cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of Fibronectin by Epithelium in a Skin Equivalent

Abstract Although human keratinocytes in vitro have been shown to produce fibronectin, whether keratinocytes can contribute fibronectin to the dermal-epidermal junction or wound matrix is unknown. In order to approach this problem experimentally, we used the "skin equivalent" model composed of a native collagen gel populated with cultured fibroblasts and covered by cultured keratinocytes. By using bovine fibroblasts to populate the gel, fetal bovine serum in the culture medium, and human keratinocytes to form the epithelium, we were able to be certain that any human fibronectin produced in the culture was synthesized by the keratinocytes. A monoclonal antibody to fibronectin was found to recognize human but not bovine fibronectin. When the skin equivalent was stained by indirect immunofluorescence with antifibronectin, fibronectin was visible as an intensely staining band at the dermal-epidermal junction. In sections in which the dermis and epidermis had separated, the staining was usually limited to the dermal aspect of the skin equivalent. The results indicate that epithelium can contribute fibronectin to the dermal-epidermal junction and suggest that dermal staining in skin sections may originate from the epidermis. Since the developing skin equivalent has a rapidly growing epithelium and simulates a healing wound, contribution of fibronectin by the epithelium, in addition to that possibly contributed by serum and dermal fibroblasts, may be of importance in wound healing.
Determination of activation volumes in BaFe and metal particle coatings

Thermally-activated time-decay studies have been made on a variety of BaFe and metal particle flexible media. Measurements have been made of magnetic viscosity, irreversible susceptibility and activation volumes. In oriented BaFe and MP systems the measurements have been made as a function of temperature with a view to assessing archivability.
Microstructural aspects of fabricating bodies by self-propagating synthesis

Existing data on effects of reactant compact microstructure on self-propagating synthesis, SPS type reactions is reviewed. Propagation rates generally decrease with increased compact density at higher densities, and reactions are no longer ignitable at high densities. At lower densities the trends may vary depending on the reactions. Propagation rates and ignitability also generally decrease with increasing particle size, and can be affected by particle shape. More exothermic reactions lead to greater expansion, hence porosity, in unconstrained samples, while resultant pore sizes are effected mainly by outgassing. Final grain sizes are not a significant function of the initial particle size (but can be effected by finer residual porosity).
Ruby filter for stray light reduction in scattering experiments

A simple filter is described consisting of ruby flats and a polarizer that attenuates ruby laser light by a factor of about 10/sup 4/. (JFP)
CHANGES IN THE MICROFLORA OF PACKAGED FRESH BROCCOLI

Changes in the microflora of fresh broccoli shrink-wrapped in film, sealed in gas-flushed film pouches, or stored on ice in cardboard crates and held at 1°C were analyzed. Growth trends for total aerobes, psychrotrophs, yeast/molds, members of Enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria did not differ significantly between the packaging treatments (p ≤ 0.05). However, populations of total aerobes in unpackaged broccoli in its final week of storage (week 6) were significantly greater than that of packaged broccoli at week 6. Samples packaged in film remained higher in quality 2 to 3 weeks longer than control samples. Yellowing was the most obvious defect.
The prognostic implications of DSM-IV abuse criteria in drinking adolescents

Background The validity of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse has been questioned, and additional issues have been raised regarding the performance of this label in adolescents. While future diagnostic manuals might alter the approach to abuse, it is worthwhile to evaluate the implications of the current definition that has been in place since 1994.
Considerations for Successful Cognitive Radio Systems in US TV White Space

On February 17, 2009, the United States will complete the transition to digital television. The FCC is in the process of establishing rules to allow unlicensed secondary use of the TV "white space" that this transition creates. This television white space (TVWS) opens vital new portions of limited radio spectrum and enables delivery of new communication services, particularly wireless broadband, to millions of underserved Americans. In some rural markets, up to 250 MHz of spectrum could be utilized. Expected initial system deployments in TVWS include wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) and broadband coverage systems for business enterprises. It is critical that these early services are successful, both technically in protecting incumbent licensed users as well as financially in being commercially viable. Cognitive radio technologies are available that enable radio systems operating in the TVWS spectrum to reliably protect the incumbent licensed users. These technologies include geolocation, augmented by sensing, and beaconing. Existing protocols, such as WiMax, WiFi, and proprietary protocols, rebanded to the UHF frequency ranges, will provide broadband data throughput at adequate ranges to allow practical services. It is important to develop and deploy early viable solutions into this band that protect incumbent licensed users so that cycles of learning can start. Lessons from these early systems will allow the industry to accept more aggressive cognitive radio technologies and services, will offer greater comfort to critics of the technology, and will provide regulatory agencies worldwide with data for future rulemaking.
Diapause development in frozen larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis fitch (diptera: tephritidae).

