cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid supplemented medium induces lamellar bodies and precursors of barrier lipids in cultured analogues of human skin

Abstract Barrier function of cultured skin substitutes (CSS) is required for their effective use in clinical treatment of skin wounds, and for percutaneous absorption in vitro . Arachidonic, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic free fatty acids, in conjunction with the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol acetate (lipid supplements, "LS"), were added to nutrient media of CSS to provide precursors of epidermal barrier lipids. CSS were composed of human keratinocytes (HK), fibroblasts (HF), and collagen-glycosaminoglycan substrates, and were incubated for 14 d submerged or lifted to the air-liquid interface in media based on MCDB 153 ±LS. Duplicate samples (30 cm 2 ) were harvested and the epidermal analogue was analyzed for total protein, total DNA, total lipid, lipid fractions including acylglucosylceramide (AGC), and presence of lamellar bodies. Significant increases (p in vitro of barrier-associated epidermal lipids.
Job Involvement and Organizational Commitment as Interactive Predictors of Tardiness and Absenteeism

This study examined job involvement and organizational commitment as interactive predictors of absenteeism and tardiness behaviors. Personnel records and questionnaires were used to collect tardiness and absence data for a subsample of 82 registered staff nurses out of a total sample of 228 nurses from a large Midwestern hospital. Results showed supportfor the hypothesis that individuals showing higher levels of job involvement and organizational commitment would exhibit less unexcused tardiness and absenteeism than those with lower levels of job involvement and organizational commitment. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF HETEROGENEITY ON WOOD DRYING, PART I: MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND PREDICTIONS

ABSTRACT A two dimensional model which can predict the effects of the anisotropy and heterogeneity on the transport phenomena which occur in wood during drying is developed. It is shown that the appropriate driving potential for moisture transport is the ratio of the moisture content to the driving potential. In its one dimensional form, die model results compare favorably with experimental measurements for drying in the radial direction. In its two dimensional form the model is used to predict drying in a direction midway between the radial and the tangential. In this case free water moves in a diagonal direction because the low density earlywood dries faster than the latewood during the early stages of drying. The result is significant gradients in moisture content, not only in the drying direction, but also in the direction parallel to the drying surface.
Tungsten atomic layer deposition on polymers

Abstract Tungsten (W) atomic layer deposition (ALD) was investigated on a variety of polymer films and polymer particles. These polymers included polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polypropylene and polymethylmethacrylate. The W ALD was performed at 80 °C using WF6 and Si2H6 as the gas phase reactants. W ALD on flat polymer films can eventually nucleate and grow after more than 60 AB cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of W ALD on polystyrene after 50 AB cycles suggested that tungsten nanoclusters are present in the W ALD nucleation regime. The W ALD nucleation is greatly facilitated by a few cycles of Al2O3 ALD. W ALD films were grown at 80 °C on spin-coated polymers on silicon wafers after 10 AB cycles of Al2O3 ALD. The W ALD film was observed to grow linearly with a growth rate of 3.9 A per AB cycle on the polymer films treated with the Al2O3 ALD seed layer. The W ALD films displayed an excellent, mirror-like optical reflectivity. The resistivity was 100–400 µΩ cm for W ALD films with thicknesses from 95–845 A. W ALD was also observed on polymer particles after W ALD in a rotary reactor. Without the Al2O3 ALD seed layer, the nucleation of W ALD directly on the polymer particles at 80 °C required > 50 AB cycles. In contrast, the polymer particles treated with only 5 AB cycles of Al2O3 ALD were observed to blacken after 25 AB cycles of W ALD. W ALD on polymers may have applications for flexible optical mirrors, electromagnetic interference shielding and gas diffusion barriers.
Functional frameworks of illumination revealed by probe disk technique

We used a novel probe disk technique to test for the existence of functional frames of reference for lightness perception in complex images. Thirteen identical gray disks were electronically pasted into the photograph Trastevere, which shows two large regions of sunlight and shadow. Observers matched the lightness of each disk with a Munsell scale. The data revealed a framework effect. That is, lightness differences within either the sunlight or shadow region were small relative to the pronounced step function at the framework boundary. Additional experiments testing the perceived embeddedness of the disks showed that the framework effect was increased when disk size and shape were altered to conform to the perspective shown in the photograph and when the disks were blurred slightly to conform to the graininess of the photograph. The effect was further increased when the photograph was viewed through a pinhole and when the disks were presented one by one. The effect was reduced when paper disks of equal luminance and visual angle were pasted onto the glass front of the CRT screen. When the sunlight framework was covered with black paper, the remained disks within the shadow region appeared white, as predicted by the anchoring theory (A. Gilchrist, 2006).
Multiplexed Detection and Applications for Separations on Parallel Microchips

