cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational mean-field modeling of confined active fluids

Abstract We present a new framework for the efficient simulation of the dynamics of active fluids in complex two- and three-dimensional microfluidic geometries. Focusing on the case of a suspension of microswimmers such as motile bacteria, we adopt a continuum mean-field model based on partial differential equations for the evolution of the concentration, polarization and nematic tensor fields, which are nonlinearly coupled to the Navier-Stokes equations for the fluid flow driven by internal active stresses. A level set method combined with an adaptive mesh refinement scheme on Quad-/Octree grids is used to capture complex domain shapes while refining the solution near boundaries or in the neighborhood of sharp gradients. A hybrid finite volumes/finite differences method is implemented in which the concentration field is treated using finite volumes to ensure mass conservation, while the polarization and nematic alignment fields are treated using a combination of finite differences and finite volumes for enhanced accuracy. The governing equations for these fields are solved along with the Navier-Stokes equations, which are evolved using an unconditionally stable projection solver. We illustrate the versatility and robustness of our method by analyzing spontaneous active flows in various two- and three-dimensional systems. Our results show excellent agreement with previous models and experiments and pave the way for further developments in active microfluidics.
Cancer Pain in Relation to Metropolitan Area Segregation and Nursing Home Racial and Ethnic Composition.

Abstract Objectives To estimate pain reporting among residents with cancer in relation to metropolitan area segregation and NH racial and ethnic composition. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants 383,757 newly admitted black (B), Hispanic (H), or white (W) residents with cancer in 12,096 US NHs (2011-2013). Methods Using the Minimum Data Set 3.0, pain in past 5 days was determined by self-report or use of pain management. The Theil entropy index, a measure of metropolitan area segregation, was categorized [high (up to 0.20), very high (0.20-0.30), or extreme (0.30-0.53)]. Results Pain prevalence decreased across segregation level (black: high = 77%, very high = 75%, extreme = 72%; Hispanic: high = 79%, very high = 77%, extreme = 70%; white: high = 80%, very high = 77%, extreme = 74%). In extremely segregated areas, all residents were less likely to have recorded pain [adjusted prevalence ratios: blacks, 4.6% less likely, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1%-6.1%; Hispanics, 6.9% less likely, 95% CI 4.2%-9.6%; whites, 7.4% less likely, 95% CI 6.5%-8.2%] than in the least segregated areas. At all segregation levels, pain was recorded more frequently for residents (black or white) in predominantly white (>80%) NHs than in mostly black (>50%) NHs or residents (Hispanic or white) in predominantly white NHs than mostly Hispanic (>50%) NHs. Conclusions and Implications We observed decreased pain recording in metropolitan areas with greater racial and ethnic segregation. This may occur through the inequitable distribution of resources between NHs, resident-provider empathy, provider implicit bias, resident trust, and other factors.
What’s in a yardscape? A case study of emergent ecosystem services and disservices within resident yardscape discourses in Minnesota

Residential yardscapes are at the forefront of human interaction with nature for those living in urban areas across Europe and North America. In recent years a significant amount of research has investigated urban green spaces using the ecosystem services framework (ES) along with ecosystem disservices (ED) and how such spaces deliver urban ecosystem services (UES). However, a gap exists in understanding how ES and ED manifest themselves in the more specific context of residential yardscapes. Specifically, do homeowners conceptualize ES and ED when talking about their yards without specific prompts to reflect services and disservices? The current work presents a case study of homeowners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota, United States. We used two associated surveys to elicit responses related to homeowners’ yards. Without prompting, homeowner conceptualizations of their yardscapes reflected all ES categories with cultural (CES) (e.g., family recreation) and provisioning (PES) (e.g., vegetable cultivation) services cited most often. Homeowners also mentioned ED associated with their own or a neighbor’s yard (e.g., attraction of nuisance wildlife). Their plans for yardscapes indicated largely incremental changes (e.g., putting in a new planting bed) vs. drastic shifts (e.g., complete replacement of turfgrass with alternative vegetation). This case study illustrates that the homeowners’ conceptualizations of their yards do indeed reflect current ES & ED frameworks without specific prompting. The ES framework, combined with the identified leverage points, can be a fruitful approach for enhancing UES and minimizing ED within residential yardscapes.
Telemedicine Versus Traditional for Follow-Up Evaluation of Enuresis.

