cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular angiosomal revascularization in the setting of collateral vessels.

Abstract Objective Endovascular procedures for targeted treatment of lower extremity wounds can be subdivided as direct revascularization (DR), indirect revascularization (IR), and IR via collateral flow (IRc). Although previous systematic reviews assert superiority of DR when compared with IR, the role of collateral vessels in clinical outcomes remains to be defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to define the usefulness of DR, IR, and IRc in treatment of lower extremity wounds with respect to (1) wound healing, (2) major amputation, (3) reintervention, and (4) all-cause mortality. Methods A meta-analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE was queried for records pertaining to the study question using appropriate Medical Subject Heading terms. Studies were limited to those using DR, IR, or IRc as a primary intervention and reporting information on at least one of the primary outcomes of interest. No limitation was placed on year of publication, country of origin, or study size. Studies were assessed for validity using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Study characteristics and patient demographics were collected. Data representing the primary outcomes—wound healing, major amputation, reintervention, and all-cause mortality—were collected for time points ranging from one month to four years following intervention. A meta-analysis on sample size-weighted data assuming a random effects model was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the four primary outcomes at various time points. Results We identified 21 studies for a total of 4252 limbs (DR, 2231; IR, 1647; IRC, 270). Overall wound healing rates were significantly superior for DR (OR, 2.45; P = .001) and IRc (OR, 8.46; P Conclusions Both DR and IRc offer significantly improved wound healing rates and major amputation rates compared with IR when used to treat critical limb ischemia. Although DR should be the preferred method of revascularization, IRc can offer comparable outcomes when DR is not possible. This analysis was limited by a small sample size of IRc limbs, a predominance of retrospective studies, and variability in outcome definitions between studies.
George J. Stigler’s theory of economic regulation, bootleggers, baptists and the rebirth of the public interest imperative

George Stigler’s pathbreaking 1971 article set forth a clear and testable economic theory of regulation and fundamentally changed how economists and others organized their thoughts about government regulation. Until Stigler’s work appeared, the public interest theory, the notion that elected officials and bureaucrats sought first to respond to the broad public desire for government services, dominated the literature. Stigler changed that and in doing so pushed the public interest theory aside. But there was something lacking in Stigler’s regulation theory that suggests there is still a strong role to be played by the public interest theory. While Stigler argued that politicians respond primarily to private interest demand for their services, it is still the case that politicians must explain their actions to the broad public and must work to make certain that the private interest regulatory benefits they produce are actually delivered. Justification and assurance of delivery are functions that are served in the Bootlegger/Baptist theory of regulation. Because the Bootlegger/Baptist theory combines the demand of two interest groups for the same regulatory service, the result will be more regulation. And the fact that both Bootleggers and Baptists will assist in seeing that regulation benefits are delivered, their activity reduces the cost encountered by politicians when seeking to serve the two groups. Again, more regulation will result.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of community health education for the prevention and control of retransmission of imported malaria in Zhangjiagang City

OBJECTIVE To increase the awareness of malaria prevention and control among people going abroad and returners, so as to prevent the local retransmission of oversea imported malaria. METHODS Health education interventions for malaria control were given to people going abroad and returners in communities, and the changes of malaria prevention and control knowledge and medical-seeking behaviors were observed among the target populations. RESULTS There were 367 people going abroad and oversea returners from malaria-endemic areas in Zhangjiagang City from July 2018 to December 2019, and 18 imported malaria cases were found. Following the implementation of community health education, the awareness of malaria prevention and control knowledge increased significantly from 35.09% to 93.08% among the target populations (χ2 = 78.130, P < 0.01), and the proportions of carrying anti-malarial drugs and administration of anti-malarial drugs for emergency treatment increased from 12.14% and 11.46% to 26.79% and 26.79% (χ2 = 8.793 and 9.834, P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the mean duration from malaria onset to the definitive diagnosis reduced from (5.86 ± 4.45) days to (3.11 ± 1.28) days (U = 64.000, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Community health education based on the precision community administration is an effective approach for malaria control in current era.
Inefficient Unemployment and Bargaining Friction

This paper explores the possibility of privately inefficient job separations due to bargaining friction and its implications for the unemployment dynamics. I propose a simple specification of bargaining friction by including bargaining wedges in the standard Nash bargaining model. Such bargaining wedge arises when, for example, wages are determined by alternating offers bargaining, which is often used in the literature to generate real wage rigidity, or when there is asymmetric information about worker's productivity. I show that due to the misalignment between actual surpluses and bargaining surpluses, inefficient separations could be generated which would in turn induce inefficient unemployment. The existence of inefficient unemployment due to bargaining friction could potentially explain the excessive fluctuation of unemployment observed in the data. Quantitatively, I find that inefficient unemployment constitutes up to 44% of the total unemployment volatility in the calibrated model.
Streaming Solutions for Time-Varying Optimization Problems.

