cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Industrial Patronage to Manage Growth and Change in American Physics

During the interwar period both the quantity and quality of scholarly research in the sciences conducted within the United States increased dramatically. Besides an expansion in the scale of research produced and change in its quality, there was a rapid commercialization of research in the sciences. An essential ingredient to making these changes possible in the sciences was an efficient and scalable scholarly society. These trends were all perhaps most evident in the discipline of physics. Creating such a scholarly society requires funding and oversight with both being provided by the Chemical Foundation. The interaction between the Chemical Foundation and physicists, mediated through the formation of the American Institute of Physics, yielded a scholarly community that embraced an academic-industrial symbiosis and set the stage for a discipline able to accommodate dramatic growth and change after WW II. This discussion not only reveals the extent to which industry indirectly imposed itself through the Chemical Foundation on a scholarly society previously considered the product of a theoretical community, but also expands the limited understanding we have of the Chemical Foundation in an era of shifting funding priorities, motivations, and actors.
Directing the structure of matter through DNA nanotechnology

The sticky-ended association of DNA molecules occurs with high specificity, and it results in the formation of B-DNA, whose structure is well known. The use of stable branched DNA molecules permits one to make stick-figures. We have used this strategy to construct a covalently closed DNA molecule whose helix axes have the connectivity of a cube, and a second molecule, whose helix axes have the connectivity of a truncated octahedron. In addition to branching topology, DNA also affords control of linking topology, because double helical half-turns of B-DNA or Z-DNA can be equated, respectively, with negative or positive crossings in topological objects. Consequently, we have been able to use DNA to make trefoil knots of both signs and figure-8 knobs. DNA-based topological control has also led to the construction of Borromean rings. The key feature previously lacking in DNA construction has been a rigid molecule. We have discovered that antiparallel DNA double crossover molecules can provide this capability.
Subterranean termites: regulators of soil organic matter in the Chihuahuan Desert

Soil organic matter and the abundance of subterranean termites were measured at 89 locations spaced at 30-m intervals from the bottom to the top of a small desert watershed. There was no correlation between soil organic matter content and topographic position on the watershed. Analysis by autocorrelogram demonstrated that the soil organic matter content was randomly distributed on the watershed. There was a highly significant negative correlation between termite abundance and soil organic matter, r=−0.97. Soils characterized by horizon in soil pits within each vegetation type (soil type) showed some relationships to erosion-deposition areas on the watershed, with surface organic matter contents varying between 3.4% in the playa basin where termites were absent to 0.4% in a sparse shrubland on erosional soils. In the northern Chihuahuan Desert, subterranean termites appear to be responsible for most of the variation in soil organic matter.
Work in progress: A new concept mapping approach in an introductory engineering course: Correlation between students' conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills

This paper presents a new concept mapping approach, called “Tree of Dynamics,” to enhance students' perception (intuitive cognition) of the relationships among fundamental concepts in an introductory engineering dynamics course. In this approach, the relationships among concepts are represented by tree structures including roots, trunks, branches, leaves, and fruits, rather than by using linking words or phrases. A total of 76 engineering undergraduates participated in this work-in-progress study. Statistical analysis showed that moderate correlation (r = 0.309, p < 0.05) existed between students' “tree” scores and exam scores. This research finding implies that the new “Tree of Dynamics” approach not only helps identify students' misconceptions, but also provides a useful tool to help assess students' problem-solving skills in the introductory engineering course.
Analysis of Dynamic Data from Supersonic Retropropulsion Experiments in NASA Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Recent experimental supersonic retropropulsion tests were conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Test Section 2 for a range of Mach numbers from 2.4 to 4.6. A 5-inch 70-degree sphere-cone forebody model with a 10-inch cylindrical aftbody experimental model was used which is capable of multiple retrorocket configurations. These configurations include a single central nozzle on the center point of the forebody, three nozzles at the forebody half-radius, and a combination of the first two configurations with no jets being plugged. A series of measurements were achieved through various instrumentation including forebody and aftbody pressure, internal pressures and temperatures, and high speed Schlieren visualization. Specifically, several high speed pressure transducers on the forebody and in the plenum were implemented to look at unsteady flow effects. The following work focuses on analyzing frequency traits due to the unsteady flow for a range of thrust coefficients for single, tri, and quad-nozzle test cases at freestream Mach 4.6 and angle of attack ranging from -8 degrees to +20 degrees. This analysis uses Matlab s fast Fourier transform, Welch's method (modified average of a periodogram), to create a power spectral density and analyze any high speed pressure transducer frequency traits due to the unsteady flow.
Screened Coulomb interaction and melting in two dimensions

Potentiel electrostatique d'un reseau bidimensionnel forme d'une suspension colloidale de sphere de polystyrene dans un film mince d'eau comme solution de l'equation de Debye-Huckel lineaire
NMR studies of vacancies in solid hydrogen

