cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometric gating for spleen monocyte and DC subsets: differences in autoimmune NOD mice and with acute inflammation

The role of antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases is now better understood due to advances in multicolor flow cytometry, gene expression analysis of APC populations, and functional correlation of mouse to human APC populations. A simple but informative nomenclature of conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cell subsets (cDC1, cDC2, pDC) and monocyte-derived populations incorporates these advances, but accurate subset identification is critical. Ambiguous gating schemes and alterations of cell surface markers in inflammatory condition can make comparing results between studies difficult. Both acute inflammation, such as TLR–ligand stimulation, and chronic inflammation as found in mouse models of autoimmunity can alter DC subset gating. Here, we address these issues using in vivo CpG stimulation as an example of acute inflammation and the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse as a model of chronic inflammation. We provide a flow cytometric antibody panel and gating scheme that differentiate 2 monocytic and 3 DC subsets in the spleen both at steady state and after CpG stimulation. Using this method, we observed differences in the composition of NOD DCs that have been previously reported, and newly identified increases in the number of NOD monocyte-derived DCs. Finally, we established a protocol for DC phosphoflow to measure the phosphorylation state of intracellular proteins, and use it to confirm functional differences in the identified subsets. Therefore, we present optimized methods for distinguishing monocytic and DC populations with and without inflammation and/or autoimmunity associated with NOD mice.
Video observations of bed form morphodynamics in a meander bend

A new optical remote sensing technique for estimating water depth from an oblique camera view is described. The water surface and the bed were imaged simultaneously to create time-dependent maps of the water surface velocities and the bed elevations that can be used to validate numerical models at high spatial and temporal resolution. The technique was applied in a sandy meander bend at the University of Minnesota Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory Outdoor StreamLab. The root mean square differences between optical estimates of the bed and in situ observations ranged between 0.01 and 0.03 m. Mean bed form wavelength was 0.73 m and mean crest height was 0.07 m, but both varied with distance around the meander bend. Bed form classification varied with distance downstream, and sinuosity of bed forms varied with local radius of curvature. Bed form roughness scaled similarly to other natural riverine environments although wavelength and height magnitude and variability were larger than predicted by empirical formulations for straight reaches. Bed form translation rate varied between 1 and 5 mm s−1. Estimates of velocity from particle image velocimetry (PIV) on the water surface were ∼10% higher than in situ observations collected ∼0.05 m below the water surface. Using the PIV observations to drive simple equations for bed load sediment flux, we explained up to 72% of the observed variance in downstream sediment flux. The new methodology described here provides nonintrusive, high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of both the bed and the flow.
Effects of Divorce Risk on Women's Labor Supply and Human Capital Investment

This paper examines the effects of the divorce law liberalization of the early 1970s on the increase in divorce rates during the same time period. A review of the evidence suggests that the law changes were not a major driver of the divorce rates; but the policy changes appear to have affected behavior even for those who did not divorce. The results here suggest that as they saw the laws changing, young women in the divorce reform states redirected some of their investments from marriage to their own human capital. The perceived increase in the probability of divorce motivated women to improve their options outside of marriage.
Detection and properties of a genomic masked viral particle consisting of foot-and-mouth disease virus nucleic acid in bovine enterovirus protein capsid

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and bovine enterovirus (BEV) were used for simultaneous dual infection of calf kidney tissue cultures. In the harvest fluid a viral agent was found that had the FMDV genome, but (1) was neutralized by BEV-antiserum and not by FMDV-antiserum; (2) had the acid-stability of BEV and not FMDV; (3) had the buoyant density of BEV (1.35 class) and not FMDV (1.45 class); and (4) had the s-rate class (140–150 S) of both parental viruses. Such a particle meets criteria for simple genomic masking. Its ultracentrifugal properties show that the protein coat influenced the buoyant density in CsCl more than nucleic acid, presumably because of permeability to salt.
Hot electrons in SiO2: ballistic to steady-state transport

We present a brief experimental and theoretical review of the properties of electron transport in thermally grown SiO2. In thick films (≳ 10 nm), steady-state transport is controlled by polar electron-phonon scattering at electric fields below 2 × 106 V/cm. At higher fields, nonpolar scattering prevents the electrons from “running away” and allows steady-state trnasport to occur at average electron energies of a few eV. In thinner films (≲ 6 nm), the “vacuum emission” technique performed at room temperature and 80 K allows the observation of ballistic transport and phonon replicas, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. These results are used to investigate in detail the electron-lattice coupling constants that result from the almost ideal structural and electronic properties of thermally grown SiO2 films.
High modulus poly (vinyl alcohol) fibers by zone drawing