Much work has been performed since the development of the lab-on-a-chip concept that has brought microfabricated systems to the forefront of bioanalytical research. The success of using these microchips for performing complicated biological assays faster and cheaper than conventional methods has facilitated their emerging popularity among researchers. A recently exploited advantage of microfabricated technology has led to the creation of single wafers with multiple channel manifolds for high-throughput experiments. Efforts toward parallel microchip development have yielded fascinating new devices for chemical separations showing the potential for replacing conventional multiplexing techniques. This review will focus on recent work toward multiplexed separations on microdevices and complementary detection instrumentation.
Regulating flows, topology of foliations and rigidity

A flow transverse to a foliation is regulating if, in the universal cover, an arbitrary orbit of the flow intersects every leaf of the lifted foliation. This implies that the foliation is R-covered, that is, its leaf space in the universal cover is homeomorphic to the reals. We analyse the converse of this implication to study the topology of the leaf space of certain foliations. We prove that if a pseudo-Anosov flow is transverse to an R-covered foliation and the flow is not an R-covered Anosov flow, then the flow is regulating for the foliation. Using this we show that several interesting classes of foliations are not R-covered. Finally we show a rigidity result: if an R-covered Anosov flow is transverse to a. foliation but is not regulating, then the foliation blows down to one topologically conjugate to the stable or unstable foliations of the transverse flow.
Progressive disturbance of spider web geometry caused by two sedative drugs

Abstract The effects of diazepam and phenobarbital upon web-building show a time- and dose-dependency such that—in contrast to man—the action of phenobarbital is stronger than that of diazepam. Within the dose range here employed, the actions of both drugs are similar but have different rates of development. It is well possible, however, that if dose-levels were raised even higher, further differences would be found between the two substances. Both drugs produce significant curtailment of activity and ultimately evidence of imprecision of movement, presumably due to failure in sensory-motor coordination; this becomes apparent in radius construction for both drugs and in spiral placement for phenobarbital. Phenobarbital forces more radical economies of effort at lower dose-levels and earlier times than does diazepam. This curtailment of activity is not the result of potential thread material; at least, measures of gland content under diazepam showed no slowing of glandular synthesis.
Microbial community patterns of potential substrate utilization: a comparison of salt marsh, sand dune, and seawater-irrigated agronomic systems

Abstract Microbial community patterns of potential substrate utilization were examined at eight study sites. Sample microbial communities were from different habitats including constructed and natural salt marshes, a seawater-irrigated agronomic system, and, for a non-saline comparison, a coastal sand dune. Microbial communities were characterized by patterns of sole carbon source (substrate) utilization using Biolog microplates. Sampling sites were characterized based on analysis of soil biotic and physical properties. Relationships among the eight microbial communities based on substrate utilization potential, and among the sampling sites based on biotic and physical characteristics, were similar. Microbial communities from natural salt marshes at two geographically distant locations had similar patterns of potential substrate utilization. The constructed salt marsh community was dissimilar from the other communities (including two from natural salt marshes located in the same salt marsh complex) in potential substrate utilization. Seawater-irrigated agronomic sites were distinct from the other saline soil sites, possibly due to disturbance caused by agronomic practices. Potential substrate utilization of the microbial communities at the agronomic sites was intermediate compared to the other sites, e.g. higher than the constructed marsh but lower than the natural salt marshes. Relationships among the study communities determined by microbial potential substrate utilization and analysis of site characteristics primarily reflected similarity in habitat type, while geographical influences were less important.
Interaction of solid particles with an ionized gas

Consideration of equilibrium of ionization of a gas-solid suspension showed that the solid particles always became positively charged if the ionization of the gaseous atoms was negligible. However, the combination of high value of thermionic potential and low value of ionization potential of the gas may leave the solid particles negatively charged. Experiments with an arc flame of argon showed that addition of metals tended to increase the recombination rate while oxides tended to decrease the recombination rate of argon.
Multifractality of sectoral price indices: Hurst signature analysis of Cantillon effects in disequilibrium factor markets

Abstract This paper presents Hurst exponent signatures from time series of aggregate price indices for the US over the 1975–2011 time period. Though all highly aggregated, these indices include both broad measures of consumer and producer prices. The constellation of prices evolves as a complex system throughout processes of production and distribution, culminating in the final delivery of output to consumers. Massive feedback characterizes this system, where the demand for consumable output determines the demand for the inputs used to produce it, and supply scarcities for the necessary inputs in turn determine the supply of the final product. Prices in both factor and output markets are jointly determined by interdependent supply and demand conditions. Fractal examination of the interplay among market prices would be of interest regardless, but added interest arises from the consideration of how these markets respond to external shocks over the business cycle, particularly monetary expansion. Because the initial impact of monetary injection is localized in specific sectors, the way the impact on prices diffuses throughout the economy is of special interest.
Strontium metaniobate: Its crystallography, polymorphism, and isomerism

Three polymorphic forms of SrNb2O6 are recognized. The monoclinic form has been prepared and studied by x-ray powder diffraction techniques and differential thermal analysis. The results of this study show that SrNb2O6 crystallizes in a pseudo-orthorhombic unit cell with ao = 10.99A, bo = 7.70A and co = 5.66A. Its crystal chemical relations to the other meta-niobates and its thermodynamic stability are discussed.
Wife-beating in rural south India: a qualitative and econometric analysis.