Abstract We report measurements of the vacancy-induced nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in solid hydrogen. The results are used to deduce (1) the characteristic motional frequency of the vacancies and (2) the formation energy of the vacancies at low densities.
Beyond reason: A feminist theory of ethics for journalists

In ethical decision making, emotion can be superior to reason, although historically emotion has been generally considered inferior to reason. A single concept serves as the principle for emotional development and decision making—empathy. For journalists, legal questions are often easy, ethical questions hard. “Newsworthiness” gives journalists a broad defense against privacy suits. Photographs have caused much controversy. As this article shows, usually journalists win suits involving photographs. Still, ethical questions persist. In the heat of time pressure, emotivism provides a fairly simple and accurate method of deciding whether to use photographs, and this article provides steps for applying emotivism.
Telithromycin Inhibition of Protein Synthesis and 50S Ribosomal Subunit Formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae Cells

The new ketolide antibiotic telithromycin (HMR3647) has been examined for inhibitory effects in cells of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The antibiotic caused a proportional decline in cell growth rate and viability with an IC50 of 15 ng/ml. At a concentration of 7.5 ng/ml, protein synthesis in these cells was reduced by 50%. As seen in other organisms, this compound was also a very effective inhibitor of the formation of the 50S ribosomal subunit in growing cells. Pulse and chase labeling assays defined the reduced rate of 50S synthesis in antibiotic treated cells. At 7.5 ng/ml the rate was reduced to 50% of the control synthesis rate. An IC50 of 15 ng/ml was found for the effect on this process. 30S ribosomal subunit formation was unaffected by the antibiotic. Inhibition of translation and 50S particle formation are equivalent targets for this antibiotic. The effects of telithromycin in S. pneumoniae are compared with those found in Staphylococcus aureus cells.
Isotonic solutions. X. The permeability of red corpuscles to various local anesthetics.

In the present investigation, the effects of local anesthetics in reventing hemolysis of human and rabbit erythrocytes were studied. Employing the hemolytic method, van't Hoff i values were obtained for several local anesthetics. The results indicate that these compounds have lower i values than might be expected. The addition of 0.2 per Cent sodium chloride deressed the i values. Hemolytic i values were not determinable for the majority of the compounds studied; these compounds caused hemolysis even in the presence of 0.6 per cent sodium chloride.
New Insights into Pacemaker Lead-Induced Venous Occlusion: Simulation-Based Investigation of Alterations in Venous Biomechanics

Venous obstruction is a major complication of transvenous pacemaker placement. Despite the increasing use of pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, a lack of understanding remains with regard to risk factors for the development of device-associated venous obstruction. We hypothesize that computational fluid dynamics simulations can reveal prothrombogenic locations and define thrombosis risk based on patient-specific anatomies. Using anatomic data derived from computed tomography, computer models of the superior vena cava, subclavian, innominate, and internal jugular veins were constructed for three adult patients with transvenous pacemakers. These models were used to perform patient-specific simulations examining blood flow velocity, wall shear stress, and blood pressure, both with and without the presence of the pacing leads. To better quantify stasis, mean exposure time fields were computed from the venous blood flow data. In comparing simulations with leads to those without, evident increases in stasis at locations between the leads and along the surface of the vessels closest to the leads were found. These locations correspond to regions at known risk for thrombosis. This work presents a novel application of computational methods to study blood flow changes induced by pacemaker leads and possible complications such as venous occlusion and thrombosis. This methodology may add to our understanding of the development of lead-induced thrombosis and occlusion in the clinical arena, and enable the development of new strategies to avoid such complications.
Pregnancy-enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation in uterine artery endothelial cells shows altered sensitivity to Ca2+, U0126, and wortmannin but not LY294002--evidence that pregnancy adaptation of eNOS activation occurs at multiple levels of cell signaling.

During pregnancy, vascular remodeling and vasoactive agents such as nitric oxide (NO) increase blood flow to the uteroplacental unit. Using our uterine artery endothelial cell (UAEC) culture model, based on cells from pregnant (P-UAEC) and nonpregnant (NP-UAEC) ewes, we investigate the relative physiological roles of Ca2+ vs. kinase in the regulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity. When Ca2+ mobilization is fully inhibited using inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC) (U73122) and the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3-R) (2-APB), significant residual eNOS activity remains in both P- and NP-UAEC. No change in ATP-stimulated ERK2, Akt, or eNOS phosphorylation is observed with U73122 (0.01–1 μm) or 2-APB (1–50 μm). The MAPK kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 μm) did not alter ATP-stimulated eNOS activity in P-UAEC, but potentiated the ATP response in NP-UAEC. Using two phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitors, we observed no effect with LY294002 (10 μm) on eNOS activity in P- and NP...
1H‐Imidazole‐4‐carbo­nitrile

