cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of empowerment on pharmacists' organizational behaviors.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of power factors, need for achievement, and empowerment on commitment, loyalty, identification, and job turnover intention among pharmacists. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting United States. Participants 447 licensed pharmacists nationwide. Intervention Self-administered questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures Structural equation modeling was used to assess the fit of the theoretical model and examine the effects of empowerment on pharmacists’ behaviors within their organizations using pharmacists’ selfreports. Results An overall response rate of 42.2% was obtained. The test of the hypothesized model using structural equation modeling resulted in a satisfactory fit. The effects of power factors and need for achievement on psychological empowerment (γ 11 = .75, γ 12 = .27) and structural empowerment (γ 21 = .81, γ 22 = .20) were examined. Also, the effects of psychological empowerment and structural empowerment on loyalty (β 31 = .05, β 32 = .69), commitment (β 41 = –.09, β 42 = .92), and identification (β 51 = .05, β 52 = .78) were analyzed. Finally, the effects of loyalty (β 63 = –.24), commitment (β 64 = –.74), and identification (β 65 = .35) on job turnover intention were assessed. Conclusion Kanter’s theory, which maintains that structures within organizations have an impact on organizational behaviors, was supported by our findings. Pharmacists’ organizational behaviors such as commitment, loyalty, identification, and job turnover intention are influenced by structural empowerment. Given the pharmacist supply-and-demand imbalances of the past few years, organizations should make every effort to retain the pharmacists currently in their employ.
Finite element modeling of post-fire flexural modulus of fiber reinforced polymer composites under constant heat flux

Abstract In this study, a simple 1D finite element model was developed to predict the temperature evolution and post-fire mechanical degradation of glass fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) subjected to constant heat fluxes, including 35 kW/m 2 , 50 kW/m 2 , 75 kW/m 2 , and 100 kW/m 2 . A temperature-dependent post-fire mechanical property model was proposed and implemented. The calculated temperature and residual mechanical moduli showed good agreement with the experimental data. By properly selecting the parameters of the model, an effective strategy was demonstrated to design FRP structure with enhanced durability.
The importance of caring and attachment in direct practice with adolescents

Caring and attachment are discussed as the foundation for healthy change in troubled adolescents. Examples of caring and attachment-forming interactions and environmental characteristics are cited along with the positive outcomes that result from them. Adolescents are viewed as requiring nurturing, rather than “fixing.”
Citrate signal enhancement with a homonuclear J-refocusing modification to double-echo PRESS sequences

The citrate signal at field strengths of whole body imagers arises from two sets of two strongly coupled methylene protons. This causes citrate spectra acquired with standard in vivo localization schemes like the double-echo point resolved echo spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence to have complicated dependencies on timing parameters. A homonuclear J-refocused version of the double-echo PRESS sequence that has previously been shown to completely remove J-modulations from weakly coupled AX systems is considered for its potential in acquiring signal from the strongly coupled AB system of citrate. An analytic solution to the problem is derived with the density matrix formalism and verified both numerically and experimentally for 7 T conditions. The general expression for the AB signal is applied to study the 1.5 T citrate signal where a substantial signal enhancement over conventional double-echo PRESS sequences is predicted and verified for echo times in the 150 to 300 ms range.
Exotic topological order in fractal spin liquids

We present a large class of three-dimensional spin models that possess topological order with stability against local perturbations, but are beyond description of topological quantum field theory. Conventional topological spin liquids, on a formal level, may be viewed as condensation of stringlike extended objects with discrete gauge symmetries, being at fixed points with continuous scale symmetries. In contrast, ground states of fractal spin liquids are condensation of highly fluctuating fractal objects with certain algebraic symmetries, corresponding to limit cycles under real-space renormalization group transformations which naturally arise from discrete scale symmetries of underlying fractal geometries. A particular class of three-dimensional models proposed in this paper may potentially saturate quantum information storage capacity for local spin systems.
A novel orthotopic mouse model of head and neck cancer with molecular imaging.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Our goal was to develop a noninvasive, dynamic imaging method that would further the understanding of head and neck cancer (HNC) tumor growth and local spreading. We developed a novel orthotopic mouse model of HNC with a stable cell line expressing a red fluorescent protein gene to compare a molecular imaging tumor quantification with traditional caliper measurement. Methods: An HNC-tdT stable cell line expressing the tdTomato gene was established, which were injected into the floor of the mouth of nude mice. Tumor growth was constantly monitored using molecular imaging for up to 35 days. The tumors were further evaluated by histologic examination. Results: Established tumors consistently expressed fluorescent signals that were successfully imaged by molecular imaging during the study. Initial tumor development was detected earlier than caliper measurement would allow. The fluorescent signal quantities of tumors detected by the imaging correlated with the tumor sizes measured by calipers. Conclusions: This novel animal model represents an orthotopic human HNC model. The tumor can be detected earlier with molecular imaging than by conventional external caliper measurement. Unlike surgical measurement, the tumor can be quantified without disturbing the tumor environment. This model has significant potential for HNC oncologic research.
Cyclopian-Type Malformation in Lambs