This paper studies streaming optimization problems that have objectives of the form $ \sum_{t=1}^Tf(\mathbf{x}_{t-1},\mathbf{x}_t)$. In particular, we are interested in how the solution $\hat{\mathbf{x} }_{t|T}$ for the $t$th frame of variables changes as $T$ increases. While incrementing $T$ and adding a new functional and a new set of variables does in general change the solution everywhere, we give conditions under which $\hat{\mathbf{x} }_{t|T}$ converges to a limit point $\mathbf{x}^*_t$ at a linear rate as $T\rightarrow\infty$. As a consequence, we are able to derive theoretical guarantees for algorithms with limited memory, showing that limiting the solution updates to only a small number of frames in the past sacrifices almost nothing in accuracy. We also present a new efficient Newton online algorithm (NOA), inspired by these results, that updates the solution with fixed complexity of $ \mathcal{O}( {3Bn^3})$, independent of $T$, where $B$ corresponds to how far in the past the variables are updated, and $n$ is the size of a single block-vector. Two streaming optimization examples, online reconstruction from non-uniform samples and non-homogeneous Poisson intensity estimation, support the theoretical results and show how the algorithm can be used in practice.
New upper bound on vertex Folkman numbers

In 1970, J. Folkman proved that for a given integer r and a graph G of order n there exists a graph H with the same clique number as G such that every r coloring of vertices of H yields at least one monochromatic copy of G. His proof gives no good bound on the order of graph H, i.e. the order of H is bounded by an iterated power function. A related problem was studied by Łuczak, Rucinski and Urbanski, who gave some explicite bound on the order of H when G is a clique. In this note we give an alternative proof of Folkman's theorem with the relatively small order of H bounded from above by O(n3 log3 n). This improves Łuczak, Rucinski and Urbanski's result.
The Complexity of Life and Lives of Complexity

Everything is said by an observer, Humberto Maturana (1987) tells us. In this collection of articles, I have invited one set of “observers” to tell us more about themselves. I have asked them to te...
ExScalibur: A High-Performance Cloud-Enabled Suite for Whole Exome Germline and Somatic Mutation Identification

Whole exome sequencing has facilitated the discovery of causal genetic variants associated with human diseases at deep coverage and low cost. In particular, the detection of somatic mutations from tumor/normal pairs has provided insights into the cancer genome. Although there is an abundance of publicly-available software for the detection of germline and somatic variants, concordance is generally limited among variant callers and alignment algorithms. Successful integration of variants detected by multiple methods requires in-depth knowledge of the software, access to high-performance computing resources, and advanced programming techniques. We present ExScalibur, a set of fully automated, highly scalable and modulated pipelines for whole exome data analysis. The suite integrates multiple alignment and variant calling algorithms for the accurate detection of germline and somatic mutations with close to 99% sensitivity and specificity. ExScalibur implements streamlined execution of analytical modules, real-time monitoring of pipeline progress, robust handling of errors and intuitive documentation that allows for increased reproducibility and sharing of results and workflows. It runs on local computers, high-performance computing clusters and cloud environments. In addition, we provide a data analysis report utility to facilitate visualization of the results that offers interactive exploration of quality control files, read alignment and variant calls, assisting downstream customization of potential disease-causing mutations. ExScalibur is open-source and is also available as a public image on Amazon cloud.
Nucleotide sequencing and transcriptional mapping of the genes encoding biphenyl dioxygenase, a multicomponent polychlorinated-biphenyl-degrading enzyme in Pseudomonas strain LB400.

Abstract The DNA region encoding biphenyl dioxygenase, the first enzyme in the biphenyl-polychlorinated biphenyl degradation pathway of Pseudomonas species strain LB400, was sequenced. Six open reading frames were identified, four of which are homologous to the components of toluene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida F1 and have been named bphA, bphE, bphF, and bphG. From this comparison, biphenyl dioxygenase was found to be a multicomponent enzyme containing a two-subunit iron-sulfur protein, a ferredoxin, and a reductase. Comparison of the large subunit of the iron-sulfur protein and the ferredoxin with other multicomponent dioxygenases identified amino acid sequences similar to Rieske iron-sulfur proteins for binding a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Sequences have also been identified in the reductase component that match the consensus sequence for FAD or NAD binding. Transcription of the biphenyl dioxygenase region was examined, and three transcription initiation sites were identified. Transcription initiating at the site furthest upstream is greatly increased when the LB400 cells are grown on biphenyl as the sole carbon source.
An efficient group communication architecture over ATM networks

NYNET (ATM wide-area network testbed in New York state) Communication System (NCS) is a multithreaded message-passing tool developed at Syracuse University that provides low-latency and high-throughput communication services over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based high-performance distributed computing (HPDC) environments. NCS provides flexible and scalable group communication services based on dynamic grouping and tree-based multicasting. The NCS architecture, which separates the data and control functions, allows group operations to be implemented efficiently by utilizing the control connections when transferring status information (e.g. topology information, routing information). Furthermore, NCS provides several different algorithms for group communication and allows programmers to select an appropriate algorithm at runtime. The authors overview the general architecture of NCS and present the multicasting services provided by NCS. They analyze and compare the performance of NCS with that of other message-passing tools such as p4, PVM, and MPI in terms of primitive performance and performance.
Optimal presentation of graphic organizers and text: A case for large bites?