The title compound, C4H3N3, was synthesized in three steps from di­amino­maleo­nitrile in an overall yield of 38%. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the compound crystallizes exclusively as the 1H-imidazole-4-carbo­nitrile isomer. This heterocycle forms a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure and packs with an appreciable dipole moment, making it a good candidate for non-linear optical applications.
Cone isomorphisms and almost surjective operators

Abstract Let E be a Banach lattice and F a Banach space. A bounded linear operator T : E → F is an isomorphism on the positive cone of E if and only if T ∗ is almost surjective. A dual version of this theorem holds also. A bounded linear operator T : F → E is almost surjective if and only if T ∗ is an isomorphism on the positive cone of F ∗ .
Effect of Beam Growth on Reinforced Concrete Frames

In well-designed reinforced concrete frames subjected to earthquake shaking, flexural yielding and cracking occur at the ends of the beams as they undergo large lateral displacements. As the cracks form, the horizontal distance between column centerlines increases. This is known as “beam growth” and it causes an increase in member demands that is not generally taken into account in analysis used for building design. This paper describes the mechanism of beam growth, observations of it from previous experimental studies, the development and calibration of analytical models considering and ignoring beam growth, and static and dynamic inelastic frame analyses to quantify beam growth effects. Changes in beam axial forces, beam flexural strength, and column moments and shears are quantified for several frame configurations. It is shown that the column demand due to beam growth tends to be greatest at the first story level and this demand tends to be most severe in frames with deep beams and with many bays. For...
Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Depletions in Rats Affect Relative Response Allocation in a Novel Cost/Benefit Procedure

Rats were tested on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 5-day test week in an operant chamber in which they could either lever press on a fixed-ratio 5 (FR5) schedule to obtain food pellets (Bioserve) or approach and consume lab chow that was also available in the chamber (Teklad Premier). Rats typically pressed at high rates to obtain the food pellets and ate little of the lab chow. On days 2 and 4 of each week lab chow was not concurrently available, and rats could only lever press on the FR5 schedule for pellets to obtain food. Dopamine depletions produced by intraaccumbens injections of the neurotoxic agent 6-hydroxydopamine produced a dramatic decrease in lever pressing and increase in chow consumption on days when lab chow was available. Lever pressing was not significantly reduced in dopamine-depleted rats on days when chow was not available, although there was a significant correlation between lever pressing and accumbens dopamine levels. These results suggest that nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions do not produce a general deficit in food motivation. Moreover, accumbens dopamine depletions do not appear to produce severe deficits in fine motor control that impair the execution of individual motor acts involved in lever pressing. Rather, the present results are consistent with the notion that accumbens dopamine sets constraints upon which food-related response is selected in a particular situation, and that these depletions alter the relative allocation of food-related responses.
Conditioned discrimination in the blow fly, Phormia regina : Controls and bidirectional selection

Previous behavior-genetic analyses of the blow fly,Phormia regina, using conditioned behavior have employed the Nelson procedure. Recent evidence suggests that measures of conditioning obtained with this procedure may be confounded with effects produced by nonassociative factors, base-level responsiveness, and a water-induced central excitatory state. Conditioned discrimination may be a way to avoid such confounds. Experiment 1 describes a taste discrimination procedure for conditioning P.regina, as well as the results of both a reversal and a randomized control to validate its effectiveness. Experiment 2 uses the conditioned discrimination procedure with an automatic stimulus-presentation apparatus to carry out bidirectional selective breeding for performance. Selection has produced two lines that differ significantly in conditioning performance, both from one another and from the foundation population. The results were not due to simple differences in base-level responsiveness. It is suggested that the conditioned discrimination procedure will prove useful in further behavior-genetic analyses ofP regina.
Fabrication of Long Lengths of Epitaxial Buffer Layers on Biaxially Textured Nickel Substrates Using a Continuous Reel‐to‐Reel Dip‐Coating Unit

A low-cost, nonvacuum, solution precursor route has been developed to produce epitaxial oxide buffer layers of Eu2O3 or La2Zr2O7 on biaxially textured Ni (100) tapes. A reel-to-reel continuous dip-coating unit consisting of a constant-tension tape transport system attached to a controlled atmosphere furnace was fabricated. Nickel tapes were pulled through a 2-methoxyethanol solution of europium methoxyethoxide/acetate or lanthanum zirconium methoxyethoxide. The double-sided dip-coated tapes were then annealed in a preheated furnace at 1000°–1100°C with a high flow rate of Ar/H2 (4%) gas. The dip-coated buffers were dense, continuous, crack-free, and epitaxial with a single cube texture. A critical current (Jc) of >1 MA/cm2 at 77 K and self-field was obtained for YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) films with a layer sequence of YBCO (ex situ BaF2 process)/CeO2 (sputtered)/YSZ (sputtered)/Eu2O3 (dip-coated)/nickel. We have produced 1–2 m lengths of epitaxial buffer layers on textured nickel substrates using a nonvacuum process for the first time.
A source-synchronous Htree-based network-on-chip