(1962). Cyclopian-Type Malformation in Lambs. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 106-108.
A Comparison of CT Arthrography of the Wrist to Findings During Wrist Arthroscopy

Purpose To determine the accuracy of computed tomography after wrist arthrogram (CT arthrogram) compared with findings during wrist arthroscopy as interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiologist and a board-certified hand surgeon. Methods Seventy-six consecutive patients who had a wrist CT arthrogram and subsequent wrist arthroscopy were identified in the arthroscopic database of four hand surgeons working at a single institution between 2001 and 2006. Operative findings were obtained from the medical record. A single, blinded, musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologist prospectively read all CT arthrograms focusing on the following areas: scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL), peripheral and central triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and chondral surfaces. Computed tomography arthrograms were also read in a blinded, prospective fashion by a single hand surgeon. The results of both readings were compared with the findings at the time of wrist arthroscopy. Results Sixteen SLIL tears, 29 LTIL tears, 10 peripheral TFCC tears, and 33 central TFCC tears were identified at the time of wrist arthroscopy. Sensitivity and specificity of the CT arthrogram were calculated using arthroscopy findings as our reference standard. The radiologist's readings (sensitivity, specificity) revealed the following: SLIL (94%, 86%), LTIL (85%, 79%), peripheral TFCC (30%, 94%), and central TFCC (88%, 95%). Results of CT arthrogram readings by the hand surgeon were SLIL (94%, 82%), LTIL (97%, 81%), peripheral TFCC (40%, 97%), and central TFCC (91%, 85%). Conclusions Computed tomography arthrogram of the wrist is highly accurate at detecting SLIL, LTIL, and central TFCC tears with high sensitivity and specificity. It is not as accurate at identifying peripheral tears. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Cleavage and release of a soluble form of the receptor tyrosine kinase ARK in vitro and in vivo

The receptor tyrosine kinase ARK (also called AXL or UFO) is the murine prototype of a small family of receptors with an extracellular domain resembling cell adhesion molecules and a conserved tyrosine kinase domain. ARK is capable of homophilic binding, as well as of binding of GAS6, a secreted member of the class of vitamin K dependent proteins whose expression is up-regulated in growth-arrested cells. To gain understanding of the physiological role of ARK signaling, we have investigated the ARK forms which are expressed by cells in culture as well as by mouse organs. We found that ARK is not only expressed as a transmembrane protein, but is also cleaved in the extracellular domain to generate a soluble ARK form of about 65 kDa, which is easily detected in conditioned media of ARK expressing cells, in serum and plasma and in mouse organs. Soluble ARK is also produced by tumor cells in vivo. The function of these molecules could be that of binding GAS6, thereby inhibiting the interaction of this ligand with its cell-associated receptor, or they could be involved in binding to ARK itself.
Formate as an Intermediate in the Bovine Rumen Fermentation

An average of 11 (range, 2 to 47) mumoles of formate per g per hr was produced and used in whole bovine rumen contents incubated in vitro, as calculated from the product of the specific turnover rate constant, k, times the concentration of intercellular formate. The latter varied between 5 and 26 (average, 12) nmoles/g. The concentration of formate in the total rumen contents was as much as 1,000 times greater, presumably owing to formate within the microbial cells. The concentration of formate in rumen contents minus most of the plant solids was varied, and from the rates of methanogenesis the Michaelis constant, K(m), for formate conversion to CH(4) was estimated at 30 nmoles/g. Also, the dissolved H(2) was measured in relation to methane production, and a K(m) of 1 nmole/g was obtained. A pure culture of Methanobacterium ruminantium showed a K(m) of 1 nmole of H(2)/g, but the K(m) for formate was much higher than the 30 nmoles for the rumen contents. It is concluded that nonmethanogenic microbes metabolize intercellular formate in the rumen. CO(2) and H(2) are the principal substrates for rumen methanogenesis. Eighteen per cent of the rumen methane is derived from formate, as calculated from the intercellular concentration of hydrogen and formate in the rumen, the Michaelis constants for conversion of these substrates by rumen liquid, and the relative capacities of whole rumen contents to ferment these substrates.
Breast density quantification using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with bias field correction: A postmortem study