Abstract This paper uses ethnographic and econometric methods to study the determinants of wife abuse in a community of potters in Southern India. The qualitative work demonstrates that wife abuse is more likely when dowries are perceived as inadequate, when husbands are alcoholic, and when the cause of the abuse is perceived as “legitimate” by the community. Hypotheses generated from the qualitative work are tested with survey data, which confirm that the risk of wife abuse significantly increases with smaller dowry payments and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the statistical analysis reveals that women who are sterilized or have fewer male children are more likely to be abused.
Effect of linkage geometry on biological activity in thiourea- and guanidine-substituted acridines and platinum–acridines

Novel thiourea- and guanidine-modified acridine-4-carboxamides (4, 7) and a corresponding platinum-intercalator conjugate (4') have been synthesized and evaluated as cytotoxic agents in human promyelocytic leukemia, HL-60, and a non-small cell lung cancer, NCI-H460. Modification of thiourea sulfur in derivative 4 with a DNA platinating moiety, giving 4', resulted in a pronounced cytotoxic enhancement, and the conjugate proved to be the most active of the newly synthesized compounds in NCI-H460 cells. Conjugate 4' represents a new chemotype with potential applications in the treatment of chemoresistant tumors.
Allostery and compartmentalization: old but not forgotten

Homeostasis is an essential capability of all cells mediated by complex and diverse regulatory networks. Despite this complexity, many of the fundamental regulatory mechanisms used by cells have been evolutionarily conserved. It is thus somewhat surprising that the apparent physiologic significance of these mechanisms has been experimentally neglected. Here, we review 2 widely recognized regulatory mechanisms, allostery and compartmentalization, which exemplify this dissociation in our current understanding of the microbial pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
An Examination of the Propensity of Women and Racial Minorities to Specialize in Sex/Gender and Racial/Ethnic Relation Studies

Since scientists may study topics that are of personal interest to them it seems reasonable that women and racial minorities respectively are more likely to study sexism and racism. One would expect a disproportionate number of women and ethnic minorities to, respectively, belong to the sex/gender and race/ethnic specializations. Information from a 1991 survey of American socilogists confirms this prediction.
Enhancement-Mode Buried Strained Silicon Channel Double Quantum Dot with Integrated Electrometer

Silicon and silicon-germanium heterostructure devices are interesting test beds for exploring solid-state quantum computing. Electron spin lifetimes and coherence times in fully relaxed SiGe / strained Si (sSi) quantum well devices are much longer than competing systems (e.g. gallium- arsenide heterostructures), with further improvements expected. Additionally, highly crystalline and high mobility interfaces allow fabrication of few electron dots and sensitive electrometers more easily. We propose and demonstrate a relaxed-SiGe/sSi enhancement-mode gate stack for quantum dots. The wafers are grown to our specification using CVD process by Lawrence SQI. The devices were fabricated within a 150 mm Si foundry setting that uses implanted ohmics and chemical-vapor-deposited dielectrics. Polysilicon depletion gates are used to form few electron dots in the sSi quantum well. High density plasma silicon dioxide was used as a secondary dielectric, followed by a tungsten/titanium nitride enhancement gate to draw electrons into the system. A modified implant, polycrystalline silicon formation and annealing conditions were utilized to minimize the thermal budget that potentially leads to Ge/Si interdiffusion. A mobility of 1.6E5 cm^2/Vs at 5.8E11 /cm^2 is measured in Hall bars that witness the same device process flow as the quantum dot. Periodic Coulomb blockade conductance oscillations are measured in a single quantum dot nanostructure, evidence of discrete electron number. The Coulomb blockade diamonds increase to at least ±10 mV of dc voltage across the device after the last transition, a strong indication of single electron dot occupation. Charge transitions in a double quantum dot system are observed using the integrated electrometer, with tunable coupling between the dots. This work was performed, in part, at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a U.S. DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences user facility. The work was supported by the Sandia National Laboratories Directed Research and Development Program. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi- program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. References [1] A. M. Tyryshkin, S. A. Lyon, W. Jantsch, & F. Schaffler, "Spin manipulation of free two- dimensional electrons in Si/SiGe quantum wells," Phys. Rev. Lett., vol 94, pp. 126802, 2005. [2] T. M. Lu, N. C. Bishop, T. Pluym, J. Means, P. G. Kotula, J. Cederberg, L. A. Tracy, J. Dominguez, M. P. Lilly, and M. S. Carroll, "Enhancement-mode buried strained silicon channel quantum dot with tunable lateral geometry," Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 99, no. 4, pp. 043101, 2011.
Iron and regenerated production: Evidence for biological iron recycling in two marine environments

