cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Klotho deficiency-induced arterial calcification involves osteoblastic transition of VSMCs and activation of BMP signaling

Klotho is an aging-suppressor gene. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Klotho deficiency affects arterial structure. We found that Klotho-deficient (kl/kl) mice developed severe arterial calcification and elastin fragmentation. Klotho-deficient mice demonstrated higher levels of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in aortas, indicating that Klotho deficiency upregulates expression of BMP2 and RUNX2 (a key transcription factor in osteoblasts). To exclude the potential involvement of hyperphosphatemia in arterial calcification, Klotho-deficient mice were given a low phosphate diet (0.2%). The low phosphate diet normalized blood phosphate levels and abolished calcification in the lungs and kidneys, but it did not prevent calcification in the aortas in Klotho-deficient mice. Thus, Klotho deficiency per se might play a causal role in the pathogenesis of arterial calcification, which is independent of hyperphosphatemia. In cultured mouse aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), Klotho-deficient serum-induced transition of ASMCs to osteoblasts. Klotho-deficient serum promoted BMP2/vitamin D3-induced protein expression of PIT2 and RUNX2, phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD2/3, and extracellular matrix calcification. Interestingly, treatments with recombinant Klotho protein abolished BMP2/vitamin D3-induced osteoblastic transition and morphogenesis and calcification. Therefore, Klotho is a critical regulator in the maintenance of normal arterial homeostasis. Klotho deficiency-induced arterial calcification is an active process that involves the osteoblastic transition of SMCs and activation of the BMP2-RUNX2 signaling.
The DNA sensors AIM2 and IFI16 are NET-binding SLE autoantigens

Abstract Nucleic acid binding proteins are frequently targeted as autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other interferon (IFN)-linked rheumatic diseases. The AIM-like receptors (ALRs) are IFN-inducible innate sensors that form supramolecular assemblies along double-stranded DNA of various origins. Here, we identify the ALR Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) as a novel autoantigen in SLE, with similar properties to the established ALR autoantigen interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). Our SLE cohort revealed a frequent co-occurrence of anti-AIM2, anti-IFI16 and anti-DNA antibodies, and higher clinical measures of disease activity in patients positive for antibodies against these ALRs. We examined neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as DNA scaffolds on which these antigens might interact in a pro-immune context, finding that both ALRs bind NETs in vitro and in SLE renal tissues. We demonstrate that ALR binding causes NETs to resist degradation by DNase I, suggesting a mechanism whereby extracellular ALR-NET interactions may promote sustained IFN signaling. Our work suggests that extracellular ALRs bind NETs, leading to DNase resistant nucleoprotein fibers that are targeted as autoantigens in SLE.
Calculated Plasma Volume Status Is Associated With Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

The optimal method to assess fluid overload in acute respiratory distress syndrome is not known, and current techniques have limitations. Plasma volume status has emerged as a noninvasive method to assess volume status and is defined as the percentage alteration from ideal plasma volume. We hypothesized that plasma volume status would suggest the presence of significant excess volume and therefore correlate with mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome. DESIGN AND SETTING This is a retrospective cohort study of subjects enrolled in four previously completed National Heart Lung and Blood Institute-sponsored acute respiratory distress syndrome trials, using data from the National Institutes of Health Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center repository. PATIENTS Study subjects included 3,165 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome previously enrolled in National Heart Lung and Blood Institute-sponsored acute respiratory distress syndrome trials. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The exposure variable of interest was plasma volume status, calculated as the percentage alteration of actual plasma volume calculated on the basis of weight and hematocrit using sex-specific constants. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariable and adjusted Cox proportional hazard models to determine the association of plasma volume status with 60-day mortality. The median age of subjects was 52 years (interquartile range, 40-63 yr). Median plasma volume status was 5.9% (interquartile range, -2.4% to 13.6%), and overall, 68% of subjects had positive plasma volume status suggesting plasma volume higher than ideal plasma volume. In adjusted models, plasma volume status greater than median was associated with 38% greater risk for mortality (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.20-1.59; p < 0.001). Each interquartile range increase in plasma volume status was associated with greater mortality in adjusted models (hazard ratio, 1.24 per interquartile range increase; 95% CI, 1.13-1.36; p < 0.001). Plasma volume status greater than median was associated with fewer ventilator-free days (18 vs 19 d; p = 0.0026) and ICU-free days (15 vs 17 d; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Plasma volume status is independently associated with mortality, ICU-free days, and ventilator-free days among subjects with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Plasma volume status could be considered for risk-stratification and to direct therapy, particularly fluid management.
Abstract 18918: Disruption of Myeloid Differentiation Factor-88 Signaling Prevents the Formation of the Nlrp3 Inflammasome in the Heart in Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Mouse