Purpose: Quantification of breast density based on three-dimensional breast MRI may provide useful information for the early detection of breast cancer. However, the field inhomogeneity can severely challenge the computerized image segmentation process. In this work, the effect of the bias field in breast density quantification has been investigated with a postmortem study. Methods: T1-weighted images of 20 pairs of postmortem breasts were acquired on a 1.5 T breast MRI scanner. Two computer-assisted algorithms were used to quantify the volumetric breast density. First, standard fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering was used on raw images with the bias field present. Then, the coherent local intensity clustering (CLIC) method estimated and corrected the bias field during the iterative tissue segmentation process. Finally, FCM clustering was performed on the bias-field-corrected images produced by CLIC method. The left–right correlation for breasts in the same pair was studied for both segmentation algorithms to evaluate the precision of the tissue classification. Finally, the breast densities measured with the three methods were compared to the gold standard tissue compositions obtained from chemical analysis. The linear correlation coefficient, Pearson's r, was used to evaluate the two image segmentation algorithms and the effect of bias field. Results: The CLIC method successfully corrected the intensity inhomogeneity induced by the bias field. In left–right comparisons, the CLIC method significantly improved the slope and the correlation coefficient of the linear fitting for the glandular volume estimation. The left–right breast density correlation was also increased from 0.93 to 0.98. When compared with the percent fibroglandular volume (%FGV) from chemical analysis, results after bias field correction from both the CLIC the FCM algorithms showed improved linear correlation. As a result, the Pearson's r increased from 0.86 to 0.92 with the bias field correction. Conclusions: The investigated CLIC method significantly increased the precision and accuracy of breast density quantification using breast MRI images by effectively correcting the bias field. It is expected that a fully automated computerized algorithm for breast density quantification may have great potential in clinical MRI applications.
Jacobian criteria for complete intersections. The graded case

LetP be a positively graded polynomial ring over a fieldk of characteristic zero, letI be a homogeneous ideal ofP, and setR=P/I. The paper investigates the homological properties of someR-modules canonically associated withR, among them the module Ω R/k of Kahler differentials and the conormal moduleI/I 2. It is shown that a subexponential bound on the Betti numbers of any of these modules implies thatI is generated by aP-regular sequence. In particular, the finiteness of the projective dimension of the conormal module impliesR is a complete intersection. Similarly, the finiteness of the projective dimension of the differential module impliesR is a reduced complete intersection. This provides strong converses to some well-known properties of complete intersections, and establishes special cases of conjectures of Vasconcelos. The proofs of these results make extensive use of differential graded homological algebra. The crucial step is to show that any homomorphism of complexes from the minimal cotangent complexL R/k of Andre and Quillen into the minimal free resolution of the irrelevant maximal ideal m ofR, which extends the Euler map Ω R/k →, is a split embedding of gradedR-modules.
Laelius utilis (Hym.:Bethylidae), a parasitoid of Anthrenus fuscus (Col.:Dermestidae) in Iowa

Larvae ofAnthrenus fuscus Olivier, an Old World dermestid beetle, are established in Ames, Iowa, and are parasitized locally by the native bethylid wasp,Laelius utilis Cockerell; this is a new state record. Life history and new host information forL. utilis is presented, as well as morphological and biological means for differentiating it fromL. pedatus Say of similar appearance.
Approach for expanding triterpenoid complexity via divergent Norrish-Yang photocyclization.

Triterpenoids comprise a very diverse family of polycyclic molecules that is well-known to possess a myriad of medicinal properties. Therefore, triterpenoids constitute an attractive target for medicinal chemistry and diversity-oriented synthesis. Photochemical transformations provide a promising tool for the rapid, green, and inexpensive generation of skeletal diversity in the construction of natural product-like libraries. With this in mind, we have developed a diversity-oriented strategy, whereby the parent triterpenoids bryonolic acid and lanosterol are converted to the pseudosymmetrical polyketones by sequential allylic oxidation and oxidative cleavage of the bridging double bond at the B/C ring fusion. The resultant polyketones were hypothesized to undergo divergent Norrish-Yang cyclization to produce unique 6/4/8-fused triterpenoid analogues. The subtle differences between parent triterpenoids led to dramatically different spatial arrangements of reactive functionalities. This finding was rationali...
The distribution of completion times for random communication in a task-oriented group

The task-oriented groups considered here consist of a number of individuals, each having initially one piece of information which must be transmitted to all the others to complete the task. Interest is centered on the communication net which restricts the possible channels for messages. At every sending time each individual sends all the information he has acquired to one other individual; the major assumption here is that this recipient is chosen at random from the possibilities given by the communication net. The information state is defined as a matrix which shows where the initial information has spread. These matrices can be considered as the states of a Markov chain, and in this way the distribution of completion times for the task is obtained. Some special cases are worked out and generalizations are indicated. A proof is given of the formula for the shortest possible completion time in any net when a fixed number of messages is sent by each individual at each sending time.
PolyMem® Wic® Silver® Rope: A Multifunctional Dressing for Decreasing Pain, Swelling, and Inflammation.