Introduction: Telemedicine allows health care professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely. Enuresis is one of the most common chronic problems in childhood and specialized care can be lim...
Cached Gaussian elimination for simulating Stokes flow on domains with repetitive geometry

Abstract Microfluidic “lab on a chip” devices are small devices that operate on small length scales on small volumes of fluid; these devices find uses in a variety of applications. Designs for microfluidic chips are generally composed of standardized and often repeated components connected by long, thin, straight fluid channels. We propose a novel meshing algorithm for use in simulating the linear incompressible stationary Stokes equations on geometry with these features, which produces sparse symmetric positive indefinite systems with many repeated matrix blocks. We use a discretization that is formally third order accurate for velocity and second order accurate for pressure in the L ∞ norm. We also propose a novel linear system solver based on cyclic reduction, reordered sparse Gaussian elimination, and operation caching that is designed to efficiently solve systems with repeated matrix blocks. We demonstrate that the resulting fluid solver is significantly faster than existing methods up to resolutions of a few million degrees of freedom for microfluidic problems.
Differential Privacy and the Accuracy of County-Level Net Migration Estimates

Each decade since the 1950s, demographers have generated high-quality net migration estimates by age, sex, and race for US counties using decennial census data as starting and ending populations. The estimates have been downloaded tens of thousands of times and widely used for planning, diverse applications, and research. Census 2020 should allow the series to extend through the 2010–2020 decade. The accuracy of new estimates, however, could be challenged by differentially private (DP) disclosure avoidance techniques in Census 2020 data products. This research brief estimates the impact of DP implementation on the accuracy of county-level net migration estimates. Using differentially private Census 2010 demonstration data, we construct a hypothetical set of DP migration estimates for 2000–2010 and compare them to published estimates, using common accuracy metrics and spatial analysis. Findings show that based on demonstration data released in 2020, net migration estimates by five-year age groups would only be accurate enough for use in about half of counties. Inaccuracies are larger in counties with populations less than 50,000, among age groups 65 and over, and among Hispanics. These problems are not fully resolved by grouping into broader age groups. Moreover, errors tend to cluster spatially in some regions of the country. Ultimately, the ability to generate accurate net migration estimates at the same level of detail as in the past will depend on the Census Bureau’s allocation of the privacy loss budget.
Excitation Transfer in Radiation-Damaged Organic Solids

The purpose of this paper is to point out that radiation damage experiments can be a useful tool towards determining the mechanism of energy transfer in organic solids. The basic approach of the study is to relate the luminescent yield of an organic solid to the previously applied dose of “damaging” radiation.
Academic Libraries as High-Tech Gateways: A Guide to Design and Space Decisions

Fast-changing technology has turned academic libraries into gateways - to electronic resources both within and beyond library walls. This volume features photographs, bibliographies, and practical, hands-on tools that will guide the reader through the process of planning and building an academic library space for the future. It covers how to create or renovate spaces that: incorporate innovations in academic library facility design; are flexible for changing information technology needs; and balance design, comfort, and physical space demands. The authors have not only gone through the process themselves but have also studied libraries around the country in order to determine the best ways to provide and streamline access to information.
Bill Clinton and the Oklahoma City Bombing: In Defense of Rhetoric

This paper examines Bill Clinton's rhetoric surrounding the 1995 terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City. The paper answers criticisms about the political utility of presidential rhetoric included in a recent New Yorker article by Ezra Klein.
Chapter 11 Bacteriorhodopsin and related light-energy converters

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses bacteriorhodopsin and related light-energy converters. The “purple membrane” that contains a single hydrophobic protein of about 25 kDa, is termed as “bacteriorhodopsin.” The “purple membrane” is composed of patches of approx. 0.5 μm diameter in the cytoplasmic membrane of the halobacteria. It can be purified by the simple expedient of dialyzing the cells against distilled water, a treatment that disintegrates the rest of the cytoplasmic membrane, but leaves the purple membrane apparently intact. The isolated purple membrane sheets, recovered by density gradient sedimentation, contain virtually a single protein species, bacteriorhodopsin, and lipids nearly representative of the rest of the cytoplasmic membrane, although a characteristic glycosulfolipid is found only in the purple membrane. Bacteriorhodopsin has a molecular weight of about 26 000, as determined by amino acid analysis and sedimentation in Triton X-100. Amino acid analysis of bacteriorhodopsin indicates that the content of hydrophobic amino acids is high. Cysteine and histidine are absent. The amino acid sequence was determined by chemical sequencing of the protein, using a strategy based mainly on cyanogen bromide cleavage. The bacteriorhodopsin gene was sequenced using a probe from a unique sequence segment near the N-terminus.
A Teacher's Guide to the Information Highway

1. Introduction. What's Out There? I. GETTING CONNECTED. 2. Email to the World. 3. Getting Connected - Gopher. 4. Getting Connected - World Wide Web. II. CURRICULUM INTEGRATION. 5. Classroom Management and the Net. 6. Introducing Students to the Net. 7. Curriculum Integration - Science and Math. 8. Curriculum Integration - Social Science. 9. Curriculum Integration - Humanities. III. KEY PERSPECTIVES. 10. The School Library - Books in a Digital World. 11. Teachers - Training and Professional Resources. 12. District Planning, Wiring, and Acceptable Use. 13. International Perspectives - You Can/Can't Call There from Here. IV. HOOKING UP TO THE INTERNET. 14. Hardware - Modems, Phone Lines, Access Points. 15. Access - Getting to the Net. 16. Futures - The Next Five Years. V. RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS. 17. Web Sites for Schools.
Of ancient tales and hairless tails