Introduction: The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the heart during acute myocardial infarction (AMI), leading to caspase-1 activation and cardiac dysfunction. This process appears to be a finely regulated mechanism requiring an adequate expression of the structural components of the inflammasome (priming) occurring through myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) signaling, and NLRP3 activation (triggering). Hypothesis: Disruption of MyD88 signaling inhibits priming and prevents inflammasome formation and caspase-1 activation in the heart. Methods: AMI was induced in 10 weeks old mice by surgical ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Pre-treatment with MyD88-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA; 0.5 mg/kg; i.p.) was used to knockdown MyD88 expression systemically. Scrambled non-targeting siRNA was used as control. We measured NLRP3 mRNA expression (qPCR), reflecting priming, and caspase-1 activity (enzymatic assay). To explore the contribution of the leukocytes infiltrating the heart during AMI, we repeated all experiments in mice carrying a floxed MyD88 and the Cre recombinase expressed under the control of the lysozyme 2 promoter, leading to selective deletion of MyD88 in myeloid cells, and matched wild-type controls. Results: MyD88 silencing had no effects on cardiac dimension or function at baseline. MyD88 knockdown (>90%) with siRNA prevented priming, measured as NLRP3 mRNA expression 72 hours following AMI (Figure A), and attenuated the formation of an active inflammasome, measured as caspase-1 activity (Figure B). Caspase-1 activity in the heart was also significantly lower in myeloid-restricted MyD88 knockout mice compared with control mice (Figure C). Conclusions: The formation of an active NLRP3 inflammasome in the heart during the acute phases of AMI requires intact MyD88 signaling in myeloid cells infiltrating the heart.
Surface profilometry with volume holographic lenses and broadband illumination

Volume holographic lenses with broadband illumination can be used to acquire surface profiles with high resolution and without scanning. We demonstrate this operation experimentally and quantify the effects of illumination bandwidth on surface accuracy.
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS WITH ENERGY, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: INNOVATIVE USES OF OIL OVERCHARGE AND OTHER FUNDS

Since 1974, the United States has made significant progress in improving energy efficiency. The average new car travels more than 10 miles farther on a gallon of fuel; commercial aircraft fly the same number of passenger-miles on 30% less fuel; and trucks and railroads transport the same number of ton-miles of freight on 20% less fuel. One area of continuing concern, however, is transportation's almost total dependence on petroleum-based fuels. Between 1974 and 1988, transportation's share of US petroleum consumption rose from 51% to more than 63%. As domestic oil production declines and the United States depends more on imported oil, this trend is becoming increasingly serious. Energy conservation may be the only feasible near-term alternative for reducing transportation's oil consumption and US vulnerability to disruptions in oil supply. Further, because transportation vehicles are major sources of urban congestion, pollution, and so-called greenhouse'' gases, saving energy in transportation can have important social, economic, and environmental benefits. 15 figs., 1 tab.
A cytological and chemical analysis of the bacterial nucleus. I. A method for the isolation of nuclei from Bacillus megaterium and the cytology of the isolated structures.

Abstract The clearing action of sodium glycocholate on cells of B. megaterium is described. This bile salt also renders the organism more fragile and amenable to rupture by sonication or mechanical (Mickle) disruption, permitting the liberation and subsequent isolation of the nuclei and chromosomes. These have been studied by means of routine cytologic and cytochemical procedures and by phase contrast microscopy. The results indicate that the bacterial nucleus is a complex structure containing chromosomes, granules suggesting centrioles, and a spindle-like element. The stages observed suggest a mitotic cycle, and conform to those previously described by other means in intact cells. The significance of the findings is discussed.
Measurement of lipophilicity by high performance liquid chromatography comparison with calculated lipophilicity values

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the lipophilicities of a series of biphenyl acids and their non-acid precursors. Values obtained by HPLC for the precursors were as predicted from the calculated lipophilicity values. For biphenyl acids, a systematic deviation in the correlation of calculated log P and log k′ was observed (hydrogen-bond acceptors and non-hydrogen-bonding substituents described two separate lines in the correlaton). An explanation of these results is presented, based on steric effects which control the way the biphenhyl acids interact with the stationary phase.
Preliminary Results of the 20-CM VLA Survey of Abell Clusters

During the past three years, we have been conducting a 20-cm radio frequency continuum survey of Abell clusters using the NRAO VLA. The survey consists of clusters which meet the following criteria: (1) All clusters with m10 100 mJy within 0.5 of an Abell cluster radius as measured with the NRAO 91-m Green Bank telescope (Owen et al. 1982); (2) All Abell clusters with richness class ≥3 that were detected above 100 mJy with the 91-m telescope; (3) All sources in the Abell cluster fields observed with the 91-m telescope (~30’ in extent) which have S20 ≥400 mJy; and (4) All distance class ≤3 clusters with S20 ≥30 mJy.
Fibrinolysis shutdown phenotype masks changes in rodent coagulation in tissue injury versus hemorrhagic shock

