cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Migration and Domination: Framing the Immigration Debate in Political Theory

I argue for a framework for the normative discussion of immigration policy that takes into account power-relations of dominance and hierarchy. Political theorists and policy makers have obscured the nature of immigration by abstracting from class, gender, and race. The lack of frank analysis of these barriers distorts our moral and political judgments, permitting injustice to go unseen.
Sex-role orientation and psychological well-being: Two meta-analyses

Research on the relationship between sex-role orientation and psychological well-being has been guided by one of three models. The traditional congruence model holds that psychological well-being will be fostered only when one's sex-role orientation is congruent with one's gender; the androgyny model proposes that well-being will be maximized when one's sex-role orientation incorporates a high degree of both masculinity and femininity regardless of one's gender; the masculinity model posits that well-being is a function of the extent to which one has a masculine sex-role orientation. The adequacy of these three models was tested by means of a meta-analysis of 32 studies of the relationship between sex-role orientation and depression and general adjustment. The results of the meta-analysis provided the best support for the masculinity model, with masculinity having a moderately strong relationship to both high adjustment and lack of depression and with femininity having only a small relationship to adjustment and no relationship to depression. No support was found for the congruence model.
Composition as identity, Leibniz’s Law, and slice-sensitive emergent properties

Moderate composition as identity holds that there is a generalized identity relation, “being the same portion of reality,” of which composition and numerical identity are distinct species. Composition is a genuine kind of identity; but unlike numerical identity, it fails to satisfy Leibniz’s Law. A composite whole and its parts differ with respect to their numerical properties: the whole is one; the parts (collectively) are many. Moderate composition as identity faces the challenge: how, in the absence of Leibniz’s Law, can one characterize what counts as a genuine kind of identity? This paper explores a promising answer: a genuine kind of identity must satisfy a version of Leibniz’s Law restricted to properties that ascribe qualitative character. Strong composition as identity holds that there is only one identity relation, that it satisfies Leibniz’s Law, and that the parts are identical with the whole that they compose. Strong composition as identity faces the challenge of showing that numerical properties do not provide counterexamples to Leibniz’s Law, and doing so in a way that is compatible with the framework of plural logic that is needed to formulate the theory. The most promising way to do this is to hold that plural logic is fundamental at the level of our representations, but not fundamental at the level of being. At the level of being, portions of reality cannot be characterized as either singular or plural. It turns out that the proposed moderate theory and the proposed strong theory are one and the same. In spite of its many attractions, I reject it. The main issue has to do with whether slice-sensitive emergent properties are possible. I argue that they are, making use both of specific examples and general principles of modal plenitude. I do not claim that my arguments are irresistible. But they cannot be evaded as easily as a related argument against strong composition as identity given by Kris McDaniel. I critically examine McDaniel’s argument to pave the way for my own.
Outside the Endoplasmic Reticulum: Non-Canonical GRP78 Signaling

Glucose-regulated protein 78 is best known for its protein chaperone activities and as acting as a molecular switch controlling the unfolded protein response signaling pathway within the endoplasmic reticulum. GRP78 binds to the three arms of the unfolded protein response rendering each pathway inactive. In the presence of unfolded or misfolded proteins, GRP78 unbinds from the three signaling arms, thus enabling UPR activation. However, GRP78 is ubiquitously localized within other cellular compartments and has varied molecular signaling functions depending upon its localization. GRP78 is found on the cell membranes to control cellular growth and differentiation pathways, GRP78 is found on mitochondria, GRP78 regulates cellular energetic pathways and metabolism, GRP78 controls apoptosis and cell death pathway signaling, GRP78 modulates autophagy, and GRP78 affects immune cell activities. We will review the pleiotropic activities of GRP78 outside of its normal UPR functions and discuss GRP78 signaling in cancer in this book chapter.
Assessment of costs and benefits associated with resolution of generic safety issue 143-availability of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and chilled water systems

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory, under contract to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commision, has conducted an assessment of the values (benefits) and impacts (costs) associated with potential resolutions to Generic Issue 143 - Availability of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Chilled Water Systems. The key objectives of the study were to (a) identify vulnerabilities related to failures of HVAC, chilled water, and room-cooling systems, (b) develop estimates of room heatup rates and safety-related equipment vulnerabilities following losses of HVAC/room-cooler systems, (c) develop estimates of the core damage frequencies and public risks associated with failures of these systems, (d) develop proposed resolution strategies to this generic issue, and (e) perform a value/impact analysis of the proposed resolutions. Detailed probabilistic risk assessments for four representative plants form the basis for the core damage frequency and public risk calculations. Internally initiated core damage sequences as well as external events were considered. Three proposed resolution strategies were developed for this safety issue, and it was determined that all three were not cost effective. Additional evaluations were performed to develop generic insights on potential design-related vulnerabilities potential high-frequency (>10 -4 /reaector-yr) accident sequences that involve failures of HVAC/room-cooling functions. It was concluded that, although high-frequency accident sequences may exist at some plants, these sequences are plant-specific in nature or have been resolved through hardware and/or operational changes. The plant-specific individual plant examinations appear to be an effective vehicle for identification and resolution of these plant-specific anomalies and hardware configurations
How old am I