In three experiments, we investigated the optimal presentation of graphic organizers (GOs) and text by having undergraduates read a chapter-length text in its entirety, a few pages at a time, or a few sentences at a time, before or after viewing seven GOs in their entirety (large bites), one at a time (small bites), or one cell at a time (animated). Large bites were better than small bites for learning concept relations and applying that knowledge, and for recalling macropropositions when the GOs were presented before text. Animated GOs offered no advantages over the large-bites GOs at first presentation and considerably extended total study time. Presenting several GOs first, followed by the entire text, appears to be optimal in directing students’ attention to across-chapter relations in text.
Water wars in the Middle East: a looming threat

This paper explains how hydropolitical dynamics and spatial variables almost triggered a water war between Israel and Lebanon because the latter was building a pump on the Wazzani Spring, a tributary of the Jordan River. The convergence of a regional drought, history of violent confrontations between the two riparians, distrust, varying development needs and territorial disputes almost culminated in a war between these east Mediterranean neighbours. While most international water disputes in the Middle East will be resolved peacefully, some are likely to trigger violent confrontations threatening political stability in the Middle East in the next few decades.
Condoms as primary prevention in sexually active women.

The origin of the word condom is the subject of some debate but the use of a linen sheath as a preventive measure for venereal disease was noted in the writings of Fallopius in 1564. In recent years condom sales have increased and in a sample of San Francisco male homosexuals consistent condom use was reported to have increased from 26% to 79% between 1984 and 1987. Condom sales in drugstores increased by over 20% from 1986 to 1987 with women being responsible for an estimated 40-50% of US purchases. Studies suggest a failure rate of 2-15/100 couples using condoms. Failure rates for 1st-year users average about 12% but consistent and correct condom use theoretically results in approximately a 2% failure rate. Mean breakage rates ranging from 0% to 13% have been reported. Both epidemiological and laboratory studies have demonstrated that latex condoms are effective mechanical barriers to important viral transmissions including HIV herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis B virus (HBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well as bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea. Condoms are safe to use particularly in view of the fact that AIDS is now 1 of the 5 leading causes of death for women ages 15-44. An important contraindication however is the presence of latex allergy potentially leading to contact urticaria or manifestations of anaphylaxis. The female condom shows promise for placing personal protection increasingly under the control of women. Condom promotion in the US with education at both public and individual levels could emulate developed and developing countries that have promoted condom use with marketing and mass-media techniques as well conspicuous and aggressive distribution methods. Nursing is involved in program efforts aimed at enhancing condom use and nurses can be effective in encouraging clients to use condoms to protect themselves.
Evaluation of a Standardized Method of Quality Assurance in Mental Health Records: A Pilot Study

The widespread adoption of research-supported treatments by mental health providers has facilitated empirical development of quality assurance (QA) methods. Research in this area has focused on QA systems aimed at assuring the integrity of research-supported treatment implementation, while examination of QA systems to assure appropriate documentation of the implementation has received extant attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to pilot the initial development of a standardized QA system to assist mental health providers in effectively maintaining records of their implementation of a research-supported treatment. After a baseline of record-keeping errors was established, a QA program was implemented. Results indicated that QA audits were reliably conducted, frequency of errors decreased significantly upon the implementation of QA, and the QA program was determined to be feasible. A significant negative linear relationship was found between frequency of QA audits and frequency of errors. Stu...
Efficiency of composite sampling for estimating a lognormal distribution

In many environmental studies measuring the amount of a contaminant in a sampling unit is expensive. In such cases, composite sampling is often used to reduce data collection cost. However, composite sampling is known to be beneficial for estimating the mean of a population, but not necessarily for estimating the variance or other parameters. As some applications, for example, Monte Carlo risk assessment, require an estimate of the entire distribution, and as the lognormal model is commonly used in environmental risk assessment, in this paper we investigate efficiency of composite sampling for estimating a lognormal distribution. In particular, we examine the magnitude of savings in the number of measurements over simple random sampling, and the nature of its dependence on composite size and the parameters of the distribution utilizing simulation and asymptotic calculations.
A STUDY OF PHEROMONE TRAP CATCHES IN RELATION TO CODLING MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: OLETHREUTIDAE) DAMAGE