Introduction Systemic hyperfibrinolysis (accelerated clot degradation) and fibrinolysis shutdown (impaired clot degradation) are associated with increased mortality compared with physiologic fibrinolysis after trauma. Animal models have not reproduced these changes. We hypothesize rodents have a shutdown phenotype that require an exogenous profibrinolytic to differentiate mechanisms that promote or inhibit fibrinolysis. Methods Fibrinolysis resistance was assessed by thrombelastography (TEG) using exogenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) titrations in whole blood. There were 3 experimental groups: (1) tissue injury (laparotomy/bowel crush), (2) shock (hemorrhage to mean arterial pressure of 20 mmHg), and (3) control (arterial cannulation and tracheostomy). Baseline and 30-minute postintervention blood samples were collected, and assayed with TEG challenged with taurocholic acid (TUCA). Results Rats were resistant to exogenous tPA; the percent clot remaining 30 minutes after maximum amplitude (CL30) at 150 ng/mL ( P = .511) and 300 ng/mL ( P = .931) was similar to baseline, whereas 600 ng/mL ( P = .046) provoked fibrinolysis. Using the TUCA challenge, the percent change in CL30 from baseline was increased in tissue injury compared with control ( P = .048.), whereas CL30 decreased in shock versus control ( P = .048). tPA increased in the shock group compared with tissue injury ( P = .009) and control ( P = .012). Conclusion Rats have an innate fibrinolysis shutdown phenotype. The TEG TUCA challenge is capable of differentiating changes in clot stability with rats undergoing different procedures. Tissue injury inhibits fibrinolysis, whereas shock promotes tPA-mediated fibrinolysis.
Challenging the Unitary Self: Adult Education, Feminist Theory, and Nonunitary Subjectivity

As the millennium comes to a close, the sociocultural influences of the mid 1900s that shaped the unitary model of self have changed. In this article the possibilities of a nonunitary model of the self in adult education are examined. From two parallel strands, the theoretical and the personal, I argue that a nonunitary model is better suited to catch the full complexity of human experience. Possible implications for adult education theory and practice are explored. Resume En cette fin de millenaire, on constate l'eclatement des influences socioculturelles ayant donne lieu au modele unitaire du moi vers le milieu du XIXeme siecle. Dans cet article, j'analyse la possibilite d'un moi non unitaire en education des adultes, selon deux points de vue, l'un theorique et l'autre personnel. Je soutiens que la complexite de l'experience humaine est mieux cernee par un modele non unitaire de l'identite humaine. Ce constat comporte egalement des consequences theoriques et pratiques.
How do I transfuse platelets (PLTs) to reverse anti‐PLT drug effect? (CME)

Antiplatelet agents (APAs) are commonly used in clinical practice to either treat or prevent arterial thrombotic disorders in patients at high risk. The newer APAs are more potent with higher bleeding risk profiles. Patients who present with serious bleeds or need urgent surgical interventions while on APAs may require reversal of these agents' effect on PLTs. Currently, there are no guidelines for management of such patients. This article describes my approach to PLT transfusion or use of pharmacologic agents in such clinical scenarios based solely on personal experience and very limited published data.
Adaptive Bayesian decision fusion

Design of parallel binary decision fusion systems is often performed under the assumption that the decision integrator (the data fusion center, DFC) possesses perfect knowledge of the local-detector (LD) statistics. In most studies, other statistical parameters are also assumed to be known, namely the a priori probabilities of the hypotheses, and the transition probabilities of the DFC-LD channels. The local observations are assumed to be statistically independent (conditioned on the hypothesis). Under these circumstances, the DFC's sufficient statistic is a weighted sum of the local decisions and the weights depend on the statistical parameters. When these parameters are unknown, we propose to estimate them online, using the discriminant function of the DFC as the performance index. This process can be performed with the help of a teacher that supplies the correct labels of the data, or without supervision, by estimating the correct labels from the data. The label-estimates are generated by the DFC, on the basis of its own past decisions and its assessment of the LD-data reliability.
Nucleation and growth model for {110}- and {111}-truncated nanoparticles

Nanoparticle-sized powders have seen more and more use in many of today’s applications. As particle size decreases, many properties change including the ability to embed the small particles in liquids and other media. With decreasing size, however, surface energy becomes more important and can dictate the final shape of the particle. In applications based on polar molecules attaching to the nanoparticle surface, the surface morphology can become a key design parameter. A nucleation and growth model has been constructed for truncated body-centered cubic derivative materials, along with an update to previously published work on face-centered cubic materials. The model shows that for (110)- and (111)-truncations of a cube with a specified surface energy for each surface, the critical nuclei and equilibrium growth shapes are the same, supporting the theory of self-similar growth that had only been mentioned previously, but never proven. In this analysis, saddle points play an important role in determining the critical nuclei for comparison with the equilibrium growth shapes.
The significance of serum total immunoglobulin E for in vitro diagnosis of allergic rhinitis

