cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vortices and monopole distributions in Z(2) × SO(3) lattice gauge theory

Abstract We examine the occurance of Z (2) and SO (3) vorticies and monopole distributions in the neighborhood of Wilson loops. We use the Tomboulis formulation, equivalent to the Wilson action, in which the links are invariant under Z (2) transformations and new plaquette variables carry the Z (2) degrees of freedom. This gives new gauge invariant observables to help gain insight into the area law and structure of the flux tube.
Comparing Data Submitted by Public and Private Pharmacy Schools to the Opioid-Related Activities Database.

Objective. This investigation compared similarities and differences in education on opioids and opioid abuse between public and private US schools and colleges of pharmacy. Methods. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy has created and maintains an Opioid-Related Activities database for schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States. With data from 2019, a mixed-methods design was used to triangulate quantitative analysis with a concurrent qualitative analysis. After describing, the data were compared to national statistics of schools and colleges of pharmacy (ie, number, type of school, and program structure). Data from the database on opioid activity types (ie, education, service, practice, research, and advocacy) were compared between private and public institutions, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative analysis used odds-ratios (for effect-size) and chi-square (for statistical significance), while the qualitative analysis employed word clouds to explore opioid-related activities descriptors. Results. One-hundred-seven of 144 US schools and colleges of pharmacy (74% response rate) provided their opioid-related activities information to AACP. The institutions (55 private, 52 public) had entered 436 unique opioid-related activities in the AACP database. Results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses triangulated that private institutions focused more on education-opioid-related activities, while public institutions offered more activities that involving research. Magnified to education-type opioid-related activities, faculty from private institutions often focused narrowly on an education event alone, while faculty from institutions often focused more broadly on education and other aspects such as funding, research and published articles. Conclusion. Overall, private and public US schools and colleges of pharmacy widely engaged in combatting the US opioid epidemic by training student pharmacists in this important area.
Does Matching Roussouly Spinal Shape and Improvement in SRS-Schwab Modifier Contribute to Improved Patient-reported Outcomes?

Study design Retrospective review. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of matching Roussouly and improving in Schwab modifier following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Summary of background data The Roussouly Classification system of sagittal spinal shape and the SRS-Schwab classification system have become important indicators of spine deformity. No previous studies have examined the outcomes of matching both Roussouly type and improving in Schwab modifiers postoperatively. Methods Surgical ASD patients with available baseline (BL) and 1 year (1Y) radiographic data were isolated in the single-center spine database. Patients were classified by their "theoretical" and "current" Roussouly types as previously published. Patients were considered a "Match" if their theoretical and current Roussouly types were the same, or a "Mismatch" if the types differed. Patients were noted as improved if they were Roussouly "Mismatch" preoperatively, and "Match" at 1Y postop. Schwab modifiers at BL were categorized as follows: no deformity (0), moderate deformity (+), and severe deformity (++) for PT, SVA, and PI-LL. Improvement in SRS-Schwab was defined as a decrease in any modifier severity at 1Y. Results 103 operative ASD patients (61.8 years, 63.1% female, 30 kg/m2) were included. At baseline, breakdown of "current" Roussouly type was: 28% Type 1, 25.3% Type 2, 32.0% Type 3, 14.7% Type 4. 65.3% of patients were classified as Roussouly "Mismatch" at BL. Breakdown of BL Schwab modifier severity: PT (+: 41.7%, ++: 49.5%), SVA (+: 20.3%, ++: 50%), PI-LL (+: 25.2%, ++: 46.6%). At 1 year postop, 19.2% of patients had Roussouly "Match". Analysis of Schwab modifiers showed that 12.6% improved in SVA, 42.7% in PI-LL, and 45.6% in PT. Count of patients who both had a Roussouly type "Match" at 1Y and improved in Schwab modifier severity: nine PT (8.7%), eight PI-LL (7.8%), and two SVA (1.9%). There were two patients (1.9%) who met their Roussouly type and improved in all three Schwab. 1Y matched Roussouly patients improved more in health-related quality of life scores (minimal clinically important difference [MCID] for Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], EuroQol-5D-3L [EQ5D], Visual Analogue Score Leg/Back Pain), compared to mismatched, but was not significant (P > 0.05). Match Roussouly and improvement in PT Schwab met MCID for EQ5D more (P = 0.050). Matched Roussouly and improvement in SVA Schwab met MCID for ODI more (P = 0.024). Conclusion Patients who both matched Roussouly sagittal spinal type and improved in SRS-Schwab modifiers had superior patient-reported outcomes. Utilizing both classification systems in surgical decision-making can optimize postop outcomes.Level of Evidence: 3.
Volume Resistivity of Viton Polymer under Thermal Aging