Most existing Network-on-Chip (NoC) designs operate at the same or lower clock speed as the processing elements (PEs). Recently, a new source-synchronous ring-based NoC architecture has been proposed, which runs significantly faster than the PEs and offers a significantly higher bandwidth and lower communication latency. However, the ring-based design assumes a separate clock distribution scheme for the NoC and the PEs, and uses a standard mesh topology for the NoC. In this work, we present a source synchronous ring-based NoC, laid out in an H-tree topology, with each data link being routed parallel to a clock ring. The clock is generated and distributed by multiple standing wave oscillator (SWO) rings, which are also laid out in an H-tree topology. Our design allows the PEs to extract a low jitter clock directly from the high speed ring-based SWO clock by division. Moreover, since the PEs are synchronous with the ring clock, they do not need synchronizers while communicating with the NoC. We also show that by recursively duplicating links in the H-tree based source synchronous NoC (Hnoc), we can obtain new hybrid NoC structures. In the limit, this recursive duplication causes the H-tree based NoC to morph into the meshbased source synchronous NoC (Mnoc). The performance of each such intermediate hybrid NoC structure is quantified in terms of area, link utilization and contention free latency. We also enhance the performance of the hybrid NoCs by widening congested links, and quantify the tradeoffs. Experimental results show that the hybrid NoC designs can provide significantly lower latency (upto 5× lower) and are able to sustain a higher injection rate (upto 6.8× higher) compared to a state of the art mesh. Moreover, these hybrid NoC designs use fewer buffers (upto 19.4% less) and lower wire length (upto 19.7% lower) compared to a mesh. Based on the performance and the area tradeoffs, an NoC designer can select any hybrid NoC structure among the presented.
In vitro effects of radiographic contrast media on the complement system

Abstract The effect of several radiographic contrast media on the complement system in vitro was examined using quantitative crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Diatrizoate, iothalamate, metrizoate, and methiodal did not cause electrophoretic conversion of C3 or properdin factor B. In fact, the small degree of spontaneous conversion occurring when serum is incubated in polypropylene tubes was inhibited by these contrast media or by hypertonic sodium chloride. Metrizamide caused enhanced conversion of C3 and factor B that was only partially inhibited by ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) but completely inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Iodipamide caused a unique electrophoretic alteration of C3 that was not affected by EDTA or several other inhibitors and that was not identical with the usual products of C3 activation. Iodipamide in very low concentrations inhibited complement activation through the classical pathway.
A One Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of α-Hydroxyamides from the Corresponding α-Hydroxyacids

Abstract α-Hydroxyamides are synthesized from the cooresponding α-hydroxyacids by generation of the bis-trimethylsilyl derivative and treating it with oxalyl chloride. Following addition of the appropriate amine, the TMS ether is hydrolyzed in the workup to provide the desired α-hydroxyamide. As summarized in Table I, this reaction has proven to be general and compatible with chiral α-hydroxyacids affording the desired α-hydroxyamides in excellent yield (77–99%).
Rapid On-Site Adequacy Evaluation (ROSAE) of Fine Needle Aspirations: Results of a Survey Examining the Organization of Coverage and Educational Impact across Academic Cytopathology Laboratories

s S77 Conclusions: Overall, ROSAE is considered to be a highly valuable or valuable experience (78%) for trainees. However, the growing number of requests has led to the adoption of institution-specific practices to provide coverage. Forty nine percent of programs do not provide ROSAE coverage for all FNA procedures, 82% of programs use a combination of pathology personnel to provide coverage that includes residents and cytotechnologists. Twenty four percent of programs use telepathology and 27% have future intentions for its use.
The mass polarization effect in He-like ions: first and second order

In a paper with a similar title, Yamanaka has calculated the mass polarization effect (to first order in μ/M) for several low-lying states of the two-electron atoms and ions with atomic number Z from 2 to 10. Here we improve the previous results by using Hylleraas variational wavefunctions with up to 560 terms and extend the calculation to include some additional states and the Z = 1 ground state. In addition, we compute the second-order effect using the method of pseudostate summation. A nonperturbative method of computation is also discussed and used as a check.
Positivist discourse and social scientific communities: Towards an epistemological sociology of science

(1995). Positivist discourse and social scientific communities: Towards an epistemological sociology of science. Social Epistemology: Vol. 9, Knowledge (EX) Change, pp. 233-255.
A novel computerized viscometer/rheometer