Background Allergic rhinitis is diagnosed by clinical parameters with no widely accepted screening test. Measurement of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) has limited use in the general population due to a low negative predictive value. The value of total IgE level in select populations undergoing in vitro allergy testing remains unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the utility of total serum IgE in the in vitro diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing testing for allergic rhinitis was performed. Clinical parameters, total IgE level, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serum-specific IgE levels were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. The positive and negative predictive values and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the utility of total IgE in predicting serum-specific IgE test results. Results Records from 1073 patients were reviewed. ROC curve for total IgE >150 IU/mL (Σ 0.88) indicates good discrimination in identifying patients with sensitization by in vitro testing, whereas low total IgE level had strong negative predictive value (0.87, IgE <10) in identifying negative specific IgE testing. Multivariate logistic regression showed that differences in covariables did not significantly change the odds of a positive in vitro allergy test panel. Conclusion Serum total IgE level is useful in the in vitro diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. In vitro testing for specific IgE may be unnecessary in patients with low serum total IgE, whereas high total IgE level suggests that in vitro testing would confirm specific sensitizations in patients with allergic rhinitis.
The Impact of Behaviorism: Sociology as a Negative Case

Although belief in free will obstructs the application of causal models to human systems, a quasi-experiment indicates that the behavioristic assumption that human behavior is as determined as any other empirical phenomenon is discouraged by current instruction in sociology.
Security of Autonomous Systems Employing Embedded Computing and Sensors

Embedded computing and sensor systems are increasingly becoming an integral part of today's infrastructure. From jet engines to vending machines, our society relies on embedded computing and sensor systems to support numerous applications seamlessly and reliably. This is especially true with respect to autonomous systems such as unmanned aircraft, unmanned ground vehicles, robotics, medical operations, and industrial automation. However, given society's increasing reliance on embedded computing and sensor systems as well as the applications they support, this introduces a new form of vulnerability into this critical infrastructure that is only now beginning to be recognized as a significant threat with potentially serious consequences. This column presents the latest insights on the technical challenges and opportunities associated with the security of autonomous systems from an embedded computing and sensors perspective.
Detrimental Effect of the Proteasome Inhibitor, Bortezomib in Bacterial Superantigen- and Lipopolysaccharide-induced Systemic Inflammation

Bacterial superantigen (BSAg)–induced toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced shock are characterized by severe systemic inflammation. As nuclear factor κB (NFκB) plays an important role in inflammation and bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor widely used in cancer chemotherapy, is a potent inhibitor of NFκB activation, we evaluated the therapeutic and prophylactic use of bortezomib in these conditions using murine models. Bortezomib prophylaxis significantly reduced serum levels of many cytokines and chemokines induced by BSAg. However, at 3 hours, serum level of TNF-a, an important cytokine implicated in TSS, was significantly reduced but not abolished. At 6 hours, there was no difference in the serum TNF-a levels between bortezomib treated and untreated mice challenged with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Paradoxically, all mice treated with bortezomib either before or after BSAg challenge succumbed to TSS. Neither bortezomib nor BSAg was lethal if given alone. Serum biochemical parameters and histopathological findings suggested acute liver failure as the possible cause of mortality. Liver tissue from SEB-challenged mice treated with bortezomib showed a significant reduction in NFκB activation. Because NFκB-dependent antiapoptotic pathways protect hepatocytes from TNF-α-induced cell death, inhibition of NFκB brought forth by bortezomib in the face of elevated TNF-α levels caused by BSAg or LPS is detrimental.
QuaMeter: multivendor performance metrics for LC-MS/MS proteomics instrumentation.

LC–MS/MS-based proteomics studies rely on stable analytical system performance that can be evaluated by objective criteria. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced the MSQC software to compute diverse metrics from experimental LC–MS/MS data, enabling quality analysis and quality control (QA/QC) of proteomics instrumentation. In practice, however, several attributes of the MSQC software prevent its use for routine instrument monitoring. Here, we present QuaMeter, an open-source tool that improves MSQC in several aspects. QuaMeter can directly read raw data from instruments manufactured by different vendors. The software can work with a wide variety of peptide identification software for improved reliability and flexibility. Finally, QC metrics implemented in QuaMeter are rigorously defined and tested. The source code and binary versions of QuaMeter are available under Apache 2.0 License at http://fenchurch.mc.vanderbilt.edu.
The use of a low fat diet in the treatment of acute pancreatitis

Purpose: A low fat diet hypothetically stimulates less pancreatic lipase secretion than a diet with a higher fat content, yet very little data exists on whether the use of a low fat diet during the oral refeeding of patients with acute pancreatitis improves recovery from the disease.
Silence in the Court and Testimony Behind Bars Juvenile Defendants and the French Judicial System

This article addresses salient questions in literature and anthropology centring on the politics of writing, readership and representation in a context marked by highly charged public debates on the nature, causes and perpetrators of youth violence. It critically examines and juxtaposes two sets of texts, one set produced by incarcerated youths in a writing workshop at a juvenile detention facility in Bordeaux, and the other taken from court transcripts at juvenile trials in the Paris Palace of Justice. The workshop texts, written under the guidance of novelist Francois Bon, allow rare access to youths’ familial milieux and to their understanding of their own place in a cycle of marginality. The texts taken from court trials privilege the voices of prosecutors, judges and attorneys who speak for, about and over the voices of young defendants. The texts produced by juvenile inmates are confronted with and speak to the plight of the young defendants.
Identifying autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome in children with Evans syndrome: a multi-institutional study

