SAW) device applications are summarized in tabular form. For the user community, those sets of constants are identified from which SAW design calculations can reliably be made, as well as those sets of constants requiring further refinement. The relevant material constants include: mass density, elastic stiffness, piezoelectric stress, dielectric permittivity and the thermal expansion coefficients. Only data published after 1978 are included. >
Allowing a wildfire to burn: estimating the effect on future fire suppression costs

Where a legacy of aggressive wildland fire suppression has left forests in need of fuel reduction, allowing wildland fire to burn may provide fuel treatment benefits, thereby reducing suppression costs from subsequent fires. The least-cost-plus-net-value-change model of wildland fire economics includes benefits of wildfire in a framework for evaluating suppression options. In this study, we estimated one component of that benefit - the expected present value of the reduction in suppression costs for subsequent fires arising from the fuel treatment effect of a current fire. To that end, weemployedMonteCarlomethodstogenerateasetofscenariosforsubsequentfireignitionandweatherevents,whichare referred to as sample paths, for a study area in central Oregon. We simulated fire on the landscape over a 100-year time horizon using existing models of fire behaviour, vegetation and fuels development, and suppression effectiveness, and we estimatedsuppressioncostsusinganexistingsuppressioncostmodel.Ourestimatessuggestthatthepotentialcostsavings may be substantial. Further research is needed to estimate the full least-cost-plus-net-value-change model. This line of research will extend the set of tools available for developing wildfire management plans for forested landscapes. Additional keywords: bio-economic modelling, forest economics, forest fire policy, wildland fire management.
Subjective and Physiological Effects After Controlled Sativex and Oral THC Administration

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is approved in the United States as the formulation Marinol for treatment of chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, and anorexia. THC is an analgesic and muscle relaxant1 that reduces muscle spasticity.2 Acute psychological responses to THC include euphoria, relaxation, sedation, anxiety, paranoia, dysphoria, psychosis, and depression.3 Another phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), was evaluated for efficacy in treating psychosis,4 dystonic movement disorders,5 Huntington's disease,6 and epilepsy7. THC is extensively oxidized in the liver to equipotent 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and inactive 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC. After cannabis is smoked, 11-OH-THC concentrations are generally <10% of the THC concentrations, but after oral administration, the concentrations of 11-OH-THC and THC are approximately equal. Therefore circulating plasma 11-OH-THC contributes to THC's subjective effects. THC binds reversibly to membrane receptors and elicits physiological and behavioral effects. CB1-cannabinoid receptors are primarily located on presynaptic nerve terminals8 and bind endogenous or exogenous cannabinoids, modulating synaptic transmission. CB1-receptors are highly expressed in the regions of the brain that control coordination, movement, learning, memory, and cognitive function.9 Peripheral CB1-receptors are located in reproductive, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems.8 CBD is a weak agonist of CB1-receptors and may decrease nociception by binding to transient receptor potential vanilloid10 and other receptors that have not yet been described. Earlier research has indicated that CBD may attenuate THC-induced tachycardia,11 euphoria, and anxiety,12 but the interaction mechanism remains unclear. Sativex is a standardized medication containing 2.5 mg/actuation CBD and 2.7 mg/ actuation THC. Sativex is approved by Health Canada for treating neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis and pain refractory to opiates in patients with cancer. In June 2010, Sativex was approved in the United Kingdom for multiple sclerosis–associated spasticity. Sativex is an investigational drug in the United States, currently in phase III clinical trials as an adjunct to opiates for cancer pain. To our knowledge, no study has directly compared the pharmacodynamics of oral THC with that of Sativex and explored the relationships between pharmacodynamic effects and cannabinoid pharmacokinetics in the same volunteers. The objectives of this study were to establish physiological and subjective drug effect profiles for oral THC and oromucosal Sativex, to determine whether CBD attenuates THC's effects, and to evaluate relationships between plasma cannabinoid concentrations and physiological and subjective measures.
Storytelling in Carolina: Continuities and Contrasts

contrasts between both oral and written texts generated by children of African and European heritage. It maintains that the continuity between oral and written texts within a given cultural tradition is more significant than the difference between orality and literacy. The implications for educational reform are addressed. CHILDREN'S STORIES, CROSS-CULTURAL RHETORICAL PATTERNS, ORALITY AND LITERACY
A streptococcal adhesion system for salivary pellicle and platelets

A Streptococcus sanguis 133-79 adhesin identified by the monoclonal antibody 1.1 (MAb 1.1) binds both saliva-coated hydroxylapatite (sHA) and platelets. The complementary binding site(s) for the adhesin was identified by the anti-idiotypical MAb 2.1. To learn if this adhesion system, marked by the antiadhesin MAb 1.1 and anti-binding site MAb 2.1, is commonly used by strains within the sanguis group and other viridans group streptococci, 42 strains from seven species were tested. Strains that bind to both sHA and platelets use the same adhesin and binding site epitopes. Strains that do not adhere to platelets rely on other adhesin specificities to bind to sHA.
The energy situation

The paper briefly traces the historical development of world energy supplies and speculates on the trends in demand and availability for the next 50 years. It discusses the steps which need to be taken to reduce energy use and emphasizes the importance of ‘good housekeeping’ which could lead to economies of 10 per cent or more. In conclusion the paper discusses investment in energy economy projects, outlining the support schemes which are available in the United Kingdom.
Sense of Humor, Childhood Cancer Stressors, and Outcomes of Psychosocial Adjustment, Immune Function, and Infection