In 1875 Charles Darwin1 retold the story of "the toothless men of Sind (individuals with very little hair on the body) [who] also suffer much during hot weather from excessive dryness of the skin". Besides hyperthermia caused by inadequate sweating in a warm environment, this condition is associated with abnormal or absent teeth and mucous glands, and is consequently described as hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED). The mouse mutants that model this disorder (called crinkled, downless and tabby) do not get hyperthermiamice don't normally sweat much anyway. Instead, they have what might best be described as a bad hair day. In addition to having sparse and uneven body fur and bald spots behind the ears (where there is normally a tuft of fine downy hairs), mutant mice are completely hairless. They provide a fascinating window into the biology of pattern formation, as development of the primary hair follicle, which normally begins with a localized epidermal thickening or placode at 14 days of gestation, is completely absent in these mutant mice.
Community‐Based Abstinence Education Project: Program Outcomes

Problem Middle school and adolescent populations demonstrate high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, with young people in inner cities in the United States especially vulnerable. Teen births remain high, and youth are affected physically, mentally, socially, and economically. Methods The Sex After Marriage primary prevention program, a federally funded, community-based abstinence education (CBAE) initiative, was implemented for 3 years in Philadelphia neighborhoods with vulnerable youth 12 to 18 years of age, supporting adults, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The three-tiered program offered a middle school curriculum, Sex Can Wait, at 16 different sites. The CBAE program delivered by the university's nursing center attempted to support vulnerable youths' decisions to postpone sexual activity by matching the interests of young people through an established curriculum, by holding workshops for supporting adults, and by creating a multimedia approach to supplement abstinence education initiatives including public service announcements and a website. Youth and college ambassadors and community colleagues were trained in the curriculum with a focus on healthy lifestyles. Youth and parents in experimental and control groups completed self-report surveys before and after program implementation. Findings The project achieved most of its objectives on program evaluation. Youth (n = 1,428) 12 to 18 years of age received services, with most completing ≥75% of the program. Parents (n = 338) and other participating adults (n = 486) also received education or services. Conclusions The need for risk reduction programs persists for youth in light of pregnancy, birth, and sexually transmitted disease statistics. Bailey Wolf.
Lowered intraocular pressure in a glaucoma patient after intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin

We report the case of a glaucoma patient who received a single intravitreal injection of 125 µg ocriplasmin for vitreomacular traction in the right eye. The patient had bilateral advanced glaucoma and had previously undergone an implantation of an Ahmed glaucoma valve in the right eye and trabeculectomy in both eyes. The patient was using three topical ophthalmic intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications on the day of injection. Baseline uncorrected Snellen visual acuity was 20/80-1 and IOP was 19 mmHg. Resolution of vitreomacular traction was achieved 1 week after injection. IOP was transiently decreased, reaching a maximum reduction of 12 mmHg below baseline at 1 month after injection, when serous choroidal effusion was also present. IOP returned to baseline levels and choroidal effusion resolved at 2 months after injection of IOP-lowering medication. Vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling, endolaser photocoagulation, and fluid–gas exchange were performed in the right eye ~3.5 months after injection to treat persistent epiretinal membrane, and presumed tractional retinal detachment. Final visual acuity was 20/50+ and IOP was 18 mmHg at 16 weeks after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IOP reduction and serous choroidal effusion after ocriplasmin injection.
A well suited two-dimensional linear recursive filter for image processing

In this paper, a fixed order two-dimensional linear recursive filter is obtained by matching the unit sample response of a fixed-order two-dimensional linear recursive operator with the unit sample response of an ideal circularly symmetric low pass filter. Such an operator thereby obtained possesses the desired circularly symmetric low pass filtering characteristic and is also stable. However, a direct application of this filter to the image processing is generally not well-suited. For this reason, a more appropriate filter called the flipped-filter, which utilizes the circularly symmetric filter, is designed. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the flipped-filter in image processing, a set of noise contaminated images are processed by this filter and the processed images are displayed.
Investigation of etching techniques for superconductive Nb/Al-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3//Nb fabrication processes

Wet etching, CF/sub 4/ and SF/sub 6/ reactive ion etching (RIE), RIE/wet hybrid etching, Cl-based RIE, ion milling and liftoff techniques have been investigated for use in superconductive Nb/Al-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3//Nb fabrication processes. High-quality superconductor-insulator junctions have been fabricated using a variety of these etching methods; however, each technique offers distinct tradeoffs for a given process an wafer design. In particular, it was shown that SF/sub 6/ provides an excellent RIE chemistry for low-voltage anisotropic etching of Nb with high selectivity to Al. The SF/sub 6/ tool has greatly improved the trilevel resist junction insulation process. Excellent repeatability, selectivity with respect to quartz, and submicron resolution make Cl/sub 2/+BCl/sub 3/+CHCl/sub 3/ RIE a very attractive process for trilayer patterning. >
Optical absorption and scattering properties of normal and defective pickling cucumbers for 700–1000 nm