In this chapter, we explore key discursive patterns that underlie interactions that contain evidence of problems with memory about the self and closely related domains. Toward this end, we first situate the examination of autobiographical facts within what has been termed ‘semantic memory’ (Eichenbaum, The cognitive neuroscience of memory (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012; Tulving, Episodic and semantic memory. In E. Tulving & W. Donaldson (Eds.), Organization of memory. Oxford: Academic, 1972) and link it to an alternative perspective that looks beyond such facts to focus instead on “the moral points of a lived life” (Hyden and Orulv, Journal of Aging Studies, 23, 205–214, 2009). In subsequent sections, we examine the resourcefulness displayed by individuals with dementia as they work their way toward the autobiographical facts in questions; characterize strategies used by conversational partners as they propose candidate answers (Pomerantz, Communication Monographs, 55, 360–373, 1988) or ‘speak for’ (Schiffrin, ‘Speaking for another’ in sociolinguistic interviews. In D. Tannen (Ed.), Framing in discourse (pp. 231–259). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993) the person with dementia; explore the accounts and evaluations given by individuals with dementia when they are unable to come up with the autobiographical fact for which they have been searching; and close with a focus on face-saving strategies used by conversational partners in response to instances of forgetting, as they offer accounts, dismiss the need for the fact in question, normalize the instance of forgetting, or affirm and build on the instance of forgetting.
Doing Safe Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery: When Less Is Better

Excessive upper eyelid tissue excision during blepharoplasty can compromise ocular surface health by compromising eyelid function. This can lead to lagophthalmos, dry eyes, visual disturbances, and pain. Because I practice in a very dry climate, I ask every patient about subjective dry eye issues and perform careful slit-lamp examination for more subtle findings of dry eyes, chemosis, and conjunctival injection. It is critical to verbally discuss these issues before surgery and explain the importance of leaving sufficient skin for proper postoperative eyelid function.
Using appropriateness criteria to identify opportunities to improve perioperative urinary catheter use.

Abstract Background The Michigan Appropriate Perioperative (MAP) criteria provide guidance regarding urinary catheter use. For Category A (e.g., laparoscopic cholecystectomy), B (e.g., hemicolectomy), and C (e.g., abdominoperineal resection) procedures, recommendations are to avoid catheter, remove POD 0 or 1, and remove POD 1–4, respectively. We applied MAP criteria to statewide registry data to identify improvement targets. Methods Retrospective cohort study of risk-adjusted catheter use and duration for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and colorectal resections in 2014–2015 from 64 Michigan hospitals. Results 5.5% of 13,032 Category A cases used urinary catheters, including 26.9% of open appendectomies. 94.5% of 1,624 Category B cases used catheters (31.2% remained after POD 1). 98.3% of 700 Category C cases used catheters (4.6% remained POD5+). Variation in duration of use persisted after risk adjustment. Conclusions Perioperative urinary catheter use was appropriate for most simple abdominal procedures, but duration of use varied in all categories.
Management of a patient presenting with giant cell myocarditis - A case report.

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare and frequently fatal disease that requires extensive cardiac care. Given the rarity of this condition no specific management recommendations exist. We describe a patient who presented with congestive heart failure that required a left ventricular assist device and a temporary right ventricular assist device along with immunosuppressive therapy. This case also brings to attention how undocumented immigration status can limit transplantation opportunities in the USA. .
In vitro affinity optimization of an anti-BDNF monoclonal antibody translates to improved potency in targeting chronic pain states in vivo.

The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in chronic pain has been well documented. Given the important central role of BDNF in long term plasticity and memory, we sought to en...
14 – Risk, Regulation, and Organizational Structure