The diagnosis, treatment, and side effects of childhood cancer have been described as extremely stressful experiences in the life of a child. Anecdotally, children report that a sense of humor helps them cope with the daily experiences of living with cancer; however, no research has examined sense of humor and childhood cancer stressors. This study investigated the effect of sense of humor on the relationship between cancer stressors and children’s psychosocial adjustment to cancer, immune function, and infection using Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of stress, appraisal, and coping. A direct relationship was observed between sense of humor and psychosocial adjustment to cancer, such that children with a high sense of humor had greater psychological adjustment, regardless of the amount of cancer stressors. A moderating effect was observed for incidence of infection. As childhood cancer stressors increase, children with high coping humor scores reported fewer incidences of infection than low scorers.
An electrochemical model of biological energy storage

Abstract An electrodic model is suggested for the conversion of an electrochemical driving force to a chemical energy stored as ADP, which appears to give rise to a qualitative understanding of the DP to ATP synthesis; and qualitative interpretations of membrane potentials, pH changes, and active transport throuhg the membrane. The model depends on concepts developed in the theory of electrochemical energy conversion. The model is suggested in a rudimentary form and needs qualitative elaboration. However, it avoids inconsistencies which seem to inhabit Mitchell's model, the relation of which to “chemiosmosis” had, in any case, hitherto been unclear.
5-HT2A receptors stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase via H2O2 generation in rat renal mesangial cells

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates mitogenesis in rat renal mesangial cells through a G protein-coupled 5-HT2A receptor. We tested the hypothesis that oxidants might be involved in the signal transduction...
Convergence and Divergence: Developing a Semiglobal Marketing Strategy:

Abstract Many markets are converging, as communications and logistic networks become more integrated and firms from all parts of the world are expanding operations on a global scale. At the same time, other markets are becoming more diverse, and marketers are increasingly encountering economic and cultural heterogeneity. The authors examine the implications of these trends and the extent to which they necessitate rethinking and refocusing global marketing strategy. First, they examine the perspective of global marketing strategy as an evolutionary process. Next, they divide markets into five major spheres, examining the economic and cultural diversity of markets in each. Next, they discuss the resultant need to develop and implement different strategies for markets in each of these spheres. Some conclusions are drawn relating to the difficulties involved in developing a coherent strategy in international markets. The authors advocate developing a semiglobal marketing strategy, which involves following dif...
Optical properties of indium-doped CdTe/MgCdTe double heterostructures

CdTe/MgCdTe double heterostructures with n-type indium doping concentrations, varied from 1×1016 cm−3 to 1×1018 cm−3, have been grown on InSb substrates using MBE. Capacitance voltage measurements show that carriers are 100% ionized for the doping concentrations in this range. The carrier lifetime decreases with increasing doping concentration, from 0.73 µs for an unintentionally doped sample to sub-nanosecond for a 1×1018 cm−3 doped sample, due to the decrease of both radiative and non-radiative lifetimes. The strongest photoluminescence intensity is observed when the doping concentration is 1×1017 cm−3. It is found that beyond this doping level, optical transitions related to defect states appear below the energy level of band to band transition.
Amino acid effects on translational repressor 4E-BP1 are mediated primarily by l-leucine in isolated adipocytes

Previous studies indicated that amino acids may activate the protein kinase activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) and thereby augment and/or mimic the effects of insulin on protein synthesis, p...
Integrating mutation and gene expression cross-sectional data to infer cancer progression.

A major problem in identifying the best therapeutic targets for cancer is the molecular heterogeneity of the disease. Cancer is often caused by an accumulation of mutations which produce irreversible damage to the cell’s control mechanisms of survival and proliferation. Different mutations may affect these cellular anachronisms through a combination of molecular interactions which may be dynamically changing during cancer progression. It has been previously shown that cancer accumulates mutations over time. In this paper we address the problem of cancer heterogeneity by modeling cancer progression using somatic mutation and gene expression cross-sectional data. We propose a novel formulation of integrating somatic mutation and gene expression data to infer the temporal sequence of events from cross-sectional data. Using a mixed integer linear program we model the interaction between groups of different mutated genes and the resulting modifications at the gene expression level. Our approach identifies a partition of mutation events which gradually produce gene expression changes to a partition of genes over time. The proposed formulation is tested using both simulated data and real breast cancer data with matched somatic mutations and gene expression measurements from The Cancer Genome Atlas. First, we classify the genes as oncogenes or tumor suppressors based on the frequency of driver mutations. As expected, the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer are PIK3CA and TP53 genes. Then, we select those genes with most frequent driver mutations and a set of genes known to play roles in cancer development. Furthermore, we apply the proposed mixed integer linear program to identify the temporal order in which genes mutate and, simultaneously, the changes they produce at the gene expression level during cancer progression. In addition, we are able to identify known causal relationships between mutations and gene expression changes in PI3K/AKT and TP53 pathways. This paper proposes a new model to infer the temporal sequence in which mutations occur and lead to changes at the gene expression level during cancer progression. The approach is general and can be applied to any data sets with available somatic mutations and gene expression measurements.