A sex pheromone trap was studied as a quantitative sampling device in a biological monitoring scheme for codling moth populations in Michigan apple orchards. Factors influencing trap efficiency and the relationship of trap catch to adult moth density and the overall seasonal dynamics of L. pomonella are considered.By correlating seasonal male moth catches to absolute infestation levels at harvest it was possible to indicate the density response of male moth catches in the pheromone trap (Sectar 1). Catch response was non-linear and the trap ceased to be indicative of higher infestation levels when accumulative catch exceeded about 100 moths/trap. Also, accumulative trap catches from the first few weeks of the season (before damage appeared) correlated well with eventual infestation levels indicating possible use of the pheromone trap as a predictive tool. Of the many factors influencing trap catch size the number of moth productive trees serviced by a trap (trap/tree ratio) was shown to be of critical importance.
In vivo analysis of plant pre-mRNA splicing using an autonomously replicating vector

In this paper, we demonstrate that an autonomously replicating plant expression vector can be used for analysis of pre-mRNA splicing determinants in intact dicot cells. This vector system relies on the Agrobacterium-mediated transfection of leaf discs with the A component of the geminivirus tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV). Insertion of intron sequences between viral promoter and terminator sequences results in the production of high levels of pre-mRNA transcripts that are effectively and accurately spliced in vivo. Introns from the soybean B-conglycinin gene are spliced at greater than 95% efficiency indicating that the high expression levels of precursor RNA do not exceed the intron splicing capacity of these cells. Introns from the pea and wheat rbcS genes are spliced at 85% and 73% efficiency, respectively, indicating that tobacco leaf disc nuclei are capable of effectively and accurately processing particular dicot and monocot introns. Inclusion of a dicot intron in an engineered construct results in a five-fold enhancement of the level of mRNA stably expressed in dicot nuclei.
The influence of interpersonal comparisons of outcomes under conditions of free responding

A mutual fate control (MFC) situation is one in which two persons control the positive and negative outcomes of each other. Studies of the MFC and related situations indicated that the attainment of mutually positive outcomes is generally impeded when individuals are given explicit, trial-by-trial information about both their own and the other person’s outcomes. In these studies, the choosers’ responses were externally paced. In the present study, the choosers were permitted to respond at will. The results of the present study were consistent with those of the paced response studies. Showing individuals both their own and the other person’s outcomes resulted in significantly fewer positive outcomes than showing individuals only their own outcomes. These results suggest that the opportunity to make outcome comparisons led to the dyad members’ doing more poorly, in terms of the choosers’ own outcomes, than when individuals were experimentally prohibited from making such comparisons.
Heavy metal effects on cellular shape changes, cleavage, and larval development of the marine gastropod mollusk, (Ilyanassa obsoleta Say).

The spawning areas for many marine invertebrates are in intertidal zones which can be exposed to surface water run-off containing heavy metals. The cellular shape changes and cleavage patterns of Ilyanassa embryos greatly resemble those of bivalve mollusks, such as Mytilus edulis, that occur in the same intertidal areas. Determining the concentrations of heavy metals tolerated by the molluscan embryos inhabiting such clam and mussel beds therefore is of some economic significance. Moreover, such research may providedata on the heavy metal effects on the cytoskeleton. There is increasing evidence that components of the cytoskeleton, directly or indirectly, are targets for toxic agents. Polar lobe formation is a cellular shape change that resembles cytokinesis. It is seen in the fertilized eggs of many marine mollusks. Recent data with inorganic and organic Ca/sup 2 +/ antagonists suggest that both polar lobe formation and cytokinesis utilize Ca/sup 2 +/ released from sequestered, intracellular sites. Both of these cellular constrictions are associated with microfilaments and are preceded by activation steps requiring microtubules. The data presented below suggest that several heavy metals affect the microfilament-dependent steps.
Calcium-sensitive transcriptional activation of the proximal CCAAT regulatory element of the grp78/BiP promoter by the human nuclear factor CBF/NF-Y.

Abstract Transcription of the gene encoding GRP78/BiP, a calcium-binding molecular chaperone localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, is induced in mammalian cells through gradual depletion of the intracellular calcium stores. The multimeric CCAAT binding factor, CBF/NF-Y, binds to the most proximal CCAAT regulatory element (C1) of the grp78 promoter required for both basal level expression and stress response. Using an in vitro transcription system, we show through factor competition and immunodepletion that the grp78 C1-mediated enhancement of transcription requires primarily CBF. Correlating with the previous observation that CBF binding to the 78C1 site is enhanced by EGTA and EDTA, these divalent cation chelators specifically stimulate 78C1-directed transcription. In contrast, increasing amounts of calcium ions are inhibitory. These results provide evidence that CBF is functionally important in transactivating the grp78 C1 transcriptional activity, and suggest a possible mechanism by which grp78 transcription is stimulated by calcium depletion. We further discovered that in addition to binding CBF, both the 78C1 element and the CBF binding site of the α2(I) collagen promoter interact weakly with the multifunctional transcription factor YY1. Our studies show that the binding sites for CBF and YY1 are distinct for the two promoter sites, suggesting that YY1 and other interacting factors could exert differential effects on individual promoters bearing the same CBF site.
The relation of surface forcing of the Bering Sea to large-scale climate patterns