Dried gel films of poly (vinyl alcohol) were drawn at high temperature using zone heating devices. Hot air zones 5 and 10 mm wide were used to draw the gels to draw ratios up to λ = 23 × at 200 °C. A 3.2 mm wide heated bar in direct contact with the specimen enabled use of drawing temperatures up to 235°C and resulted in draw ratios of 25-38 ×. Drawn films had a highly fibrous nature, were well oriented, and contained crystals about 10 nm long. Gel permeation chromatography studies of the material before and after drawing showed that drawing at high temperatures caused some changes in molecular weight and dispersity. Storage moduli of the fibers increased with draw ratio, reaching a high of 59 GPa at 31× but, in general, leveled off at high A. Low draw ratio (10-15 ×) fibers drawn in the 5 mm air zone had moduli comparable to high draw ratio (25-38 ×) fibers drawn with the high-temperature contact heater (20-60 GPa). Retraction studies showed that low modulus fibers, even those highly drawn, had low effective molecular extension. Drying the fibers increased both their room temperature modulus and glass transition temperature.
Putting things together coherently: Logic and justice

Combining and weighting (synthesizing) different values, criteria, methods, measures, and interests depend heavily on content and context.
Semi-automated peak trapping recycle chromatography instrument for peak purity investigations.

A peak trapping recycle chromatography system has been developed and optimized for peak purity assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After being analyzed using a reversed phase analytical column, peaks of interest are trapped and are subsequently introduced to a recycle chromatography system. In addition to the increased effective length afforded the recycling system, the small selectivity difference between the analytical and recycling methods help separate potential impurities under the main peak. For more difficult to separate components, the increased efficiency of recycle chromatography provides the necessary resolution. Over 227,000 theoretical plates have been obtained in the recycle dimension for some compounds. The sensitivity of the system fell short of the target (0.1%), but it did show sensitivity (0.5%) comparable to other peak purity techniques commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. The recovery and repeatability have also been shown to be adequate for peak purity assessment. The system has also been automated using a Visual Basic™ macro, simplifying the interface allowing it to be used as an open access instrument.
Phase average measurements of the coherent structure in a Mach number 0.6 jet

The existence of a large scale structure in a Mach number 0.6, axisymmetric jet of cold air was proven. In order to further characterize the coherent structure, phase averaged measurements of the axial mass velocity, radial velocity, and the product of the two were made. These measurements yield information about the percent of the total fluctuations contained in the coherent structure. These measured values were compared to the total fluctuation levels for each quantity and the result expressed as a percent of the total fluctuation level contained in the organized structure at a given frequency. These measurements were performed for five frequencies (St=0.16, 0.32, 0.474, 0.95, and 1.26). All of the phase averaged measurements required that the jet be artificially excited.
Structure and Function of the Peanut Panallergen Ara h 8

The incidence of peanut allergy continues to rise in the United States and Europe. Whereas exposure to the major allergens Ara h 1, 2, 3, and 6 can cause fatal anaphylaxis, exposure to the minor allergens usually does not. Ara h 8 is a minor allergen. Importantly, it is the minor food allergens that are thought to be responsible for oral allergy syndrome (OAS), in which sensitization to airborne allergens causes a Type 2 allergic reaction to ingested foods. Furthermore, it is believed that similar protein structure rather than a similar linear sequence is the cause of OAS. Bet v 1 from birch pollen is a common sensitizing agent, and OAS results when patients consume certain fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and peanuts. Here, we report the three-dimensional structure of Ara h 8, a Bet v 1 homolog. The overall fold is very similar to that of Bet v 1, Api g 1 (celery), Gly m 4 (soy), and Pru av 1 (cherry). Ara h 8 binds the isoflavones quercetin and apigenin as well as resveratrol avidly.
Cortical blindness as a complication of eclampsia

Presented is a case of an eclamptic patient whose primary clinical presentation was cortical blindness. The patient was not known to be preeclamptic during her prenatal course, but she was lost to follow up one month prior to her presentation. Computed tomographic scan of the head was consistent with hypertensive encephalopathy. She was treated as an eclamptic patient. Her blood pressure was controlled with hydralazine, and she was given magnesium sulfate intravenously and intramuscularly. Labor was induced with a pitocin infusion. After delivery of a term infant, her vision returned and all other symptoms resolved without sequelae. The etiology and pathophysiology of cortical blindness as a symptom of eclampsia are discussed.
Measurement of the Global and Functional Dimensions of Health Status in the Elderly

Data from a two-stage random sample of 401 noninstitutionalized elderly individuals residing in 18 census tracts in south-central metropolitan St. Louis were used to examine the relationships among seven measures of health status. Factor analyses revealed two pristine dimensions: (a) a global health status dimension, on which perceived health status, nutritional risk, perceived sensory functions, and mental health all load significantly; and, (b) a functional dimension on which the Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and mental orientation measures all load significantly. These two factors explain 56% of the variance in the seven health status measures, and, using an oblique rotational procedure, they were found to be correlated only modestly (r = .37). The implications for the measurement of health status of elderly adults as well as the use of such measures in predicting health services utilization are discussed, and recommendations for the inclusion of items tapping both dimensions in future studies are presented.
Inhibition of collagen degradative enzymes by retinoic acid in vitro.