Seasonal changes in metabolic rate and the potential for morphological development demonstrated that third-instar larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis Fitch, exhibit a distinct winter diapause. Metabolic rate (CO2 production) was significantly lower from 15 October to 9 February than in early autumn (9 September) and spring (1 March) samples. The induction of diapause coincided with the development of cold-hardening, maximum larval mass, and gall senescence, but our experiments did not identify specific cues triggering diapause induction. We examined the influence of exposure to 0 °C and –20 °C on diapause development. Diapause development in larvae stored at 0 °C occurred at approximately the same rate as in nature. Until 15 December the larvae were in the refractory phase of diapause (incapable of morphological development, even at permissive temperatures), but afterward moved to the activated phase within which diapause intensity decreased until termination in February. Diapause development occurred in larvae collected during the winter and stored at –20 °C for periods of 1 week to 3 months. Diapause intensity decreased in frozen larvae through the winter but at a slower rate than in larvae stored at 0 °C.
A sensitive micromethod for the simultaneous determination of insulin and growth hormone by double antibody precipitation

Summary 1. A sensitive and relatively simple micro-radioimmunoassay is described, by which immunoreactive insulin and growth hormone can be measured simultaneously in a volume of only 0.025 ml of serum, allowing the determination of concentrations as low as 2.5 uU/ml for insulin and 0.5 mμg/ml for growth hormone. 2. The assay offers a precision (coefficient of variation 8–12 per cent), comparable to the macromethods, which measure the two hormones separately. 3. This method requires a relatively short incubation time and allows the processing of large numbers of samples with reduced and consequently less expensive reagent volumes. 4. It also provides the possibility of measuring two hormones simultaneously in newborn infants and small laboratory animals, where sample size is very limited.
Subchannel analysis of fuel temperature and departure of nucleate boiling of TRIGA Mark I

Abstract An evaluation of fuel temperature and departure of nucleate boiling as a function of bulk pool temperature was performed at the Texas A&M University Nuclear Science Center’s TRIGA Mark I reactor. A subchannel analysis code was written with the support of experimentally determined correlations, including the development of a gap conductance model. The code was validated for predicting peak fuel temperature at all operational power levels. The peak fuel temperature was calculated using different correlations for forced and natural convection flows for pool temperatures of 30 °C and 60 °C. The forced convection correlation predicted a fuel temperature rise of 2 °C for the difference in pool temperatures, contrary to the predicted rise of 26 °C from natural convection relationships. Experimental data shows that the relationship of fuel temperature rise with increasing pool temperature is more accurately represented by the natural convection correlation. The peak fuel temperature, for the validated natural convection relationship, is predicted to be 441 °C and 457 °C at a pool temperature of 30 °C and 60 °C, respectively. The minimum departure of nucleate boiling ratio is calculated as 2.14 and 1.72 for a pool temperature of 30 °C and 60 °C, respectively, using the Bernath correlation.
On finite element analysis of fluid flow in ducts with boundary layer correction

Abstract A finite element analysis of fluid flow in ducts is demonstrated. The fluid is assumed incompressible and, except in the boundary layer, inviscid. The finite element program ADINAT is used to solve the potential flow portion of the analysis, and a boundary layer calculation method is employed to correct for the viscous boundary layer effects. This procedure is employed to analyze two simple problems. First, a nozzle passage from a steam turbine is considered. The results of the analysis are compared to another solution obtained using finite differences. The flow in a wind tunnel constructed at MIT is then analyzed, and the results are compared to test data.
Targeted DNA Methylation Analysis by High Throughput Sequencing in Porcine Peri-attachment Embryos

The purpose of this experiment was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a next-generation sequencing-based method for DNA methylation analysis in porcine embryonic samples. Fourteen discrete genomic regions were amplified by PCR using bisulfite-converted genomic DNA derived from day 14 in vivo-derived (IVV) and parthenogenetic (PA) porcine embryos as template DNA. Resulting PCR products were subjected to high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx platform. The average depth of sequencing coverage was 14,611 for IVV and 17,068 for PA. Quantitative analysis of the methylation profiles of both input samples for each genomic locus showed distinct differences in methylation profiles between IVV and PA samples for six of the target loci, and subtle differences in four loci. It was concluded that high throughput sequencing technologies can be effectively applied to provide a powerful, cost-effective approach to targeted DNA methylation analysis of embryonic and other reproductive tissues.
Magnetic, thermal, and transport properties of layered arsenides BaRu 2 As 2 and SrRu 2 As 2