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder of abnormal lymphocyte survival caused by dysregulation of the Fas apoptotic pathway. Clinical manifestations of ALPS include autoimmune cytopenias, organomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. These findings overlap with Evans syndrome (ES), defined by presence of at least 2 autoimmune cytopenias. We hypothesized a subset of patients with ES have ALPS and tested 45 children at 22 institutions, measuring peripheral blood double-negative T cells (DNTs) and Fas-mediated apoptosis. ALPS was diagnosed in 47% of patients tested. Markedly elevated DNTs (≥ 5%) were a strong predictor of ALPS (positive predictive value = 94%), whereas no patients with DNTs less than 2.5% had ALPS on apoptosis testing. Severity of cytopenias and elevated immunoglobulin levels also predicted ALPS. This is the largest published series describing children with ES and documents a high rate of ALPS among pediatric ES patients. These data suggest that children with ES should be screened for ALPS with DNTs.
Decomposition of methyl iodide on Ru(001)

Abstract The surface chemistry of methyl iodide on Ru(001) has been investigated by temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). CH3I adsorbs dissociatively at 110 K, and, during TPD, yields hydrogen at low exposures and both hydrogen and methane at high exposures. In contrast to other metals, HREELS shows that CC bonds are formed during thermally activated surface rearrangement. Surface reaction intermediates methyl (CH3(a)), ethylidyne (CH2(a)), methylene (CCH3(a)), and methylidyne (CH(a)) are identified by HREELS. A decomposition mechanism is proposed.
Model-Based Verification and Validation of Component Structures for RF and Optical Experimental Systems

Future large aperture systems will depend on integrated modeling to assess key performance parameters for designs that cannot be fully tested and verified before flight. Achieving this goal will require integrating component models, results from numerical simulations, and physical tests to predict the performance and prove the viability of such systems within numerous model and measurement uncertainties. We will describe the use of JPL's precision environment test enclosure (PETE) with integrated modeling for radar component and optical metrology experiments to validate models for predictive analysis of large aperture systems. Capabilities of the CIELO software, developed at JPL for integrated structural-thermal-optical modeling, will be presented along with analysis from other traditional tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, and FEM tools. We will conclude with the benefits of having the PETE lab for component testing compared to a high-bay environment.
Theory of coherent phonon oscillations in nonpolar and polar semiconductors

A microscopic description of coherent phonon oscillations generated by femtosecond optical excitation in both polar and nonpolar semiconductors is presented. For nonpolar semiconductors such as Ge, we show that the coherent lattice displacement is related to a quantum-mechanical average of a single phonon creation operator and we derive the equation of motion for the coherent phonon amplitude. In polar materials such as GaAs there is also another driving force which is more effective, namely, the depolarization electric field created by the separation of electrons and holes in the applied DC field and we formulate a microscopic theory of the plasmon- phonon oscillations. Results show that for an idealized situation with homogeneous plasma density that plasmon-like oscillations dominate the transient behavior. However, once the inhomogeneous density distribution is taken into account, only density-independent LO phonon oscillations are present in the transient optical response.
Histologic changes associated with the topical use of isotretinoin on oral lichen planus

B 0th systemic and topical synthetic retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) have been used extensively in the treatment of keratotic skin diseases that feature abnormal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Dramatic results have been reported following the treatment of psoriasis and acne with etretinate and isotretinoin (13~cis retinoic acid).‘-4 Because of the antikeratinizing and immunomodulating effects of retinoids,‘.4*s the use of these compounds has been extended to the treatment of patients with cutaneous and oral lichen planus. Systemic retinoids-etretinate, isotretinoin, and tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid)-have produced clinically significant results in patients with oral lichen planus.‘-l3 In one study, however, only marginal improvement was noted in patients with erosive lichen planus. I4 Because of side effects, the investigators thought that treatment with systemic etretinate did not justify the results. Topical tretinoin has produced generally good results in patients with oral lichen planus, without the complications of cheilitis, dry skin, eievation of serum liver enzymes, and elevation of serum triglycerides and cholesterol that are commonly associated with systemic therapy. ‘. ‘w’ Until recently, studies using topical agents have been limited to the use of tretinoin. A related retinoid-isotretinoin-had been made available to us in a 0.1% gel for clinical testing and showed considerable efficacy in the treatment of oral lichen planus. I8 Atrophic and erosive lesions responded less dramatically than reticular lesions. This double-blind clinical trial spanned 8 weeks of twice-daily application of isotretinoin gel (Figs. 1
Magnetic wall from chiral phase transition and CMBR correlations