We investigated biological Fe recycling in plankton communities from two contrasting marine ecosystems, the equatorial Pacific and Monterey Bay, California. Our experiments involved addition of cultured cyanobacteria and diatoms labeled with Fe radiotracer to natural plankton communities. Transfer of label into the natural community was followed by size fractionation and microautoradiography, and intracellular Fe was determined with titanium wash techniques. We documented the transfer of labeled Fe from added cyanobacteria to indigenous large cells in both environments and from large diatoms to indigenous small cells in the equatorial Pacific. Microautoradiography and Ti washing verified that transfer occurred from and into intracellular fractions in Monterey Bay experiments, although substantial amounts of transferred Fe were also found to be surface-adsorbed or associated with detritus. We argue that, as is the case for N, recycling of cellular Fe to support regenerated production could be an important component of marine ecosystem dynamics, especially in areas low in Fe.
Ultra-fine polyelectrolyte fibers from electrospinning of poly(acrylic acid)

Abstract Ultra-fine polyelectrolyte fibers have been generated from electrospinning of poly(acrylic acid) in aqueous and DMF solutions. The fiber diameters ranged from 80 to 500 nm and increased with increasing solution concentrations and electrospinning voltages. The fibers generated from the aqueous solutions were more homogeneous in sizes, especially when NaCl or NaOH was added. Higher voltages in electrospinning of the aqueous solutions also resulted in fibers with larger heat capacity in the glass transition region, and higher dehydration temperatures. These polyelectrolyte fibers could be rendered water-insoluble by incorporating β-cyclodextrin (at 20 wt% of PAA) in the aqueous solution, then heat-induced crosslinking was performed at 140 °C for 20 min. The resulting hydrogel fibers showed strongly pH-responsive swelling behaviors.
Rationale for a postintervention continuum of care: insights from intravascular ultrasound.

In 1987, Glagov published a provocative hypothesis that the principal initial response to plaque accumulation was enlargement of the vessel as a whole (remodeling), which preserved luminal diameter until the lesion occupied a substantial proportion of the area within the elastic external membrane (EEM). This model has been confirmed and extended by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) studies. Remodeling renders most atheromas invisible to angiography. In patients with single-vessel disease, the mean percent of EEM area occupied by atheroma at a segment with an angiographically normal appearance is 39%. IVUS studies further show that the disease progresses in a diffuse manner and that stenotic lesions represent only a small proportion of the total disease burden. We further know that disease can begin as early as the teenage years. Data suggest that up to 25% of individuals <25 years old may be affected. Atherosclerotic lesions can be effectively targeted with lipid-lowering therapy. Preliminary data suggest that as plaques stabilize and become smaller, a reverse modeling occurs: the EEM area decreases but the lumen size remains unchanged. This may explain why significant reductions in cardiovascular events in clinical trials were accompanied by only modest angiographic evidence of regression. This hypothesis will be tested prospectively in the Reversal of Atherosclerosis with Lipitor (REVERSAL) study.
Logical topology design for linear and ring optical networks

The design of logical topologies in wavelength-routing multihop optical networks is a well-studied problem. We consider logical topology (LT) design over the popular ring and linear topologies. Our objective is the minimization of the electronic processing delay for the worst case traffic flow. For uniform traffic between nodes, this delay minimization corresponds to minimizing the number of hops on a shortest path between the farthest two nodes in the logical topology (the diameter of the logical topology). The simple structure of the physical topologies enables us to present a rigorous analysis of the problem. We present lower bounds for the achievable diameter wherever possible and propose practical logical topology design algorithms and corresponding upper bounds. We also present an application of the LT designs in the linear topology to the survivability of ring networks.
Vibration of multi-degree-of-freedom systems with non-proportional viscous damping

Abstract In this paper, free vibration, steady-state vibration and transient vibration of multi-degree-of-freedom systems with non-proportional viscous damping are presented. Natural frequencies and the corresponding damping ratios are obtained by solving the complex eigenvalue problem with complex roots. Then the amplitudes of free vibration and amplitude of steady-state solution of forced vibration are obtained by solving linear algebraic equations. The transient vibration problems are analyzed by using the superposition principle and convolutional integral. Numerical results of amplitudes of vibration and natural frequencies of two-degree-of-freedom systems with different values of coefficients of viscosity are presented. It is very interesting to note that in addition to the overdamped and underdamped cases as in a single-degree-of-freedom system, there exists a degenerated case. Under these conditions (degenerated cases) the number of natural frequencies may be less than the number of degrees of freedom. Numerical results of forced vibration, steady-state solution and transient vibration under different forcing functions are also analyzed. It is found that the effects of viscous damping are very significant in vibration.
A role for falcilysin in transit peptide degradation in the Plasmodium falciparum apicoplast