Publisher Summary Hedge fund investors are exposed to portfolio level risks at each hedge fund they invest in. This chapter describes these risk related to investment. In addition, they are exposed to hedge fund investment level risks, which include business risks, people risks, investment strategy risks, and systemic risks. Another way of looking at hedge fund investor risk is to focus on five incremental risks that are more pronounced in hedge funds than in many other investment funds. These incremental risks relate to leverage, regulation, short selling, transparency, and risk tolerance. Most, but not all, hedge funds use leverage to increase their returns. In addition, many hedge funds utilize a significant amount of off-balance sheet leverage through derivatives. Leverage works well when returns are positive, but it backfires when returns are negative. All hedge fund advisers manage fewer than 15 separate hedge funds; they are not currently compelled to register under the 1940 Act. As a result, U.S. hedge funds are not subject to as much direct oversight from financial regulators compared to mutual funds and most other investment managers who are not exempt from the 1940 Act. Hedge funds sell securities short as a way to express a bearish view. This short-selling action creates a theoretically limitless exposure if the shorted security increases in value. A long position in a security has a loss potential that is limited by the value of the security, but there is no such limit in a short position. Many hedge funds managers are inherently more comfortable taking risks compared to nonhedge-fund managers.
Narcissism and mate retention behaviors: What strategies do narcissistic individuals use to maintain their romantic relationships?:

The present studies examined the possibility that narcissistic admiration (assertive self-enhancement and self-promotion) and narcissistic rivalry (self-protection and self-defense) would have dive...
Occupational Mercury Exposure at a Thermometer Facility - Jiangsu Province, 2019.

What is already known about this topic? Mercury is still used in the manufacture of some thermometers in China. This may pose health risks if exposure is not properly prevented and controlled. What is added by this report? An onsite investigation of a workplace at a thermometer facility in Jiangsu Province in 2019 found heavily elevated airborne and urinary mercury levels among a massive number of workers exposed to mercury. Traditional and obsolete technology as well as inadequate protection measures for occupational hazards caused this high level of exposure. What are the implications for public health practice? Employers at thermometer producing facilities need to adopt effective protection measures and implement strict management. Monitoring exposure, adopting better engineering controls, diligent cleaning, and providing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) along with training to their workers properly can alleviate mercury exposure at their facilities. In addition, transitioning to mercury-free thermometers would eliminate the risk of mercury exposure.
I am Not Your Felon: Decoding the Trauma, Resilience, and Recovering Mothering of Formerly Incarcerated Black Women

Black women are increasingly targets of mass incarceration and reentry. Black feminist writers call attention to scholars’ need to intersectionalize analyses around how Black women interface with s...
An AIREless Breath: Pneumonitis Caused by Impaired Central Immune Tolerance.

Autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), a monogenic disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the AIRE gene, has historically been defined by the development of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis together with autoimmune endocrinopathies, primarily hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Recent work has drawn attention to the development of life-threatening non-endocrine manifestations such as autoimmune pneumonitis, which has previously been poorly recognized and under-reported. In this review, we present the clinical, radiographic, autoantibody, and pulmonary function abnormalities associated with APECED pneumonitis, we highlight the cellular and molecular basis of the autoimmune attack in the AIRE-deficient lung, and we provide a diagnostic and a therapeutic roadmap for patients with APECED pneumonitis. Beyond APECED, we discuss the relevance and potential broader applicability of these findings to other interstitial lung diseases seen in secondary AIRE deficiency states such as thymoma and RAG deficiency or in common polygenic autoimmune disorders such as idiopathic Sjogren's syndrome.
RE: Progress in HPV Vaccine Hesitancy

In the article by Sonawane et al,1 the important question of parental hesitancy regarding adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is examined. The authors reported an increase in hesitancy over a 6-year period (from 50% to 64%) among US parents asked about it. This apparent increase is due to progressively restricting the denominator in later years. Most importantly, the analytic choice masks a more general truth: HPV vaccine hesitancy actually fell among parents overall. To make sense of this seeming paradox, let us start by observing that … E-mail: ntb{at}unc.edu
A role for nebulized tranexamic acid in veno-venous ECMO patients

What is known and objective Although pulmonary haemorrhage as a complication of ECMO has been well documented, optimal management is not fully elucidated. We describe the role of nebulized tranexamic acid as a therapeutic alternative. Case summary We report a case series of three patients with ARDS on ECMO complicated by pulmonary haemorrhage. These patients were treated with 500 mg of nebulized tranexamic acid via the endotracheal tube. Key observations included significant stabilization of haemodynamics, reduced circuit changes and less time off of anticoagulation. What is new and conclusion This series demonstrates successful bleeding management with nebulized tranexamic acid, reducing the frequency of ECMO circuit changes, time off of anticoagulation and blood loss.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Role and Practice in the United States of America

