cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relational Arguments in Studies of Local Immigration Policy

Some studies demonstrate that local immigration policy is fundamentally shaped by processes encompassing, cutting across and linking multiple localities. Most of these studies emphasize top-down processes, showing the multiple ways through which national immigration politics shapes local immigration policy. Other studies show that local governments do more than simply follow national directives and can even influence the governance of immigration on the national level. Horizontal relations between local governments, including both competition and cooperation, are also considered important for the making and implementation of local policies for immigrants. These vertical and horizontal interactions are crucial not only to explain local immigration policy but also to understand why policies converge or diverge in the multilevel governance of immigration.
A Multi-faceted Approach to Promote Comprehension of Online Health Information among Older Adults

Purpose of the Study Older adults' self-care often depends on understanding and utilizing health information. Inadequate health literacy among older adults poses a barrier to self-care because it hampers comprehension of this information, particularly when the information is not well-designed. Our goal was to improve comprehension of online health information among older adults with hypertension who varied in health literacy abilities. Design and Methods We identified passages about hypertension self-care from credible websites (typical passages). We used a multi-faceted approach to redesign these passages, revising their content, language, organization and format (revised passages). Older participants read both versions of the passages at their own pace. After each passage, they summarized the passage and then answered questions about the passage. Results Participants better remembered the revised than the typical passages, summarizing the passages more accurately and uptaking information more efficiently (less reading time needed per unit of information remembered). The benefits for reading efficiency were greater for older adults with more health knowledge, suggesting knowledge facilitated comprehension of information in the revised passages. Implications A systematic, multi-faceted approach to designing health documents can promote online learning among older adults with diverse health literacy abilities.
A Semantic Frame-Based Similarity Metric for Characterizing Technological Capabilities

In this work we are motivated by the problem of representing technological capabilities that are present in text. We propose to use frames to capture the semantics around technologies and describe a new method, called FrameSim, that serves as a means of determining the similarity between these capabilities. We intentionally focus on a corpus built from informal media (e.g., news articles), which provides greater variability and an increased amount of suppositions about technologies’ uses, deriving value from ‘passive crowdsourcing’. Our evaluation shows that this semantic frame-based similarity metric preserves technology topic coherence, and we discuss how this method shows promise for improving conceptual search in scientific and technical writing.
A tunable polarization rotator based on metasurfaces

An electronically tunable polarization rotator based on tensor metasurfaces operating at 10 GHz is reported. The metasurface design allows the polarization tilt angle of a linearly polarized wave to be arbitrarily controlled through a simple biasing mechanism. In addition to allowing global polarization control, the design also allows global phase control.
PRISM Theory Study of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Solutions with Varying Copolymer Sequence and Composition

We present a comparison of Polymer Reference Interaction Site Model (PRISM) theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for studying amphiphilic block copolymers in solution. We use a generic coarse-grained model to represent amphiphilic A–B block copolymers in implicit solvent with the solvophobicity of the B segments captured using effective B–B pairwise attraction modeled using the Lennard-Jones potential. We study the assembly of the amphiphilic A–B block copolymer as a function of solvophobicity for varying copolymer sequences (diblock and triblock) and composition (solvophobic-rich or solvophilic-rich). The PRISM theory equation along with the atomic Percus–Yevick closure is solved to obtain the intermolecular pair correlations in real space, g(r), and structure factors in Fourier space, S(k), for block copolymer solutions at increasing values of solvophobicity. The real-space intermolecular pair correlation functions and structure factors from PRISM theory and from MD simulations are compared di...
Unearthing the Public Interest: Recognizing Intrastate Economic Protectionism as a Legitimate State Interest

In Oklahoma, a person must complete sixty-credit hours of undergraduate training and embalm twenty-five bodies before being legally licensed to sell caskets in the state. In Louisiana, in order to sell caskets, one must operate a fully licensed funeral establishment, defined as a place dedicated to preparing bodies for burial. In recent years, these states and others have faced legal challenges to casket sale restrictions by individuals who wish to sell caskets directly to the public, yet who are unable to do so as they are not licensed funeral directors. Courts have grappled with whether these state regulations, which in effect restrict sales of caskets to funeral home operators, violate the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. This Note explores the constitutionality of state licensing schemes that limit casket sales to registered funeral directors. It begins by exploring the constitutional framework of economic substantive due process and equal protection jurisprudence. Next, this Note briefly addresses pluralist theory and interest group theory before turning to a brief overview of the FTC’s Funeral Rule. This Note then presents the current split between the Tenth and Sixth Circuits regarding whether economic protectionism of an in-state industry constitutes a legitimate state interest. Ultimately, this Note argues that while the U.S. Supreme Court has never explicitly articulated that intrastate economic protectionism is a legitimate state interest—instead requiring regulations to be tethered to a public purpose as constrained by the contours of the state’s traditional police powers—the Court has implicitly accepted such a goal as legitimate due to the deferential nature of the Court’s review of state economic regulations. This Note thus argues that the Supreme Court should make explicit its implicit endorsement that economic protectionism is a legitimate state interest precisely because economic protectionism may, in the state’s own legislative wisdom, plausibly serve the public interest.
Effects of Ladder Climbing Patterns on Fall Severity