Problem: Choosing the most appropriate dressing to meet the complex needs of patients with narrow deep wounds, such as tunnels, fistulas, and cysts, is a daunting task. Such wounds are difficult to cleanse and tend to be extremely painful. Wound patients need a drug-free dressing that handles exudates, decreases the need for traumatic cleansing during dressing changes, and addresses wound pain, inflammation, and swelling. Solution: Multifunctional PolyMem® dressings (the generic name is polymeric membrane dressings) contain ingredients that work synergistically to continuously cleanse wounds and bring about rapid healing. Nonadherent PolyMem provides atraumatic dressing changes. PolyMem also decreases persistent wound pain. PolyMem Silver provides effective antimicrobial action without destructive silver toxicity. New Technology: PolyMem Wic® Silver® Rope is a new strong, but exceedingly supple, dressing comprised of PolyMem Wic Silver reinforced with embedded surgical mesh. Insertion and removal is so si...
Catecholamine secretion in fetal adaptation to stress

From the beginning of labor, the fetus must successfully adapt from intrauterine life to the stress of birth and, finally, to extrauterine life. The role of hormones known as catecholamines in this adaptive mechanism is described. An understanding of the physiology of catecholamine secretion will enhance the nursing care of mothers and their infants during this important transitional period.
Membrane Permeabilization by Holin like Proteins CidA/LrgA

Holins are a large family of membrane proteins that control the activity of bacteriophage-encoded murein hydrolases by regulating their access to the peptidoglycan substrate. The two S. aureus membrane proteins CidA and LrgA exhibit holin and, respectively, anti-holin like properties. They are believed to play an important role in the formation of biofilm by controling bacterial cell lysis during bacterial programmed cell death. This resembles the behavior of apoptotic (e.g. Bax/Bak) and antiapoptotic (e.g. Bcl-2/Bcl-XL) proteins in eukaryotes. Pure preparations of recombinant CidA/LrgA were functionally reconstituted into synthetic lipid vesicles, as confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescent markers were entrapped into the protein reconstituted vesicles. A new method was developed to study the protein-induced leakage from vesicles since the conventional leakage assay could not be applied to CidA/LrgA. Our initial study has revealed that CidA induces leakage of small dyes. Ongoing studies include leakage of larger molecules to determine the dimension of the pore formed by CidA and characterization of the role played by LrgA in pore formation. This research will provide insight into the in vivo function of Cid/Lrg proteins and shed light on bacterial holin-like proteins.
Sealing and healing of clear corneal incisions with an improved dextran aldehyde-PEG amine tissue adhesive.

Purpose: To create a non-cytotoxic, spontaneously curing tissue adhesive that is strongly bonding and persistent enough that 1–2 μL is capable of sealing a clear corneal incision throughout the first five days of healing.Methods: A novel prototype delivery device capable of delivering 1–2 μL of a two-component adhesive delivered aqueous solutions of dextran aldehyde and star PEG amine, which mixed by diffusion and crosslinked to form an adhesive hydrogel. Adhesive hydrogels were tested for rates of degradation in phosphate-buffered saline, leak pressures when used to seal clear corneal incisions in enucleated rabbit eyes, and in vitro cytotoxicity when placed in contact with NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Two formulations were used in vivo to seal clear corneal incisions in New Zealand White rabbits. Wound integrity after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of healing was assessed by measuring the leak pressures of enucleated eyes.Results: Tissue adhesives formed by combining aqueous solutions of dextran aldehyde (MW 10,000, 50...
Immobilization of Aspergillus ficuum phytase: product characterization of the bioreactor.

Abstract Aspergillus ficuum phytase was covalently immobilized on Fractogel TSK HW-75 containing 2-oxy-l-alkylpyridinium salts. A packed-bed bioreactor was constructed with the immobilized phytase. An HPLC ion-exchange method was used to analyze the enzymatic products of the bioreactor. Immobilized fungal phytase was able to hydrolyze myo-lnositol Hexa-, penta-, tetra-, tri-, and diphosphates. When the substrate solution was recirculated for 5 hr in the bioreactor about 50% inorganic orthophosphate was released and myoinositol-diphosphate and mono-phosphate were the only remaining products.
NONSTOICHIOMETRY, DECOMPOSITION AND TC OF ND1+ZBA2-ZCU3OY

Abstract The temperature ( T ) and O 2 partial pressure ( p [O 2 ]) dependence of oxygen content ( y ) in Nd 1+ z Ba 2− z Cu 3 O y were determined over the entire range of z . These data were represented by chemical thermodynamic models. The T - z - p [O 2 ] dependence of high-temperature decomposition was also determined, as were the effects of various T - t - p [O 2 ] treatments on the superconducting transition temperature ( T c ). These results were compared with those from the Y and La homologs.
Genetic tracing of the epithelial lineage during mammalian kidney repair

Developing new therapeutic approaches to treat acute kidney injury requires a detailed understanding of endogenous cellular repair. Genetic fate mapping defines cellular hierarchies in vivo and we used this technique to assess a possible contribution of non-epithelial stem cells to renal repair after ischemic injury. Mice with efficient labeling of renal epithelial cells, but not non-epithelial interstitial cells, were subjected to a single cycle or sequential cycles of kidney injury and repair. No dilution of the epithelial cell fate marker was observed despite robust epithelial cell proliferation. Thus, non-tubular cells do not have the ability to migrate across the basement membrane and differentiate into epithelial cells in this model. Instead, surviving tubular epithelial cells are responsible for repair of the damaged nephron. Future studies will need to distinguish between uniform dedifferentiation and proliferation of all epithelial cells after injury versus selective expansion of an intratubular epithelial stem cell.
Gamma-ray tracking detectors: physics opportunities and status of GRETINA