In the United States, the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nursing role. Emerging in the 1960s in response to a recognized need for clinical experts in nursing care, CNSs practice in three interrelated domains—called spheres of impact. In the direct care sphere, CNSs provide care to prevent, remediate, or alleviate illness and promote health with a defined specialty population. In the nursing/nursing practice sphere, CNSs teach, coach, mentor, and lead nurses and nursing personnel in the delivery of evidence-based care for specialty populations. In the system sphere, CNSs lead organizational-level change, coordinate specialized care, and implement programs of care for quality improvement, patient safety, and improved clinical and fiscal outcomes. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), founded in 1995, developed a model of practice including core practice competencies and expected outcomes for each practice domain. NACNS created recommendations for essential content in CNS graduate curricula to assure students develop requisite knowledge and skill practice. CNS practice is regulated as an advanced practice nurse, and CNSs are expected to hold professional certification as a CNS in a specialty population. Each of the 50 states regulates CNS practice, though with some variability. National regulatory guidelines are available presenting both opportunity and challenges for CNSs.
Stability of Marangoni Convection in a MicroGravity Environment

In a recent paper of SHEN et al. energy-stability bounds were computed for the thermocapillary convection in a model of the float-zone crystal-growth process. The main application is expected to be the production of high-quality semiconductor material in low-gravity environments. Here we outline the physical and mathematical background and then describe in detail the numerical method used to solve the resulting nonlinear eigenvalue problem. Some information on the performance of the method is given and numerical results are presented for the zero gravity case.
In situ impacts of a flooding event on contaminant deposition and fate in a riparian ecosystem

Floodwaters contain a mixture of organic contaminants which affect both the water and soil quality within flooded regions. This study is the first to describe the chemical behavior of organic contaminants mobilized during the 2010 flooding event of the Rio Grande. The study compares two sites: one directly impacted by outfall from municipal sources and one primarily impacted by rural runoff. This study characterized the in situ cycling of organic contaminants (triclosan, ciprofloxacin, and atrazine), their depositional mechanisms, and the post-flood dynamics within riparian soils over 6 months. Water quality (pH, salinity, alkalinity, turbidity, N, and P) of the Rio Grande at four sites within Webb County, TX, was monitored for 3 months pre-flooding and 6 months post-flooding in order to determine contaminant levels along the Webb County border. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, CEC, and EC) were assessed for 6 months at two sites post-flooding: within the municipal area of both Laredo, TX, USA, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico (LCC site), and upstream of the site near the edge of Laredo, TX (MR site). Low levels of contaminants were detected in the watershed year-round with levels increasing during the flood. Floodwaters had a lower pH than nonflooding conditions, resulting in greater partitioning of both triclosan and ciprofloxacin to particles within the water column with no change detected in atrazine behavior. Soil samples (0–2-cm depth) showed an increase in clay-sized particles (up to 6–14 %) and contaminant concentrations similar to that of water column particles. Organic contaminants were uniform in concentration throughout the soil profile (2–30 cm), demonstrating the impact of infiltration. Both triclosan and atrazine decayed away at rates of 23 ± 2 and 16 ± 1 days, respectively, with no decay of ciprofloxacin detected. Vertical mobility of contaminants within soils was not detected. This study was able to distinguish the influx of contamination contributed by particle deposition from that due to infiltration of the contaminated floodwaters. Further, our data indicates that outfall/effluent contaminants, such as ciprofloxacin, may persist in riparian soils post-flooding. Agricultural management should consider potential exposure and accumulation of floodwater contaminants in crops.
The impact of replacement cost disclosure on security prices: New Evidence

Abstract A number of studies have tested for information content in the ASR 190 disclosure by comparing the conditional and unconditional distribution of abnormal security returns around the time of disclosure. Since no differences were observed, it was concluded that ASR 190 had no information content. The study reported below performs a similar test by estimating the regression function of the conditional distribution of abnormal returns. This test procedure controls for the information content in contemporaneous historical cost disclosure and uses a conditioning variable not considered in earlier tests. It finds statistically significant stock price effects. However, because most of the effects appear to precede the official announcement date by several months, it is unclear whether stock prices were responding to the leakage of the information content of ASR 190 prior to disclosure, to private production of information contained in ASR 190 or to a variable omitted from the study which happens to be correlated with replacement costs.
Short Tandem Repeat Analysis for Human Identity Testing

Short tandem repeat (STR) typing has become the workhorse of modern forensic DNA analysis. The most common form of STR typing uses laser-induced fluorescence detection of dye-labeled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products following capillary electrophoresis (CE) size-based separation. This unit describes the techniques and marker systems most widely used around the world in constructing criminal DNA databases and conducting forensic casework. In addition, these same STR loci and multiplex PCR assays are commonly used for paternity testing, missing persons, and mass disaster investigations. Both autosomal and Y-chromosome STRs are discussed in the context of their various applications. Interpretation issues surrounding degraded or mixed DNA specimens as well as tri-allelic patterns and variant alleles are also illustrated. Finally, future technologies and DNA marker systems are briefly explored relative to the state-of-the-science today.
Enhancement of Heat Transfer and Fouling Mitigation