The magnetic, thermal, and transport properties of polycrystalline ${\text{BaRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ and ${\text{SrRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ samples with the ${\text{ThCr}}_{2}{\text{Si}}_{2}$ structure were investigated by means of magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$, electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$, and heat capacity ${C}_{\text{p}}(T)$ measurements. The temperature $(T)$ dependence of $\ensuremath{\rho}$ indicates metallic character for both compounds with residual resistivity ratios $\ensuremath{\rho}(310\text{ }\text{K})/\ensuremath{\rho}(2\text{ }\text{K})$ of 17 and 5 for the Ba and Sr compounds, respectively. The ${C}_{\text{p}}(T)$ results reveal a low-$T$ Sommerfeld coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}=4.9(1)$ and $4.1(1)\text{ }\text{mJ}/\text{mol}\text{ }{\text{K}}^{2}$ and Debye temperature ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{\text{D}}=271(7)$ and 271(4) K for the Ba and Sr compounds, respectively. The $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ was found to be diamagnetic with a small absolute value for both compounds. No transitions were found for ${\text{BaRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ above 1.8 K. The $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ data for ${\text{SrRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ exhibit a cusp at $\ensuremath{\sim}200\text{ }\text{K}$, possibly an indication of a structural and/or magnetic transition. We discuss the properties of ${\text{BaRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ and ${\text{SrRu}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ in the context of other ${\text{ThCr}}_{2}{\text{Si}}_{2}$-type and ZrCuSiAs-type transition metal pnictides.
Structure and Dynamics of the Bacterial Chromosome

Despite the great deal of studies on bacteria, and especially E coli, our understanding of the spatio-temporal organization of bacterial chromosomes is minimal, largely because their dynamics have been difficult to observe directly. Even more remarkable is bacteria's ability to control the topology of the 1.5 mm-long DNA in the confined environment of the cell. The objective of our project is to study dynamics of chromosome structure during the process of cell division at the single-cell level, in the bacterium E. coli. Using a unique microcolony growth technique, we track cell growth and with fluorescent-protein techniques we can monitor chromosome folding and quantify gene expression levels through fluorescence microscopy. We have developed a bacterial strain containing fluorescent gfp-fusion versions of a chromosome-folding protein, Fis, under inducible control. This strain is used to visualize bacterial chromosome conformation during cell growth and division. Our further objective will be quantitatively analyze the coupling of nucleoid protein level and chromosome folding to gene expression, and to directly examine nucleoid mechanical properties as a function of protein levels using micromanipulation methods.
Phosphorescence of erythrosin B as a robust probe of molecular mobility in amorphous solid sucrose.

Luminescence from the triplet probe erythrosin B (tetra-iodo fluorescein, Ery B) provides spectroscopic characteristics such as lifetime and emission energy that are sensitive to molecular mobility of the local environment in amorphous solids. This study investigated how variations in the local concentration of Ery B free acid as well as the presence of the dispersing solvent affect the spectroscopic measurements of solid matrix properties (the free acid of Ery B is poorly soluble in water and thus must be introduced via an organic solvent). The emission energy of Ery B from 5 to 100 °C in thin films of amorphous sucrose at various probe and solvent (N,N-dimethyl formamide, DMF) concentrations was determined using excitation at 500 nm and emission over the range 520–750 nm. The emission lifetime was determined over the same temperature range using a stretched exponential analysis of intensity decays collected using excitation at 530 nm and emission at 680 nm. Variations in the probe/sucrose mole ratio (concentration) over the range from 0.5 to 10 × 10−4 and 10-fold variations in the amount of DMF used to disperse the probe did not affect the emission energy, the shape of the emission spectra, or the measured lifetimes of Ery B in amorphous sucrose. These results thus indicate that erythrosin B introduced into amorphous solids can provide a robust measure of the intrinsic mobility of the solid matrix that is relatively insensitive to final probe concentration or presence of residual solvent.
Longitudinal association between short sleep, body weight, and emotional and learning problems in Hispanic and Caucasian children.

Although sleep alone may not be the sole source driving weight gain, most studies’ inter-ventions have not addressed the amount of time spent sleeping as a possible contributing factor.In addition to these potential physiological consequences of short sleep in adolescence, reduction in sleep duration may contribute to increased risks of cognitive and/or behavioral problems. The rise in adolescents’ use of electronic media may contribute to a delayed sleep time and subsequent shorter sleep times.
Effects of bulk spatial periodicity on the position of the transition strip separating the linear and the nonlinear regimes of an optical amplifier

Abstract For an optical amplifier consisting of a slab of a dielectric material doped by an active two-level molecule, I study the effects of bulk periodicity in the spatial distribution of the dopant number density on the position of the transition strip separating the amplifier's linear and nonlinear regimes.
The effects of tumor necrosis factor and their selective inhibition by ibuprofen

High doses of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cause hypotension, metabolic acidosis and, death. At Brigham and Women's Hospital, the effects of a sublethal, 6-hour infusion of TNF (0.57 X 10(5) Units/kg body weight) in twelve anesthetized dogs were studied. The dose caused falls in mean arterial pressure from 153 mmHg to 96 mmHg, pulmonary artery pressure (-4.5 mmHg), central venous pressure (-2.5 mmHg) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (-5.25 mmHg). Associated with these responses were a fourfold increase in urine volume (22.4 ml/kg/6 hours as compared to 5.2 ml/kg/6 hours in controls), significant pyrexia (from 38.1 C to 39.5 C, rectal), tachycardia (from 125 to 175 beats/minute), and hypermetabolism. In addition, leukopenia and increased circulating stress hormone concentrations were observed. Blood glucose concentrations fell from 4.68 mM/1 to 3.97 mM/1 (84-71 mg/dl) within 3 hours of TNF infusion, whereas lactate and pyruvate concentrations increased. These alterations occurred in the absence of severe hypotension or acidosis and were similar to changes observed after endotoxin administration or gram-negative septicemia. Pretreatment of the animals with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen abolished most of the hemodynamic changes and attenuated other responses. These findings support the hypothesis that TNF is an important mediator of septic responses and that some of the effects of TNF are mediated via cyclooxygenase pathways.
The enthalpies of solution of zinc oxide in perchloric and hydrochloric acids, and the standard enthalpy of formation of aqueous zinc ion