Abstract Gamma-ray tracking detectors using highly segmented germanium detectors will give higher efficiency, better peak-to-total ratio and much higher position resolution than current generation of detectors. Particularly, the capability of reconstructing the position of the interaction with millimeters resolution is needed to fully exploit the physics opportunities provided by the next generation radioactive beam facilities. This paper presents the basic concepts of tracking, examples of physics opportunities, and the status of the project GRETA/GRETINA.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE NORMAL EYE AND ORBIT OF A SCREECH OWL (OTUS ASIO)

Magnetic resonance images of a screech owl (Otus asio) were acquired to identify the normal anatomic components of the eye‘and orbit. T1-weighted, proton-density, and T2-weighted images were obtained in the straight sagittal, oblique dorsal, and oblique sagittal planes. Signal intensity for the various orbital structures differed between the three resonance techniques. T1-weighted images provided the best anatomic detail of ocular and orbital structures. The oblique dorsal and oblique sagittal planes were superior for evaluating the optic nerve in its entirety.
Comparison of phase and amplitude structures of Pc 5 pulsations in the morning and afternoon sectors

North American IMS magnetometer network data are used in comparisons of the spatial phase and amplitude structures of the morning and afternoon Pc 5 pulsations, using cross spectral analysis of phase and amplitude readings between different stations. The spatial phase structures are found to be very similar in the morning and afternoon sectors for each of the three components. Amplitudes are larger in the magnetic north than in the magnetic east components for both sectors. Latitudinal amplitude and phase difference variations between the magnetic north and east components exhibit dissimilarities in the morning and afternoon sectors. These results suggest that compressional mode magnetic field oscillations are not observable on the ground in this time sector. The pulsations in both time sectors are instead seen as caused by transverse mode magnetospheric field oscillations.
Test Chip to Evaluate Measurement Methods for Small Capacitances

We designed and fabricated a test chip to evaluate the performance of new approaches to the measurement of small capacitances (femto-Farads to atto-Farads range). The test chip consists of an array of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors, and a series of systematically varying capacitance structures directly accessible by an atomic force microscope probe. Nominal capacitances of the test devices range from 0.3 fF (10-15 F) to 1.2 pF (10-12 F). Measurement of the complete array of capacitances by using an automatic probe station produces a "fingerprint" of capacitance values from which, after correction for pad and other stray capacitances, the relative accuracy and sensitivity of a capacitance measurement instrument can be evaluated.
Bt corn and impact on mycotoxins

This review summarizes the literature linking Bt corn and the reduction of the mycotoxins fumonisin, aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone. Mycotoxins in field corn cause hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses annually in the USA, and substantially greater losses in other regions of the world. Most of the losses are from aflatoxin contamination, while significant but smaller losses are due to Fusarium mycotoxins, fumonisins and DON. The insecticidal proteins in genetically modified hybrid Bt corn (Zea mays spp.) reduce insect damage from certain Lepidopteran larvae, which in turn can reduce infection of the grain by mycotoxigenic fungi. Where such insect damage is a major factor in mycotoxin contamination, Bt corn can lower mycotoxin levels. Since such damage is not always the most important factor, experimental results have been mixed, especially with aflatoxin levels. Bt corn appears to have a greater impact on the Fusarium mycotoxins than on aflatoxin levels. Studies on economic impacts of Bt corn’s mycotoxin reduction are briefly summarized. The benefits in developing countries from mycotoxin reduction could be more significant, particularly in regions where unprocessed corn is a staple in the human diet.
Nonlinear high-gain observer design for operation of SPMS machine under saturation

This paper presents modeling, characterization and control of SPMSM under loaded conditions i.e. saturation. Determining the rotor flux position of PMAC machines under no-load is relatively trivial since it is directly related to the rotor position. However under loaded condition, saturation in particular, the flux is comprised of two components: one due to the rotor magnets and the other due to the stator current. This fact causes the magnetic axis to shift from the rotor position, which in turn causes an error in any control algorithm that uses a conventional rotor position estimation. In other words, the rotor flux position under loaded operating conditions is dependent on both rotor position and stator currents. This paper characterizes this error through a non-linear model of the machine, as well as the Finite Element analysis. Design and analysis of a general control algorithm for the PMAC machines which accounts for the saturation is presented, along with its implementation for a specific high frequency injection method for sensor control of PMAC machine. Simulation and experimental results validating the non-linear model of the machine, existence of the saturation induced error and performance of the proposed observer are also given.
Generalized Dynamic Models of Gene Expression and Gene Classification

Powerful new experimental methods have been used to monitor changes in gene expression levels as a result of a variety of metabolic, xenobiotic or pathogenic challenges. Here we present a general approach to both statistical analysis and dynamic modeling of gene expression profiles that uses linear response theory. The formalism leads naturally to Markov models of the network reflected in the data, and provides a direct method of classifying genes according to their place in the resulting network. Non-linear and higher order Markov behavior of the network can also be included by a self-consistent method. In a sample data set from yeast, we calculate the Markov matrix and the gene classes based on the linear Markov network.
Future moves: Forward-oriented studies of culture, society, and technology