Falcilysin (FLN) is a zinc metalloprotease thought to degrade globin peptides in the acidic vacuole of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The enzyme has been found to have acidic or neutral pH optima on different peptides and to have additional distribution outside the food vacuole. These data suggested that FLN has an additional function in the parasite. To further probe the functions of FLN, we created a transgenic parasite clone expressing a chromosomally encoded FLN-GFP fusion. Unexpectedly, FLN was found in the apicoplast, an essential chloroplast-like organelle. Nuclear encoded apicoplast proteins are targeted to the organelle by a bipartite N-terminal sequence comprised of a signal sequence followed by a positively charged transit peptide domain. Free transit peptides are thought to be toxic to the plastid and need to be rapidly degraded after proteolytic release from proproteins. We hypothesized that FLN may participate in transit peptide degradation in the apicoplast based on its preference for basic residues at neutral pH and on phylogenetic comparison with other M16 family metalloproteases. In vitro cleavage by FLN of the transit peptide from the apicoplast-resident acyl carrier protein supports this idea. The importance of FLN for parasite development is suggested by our inability to truncate the chromosomal FLN open reading frame. Our work indicates that FLN is an attractive target for antimalarial development.
Early origin of viviparity and multiple reversions to oviparity in squamate reptiles.

Viviparity has putatively evolved 115 times in squamates (lizards and snakes), out of only ~ 140 origins in vertebrates, and is apparently related to colder climates and other factors such as body size. Viviparity apparently evolves from oviparity via egg-retention, and such taxa may thus still have the machinery to produce thick-shelled eggs. Parity mode is also associated with variable diversification rates in some groups. We reconstruct ancestral parity modes accounting for state-dependent diversification in a large-scale phylogenetic analysis, and find strong support for an early origin of viviparity at the base of Squamata, and a complex pattern of subsequent transitions. Viviparous lineages have higher rates of speciation and extinction, and greater species turnover through time. Viviparity is associated with lower environmental and body temperatures in lizards and amphisbaenians, but not female mass. These results suggest that parity mode is a labile trait that shifts frequently in response to ecological conditions.
Trade-offs in cycle time management: hot lots

In manufacturing, higher priority is given to hot lots to reduce their cycle time. The impact of hot lots on the cycle time of other lots in the system is studied here. Object-oriented simulation experiments of a wafer fabrication model were run to investigate the above impact. The simulation results showed that as the proportion of hot lots in the work-in progress increases, both the average cycle time and the corresponding standard deviation for all other lots increase dramatically. Thus, it is argued that hot lots induce either a deterioration in service level for regular lots or an increase in inventory costs. Sound management accounting would require that these costs be estimated, possibly using an approach outlined here. >
Murine Cytomegalovirus with a Transposon Insertional Mutation at Open Reading Frame M35 Is Defective in Growth In Vivo

We had previously constructed a pool of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) mutants that contained a Tn3-based transposon sequence randomly inserted in the viral genome. In the study reported here, one of the mutants, RvM35, which contains the transposon insertion at open reading frame M35, was characterized both in vitro in tissue cultures and in immunocompetent Balb/c and immunodeficient SCID mice. Our results provide the first direct evidence to suggest that M35 is not essential for viral replication in vitro in NIH 3T3 cells. Compared to the wild-type strain and a rescued virus that restored the M35 region, the viral mutant was attenuated in growth in both the intraperitoneally infected Balb/c and SCID mice. At 21 days postinfection, the titers of the mutant in the salivary glands, lungs, spleens, livers, and kidneys of the SCID mice were lower than the titers of the wild-type Smith strain and the rescued virus by 50,000-, 100-, 10-, 100-, and 50-fold, respectively. Moreover, the growth of RvM35 is severely attenuated in the salivary glands. The virulence of the mutant virus also appears to be attenuated, because no death was observed in SCID mice infected with RvM35 until 35 days postinfection, while all the animals infected with the wild-type and rescued viruses died 27 days postinfection. Our results suggest that M35 is important for MCMV virulence in killing SCID mice and is required for optimal viral growth in vivo, including in the salivary glands.
Time-temperature superposition of the fundamental relaxation processes of polyethylene

The application of Tobolsky's time-temperature superposition principle for the stress-relaxation behavior of amorphous polymers is reviewed, and its extension to crystalline polymers and the employment of X-ray and optical methods is discussed. The desirability of applying the superposition principle to time-dependent crystal orientation functions is described. The use of those techniques for the study of the relaxation of a low-density polyethylene sample is illustrated. Spherulite orientation theory is used for analysis of the results.
Arterial Macrophages and Regenerating Endothelial Cells Express P-Selectin in Atherosclerosis-Prone Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