The effects of a variety of retinoids on collagenase and gelatinase expression have been examined in skin fibroblast cultures derived from normal volunteers and from patients with the hereditary blistering disorder, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Both 13- cis - and all- trans -retinoic acid were effective inhibitors of collagenase production in both cell types. In the case of collagenase, the inhibition of collagenase activity was paralleled by a reduction in immunoreactive enzyme protein, suggesting that these retinoids act by inhibiting synthesis and/or secretion of the enzyme. Retinoic acid also inhibited production of the second enzyme in the collagen degradative pathway, gelatinase. In this case, the decrease in gelatinase activity was equal to or slightly greater than that achieved in collagenase expression. The observation that certain retinoids modulate the two crucial enzymes in the degradation of collagen in the skin suggests that they might be useful therapeutic agents in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a disease in which the pathogenesis of blistering is in part related to connective tissue destruction.
Spicule Formation in the Invertebrates with Special Reference to the Gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata

Many of the invertebrates possess calcium carbonate spicules. This paper is a review of the formation of these structures in the Porifera, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Ascidiacea. Mature spicules appear to be extracellular structures. Sponge spicules initiate intercellularly then become extracellular. Alcyonarian, turbellarian, echinoid and ascidian spicule deposition begins intracellularly and then becomes extracellular. The continuation of growth in the extracellular environment has not been documented except for the echinoids. Placophoran spicules initiate and remain as extracellular structures. Early spicule growth seems to occur from or within a single cell. However, cell aggregation and/or neighboring cells appear to be important to the process of spicule formation. The spicule forming cells, in general, are found in a collagenous medium which may be associated with spicule growth. The organic matrix from the spicules of the gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata is a glycoprotein. Autoradiography reveals that this matrix is apparently synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes and then transported to the spicule forming vacuole via Golgi vesicles. To gain information about the entry and transport of calcium ions, the effects of ouabain and vanadate on calcium uptake were examined. Ouabain had no effect on calcium uptake. Vanadate treatment increased the uptake of calcium in scleroblasts and epithelial tissue and decreased its uptake in spicules. This may suggest that vanadate sensitive ATPases are involved in the pumping of calcium out of scleroblasts, out of epithelial cells into the mesoglea, and into scleroblast organelles. Autoradiography using 45Ca indicates that the majority of these ions initially accumulate in the branch axis. The label moves through the axial epithelium to the mesoglea and reaches the spiculeforming vacuoles in the scleroblasts via dense bodies
Design and analysis of an integrated driver for piezoelectric actuators

Small-scale, highly maneuverable, flapping-wing robotic insects have a wide range of applications, including exploration, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and surveillance. For these small-scale robots, a piezoelectric cantilever actuator driven by a high voltage drive signal is a preferred actuation mechanism. The generation of this drive signal via light and efficient power electronics is critical given the limited weight budget for the flapping-wing robot. Previous work demonstrated actuator drive circuitry using discrete power transistors and passive elements. This paper presents a new design that integrates all the power FETs into a single monolithic IC, reducing the weight of the power electronics to fit within the weight budget. This design adds the capability of driving multiple outputs to accommodate recent electromechanical design advances for flying robots.
An experimental study of marketing information utilization: The manager-researcher dichotomy

This study uses an experimental design for the presentation of a case, demographic information, product test survey results, and test market results to marketing managers and to market researchers. We attempt to determine the interrelationships among changes in decision outcomes, sales estimates, and confidence. We also show that the two-community dichotomy between marketing managers and market researchers exists.
The Mode, Median, and Mean Inequality

Abstract An elementary method of proof of the mode, median, and mean inequality is given for skewed, unimodal distributions of continuous random variables. A proof of the inequality for the gamma, F, and beta random variables is sketched.
Simulating damage growth in a [90/0]s composite laminate using quasi-two-dimensional finite element methods

A computationally efficient numerical method is described for predicting the details of damage growth in cross-plied and angle-plied fiber composite laminates. Separate two-dimensional plane stress meshes are used to represent each layer. Element boundaries are aligned along primary crack paths (parallel to fibers). Element corners in separate layers which share the same planar coordinates are attached to a single through-thickness node. Cracking of a layer parallel to fibers is modeled by combinations of releasing element nodal connections in the layer, creating new nodes, and/or modifying element elastic properties, depending on whether or not the layer is attached to or delaminated from one or both of its neighbors. Delaminations are modeled by releasing nodal connections between layers and creating new nodes. The essential three-dimensional character of the process, which is necessary to incorporate the effects of stacking sequence, is maintained by casting mixed-mode delamination fracture mechanics in terms of interlaminar nodal forces, and including adjacent layer constraint on the fracture mechanics of cracks in layers. Choice of element size is important to the method and has resulted in simplifications to crack propagation and fiber fracture prediction methodologies. Results to-date of predicted static damage growth in notched cross-plied carbon composites are described.
Design application of the Hottel-Whillier-Bliss equation