This study examines the influence of various electrical parameters on the volume resistivity of the Viton fluoroelastomer. The transient current, the temperature dependence of volume resistivity, the voltage dependence of resistivity, and the surface morphology of Viton insulators are investigated for new and aged specimens. An accelerated aging process has been employed in order to simulate the natural aging of insulators in service. A detailed comparison between the new and aged samples is presented. The transient effect, which is a challenge to the resistivity measurement of insulators, has been investigated. The first 60 s of the resistivity measurement test showed a significant influence from the transient effect and should be excluded from the data. The volume resistivity of both new and aged samples decreased when the temperature increased. However, the resistivity of the aged sample was lower than the new one at all tested temperatures. When the temperature increased from 35 to 190 °C, resistivity decreased from 4.77 × 1010 to 6.99 × 108 Ω-cm for the new sample and from 2.6 × 1010 to 6.68 × 108 Ω-cm for the aged sample under 500 V. Additionally, the results from this study showed that the volume resistivity is inversely proportional to the applied voltage. Finally, scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs/images allowed us to closely examine the surface morphology of new and aged Viton samples. The surface of aged samples has been recognized with higher surface roughness and more significant surface cracks leading to poor performance under high voltage applications.
Effectiveness of modified pedestrian crossing signs in an urban area

Abstract The District of Columbia currently uses the standard pedestrian warning signs and diagonal arrow plaques at a substantial number of uncontrolled crosswalks within the City. However, the widespread use of these measures appears to be ineffective in curbing the incidence of pedestrian involved crashes or pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. To compensate for the perceived lack of effectiveness of the standard pedestrian warning sign the District Department of Transportation developed a new side-of-street crossing sign to improve driver compliance based on pedestrian right-of-way laws. This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness (defined as the proportion of drivers approaching a crosswalk who stop or yield the right of way to a pedestrian in the crosswalk) of the experimental side-of-street pedestrian crossing sign compared to the standard sign, with and without rectangular rapid flashing beacons. Effectiveness of the side-of-street pedestrian sign and standard sign were observed at a total of 32 locations in the District over a one-year period using the “control” and “experimental” comparison approach. Video data for each location was obtained from March 2018 through February 2019 during typical weekdays for the morning and afternoon peak periods. The results of the study showed that the experimental signs with RRFBs provided higher driver compliance rates (yielding to pedestrians) compared to the standard signs for both the morning and afternoon peak periods. However, the differences in compliance rates for the experimental and standard signs were not statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. Further evaluation of the signs is recommended using the “before” and “after” approach in addition to an assessment of crash statistics at the selected locations.
Outpatient Portal Use in Prenatal Care: Differential Use by Race, Risk, and Area Social Determinants of Health Factors

Abstract Objective To report the relationship of Outpatient Patient Portal (OPP) use with clinical risk, area social determinants of health (SDoH), and race/ethnicity among pregnant women. Methods Regression models predicting overall and individual portal feature use (main effects and interactions) based on key variables were specified using logfiles and clinical data. Results Overall OPP use among non-Hispanic Black women or patients who lived in lower SDoH neighborhoods were significantly less. High-risk pregnancy patients were likely to use the OPP more than those with normal-risk pregnancy. We found similar associations with individual OPP features, like the Visit (scheduling) and My Record (test results). We also found significant interactive associations between race, clinical risk, and SDoH. Non-Hispanic Black women living in lower SDoH areas used OPP less than non-Hispanic White women from similar or affluent areas. Conclusion More research must be conducted to learn of OPP implications for pregnant women with specific clinical diagnoses.
Enhancement of the Synthesis of a Hormone-induced Protein by Transfer Ribonucleic Acids

Abstract tRNA extracted from the oviducts of laying hens potentiated ovalbumin synthesis when added to oviduct magnum explants of immature chicks which had been stimulated by estrogen. The effect was observed after both primary and secondary estrogen treatment. The stimulation is specific for oviduct tRNA; the addition of rooster liver tRNA or rat liver tRNA had no effect.
Residue Dynamics of Phoxim in Pericarp, Sarcocarp and Kernel of Apple

The temporal and spatial variations of phoxim residue in apples were studied. The insecticide phoxim was applied by spraying according to the recommended dosage. The phoxim residues in different parts of apple were extracted with acetonitrile, purified by primary secondary amine (PSA) and C18 filler, and then determined by gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GPC-GC/MS). It was disclosed that the half-life of phoxim in apples was 1.64 days. The contents of the phoxim residue in different parts of apple could be ranked as follows : pericarp > entire apple > sarcocarp> kernel, and the ratio of residue in pericarp and the entire apple ranged from 6.241 to 9.262 in groups with different specific surface area. There were significant differences in the contents of residues between the pericarp and entire apple, which provided the evidence in the theory instruction and design basis to the sampling method of pesticide residue based on pericarp.
Introduction to Operating Systems

The aims of this chapter are to introduce the following: To provide a brief history of operating system development. To look briefly at some commonly used operating systems DOS and Windows. Unix and X-Windows. VMS and Open VMS.
DEAF‐1, a novel protein that binds an essential region in a Deformed response element.

