cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of abrasive particle size on the wear of diamond-like carbon coatings

Abstract Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings exhibit several attractive characteristics such as low coefficients of friction and low wear rates in certain environments. While the performance of DLC coatings under lubricated and dry contact has been a subject of extensive study, the study on the effect of abrasive media and three-body interactions on the wear of DLC coatings is not widespread in the literature. The present study focuses on the wear of DLC coatings in a highly abrasive environment with varying abrasive particle size under the mixed lubrication regime. Abrasive wear behavior of Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coatings has been evaluated through tests conducted on a Block-on-Ring (BOR) tribometer where a DLC coated ring was rubbed against an uncoated steel block. An oil-water emulsion containing various sizes of sand particles was used as a lubricating fluid. Based upon results from surface analysis and cross-sectional microscopy studies, the lubricating fluid having no sand revealed no delamination or any major damage to the coating; rather two-body or asperity-asperity interactions removed some high spots from the coating surface. In contrast, when sand was introduced in the lubricating fluid as an abrasive medium, three-body abrasive wear was prevalent causing internal cracking within the coating followed by spallation and sequential removal of coating. The three-body wear mechanism is attributed to the entrainment of abrasive (sand) particles into the tribological contact. While the presence of sand particles dramatically influenced the DLC wear, the hardness of DLC coating seemed to surpass the effect of sand on the softer steel counterface wear, i.e. the material appeared to be primarily removed by the harder DLC asperities in the two-body cutting or ploughing wear mechanism.
The mechanism of intestinal utilization of monoglycerides

Abstract 1. 1. The intact utilization of 1-monopalmitin by intestinal mucosal enzymes for the synthesis of triglycerides has been demonstrated. 2. 2. The enzyme does not demonstrate a specificity for the d or l isomer 3. 3. The first acylation of 1-monopalmitin occurs at the corresponding pirmary hydroxy group forming the 1,3-diglyceride intermediate. 4. 4. The subcellular location and optimal requirements of the enzyme system catalyzing the acylation have been determined.
Co-integration, co-expression and inheritance of unlinked minimal transgene expression cassettes in an apomictic turf and forage grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge).

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is an important turf and forage grass in the southeastern United States and other subtropical regions. Biolistic co-transfer of two unlinked, minimal, linear transgene expression cassettes (MCs) into the apomictic bahiagrass cv. Argentine was carried out to evaluate co-integration, quantify co-expression and analyze inheritance to apomictic seed progeny. Gold projectiles were coated with minimal unlinked nptII and bar expression cassettes in a 1:2 molar ratio. Complexity of transgene loci correlated with the amount of DNA used during gene transfer. Transgenic plants displayed a simple nptII integration pattern with 1–4 hybridization signals compared to the non-selected bar gene with 2 to more than 5 hybridization signals per transgenic line. Co-expression of unlinked nptII and bar genes occurred in 19 of the 20 co-transformed lines (95% co-expression frequency). Protein quantification revealed that several lines with complex integration patterns displayed a higher transgene expression than lines with simple transgene integration patterns. Several transgenic lines displayed hybridization signals indicative of concatemerization. Concatemers were confirmed following PCR amplification and sequence analysis of transgene loci. The obligate apomictic bahiagrass cv. Argentine produced uniform seed progeny without segregation of simple or complex transgene loci. NPTII- and PAT-ELISA, as well as herbicide application, confirmed stable expression of the nptII and bar gene at levels similar to the primary transformants. These results demonstrate that biolistic transfer of MCs support stable and high level co-expression of transgenes in bahiagrass.
A dynamic model of housing production

Abstract This paper derives the optimal development strategy for a housing producer with perfect foresight in a steady-state environment where dwellings deteriorate as they age. Under the assumption of zero demolition costs, the optimal strategy is an infinite sequence of identical buildings. Building abandonment is shown to be possible with positive demolition costs. A solution highlighting the model's spatial properties is computed using Cobb-Douglas functions.
Interview with Jason Link: Champion for Ecosystem Science and Management

This is the first installment of a series of interviews conducted by American Fisheries Society (AFS) members with scientists at the forefront of fisheries management in the United States who have ...
Effect of Event Run Structure on Prediction of Recursive Binary Sequences

The acquisition and prediction of recursive sequences by 150 human Ss was examined in two experiments. In general, errors per response increased with alternations in the schedule. Cycles to solution tended to increase with an increased number of runs but was not clearly related to run length or heterogeneity. Two stages of acquisition were indicated. The response-recall stage was demonstrated by S's early approximation of run lengths. Furthermore, on most schedules errors per response approached a pre-solution minimum of one error per two alternations by the middle of the acquisition process. The associative hook-up, response-ordering stage of pattern acquisition was usually characterized by an all-or-none shift from run length matching to event matching.
Effect of amplitude and frequency of cyclic tensile strain on the inhibition of MMP-1 mRNA expression in tendon cells: An in vitro study