This article introduces the monograph on Future Moves. It discusses sociology’s re-emerging concern for the future and the general approach on which the contributors converge despite diverse theore...
Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Residents Surrounding the Three Mile Island Nuclear Facility

Objectives/Hypothesis: On March 28, 1979, the worst nuclear exposure incident in U.S. history occurred near Harrisburg, PA. Small quantities of xenon and iodine radioisotopes were released into the environment from the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDoH) implemented a TMI Population Registry, including 32,135 individuals within a 5-mile radius of TMI, to track possible health effects to the local population. Although no increase in cancer mortality has been noted in this cohort, cancer incidence has not been tracked. Given the long latency period for the development of thyroid cancer after exposure to low-level radiation exposure, it is plausible that an increase in thyroid cancer incidence might just now be occurring. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry Dataset for Thyroid Cancer using the Epidemiological Query and Mapping System (EpiQMS) search engine. EpiQMS is an interactive health statistics Website that can produce numbers, rates, graphs, charts, maps, and county profiles using various demographic variables (age, sex, race, etc.) from birth, death, cancer, and population datasets for the state and counties or regions of Pennsylvania. Methods: Eighteen years of data (1985–2002) on thyroid cancer incidence were obtained from the PDoH. The three at-risk counties of Dauphin, York, and Lancaster were analyzed with regard to observed numbers of thyroid cancer cases versus expected incidence. Although the nuclear accident at TMI occurred in 1979, 1985 was chosen as the starting point for data analysis because that is when the PDoH began maintaining cancer incidence records. Results: In the first year available for evaluation (1985), there were 11 new thyroid cancer cases in each of the at-risk counties (Dauphin, York, Lancaster). By 2002, the incidence had increased to 29 in Dauphin County, 81 in Lancaster County, and 69 in York County. The increase in thyroid cancer in Dauphin County is not above what would be expected for both the local population growth and the increase in thyroid cancer incidence in the U.S. population in general. Thyroid cancer incidence was greater than expected in York County for all but 1 year between 1995 and 2002. Lancaster demonstrated a marked increase in thyroid cancer incidence over expected norms throughout the study period. An increase greater than 50% was noted in certain years. Conclusions: Thyroid cancer incidence has not increased in Dauphin County, the county in which TMI is located. York County demonstrated a trend toward increasing thyroid cancer incidence beginning in 1995, approximately 15 years after the TMI accident. Lancaster County showed a significant increase in thyroid cancer incidence beginning in 1990. These findings, however, do not provide a causal link to the TMI accident.
EFFECTS OF TWO DIFFERENT ANESTHETIC PROTOCOLS ON CARDIAC FLOW MEASURED BY TWO DIMENSIONAL PHASE CONTRAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Companion animals are anesthetized or heavily sedated to comply for cardiac MRI and different anesthetic protocols are expected to have variable effects on functional parameters measured. This study compared two anesthetic protocols (Protocol A: Midazolam, fentanyl; Protocol B: Dexmedetomidine) for their effect on quantitative and qualitative analysis of blood flow through the aortic, pulmonic, mitral and tricuspid valves using 2D phase contrast (PC) MRI in dogs. Mean flow per heartbeat through the pulmonary artery (Qp) and aorta (Qs) was compared to right (RVSV) and left (LVSV) ventricular stroke volumes determined using 2D Cine balanced steady-state free precession MRI as a reference standard. Pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) was also calculated. Differences in flow and Qp/Qs values generated using 2D PC MRI were not different between the two anesthetic protocols (P=1). Mean differences between Qp and right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) were 3.82 (95% limits of agreement: 3.62, −11.26) ml/beat and 1.9 (−7.86, 11.66) ml/beat for anesthesia protocols A and B, respectively. Mean differences between Qs and left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) were 1.65 (−5.04, 8.34) ml/beat and 0.03 (−4.65, 4.72) ml/beat for anesthesia protocols A and B, respectively. Mild tricuspid or mitral reflux was seen in 2/10 dogs using 2D PC MRI. No aortic or pulmonic insufficiency was observed. This study provides baseline data for evaluation of cardiac blood flow using 2D PC MRI in dogs. Where as no significant difference of cardiac blood flow was found for the anesthetic protocols used, verification in clinically affected patients is desirable.
Fluorescence line narrowing study of the ground-state and first-excited-state vibrational frequencies of Sn and Zn cytochromes c