A method is presented for experimentally determining the three factors that determine collector efficiency in the Hottel--Whillier--Bliss equation, Q/sub u/ = F/sub R/A/sub c/((tau..cap alpha..)/sub e/I - U/sub L/(T/sub f,i/ - T/sub a/)). These factors are: the collector heat removal factor, F/sub R/; the effective transmittance-absorptance product, (tau..cap alpha..)/sub e/; and the overall heat loss coefficient, U/sub L/. The method of testing requires: computation of (tau..cap alpha..)/sub e/ from measurements of cover transmittance and collector reflectance; computation of F/sub R/ from a test in which the heat loss term equals zero; and computation of U/sub L/ from a test in which insolation equals zero. This method was applied to collectors used on Solar House I at Colorado State University, with experimental and theoretical results being in close agreement. The method can be used to experimentally evaluate collector performance and for optimization of collector design.
Active Site Structure and Mechanism of Human Glyoxalase IAn ab Initio Theoretical Study

The structure of the active site of human glyoxalase I and the reaction mechanism of the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of the thiohemiacetal, formed from methylglyoxal and glutathione, to S-d-lactoylglutathione has been investigated by ab initio quantum chemical calculations. To realistically represent the environment of the reaction center, the effective fragment potential methodology has been employed, which allows systems of several hundred atoms to be described quantum mechanically. The methodology and the active site model have been validated by optimizing the structure of a known enzyme−inhibitor complex, which yielded structures in good agreement with the experiment. The same crystal structure has been used to obtain the quantum motif for the investigation of the glyoxalase I reaction. The results of our study confirm that the metal center of the active site zinc complex plays a direct catalytic role by binding the substrate and stabilizing the proposed enediolate reaction intermediate. In addition, ...
Continuum modelling of traffic dynamics for congested freeways

Abstract This paper investigates advanced continuum models for describing traffic dynamics at congested flows. First, the existing high-order models are reviwed and discussed, and a new formulation is proposed which does not require the use of an equilibrium speed-density relationship. (A model is of high-order when it includes both mass and momentum conservation.) Traffic friction at interrupted flows and changing geometries is also addressed through the use of a viscosity term. The model is then discretized through two alternative numerical schemes to examine the effectiveness of the implementation. Stability analysis is performed to set up numerical limits of the model parameters. Finally, in two test cases with congested and uncongested field data, the new model is compared with the existing models; this comparison suggests that the proposed mode is more accurate and computationally more efficient.
The Culture of Class and Its Economic Impact

The following is an extract from our book Seeing White: An Introduction to White Privilege and Race (Halley et al. 2011). The book presents an exploration of the culture of whiteness that dominates social and economic life in the United States. This extract contains a brief introduction to whiteness as a cultural norm and presents the argument that whiteness itself has become a form of economic capital supporting the reproduction of dominance and intergroup inequality. We specifically look at the influence of normative whiteness on hiring decisions and employment structures.
The Analysis of Photoelectric Sensitivity Curves for Clean Metals at Various Temperatures

An elementary theory is developed for the effect of temperature on the photoelectric sensitivity of a clean metal near the threshold. It is shown that the results observed by various workers for silver, gold, tantalum, tin, and potassium can be fairly completely accounted for by the effect of the temperature on the number of electrons available for extraction according to the distribution law of Sommerfeld's theory of metals. This is in agreement with the conclusions of Lawrence and Linford based on much less extensive data. A graphical method is given enabling the whole of the observed curves near the threshold for all temperatures to be used in determining the threshold itself thus avoiding an arbitrary extrapolation to zero current. At present the fundamental theory of the effect survives in two forms, both of which are used as alternatives here, with nearly equal success. Until one or the other can be eliminated it is not possible to determine thresholds closer than about 1 percent.
Ovarian dysgenesis in individuals with chromosomal abnormalities.

To understand better the pathogenesis of ovarian dysgenesis in individuals with abnormalities such as 45,X Turner syndrome, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18, we have examined microscopically the ovaries of 36 infants with a number of chromosomal abnormalities confirmed by karyotype analysis. All infants with trisomy 13, trisomy 18, triploidy, and 45,X were found to have severe ovarian dysgenesis characterized by a virtual absence of primary oocytes. The ovaries of individuals with 21 trisomy and of those with partial deletion or duplication of an autosome demonstrated variable findings, which ranged from complete absence of oocytes to a mild diminution of oocyte numbers. The results of this study suggest that the attrition of germ cells in these infants is a result of faulty meiotic pairing and that ovarian dysgenesis is a more frequent finding in children with karyotypic abnormalities than has been realized previously.
FKBP Binding Characteristics of Cardiac Microsomes from Diverse Vertebrates