A 120 bp homeotic response element that is regulated specifically by Deformed in Drosophila embryos contains a single binding site for Deformed protein. However, a 24 bp sub-element containing this site does not constitute a Deformed response element. Specific activation requires a second region in the 120 bp element, which presumably contains one or more binding sites for Deformed cofactors. We have isolated a novel protein from Drosophila nuclear extracts which binds specifically to a site in this second region. This protein, which we call DEAF-1 (Deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor-1), contains three conserved domains. One of these includes a cysteine repeat motif that is similar to a motif found in Drosophila Nervy and the human MTG8 proto-oncoprotein, and another matches a region of Drosophila Trithorax. Mutations in the response element designed to improve binding to DEAF-1 in vitro resulted in increased embryonic expression. Conversely, small mutations designed to diminish binding to DEAF-1 resulted in reduced expression of the element. Thus, DEAF-1 is likely to contribute to the functional activity, and perhaps to the homeotic specificity, of this response element. Consistent with this hypothesis, we have discovered DEAF-1 binding sites in other Deformed response elements.
THE EFFECTS OF URGENCY TO REACH AGREEMENT ON THE PROCESS AND OUTCOME OF MULTI-PARTY NATURAL RESOURCE NEGOTIATIONS

We studied seven hydropower license consultations to examine the role of a sense of urgency to reach agreement. Hydropower licensing consultations were studied because the statutory requirement for consultation encourages negotiation, all such consultations are similar, and a negotiated settlement is not a foregone result. Cases selected for analysis met screening criteria. Structured interviews were conducted with participants after the negotiations had been concluded. Respondent recollections were checked against the documentary record. A sense of urgency to reach agreement was a significant factor in the completion of these negotiations; where there was no shared sense of urgency, purposeful delay adversely affected the negotiations. Although a sense of urgency was experienced by at least one party in each case, only a shared sense of urgency at the end of the process proved significant. Delay did not prevent ultimate agreement but a shared sense of urgency brought speedier agreement and greater satisfaction with the negotiation.
Atomic Interactions in Weakly Ionized Gas: Ionizing Shock Waves in Neon

Abstract The study of weakly ionized gas at atmospheric and near-atmospheric pressure has been attracting an increased interest due to the enormous potential for applications. Atomic and molecular processes drive its complex phenomenology. Excited atoms, especially ones with a long lifetime, have a very important role acting as both an energy reservoir and as an agent of energy transfer. We are using the exemplary case of ionizing shock waves in neon to illustrate how a complete knowledge of the collisional dynamics involving excited atoms is crucial for fundamental understanding of the properties of high-pressure, weakly ionized gas.
A Maintainable Superconducting Magnet System for Tokamak Fusion Reactors

In the search for inexhaustible energy sources, nuclear fusion energy has received much attention in the past decades. Of the various confinement approaches, the Tokamak is by far the most developed fusion concept. The recent achievements in plasma research at major U. S. fusion laboratories promise demonstration of the scientific feasibility of magnetic fusion within the next few years.
Facts and principles learned at the 39th Annual Williamsburg Conference on Heart Disease

The December 2003 conference on heart disease in Williamsburg, Virginia, was the 31st such conference to be held in that city and has been directed by one of us (WCR) since it began in 1972. The conference usually attracts about 200 enrollees, most of whom are repeat attendees. The conference provides 19.75 hours of continuing medical education credit, and nearly all of the speakers are nationally and/or internationally recognized. It is one of the longest-running cardiology courses sponsored by the American College of Cardiology. Its unique feature is that each presentation is 90 minutes, which allows most speakers to discuss more than one topic and answer questions. The proceedings of the December 2002 conference were summarized in the April 2003 issue of Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, and this issue attempts to summarize the proceedings of the December 2003 conference. We took extensive notes during the latest conference and met on many occasions to reproduce as accurately as possible what was said by the presenters. This year's summary also provides many references to the topics discussed.
Combinatorial Screening and Intracellular Antiviral Activity of Hairpin Ribozymes Directed against Hepatitis B Virus

A combinatorial screening method has been used to identify hairpin ribozymes that inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in transfected human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. A hairpin ribozyme library (5 × 105 variants) containing a randomized substrate-binding domain was used to identify accessible target sites within 3.3 kb of full-length in vitro-transcribed HBV pregenomic RNA. Forty potential target sites were found within the HBV pregenomic RNA, and 17 sites conserved in all four subtypes of HBV were chosen for intracellular inhibition experiments. Polymerase II and III promoter expression constructs for corresponding hairpin ribozymes were generated and cotransfected into HCC cells together with a replication-competent dimer of HBV DNA. Four ribozymes inhibited HBV replication by 80, 69, 66, and 49%, respectively, while catalytically inactive mutant forms of these ribozymes affected HBV replication by 36, 28, 0, and 0%. These findings indicate that the inhibitory effects on HBV replication were largely mediated by the catalytic activity of the ribozymes. In conclusion, we have identified catalytically active RNAs by combinatorial screening that mediate intracellular antiviral effects on HBV.
Solidification behavior of low and high thermal conductivity materials in a Bridgman-Stockbarger furnace