To determine the effect of cyclic strain amplitude and frequency on MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) expression in tendon cells, rat tail tendons (RTT) were immobilized or cyclically displaced to various amplitudes (1, 3, or 6% strain at 0.017 Hz) or frequencies (1% strain at 0.017, 0.17, or 1.0 Hz) for 24 hr. Stress-deprivation for 24 hr resulted in a marked upregulation in MMP-1 expression. Cyclic tensile loading at 0.017 Hz was found to significantly inhibit, but not completely eliminate, MMP-1 expression at 1% strain. MMP-1 expression was completely eliminated at 3 and 6% strain. Increasing the frequency of application of the 1% strain to 0.17 or 1.0 Hz completely eliminated MMP-1 expression. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D abolished all inhibitory effects of cyclic strain on MMP-1 expression. The results of our study demonstrate that MMP-1 expression in tendon cells can be modulated by varying amplitudes and frequencies of cyclic tensile strain, presumably through a cytoskeletally based mechanotransduction pathway.
Erectile dysfunction in the aging man

Erectile dysfunction is defined as a consistent inability to obtain or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse in at least 50% of attempts. The term erectile dysfunction has replaced the more pejorative term impotence. A revolution over the past 10 years in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder has enhanced the ability to discuss it more openly than ever before, by both patients and physicians. This disorder affects 10 million to 30 million men in the United States and more than 140 million men worldwide. 12,33 In 1996, there were 1.3 million office visits for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, reported by the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, more than double the rate found in 1985. 7,32 There are few disorders that impact quality of life, sense of self and esteem, and relationships with significant others in quite the same way. Although erectile dysfunction is discussed more openly, many myths remain. With aging, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases. This prevalence does not represent normal aging, however, any more than hypertension is considered to be normal in an older adult, and erectile dysfunction is not an inevitable effect of aging. Further, a decline in sexual function may relate to matters other than erectile difficulties, such as illness on the part of an individual or his partner, lack of a partner, loss of libido, or environmental issues (e.g., institutional living).
Cost-distortion optimized caching of streaming media

Caching of Internet content in caches local to users is beneficial to both users and the network, because it reduces retrieval times for the user as well as reduces load on the network. However, it comes at the cost of storage in the cache, which can be large, particularly when multimedia objects are cached. In this paper, we address the problem of caching multimedia objects such as audio and video streams, in a cost-distortion optimized way. That is, we seek caching policies that minimize the cost of both storage and transmission while minimizing the distortion seen by the user (or equivalently, maximizing the quality seen by the user). Simulation results demonstrate that caching in a cost-distortion optimized manner leads to significant improvements over the case where no caching is performed.
Tools, Grammar and the Archaeology of Cognition

Use of archaeological evidence in discussions of the origin and evolution of grammar has proved unconvincing largely because of undeveloped theoretical assumptions about the cognitive connection between language and tool behaviour. This paper examines the cognitive basis of tool use and tool making and concludes that there is no sound theoretical basis for inferring grammatical abilities from prehistoric stone tools. Our knowledge concerning the cognitive basis of tool behaviour can, however, be used to document evolutionary developments in hominid cognition. Analysis of early biface culture, for example, reveals a cognitive complexity greater than that demonstrable for the earlier Oldowan or for modern apes.
Fibrosin: A novel lymphokine in alcohol-induced fibrosis.

Abstract In this study, we examined the role of fibrogenic cytokines in alcohol-induced fibrosis. In particular, we examined the production of a novel fibrogenic cytokine, fibrosin, among others, by fibroblasts in response to ethanol in vitro; we also studied the production of fibrosin in an animal model of alcohol-induced liver injury. This model system utilizes the intragastric feeding rat model in which rats are fed different dietary fats and ethanol or dextrose. Our study showed that physiologic concentrations of ethanol directly induced proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro and also stimulated the production of cytokines. In particular, fibrosin, the novel fibrogenic cytokine, was produced. Other cytokines such as TGFβ, IL-6, and TNFα were also induced. Also, exposure of fibroblasts to interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α induced production of fibrosin. In the fish oil–ethanol-fed rats which showed fibrotic lesions in the liver, fibrosin mRNA as well as protein was expressed. Fibrosin was not detected in control rats not exhibiting fibrosis. These studies show that ethanol can directly stimulate fibroblast proliferation and production of fibrogenic cytokines. It is likely that fibrosin, which may be derived from inflammatory cells, contributes to alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo.
The Effect of Pressure on High- and Low-Working-Memory Students: An Elaboration of the Choking under Pressure Hypothesis.