An effective optical inspection system for detecting defective pickling cucumbers is needed to help the pickle industry deliver consistent pickled products to the consumer. This research was intended to measure the optical absorption and scattering properties of normal and internally defective pickling cucumbers, using hyperspectral imaging-based spatially-resolved technique. Spatially-resolved hyperspectral scattering images were acquired from 50 freshly harvested ‘Journey’ pickling cucumbers in the summer of 2008 before they were subjected to rolling under mechanical load to induce internal damage. The damaged cucumbers were imaged 1 h and 1 day after the mechanical stress treatment. Spectra of the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients for pickling cucumbers were extracted from the spatially-resolved scattering profiles, using an inverse algorithm for a diffusion theory model, for the spectral range of 700–1000 nm. It was found that within 1 h after mechanical damage, changes in the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients for the cucumbers were minimal. One day after mechanical damage, the absorption coefficient for the cucumbers increased significantly (at 5–10% level) for the wavelengths of 700–920 nm, whereas the reduced scattering coefficient decreased significantly for the wavelengths of 700–1000 nm (at 10% level). Overall mechanical damage caused greater changes in absolute value to the scattering properties than to the absorption properties. This research suggests that effective defect detection can be achieved by enhancing scattering characteristics measurement in the optical evaluation of pickling cucumbers.
Using evolvable genetic cellular automata to model breast cancer

Cancer is an evolutionary process. Mutated cells undergo selection for abnormal growth and survival creating a tumor. We model this process with cellular automata that use a simplified genetic regulatory network simulation to control cell behavior and predict cancer etiology. Our genetic model gives us the ability to relate genetic mutation to cancerous outcomes. The simulation uses known histological morphology, cell types, and stochastic behavior to specifically model ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a common form of non-invasive breast cancer. Using this model we examine the effects of hereditary predisposition on DCIS incidence and aggressiveness. Results show that we are able to reproduce in vivo pathological features to hereditary forms of breast cancer: earlier incidence and increased aggressiveness. We also show that a contributing factor to the different pathology of hereditary breast cancer results from the ability of progenitor cells to pass cancerous mutations on to offspring.
QCD strings with spinning quarks

We construct a consistent action for a massive spinning quark on the end of a QCD string that leads to a pure Thomas precession of the quark's spin. The string action is modified by the addition of Grassmann degrees of freedom to the string such that the equations of motion for the quark spin follow from boundary conditions, just as do those for the quark's position.
Laser direct write of planar alkaline microbatteries

We are developing a laser engineering approach to fabricate and optimize alkaline microbatteries in planar geometries. The laser direct-write technique enables multicapability for adding, removing and processing material and provides the ability to pattern complicated structures needed for fabricating complete microbattery assemblies. In this paper, we demonstrate the production of planar zinc–silver oxide alkaline cells under ambient conditions. The microbattery cells exhibit 1.55-V open-circuit potentials, as expected for the battery chemistry, and show a flat discharge behavior under constant-current loads. High capacities of over 450 μA h cm-2 are obtained for 5-mm2 microbatteries.
WDR5 Interacts with Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) Protein via the Histone H3-binding Pocket *

WDR5 is a component of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) complex, which methylates lysine 4 of histone H3, and was identified as a methylated Lys-4 histone H3-binding protein. Here, we present a crystal structure of WDR5 bound to an MLL peptide. Surprisingly, we find that WDR5 utilizes the same pocket shown to bind histone H3 for this MLL interaction. Furthermore, the WDR5-MLL interaction is disrupted preferentially by mono- and di-methylated Lys-4 histone H3 over unmodified and tri-methylated Lys-4 histone H3. These data implicate a delicate interplay between the effector, WDR5, the catalytic subunit, MLL, and the substrate, histone H3, of the MLL complex. We suggest that the activity of the MLL complex might be regulated through this interplay.
The effect of gold-nickel metallization microstructure on fluxless soldering

Gold plating is used in the microelectronics industry to maintain the wettability of metal substrates. The nature of wetting during soldering of gold plated metals is discussed, and the results of experiments on the fluxless wettability and oxidation of gold plated nickel are described. The results suggest that electrodeposition of a thin gold plate (0.14 (xm) and the concurrent reduction of nickel oxide produce a gold-nickel system which will wet without flux. Oxidation of nickel was observed to occur via nickel out-diffusion and by direct exposure of the substrate through pinhole plating defects. Auger chemical analysis indicates that pinholes do not produce oxidation of the surrounding substrate area.
Ovarian enzyme activities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Studies using primary ovarian tissue and cultured human theca and granulosa cells have shown that steroidogenic enzyme activities are up-regulated in theca cells in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although granulosa cells in arrested follicles in PCOS fail to express significant amounts of aromatase, there is an overexpression of 5α-reductase activity and premature expression of cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450.
Determination of129I in ambient air by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)