The solid-liquid interface position and the temperature gradients in both the solid and liquid at the interface have been studied in a modified Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth furnace. These crystal growth factors have been studied as a function of ampoule translation rate, materials properties, and the size and temperature of a small auxiliary heater placed at the edge of the furnace hot zone. It has been found that the interface position with respect to a furnace reference point is essentially constant during a run for a low thermal conductivity material whereas the interface position changes continuously during a run with high thermal conductivity material. However, the ampoule translation rate and auxiliary heater conditions produce interface position changes in both high and low thermal conductivity materials.
Race-based differences in length of stay among patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background Race-based disparities in operative morbidity and mortality have been demonstrated for various procedures, including pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Race-based differences in hospital length-of-stay (LOS), especially related to provider volume at the surgeon and hospital level, remain poorly defined. Methods Using the 2003–2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we determined year-specific PD volumes for surgeons and hospitals and grouped them into terciles. Patient race (white, black, or Hispanic), age, sex, and comorbidities were examined. Median length of stay was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with increased LOS. Results Among 4,319 eligible individuals, 3,502 (81.1%) were white, 423 (9.8%) were black, and 394 (9.1%) were Hispanic. Overall median LOS was 12 days (range, 0–234). Median annual surgeon volume was 8 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–19; range, 1–54). Annual hospital volume ranged from 1 to 129 (median, 19; IQR, 7–55). White patients were more likely to have been treated at medium- to high-volume hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, P P P = .250). After adjustment, black (OR 1.36, P = .010) and Hispanic (OR 1.68, P Conclusion Black and Hispanic PD patients were less likely than white patients to be treated at higher-volume hospitals and by higher-volume surgeons. Proportional mortality and LOS after PD were greater among black and Hispanic patients.
Test-retest reliability of psychophysiological assessment.

Abstract Thirty subjects participated in a study of the test-retest reliability of five psychophysiological assessment procedures: habituation. Quiz Electrocardiogram, anger imagery, aversive slides and startle. The procedures were presented in identical fashion, 2 weeks apart. Skin conductance level and response, heart rate, vasomotor response, skin temperature, frontalis and forearm electromyogram, respiration rate. and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded continuously. The following analyses were performed on Test-Retest data: correlations, baseline changes, profile similarity, and stability of ranked standardized physiological scores. Significant but modest Test-Retest correlations were found for skin conductance level and response, skin temperature, respiration rate, heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Absolute scores were more often stable than change scores. All baselines were stable from Test to Retest. Four baselines and four test procedures had Test-Retest Profile Similarity Index scores indicating reliability. Chi-square analyses of Retest ranks of standardized physiological scores showed that the two most and least responsive measures accounted for Test-Retest stability. Conclusions were: (a) Psychophysiological response patterns are reliable for baselines and procedures, and single psychophysiological measures (especially absolute scores) are moderately stable; (b) Traditional (correlational) estimates of the reliability of single psychophysiological responses are limited by individual-response stereotypy, but multivariate analysis of response pattern provides a better index of reliability.
Effect of bone quality on the forces generated by compression screws.

Abstract Internal fixation of the fractured scaphoid bone is used to promote union between bone fragments and to decrease wrist immobilization. Headless screws are commonly used because they minimize interference with articular surfaces and reduce tissue irritation and immobilization. In the present experiment, compressive force was measured as a function of bone quality for two headless screw types, the Herbert and the Acutrak. Forty-seven cylindrical samples of cancellous bone were prepared from fresh, previously frozen human cadaveric distal femora. The compressive forces generated as the screws were advanced into the specimens were measured and correlated to the specimens’ bone mineral density (BMD) and density. Over the range tested, the average compressive force for the Acutrack screw was approximately 42% higher than that of the Herbert. Statistical significance, however, could not established because of the low statistical power of the test due to the inherent spread in the data. For the Acutrak screw, force was best fit to BMD and to density by second-order polynomials. Regression analysis indicated that similar correlations did not exist between force and BMD or between force and density for the Herbert screw. The correlation shown by the Acutrak screw indicates that it may be a more predictable as well as more effective system and therefore there may be some advantage in selecting this system. Furthermore, results suggest that the Acutrak screw generates greater forces with increasing bone density and could be more effective for a younger population.
Analysis of universal-logics-based fuzzy neural networks

To improve the inference performance of fuzzy neural networks (FNN), this paper presents a new type of FNN where the Universal Logics are employed, which makes it possible to enhance the performance of FNN not only by tuning the shapes of the membership functions, but also by tuning the parameters of the fuzzy inference structure. Finally, the simulation result in process control proves its effectiveness.
Word Frequency and Word Derivation in Spoken English

Howes' word count of spoken English was analyzed to determine the derivational sources of the words that comprise the bulk of spoken English. Approximately 75% of spoken English is accomplished by the use of only 240 words and about 85% of these words are derived from Old English sources.
Coordination Chemistry and Photoreactivity of the Dinitramide Ion.