Abstract Climate fluctuations, or modes, are largely manifested in terms of coherent, large-scale (∼3000 km) patterns of anomalous sea-level pressure or geopotential height at various altitudes. It is worthwhile to investigate how these modes relate to the specific processes associated with atmospheric forcing of the ocean, in this case for the southeast Bering Sea. This approach has been termed “downscaling.” Climate-scale patterns in this study are derived from covariance-based empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of low-pass filtered (10-day cut-off) 700-mb geopotential height fields for 1958–1999. By design, this EOF analysis elicits sets of patterns for characterizing the variability in the large-scale atmospheric circulation centered on the Bering Sea. Four modes are considered for each of three periods, January–March, April–May, and June–July. These modes are compared with atmospheric circulation patterns formed by compositing 700-mb height anomalies based on the individual elements constituting the local forcing, i.e. the surface heat and momentum fluxes. In general, different aspects of local forcing are associated with different climate modes. In winter, the modes dominating the forcing of sea-ice include considerable interannual variability, but no discernible long-term trends. A prominent shift did occur around 1977 in the sign of a winter mode resembling the Pacific North American pattern; this mode is most significantly related to the local wind-stress curl. In spring, forcing of currents and stratification are related to the two leading climate modes, one resembling the North Pacific (NP) pattern and one reflecting the strength of the Aleutian low; both exhibit long-term trends with implications for the Bering Sea. In summer, an NP-like mode and a mode featuring a center over the Bering Sea include long-term trends with impacts on surface heating and wind mixing, respectively. Rare events, such as a persistent period of strong high pressure or a major storm, also can dominate the summer Bering Sea forcing in particular years.
Artifactual hypoglycemia: An old term for a new classification

The American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society workgroup on the 2013 classification of hypoglycemia (1) in patients with diabetes changed the previously used term “relative hypoglycemia” to “pseudo-hypoglycemia” while defining symptoms of hypoglycemia without confirmatory low glucose values and failing to include falsely low readings of glucose on capillary blood samples (1,2). In the past, pseudo-hypoglycemia was defined as a discrepancy between low capillary glucose and normal plasma glucose. We illustrate the current incongruity by reporting a case of a patient with Raynaud phenomenon with falsely low capillary blood glucose measured by finger stick. A 75-year-old female with esophageal cancer post esophagectomy was found to have repeated asymptomatic low finger-stick blood glucose values varying from 11 to 53 mg/dL that were treated …
Extended generalized hexagons

As in [2], we define a geometry Γ = (B2, …, Br; *) to be an ordered sequence of r pairwise disjoint non-empty sets Bi together with a symmetric incidence relation * on their union B = B1 ∪ … ∪ Br such that if F is any maximal set of pairwise incident elements (i.e. a maximal flag), then |F ∩ Bi| = 1 for i = 1,…, r. The number r is called the rank of Γ. The geometry Γ is called connected if the r-partite graph (Γ, *) is connected.
The preparation of orthopoxvirus DNA.

Abstract A method is presented for the preparation of cross-linked, intact orthopoxvirus DNA from viral cores extracted from virus-infected cell cultures.
The enthalpies of formation of plutonium dioxide and plutonium mononitride

Abstract The energies of combustion in oxygen of α-plutonium metal and plutonium mononitride were measured in a bomb calorimeter. The standard enthalpies of formation, ΔH f o (298.15 K), of PuO 2 (c) and PuN(c) were calculated to be −(1055.85±0.72) kJ mol −1 [−(252.35±0.17) kcal mol −1 ] and −(299.2±2.6) kJ mol −1 [−(71.51±0.62) kcal mol −1 ], respectively.
Low voltage two-state-variable memristor model of vacancy-drift resistive switches

We illustrate a heuristic two-state-variable memristor model of charged O vacancy-drift resistive switches that include the effects of internal Joule heating on both the electronic transport and the drift velocity (i.e., switching speed) of vacancies in the switching material. The dynamical state variables correspond to the cross-sectional area of a conducting channel in the device and the gap between the end of the channel and one of the electrodes. The model was calibrated against low voltage pulse-sweep and state-test data collected from a TaO x memristor so that the contributions of the channel gap, area and temperature to switching can be analyzed. The model agrees well with experimental results for long switching times and low-to-intermediate voltage operation.
Prolonged auditory processing time in the elderly: evidence from a backward recognition-masking paradigm.