P-selectin expression has been reported in platelets, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells in response to vascular injury. Here, we report P-selectin expression on macrophages in the arterial wall after carotid denudation injury and spontaneous atherosclerosis in atherosclerosis-prone apoE-deficient (apoE −/− ) mice. Double-immunofluorescence staining revealed robust P-selectin expression in macrophage-rich regions of both denudation-induced carotid neointimal lesions and innominate atherosclerotic plaques. Co-localization of P-selectin with macrophages was verified at the single cell level using double immunostaining plus 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (for nuclei) counterstaining. No platelet staining was seen in association with the macrophage staining, excluding platelet contamination. Furthermore, P-selectin mRNA expression was readily detectable in macrophage-rich plaques of atherosclerotic innominate arteries and blood monocyte-derived macrophages from apoE −/− mice. Strong P-selectin expression was also seen in the areas of regenerated endothelium after arterial injury. In addition, co-localization of P-selectin with vascular smooth muscle cells was readily observed in denudation-injured carotid arteries at 7 and 14 days. We conclude that macrophages in carotid injury-induced neointimal lesions and spontaneous atherosclerotic plaques of the innominate artery acquire the ability to express P-selectin, as does regenerating endothelium. These findings provide a potential new paradigm in macrophage-mediated vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, and neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury.
Two Paradigms for the Design of Artificial Collectives

Artificial collectives are systems composed of multiple autonomous information or software agents, mobile robots, or nodes in a sensor or communication network. In the future, such systems will be responsible for many important tasks, such as highway traffic control, disaster response, toxic spill monitoring and cleanup, and exploration of other planets. Because such systems will have to function in environments with unreliable communication channels, where agents are likely to fail, they will have to be reliable, scalable, robust, adaptable, and amenable to quantitative mathematical analysis. The last property is important because analysis is crucial to understanding the issues of the design, control, adaptability, and dynamics of collective behavior. We describe two approaches to distributed control of artificial collectives and study them quantitatively. The first, biologically based control, relies on local interactions among many simple agents to create desirable collective behavior. The second approach allows collectives to maximize their world utility using market-based mechanisms. We present two applications—foraging in a group of robots and resource allocation in dynamic environments—that use these control paradigms and perform an analysis of each problem.
Opioid misuse behaviors in adolescents and young adults in a hematology/oncology setting

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence and psychosocial correlates of aberrant opioid-associated behavior (AOB) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) hematology and oncology patients prescribed opioid therapy. METHODS: Structured retrospective chart reviews were conducted for AYA patients (N = 398) accepted for active treatment at a large pediatric hematology/oncology institution over a 17-month period. Opioid therapy was documented in the records of 94 out of the 398 patients. The records of those 94 patients were further reviewed to identify documented AOB and documented correlates of AOB. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients prescribed opioid therapy, 11.7% exhibited AOB. At least one psychosocial risk factor was identified in 90.9% of patients with AOB. Concurrent use of multiple opioids was significantly associated with AOB (p =.003). CONCLUSIONS: Hematology/oncology AYA patients may exhibit AOB despite a legitimate clinical indication for opioid therapy. Clinicians should consider young patients' psychosocial risk factors when using opioid therapy. Language: en
An Assessment of Forest Policy Changes in Western Washington

Abstract Changing forest policies in both riparian and upland areas to help protect threatened and endangered species have contributed to the reduction of timber harvests in western Washington. The economic, biodiversity, and environmental impacts of these policy actions have been substantial. Policy simulations across 9.4 million acres of timber-land show that relative to proactive management strategies, current habitat conservation and environmental programs (largely based on a reservation strategy) result in net present value reductions to forestland owners of $9.9 billion. Accompanying these asset value reductions are employment losses (sustained) of 30% and tax receipt losses of 26%. The policy simulations further demonstrate that proactive management will not decrease the long-term percentage of the upland landscape occupied by functionally old forests relative to the reservation strategy. In the riparian area, adoption of a reservation strategy actually decreases (by 29%) the percent of the landsca...
TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION BY ERGOSTEROL IN THE YEAST SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Sterol biosynthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an energy-expensive, aerobic process, requiring heme and molecular oxygen. Heme, also synthesized exclusively during aerobic growth, not only acts as an enzymatic cofactor but also is directly and indirectly responsible for the transcriptional control of several yeast genes. Because of their biosynthetic similarities, we hypothesized that ergosterol, like heme, may have a regulatory function. Sterols are known to play a structural role in membrane integrity, but regulatory roles have not been characterized. To test possible regulatory roles of sterol, the promoter for the ERG3 gene, encoding the sterol C-5 desaturase, was fused to the bacterial lacZ reporter gene. This construct was placed in strains making aberrant sterols, and the effect of altered sterol composition on gene expression was monitored by beta-galactosidase activity. The absence of ergosterol resulted in a 35-fold increase in the expression of ERG3 as measured by beta-galactosidase activity. The level of ERG3 mRNA was increased as much as ninefold in erg mutant strains or wild-type strains inhibited in ergosterol biosynthesis by antifungal agents. The observed regulatory effects of ergosterol on ERG3 are specific for ergosterol, as several ergosterol derivatives failed to elicit the same controlling effect. These results demonstrate for the first time that ergosterol exerts a regulatory effect on gene transcription in S. cerevisiae.
Civil commitment law, mental health services, and US homicide rates