The dinitramide ion (N3O4-) is a relatively new simple nitrogen oxide species with previously unknown coordination chemistry. Here we report the first metal complex of N3O4-, fac-Re(bpy)(CO)3N3O4. ...
Grindelane diterpenoids from Grindelia squarrosa and G. Camporum

Abstract An acid fraction of the dichloromethane extract of Grindelia squarrosa and a neutral fraction of the ethyl acetate extract of Grindelia camporum yielded a number of previously known grindelane diterpenoids and flavonoids. Along with the known isolates, two new grindelane diterpenoids, 13-isogrindelic acid and 17-grindeloxy grindelic acid, from G. squarrosa were isolated and identified spectroscopically.
Gestational Glucose Tolerance and Maternal Metabolic Profile at 3 Years Postpartum

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the independent effect of gestational impaired glucose tolerance, defined as a single abnormal oral glucose tolerance test value, on metabolic dysfunction at 3 years postpartum.METHODS:We used multiple linear regression to measure associations between glucose testing during pre
Atmospheric CO2: Principal Control Knob Governing Earth’s Temperature

Ample physical evidence shows that carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is the single most important climate-relevant greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere. This is because CO(2), like ozone, N(2)O, CH(4), and chlorofluorocarbons, does not condense and precipitate from the atmosphere at current climate temperatures, whereas water vapor can and does. Noncondensing greenhouse gases, which account for 25% of the total terrestrial greenhouse effect, thus serve to provide the stable temperature structure that sustains the current levels of atmospheric water vapor and clouds via feedback processes that account for the remaining 75% of the greenhouse effect. Without the radiative forcing supplied by CO(2) and the other noncondensing greenhouse gases, the terrestrial greenhouse would collapse, plunging the global climate into an icebound Earth state.
Spontaneous rhythmic contractile behaviour of aortic ring segments isolated from pressure loaded regions of the vasculature

Study objective – The aim was to study contractile responses of segments of rat arteries taken from pressure loaded and pressure protected regions and to examine the role of endothelial derived factors on the spontaneous activity of pressure loaded ring segments. Design – Rats were subjected to complete aortic coarctation between the origins of the renal arteries and allowed to recover for 8 d. After 8 d arterial pressures were measured in awake animals from the pressure loaded and pressure protected regions simultaneously. Ring segments (2-3 mm) were taken from the two regions and mounted in a tissue bath for isometric force measurements. Similar studies were conducted in sham animals and in animals in which the kidney distal to the coarctation had been removed. Experimental material – Female Sprague-Dawley rats, weight 200-250 g, were used. Measurements and main results – Eight days after coarctation mean aortic pressure proximal to the occlusion was 168(SEM 1.29) mm Hg (n = 104) while distally it was 38(2.42) (n = 40). Of the rings tested 96% showed spontaneous rhythmic activity, having a mean frequency of 3.9(0.17) cycles·min−1. Spontaneous activity was not present in the pressure protected segments taken from the same animals. Rats with the distal kidney removed (n = 25) failed to become hypertensive and similarly prepared ring segments failed to show spontaneous rhythmic activity. Prior removal of the endothelial layer had no effect on the spontaneous contractile responses in pressure loaded segments. Histological examination showed that the media to lumen ratio was increased in coarcted rats in both pressure loaded and pressure protected regions compared to similar regions in sham operated animals. Conclusions – Pressure loaded arterial segments show spontaneous contractile activity when compared to sham segments by mechanisms not dependent on endothelial derived factors. The increase in pressure proximal to the occlusion is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system, since pressure was not increased when the distal kidney was removed. We hypothesise that the chronic pressure load induces fundamental changes in membrane permeability which leads to spontaneous contractile activity.
Distance Learning: Barriers and Strategies for Students and Faculty

Abstract Clearly education in the online environment of distance education has unique characteristics. Students and faculty who operate in this environment encounter various barriers to their success that do not exist in the traditional face-to-face classroom. Some of these barriers include characteristics of adult learners themselves, teaching strategies that allow success in other environments but do not translate to faculty success in the online world, and the barriers created by the technology itself and how students and faculty use it. Walden University has gathered quantitative evaluation data, and qualitative anecdotal data on their asynchronous, online program at the master's level. These data, combined with an extensive literature review, address both the success and the failure of students and faculty in this environment. This paper discusses the failures and barriers to success, and in addition offers possible strategies for institutions using online delivery models in an effort to assure greater success to both students and faculty.
Basal keratinocytes from uninvolved psoriatic skin exhibit accelerated spreading and focal adhesion kinase responsiveness to fibronectin