Possible cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) correlations are estimated for a model in which a Hubble-size magnetic wall is formed during the QCD chiral phase transition. Measurable polarization correlations are found for l values greater than about 1000. It is also found that metric perturbations from the wall could give rise to observable CMBR correlations for large l.
Rules and exceptions in conservation genetics : genetic assessment of the endangered plant Cordylanthus palmatus and its implications for management planning

Abstract We analyzed genetic variability among the four naturally-occurring populations of the endangered plant Cordylanthus palmatus to test whether a central tenet of conservation genetics — large populations are more genetically diverse than small populations — held true in our study system and to guide long-term conservation planning for the species. Genetic variability in C. palmatus was moderate at the species level but relatively low in several populations. About 2% of the measured genetic variation was attributable to variation between populations. Genetic variability in C. palmatus did not increase with population size. The two largest populations were relatively invariate and genetically similar, and neither contained any unique alleles.
Reframing Community Practice for the 21St Century: Multiple Traditions, Multiple Challenges

“Community” in the twenty-first century seems to be everywhere and nowhere. On the one hand, the rhetoric of community is omnipresent, as nonprofit organizations, civic associations, government age...
Holographic data storage

Research into and the development of data storage devices is a race to keep up with the continuing demand for more capacity, more density, and faster readout rates. Improvements in conventional memory technologies-magnetic hard disk drives, optical disks, and semiconductor memories-have managed to keep pace with the demand for bigger, faster memories. However, there is strong evidence that these two-dimensional surface storage technologies are approaching fundamental limits. An alternative approach for next-generation memories is to store data in three dimensions. This article describes developments in holographic 3D memories, in which high density is achieved by superimposing many holograms within the same volume of recording material. Holographic storage is a promising candidate for next-generation storage. Research has demonstrated that holographic storage systems with desirable properties can be engineered. The next step is to build these systems at costs competitive with those of existing technologies and to optimize the storage media.
Pellet characteristics and drug release when the form of propranolol is fixed as moles or mass in formulations for extruded and spheronized Carbopol-containing pellets

Characteristics of Carbopol-containing pellets have been shown to be dependent on the form of the weakly basic drug, propranolol, when the drug forms are fixed as masses in the formulations. To further investigate the effect of the drug forms on pellet and drug release characteristics, the drug forms were incorporated as a fixed number of moles in the formulation. Forms of propranolol, viz. the free base and the hydrochloride and maleate salt forms, resulted in different yield, roundness, smoothness, and friability, but the average pellet diameter was not affected. The free base form was released more slowly than the other two forms. Mathematical analysis of the release data revealed that Fickian diffusion and polymer relaxation contributed to the release mechanism in each case, although polymer relaxation was more influential with the free base form.
The effects of unbalance on oil whirl

The nonlinear behavior of an unbalanced rotor supported in a fluid film bearing is analyzed. A simplified two dimensional model is adopted which uses the long-bearing approximation with a π-film to account for cavitation. This model has been thoroughly studied by Myers [1] in the balanced case, where it is shown that the whirl instability is the result of a Hopf bifurcation. The implications of imbalance are studied in this paper. This leads to the study of a periodically perturbed Hopf bifurcation. It is shown that the dynamics in this situation can, especially under certain nonlinear resonance conditions, have an extremely complicated dependence on the system parameters and the rotor speed. Complete bifurcation diagrams are presented for a particular rotor model which demonstrate this dependence.
A framework for immigrating existing software to new software development environments

We have investigated the problem of immigrating software artifacts from one software development environment (SDE) to another, for the purpose of upgrading to new SDEs as technology improves, while continuing development or maintenance of existing software systems. We taxonomise the larger problem of data migration, to establish the scope of immigration. We classify SDEs in terms of the ease of immigrating software artifacts from the data repository of the source SDE, without knowledge of its internal representation. A framework is presented for constructing automatic immigration tools as utilities provided by destination SDEs. We describe a specific immigration tool, called Marvelizer, that we have implemented as part of the Marvel SDE and discuss our experience using the tool.
Are Remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa Altruistic or for Self-Interest? Evidence from Kenya

International remittances comprise significant financial inflow for many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries and provide considerable disposable income for the receiving households. There has, however, been no consensus on the motivation in the part of sending migrants in which explanations are divided between altruism and self-interest. The study employs Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model with co-integration approach to investigate whether international remittances to Kenya can be explained by either altruistic or self-interest motive. We process the World Bank annual data from 1970 to 2010 and find that self-interest, not altruism, as the dominant motivation to determine remittances. The analysis also indicates that demand on housing and exchange rates are the two strong drivers of international remittances to Kenya in both short-run and long-run. The Kenyan government is supposed to facilitate savings from remittances through financial institutions to invest more in the small business sector for economic growth.
Peat and solution chemistry responses to CaCO3 application in wetlands next to Woods Lake, New York