FK506 binding protein (FKBP) is a cytosolic receptor for the immunosuppressive drug FK-506. The common isoform, FKBP12, was found to be associated with the calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor 1) of different species of vertebrate skeletal muscle, whereas 12.6, a novel FKBP isoform was found to be associated with canine cardiac ryanodine receptor (ryanodine receptor 2). Until recently, canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum was considered to be the prototype for studying heart RyR2 and its interactions with FKBP. In this study, cardiac microsomes were isolated from diverse vertebrates: human, rabbit, rat, mice, dog, chicken, frog, and fish and were analyzed for their ability to bind or exchange with FKBP isoforms 12 and 12.6. Our studies indicate that RyR2 from seven out of the eight animals contain both FKBP12 and 12.6. Dog is the exception. It can now be concluded that the association of FKBP isoforms with RyR2 is widely conserved in the hearts of different species of vertebrates.
New angles on actin dynamics

Actin is now realised to play a dynamic role in muscle contraction and many cellular motility events that occur when the motor domain of myosin uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to move along the actin filament. Optical and electron microscopic studies have led to seemingly contradictory pictures of actin filament dynamics.
Microwave Phase Front Measurements for Overwater Paths of 12 and 32 Miles

This paper presents the results of microwave measurements at a wavelength of 3.2 cm for overwater paths of 12 and 32 miles near Galveston, Texas. Continuous curves of phase and signal strength for a range of transmitter and receiver heights between 10 and 55 feet mean sea level are shown. Comparison of the two radio paths is made, and deviations of the results from those commonly expected for overwater propagation are pointed out.
Oxidant prediction by discriminant analysis in the south coast air basin of california

Abstract Simple and multiple discriminant models of the first stage episode day for the 30-, 24- and 6-h prediction intervals have been derived for Azusa, Burbank, Los Angeles, Fontana and San Bernardino, and those of the second stage episode day have been developed for Azusa and Fontana. Morning weather variables and the previous day's maximum 1-h average oxidant concentration are used as discriminating variables. A scattergram, Pearson and canonical correlation coefficients, and Wilks' Lambda are presented to show the statistical relationship between weather variables and oxidant concentrations or episode occurrences. The morning sounding profiles taken at Los Angeles International Airport differ markedly between episode and nonepisode days at various air monitoring stations. The previous day's oxidant concentration, temperatures at 950- and 850-mb. height of inversion base, inversion magnitude and inversion breaking temperature correlate significantly high with the oxidant concentration at all stations and are important discriminating variables for predicting the occurrence of episode and nonepisode days. It is found that the models yield approximately 65–88% accuracy for the first stage episode day and 51–80% accuracy tor the second stage episode day. In the most polluted area, the multiple discriminant model provides very little incremental prediction power over the simple model using the 850-mb temperature or 24-h persistence variable as a predictor for the first stage episode day. but it provides a larger incremental prediction power for the second stage episode day.
Extended duration of herpes simplex virus DNA in genital lesions detected by the polymerase chain reaction.

To evaluate the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for documenting herpes simplex virus (HSV) in persons with reactivated genital lesions viral isolation was compared with a recently developed PCR method. Three women experiencing four episodes of recurrent genital herpes were followed for 10 days per episode with daily examination and duplicate swabs of the lesions, one for HSV culture and one for PCR. HSV type 2 was cultured from three of four episodes and the mean duration of viral isolation from recurrent genital lesions was 2.6 days. PCR detected HSV DNA from lesion swabs during all four episodes, and HSV DNA was positive for an average of 6.8 days. HSV DNA was demonstrated in ulcerative lesions on 15 of 17 days versus 3 of 17 days by viral isolation (P less than .01). HSV PCR became negative when the lesions reepithelialized. These data suggest that PCR is a more sensitive measure of HSV infection than routine viral culture and that PCR detects the presence of HSV at times when culture is negative.
Gi down-regulation and heterologous desensitization in adipocytes after treatment with the α2-agonist UK 14304