The detection of129I by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) in environmental samples can be used to determine anthropogenic release of this long-lived radionuclide, which is a definitive indicator of certain nuclear activities. By using selective precipitation techniques with on-line ICP/MS detection, low levels of129I can be detected. The major interference for the ICP/MS detection of129I is due the presence of natural129Xe found in water samples at a concentration of about 1 ng/ml. This work will demonstrate a instrument detection of less than 50 fg129I from environmental air samples and shows promise for a rugged ICP/MS technique to monitor129I levels in ambient air for nonproliferation monitoring purposes.
Red photoluminescence and optical absorption in hydrogen‐treated GeO2‐SiO2 sol‐gel‐derived planar waveguides

We report the effects of post‐deposition, reducing atmosphere heat treatment on the optical absorption, and photoluminescence response of 45 GeO2‐55 SiO2 thin films produced using the sol‐gel process. With increasing heat treatment, a linear increase in the 242 nm absorption peak (associated with oxygen‐deficient germania centers) is found to contrast a reduction in the intensity of red photoluminescence (attributed to hydrogen centers in the glass structure). These results are discussed in terms of the photosensitive response of these materials.
Pipe flow measurements of turbulence and ambiguity using laser-Doppler velocimetry

The laser-Doppler ambiguities predicted by George and Lumley (1973) have been verified experimentally for turbulent pipe flows. Experiments were performed at Reynolds numbers from 5000 to 15,000 at the center line and near the wall. Ambiguity levels were measured from power spectral densities of FM demodulated laser signals and were compared with calculations based on the theory. The turbulent spectra for these water flows after accounting for the ambiguity were equivalent to hot-film measurements at similar Reynolds numbers. The feasibility of laser-Doppler measurements very close to the wall in shear flows is demonstrated.
Immunotoxicological investigations in the mouse: general approach and methods.

ABSTRACTThe adverse effects of chemicals on the lymphoreticular system have generated considerable toxicological interest. In this series of papers, the effects of selected environmentally relevant compounds are reported. This first paper describes the methods and general approach used in judging a chemical's potential risk to the immune system. Risk evaluation was approached utilizing acute, 14- and 90-day studies. Both sexes of the CD-I random-bred mouse were employed. The immune system was evaluated against a background of more standard toxicological parameters, which included fluid consumption, body and organ weights, hematology, serum and liver chemistries, hepatic microsomal enzyme activities and blood coagulation. Bone marrow status was evaluated by assessing DNA synthesis. Humoral immunity was evaluated by determining the number of IgM spleen antibody-forming cells (AFC) to sheep erythrocytes (sRBC), the serum antibody level to sRBC, and spleen lymphocyte response to the B cell mitogen, lipopolysa...
Freezing Behavior of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tubers in Soil

Volunteer potatoes are a major weed problem in potato rotations in regions with mild winter soil temperatures. Freezing dynamics of potato tubers in air have been previously reported, but freezing dynamics of tubers in soil may differ due to ice nucleation sites and soil water associated with soil. Laboratory experiments conducted in hydrated and dry soil columns and field experiments were conducted to determine cold temperatures required to kill potato tubers in soil. Potato tubers in air-dried soil columns exposed to decreasing temperatures typically supercooled to −3 to −7 C before exhibiting a distinct exotherm, which stabilized at −1.4 to −1.5 C, representing the freezing point of tubers. Tubers that were supercooled and removed from the cold environment before experiencing this exotherm were able to sprout and had no visual symptoms of freezing injury, whereas tubers that experienced the exotherm were nonviable and unable to sprout. Tubers in soil columns hydrated to 7% SWC supercooled much less than tubers in dry soil and exhibited an exotherm that stabilized near −1.9 C. Tubers exposed to temperatures near the tuber-freezing point (−1.4 to −1.9 C) for periods of 1 min to 24 h, but not undergoing an exotherm, exhibited varying degrees of injury, which increased with time of exposure. Tubers held at −1.0 C for 4 to 24 h were unharmed and able to sprout similar to controls. In field trials conducted from 1993 to 1999 in the Columbia Basin of Washington, tubers buried at shallow depths (5 cm) were much more likely to experience lethal cold temperatures than tubers buried deeper. In general, when minimum soil temperature at tuber depth reached −1.5 to −1.9 C or lower, some tuber mortality occurred and when soil temperature at tuber depth reached −2.8 C or lower, extensive tuber death occurred. Monitoring of winter soil temperatures by depth in potato- growing regions could be used to predict severity of volunteer potato for the subsequent growing season.
Involvement of Rho and p38 MAPK in Endothelin‐1‐Induced Expression of PGHS‐2 mRNA in Osteoblast‐Like Cells