Fluorescence-line-narrowing (FLN) spectra are presented for Sn cytochrome c (Snc) obtained under Q0-0 and Q0-1 excitation and for Zn cytochrome c (Znc) under Q0-1 excitation. Vibrational frequencies of the ground and first excited states are reported for Snc. Additional excited-state Znc frequencies are also presented, thus contributing to a previous FLN Znc investigation. The spectra of Snc shows more phonon broadening than for Znc, but vibrational frequencies of the S0 and S1 states could be obtained and the distribution function of the 0, 0 transition was determined. Snc and Znc showed good agreement in their excited-state vibrational frequencies. Some S1 vibrational frequencies of Znc are seen to downshift with respect to ground-state vibrations, suggesting that the porphyrin S0 to S1 expansion observed in other porphyrin systems also occurs in cytochrome c derivatives. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Faculty as a Critical Juncture in Student Retention and Performance in Engineering Programs

Large numbers of students depart from engineering programs before graduation. For example, in fields such as engineering and computer science, students have commented on the inaccessible or unapproachable nature of faculty. To evaluate this problem, this study gathered data across four research universities. Using structural equation modeling, it measured environmental effects, i.e., academic integration or faculty distance on (a) self-efficacy, (b) academic confidence and (c) self-regulated learning behaviors effort, critical thinking, help-seeking and peer learning, and (d) GPA. Results showed that faculty distance lowered self-efficacy, academic confidence and GPA. Conversely, academic integration had a positive effect on self-efficacy, which in turn had strong positive effects on effort and critical thinking. Consequently, ongoing educational reform efforts must encourage engineering faculty to understand the significance of their student/professor relationships and seriously undertake measures to become personally available to students.
Clinical correlates of perinatal bipolar disorder in an interdisciplinary obstetrical hospital setting.

Background Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be destabilizing for women with bipolar disorder (BD), and treatment decisions particularly complex. Yet, to date, relatively little research has focused on perinatal BD.
Exposure to ultraviolet-B and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis among women in the Nurses’ Health Study

Objective To examine the association between ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light exposure and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk among women in two large prospective cohort studies, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII). Methods A total of 106 368 women from NHS, aged 30–55 years in 1976, and 115 561 women from NHSII, aged 25–42 in 1989, were included in the analysis. We identified women with incident RA from the start of each cohort until 2008 (NHS) and 2009 (NHSII). Cumulative average UV-B flux, a composite measure of ambient UV exposure based on latitude, altitude and cloud cover, was estimated according to state of residence and categorised as low, medium or high. Estimates of UV-B at birth and age 15 years were also examined. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate HR and 95% CI. Results 1314 incident RA cases were identified in total. Among NHS participants, higher cumulative average UV-B exposure was associated with decreased RA risk; those in the highest versus lowest category had a 21% decreased RA risk (HR (95% CI); 0.79 (0.66 to 0.94)). UV-B was not associated with RA risk among younger women in NHSII (1.12 (0.87 to 1.44)). Results were similar for UV-B at birth and at age 15. Conclusions These results suggest that ambient UV-B exposure is associated with a lower RA risk in NHS, but not NHSII. Differences in sun-protective behaviours (eg, greater use of sun block in younger generations) may explain the disparate results.
A role for interleukin-1 in epidermal differentiation: regulation by expression of functional versus decoy receptors

Although human epidermis contains levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) up to 100 times higher than other tissues, the role of this cytokine in epidermal biology is unknown. Here, we show that interleukin-1 regulates the expression of mRNAs for two proteins associated with the differentiated phenotype of human keratinocytes, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein type II (CRABP II) and small, proline rich protein 1 (SPRR1). The ability of IL-1 to induce these transcripts correlates directly with keratinocyte expression of the IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1 RI) during differentiation and inversely with the expression of the type II IL-1 receptor (IL-1 RII), shown in other cell types to be a nonfunctional, decoy receptor. Furthermore, addition to keratinocyte cultures of an IL-1 RI-blocking, but not an IL-1 RII-blocking, antibody reduces the levels of CRABP II and SPRR1 mRNAs in these cells. These data suggest that epidermal IL-1 functions to promote keratinocyte differentiation and that a change in the IL-1 receptor profile of these cells initiates this IL-1 response through a relative enhanced expression of functional IL-1 receptors.
On the evolution of pollution from South and Southeast Asia during the winter‐spring monsoon