We previously proposed that the keratinocyte hyperproliferative state in psoriatic skin results from a combination of T cell cytokine interaction with basal keratinocytes that exist in a primed state. We now provide evidence that basal keratinocytes from psoriatic uninvolved skin are in a preactivated state with regard to their interaction with fibronectin. Freshly isolated basal keratinocytes (K1/K10−) from nonlesional psoriatic skin demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of spreading cells 1 h after plating on fibronectin-coated plates than keratinocytes isolated from normal skin (p =0.0002). No differences were observed on collagen-laminin-coated plates, however. The keratinocyte spreading on fibronectin-coated plates involved α5β1 and αVβ1 integrins. To address the potential signaling cascades that may respond to integrin changes in psoriatic keratinocytes, focal adhesion kinase changes were assessed. The percentage of keratinocytes from psoriatic uninvolved skin that exhibit positive focal adhesion kinase staining was significantly greater than the percentage from healthy volunteers after 1 h incubation on fibronectin (p =0.006). Additionally, focal adhesion kinase isolated from uninvolved psoriatic keratinocytes had a greater degree of tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, the proliferative effect of fibronectin in combination with T cell lymphokines on psoriatic uninvolved basal keratinocyte progenitors may be due to abnormal in vivo integrin-driven focal adhesion kinase activity and downstream signaling.
Making Genetics Easy to Understand

cell treatments, and genetic Students, teachers, and public be prepared to make informed decisions about participation in genomics research, genome-related health care, use cally ed products, public ing stem cell research. Education has been identified as a crosscutting element that is critical to achieving the potential of genomics research
Evaluation of Brand Use on City Government Websites: A Search for Brand Type, Repetition, and Consistency

ABSTRACT There is growing interest in bringing marketing thought and practice to government. By examining the use of brand symbols and slogans on ninety-seven city government websites, I expose challenges in branding within a public sector context. My study reveals that city governments vary in the types of brands emphasized on their websites and their websites' reflection of recommended branding practices. The majority of the websites present city symbols and slogans. For some websites, there are inconsistencies in and infrequent use of brand elements suggesting a need for greater integration of marketing communications and the opportunity to more fully embrace marketing principles.
Sex-biased dispersal and inbreeding avoidance in birds and mammals.

Abstract Sex differences in dispersal distance are widespread in birds and mammals, but the predominantly dispersing sex differs consistently between the classes. There has been persistent debate over the relative importance of two factors — intrasexual competition and inbreeding avoidance — in producing sex-biased dispersal, and over the sources of the difference in dispersal patterns between the two classes. Recent studies cast new light on these questions.
Detection of presenilin-1 homodimer formation in intact cells using fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy.

Presenilin-1 (PS1) is a multipass transmembrane domain protein, which is believed to be the catalytic component of the γ-secretase complex. The complex is comprised of four major components: PS1, nicastrin, Aph-1, and Pen-2. The exact stoichiometric relationship between the four components remains unclear. It has been shown that γ-secretase exists as high molecular weight complexes, suggesting the possibility of dimer/multimer formation. We combined a biochemical approach with a novel morphological microscopy assay to analyze PS1 dimer formation and subcellular distribution in situ, in intact mammalian cells. Both coimmunoprecipitation and fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy approaches showed that wildtype PS1 molecules form dimers. Moreover, PS1 holoproteins containing the D257A mutation also come into close enough proximity to form a dimer, suggesting that cleavage within the loop is not necessary for dimer formation. Taken together these data suggest that PS1 dimerization occurs during normal PS1 function.
From the seminar on Mathematical Statistical Physics in Moscow State University, 1962–1994. Hierarchical models and renormalisation group critical phenomena in the Dyson hierarchical model and renormalisation group

We review some results on the critical phenomena in the Dyson hierarchical model and renormalisation group.
Meteoric water-basalt interactions. II. A field study in N. E. Iceland

The compositions of rain, snow, melt, spring and geothermal waters from the rift zone of N.E. Iceland can be explained by seaspray addition, chemical fractionation at the seawater-air interface, burning of fossil fuel, farming activities, purification by partial melting of snow and ice, dissolution of basalts and buffering by alteration minerals. The dissolution of the rocks appears to be incongruent. During solute acquisition, spring compositions move through the stability fields of kaolinite and smectite to the laumontite and illite fields. All but four of the springs are undersaturated with respect to calcite. Silica concentrations are compatible with the solubility of basaltic glass. The reactions reflected in the spring waters appear to have taken place sealed off from atmospheric CO2 after initial saturation. The geothermal waters which are recharged by the spring waters are depleted in Mg and Ca but enriched in carbon and sulfur with respect to dissolution of primary rocks. Expressions are derived relating dissolution rates of rocks, age of groundwaters, physical properties of groundwaters and mass transfer. The characteristic rock particle radii in the cold water aquifers range from 0.2 to 2 cm and the characteristic crack openings are of the order 0.04 to 0.4 cm. Using laboratory studies on the Icelandic lavas as a guide, the residence times of the cold waters in the aquifers can be estimated at 60 days to 4 years. The average active surface area of the aquifers enclosing 1000 g of spring water is of the order of 0.6 to 6 m2 and these 1000 g of water have reacted with 0.1 to 1 g of basaltic rocks. The same mass of thermal water has interacted with 100 to 300 g of unaltered rocks.
Are community health centers prepared for bioterrorism