We studied the effect of a calcite (CaCO3) treatment on peat and pore water chemistry in poor fen and conifer swamp wetlands next to Woods Lake and its tributaries to evaluate the role of wetlands in an Experimental Watershed Liming Study (EWLS). Peat was characteristically organic rich and nutrient poor, with exchangeable Ca concentrations of < 13 cmolckg-1. We estimated that between 0.4 to 4 Mg CaCO3 ha-1 fell directly on three study sites; however, one year after the treatment the increase in Ca concentration (0–8 cm depth) was equivalent to a CaCO3 dosage of 3 Mg ha-1 with an additional 2–4 Mg ha-1 of undissolved CaCO3 still present, suggesting the peat retained Ca supplied from uplands. Most aspects of peat chemistry including microbial respiration and SO4 reduction did not respond to the treatment.
Dual localization of acid hydrolases in endoplasmic reticulum and in lysosomes. I. Beta-glucuronidase staining reactions and cytochemical studies on kidney in androgen-stimulated mice.

Dissimilar enzyme locations obtained on occasion by the post- and simultaneous-coupling techniques employing the substrate naphthol AS-BI β-glucosiduronic acid were attributed to the inadequate incorporation of substrate into lysosomal membranes in the post-coupling technique on the one hand, as well as to the inhibition of cytoplasmic enzyme by diazotate in the simultaneous coupling technique on the other hand. The use of a fixative solvent mixture prior to the enzyme staining reaction appeared to labilize lysosomal membranes, to improve fixation and to eliminate “fiber” artefacts. In male mice which have been androgenized by the injection of gonadotrophin, kidney homogenates, subsequently prepared, exhibited an immediate increase in the specific activity of microsomal β-glucuronidase while lysosomal β-glucuronidase was unchanged for the first 36 hours.
Clotting Factor Activity in Cryoprecipitates and Supernatant Plasma Prepared from Blood Collected into ACD, ACD‐Adenine, CPD, and CPD‐Adenine and from Plasma Collected by Plasmapheresis

Adenine has been used to prolong the survival of stored erythrocytes, and thus extend the storage period of blood. It seemed desirable to investigate the effect of this additive on the procoagulants of plasma that full use of cryoprecipitates and other plasma fractions could be made from blood drawn into an adenine-enriched anticoagulant. Eight units of whole blood were drawn into each of four anticoagulants: ACD, ACD-adenine, CPD, and CPD-adenine. Cryoprecipitates were prepared from each unit of fresh plasma according to a modification of Pool's method. Assays for fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factors V, VII, VIII, IX, and X were performed on the cryoprecipitates and on the supernatant plasma drawn off the cryoprecipitates. Adenine did not alter the expected yield of factor VIII (AHF) in the cryoprecipitate. There was slight to moderate loss of factor V and fibrinogen, respectively, in the supernatant plasma, but prothrombin and factors VII, IX, and X were unaffected by the procedure. Assays also revealed good AHF activity in each unit of plasma from a double plasmapheresis; therefore, both units are satisfactory for use in preparing cryoprecipitates.
La(1−x)SrxCoO3 for thin film thermocouple applications

Abstract In this study, the LSCO (lanthanum strontium cobalt oxide) family has been investigated for thin film thermocouple applications. Thin films of La(1−x)SrxCoO3 (x=0.3,0.5,0.7) were prepared on sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films were annealed at different temperatures in air and characterized for phase, composition and microstructure to determine their thermal stability. From the phase and composition analyses, it is clear that as the Sr content in LSCO increases, the thermal stability decreases. Among the three compositions studied, x=0.3 had the best phase and chemical stability, and microstructural properties. It was observed that La0.7Sr0.3CoO3 possesses excellent phase, composition and microstructural stability up to 1273 K. Above 1273 K, however, LSCO decomposes resulting in the loss of cobalt and formation of individual oxide phases. Electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficients were measured in situ as a function of temperature in air up to 1023 K. The electrical and Seebeck coefficient properties were found to be stable for all the three compositions up to 1023 K and studies indicated that electrical conduction occurs through a small polaron hopping mechanism. In conclusion, LSCO possessed good thermal stability in air up to 1273 K and exhibits excellent potential in thin film thermocouple applications.
Access and Excess: Selective College Admissions in Historical Perspective

(2008). Access and Excess: Selective College Admissions in Historical Perspective. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 113-123.
Chemical Structure and Toxicity of Some Carbamoyloxy Phosphorodithioates to Susceptible and Organophosphorus-Resistant Strains of Mites

The acaricidal activities of carbamoyloxy phosphorodithioate compounds having the following general structure were valuated on susceptible (S) and organophosphorusresistant (R) strains of the Pacific spider mite, Tetranychus pacificus McGregor, and the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor): ![Formula][1] Compounds where X = C2H4 were toxic, though minimally, to the S strains but nontoxic to the R strains. The additional incorporation of a CH2S group (X = CH2SC2H2) resulted in compounds which were toxic to both S and R strains of these mite species. The effects of both P-and N-substitutions on acaricidal activity were evaluated and the results are briefly discussed. None of the 34 compounds evaluated were as toxic to the R strains as to the S strains, indicating the existence of cross resistance to carbomoyloxy phosphorodithioates in organophosphorusresistant mite strains. [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Causal diffusion at RHIC