Purpose The study considers whether involuntary civil comment (ICC) statute provisions are associated with homicide rates. Do statutes based solely upon dangerousness criteria versus broader ICC-criteria—i.e. ‘‘need for treatment,’’ ‘‘protection of health and safety,’’ and family protection–have differential associations related to their goal of reducing the frequency of homicide? Method State-level data were obtained from online data bases and key-informant surveys. Ordinary-least-squares and Poisson regression were used to evaluate the association between statute characteristics, mental health system characteristics, and 2004 Homicide Rates after controlling for firearm-control-law restrictiveness and social-economicdemographic-geographic-and-political indicators historically related to homicide rate variation. Results Poisson and OLS models, respectively, were significant: likelihood ratio v 2 = 108.47, df = 10; p \ 0.000 and Adj. R 2 = 0.72; df = 10, 25; F = 10.21; p \ 0.000. Poisson results indicate that social-economic-demographicgeographic-and-political-indicators had the strongest association with state homicide rates (p \ 0.000). Lower rates were associated with: broader ICC-criteria (p B 0.01), fewer inpatient-bed access problems (p B 0.03), and better mental health system ratings (p B 0.04). OLS results indicate that social-economic-demographicgeographic-and-political indicators accounted for 25% of homicide rate variation. Broader ICC-criteria were associated with 1.42 less homicides per 100,000. Less access to psychiatric inpatient-beds and more poorly rated mental health systems were associated with increases in the homicide rates of 1.08 and 0.26 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusions While social-economic-demographic-geographic-and-political indicators show the strongest association with homicide rate variation, the results show the importance and potentially preventive utility of broader ICC criteria, increased psychiatric inpatient-bed access, and better performing mental health systems as factors contributing to homicide rate variation.
Lateral distribution of radiation-induced damage in MOSFETs

Significant lateral nonuniformity of radiation-induced oxide charge and interface traps in short-channel CMOS transistors was observed. This nonuniformity affects device DC parameters. A modified charge pumping technique was used in this study. Its basic principles are briefly discussed. Results for MOSFETs irradiated under various bias conditions are presented. >
Race Does Not Predict Melanocyte Heterogeneous Responses to Dermal Fibroblast-Derived Mediators.

Introduction Abnormal pigmentation following cutaneous injury causes significant patient distress and represents a barrier to recovery. Wound depth and patient characteristics influence scar pigmentation. However, we know little about the pathophysiology leading to hyperpigmentation in healed shallow wounds and hypopigmentation in deep dermal wound scars. We sought to determine whether dermal fibroblast signaling influences melanocyte responses. Methods and Materials Epidermal melanocytes from three Caucasians and three African-Americans were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the entire genome. Melanocyte genetic profiles were determined using principal component analysis. We assessed melanocyte phenotype and gene expression in response to dermal fibroblast-conditioned medium and determined potential mesenchymal mediators by proteome profiling the fibroblast-conditioned medium. Results Six melanocyte samples demonstrated significant variability in phenotype and gene expression at baseline and in response to fibroblast-conditioned medium. Genetic profiling for SNPs in receptors for 13 identified soluble fibroblast-secreted mediators demonstrated considerable heterogeneity, potentially explaining the variable melanocyte responses to fibroblast-conditioned medium. Discussion Our data suggest that melanocytes respond to dermal fibroblast-derived mediators independent of keratinocytes and raise the possibility that mesenchymal-epidermal interactions influence skin pigmentation during cutaneous scarring.
Moment and Torque

A force applied to an object can translate, rotate, and / or deform the object. The effect of a force on the object to which it is applied depends on how the force is applied and how the object is supported. For example, when pulled, an open door will swing about the edge along which it is hinged to the door frame (Figure 3.1). What causes the door to swing is the torque generated by the applied force about an axis that passes through the hinges of the door. If one stands on the free-end of a diving board, the board will bend (Figure 3.2). What bends the board is the moment of the body weight about the fixed end of the board. In general, torque is associated with the rotational and twisting actions of applied forces, while moment is related to their bending effect. However, the mathematical definition of moment and torque is the same. Therefore, it is sufficient to use moment to discuss the common properties of moment and torque vectors.
N I Isoelectronic Sequence: Observations of 2sm2pn-2sm-1 2pn+1 Intersystem Transitions and Improved Measurements for CI XI, K XIII, Ca XIV, Sc XV, Ti XVI, and V XVII

Spectra of C1 through V (excluding Ar) were produced with a 1 GW (15 ns) pulse from a Nd-glass laser impinging on solid targets and observed with a 10.7-m grazing incidence spectrograph. Strong 2sm2pn-2sm-1 2pn+1 transition arrays in the C I isoelectronic sequence were recorded, from which intersystem lines were identified and improved wavelength measurements of allowed lines were made. Hartree-Fock calculations of the radial integrals were compared with those obtained from least squares fits of the energy levels of this sequence.
Effects of Vitamin B-6 Deficiency on the Developing Central Nervous System of the Rat. Gross Measurements and Cytoarchitectural Alterations