ample Fifty-three third and fourth graders from China participated in this study. Method Participants' working memory (WM) was assessed by the Automated Operation Span task. Then, they solved mental addition problems of different types under low- and high-pressure conditions. Performance was analysed as a function of pressure condition, working memory capacity, and problem type. Results On ‘no carry’ mental addition problems, there was no difference between the two groups of children regardless the presence of pressure. For problems with carries, low WM (LWM) children performed worse on all tasks compared with high WM (HWM) children in the no-pressure condition, but pressure influenced the LWM and HWM differently depending on the nature of the carrying task. On ‘hidden carry’ mental addition trials (for which guessing strategies were minimally effective), LWM performance was much lower than HWM performance under pressure. By contrast, performance was similar between LWM and HWM groups under pressure on the ‘normal carry’ trials that allowed for non-resource-intensive heuristic strategies. Conclusion Whether high- or low-working-memory elementary-school-aged children were more or less affected by pressure was dependent on task-difficulty and the types of strategies that could be used to solve the problems.
A new switching device for printed electronics: inkjet-printed microelectromechanical relay.

Printed electronics employing solution-processed materials is considered to be the key to realizing low-cost large-area electronic systems, but the performance of printed transistors is generally inadequate for most of the intended applications due to limited performance of printable semiconductor materials. We propose an alternative approach for a printed switch, where the use of semiconductors can be avoided by building mechanical switches with printed metal nanoparticle-based inks. In this work, we detail the first demonstration of inkjet-printed microelectromechanical (MEM) switches with abrupt switching characteristics, very low on-state resistance (∼10 Ω), and very low off-state leakage. The devices are fabricated using a novel process scheme to build three-dimensional cantilever structures from solution-processed metallic nanoparticles and sacrificial polymer layers. These printed MEM switches thus represent a uniquely attractive path for realizing printed electronics.
Preferences for cardiac tests and procedures may partially explain sex but not race disparities

Abstract Objective There are known race and sex differences in emergent cardiac care. Many feel these differences reflect a bias from the physician. We hypothesized these differences may be the result of patient preferences. Methods Emergency department (ED) patients 40 years and older with a chief complaint of chest pain were surveyed from July 11 through December 9, 2005, at 2 academic EDs. This prospective survey study included demographics and prior cardiac test experience. Preferences for hypothetical cardiac tests and procedures were compared between race and sex using χ 2 or Fisher exact tests. Results Two hundred sixteen patients were enrolled. The mean age was 55 ± 12 years (43% men and 51% black). Blacks compared with whites preferred the electrocardiogram (ECG) to the technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) stress test. Blacks also preferred a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with whites who were more likely to forego PCI. These racial differences disappeared when a physician recommended a procedure. There were no race preferences between PCI vs coronary artery bypass graft, whether or not a doctor recommended the procedure. For sex, there were no preferences between ECG vs MIBI stress test or cardiac catheterization, whether or not a doctor recommended the test or procedure. With regard to a choice between PCI and coronary artery bypass graft, women were more likely to decline the procedure than men. Even with a physician-recommended procedure, women were more likely to refuse than men, whereas men were more likely to accept it. Conclusions Blacks were more likely to prefer the less invasive stress test and wanted PCIs more, but these racial differences disappeared when a physician-recommended test was offered. Women were more likely to refuse the most invasive cardiac procedure compared with men. The sex-related preferences might partially explain why women receive fewer invasive cardiac procedures than men. However, race-related cardiac preferences suggest that other factors beyond patient preference account for fewer PCIs in black patients.
Geometric random inner products: A family of tests for random number generators

We present a computational scheme, GRIP (geometric random inner products), for testing the quality of random number generators. The GRIP formalism utilizes geometric probability techniques to calculate the average scalar products of random vectors distributed in geometric objects, such as circles and spheres. We show that these average scalar products define a family of geometric constants which can be used to evaluate the quality of random number generators. We explicitly apply the GRIP tests to several random number generators frequently used in Monte Carlo simulations, and demonstrate a statistical property for good random number generators.
Nonparametric Estimation of Nonstationary Spatial Covariance Structure

Abstract Estimation of the covariance structure of spatial processes is a fundamental prerequisite for problems of spatial interpolation and the design of monitoring networks. We introduce a nonparametric approach to global estimation of the spatial covariance structure of a random function Z(x, t) observed repeatedly at times ti (i = 1, …, T) at a finite number of sampling stations xi (i = 1, 2, …, N) in the plane. Our analyses assume temporal stationarity but do not assume spatial stationarity (or isotropy). We analyze the spatial dispersions var(Z(xi, t) − Z(xj, t)) as a natural metric for the spatial covariance structure and model these as a general smooth function of the geographic coordinates of station pairs (xi, xj ). The model is constructed in two steps. First, using nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) we compute a two-dimensional representation of the sampling stations for which a monotone function of interpoint distances δij approximates the spatial dispersions. MDS transforms the problem...
EFFECT OF MIXING CONDITIONS ON FLOCCULATION KINETICS OF WASTEWATERS CONTAINING PROTEINS AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS USING FIBROUS MATERIALS AND POLYELECTROLYTES