An innovative, Couette‐type viscometer/rheometer was developed, designed, and fabricated with the main objective being to measure viscosity and elastic properties of low‐viscous, non‐Newtonian, and visco‐elastic fluids, like dilute polymer solutions. The goal was to simplify and improve some existing drawbacks of commercial instruments employing several novel design solutions, particularly with regard to instrument precision and sensitivity. With a single pair of cylinders and a torsion bar stiffness of 0.116 Nm/rad, viscosities from 0.5 to 50 000 cP (centi‐Poise) in a shear‐rate range from 1 to 200 s−1, and oscillatory tests from 0.1 to 10 Hz, could be measured. The transducers’ electronic signals are handled by a software, developed in C language, and an IBM‐PC compatible computer with a data acquisition board. The innovative design solutions (use of a cruciform torsion bar, optoelectronics sensors, and a novel alignment procedure) have improved the critical instrument performance and reduced the number...
Cable television in the Caribbean: The case of Jamaica

The construction of a cable television system (CTS) is currently underway in Jamaica. Though the CTS is already designed, the Jamaican situation represents an experience many developing countries will face in the next few years. These countries will face the task of selectively introducing twentieth century technology, in the case of cable TV, Jamaica is adding a consumer good in great demand by higher income families who desire clear reception and a greater variety of programs to view. Like other developing countries, Jamaica has a high proportion of its citizens who enjoy a high income and demand a greater abundance and variety of consumer goods. Though it seems an anomoly, there is sufficient demand for cable TV to make such a venture profitable. This paper analyzes some economic aspects of a CTS in Jamaica. Several issues the population to be served, services to be offered, rates to be charged, and secondary impacts on other businesses and foreign exchange are considered. First, the CTS proposed for Jamaica is described. The populations served, projected revenues, and estimated cost of this system are presented. This "base-line" model provides a convenient focal point to illustrate several important options or approaches the government of a developing country can take in adapting modern communications technology. The proposed CTS will consist of three separate and distinct subsystems, one each in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. Each city will be connected by microwave transmitters to allow simultaneous broadcasts from a central facility. The CTS will
A Newly Discovered Photograph of George Washington Whitman

Discusses and reproduces a mid-1880s photo of Whitman’s brother George, taken by the photographer Philip Edward Chillman.
N-domain-dependent nonphosphorylated STAT4 dimers required for cytokine-driven activation.

The N-terminal protein interaction domain (N-domain) of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-4 (STAT4) is believed to stabilize interactions between two phosphorylated STAT4 dimers to form STAT4 tetramers. Here, we show that nonphosphorylated STAT4 dimers form in vivo before cytokine receptor–driven activation. Mutations in the N-domain dimerization interface abolished assembly of nonphosphorylated STAT4 dimers and prevented STAT4 phosphorylation mediated by cytokine receptors. In addition, N-domain dimerization occurred for other STAT family members but was homotypic in character. This implies a conserved role for N-domain dimerization, which might include influencing interactions with cytokine receptors, favoring homodimer formation or accelerating formation of the phosphorylated STAT dimer.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Intrapancreatic Common Bile Duct: Immunohistochemical Profile, Prognosis, and Review of the Literature

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bile duct is a rare entity. Only one mucoepidermoid carcinoma from the common bile duct has been reported in the Korean literature. Herein, we present the first in the English literature. The tumor arose in the intrapancreatic (distal) common bile duct in an 83-year-old woman who presented with obstructive jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. The tumor invaded the underlying pancreas and peripancreatic adipose tissue and showed pagetoid spread into the extrapancreatic common bile duct and cystic duct. The tumor exhibited nests of malignant cells with diffuse CK7 and MUC1 positivity. The basal cells were p63 and CK5/6 positive. The luminal cells were stained with carcinoembryonic antigen, MUC5, and mucicarmine and were focally positive for CK20. There was focal MUC4 staining on the apical luminal border. The neoplastic cells were negative for MUC2 and HER2-neu. We discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, immunohistochemical profile, and prognosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the common bile duct. The features of this neoplasm are further compared with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the hepatobiliary system, adenosquamous carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma of other organs.
Prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Purpose of review Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery remains a very common and vexing clinical problem. This review summarizes recent clinical and laboratory investigations, the results of which may lead to a more effective strategy for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Recent findings The incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery remains high (60% in some series), and there is no single strategy that reliably prevents it. Age, prior history, valvular surgery, and left atrial pathology and dysfunction are associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Mortality in patients who develop new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is increased. Drug treatment with beta-blockers, amiodarone, statins, steroids, magnesium, and sotalol can be effective in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation are underutilized, which offers an opportunity for improvement. A new drug, vernakalant, has proved effective and well tolerated for chemical conversion of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery to sinus rhythm. Summary Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery remains a dysrhythmia with significant implications. A more comprehensive, multimodal preventive strategy, using preoperative beta-blockers and statins, perioperative magnesium and steroids, and preoperative amiodarone in high-risk patients should be rigorously evaluated.
Political Orientations and Naturalization Among Latino and Latina Immigrants.