Prostaglandins (PGs) play an important role in bone remodeling because eicosanoids are local mediators of bone metabolism, which can induce physiological and pathological responses of bone tissue. Biosynthesis of PGs is catalyzed by constitutively expressed PG endoperoxide G/H synthase (PGHS) 1 and by the inducible isoform PGHS-2. In MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells, expression of PGHS-2 was shown by mechanical forces, cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. Recently, endothelin (ET) 1-stimulated PGHS-2 mRNA expression was described, leading to a burst in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. In this study, we investigated ET-1-induced signal transduction pathway(s) involved in the PGHS-2 mRNA production. Time course of PGHS-2 mRNA expression reaching the maximum within 45 minutes is in good agreement with the concept of an immediate early gene product. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC), phospholipase D (PLD), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3-kinase), and protein kinase C (PKC) had no influence on PGHS-2 synthesis. Using specific blockers of tyrosine kinases indicated involvement of p38 MAPK but not p42/44 MAPK. By preloading cells with exoenzyme C3, we were able to show requirement of the Rho family of G proteins for p38 MAPK phosphorylation and PGHS-2 mRNA synthesis, whereas pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (CTX) had no remarkable effect.
Occupational health reporting systems—USA

The three-fold purpose of this paper is to (1) describe the occupational hazard and health effect information systems used by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (2) highlight the parts of these data systems that are relevant to the topic of this dermatologic disease and chronic trauma workshop, and (3) to note the inadequacies of existing data systems in the United States.
Tunable single‐longitudinal‐mode operation of an injection‐locked TEA CO2 laser

The tunable single-longitudinal-mode operation of a TEA CO2 laser by an injection technique using a CW waveguide laser as the master oscillator is reported. With the experimental arrangement described, in which the waveguide laser frequency is tuned to correspond to one of the oscillating longitudinal modes of the TEA laser, single-longitudinal-mode operation was achieved with no apparent reduction in the TEA output energy, on various CO2 lines with frequency offsets from the line center as large as 300 MHz. The capability of this technique for high-resolution spectroscopy or atmospheric lidar studies is demonstrated by the recording of the absorption spectrum of a strong ozone line.
H-2 restriction and non-restriction of T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against mouse mammary tumour targets

CELL-MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY (CMC) against C3H/Umc (C3H) syngeneic mammary tumours measured in vitro, after in vivo immunisation, is mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and is directed mostly against cross-reacting antigens related to the mouse mammary tumour virus (MTV)1–3. The long-term CMC assay required for detecting this response against adherent target cells has complex kinetics and at least two superimposing components: (1) an initial early peak of cytotoxicity, detectable at approximately 6 h and accounting for 20–30% of the CMC, and (2) a later peak, detectable after 18–20 h and representing an additional 40–50% of the cytotoxic effect3. Both peaks are mediated by CTL with the Ly23 phenotype (that is, Ly1−Ly2,3+); however, non-cytotoxic T cells of Ly1 and probably Ly123 phenotype (that is, Ly1+Ly2,3− and Ly1+Ly2,3+, see refs 3 and 4 for nomenclature and functional characteristics of these T-cell subsets) are required for the expression of the second cytotoxic peak3. On the other hand, the short-term assays of CTL-mediated CMC show single-hit kinetics5, perhaps comparable to part of the early CMC peak in our system. During our studies of immunity to syngeneic mammary tumours, we observed that when C3H or C3Hf immune CTL were tested against allogeneic MTV-induced mammary tumour targets, a relative degree of H–2 restriction of CMC was observed2, although not of the magnitude detected in other systems using mostly short-term CMC assays6–11. The experiments reported here show that when the kinetics of the CMC response against adherent syngeneic and allogeneic mammary tumour targets were compared, some differences became apparent: whereas the early CMC peak showed absolute H–2 restriction, no restriction was observed in the late CMC peak, although both events were mediated by Ly23 CTL (ref. 3).
A comparison of deterministic and statistical sampling techniques for quality analysis of integrated circuits

There has been a great amount of publicity about Taguchi methods which employ deterministic sampling techniques for robust design. Also given wide exposition in the literature is tolerance design which achieves similar objectives but employs random sampling techniques. The question arises as to which approach—random or deterministic—is more suitable for robust design of integrated circuits. Robust design is a two-step process and quality analysis—the first step—involves the estimation of ‘quality factors’, which measure the effect of noise on the quality of system performance. This paper concentrates on the quality analysis of integrated circuits. A comparison is made between the deterministic sampling technique based on Taguchi's orthogonal arrays and the random sampling technique based on the Monte Carlo method, the objective being to determine which of the two gives more reliable (i.e. more consistent) estimates of quality factors. Results obtained indicated that the Monte Carlo method gave estimates of quality which were at least 40 per cent more consistent than orthogonal arrays. The accuracy of prediction of quality by Taguchi's orthogonal arrays is strongly affected by the choice of parameter quantization levels—a disadvantage—since there is a very large number (theoretically infinite) of choices of quantization levels for each parameter of an integrated circuit. The cost of the Monte Carlo method is independent of the dimensionality (number of designable parameters), being governed only by the confidence levels required for quality factors, whereas the size of orthogonal array required for a given problem is partly dependent on the number of circuit parameters. Two integrated circuits—a 7-parameter CMOS voltage reference and a 20-parameter bipolar operational amplifier—were employed in the investigation. Quality factors of interest included performance variability, acceptability (relative to customer specifications) and deviation from target.
Two methods for using period length to study rhythmic phenomena