The rate of processing pure-tone stimuli was measured in 10 elderly subjects and 10 young controls using an auditory backward recognition-masking paradigm. Experimental trials consisted of the presentation of either a 770- or 870-Hz target stimulus (TS) followed by an 820-Hz masking stimulus (MS), separated by a variable silent intertone interval (ITT). For both groups, the mean percent correct recognition scores for TS identification improved systematically with increases in ITIs, reaching an asymptote followed by an apparent plateau. The mean recognition scores at each ITI were lower for the elderly subjects than for the controls; however, equivalence between groups was observed at prolonged ITIs. The elderly group's mean asymptote was observed at a longer ITI (360 ms) relative to that of the controls (248 ms), a statistically significant difference. The findings suggest an age-associated slowing in auditory processing time.
What's to Fear from Immigrants? Creating an Assimilationist Threat Scale

We argue that cultural threat, stressed in recent studies of anti-immigrant sentiment, is properly measured in the U.S. case as “assimilationist threat”: a resentful perception that immigrants are failing to adopt the cultural norms and lifestyle of their new homeland. We explore the meaning and form of assimilationist threat in the minds of Americans through an analysis of four focus groups, two in Los Angeles, CA, and two in Columbus, OH. Using information from the focus groups, we develop and test a set of survey questions covering three dimensions of immigrants’ commitment to their new country: language, productivity, and citizenship. We produce a summary scale of assimilationist threat that can be used by other researchers seeking to understand the causes and consequences of anti-immigrant sentiment.
Integration of a rule-based expert system with GIS through a relational database management system for forest resource management

Abstract The USDA Forest Service and Texas A&M University have jointly developed an integrated software package to assist district level personnel in project planning. It is called INFORMS-TX (Integrated Forest Resource Management System for National Forests in Texas). One of the main thrusts of INFORMS-TX is the integration of a rule-based expert system with a commercial geographic information system (GIS) through the use of a relational database management system (RDBMS). The rule-bases are developed in CLIPS, an expert system shell designed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). ARC/INFO from ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is the GIS component and ORACLE is the choice for RDBMS. This system allows forest personnel to access ARC/INFO procedures to query and define a project area in a user friendly environment. Heuristic rule-bases can then be selected and applied to pertinent spatial data layers such as compartments or forest stands of the project area. The results generated by the rule-bases are stored in the database and are used to assist in silvicultural decision making. This software integration greatly enhances the use of geographically oriented resource data and knowledge accumulated from Forest Service experts to assist in project planning, alternative development and environmental assessment.
Cumulvs: Providing Fault Toler. Ance, Visualization, and Steer Ing of Parallel Applications

The use of visualization and computational steering can often assist scientists in analyzing large-scale scientific applications. Fault tolerance to failures is of great impor tance when running on a distributed system. However, the details of implementing these features are complex and tedious, leaving many scientists with inadequate develop ment tools. CUMULVS is a library that enables program mers to easily incorporate interactive visualization and computational steering into existing parallel programs. Built on the PVM virtual machine framework, CUMULVS is portable and interoperable with all the computer archi tectures that PVM works with-a growing list that now stands at about 60 architectures. The CUMULVS library is divided into two pieces: one for the application program and one for the possibly commercial, visualization, and steering front end. Together, these two libraries encom pass all the connection and data protocols needed to dynamically attach multiple, independent viewer front ends to a running parallel application. Viewer programs can also steer one or more user-defined parameters to "close the loop" for computational experiments and analy ses. CUMULVS allows the programmer to specify user- directed checkpoints for saving an important program state in case of failures and also provides a mechanism to migrate tasks across heterogeneous machine architec tures to achieve improved performance. Details of the CUMULVS design goals and compromises as well as future directions are given.
Seismic reflection evidence for a northeast‐dipping Hayward fault near Fremont, California: Implications for seismic hazard

[1] A 1.6-km-long seismic reflection profile across the creeping trace of the southern Hayward fault near Fremont, California, images the fault to a depth of 650 m. Reflector truncations define a fault dip of about 70 degrees east in the 100 to 650 m depth range that projects upward to the creeping surface trace, and is inconsistent with a nearly vertical fault in this vicinity as previously believed. This fault projects to the Mission seismicity trend located at 4–10 km depth about 2 km east of the surface trace and suggests that the southern end of the fault is as seismically active as the part north of San Leandro. The seismic hazard implication is that the Hayward fault may have a more direct connection at depth with the Calaveras fault, affecting estimates of potential event magnitudes that could occur on the combined fault surfaces, thus affecting hazard assessments for the south San Francisco Bay region.
Tripolyphosphate hydrolysis by bovine fast and slow myosin subfragment 1 isoforms.