Objective. This study adds to our knowledge of the naturalization process by considering the impact of political orientations in shaping the pursuit of U.S. citizenship among contemporary Latino and Latina immigrants. Methods. We draw on data from the 1999 Harvard/Kaiser/Washington Post “Latino Political Survey” and use ordered logistic regression analyses to test the effects of political orientations on immigrant naturalization. Results. Political orientations exert a powerful influence on naturalization beyond the traditional sociodemographic determinants. Furthermore, the impact of political orientations on naturalization varies by gender. Conclusions. Naturalization can be induced by stressing the importance of voting and being interested in politics. In addition, Latinas are more likely to pursue naturalization than Latinos and the factors driving their decisions systematically differ from those of their male counterparts.
Relationship Between Aldose Reductase And Oxidative Stress In Diabetic Peripheral Nerve

The relationship between aldose reductase (AR) activity and oxidative stress in tissue sites for diabetic complications remains controversial. We evaluated the ARI sorbinil and three antioxidants, i.e. DL-α-lipoic acid (LA), taurine (T) and vitamin E (VE), on indices of oxidative stress and sorbitol pathway intermediates in diabetic peripheral nerve. The groups included control (C) and streptozotocin-diabetic (D) rats treated with/without: 1.ARI (65 mg/kg, for 2 wks after 4 wks of untreated diabetes); 2.T (1% of the diet); 3.VE (1% of the diet); or 4.LA(100 mg/kg i.p.). T, VE and LA were administered for 6 wks from induction of diabetes. Malondialdehyde plus 4-hydroxyalkenal levels were increased in D vs C (p < 0.01) and this increase was corrected in D+ARI (p < 0.01 vs D). GSH and ascorbate levels as well as superoxide dismutase activity were decreased in D vs C, and this decrease was completely (GSH) or partially corrected by ARI. Three antioxidants counteracted oxidative stress, but not accumulation of the sorbitol pathway intermediates in the diabetic nerve. In conclusion, increased AR activity contributes to rather than protects from oxidative stress in the diabetic nerve. Oxidative stress is not a cause of sorbitol pathway intermediate accumulation in experimental diabetic neuropathy.
Targeting of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in experimental immunotherapy

We have previously shown the superiority of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) to function as effective immunogens when administered with bilayer membrane vesicles called liposomes. The ability of liposomes to target TAA to host antigen-presenting cells is analyzed here. 1-Butanol extracted TAA from two syngeneic rat colon cancer tumors (WB 2054 and W 1756) was radioiodinated (131I-TAA). Free 131I and 131I-TAA (2.8 × 107 cpm and 75 μg TAA per rat) were used as tracers, with or without incorporation into liposomes (composition: sphingomyelin, cholesterol, dicetyl phosphate at 70:24:6 molar ratio). Six groups of male rats (BN × WF for WB2054 and Wistar/Furth for W1756, n = 18 each group) were injected iv with either free tracers or the tracers incorporated into liposomes. Whole blood clearance curve was biphasic (half-life α = 5 min; half life β = 12 hr), suggesting a two-compartmental model of distribution. Seven animals from each group were sacrificed at set times (15 min to 48 hr), organs harvested and cpm/g of tissue estimated. Liposome 131I and liposome 131I-TAA were targeted to and retained preferentially in liver and spleen. Four animals from each group were imaged serially using a gamma camera. Matched pair analysis of regions showed persistently higher activity in liver-spleen area when liposomes were used (P < 0.001). The uptake of radiolabeled antigens by plastic adherent mononuclear cells in liver and spleen was significantly higher when presented with liposomes (macrophage uptake index: liver = 1.65 vs 0.55; spleen = 5.85 vs 1.15; with and without liposomes, respectively). The results provide evidence for use of liposomes as potential target-specific carriers to present TAA for specific active immunotherapy.
Structure and ac properties of electron-beam evaporated zirconia thin films

The structure and ac properties of ZrO2 thin film capacitors were studied as a function of deposition temperature. Zirconia films deposited on molybdenum electrodes were polycrystalline. The monoclinic phase was the major phase detected in the films deposited at temperatures between 300—600 °C. At lower deposition temperatures (190–200 °C), the cubic phase was the major crystalline phase formed. A major (111) and a minor (111) fiber axis were observed for the monoclinic phase. Average crystallite size increased from 118 to 484 A for the (111) and 175 to 265 A for the (111) crystallites as deposition temperature increased from 200 to 600 °C. Ac conduction in Mo-ZrO2-Mo structures at fields < 0.05 MV/cm was dominated by electron hop with a frequency independent loss behavior between 25 and 150 °C. Between 150 and 325 °C, a σd ∝ fy dependence was observed where y depended on measurement and deposition temperatures. The remanence of interfacial polarization was suggested as an additional loss mechanism in this temperature range and for frequencies of 60-105 Hz.
A review of considerations for high-fidelity imaging of laboratory spectroscopic sources—II