Abstract Enthalpies of solution in HCl and HClO4 solutions at 298.15 K were measured for portions of the same batch of ZnO(s) for mole-ratio patterns corresponding to selected studies in the literature. The results enabled determination of the standard enthalpy of solution of ZnO(s) in HClO4 solution and also calculation of ΔHfo(Zn2+, aq, 298.15 K) = −(36640 ± 50) calth mol−1 by a calorimetric route independent of ΔHfo(ZnO, s) and from a route involving Davies and Staveley's measurements on e-Zn(OH)2(s). Standard enthalpies and Gibbs energies of formation were calculated for ZnO(s) and e-Zn(OH)2(s), along with So(Zn2+, aq, 298.15 K) = −(26.14 ± 0.17) calth K−1 mol−1.
A simplified phenomenological model for non-elastic deformation: Predictions of pure aluminum behavior and incorporation of solute strengthening effects

Abstract From a previously-presented phenomenological model for monotonic and cyclic deformation, a simplified set of constitutive equations is derived. Quantitative predictions for pure aluminum are compared with the corresponding experimental data for a variety of test situations, including (1) the effect of temperature and strain level on the strain-rate sensitivity, (2) the effect of applied stress on the amount of primary creep, and (3) response to complex loadings such as abrupt changes in stress. A major addition is made to the equations to incorporate solute strengthening effects; the resulting model can generate fairly realistic predictions of (1) the effect of temperature on the yield strength, (2) the effect of solute additions on strain-rate sensitivity, (3) the effect of work hardening on flow stress and strain-rate sensitivity, (4) the effect of solute additions on steady-state creep behavior and (5) peaks in apparent activation energy.
Subsurface gas offshore of northern California and its link to submarine geomorphology

Abstract The northern California continental margin contains evidence of abundant subsurface gas and numerous seafloor features that suggest a causative link between gas expulsion and geomorphology. Analyses of seismic reflection, sidescan sonar, and high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data show that the occurrence of subbottom gas and the migration processes beneath the shelf differ from those beneath the slope. Subsurface gas, inferred from enhanced reflectors and other geophysical indicators, is spatially variable and related more to total depth and stratigraphy than to underlying structure, with the exception of one band of gas that follows the regional structural trend. Shallow depressions on the seafloor (pockmarks) are used to infer expulsion sites. The largest zone of acoustically impenetrable subsurface gas occurs between water depths of 100 m and 300 m, where expulsion features are rare. The upper slope (water depths 400–600 m) has a high concentration of pockmarks (diameter 10–20 m), in contrast to a near-absence of pockmarks at water depths shallower than 400 m. Of nearly 4000 pockmarks observed on sidescan sonar records, more than 95% are located in water depths deeper than 400 m. Bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) on some seismic reflection profiles indicate the possible presence of gas hydrate. We find that gas and pore-fluid migration in the offshore Eel River Basin is: (1) correlated to surface morphology; (2) a contributor to seabed roughness; (3) a significant mode of sediment redistribution on the upper slope; and (4) potentially a factor in large slope failures.
The kinetics of actinide redistribution by vapor migration in mixed oxide fuels (II). By pores

Abstract The kinetics of vapor migration-driven restructuring and actinide redistribution along continuous cracks was studied analytically. The fissured fuel was modeled by a network of rectangular cracks with the temperature gradient along the major axis. Redistribution of fuel constituents was considered to occur by molecular diffusion in the gas filling the cracks. Hyperstoichiometric U-Pu oxide was treated so that only a single diffusing species (UO 3 ) needed to be considered, at least in the early stages of the process. The dependence of the kinetics upon oxygen-to-metal ratio, temperature gradient and crack dimensions was investigated for fuel containing 20% plutonium.
Clinical characteristics and imaging features of small bowel adenocarcinomas in Crohn’s disease