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the empirical evidence and theoretical background of the performance of enhanced heat transfer devices that also mitigate fouling. The chapter discusses fundamental ideas on the fouling performance of heat transfer enhancement devices; those devices that have been identified as mitigating fouling are reviewed. From the fouling point of view it is important to distinguish between those techniques of heat transfer enhancement that intensify the heat transfer at a plain surface and those that represent an enlargement of a plain surface that increases the heat transfer area, usually by means of fins. Heat transfer enhancement techniques that function by intensifying the heat transfer relative to that at a comparable plain surface are rough surfaces, displaced enhancement devices, surface tension devices, additives, mechanical aids, vibration, electric and electromagnetic fields, injection, and suction. The chapter introduces a number of heat transfer enhancement methods that combine both mechanisms, namely, swirl flow devices, treated surfaces, and structured. The chapter concludes that in fouling and heat transfer enhancement is the need to develop methods for designing a priori heat transfer enhancement devices that also mitigate fouling.
Mathematical modelling of laser materials processing

Laser materials processing involves a wide range of transport phenomena, power density (up to 1012W/cm²) and interaction time (up to picoseconds) for processing objects with sizes ranging from nanometres to metres. The art of modelling this novel process is to develop a proper understanding in selecting the appropriate transport phenomena and boundary conditions for specific applications. This paper summarizes modelling efforts to date, on laser heat treatment, non–equilibrium synthesis, alloying, cladding, welding, cutting, drilling, chemical vapour deposition, and ablation processes. For each process, the transport phenomena, boundary conditions, governing equations, solution techniques and applicability and limitations are reviewed. An extensive bibliography is provided for further reading of the interested scientists and engineers.
Recent Advances in Ion Chromatography

The chromatographic separation and quantitation of highly ionic species was a difficult problem until recently. Ion chromatography (IC) represents a solution to this analytical problem. Nonsuppressed IC offers a new alternative method to practitioners of IC. Since a suppressor column is not necessary for this method, the time required to regenerate the suppressor column is saved. Better chromatographic efficiency is achieved with the suppressor removed. Peak reversal, a problem associated with the suppressor column, is also eliminated. The sensitivity for Cl - (0.5 ppm) is comparable to that of conventional suppressed IC. The sensitivities for NO 3 - (1.25 ppm) and SO 4 2 - (1.25 ppm) are only slightly less than those observed for the conventional technique.
Utility of Serum CA19-9 Levels in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in an Endoscopic Ultrasound Referral Population

Purpose Recent data suggest the use of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 as a potential marker in the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) when used in the appropriate clinical setting. Here, we assess the utility of CA19-9 in PDAC detection in a select population of pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) referrals.
Problems with residual elements and their control through specifications

Abstract This article is a summary of a paper presented at the symposium entitled 'International Conference on Residuals Additives and Materials Properties' sponsored by the National Physical Laboratory, the Royal Society and the Metals Society and held on 15–17 May 1978. The problem of residual elements in materials is one which is likely to be given greater emphasis as a greater proportion of industrial raw materials are produced by secondary (recycled) routes. The sensible specification of residual elements and the various means by which this can be achieved will take on increasing importance as the proportion of trace elements in recycled materials increases.
Model-Based FES Muscle Selection for Restoring Arm Movement in High SCI

This paper describes a significant ongoing effort by our research group to develop a functional electrical stimulation-based neuroprosthesis capable of restoring essential arm and hand function to individuals with high cervical (C1-C4) spinal cord injury, a condition referred to as high tetraplegia. These injuries are at the highest level of the spinal cord and leave those afflicted with extensive paralysis below the neck — typically such individuals are left with volitional control of just the head, neck, and in some cases shoulder shrug. Individuals with high tetraplegia are usually totally dependent on others for all aspects of care, and traditional rehabilitation procedures result in limited functional improvement [1].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Engineered Nanomaterials: An Emerging Class of Novel Endocrine Disruptors

Over the past decade, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have garnered great attention for their potentially beneficial applications in medicine, industry, and consumer products due to their advantageous physicochemical properties and inherent size. However, studies have shown that these sophisticated molecules can initiate toxicity at the subcellular, cellular, and/or tissue/organ level in diverse experimental models. Investigators have also demonstrated that, upon exposure to ENMs, the physicochemical properties that are exploited for public benefit may mediate adverse endocrine-disrupting effects on several endpoints of mammalian reproductive physiology (e.g., steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, pregnancy). Elucidating these complex interactions within reproductive cells and tissues will significantly advance our understanding of ENMs as an emerging class of novel endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxicants. Herein we reviewed the recent developments in reproductive nanotoxicology and identified the gaps in our knowledge that may serve as future research directions to foster continued advancement in this evolving field of study.
Monolithic microfluidic mixing–spraying devices for time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy

The goal of time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy is to determine structural models for transient functional states of large macromolecular complexes such as ribosomes and viruses. The challenge of time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy is to rapidly mix reactants, and then, following a defined time interval, to rapidly deposit them as a thin film and freeze the sample to the vitreous state. Here we describe a methodology in which reaction components are mixed and allowed to react, and are then sprayed onto an EM grid as it is being plunged into cryogen. All steps are accomplished by a monolithic, microfabricated silicon device that incorporates a mixer, reaction channel, and pneumatic sprayer in a single chip. We have found that microdroplets produced by air atomization spread to sufficiently thin films on a millisecond time scale provided that the carbon supporting film is made suitably hydrophilic. The device incorporates two T-mixers flowing into a single channel of four butterfly-shaped mixing elements that ensure effective mixing, followed by a microfluidic reaction channel whose length can be varied to achieve the desired reaction time. The reaction channel is flanked by two ports connected to compressed humidified nitrogen gas (at 50 psi) to generate the spray. The monolithic mixer-sprayer is incorporated into a computer-controlled plunging apparatus. To test the mixing performance and the suitability of the device for preparation of biological macromolecules for cryo-EM, ribosomes and ferritin were mixed in the device and sprayed onto grids. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the ribosomes demonstrated retention of native structure, and 30S and 50S subunits were shown to be capable of reassociation into ribosomes after passage through the device.
Image-guided radiation therapy for liver tumors: gastrointestinal histology matters.

Objectives To describe the safety and efficacy of single-fraction and hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy techniques for the treatment of large liver tumors. Methods Forty-six patients, with 50 tumors (10 primary liver tumors, 40 liver metastases) from March 2004 to March 2011 were reviewed. The maximal tumor diameter ranged from 1.2 to 11.3 cm (median, 4.2 cm). Eighty-seven percent of patients received prior systemic chemotherapy. Fifty-nine percent had prior invasive local therapy including surgery, ablation, or embolization. Twenty-five lesions were treated with hypofractionated therapy (24 to 30 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions), whereas 19 received a single fraction (18 or 24 Gy). Local control (LC) was calculated using competing risk analysis. Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Median follow-up for all patients was 29.8 months (range, 3 to 46 mo). The median survival was 15.4 months. The 1- and 2-year LC rates were 78% and 75%, respectively. Dose and tumor size had no significant effect on tumor progression. The local progression at 1 and 2 years was 29% and 32% for gastrointestinal (GI) histologies versus 0% for non-GI histologies (P=0.02). Tumor volumes larger than 112 cm correlated with decreased survival (P=0.05). Three patients developed late grade 3 GI stricture or ulceration. Conclusions Image-guided radiotherapy for liver tumors achieves good rates of LC with minimal toxicity at 1 and 2 years even in patients with large or recurrent disease that has been heavily pretreated. GI histology demonstrated decreased LC rates. Further management strategies should be considered in these patients.
Drosophila as a model system to study autophagy

Originally identified as a response to starvation in yeast, autophagy is now understood to fulfill a variety of roles in higher eukaryotes, from the maintenance of cellular homeostasis to the cellular response to stress, starvation, and infection. Although genetics and biochemical studies in yeast have identified many components involved in autophagy, the findings that some of the essential components of the yeast pathway are missing in higher organisms underscore the need to study autophagy in more complex systems. This review focuses on the use of the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for analysis of autophagy. Drosophila is an organism well-suited for genetic analysis and represents an intermediate between yeast and mammals with respect to conservation of the autophagy machinery. Furthermore, the complex biology and physiology of Drosophila presents an opportunity to model human diseases in a tissue specific and analogous context.
Endoscopic findings of diverticular inflammation in colonoscopy patients without clinical acute diverticulitis: prevalence and endoscopic spectrum

Endoscopic Findings of Diverticular Inflammation in Colonoscopy Patients Without Clinical Acute Diverticulitis: Prevalence and Endoscopic Spectrum
Drusen-associated degeneration in the retina.