Abstract In part I of this article the basic equations governing the astigmatism produced by a pair of mirrors were introduced. Here, the use of coupled pairs o
Characterization of Greenbug Feeding Behavior and Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Host Preference in Relation to Resistant and Susceptible Tetraploid Switchgrass Populations

Two choice studies were performed to evaluate greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), and yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), preference for two tetraploid switchgrass populations, Summer and Kanlow, and one experimental hybrid, K × S, derived by crossing Kanlow (male) × Summer (female) plants. Additionally, an assessment of S. graminum feeding behavior was performed on the same switchgrass populations, by using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. Choice studies for S. flava indicated a lack of antixenosis, with no preference by aphids among any of the switchgrass populations at any time point. However, choice studies with S. graminum indicated a preference for the K × S plants at 24 h after aphid introduction. No obvious differences were observed for the leaf surfaces between the three populations. Feeding behavior studies for S. graminum on switchgrasses indicated no differences for the time to first probe or time to first sieve element phase among switchgrass populations. However, duration of sieve element phases for S. graminum was significantly less on Kanlow compared to K × S and Summer. S. graminum also had a significantly lower potential phloem ingestion index (PPII) and few aphids showing sustained phloem ingestion on Kanlow as compared to K × S and Summer plants. These results suggest that resistance factors (chemical or mechanical) in Kanlow are located in the phloem tissue. At the whole leaf level, some differences were observed for a subset of polar metabolites, although Kanlow plants were significantly enriched for oxalic acid.
Second meiotic division and polar body formation in mouse eggs fertilized in vitro

The second meiotic division and polar body formation in mouse eggs fertilized in vitro were observed by phase-contrast and polarizing microscopy, and recorded by time-lapse cinematography. Eggs were collected from oviducts of mice that had been superovulated by injections of PMS and HCG. Some eggs, inseminated with spermatozoa that had been collected from caudae epididymides of mature male mice and cultured for two to three hours before insemination, were observed continuously on a glass slide under a phase microscope. Other eggs were inseminated in Petri dishes in a 5% CO2 incubator and examined every 20 minutes for 180 minutes. Compatible results in both sets of eggs showed that formation of the second polar body began 25–40 minutes after fusion of spermatozoon with the vitellus; it was completed 40–60 minutes later; anaphase II lasted approximately five minutes before the appearance of the furrow abstricting the second polar body. It is suggested that the furrowing associated with second polar body formation is guided by the same kind of forces that divide a cell mitotically.
ANTIDEPRESSANT USE IN A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING US LATINOS WITH AND WITHOUT DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY DISORDERS

Background: Antidepressant drugs are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States; however, little is known about their use among major ethnic minority groups. Method: Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) data were analyzed to calculate nationally representative estimates of Latino and non-Latino White adults antidepressant use. Setting: The 48 coterminous United States was the setting. Participants: Household residents aged 18 years and older (N=9,250). Main outcome: Past year antidepressant use. Results: Compared to non-Latino Whites, few Latinos, primarily Mexican Americans, with 12-month depressive and/or anxiety disorders reported past year antidepressant use. Mexican Americans (OR=0.48; 95%CI=0.30–0.77) had significantly lower odds of use compared to non-Latino Whites, which were largely unaffected by factors associated with access to care. Over half of antidepressant use was by respondents not meeting 12-month criteria for depressive or anxiety disorders. Lifetime depressive and anxiety disorders explained another 21% of past year antidepressant use, leaving another 31% of drug use unexplained. Discussion: We found a disparity in antidepressant use for Mexican Americans compared to non-Latino Whites that was not accounted for by differences in need and factors associated with access to care. About one third of antidepressant use was by respondents not meeting criteria for depressive or anxiety disorders. Our findings underscore the importance of disaggregating Latino ethnic groups. Additional work is needed to understand the medical and economic value of antidepressant use beyond their primary clinical targets. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Convergence rates and data requirements for Jacobian-based estimates of Lyapunov exponents from data

Abstract We present a method for estimating the dominant Lyapunov exponent from time-series data, based on nonparametric regression. For data from a finite-dimensional deterministic system with additive stochastic perturbations, we show that the estimate converges to the true values as the sample size increases, and give the asymptotic rate of convergence.
Time causal operational estimation of electric fields induced in the Earth's lithosphere during magnetic storms