The application of a combined system of a polyelectrolyte, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and highly fibrillated fibrous materials, cellulose triacetate fibrets (CTF), for the recovery of proteins and other biological compounds from model and actual biological systems has been demonstrated . In the present work, reaction batches were scaled-up to a one-liter agitated vessel, with a standard configuration. The effect of mixing conditions on the adsorption and flocculation process was studied. It was observed that flocculation time was very fast, occurring within the period of polymer addition. Long term shearing did not result in floc breakage and the values of percentage light transmission and protein concentration of the final filtrate remained the same during the incubation period. Increasing the shear rate resulted in improved process efficiency, up to an optimum value, above which performance was poorer. Perikinetic and orthokinetic rate parameters were calculated and results analyzed in view of these parameters.
Normal preoperative white blood cell count is predictive of outcomes for endovascular procedures

Background An abnormally elevated preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) has been associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, it is unknown if a normal WBC is predictive of postoperative outcomes following vascular interventions. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine if a WBC within the normal range is predictive of outcomes following vascular interventions. Methods The medical records of patients undergoing endovascular and open repair of carotid stenosis, aortic aneurysm, and peripheral arterial disease from 1999 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Major adverse events (MAE) were defined as death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Results Of 1773 cases with normal preoperative WBC (3.5-10.5 K/μL), there were 804 [45.3%] endovascular and 969 [54.7%] open vascular surgeries. Patients with complications (55) or MAE (19) after endovascular intervention had higher preoperative WBC compared with patients without complications (WBC 7.7 ± 1.47 vs 7.1 ± 1.57, respectively, P = .002) or MAE (WBC 8.3 ± 1.26 vs 7.1 ± 0.06, respectively, P = .001). No difference was observed for patients who received open surgery. Patients undergoing endovascular intervention were 2.3, 4.8, and 22 times more likely to experience complications ( P = .004), MAE ( P = .003), or death ( P = .036) when WBC exceeded 7.5 K/μL. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative normal WBC was an independent predictor of complications, MAE, and death in patients after endovascular procedures but only for death in patients after open vascular procedures. Conclusions This study demonstrates a strong linear correlation between an increasing preoperative WBC within the normal range and an increased risk for postoperative complications and death following endovascular interventions. The study also found a significant curvilinear U-shaped relation between a normal preoperative WBC and death in the open surgical cohort, with patients in the very low and very high normal WBC range at an increased risk of death.
The Real–Time Stop–Skipping Problem

As a departure from previous studies on the stop–skipping control problem, this study investigates the possibility of implementing a stop–skipping policy for operations control in a real–time manner. Stop–skipping is investigated for a service disruption of varying length, occurring in the middle of a route, as a means of responding to the disruption more rapidly. Based on a preliminary analysis that shows that a basic stop–skipping policy may not be appropriate for real–time application, a policy alternative is constructed such that the control vehicle can still drop off passengers at stops in the skipping segment. The stop–skipping strategy is formulated separately for both policies as a nonlinear integer programming problem. The problem formulation includes assumptions of random distributions of passenger boardings and alightings, specifically with the binomial distribution and Poisson distribution representing the passenger alighting and boarding processes, respectively. The problem solution uses an e...
Toxicokinetics of DDE and 2-chlorobiphenyl in Chironomus tentans.

Uptake, biotransformation, and elimination rates for DDE and 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-CB) were examined using fourth instar midge larvae (Chironomus tentans) under a water-only exposure. A two-compartment model that included biotransformation described the kinetics for 2-CB and a one-compartment model was used for DDE. The uptake clearance coefficient (ku) was 65.96 ± 2.09 ml · g−1 midge · h−1 for 2-CB and 84.1 ± 2.7 ml · g−1 midge · h−1 for DDE. DDE demonstrated no measurable elimination, while 2-CB showed elimination with faster elimination of parent compound (kep = 0.100 ± 0.008 h−1) compared to the polar metabolites (kem = 0.073 ± 0.016 h−1). The biotransformation rate for 2-CB (km = 0.031 ± 0.005 h−1) appeared to be time-dependent with faster rates at the beginning of the accumulation process slowing to a constant once the midge was loaded with chemical. Experimental results indicate a difference in the ability of C. tentans to eliminate 2-CB and its metabolites more quickly than DDE, and these differences were related to the bioconcentration potential of the compounds.
The Paradox of the Phage Group: Essay Review*

The 1966 festschrift for Max Delbriick, Phage and the Origins of Molecular Biology, effectively launched the history of molecular biol ogy, and it still echoes resoundingly in the historiography. Just three years after its appearance Delbriick shared the Nobel Prize in Physi ology or Medicine with Alfred Hershey and Salvador Luria "for their discoveries concerning 'the replication mechanism and the genetic structure of viruses.'"1 This volume of admiring essays was no doubt among the testimonials considered by the Caroline Institute of Medicine and its Nobel Committee.2 Gunther Stent's introduction to the collec tion, "Waiting for the Paradox," best articulates the book's underlying argument that the birth of molecular biology can be traced to Del briick's decision to study bacteriophage. As the standard view goes (in Stent's telling), physicists, disenchanted over the uses of the secrets of the atom for mass destruction, read Schrodinger's What is Life? as a vocational call to discover the secret of life.3 First among this band of physical scientists who would renovate biology was Delbriick, who had
Aquaporin Water Channels