We have developed two distinct methods of biological rhythm analysis. The procedures are based on existing techniques for analysis of time series, Enright's periodogram and autocorrelation, and both of the new methods use the parameter, period length (τ), for defining oscillatory phenomena. We empirically evaluated the two types of analyses using real biological data from circadian rhythm studies in salamanders and sparrows.
Solar Neutrino Problem : No Low Energy 3He + 3He Resonance

From a study of the 6Li(3He,t)6Be reaction, experimental evidence is presented against the existence of the 3He+3He resonance corresponding to a level at 11.5 MeV in 6Be which has been suggested as an ad hoc solution to the solar neutrino problem. The 6Li(3He,t)-6Be data establish a limit on the spectroscopic factor S(6Be*→3He+3He) of less than 6×10−3 for any state in this region of 6Be.
HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS: AN INTRODUCTION.Lyle Campbell. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1998. Pp. xx + 396. $30.00 paper.

In his introduction, Campbell makes a case for the broader relevance of historical linguistics by noting that observing what does and does not change in language contributes to “the understanding of universal grammar, language typology, and human cognition in general” (p. 2). The generativist perspective that phonological and syntactic changes are linked to language acquisition, cited on page 236, illustrates one interface between historical linguistics and general linguistic theory.
Uptake of radioactive calcium by hard tissue cells.

45Ca was injected into prenatal mice to study the calcium uptake by tooth germ cells. Both dental papillae, containing the odontoblasts, and the enamel organs were found to actively metabolize the labeled calcium. The maximum specific radioactivity occurred at 15 minutes after injection. The subcellular organelles (e.g. mitochondria) of the papillae were more active in metabolizing the labeled calcium whereas a large portion of the radioactivity of the enamel organ was found in a fraction containing the pre-calcified material. In fetal tooth germs, the rate of incorporation of labeled calcium into the pre-calcified material was slower than in the postnatal tooth germs since a large portion of the radioactivity remained in the soluble fraction.
New port modeling for analog circuit biasing design

A new port modeling technique is presented for biasing of analog circuits. The technique uses fixator-norator pairs to pair the biasing design criteria with the power sources — locations and magnitudes — required for the biasing. Because of the operating points (OPs) being specified the technique allows the designer to linearized the circuit not only for the performance (AC) design but also for the large signal biasing design. It is shown that the fixators — nullators plus sources — keep the biasing criteria fixed during the analysis; whereas, the norators act as the place holders for the DC supplies or for the power conducting components. The rules to engage in circuit analysis with fixator-norator pairs are discussed and numerous pitfalls in this category are specified. Finally, two design examples are worked out that clearly demonstrate the capability and power of the proposed technique for biasing of any analog circuit.
Neural processes involved in directing attention

Neural processes associated with two aspects of visual-spatial attention were investigated with event-related potential (ERPs): those that direct spatial attention to a given point in space and those that modulate the processing of sensory input after attention has been directed. The subjects were 6-to 9-year-old children (51 boys and 35 girls). An arrow cue directed attention from the central to peripheral visual field; targets were then flashed in the attended or ignored visual field 600 msec after the cue. The directing of attention to the left vs. right visual field was associated with hemispheric differences in slow potentials prior to the presentation of the targets. The earliest potential, which started about 200 msec after the cue and was negative over the hemisphere contralateral to the direction of attention, was greatest over the parietal area and appeared to reflect processes directing attention per se. The last potential, which peaked 60 msec after the target and was positive over the hemisphere contralateral to the direction of attention, was greatest over the occipital-parietal region. It appeared to reflect the modulation of cortical excitability in the regions receiving input from the relevant and irrelevant visual fields. The effects of spatial attention on P1, N1, and P3 ERP components following the targets replicated previous results. Boys appeared more aroused (as indicated by CNVs) and reflected faster and greater selective processing (as indicated by reaction time, and N1-P1 latency and amplitude) than girls.
Interactions of energetic gold nuclei in nuclear emulsions.