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is uncommon in patients with Crohn’s disease but has an extremely poor prognosis. There is a paucity of data on the clinical characteristics and radiologic features of this entity. We sought to update our institutional experience with small bowel adenocarcinoma occurring in the setting of Crohn’s disease and to systematically re-examine pre-operative imaging findings. Medical records were abstracted to identify all patients with Crohn’s disease and small bowel adenocarcinoma who were evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona between 1976 and 2012. Clinical, demographic, and outcomes data were obtained for each patient. Pre-diagnosis radiologic imaging was re-evaluated by two gastrointestinal radiologists. Thirty-four patients (21 males) were identified. Median ages at Crohn’s disease and cancer diagnoses were 22.4 and 52.9 years, respectively. Median follow-up after cancer diagnosis was 272.0 days; 22 patients (64.7%) had persistent or recurrent adenocarcinoma at last follow-up. 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 29.6% and 48.0%. Pre-operative imaging studies were available for re-review in 14 cases. Features concerning for malignancy included annular mass, nodularity at the extraluminal margins of the mass, and perforation. Nearly all tumors arose in regions of chronic inflammation and caused luminal narrowing with pre-stenotic dilatation. Small bowel adenocarcinoma is rare in patients with Crohn’s disease but results in significant mortality. CT or MR imaging findings can be suggestive of the pre-operative diagnosis, but it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with laparotomy.
Dietary predictors of urinary environmental biomarkers in young girls, BCERP, 2004–7

Background Exposures of children to phthalates, parabens, and bisphenol-A (BPA) are of concern because of their hormonal potential. These agents are found in a wide range of foods and packaging. We investigated whether intake of certain foods predict exposures to these chemicals in young girls.
A Sperner theorem on unrelated chains of subsets

Soit une collection de sous-ensembles de {1,...,n}. On determine f k (n) definie comme le maximum m tel qu'il existe des sous-ensembles A(i,j)⊆ {1,...,n}, 1≤i≤m, o≤j≤k satisfaisant pour tout i, A(i,o)⊂A(i,1)⊂...⊂A(i,k) et pour tout i,i',j,j', avec i¬=i', A(i,j)⊃E(i',j')
Foot lesions associated with Pseudomonas cepacia.

Summary Pseudomonas cepacia was isolated in small numbers from swamp waters and in large numbers from the toewebs of troops after training in swamp conditions. Colonisation with P. cepacia was associated with macerated, hyperkeratotic lesions of the feet. The isolates showed resistance to a wide range of antibiotics, but strains from these and other sources were sensitive in vitro to trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole. The ability of P. cepacia to colonise sodden but otherwise intact skin is significant in view of the organism's potential as a cause of wound and other infections.
Infant imitation from television using novel touch screen technology

Infants learn less from a televised demonstration than from a live demonstration, the video deficit effect. The present study employs a novel approach, using touch screen technology to examine 15-month olds' transfer of learning. Infants were randomly assigned either to within-dimension (2D/2D or 3D/3D) or cross-dimension (3D/2D or 2D/3D) conditions. For the within-dimension conditions, an experimenter demonstrated an action by pushing a virtual button on a 2D screen or a real button on a 3D object. Infants were then given the opportunity to imitate using the same screen or object. For the 3D/2D condition, an experimenter demonstrated the action on the 3D object, and infants were given the opportunity to reproduce the action on a 2D touch screen (and vice versa for the 2D/3D condition). Infants produced significantly fewer target actions in the cross-dimension conditions than in the within-dimension conditions. These findings have important implications for infants' understanding and learning from 2D images and for their using 2D media as the basis of actions in the real world.
Leishmania -induced repression of selected non-coding RNA genes containing B-box element at their promoters in alternatively polarized M2 macrophages

Leishmania is a group of parasitic protozoa that infect blood and tissue phagocytes including macrophages. We hypothesize that Leishmania is capable of establishing infection inside the macrophages because (a) they infect a subpopulation of macrophages; and (b) they “renovate” the macrophages before the establishment of infection. We found that only alternatively activated polarized M2 macrophages support Leishmania growth. Exposure of M2 macrophages to Leishmania promastigotes represses several selected RNA polymerase III (PolIII)-transcribed non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes including those of 7SL RNA, vault RNA, and B2 RNA which have B-box element at their promoters. The B-box-binding transcription factor TFIIIC110 is down-regulated in Leishmania-exposed macrophages. Both the surface protease gp63 and the surface glycolipid LPG are required for the down-regulation of the ncRNAs in the M2 macrophages. We conclude that Leishmania surface gp63 collaborates with LPG to down-regulate TFIIIC110 in M2 macrophages to repress B-box containing ncRNA gene promoters.
Benefits of lispro insulin: control of postprandial glucose levels is within reach.

PREVIEWHow well would the following fit into your schedule? You must know when you will eat throughout the day, and about an hour beforehand you must inject an appropriate amount of insulin to offset the amount of carbohydrate you intend to consume. For many diabetic patients who use regular insulin, these are the requirements. Dr Bohannon describes a newly approved insulin that goes into action and gets out of the body faster, more closely mimicking the body's natural insulin response to food.
High-Pressure Microdischarges: Sources of Ultraviolet Radiation