PURPOSE Drusen are variably sized extracellular deposits that form between the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane. They are commonly found in aged eyes, however, numerous and/or confluent drusen are a significant risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of drusen on overlying cells of the retina. METHODS Tissue containing retina and RPE/choroid was dissected from human donor eyes, embedded in agarose, and sectioned at 100 micro m using a vibratome. Sections were immunostained with a panel of antibodies that labeled glial cells, first-, second-, and third-order retinal neurons and processed for confocal microscopy. RESULTS Retinal cells that overlie both soft and hard drusen exhibited numerous structural and molecular abnormalities. Normally detectable only in the outer segments of rod photoreceptors, rod opsin immunolabeling was also observed in the inner segment, cell body, axon, and axon terminal of photoreceptors that overlie drusen. Labeling with this antibody also revealed the deflection and shortening of rod inner and outer segments. Cone photoreceptors displayed similar structural abnormalities, as well as a decrease in cone opsin immunoreactivity. Drusen-associated abnormalities in the synaptic terminals of photoreceptor cells were also observed. In addition, an increase in intermediate filament protein immunoreactivity (vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein) was observed within Muller glial cells in areas of retina overlying drusen. Both soft and hard drusen were associated with a similar spectrum of effects in both macular and extramacular regions. Second- and third-order neurons, including bipolar, horizontal, amacrine, and ganglion cells all appeared unaffected. The structural and molecular abnormalities observed in photoreceptors and Muller glial cells were confined to retinal regions directly overlying and immediately adjacent to drusen; more distant retinal regions appeared unperturbed. Remarkably, significant abnormalities were observed over small subclinical drusen. CONCLUSIONS Retinal cells overlying both soft and hard drusen exhibit structural and molecular abnormalities indicative of photoreceptor degeneration and Muller glial activation. These abnormalities resemble the degenerative effects common to many forms of retinal degeneration, but are confined to areas directly overlying drusen. This suggests that photoreceptor cell function is compromised as a consequence of drusen formation.
Comments on ‘Forecasting with a real-time data set for macroeconomists’

Abstract The effects of data revision as removing measurement error on forecast model building is examined. I show various effects on model building using revised or instead real-time data. These effects include lag length selection and measured persistence. I then argue that in practice that one should include the entire dataset available (real-time and past revised data) in forecast construction.
Isotopic Data Bearing on the Origin of Mesozoic and Tertiary Granitic Rocks in the Western United States

A regional survey of initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions has been done on Mesozoic and Tertiary granitic rocks from a 500 000 km2 area in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. The plutons, which range in composition from quartz diorite to monzogranite, are intruded into accreted oceanic geosynclinal terrains in the west and north and into Precambrian basement in the east. Broad geographic coverage allows the data to be interpreted in the context of the regional pre-Mesozoic crustal structure. Initial Nd isotopic compositions exhibit a huge range, encompassing values typical of oceanic magmatic arcs and Archean basement. The sources of the magmas can be inferred from the systematic geographic variability of Nd isotopic compositions. The plutons in the accreted terrains represent mantle-derived magma that assimilated crust while differentiating at deep levels. Those emplaced into Precambrian basement are mainly derived from the crust. The regional patterns can be understood in terms of: (1) the flux of mantle magma entering the crust; (2) crustal thickness; and (3) crustal age. The mantle magma flux apparently decreased inland; in the main batholith belts purely crustal granitic rocks are not observed because the flux was too large. Inland, crustal granite is common because mantle magma was scarce and the crust was thick, and hot enough to melt. The eNd values of peraluminous granite formed by melting of the Precambrian basement depend on the age of the local basement source.
Expression of lectin receptors on the surface of granulocyte‐macrophage progenitor cells (CFU‐gm)

It has been emphasized that specific bindings between membrane glycoproteins and membrane lectin-like substances are important in cell-to-cell interactions. We explored the surface of granulocyte-macrophage precursor cells (CFU-gm) by the differential agglutination technique. Enrichment of CFU-gm in the agglutinated fraction, containing the cells which have lectin receptors, from marrow treated with soybean agglutinin (SBA), peanut agglutinin (PNA) and concanavalin A (Con A), suggests the presence of reactive galactosyl and mannosyl residues on the surface of CFU-gm. On the other hand, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA), which bind to reactive N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose, respectively, did not specifically agglutinate CFU-gm. Thus, reactive groups containing galactosyl and mannosyl structures on the surface of CFU-gm may possibly play a role in the process of cell-to-cell interactions between CFU-gm and marrow stromal cells.
Cytochrome P450s in the guinea pig adrenal that are immunologically similar to liver forms: Estrogen suppression explains male-female differences