Abstract Prolonged treatment of rat adipocytes with the A 1 -adenosine receptor agonist [−] N 6 -phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA) or prostaglandin E 1 down-regulates G i and induces heterologous desensitization. α 2 -Adrenergic receptors also inhibit adenylyl cyclase through G i , but whether α 2 -receptors are present on rat adipocytes has been controversial. We have investigated the effects of the highly specific α 2 -adrenergic agonist UK 14304 (5-bromo-6-[2-imidazolin-2-ylamino]-quinoxaline) on rat adipocytes. In previous studies on young rats, we were unable to demonstrate an effect of the α 2 -agonist. We now report that, in cells isolated from older, more obese rats (300–400 g), UK 14304 inhibited lipolysis (measured as the rate of glycerol release) by ~40% ( ec 50 ~40 nM). To determine whether UK 14304 would induce heterologous desensitization, we incubated adipocytes with or without 1 μM UK 14304 for 4 days in primary culture. The cells were then washed, and the rate of lipolysis was determined during a 30-min incubation in the presence of various concentrations of PIA. The concentration-response curve for PIA-induced inhibition of lipolysis was shifted to the right, with the ec 50 for UK 14304-treated cells about 2-fold higher than in the control cells. This finding demonstrates that the α 2 -agonist can desensitize the response to PIA and indicates heterologous desensitization. To investigate the mechanism of this phenomenon, we isolated crude membrane fractions from the cells and analyzed them on Western blots using antibodies against G i α1, 2 and 3. In cells treated with UK 14304 for 4 days, G i 1α and G i 2α were down-regulated to about 15% of the control level, and G i 3α was decreased to 30% of control. We conclude that prolonged treatment of adipocytes with the α 2 -agonist induces heterologous desensitization of lipolysis and causes down-regulation of G i . The findings suggest that G-protein down-regulation is a mechanism for heterologous desensitization.
Efficient VM placement with multiple deterministic and stochastic resources in data centers

Virtual machines (VMs) may significantly improve the efficiency of data center infrastructure by sharing resources of physical servers. This benefit relies on an efficient VM placement scheme to minimize the number of required servers. Existing VM placement algorithms usually assume that VMs' demands for resources are deterministic and stable. However, for certain resources, such as network bandwidth, VMs' demands are bursty and time varying, and demonstrate stochastic nature. In this paper, we study efficient VM placement in data centers with multiple deterministic and stochastic resources. First, we formulate the Multidimensional Stochastic VM Placement (MSVP) problem, with the objective to minimize the number of required servers and at the same time satisfy a predefined resource availability guarantee. Then, we show that the problem is NP-hard, and propose a polynomial time algorithm called Max-Min Multidimensional Stochastic Bin Packing (M3SBP). The basic idea is to maximize the minimum utilization ratio of all the resources of a server, while satisfying the demands of VMs for both deterministic and stochastic resources. Next, we conduct simulations to evaluate the performance of M3SBP. The results demonstrate that M3SBP guarantees the availability requirement for stochastic resources, and M3SBP needs the smallest number of servers to provide the guarantee among the benchmark algorithms.
Keeping identity secret in online social networks

In this paper, we construct a system which can hide users' identity when they visit untrusted third party storage sites. We also define a fine-grained access control policy for the data owner to freely define who can access the record. That is to say, the data owner divide his friends into several groups and issues them corresponding credentials for accessing his data. However, he can adds a friend at any time in a revocation list (RL) so that that friend could not access the data owner's data any more even if he has credentials. We theoretically prove the security of our protocols, and evaluate the performance of our protocols through simulations.
Intra-axonal recordings in rat dorsal column axons: membrane hyperpolarization and decreased excitability precede the primary afferent depolarization.

Abstract Intra-axonal recordings were obtained in the dorsal columns of the rat lumbosacral spinal cord. Dorsal root or dorsal column stimulation at levels subthreshold for the impaled axon elicited a prolonged depolarization corresponding to the primary afferent depolarization (PAD). The depolarization was preceded by a brief hyperpolarizing potential during which excitability was decreased. The hyperpolarization corresponds temporally to the extracellularly recorded DRP IV component of the dorsal root potential described by Lloyd and McIntyre 17 , and may represent the intracellular correlate of this potential. Possible mechanisms for this hyperpolarization include electrical interactions between neuronal elements, a biphasic GABA response, or attenuation of background afferent axonal depolarization.
Calcifying Basal Cell Carcinomas

Background. Dystrophic calcification refers to calcium deposition occurring in association with local tissue injury or abnormality. Little is known about dystrophic calcification occurring in malignant cutaneous neoplasms. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and pattern of dystrophic calcification occurring in basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Methods. Consecutive cases (200) of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were reviewed for evidence of dystrophic calcification. Histologic subtype, location of calcification, and tumor site were noted. Results. Of 200 basal cell carcinomas, 41 (21%) showed evidence of dystrophic calcification, compared with 6 (3%) squamous cell carcinomas. Calcifying basal cell carcinomas were more likely to have a more aggressive histologic subtype and to be located on the trunk. Conclusion. Skin calcium binding protein may be responsible for the calcium deposition and account for the discrepancy seen between the frequency of calcification occurring in basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. As with other tumors with follicular differentiation, calcium deposits were located in keratin-filled cysts. This pattern of dystrophic calcification may be a marker of follicular differentiation.
CELL DIVISION IN THE FILAMENTOUS PLEURASTRUM AND ITS COMPARISON WITH THE UNICELLULAR PLATYMONAS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