Spatially confined plasmas with dimensions in the submillimeter range have been found to be stable at atmospheric pressure. These microplasmas are nonequilibrium plasmas with an electron energy distribution which contains a significant fraction of high energy electrons. This favors, in combination with the high gas density, the formation of excimers. The possibility for operating these discharges in parallel, or expanding the nonequilibrium plasma two-dimensionally on a flat cathode allows for extended area light-sources, including excimer lamps. The spectral range of these lamps reaches from the visible into the vacuum ultraviolet, down to wavelengths of 75 nm for helium excimer radiation. Highest efficiencies of 6-9% were obtained for xenon excimers when the discharge was operated dc, and 20% when operated in a nanosecond pulsed mode. Besides excimer radiation, microdischarges have also been shown to emit intense line radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet when noble gases with small admixtures of hydrogen and oxygen were used. In this paper, we discuss basic properties of several types of high-pressure microplasmas, focusing on their dc and pulsed dc operation, followed by an overview of the experimental and modeling results relevant for their use as ultraviolet light sources. The prospect of developing microplasma lamps by forming arrays of microdischarges and possibly excimer lasers by operating microdischarges in series is briefly discussed.
Does Gender Modify the Effects of Race–ethnicity on Criminal Sanctioning? Sentences for Male and Female White, Black, and Hispanic Defendants

Using data from large urban courts for the years 1990–1996 and drawing from the “focal concerns” framework on case-process decision making, we examine the main and interactive effects of gender and race–ethnicity on sentence outcomes. The main focus of the present study is whether the effects of race–ethnicity (and gender) on sentence outcomes are similar or different across gender (and racial–ethnic) groups. Consistent with the findings of prior research, we find that female defendants receive more lenient sentences than male defendants and that black and Hispanic defendants receive less favorable treatment than white defendants. However, these main effects are strongly dependent on whether the sample is partitioned by gender or race–ethnicity. We find that race–ethnicity influences male but not female sentences. Conversely, gender strongly influences sentencing across all racial–ethnic groups. These findings are at odds with the traditional view that leniency in court sanctioning typically by-passes “women of color.” Instead, it appears that black and Hispanic female defendants actually benefit more from their “female” status than would be expected all else equal.
The Takashima Mine: British Capital and Japanese Industrialization

As a notable instance of British investment in protectionist Meiji Japan, the history of the Takashima coal mine well illustrates the complications of foreign capital commitments in the Far East during the nineteenth century.
A multilevel model to address batch effects in copy number estimation using SNP arrays

Submicroscopic changes in chromosomal DNA copy number dosage are common and have been implicated in many heritable diseases and cancers. Recent high-throughput technologies have a resolution that permits the detection of segmental changes in DNA copy number that span thousands of base pairs in the genome. Genomewide association studies (GWAS) may simultaneously screen for copy number phenotype and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) phenotype associations as part of the analytic strategy. However, genomewide array analyses are particularly susceptible to batch effects as the logistics of preparing DNA and processing thousands of arrays often involves multiple laboratories and technicians, or changes over calendar time to the reagents and laboratory equipment. Failure to adjust for batch effects can lead to incorrect inference and requires inefficient post hoc quality control procedures to exclude regions that are associated with batch. Our work extends previous model-based approaches for copy number estimation by explicitly modeling batch and using shrinkage to improve locus-specific estimates of copy number uncertainty. Key features of this approach include the use of biallelic genotype calls from experimental data to estimate batch-specific and locus-specific parameters of background and signal without the requirement of training data. We illustrate these ideas using a study of bipolar disease and a study of chromosome 21 trisomy. The former has batch effects that dominate much of the observed variation in the quantile-normalized intensities, while the latter illustrates the robustness of our approach to a data set in which approximately 27% of the samples have altered copy number. Locus-specific estimates of copy number can be plotted on the copy number scale to investigate mosaicism and guide the choice of appropriate downstream approaches for smoothing the copy number as a function of physical position. The software is open source and implemented in the R package crlmm at Bioconductor (http:www.bioconductor.org).
Another reason to eschew pole-zero cancellation

It is shown that, if series compensation by pole-zero cancellation is used in a system that is linear for small signals but has a large signal nonlinearity in the loop, then an observable mode, corresponding to the cancelled pole, appears in the system response when large transient signals occur in the loop. An example in which the nonlinear element is a saturating device is used to illustrate the point being made. >
Conditions inside fisher dens during prescribed fires; what is the risk posed by spring underburns?

The use of spring prescribed fires to reduce accumulated fuel loads in western forests and facilitate the return of natural fire regimes is a controversial topic. While spring burns can be effective at reducing fuel loads and restoring heterogeneous landscapes, concerns exist over the potential impacts of unnaturally-timed fires to native species. To protect native wildlife from disturbance during critical periods, limited operating periods (LOPs) are often implemented. However when LOPs for multiple species are combined into an integrated management plan, very few time windows for implementing prescribed fires remain. The use of spring burns is often effectively eliminated, thereby reducing land managers’ opportunities to implement what can be their most effective tool for forest restoration. To help guide the design of LOPs for fishers in the western United States, and to help identify opportunities to mitigate the risks posed by spring prescribed burns, we evaluated conditions within tree cavities during five prescribed fires in the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park, CA. This relatively simple experiment was designed to provide much-needed and timely answers to crucial questions regarding the short-term impacts of prescribed fire on fishers and other wildlife species using cavities. Temperatures were remarkably stable within cavities, averaging 20.03 °C during burns. Carbon monoxide accumulation posed a greater threat, averaging a maximum of 170.8 ppm during burns and remaining elevated for >30 min, conditions potentially hazardous to fisher neonates. We discuss how these risks can be interpreted, and recommend that measures to mitigate smoke accumulation in tree cavities be implemented where spring burns are conducted in areas potentially occupied by fishers.
Alcohol and Drug Use of Inter-City versus Rural School Age Children:

The purpose of this study of seventy-nine children was to determine: 1) the prevalence and type of substance use in inter-city and rural eight to twelve-year-old children; and 2) the relationships between child substance use, self-esteem, peer substance use, and family climate. The conceptual framework for the study was a modification of Kumpfer and Turner's Social Ecology Model (1991). Nineteen percent of the children had used alcohol or drugs. Thirty-three percent of the children acknowledged having friends who used substances. Inter-city children reported more alcohol and marijuana use, while the rural children reported more use of inhalants. The responses of both inter-city and rural children also indicated that there were problems with substance use and family violence in the home. Self-esteem and affiliation with drug using peers were significantly correlated with substance use of the child.
Medium effects and other thermodynamic quantities in 5 wt.% 2-methyl-1-propanol between 5 and 45°C

Summary The standard potentials of the Ag−AgCl electrode in 5 wt.% 2-methyl-1-propanol at five temperatures from 5 to 45°C have been determined by a polynomial curve-fitting technique, using a cell of the type: Pt; H2 (g, 1 atm) | HCl (m) in 5 wt.% 2-methyl-1-propanol | AgCl, Ag. The values can be fitted in the form of equation obtained by using the least squares method: Eom = 0.20350-6.891 x 10-4(t-25) - 17.563 x 10-6(t - 25)These values have been used to derive (a) the activity coefficients of HCl, (b) the relative partial molal enthalpy and heat capacity of HCl, (c) the primary medium effect, and (d) the thermodynamic functions (ΔGo, ΔSo, and ΔHo) for the transfer of HCl from water to 5 wt.% 2-methyl-1-propanol. The molality of the acid ranged from 0.005 to 0.09 mol kg−1. The significance of the data has been discussed in terms of the acid-base properties and the structure of water and of mixed solvents on the transfer process.
Influence of Serum Sodium on MELD-Based Survival Prediction in Alcoholic Hepatitis

OBJECTIVE To compare the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) with the modified model including sodium (MELDNa) for predicting 180-day mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and determine the subset in whom serum sodium may enhance 180-day mortality prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS We examined 26 patients with AH enrolled in a prospective trial between June 1, 2004, and June 30, 2007, at Mayo Clinic. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the effect of MELD and MELDNa scores on 180-day mortality. The C statistic was derived to compare MELD with MELDNa in patients with and without ascites. RESULTS MELD (odds ratio [OR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.47; P=.007; C statistic, 0.81) and MELDNa (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56; P=.008; C statistic, 0.78) were significant predictors of 180-day mortality in patients with AH. A MELD score of 27.0 and a MELDNa score of 28.0 had sensitivity of 76.5% and 87.5% and specificity of 64.9% and 52.5%, respectively. In patients with AH and ascites, MELDNa (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.22-36.68; P=.008; C statistic, 0.97) was a better predictor of 180-day mortality than MELD (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07-2.12; P=.006; C statistic, 0.90). A MELD score of 29.0 and a MELDNa score of 34.0 had sensitivity of 85.7% and 83.3% and specificity of 31.0% and 16.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION MELD and MELDNa were similar predictors of 180-day mortality; however, MELDNa was a better predictor of mortality than MELD in patients with ascites. Hyponatremia in patients with AH without ascites is not a predictor of mortality because it may have a dilutional basis secondary to excessive intake of low-osmolar alcohol.
Quantifying differential rock-uplift rates via stream profile analysis

Despite intensive research into the coupling between tectonics and surface processes, our ability to obtain quantitative information on the rates of tectonic processes from topography remains limited due primarily to a dearth of data with which to test and calibrate process rate laws. Here we develop a simple theory for the impact of spatially variable rock-uplift rate on the concavity of bedrock river profiles. Application of the analysis to the Siwalik Hills of central Nepal demonstrates that systematic differences in the concavity of channels in this region match the predictions of a stream power incision model and depend on the position and direction of the channel relative to gradients in the vertical component of deformation rate across an active fault-bend fold. Furthermore, calibration of model parameters from channel profiles argued to be in steady state with the current climatic and tectonic regime indicates that (1) the ratio of exponents on channel drainage area and slope ( m / n ) is ∼0.46, consistent with theoretical predictions; (2) the slope exponent is consistent with incision either linearly proportional to shear stress or unit stream power ( n = 0.66 or n = 1, respectively); and (3) the coefficient of erosion is within the range of previously published estimates (mean K = 4.3 × 10 −4 m 0.2 /yr). Application of these model parameters to other channels in the Siwalik Hills yields estimates of spatially variable erosion rates that mimic expected variations in rock-uplift rate across a fault-bend fold. Thus, the sensitivity of channel gradient to rock- uplift rate in this landscape allows us to derive quantitative estimates of spatial variations in erosion rate directly from topographic data.
Toward a Further Clarification of Becker's Side-Bet Hypothesis as Applied to Organizational and Occupational Commitment