In support of projects for monitoring geomagnetic hazards for electric power grids, we develop a simple mathematical formalism, consistent with the time causality of deterministic physics, for estimating electric fields that are induced in the Earth's lithosphere during magnetic storms. For an idealized model of the lithosphere, an infinite half-space having uniform electrical conductivity properties described by a galvanic tensor, we work in the Laplace-transformed frequency domain to obtain a transfer function which, when convolved with measured magnetic field time series, gives an estimated electric field time series. Using data collected at the Kakioka, Japan observatory, we optimize lithospheric conductivity parameters by minimizing the discrepancy between model-estimated electric field variation and that actually measured. With our simple model, we can estimate 87% of the variance in storm time Kakioka electric field data; a more complicated model of lithospheric conductivity would be required to estimate the remaining 13% of the variance. We discuss how our estimation formalism might be implemented for geographically coordinated real-time monitoring of geoelectric fields.
Atomic force microscopy imaging and electrical recording of lipid bilayers supported over microfabricated silicon chip nanopores: lab-on-a-chip system for lipid membranes and ion channels.

We describe a silicon chip-based supported bilayer system to detect the presence of ion channels and their electrical conductance in lipid bilayers. Nanopores were produced in microfabricated silicon membranes by electron beam lithography as well as by using a finely focused ion beam. Thermal oxide was used to shrink pore sizes, if necessary, and to create an insulating surface. The chips with well-defined pores were easily mounted on a double-chamber plastic cell recording system, allowing for controlling the buffer conditions both above and below the window. The double-chamber system allowed using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip as one electrode and inserting a platinum wire as the second electrode under the membrane window, to measure electrical current across lipid bilayers that are suspended over the pores. Atomic force imaging, stiffness measurement, and electrical capacitance measurement show the feasibility of supporting lipid bilayers over defined nanopores: a key requirement to use any suc...
Participation in Safety-Net Programs and the Utilization of Employment Services Among Working-Age Persons With Disabilities

A comprehensive analysis of the 2009 Current Population Survey–Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS-ASEC) provides the first snapshot of the involvement of people with disabilities in a broad...
Gresham on horseback: the monetary roots of Spanish American political fragmentation in the nineteenth century1

This article deals with the political economic consequences of the disappearance of the Spanish silver peso standard in Spanish America, the longest monetary union that ever existed. With the Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808, the fiscal and political structure of the empire imploded and most colonies became independent. Regional competition for revenues exacerbated budget shortfalls driven by military expenditure. Local elites established in former colonial Treasury districts started highly diverse monetary experiments to procure funds. Those in control of mint houses started minting their own coins or debased existing silver currency. Elsewhere, inconvertible paper currency was also created to meet budget deficits. As a result, the most valuable feature of the Spanish American silver peso, its quality standard, was broken and the standard that had organized the early modern international economy for more than 300 years ceased to exist altogether. In Spanish America, as diverse monies co-existed within a formerly highly integrated economic space, a widespread Gresham's law effect exacerbated the conflict among local and regional elites. This fostered the political fragmentation of colonial Spanish America into an increasing number of political and monetary sovereign entities during the nineteenth century.
A low-power all-digital FSK receiver for space applications

A frequency-shift keying (FSK) receiver has been designed for deep space applications which exhibits potential for ultra low power performance. The receiver is based on a novel, almost all-digital architecture. It supports a wide range of data rates and is very robust against large and fast frequency offsets due to Doppler. The architecture utilizes subsampling and 1-bit data processing together with a discrete Fourier transform-based detection scheme to enable power consumption dramatically lower than implementations reported in the literature. Novel and power-efficient algorithms are derived for frequency and timing tracking. Most of the power saving techniques are applicable to a variety of applications, but some are achieved by taking advantage of the asymmetric power constraints for the receiver and the transmitter as well as the absence of adjacent channel interferers. The worst-case bit-error rate (BER) performance of the receiver is just 2.5 dB below that of the optimal uncoded noncoherent FSK receiver at a BER of 10/sup -6/ and better for lower BERs.
Calculation of noise parameters by direct matrix analysis

A generalized matrix approach to noise analysis of multiport networks with arbitrary topology is presented. The network may be composed of any number of passive components and active two-port devices. The method is direct and easy to follow and has been implemented in a computer program. The program also includes calculation of noise sources and their correlation for MESFET devices based on geometric and physical parameters. >
Bottom-up induction of oblivious read-once decision graphs: strengths and limitations

We report improvements to HOODG, a supervised learning algorithm that induces concepts from labelled instances using oblivious, read-once decision graphs as the underlying hypothesis representation structure. While it is shown that the greedy approach to variable ordering is locally optimal, we also show an inherent limitation of all bottom-up induction algorithms, including HOODG, that construct such decision graphs bottom-up by minimizing the width of levels in the resulting graph. We report our empirical experiments that demonstrate the algorithm's generalization power.