Fluctuation signals of the QCD phase transition in nuclear collisions can be dissipated by diffusion. Diffusive modes in the standard formulation of relativistic hydrodynamics propagate with infinite speed, violating causality. We develop a causal diffusion equation to study the dissipation of net charge fluctuations. We find that causality restricts the extent to which diffusion can dissipate these fluctuations.
The effect of rifampin administration on the disposition of fexofenadine

Objective Our objective was to assess the effect of rifampin (INN, rifampicin) on the pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine and to assess the influence of advanced age and sex. Methods Twelve young volunteers (6 men and 6 women; age range, 22 to 35 years) and twelve elderly volunteers (6 men and 6 women; age range, 65 to 76 years) received a 60-mg oral dose of fexofenadine before and after treatment with 600 mg of oral rifampin for 6 days. Blood and urine were collected for 48 hours and assayed for fexofenadine, azacyclonol, and rifampin by HPLC with either fluorescence or mass spectrometry detection. Results All of the groups had a significant increase (P < .05) in the oral clearance of fexofenadine after rifampin treatment: young men, 2955 ± 1516 versus 5524 ± 3410 mL/min; young women, 2632 ± 996 versus 7091 ± 5,379 mL/min; elderly men, 1760 ± 850 versus 4608 ± 1159 mL/min; and elderly women, 2210 ± 554 versus 4845 ± 1600 mL/min. The peak serum concentration of fexofenadine was also significantly reduced (P < .05) by rifampin treatment: young men, 77 ± 31 versus 52 ± 17 ng/mL; young women, 72 ± 19 versus 36 ± 14 ng/mL; elderly men, 106 ± 42 versus 52 ± 14 ng/mL; elderly women, 76 ± 23 versus 46 ± 19 ng/mL. Half-life (150 to 230 minutes), time to maximum concentration (130 to 205 minutes), renal clearance (95 to 153 mL/min), and fraction unbound (2.9% to 3.7%) of fexofenadine showed no significant difference between control and treatment. The amount of azacyclonol, a CYP3A4 mediated metabolite of fexofenadine, eliminated renally increased on average 2-fold after rifampin dosing; however, this pathway accounted for less than 0.5% of the dose. No effect of age or sex on fexofenadine disposition or serum trough rifampin concentration (0.2 μg/mL to 1.8 μg/mL) was observed before or after rifampin treatment. Conclusion This study showed that rifampin effectively increased fexofenadine oral clearance and that this effect was independent of age and sex. We conclude that the cause of the increased oral clearance of fexofenadine is a reduced bioavailability caused by induction of intestinal P-glycoprotein. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 69, 114–121; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2001.113697
The land-use effects of a forest carbon policy in the US

Abstract The inclusion of forest sinks as a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) mitigation strategy at the climate negotiations in Marakech (November, 2001) is expected to lead to increased investments in forest establishment and management by many developed countries. Previous studies in this area have typically focused on market impacts in the forestry sector, such as changes in production, consumption, prices, and trade, as a result of sinks. Here, we consider their inter-sectoral linkages and examine the potential economy-wide impacts of a forest carbon policy for the US over the next 20 years. Specifically, we employ a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate the scenario of a global forest carbon policy with and without US participation, and analyze their impacts on national economic welfare and land use distribution among the different sectors in the US. Our findings suggest that the establishment of carbon plantations in the US will have a small and favorable impact on the overall economy and particularly, on the farm and forest sectors. Alternatively, US inaction with regards to ratifying the Kyoto Protocol is likely to have adverse consequences for the economy as a whole, particularly when taking into consideration the loss of benefits foregone.
UHMWPE as interface toughening agent in glass particle filled composites

Abstract UHMWPE was adsorbed from dilute solution onto glass beads surface modified with a copolymer of 0.5–1.2 mol% vinyltrimethoxysilane-ethylene (PE-silane). Functional methacrylate groups were introduced through treatment of the UHMWPE with octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OMS) followed by reaction with 3-methacryloxypropyltrichlorosilane (Cl-MPS). Composites were prepared with 20 vol% PE-silanated/UHMWPE glass and BisGMA/TEGDMA (60/40 wt/wt); Cl-MPS treatment did not affect the results. Toughness increased 40% compared with neat or glass-filled resin, consistent with the addition of the high toughness UHMWPE; moduli were intermediate between the neat resin and glass filled composites, consistent with the relative moduli of glass and UHMWPE; flexural strengths decreased in the order: neat resin > resin + glass beads > silanated/UHMWPE coated glass beads, suggesting that each interface negatively affected the flexural strength.
Genomic biology: the epigenomic era opens.

Readout of information from the genome depends on intricate regulation of how DNA is packaged by proteins. The great endeavour to reveal how this packaging operates pan-genomically is now under way.