The effects of different levels of dietary pyridoxine (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 20.0 mg/kg diet) fed to dams from weaning through lactation on gross measurements and cytoarchitectural alterations of brains of progeny were investigated. Progeny of the 1.0 and 1.2 groups died between 15 and 21 days of age due to the severe vitamin deficit. Differences were observed in brain and body weights and brain: body weight ratios. Vitamin B-6 concentrations in brain ranged from 498 to 713 ng/g in the three lower groups and were markedly lower than for the 20.0 group (2,256 ng/g). Protein concentrations were not different. Changes in cytoarchitecture, as seen by light microscopy, included reduced area in the neocortex and, to a greater extent, in the cerebellum of the deficient groups. Molecular and granular layers, but not medullary layer, of the cerebellum were significantly reduced. Significantly greater granular layer/molecular layer area ratios (GMR) in the 1.2 and 1.4 groups indicated that the molecular layer was more affected in these groups while both layers were affected in the 1.0 group. Purkinje cells were dispersed from the usual monocellular layer in the 1.0 and 1.2 groups. The results indicated that central nervous system development in the progeny is altered parallel to the maternal vitamin B-6 intake levels.
Effect of alpha-2-agonist premedication on intraocular pressure after selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Aim: To determine the effect of alpha-2-agonist (AA) premedication (PM) on intraocular pressure (IOP) following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing 360° SLT at an institution with two prevalent practice patterns consisting of SLT performed with PM and without premedication (NPM) with AA. The association between pre- and post-operative IOP was evaluated using a linear regression model in 49 (59%) PM and 34 (41%) NPM eyes. Results: The prevalence of IOP elevations up to 5 mmHg 1 h postoperatively was similar in both groups, occurring in 18% of PM and in 15% of NPM. Elevations above 5 mmHg were seen in 4% of PM and 8% of NPM (P = 0.732). After correcting for age, gender, diagnosis, number of medications, and preoperative IOP, the presence or absence of AA PM had no significant association with any postoperative IOP (P > 0.5). Conclusion: The practice of using AAs before SLT and measuring IOP at 1 h has not been validated yet adds to expenses and workflow burden. Our retrospective study showed no significant correlation between PM and postoperative or longer-term IOP. IOP at 1 h should be measured in patients who cannot tolerate transient pressure elevations. Further studies are needed to elucidate this relationship.
Static Deflection Control of a PVC Pipe Joint Using Piezoelectric Actuation

This paper investigates the use of surface bonded piezoelectric induced strain actuators and their effectiveness at inducing deflection in a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) simply supported adhesively bonded pipe joint structure. The purpose using piezoelectric actuation is to reduce the high shear stress concentrations at the ends adhesive layer by reducing the joint end deflections caused by external loading; effectively enhancing the strength of the joint. Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is implemented to derive the elastic curves for two possible surface bond scenarios; on the pipe joint itself and on the separate spans of piping. The derived equations account for the physical and geometrical parameters of the piping and piezoelectric actuators. The effects of reducing the detrimental effects of a distributed external load caused by the weight of the fluid within the piping system are examined. A numerical study is carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the piezoelectric actuation based on the two proposed actuator bond scenarios. Bonding two pairs of actuators on separate pipe sections was shown to be capable of inducing greater joint end deflections than bonding a single pair of actuators on the pipe joint. Bonding two pairs of actuators on the separate sections of piping was shown to be capable of reducing joint end deflections caused by external loading by 70%, while bonding one pair of actuators on the pipe joint was shown to be capable of reducing joint end deflections by 20%.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Belles-Letters: Alma Mater: The Gothic Age of the American College

(1936). Belles-Letters: Alma Mater: The Gothic Age of the American College. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 7, No. 9, pp. 503-503.
The War We Lost and the Revolution Yet to Come

This essay offers a vision for higher education based on two convergent ideas: (a) that progressives lost the war on education by failing to adequately engage, much less counter, the existing right-wing narrative; and (b) this narrative loss opens the possibility of a creative revolution capable of transforming education. I forward the idea that what is needed in this bleak time of political fear and economic austerity is a rethinking, and reworking, of the role of education and learning through new collaborations, cooperation, and communication between and among academics and practitioners. I offer some existing models of programs modeled on this rethinking, each one designed to address real-world problems and community challenges. I conclude by suggesting that such a creative revolution is not only practical but also perhaps offers us the only real hope for higher education in the foreseeable future.
Immunologic basis of hypersensitivity.

Deprived of his immunologic apparatus, man would fall prey to microorganisms and might have more tumors. As it is, this apparatus preserves and protects the body's integrity. Experiments in animals have shown that occasionally, however, it overreacts and gives rise to anaphylaxis, the Arthus reaction, serum sickness or hypersensitivities.