Thank you very much. I am humbled, I am delighted; I am honored. This is every scientist's dream: to give the Nobel Lecture in Stockholm. But I would not be honest if I did not tell you that I am having a little anxiety being on this platform. I have lectured a number of times in Sweden, and I thought I would share with you some events preceding a special lecture that I gave here a few years ago. Arriving at Arlanda Airport, I waited in line at the Pass Control behind a group of businessmen in suits with briefcases. I heard the first in line asked by the control officer to state the purpose of his visit to Sweden. When the man replied "business," the officer approved and stamped his passport. One at a time, each stepped forward and was asked the same thing; each answered "business" and was approved. Eventually it was my turn, and I was dressed in rumpled clothes after spending the night in the Economy Minus section of an SAS jetliner. The officer asked me the purpose of my visit, and I said "I am here to give the von Euler Lecture at Karolinska Institute." The officer immediately looked up, stared at me, and asked, "Are you nervous?" At that point I became intensely nervous and said "Yes, I am a little nervous." The officer looked up again and stated "Well, you should be!" So if the lecturers look a little nervous, the problem is at Arlanda.
Solution conformations of the 6α and 6β epimers of oxymorphamine

Abstract High field (360 MHz) 1 H NMR studies have shown that the conformation of ring C in the oxymorphamines is dramatically influenced by the stereochemistry of the 6-amino group: ring C exists in a chair conformation in the 6β-epimer but adopts a twist boat conformation in the 6α-epimer.
Determination of the Material Intrinsic Length Scale of Gradient Plasticity Theory

The enhanced strain-gradient plasticity theories formulate a constitutive framework on the continuum level that is used to bridge the gap between the micromechanical plasticity and the classical continuum plasticity. To assess the size effects it is indispensable to incorporate an intrinsic material length parameter into the constitutive equations. However, the full utility of gradient-type theories hinges on one’s ability to determine the constitutive length-scale parameter. The classical continuum plasticity is unable to predict properly the evolution of the material flow stress since the local deformation gradients at a given material point are not accounted for. The gradient-based flow stress is commonly assumed to rely on a mixed type of dislocations: statistically stored dislocations (SSDs) and geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). In this work a micromechanical model to assess the coupling between SSDs and GNDs, which is based on the Taylor’s hardening law, is used to identify the deformation-gradient-related intrinsic length-scale parameter in terms of measurable microstructural physical parameters. This work also presents a method for identifying the length-scale parameter from micro-indentation tests.
Expression of androgen receptor mRNA in zebra finch song system: Developmental regulation by estrogen

By using improved methods for in situ hybridization to detect expression of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA, the distribution of expression was mapped in the adult male zebra finch brain. In the neural song circuit, robust expression was found in area X of the lobus parolfactorius (LPO) as well as in other song regions previously reported. Expression was also found in many areas of the hypothalamus and dorsal thalamic nuclei, nucleus intercollicularis and ventricular areas of the midbrain, cerebellar Purkinje and granule cells, the hyperstriatum, medial neostriatum, medial LPO, and archistriatum. In juvenile males, AR mRNA expression was first detected in nucleus high vocal center (HVC) at posthatch day 9 (P9), in area X at P9-P11, and in the region of the robust nucleus (RA) in the medial archistriatum by P7. Estrogen treatment of hatchling females caused an increase in the expression of AR mRNA in HVC and area X by P11, whereas treatment of hatchling males with the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole decreased the expression of AR mRNA at P11. The present results indicate that masculine development of AR expression begins in area X and HVC before they are thought to be synaptically connected, suggesting that different song nuclei initiate sexual differentiation independently of transsynaptic masculinizing influences. The present results suggest that estrogen is necessary for full masculine AR expression in the song system and that the estrogenic regulation of AR contributes to subsequent differential actions of androgen in male and female song nuclei.
COMPLEMENT C5 REGULATES THE EXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEINS IN CHRONIC EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

Complement activation plays a central role in autoimmune demyelination. To explore the possible effects of C5 on post-inflammatory tissue repair, we investigated the transcriptional profile induced by C5 in chronic experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) using oligonucleotide arrays. We used C5-deficient (C5-d) and C5-sufficient (C5-s) mice to compare the gene expression profile and we found that 390 genes were differentially regulated in C5-s mice as compared to C5-d mice during chronic EAE. Among them, a group of genes belonging to the family of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 were found most significantly differentially regulated by C5. The dysregulation of these genes suggests that these proteins might be responsible for the gliosis and lack of remyelination seen in C5-d mice with chronic EAE.
Association of serious psychological distress with health services expenditures and utilization in a national sample of US adults