Measures of organizational and occupational commitment, as operationalized by Ritzer and Trice, and Alutto et al. were obtained from 120 park and forest rangers working in state and federal organizations in Virginia. Findings yield partial support for Becker's original side-bet hypothesis, especially with respect to organizational commitment. Stronger support, however, is found for an alternative social psychological explanation of commitment, offered by Ritzer and Trice. Since neither explanation of organizational or occupational commitment is totally supported by the data, future research should take into account the various fields and levels of those surveyed. Since first reported, some controversy has arisen about the validity of Howard Becker's concept of "side bets," or investments, as important factors in the development of organizational or occupational commitment. Becker argues (34 et seq.) that over a period of time certain costs accrue which make it more difficult for the person to disengage from a course of activity, such as working for a particular organization or pursuing a certain occupational career. The greater the costs and investments which accrue, the more difficult disengagement becomes. Furthermore, the investments tend to yield additional costs, often unrelated to the original investment.
Innate and ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in obese mice: role of TNF-α.

Innate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and augmented responses to ozone, an asthma trigger, are characteristics of obese mice. Systemic inflammation, a condition of increased circulating concentra...
GUT CONTENTS FROM A CRETACEOUS TYRANNOSAURID: IMPLICATIONS FOR THEROPOD DINOSAUR DIGESTIVE TRACTS

Abstract A partial skeleton of Daspletosaurus sp. from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Two Medicine Formation of western Montana preserves the first gut contents reported for a tyrannosaurid. Associated remains found with this skeleton consist of acid-etched vertebrae and a fragmentary dentary from juvenile hadrosaur dinosaurs. Hadrosaur bonebed data and comparisons of hadrosaur and tyrannosaurid limb proportions suggest that juvenile hadrosaurs represented both an abundant and accessible food source. The surface corrosion exhibited by the hadrosaur elements matches that produced by stomach acids and digestive enzymes in a wide variety of living vertebrates. Based upon these and other gut contents, and also upon tooth-marked bone studies, it appears that Daspletosaurus and most theropods ingested and digested prey in a manner similar to that of extant archosaurs (crocodilians and birds), employing a two-part stomach with an enzyme-producing proventriculus followed by a thick-walled muscular gizzard. This ...
A Novel Class of Dual-family Immunophilins

Immunophilins are protein chaperones with peptidylprolyl isomerase activity that belong to one of two large families, the cyclosporin-binding cyclophilins (CyPs) and the FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs). Each family displays characteristic and conserved sequence features that differ between the two families. We report a novel group of dual-family immunophilins that contain both CyP and FKBP domains for which we propose the name FCBP (FK506- and cyclosporin-binding protein). The FCBP of Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, contained N-terminal FKBP and C-terminal CyP domains joined by tetratricopeptide repeats. Structure-function analysis revealed that both domains were functional and exhibited family-specific drug sensitivity. The individual domains of FCBP inhibited calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B) in the presence of the appropriate drugs. In binding studies, FCBP recruited calcineurin in the presence of FK506 and a putative target of rapamycin homolog in the presence of rapamycin. Two additional FCBP sequences in Flavobacterium and one in Treponema (spirochete) were also identified in which the CyP and FKBP domains were in the reverse order. T. gondii growth was inhibited by cyclosporin and FK506 in a moderately synergistic manner. The knockdown of FCBP by RNA interference revealed its essentiality for T. gondii growth. Clearly, the FCBPs are novel chaperones and potential targets of multiple immunosuppressant drugs.
Second-order fear conditioning as revealed through augmentation of a startle response: Part II

An auditory startle stimulus was presented 1, 17, and 27 sec following termination of a second-order, classically conditioned, fear-evoking CS. Forward second-order conditioned Ss consistently exceeded the startle magnitudes of backward second-order conditioned controls at all intervals. An analysis of movement during the CS2-startle intervals indicated that a postural interpretation could not account for startle augmentation in experimental Ss. A drive-like construct was posited to handle these data.
Functional evolution of noncoding DNA

Noncoding DNA in eukaryotes encodes functionally important signals for the regulation of chromosome assembly, DNA replication, and gene expression. The increasing availability of whole-genome sequences of related taxa has led to interest in the evolution of these signals, and the phylogenetic footprints they produce. Cis-regulatory sequences controlling gene expression are often conserved among related species, but are rarely conserved between distantly related taxa. Several experimentally characterized regulatory elements have failed to show sequence similarity even between closely related species.