Abstract Polyphosphates are used in the meat industry to increase the water holding capacity of meat products. Tripolyphosphate (TPP) is a commonly used polyphosphate and it is metabolized into pyrophosphate and monophosphate in meat. The enzymes responsible for its metabolism have not been fully characterized. The motor domain of myosin (subfragment 1 or S1) is a likely candidate. The objectives of this study were to determine if bovine S1 hydrolyzes TPP, to characterize the TPPase activity of the fast ( cutaneous trunci ) and slow ( masseter ) isoforms, and to determine the influence of pH on S1 TPPase activity. S1 hydrolyzed TPP and in comparison with ATP as substrate, it hydrolyzed TPP 16–32% more slowly. Fast S1 hydrolyzed both substrates faster compared to slow S1 and the difference between the isoforms was greater with TPP as the substrate. The V max was 0.94 and 5.0 nmol Pi/mg S1 protein/min while the K m was 0.38 and 0.90 mM TPP for slow and fast S1, respectively. Pyrophosphate was a strong inhibitor of TPPase activity with a K i of 88 and 8.3 μM PPi for fast and slow S1 isoforms, respectively. Both ATPase and TPPase activities were influenced by pH with the activity being higher at low pH for both fast and slow S1 isoforms. The activity at pH 5.4 was 1.5 to 4-fold higher than that at pH 7.6 for the different isoforms and substrates. These data show that myosin S1 readily hydrolyzes TPP and suggest that it is a major TPPase in meat.
Emerging insights into the biology and therapy of malignant mesothelioma.

Abstract Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy that may be caused by environmental carcinogens (asbestos and erionite), viruses (SV40), and genetic predisposition. Pleural malignant mesotheliomas are far more common than the peritoneal variants. Diagnosis relies on radiographic studies as well as histology and molecular biologic analyses. The prognostic scoring systems of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer are the most useful of those currently available. These systems rate performance status, age, histology, and hematologic parameters as the best prognostic factors for mesothelioma. Most patients with mesothelioma are not candidates for surgical or radiotherapy treatment, and cytotoxic agents are the only options. Historically, no classes or combinations of agents consistently yielded response rates over 20%. Recently, pemetrexed has been evaluated in phase I, II, and III clinical trials with promising results. The phase II trial showed an overall response rate of 14.1% with a 1-year survival rate of 47.8%. A phase III trial of cisplatin versus cisplatin and pemetrexed closed in February 2002 and a final analysis was presented in May 2002. Novel targeted agents are also being tested in clinical trials among mesothelioma patients and include drugs inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 18):35-42. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Describing the economic impacts and benefits of Florida public libraries: Findings and methodological applications for future work

This article describes the economic impacts and benefits received from public libraries in Florida, indicating that, overall, public libraries make a significant contribution to the economic development of the state. Public libraries receive funding from taxpayers and can be one of the first institutions to experience budget cuts when they occur. Identifying the economic role that libraries play in communities is crucial to the continued funding, support, and existence of libraries. In addition, this article discusses some of the other efforts that have been undertaken to determine the economic impacts and benefits received from taxpayer investment. Drawing on these earlier efforts, the authors present a framework for further study into the economic impacts and benefits received from public libraries, and present some goals and objectives for future studies.
Fine structure of the cuticle of the black widow spider with reference to surface lipids

The surface and transverse sections of the cephalothorax, abdomen, and walking leg cuticle of the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus, were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cuticle that was untreated prior to normal EM preparative procedures was compared with cuticle subjected to lipid solvents and/or concentrated alkali. The surface of untreated dorsal cephalothorax cuticle contained droplets and a lipid film that obscured fine surface detail. Immersing the cuticle in chloroform: methanol removed the droplets and lipid film, exposing previously covered openings to dermal gland ducts. An epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle were present in all transverse sections of cuticle as was a complex system of pore and wax canals that connected the epidermis with cuticle surface. The epicuticle of the walking leg was composed of three sublayers: outer membrane, outer epicuticle, and the dense homogeneous layer. A cuticulin layer was not observed. Lipid solvents did not significantly alter the morphology of any of these layers or the contents of the wax/pore canals.
THE UPSALA, MINNESOTA, COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY IN RURAL DYNAMICS

ABSTRACT This study represents one type of approach to modern systematic regional geography. It is concerned with the village of Upsala and its service area which comprise a small rural community in central Minnesota. The study shows that as a result of new perceptions of available material resources and of cultural dispersal or innovation, the Upsala community has passed through sequential occupance eras of Dakota and Chippewa Indian culture, of two phases of American pioneering in the latter part of the 19th century, of acceptance into the mainstream of 20th century rural life, and since about 1948 a modern period. Various techniques are employed to illustrate and to clarify, in part, the many ways in which the community is and has been economically, socially, and politically organized in terms of area. Cultural processes, particularly some involving religion, that have already produced a form of cultural substitution are shown as basic to a real understanding of the Upsala community.
Self-Assembly and Traveling Wave Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Hexacadmium Macrocycles