Objective: The Kessler six-item scale has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of serious psychological distress (SPD) in community samples. We examined the effect of SPD on health service expenditures and utilization for seven categories in a national probability sample of community dwelling adults in the United States. Methods: We used the two-step sample selection model to examine the association between SPD and total, office-based, outpatient, emergency department (ED), inpatient, dental, home health and prescription expenditures and utilization in 18,330 US adults who participated in the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Results: SPD was significantly associated with $1735 ( 95% CI: $702–2769) higher total expenditures, $285 higher office expenditures ( 95% CI: $30–539), $183 higher ED expenditures (95% CI: $64–303), $282 (95% CI: $62–503) higher home health expenditures, $614 (95% CI: $403–825) higher prescription expenditures and $41 (95% CI: −$103 to $22) lower dental expenditures. SPD was associated with 3.09 (95% CI: 2.09–4.08) more office visits, 0.27 (95% CI: 0.17–0.36) more ED visits, 0.84 (95% CI: 0.36–1.32) more inpatient visits, 2.93 (95% CI: 0.13–5.70) more home health visits, 8.13 (95% CI: 6.08–10.18) more prescriptions and 0.18 (95% CI: −0.30 to −0.07) less dental visits. Conclusions: Among US adults, SPD is associated with significant increases in total expenditures and most other categories of expenditure and utilization. Targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of SPD are needed.
On the extreme inequalities of infinite group problems

Infinite group relaxations of integer programs (IP) were introduced by Gomory and Johnson (Math Program 3:23–85, 1972) to generate cutting planes for general IPs. These valid inequalities correspond to real-valued functions defined over an appropriate infinite group. Among all the valid inequalities of the infinite group relaxation, extreme inequalities are most important since they are the strongest cutting planes that can be obtained within the group-theoretic framework. However, very few properties of extreme inequalities of infinite group relaxations are known. In particular, it is not known if all extreme inequalities are continuous and what their relations are to extreme inequalities of finite group problems. In this paper, we describe new properties of extreme functions of infinite group problems. In particular, we study the behavior of the pointwise limit of a converging sequence of extreme functions as well as the relations between extreme functions of finite and infinite group problems. Using these results, we prove for the first time that a large class of discontinuous functions is extreme for infinite group problems. This class of extreme functions is the generalization of the functions given by Letchford and Lodi (Oper Res Lett 30(2):74–82, 2002), Dash and Gunluk (Proceedings 10th conference on integer programming and combinatorial optimization. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 33–45 (2004), Math Program 106:29–53, 2006) and Richard et al. (Math Program 2008, to appear). We also present several other new classes of discontinuous extreme functions. Surprisingly, we prove that the functions defining extreme inequalities for infinite group relaxations of mixed integer programs are continuous.
A chronic study of artificial sweeteners in Syrian golden hamsters.

Summary Chronic administration of saccharin and sodium or calcium cyclamates in drinking water to Syrian golden hamsters, up to the maximum tolerated dose level, failed to induce an excess of tumors compared to controls; nor were any urinary bladder tumors found.
Reconsidering the parent analogy: unfinished business for skeptical theists

Skeptical theism has as its foundation the thesis that if God permits evil, his reasons for doing so will likely be beyond our ken. The only defense given for this thesis is the Parent Analogy. There is in the literature only one defense of this use of the Parent Analogy and it has never been confronted. I examine it and expose serious flaws, thus exposing a crack in the very foundation of skeptical theism.
Kerosene absorption in primates

Kerosene, labeled with 3 H-toluene or 14 C-hexadecane, was given to baboons by nasogastric tube after a tracheostomy had been performed. Six hours later the animals were killed and samples of tissues taken for analysis. The radioactive label was recovered from all the tissues analyzed. 3 H-toluene appeared to be absorbed and taken up by most tissues to a greater extent than was 14 C-hexadecane. No abnormal neurologic signs or behavior was noted in the baboons which were conscious during the study period. It appears that primates absorb kerosene from the gastrointestinal tract, but the volumes are very small and do not cause gross neurologic signs.
Correlation of doxorubicin footprints with deletion endpoints in lacO of E. coli.