[1] The NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory three-dimensional Global Chemical Transport Model (GFDL GCTM) is used to examine the winter-spring evolution of pollution (fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning) from South and Southeast Asia with special focus on the Indian Ocean region. We find that during the monsoonal winter-spring outflow, pollution over the Indian Ocean north of the ITCZ is concentrated in the maritime boundary layer and originates from both regions. South Asian emissions dominate over the Arabian Sea and the Western Indian Ocean, while the Southeast Asian emissions have the greatest impact over the Bay of Bengal and Eastern Indian Ocean. Over these oceanic regions, CO pollution in both source regions, most of which is from biomass burning, accounts for 30–50% of the boundary layer CO. It is transported equatorward from South and Southeast Asian source regions and episodically lofted into the upper troposphere by tropical convection events. This transport path has a noticable impact (10–20%) on total CO at 300 mb and produces a maximum in a tropical belt over and north of the ITCZ. Another free troposphere transport path, primarily open to Southeast Asian emissions, carries CO from that region out over the North Pacific and around the Northern Hemisphere. O3 production is driven by NOx, which, unlike CO, comes almost equally from biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion in this region and has a chemical lifetime of a few days or less. The resulting NOx distributions, while qualitatively similar to CO, have much steeper gradients, are transported much less widely, have a much lower background, and over the Indian and Pacific Oceans, are strongly dominated by pollution. O3 resulting from these anthropogenic sources generally exhibits patterns similar to those found for CO and NOx. Pollution accounts for 20–50% of the near-surface O3 and 5–10% of the O3 in the upper troposphere. South and Southeast Asian emissions only produce 25% of the boundary layer O3 in the continental source regions. The maximum impact of the emissions occurs over the Indian Ocean (25–40%) with comparable contributions from O3 produced in the continental emission regions and O3 produced over the ocean by transported precursors. Convective lifting of the transported pollution O3 supplies ∼10% of the O3 in the tropical upper troposphere. While both emission regions have modest impacts on O3 (5–10%) outside of the Indian Ocean region, Southeast Asian pollution impacts free troposphere O3 in a midlatitude belt across the North Pacific, similar to NOx.
Steady headwind display with conditional angular rate-switching control

This research creates a steady headwind at a user position in the scaled Treadport Active Wind Tunnel (TPAWT). The TPAWT adds a wind display system to the previously developed Treadport virtual environment, and this research builds upon prior work to provide improved control of headwind angle at the user position. Key to this research is the addition of a negative pressure plenum at the rear of the treadport to improve nominal flow stability. The previous controller based upon the small gain theorem with a dynamic extension is then modified to provide wind angle feedback control. A conditional angular rate-switching controller is added to reduce wind angle oscillations at the user. A vorticity-meter is developed to assure that the wind flow is centered at the user position. As a result, this research reduces wind angle error by 75% compared to previous work.
Credit-splitting and private pension awards in divorce. A case study of British Columbia, Canada.

This study examines the experience of earnings-splitting under the Canada Pension Plan and private pension assignments in British Columbia. The findings indicate that the low take-up rate of shared public pensions is primarily a result of the voluntary nature of the program. A comparably low incidence of future private pension awards to women as part of the property settlement is related to prevailing judicial attitudes, length of marriage, and the preference of women for immediate payment of cash or in-kind benefits.
Analysis of Bin models with applications in coding theory

Bin models represent one of the most frequently used descriptive representations of phenomena as diverse as spreading of disease, financial market fluctuation, error burst generation in communication channels, or learning in neurological systems. When analyzing randomized bin models, it is usually of interest to evaluate some statistic depending on the characteristics of the distribution of objects (balls) into bins. Due to the inherent mutual dependence of the occupancy variables, determining this statistic may represent a challenging analytical task. In this paper, we describe a class of invertible probabilistic transforms that result in mapping dependent bin occupancies into independent random variables. The statistics of interest can be evaluated in the transform domain and then appropriately inverted to obtain an exact solution. Or, for problems with large values for the parameters, the asymptotic behavior of the statistics can be deduced from the transform itself. Possible analytical applications of these new transform techniques in coding theory include the binning schemes related to Luby transform (LT), Slepian-Wolf, and deletion-error correcting coding.
Bonding changes in single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on Ti and TiH2 addition probed by X-ray Raman scattering

Abstract Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were ball milled with Ti and TiH 2 . Samples collected at different milling times were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS). While the intensity of the π ⁎ excitonic transition of the Ti+SWCNT samples remains unchanged with milling time, a doublet feature observed around 285.4 eV in the X-ray Raman spectra of the 5 h milled sample shows increasing hybridization of the Ti states with the nanotubes above the Fermi level. On the other hand, in addition to a double peak nature, the XRS spectra of TiH 2 +SWCNT samples show a decrease in the π ⁎ intensity which provides clear evidence for increasing sp 3 hybridization with milling time.
Edward Drinker Cope, Professor Paleozoic and Buffalo Land

William E. Webb's 1872 book Buffalo Land, written for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, was a typical railroad advertising publication with one exception. Webb's fictional story of a group of Kansas adventurers included a paleontologist probably based on the person of Webb's friend, Edward Drinker Cope. The book also includes most of a scientific paper written by Cope and given to Webb for use in Buffalo Land. Cope may be seen as a co-author of Webb's book. Cope's contributions to Buffalo Land and his association with Webb are discussed in detail.
Dramas, Narratives, and the Postmodern Challenge

Schutz’s remarks on the “Sociological Aspect of Literature” provides the occasion for reconsidering the dramaturgical approach to the study of society. By combining the Burkean dramatistic pentad with Schutz’s conceptualizations of the intersubjective relations that prevail in actor/audience encounters, and, at the same time, historicizing the Schutz-Gurwitsch debate over the character and quality of Umwelten, it is possible to resolve certain dilemmas posed by recent postmodernist thinkers and to open social sciences to a humane and egalitarian approach to the investigation and understanding of the “Other.“