SUMMARY At prophase in Pleurastrum, extranuclear spindle microtubules develop from the region of centrioles, which lie lateral to the nucleus midway between the future sites of the metaphase spindle poles. The microtubules then move laterally to overarch the nucleus and finally become incorporated into the spindle. The centrioles do not migrate and therefore lie in the same plane as the chromosomes at metaphase. At telophase, 2, more different systems of microtubules develop from the vicinity of the centrioles—a phycoplast and extensive arrays of microtubules that ensheath the daughter nuclei. Cell division in the filamentous Pleurastrum is compared to that in the green flagellate, Platymonas. The similarities between cell division in the 2 algae are interpreted as evidence: (i) that rhizoplasts (which in Platymonas resemble myofibrils) are somehow homologous to microtubules; and, (ii) that cell division in Pleurastrum differs from cell division in other examined filamentous chlorophycean genera because Pleurastrum has an independent evolutionary origin from a monad with Platymonas-like characteristics.
Perspectives on the Sagebrush Rebellion

The Sagebrush Rebellion began in the late 1970s with the objective of transferring various categories of federally owned lands to the states. The movement was centered in western ''public lands'' states, where nearly half the total land area is in federal ownership. Within a relatively short period of time this objective was changed to one of ''privatizing'' federal lands, of selling these land into private ownership. While the Sagebrush Rebellion has been highly political in its activities, the movement can be viewed in the perspective of historical land disposition policies in the US. These policies were changed near the turn of the centruy from alienating public lands into private ownership to their retention and management by federal government. Confusion over the economics of building a free enterprise system based on private property rights, and the costs associated with building such as system, appear to have been major factors in changing land policies. Two important areas in which this occurred were the Homestead Act of 1862 and timber. The provisions of the Homestead Act imposed heavy costs on settlers, and these costs caused a reaction against the economic system that was being built. 15 references, 1 table.
Lovastatin induces apoptosis by inhibiting mitotic and post-mitotic events in cultured mesangial cells

Lovastatin, an inhibitor of protein prenylation, was reported to inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis in cultured cells. This report describes the morphological consequences of lovastatin treatment. Lovastatin (50 microM) induced mesangial cell rounding and disassembly of actin stress fibers within 24 to 48 h. After 48 to 72 h of lovastatin treatment, the cells detached from the substratum and underwent apoptotic cell death as evidenced by condensed nuclear chromatin, nuclear fragmentation, cell blebbing and decrease in cell size. Time lapse cinematography revealed that lovastatin caused cell rounding by either inhibiting cytokinesis or cell spreading following cytokinesis. Lovastatin-induced cell rounding, detachment, and apoptosis were dependent upon cell proliferation. These effects were prevented by serum deprivation to inhibit cell proliferation or by plating cells at densities which resulted in contact inhibition of cell growth. Lovastatin-induced mesangial cell rounding and apoptosis were also prevented by the inclusion of the isoprenoids all-trans-farnesol or all-trans-geranylgeraniol in the incubation medium. These results indicate that the effects of lovastatin were mediated by inhibition of protein isoprenylation because exogenous all-trans-geranylgeraniol can be used only in protein prenylation. The small GTP-binding protein RhoA, which may be important for cell spreading and cytokinesis, accumulated in the cytosol following treatment with lovastatin, suggestive of its inactivation. This effect was also prevented by the inclusion of either farnesol or geranylgeraniol in the incubation medium. Thus, lovastatin-induced apoptosis in mesangial cells occurs by interfering with prenylation dependent mitotic and post-mitotic events.
Milk Intake and Total Dairy Consumption: Associations with Early Menarche in NHANES 1999-2004

Background Several components of dairy products have been linked to earlier menarche. Methods/Findings This study assessed whether positive associations exist between childhood milk consumption and age at menarche or the likelihood of early menarche (<12 yrs) in a U.S sample. Data derive from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004. Two samples were utilized: 2657 women age 20–49 yrs and 1008 girls age 9–12 yrs. In regression analysis, a weak negative relationship was found between frequency of milk consumption at 5–12 yrs and age at menarche (daily milk intake β = −0.32, P<0.10; “sometimes/variable milk intake” β = −0.38, P<0.06, each compared to intake rarely/never). Cox regression yielded no greater risk of early menarche among those who drank milk “sometimes/varied” or daily vs. never/rarely (HR: 1.20, P<0.42, HR: 1.25, P<0.23, respectively). Among the 9–12 yr olds, Cox regression indicated that neither total dairy kcal, calcium and protein, nor daily milk intake in the past 30 days contributed to early menarche. Girls in the middle tertile of milk intake had a marginally lower risk of early menarche than those in the highest tertile (HR: 0.6, P<0.06). Those in the lowest tertiles of dairy fat intake had a greater risk of early menarche than those in the highest (HR: 1.5, P<0.05, HR: 1.6, P<0.07, lowest and middle tertile, respectively), while those with the lowest calcium intake had a lower risk of early menarche (HR: 0.6, P<0.05) than those in the highest tertile. These relationships remained after adjusting for overweight or overweight and height percentile; both increased the risk of earlier menarche. Blacks were more likely than Whites to reach menarche early (HR: 1.7, P<0.03), but not after controlling for overweight. Conclusions There is some evidence that greater milk intake is associated with an increased risk of early menarche, or a lower age at menarche.
A tactical model for airing new seasonal products