Abstract This study explored the possibility that the sequence location of doxorubicin-induced deletion endpoints might relate to DNA structural alterations caused by doxorubicin binding to DNA. The 3′-OH endpoints of doxorubicin-induced deletions terminating in the 35-bp region of lacO appear to distribute differently from spontaneous deletion endpoints. Doxorubicin-induced deletions focus in the 26-bp palindrome which is separated by a 9-bp region with no reverse complementary, whereas spontaneous deletion 3′-OH endpoints are found distributed throughout the operator region. In order to explore the mechanism of deletion induction by doxorubicin, drug footprinting studies were carried out with DNA labeled at the 5′ end of each of the complementary DNA strands encompassed by lacO. Doxorubicin protected the 9-bp region between the palindromic sequences from DNase I cutting and caused enhanced DNase I cleavage at symmetrical sites in the palindrome, which were inherently resistant to the nuclease in the absence of the drug. These symmetrical sites also define regions in which the occurrence of deletion endpoints is enhanced 6-fold in the presence of doxorubicin. This enhanced cutting and mutation occur in regions of the palindrome that are flanked by expected doxorubicin binding sites, but are not themselves binding sites of the drug. Similarly, other sites where the frequency of deletion endpoints increased in response to doxorubicin occurred directly adjacent to regions where doxorubicin appeared to inhibit cutting by DNase I. These results suggest that the binding of doxorubicin in the palindrome directs both the frequency and the specificity of deletion formation in this gene region.
AN ANALYSIS OF LAMINAR FILM BOILING WITH VARIABLE PROPERTIES

An analysis was made of stable, laminar, free convection, film boiling from isothermal vertical plates and horizontal cylinders surrounded by a saturated liquid. The mathematical techniques of boundary-layer theory were used and the boundary-layer equations were reduced to ordinary differential equations by means of a transforma tion similar to that used in free convection and condensation. The equations were solved for compressible flow with variable specific heat. Numerical results are presented for near critical water at 2800 and 3100 lb/sq in. with wall-to-liquid temperature differences of 250, 500, and 1000 deg F. Results for heat transfer, velocity distribution, and temperature distribution are included and compared to so1utions obtained by assuming constant properties. (auth)
Similarity scaling and vorticity structure in high-Reynolds-number stably stratified turbulent wakes

The mean velocity profile scaling and the vorticity structure of a stably stratified, initially turbulent wake of a towed sphere are studied numerically using a high-accuracy spectral multi-domain penalty method model. A detailed initialization procedure allows a smooth, minimum-transient transition into the non-equilibrium (NEQ) regime of wake evolution. A broad range of Reynolds numbers, Re = UD/ν ∈ [5 × 10 3 , 10 5 ] and internal Froude numbers, Fr = 2U/(N D) ∈ [4,64] (U, D are characteristic velocity and length scales, and N is the buoyancy frequency) is examined. The maximum value of Re and the range of Fr values considered allow extrapolation of the results to geophysical and naval applications. At higher Re, the NEQ regime, where three-dimensional turbulence adjusts towards a quasi-two-dimensional, buoyancy-dominated flow, lasts significantly longer than at lower Re. At Re = 5 x 10 3 , vertical fluid motions are rapidly suppressed, but at Re = 10 5 , secondary Kelvin―Helmholtz instabilities and ensuing turbulence are clearly observed up to Nt ≈ 100. The secondary motions intensify with increasing stratification strength and have significant vertical kinetic energy. These results agree with existing scaling of buoyancy-driven shear on Re/Fr 2 and suggest that, in the field, the NEQ regime may last up to Nt ≈ 1000. At a given high Re value, during the NEQ regime, the scale separation between Ozmidov and Kolmogorov scale is independent of Fr. This first systematic numerical investigation of stratified turbulence (as defined by Lilly, J. Atmos. Sci. vol. 40, 1983, p. 749), in a controlled localized flow with turbulent initial conditions suggests that a reconsideration of the commonly perceived life cycle of a stratified turbulent event may be in order for the correct turbulence parametrizations of such flows in both geophysical and operational contexts.
Analysis of Coyote Mitochondrial DNA Genotype Frequencies: Estimation of the Effective Number of Alleles

A restriction-site survey of 327 coyotes (Canis latrans) from most parts of their North American range reveals 32 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genotypes. The genotypes are not strongly partitioned in space, suggesting that there is high gene flow among coyote subpopulations. Consequently, each new geographic location added to the study has a decreasing probability of containing a mtDNA genotype that had not been previously discovered. This being the case, by using Monte Carlo sampling experiments, we can estimate the total number of genotypes that would be found if all possible localities were surveyed. This estimate of total genotypic variability agrees qualitatively with estimates based on theoretical considerations of the expected number of alleles in a stable population. We also predict effective population sizes from genotype data. The accuracy of these estimates is thought to be dependent on the fact that coyotes are not highly genetically structured, a situation which may apply to highly mobile species.
Application-defined decentralized access control

DCAC is a practical OS-level access control system that supports application-defined principals. It allows normal users to perform administrative operations within their privilege, enabling isolation and privilege separation for applications. It does not require centralized policy specification or management, giving applications freedom to manage their principals while the policies are still enforced by the OS. DCAC uses hierarchically-named attributes as a generic framework for user-defined policies such as groups defined by normal users. For both local and networked file systems, its execution time overhead is between 0%-9% on file system microbenchmarks, and under 1% on applications. This paper shows the design and implementation of DCAC, as well as several real-world use cases, including sandboxing applications, enforcing server applications' security policies, supporting NFS, and authenticating user-defined sub-principals in SSH, all with minimal code changes.
Loss of Lkb1 provokes highly invasive endometrial adenocarcinomas