The nuclear interactions of $_{{\mathrm{}}^{1}{\mathrm{}}_{79}^{97}}\mathrm{Au}$ nuclei of initial energy 990 MeV/nucleon have been studied in nuclear emulsions as they slow down and stop. Typically, these interactions are fragmentations of the incident nucleus into an average of 2.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 fragments with Z\ensuremath{\ge}3 and 4.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 helium nuclei. As many as eight Z\ensuremath{\ge}3 fragments or 22 helium nuclei have been observed to be produced in a single interaction. The dependence on incident energy and target nucleus is discussed. Some 7% of the interactions appear to be fission in flight of the excited projectile nucleus emerging from the interaction, with the release of two highly charged fragments that contain most, if not all, of the incident charge. The charge distribution of these fragments ranges from symmetric to highly asymmetric.
With or Without Mechanisms: A Reply to Weber

This reply to Erik Weber's commentary agrees that mechanisms are important for causal inference in social science, but argues that Weber makes the mistake that was the main focus of my original essay: inferring that since a problem cannot be solved without mechanisms, it can be solved with them. As it stands, this inference is invalid since the problem might be unsolvable with or without mechanisms. Any claim about the usefulness of mechanisms for some purpose requires an adequate account of how mechanisms can actually fulfill that function, which Weber has not provided with regard to the issues he discusses.
Advancing the Field of Elder Abuse: Future Directions and Policy Implications

Elder abuse, sometimes called elder mistreatment or elder maltreatment, includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect (caregiver neglect and self-neglect); and financial exploitation. Evidence suggests that one in 10 older adults experiences some form of elder abuse, but only one in 25 cases is reported to social services agencies. At the same time, elder abuse is associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. Despite these findings, there is a great paucity in research, practice, and policy addressing the pervasive issues of elder abuse. Through my experiences as a American Political Sciences Association Congressional Policy Fellow and Health and Aging Policy Fellow working with the Administration on Community Living (ACL) (previously known as the Administration on Aging) for the last 2 years, I will describe the major functions of the ACL and highlight two major pieces of federal legislation: The Older Americans Act and the Elder Justice Act. I will also highlight major research gaps and future policy relevant research directions for the field of elder abuse.
Critical Elections, Contained Volatility and the Indian Electorate

To the South Asianist India appears unique in the modern world. A country characterized by vast poverty and widespread illiteracy, it nevertheless has managed to maintain the civil liberties and democratic politics bequeathed to it by an enlightened colonial power. In spite of a two-year long hiatus of ‘Emergency Rule,’ few third world countries can make such a proud claim. Of those that can, such as Sri Lanka, none have the extraordinary size or social complexity of India.
Microbial community utilization of recalcitrant and simple carbon compounds: impact of oak-woodland plant communities

Little is known about how the structure of microbial communities impacts carbon cycling or how soil microbial community composition mediates plant effects on C-decomposition processes. We examined the degradation of four 13C-labeled compounds (starch, xylose, vanillin, and pine litter), quantified rates of associated enzyme activities, and identified microbial groups utilizing the 13C-labeled substrates in soils under oaks and in adjacent open grasslands. By quantifying increases in non-13C-labeled carbon in microbial biomarkers, we were also able to identify functional groups responsible for the metabolism of indigenous soil organic matter. Although microbial community composition differed between oak and grassland soils, the microbial groups responsible for starch, xylose, and vanillin degradation, as defined by 13C-PLFA, did not differ significantly between oak and grassland soils. Microbial groups responsible for pine litter and SOM-C degradation did differ between the two soils. Enhanced degradation of SOM resulting from substrate addition (priming) was greater in grassland soils, particularly in response to pine litter addition; under these conditions, fungal and Gram + biomarkers showed more incorporation of SOM-C than did Gram – biomarkers. In contrast, the oak soil microbial community primarily incorporated C from the added substrates. More 13C (from both simple and recalcitrant sources) was incorporated into the Gram – biomarkers than Gram + biomarkers despite the fact that the Gram + group generally comprised a greater portion of the bacterial biomass than did markers for the Gram – group. These experiments begin to identify components of the soil microbial community responsible for decomposition of different types of C-substrates. The results demonstrate that the presence of distinctly different plant communities did not alter the microbial community profile responsible for decomposition of relatively labile C-substrates but did alter the profiles of microbial communities responsible for decomposition of the more recalcitrant substrates, pine litter and indigenous soil organic matter.
Stiffness matrix for a non-prismatic beam-column element

An algorithm is presented which generates an element stiffness matrix for non-prismatic beam-column members using Newmark's numerical procedure of successive approximations. The resulting element stiffness matrix on element co-ordinates is fond to be in excellent agreement with those available for limiting cases. An approximate stability analysis conducted on the covergence of the numerical scheme shows that the proposed algorithm is stable. The critical buckling loads for various and conditions are computed as part of the computational scheme. A computer program listing in FORTRAN IV is included which will handle essentially and order and/or kind of non-prismaticity of beam elements. The results are presented in the conventional and convenient coefficient format.