This paper introduces a model that analyzes the impact of the length of time spent presenting new seasonal products. Specifically, we develop a simple stochastic model for determining the optimal airing time for each product so that the net profit is maximized. We consider cases in which there are two products to present, two channels to select for airing the products, and two methods of presentation to choose. In each case, we formulate the problem as a mathematical program and characterize the properties of the optimal airing time. These properties may provide managerial insights for determining airing time for each product, selecting channels to air the products, and choosing presentation method for products. In addition, this analysis may help the management to make strategic decisions in airing products that would lead to an increase in sales.
Band-overlap metallization of cesium iodide

X-ray diffraction studies to 73 GPa show that CsI becomes orthorhombic at about 56 GPa. Infrared absorption studies show the band gap dropping from 6.4 to 0.36 eV at 62 GPa. At 65 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 GPa, CsI becomes metallic and reflects in the red, which we attribute to the plasma edge being in the visible. The interatomic distances of the nearest like neighbors are reduced from the zeropressure value by 28% at metallization where CsI has a pseudo tenfold coordination.
Short-term storage of rabbit embryos at 4°C

Abstract A simple method for storing preimplantation mammalian embryos was tested under conditions which could be easily maintained inside an ordinary refrigerator set at 4°C. No significant loss of viability occurred when rabbit embryos were stored at 4°C for 7 days and either cultured in vitro at 37°C or transferred to recipient does. Significant losses occurred when embryos were stored for 10 days or longer before culture at 37°C (P
Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis: four distinct entities.

Objective Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) may represent an early but clinically relevant phase in the spectrum of pulmonary vascular disease. There are limited data on the prevalence of exercise-induced PH determined by right heart catheterization in scleroderma spectrum disorders. We undertook this study to describe the hemodynamic response to exercise in a homogeneous population of patients with scleroderma spectrum disorders at risk of developing pulmonary vascular disease. Methods Patients with normal resting hemodynamics underwent supine lower extremity exercise testing. A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to assess combinations of variables collected during resting right heart catheterization that best predicted abnormal exercise physiology, applicable to each individual subject. Results Fifty-seven patients who had normal resting hemodynamics underwent subsequent exercise right heart catheterization. Four distinct hemodynamic groups were identified during exercise: a normal group, an exercise-induced pulmonary venous hypertension (ePVH) group, an exercise out of proportion PH (eoPH) group, and an exercise-induced PH (ePH) group. The eoPH and ePVH groups had higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) than the ePH group (P 20 mm Hg). Conclusion We characterized the exercise hemodynamic response in at-risk patients with scleroderma spectrum disorders who did not have resting PH. Four distinct hemodynamic groups were identified during exercise. These groups may have potentially different prognoses and treatment options.
1721 THE EFFECT OF SEIZURES ON CEREBRAL METABOUTES IN CHILDREN

The effect of seizures on cerebral metabolites have been evaluated in animals but has not been studied previously in humans. We used 31-P NMR spectroscopy to measure changes in the cerebral phosphocreatine (PCr) to inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratio and to calculate intracellular pH (pHi) in five infants with seizures. Three babies developed seizures after perinatal asphyxia; two infants had the onset of seizures beyond the neonatal period (4 wk of unknown etiology; 11 wk due to intracranial hemorrhage). When studied the infants were clinically stable on anticonvulsants. Metabolic changes were present on initial study and varied with time between most recent seizure and NMR. Major changes were seen in two children with subtle seizures during the study and focal abnormalities on EEC: PCr/Pi ∼.75 in the hemisphere with seizures and ∼1.6 in the contralateral hemisphere. Two patients with focal seizures, but no clinical manifestations during the NMR study, had less severe metabolic abnormalities on the side of EEC abnormality (∼ .87 vs 1.18). The fifth child with asphyxia, prolonged status epilepticus and grade 4 IVH had marked bilateral changes (PCr/Pi ∼ .5) that improved with more aggressive anticonvulsant management (PCr/Pi ∼ 1.2). Interhemispheric differences in pHi were not significant (7.1 ± .4 in hemisphere with seizures vs 7.2 ± .2) suggesting that CBF was sufficient to remove lactate generated by anaerobic glycolysis. Four patients had serial studies that showed improvement in cerebral metabolite ratios, suggesting that the initial changes were not due to structural damage. Our results suggest that human seizures cause significant cerebral metabolic stress and may cause or exacerbate neurologic damage.