Community health centers (CHCs) are essential in the delivery of primary care services to underserved populations. Given the critical function of CHCs, surprisingly little is known about their role in preparing for or responding to acts of terrorism. This survey-based study examines the state of CHCs in terrorism preparedness and assesses their training needs. Of the administrators who responded to the survey, 87% indicated that their centers had an emergency response or disaster plan. Of those, 78% indicated they had updated their plans within the past year. Among those who had a written plan, 41% addressed bioterrorism preparedness, 38% had contingencies for a mass influx of patients, and 3% indicated that their plans addressed increasing operational capacity. Additionally, while 48% reported having assessed the education and training needs of their professional staff in the area of disease surveillance and reporting, only 24% had assessed these needs in relation to bioterrorism. Our findings suggest that CHCs have made great strides in preparing for some emergencies but that preparedness does not yet extend to specifically include terrorism events. Policy and practice recommendations are included to more fully develop CHCs as a resource.
Subwavelength diffractive design

We contrast both direct and indirect methods for subwavelength diffractive design. Direct methods seek to optimize the diffractive structure directly by modifying its parametric representation. However, each modification requires a complete rigorous analysis. In contrast, indirect methods optimize the complex-wave amplitude, which must then be encoded into a diffractive structure.
Treatment of a saphenous vein graft to right ventricle fistula with a PTFE-covered stent: a case report.

This report demonstrates the use of a covered stent for the correction of a fistula from a saphenous vein graft to the right ventricle. The use of this stent resulted in complete obliteration of the fistulous tract and restoration of flow into the sequential limb of the graft.
Astrocytomas of the cerebellum. A comparative clinicopathologic study of pilocytic and diffuse astrocytomas.

Background. The majority of patients with astrocytomas of the cerebellum have an excellent prognosis; however, a small percentage of patients continue to do poorly. To clarify the clinical, pathologic, and treatment characteristics that determine prognosis and therapeutic recommendations, a large group of patients with astrocytic tumors of the cerebellum was reviewed and analyzed. Methods. A clinicopathologic analysis was performed of all patients undergoing initial operation for astrocytomas in the cerebellum between 1960 and 1984. Of the 132 patients, 105 patients had pilocytic astrocytomas and 27 had diffuse astrocytomas. Results. Multivariate analysis revealed that the division of pilocytic and diffuse histologic type was the most significant prognostic factor influencing survival. The 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year survival rates were 85%, 81%, and 79%, respectively, for patients with pilocytic astrocytomas and 7%, 7%, and 7%, respectively, for patients with diffuse astrocytomas (P < 0.001). Pilocytic astrocytomas occurred in a younger age group and were more commonly cystic and completely resected. Conclusions. Astrocytomas of the cerebellum can be divided into two principal groups, the pilocytic and the diffuse astrocytomas, each of which has distinct clinical, pathologic, and prognostic characteristics.
Psychiatrist Availability, Social Disintegration, and Suicide Deaths in U.S. Counties, 1990-1995.

Previous studies have found that primary care resources are associated with various health outcomes. The primary purpose of the study was to test for associations between psychiatrist availability, social disintegration and suicide rates. Data utilized were from the 2002 Area Resource File on U.S. counties (N=3080). Suicide rates were averaged over 6 years covering 1990 through 1995. Poisson and Negative binomial regression models were used to assess the association of psychiatrist availability and suicide rate ratios. Availability of psychiatrists was significantly related to suicide. Counties with greater availability of psychiatrists per 10,000 experienced a 0.12% reduction in their suicide rates (β=−0.0012, incidence density ratio [IDR]=0.9988, 95% CI=0.9984–0.9992). Divorce strongly elevated suicide rates (β=0.0724, IDR=1.0751, 95% CI=1.0664–.0858). Counties with a high percentage of men 65 years or older had significantly high suicide rates. An increase in the White population between 1980 and 1990 was also associated with a significant increase in suicide. Increases in psychiatrists reduced suicide rates, but the association was small. Psychiatrist availability may also partially reduce the effects of social disintegration at the county level. Primary care was not associated with suicide once other variables, including hospital beds were taken into account. Results provide evidence to suggest that greater mental health promotion might reduce area inequalities in suicide rates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabotropic glutamate antagonist, MCPG, treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats

The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist, alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) was administered into the left lateral ventricle 5 min prior to fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat. A single 5.0 microliters ventricular infusion of the active isomer. (+)-MCPG (0.2 mumol), significantly reduced beam walking motor deficits on days 1-5 after injury and learning/memory deficits measured on days 11-15 after injury. Neither a lower dose of (+)-MCPG (0.2 mumol) affected behavioral outcome. (+)-MCPG (0.2 mumol) did not affect systemic hemodynamic responses to injury. These results suggest that TBI induced activation of mGluRs contributes to behavioral morbidity and that blockade of certain mGluR subtypes (mGluR1, mGluR5 and/or mGluR2) may reduce these pathophysiological responses.
Materials compatibility studies for the magma energy extraction project

Abstract Materials compatibility studies are being performed in support of the Magma Energy Extraction Project. The behavior of commercially available materials has been examined at magmatic and hydrothermal conditions expected at the Long Valley caldera drill site. Analysis of reaction products reveal that oxidation, and not sulfidation, is the main corrosion problem for most alloys in rhyolite magma, and that reaction with other magmatic components is limited. Metal oxidation was not observed for Cr-bearing alloys in contact with rhyolite glass at hydrothermal temperatures, although these alloys did tarnish in hydrothermal solutions. Consideration of corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and cost indicate that Ni-base superalloys offer the most promise for use as construction material of a heat exchanger in rhyolite magma.
Mindreading and Dispositional Inference: MIM Revised and Extended

In response to the very insightful commentaries in this issue, I revised the multiple inference model (MIM) in two significant respects. First, I gave greater attention to the limits of mindreading, clarifying circumstances when perceivers merely infer traits within a target person. Second, and of greater importance, I more clearly specified the role of automaticity within the model, suggesting that much processing occurs in parallel. Rather than following a rigid sequence, inferences about situations, intentionality, mindreading, and traits can occur either intuitively or can occur in the context of analytic thought.
The Role of Stratospheric Scattering in Radio Communication

On the mixing-in-gradient hypothesis of incoherent scattering of radio waves in a dry atmosphere, the intensity of the irregularities in dielectric constant depends on the excess of the temperature gradient above that appropriate to an adiabatic atmosphere. In going from the upper troposphere to the stratosphere, there is a significant increase in this gradient excess and consequently, a significant increase in the intensity of irregularities in dielectric constant. The decrease in intensity with increase of height measured by Crain in the troposphere does not, therefore, indicate reliably the intensity to be expected above the tropopause. Calculations have been made concerning the effect of stratospheric, as distinct from tropospheric, scattering. Stratospheric scattering is expected to predominate over tropospheric scattering at ranges greater than about 600 km. At a range of 1000 km, the calculated transmission-loss due to stratospheric scattering is a few decibels greater than is indicated by observations. The effect of stratospheric scattering at a frequency of 108 mc is such that the minimum signal observed at this frequency over the path from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Sterling, Va., could conceivably have been stratospheric in origin, with ionospheric scattering being predominant at certain times, for example, during SID's.
Environmental Security and Gender: Necessary Shifts in an Evolving Debate

Environmental security is a topic of study that has gained significant attention in the past few decades. Largely since the end of the Cold War, environmental security has come to represent a way for scholars and policy makers to link the concepts of traditional security scholarship to the environment. Many different conceptions of the relationship between the environment and security appear in academia. Yet despite the diversity of current work on the environment and security, there has been little systematic work done that examines the intersection between environmental security and gender. This article will address the necessity of including gender into the approaches on the environment and security. The environmental security debate exhibits gendered understandings of both security and the environment. These gendered assumptions and understandings benefit particular people but are often detrimental to others. Examining environmental security through a gender lens gives insight into the gendered nature...
Behavioral avoidance of pathogenic bacteria by Caenorhabditis elegans.

The simple animal host Caenorhabditis elegans utilizes its nervous system to respond to diverse microbial cues, and can engage in a protective behavioral avoidance response to environmental pathogens. This behavior bears hallmarks of an immune response, with sensors and recognition systems that trigger a protective response following a learning experience. Neuronal circuits required for aversive learning have been defined, revealing conserved signaling modules with dual roles in immunity and neuronal responses to pathogenic bacteria. Identification of natural polymorphisms that modulate avoidance behavior has enabled an improved understanding of host–microbe interactions at the molecular level. We review here these findings and discuss how the microbial cues and host responses defined in C. elegans may provide insight into evolutionarily diverse host–microbe interactions.
Low pressure gaseous detector for particle dark matter.

The results of recent testing of a prototype detector to search for weakly interacting massive particles in the galactic halo are presented. The detector is an optically imaged, low pressure time projection chamber. This technique offers significant advantages for the detection of dark matter in that it measures both the energy and direction of the nuclear recoil. Using neutron and x-ray sources we also demonstrate that this detector has substantial electron background rejection capability (greater than 99.8%) and can utilize various target nuclei, such as hydrogen and argon.