Mutations in the LKB1 tumor suppressor gene result in the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition characterized by hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract and a dramatically increased risk of epithelial malignancies at other sites, including the female reproductive tract. Here we show that female mice heterozygous for a null Lkb1 allele spontaneously develop highly invasive endometrial adenocarcinomas. To prove that these lesions were indeed due to Lkb1 inactivation, we introduced an adenoviral Cre vector into the uterine lumen of mice harboring a conditional allele of Lkb1. This endometrial-specific deletion of the Lkb1 gene provoked highly invasive and sometimes metastatic endometrial adenocarcinomas closely resembling those observed in Lkb1 heterozygotes. Tumors were extremely well differentiated and histopathologically distinctive and exhibited alterations in AMP-dependent kinase signaling. Although Lkb1 has been implicated in the establishment of cell polarity, and loss of polarity defines most endometrial cancers, Lkb1-driven endometrial cancers paradoxically exhibit (given their highly invasive phenotype) normal cell polarity and apical differentiation. In human endometrial cancers, Lkb1 expression was inversely correlated with tumor grade and stage, arguing that Lkb1 inactivation or down-regulation also contributes to endometrial cancer progression in women. This study shows that Lkb1 plays an important role in the malignant transformation of endometrium and that Lkb1 loss promotes a highly invasive phenotype.
A novel approach for resection of a vaginal septum.

Abstract Background The resection of a vaginal septum using the Harmonic Scalpel in a patient on anticoagulation is described. Case A 21-year-old female with bicollis didelphys uterus and a 4-cm vaginal septum underwent resection of the vaginal septum using the ultrasonic scalpel. Hemostasis was noted both during and after the procedure. The patient was given thombophylaxis for 2 weeks perioperatively secondary to her medical history of anti-thrombin III deficiency and deep venous thrombosis. Summary and Conclusion The use of the Harmonic Scalpel appears to be a safe and effective method for resection of vaginal septa. Patient healing time may vary and may take longer than with traditional techniques.
Adapting Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Prevention of Excessive Weight Gain in Rural African American Girls

Objective To obtain focus group data regarding the perspectives of rural African American (AA) girls, parents/guardians, and community leaders on obesity, loss of control (LOC) eating, relationships, and interpersonal psychotherapy for the prevention of excessive weight gain (IPT-WG). Methods Seven focus groups (N ¼ 50 participants) were moderated and the transcripts analyzed by Westat researchers using widely accepted methods of qualitative and thematic analysis. A session was held with experts in health disparities to elucidate themes. Results Participants understood LOC eating; however, they had culturally specific perceptions including usage of alternative terms. Relationships were highly valued, specifically those between mothers and daughters. IPT-WG program components generally resonated with participants, although modifications were recommended to respect parental roles. Experts interpreted focus group themes and discussed potential barriers and solutions to recruitment and participation. Conclusion Findings suggest that adapting IPT-WG may be acceptable to rural AA families. This research is the first step in developing a sustainable excessive weight gain and binge eating disorder prevention program for rural AA adolescents.
Cognitive Apprenticeship in Science through Immersion in Laboratory Practices

This study investigates how high school students respond to an environment of authentic science inquiry while participating in an intensive summer institute, the Waksman Student Scholars Programme at Rutgers University. We examined how students apprenticed with expert scientists in a study of contemporary questions in molecular genetics. Students engaged in both laboratory practices and seminars as part of their experience in this program. We assessed student learning about conceptual knowledge of molecular genetics as well as their beliefs about the nature of science. Student conceptual knowledge increased and their beliefs about the nature of science changed to a more tentative perspective. We examined student learning qualitatively through their journals, which showed that some students were developing more sophisticated ways of thinking about the issues that were raised in their seminars and laboratory research. These ways included an increased ability to generate hypotheses, consider alternative hypo...
When Predictions Create Reality: Judgments of Learning May Alter What They Are Intended to Assess:

Nelson and Dunlosky (Psychological Science, July 1991) reported that subjects making judgments of learning (JOLs) can be extremely accurate at predicting subsequent recall performance on a paired-associate task when the JOL task is delayed for a short while after study They argued that this result is surprising given the results of earlier research, as well as their own current experiment, indicating that JOLs are quite inaccurate when made immediately after study We note that the delayed-JOL procedure used by Nelson and Dunlosky invited covert recall practice (which was reported by their subjects) Retrieval practice is a well-known determinant of subsequent recall Accordingly, Nelson and Dunloskys findings can be explained by the simple assumption that people base delayed JOLs on an assessment of retrieval success which in turn influences their retrieval success on the subsequent recall test