Self-assembly of 1,3-di(4′-terpyridinyl)arenes by using the labile tpy-Cd(II)-tpy (where tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) connectivity afforded access to hexacadmium macrocycles in high yield. These supramolecular assemblies were characterized by traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS).
Congenital nonprogressive myopathy with Möbius and Robin sequence—the Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome: A confirmatory report

Recently, we evaluated a 27-month-old boy with congenital generalized nonspecific myopathy, Mobius sequence, Robin sequence, and failure to thrive. We think the child has the same entity described by Carey, Fineman, and Ziter in 1982 [J Pediatr 101:353-364] and as such represents only the third example of this unusual syndrome. Review of the large number of conditions in which the Robin sequence occurs supports heterogeneity. Our case strengthens the Mobius-Robin association and further defines the Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome as a viable entity. It is most likely inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Visual Results After Keratoplasty in Patients With Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses

We performed penetrating keratoplasty in 20 consecutive patients who had posterior chamber intraocular lenses and who developed pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. All patients received 8.0-mm grafts placed in 7.5-mm recipient beds. None of the intraocular lenses were removed. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in eight (40%) and 20/80 or better in 15 (75%) of the patients. Senile macular degeneration (one case), corneal graft rejection (two cases), and wound infection (one case) contributed to poor visual results in the remaining patients.
Post-Civil War San Salvador: Social Inequalities of Household and Basic Infrastructure in a Central American City

Abstract Problems of social inequality and poverty remain daunting in post-civil war El Salvador. The challenges of social rebuilding and political democratisation in the capital city of San Salvador inform this paper's analysis of a sample survey on inequalities of household and basic infrastructure. The analysis places San Salvador at the nexus of two comparative-theoretical frameworks: cities, basic infrastructure and world economy; and political economy of livelihoods. For eventual comparison with other Central American cities, the paper uses regression models to depict household configurations of macro-structural and socio-institutional assets with regard to inequalities of selected components of basic infrastructure. The discussion explores implications for Salvadoran post-civil war social reconstruction as well as for comparative research on Central American cities.
Slope of the intracranial pressure waveform after traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Background The measurement and treatment of ICP within the management of TBI generally focuses on keeping the mean ICP to less than 20 mm Hg. More sophisticated analysis of the intracranial pressure waveform has yielded important relationships, but those methods have not gained widespread use. Prior analysis of the slope of the ICP waveform during inspiration and expiration in patients with hydrocephalus has provided valuable information that has never been applied to patients with TBI. This study used digital methods to examine ICP and the slope of the ICP waveform in relation to the respiratory cycle in subjects with TBI. Methods Intracranial pressure was monitored in 6 randomly selected patients admitted with acute TBI. In the first 3 subjects, a single 5-minute recording was analyzed. In 3 subsequent subjects, 4 nonsequential 5-minute epochs were analyzed during periods of varying ICP. The systolic slope of the ICP waveform was compared during inspiration and expiration, and then evaluated in relation to simultaneous mean ICP. Results The slope of the systolic ICP waveform was significantly greater during inspiration than during expiration ( P P P Conclusion Greater systolic ICP waveform slope during inspiration has not been described previously after TBI and is consistent with prior observations in subjects with hydrocephalus. The strong correlation between ICP slope and simultaneous mean ICP suggests that increasing ICP slope might indicate loss of intracranial compliance after TBI.
Deuterium-proton Exchange on the Native Wild-type Transthyretin Tetramer Identifies the Stable Core of the Individual Subunits and Indicates Mobility at the Subunit Interface

Abstract Transthyretin is a human protein capable of amyloid formation that is believed to cause several types of amyloid disease, depending on the sequence deposited. Previous studies have demonstrated that wild-type transthyretin (TTR), although quite stable, forms amyloid upon dissociation from its native tetrameric form into monomers with an altered conformation. Many naturally occurring single-site variants of TTR display decreased stability in vitro, manifested by the early onset familial amyloid diseases in vivo. Only subtle structural changes were observed in X-ray crystallographic structures of these disease associated variants. In this study, the stability of the wild-type TTR tetramer was investigated at the residue-resolution level by monitoring 2H-H exchange via NMR spectroscopy. The measured protection factors for slowly-exchanging amide hydrogen atoms reveal a stable core consisting of strands A, B, E, F, and interestingly, the loop between strands A and B. In addition, the faster exchange of amide groups from residues at the subunit interfaces suggests unexpected mobility in these regions. This information is crucial for future comparisons between disease-associated and wild-type tetramers. Such studies can directly address the regions of TTR that become destabilized as a consequence of single amino acid substitutions, providing clues to aspects of TTR amyloidogenesis.