Several cytochrome P450s have been identified in guinea pig adrenal microsomes which are distinct from the known steroidogenic P450s, c17 and c21, and are immunochemically related to cytochrome P450s found in liver. One, a 52 K protein related to P450 I (CYP1), occurs almost exclusively in males, is localized to the inner zone, and is suppressed by ACTH. Its levels correlate with microsomal capacity for xenobiotic metabolism. The others, related to P450s II and III (CYP2 and 3), are more predominant in males, but not exclusive to them, are found in both the inner and outer zones, and are not suppressed by ACTH. Their functions remain to be elucidated. The male predominance of the CYP1-related protein has recently been shown to be due to suppression of the protein in females by estrogen. To determine if estrogen is also involved in the regulation of the CYP2-related proteins, ovariectomized and sham-operated animals were treated with a long-acting estrogen, estradiol valerate, or with the vehicle alone. These P450s reached male levels in ovariectomized females treated only with the vehicle. Their enhanced levels were suppressed by treatment with estrogen. Estrogen treatment also suppressed the levels of the P450s seen in sham-operated females. Endogenous estrogen produced similar effects. In hemi-ovariectomized females the contralateral ovary hypertrophied, a state in which estrogen levels would be maintained or increased. In these females no increase occurred in the immunodetectable P450s. In normal females, estrogen levels are low in prepubertal animals, rise at the time of puberty and drop again after ovarian cycling is completed. The CYP2-related proteins were present in adrenal microsomes of prepubertal females, but were suppressed after puberty. On the other hand, post-estrous females, in whom estrogen levels would be low, acquired male levels of these proteins in their adrenal microsomes. P450c17 and P450c21, as well as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, were not affected by surgery or estrogen. Taken together, these experiments indicate that suppression by estrogen in females can account, in large part, for the predominance of several immunochemical homologs of liver P450s in adult male guinea pig adrenals.
CNoC: High-Radix Clos Network-on-Chip

Many high-radix network-on-chip (NoC) topologies have been proposed to improve network performance with an ever-growing number of processing elements (PEs) on a chip. We believe high-radix Clos network-on-chip (CNoC) is the most promising with its low average hop counts and good load-balancing characteristics. In this paper, we propose: 1) a high-radix router architecture with virtual output queue (VOQ) buffer structure and packet mode dual round-robin matching (PDRRM) scheduling algorithm to achieve high speed and high throughput in CNoC; 2) the design of hierarchical round-robin arbiter for high-radix high-speed NoC routers; and 3) a heuristic floor-planning algorithm to minimize the power consumption caused by the long wires. Experimental results show that the throughput of a 64-node three-stage CNoC under uniform traffic increases from 62% to 78% by replacing the baseline virtual channel routers with PDRRM VOQ routers. We also compared the delay, power, and area performance of the 64-node CNoC with other NoC topologies under various synthetic traffic patterns and SPLASH-2 benchmark traces. The simulation results show that in general CNoC improves the throughput, low-load delay, and energy efficiency over the compared NoC topologies.
Distinctive roles for prolactin and growth hormone in the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 in pancreatic islets of langerhans.

Although the β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans express both prolactin (PRL) and GH receptors, we have observed that PRL is considerably more effective than GH in the up-regulation of islet function in vitro. This study examined whether differences in the activation of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5 signaling pathway by these closely related receptors may be involved in this disparity. The activation of STAT5B by PRL was biphasic, with an initial peak within 30 min, a nadir between 1 and 3 h, and prolonged activation after 4 h. In contrast, the response to GH was transient for 1 h. The importance of the long-term activation of STAT5B by PRL was supported by the similar dose response curves for STAT5B activation and the PRL-induced increases in insulin secretion and islet cell proliferation. Because the pulsatile secretion of GH affects its actions in other target tissues, the ability of pretreatment with either hormone to affect subsequent stimulat...
Peace Studies: Social Movement or Intellectual Discipline?

Introduced by a few small religious liberal-arts colleges in the 1940s, the reformist movement toward studying peace has recently gained momentum in larger academic auditoriums. The author cites prominent academicians currently examining this trend and presents the case for accepting grass-roots social activism as a crucial link to the closed world of policy-making elites. He places faith in individual thinkers to provide new insights and practical theories of peace studies in both national and international domains.
A comparison of four quantitative cytochemical methods directed toward demonstration of DNA.

Populations of nuclei isolated from mouse brain tissue were stained by the following cytochemical methods considered stoichiometric for DNA: (1) the Feulgen reaction; (2) gallocyanin-chromalum after RNase; (3) pH 4.0 methylene blue after RNase; and (4) methyl green used in the presence of 2 M magnesium chloride. Replicate preparations to be stained with gallocyanin-chromalum, methylene blue, and methyl green were acetylated prior to staining. All of these groups were examined by high-resolution scanning microspectrophotometry. The results indicated that of the methods examined, the Feulgen reaction, gallocyanin-chromalum used without prior acetylation, and methylene blue used with prior acetylation were the most useful in revealing differences attributable to variability in chromatin organization. The greatest variability in total extinction measurements was observed in acetylated, methylene blue-stained nuclei, while the least variability was observed in nuclei stained with methyl green in the presence of 2 M magnesium chloride. Acetylation produced different effects on dye-binding in different groups. It greatly increased binding in nuclei stained with methylene blue; it reduced binding in nuclei stained by gallocyaninchromalum; and it hardly affected binding in the methyl green-2 M magnesium chloride series.