A fall from a ladder is the most common cause of a fatal fall injury to a lower level. Current guidelines recommend proper ladder climbing to avoid a ladder fall, but there is a lack of understanding on safe ladder climbing biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different temporal (2-beat, 4-beat) and coordination (lateral, diagonal) ladder climbing patterns on fall severity. In this study, fall severity is quantified as the peak weight supported by a safety harness (normalized to body weight) after a climbing perturbation. A greater harness force is associated with a greater probability of a falling event resulting into a fall. The airborne times of the hand and foot for each climbing pattern were investigated to better understanding differences between climbing patterns. This study did not find climbing patterns to affect fall severity. Thus, the events that occur after a ladder climbing perturbation may be more critical to consider when investigating ladder fall sever...
Connie Strittmatter and Virginia K. Bratton. Teaching Plagiarism Prevention to College Students: An Ethics-Based Approach . Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. 158p. Hardbound, $75.00 (ISBN 1-4422-6440-3). LC 2016-012049.

“The goal of this book is to introduce a new approach for delivering plagiarism prevention instruction.” Stated in the preface, the authors start with their goal for the book and work backward. Plagiarism is an unethical behavior, so changing student attitudes toward this behavior is the key to decreasing plagiarism rates. Written by Connie Strittmatter, the head librarian for access services at Boston College, and Virginia K. Bratton, an associate professor of management in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Montana State University, this book is for librarians and primary course instructors who provide plagiarism prevention instruction. Plagiarism prevention instruction should exist at the institutional level, or at the very least, the departmental level to constitute change.
Multiphoton vibrational pumping on optically prepared NO2 molecules

Abstract Reported is the collisionless infrared multiphoton excitation of NO2 molecules initially prepared in an electronically excited state. From the shape of the infrared induced blue-shifted fluorescence spectrum the probability distribution P(n) for the net absorption of n photons has been deduced.
Assessing causal claims about complex engineered systems with quantitative data: internal, external, and construct validity

Engineers seek to design systems that will produce an intended change in the state of the world. How are we to know if a system will behave as intended? This article addresses ways that this questi...
Analysis of Random Lasers in Thin Films of π-Conjugated Polymers

Mirrorless laser action has been observed in thin films of a π-conjugated polymer. The many mode emission spectrum from a stripe excitation geometry suggests true las-ing. Analytical tools developed for microring polymer lasers are applied to the laser emission spectra of films to determine the dominant resonator lengths. Using the coherent backscattering technique the light mean free path, It is determined to be 15μm. With the obtained resonator loops of 155μm, the dominant laser cavity consists of ∼ 10 scatterers.
Aboriginal overkill overstated : Errors in Charles Kay's hypothesis.

In this article I critique Charles Kay’s aboriginal overkill hypothesis, which states that Native Americans numbered 100 million or more in precolumbian North America, extensively humanized the landscape, and suppressed wildlife numbers, thus allowing wildlife browse to proliferate. By examining Kay’s source use and pertinent information, I find that he makes four kinds of significant mistakes: exaggerations, failure to provide necessary data, errors of omission, and errors of logic. Through examples I illustrate that Kay’s errors compromise his hypothesis. Kay uses Yellowstone National Park as his primary example of such a humanized area; in contrast, I suggest it is a relatively pristine area.
Oxidative phosphorylation diseases. Disorders of two genomes.

The mitochondrial cytopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases associated with defects in mitochondrial ATP production that affect the brain, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, and liver. Mitochondria produce ATP by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). OXPHOS involves approximately 100 polypeptides, most of which are encoded in the Mendelian-inherited nuclear genes, but 13 of which are encoded in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Stimulation of Lymphocytes by Anti-Idiotypes Bearing the Internal Image of Viral Antigens

Immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) variable regions exhibit dual properties of recognizing antigens and being antigenic by virtue of expressing idiotypes. As for antigens which can be made of a single antigenic determinant (i.e epitope) or a set of epitopes, an idiotype can be made of a single or a set of idiotopes. According to the idiotype network theory1 each epitope in the universe can be mimicked by an idiotope. In other words idiotopes are “ internal images ” of epitopes. Based on this postulate, the duality of Ig and the large repertoire of variable regions, it has been suggested that the immune system is in a steady state of interactions involving the combining site or paratopes and the idiotopes of variable regions. Introduction of an antigen into this system perturbs such a steady state leading to a readjusted equilibrium.
Application of Filtration to Wastewater Treatment

The chapter provides an overview of applications of filtration operations to wastewater treatment applications. The most widely used filtration application in wastewater treatment is granular media filtration, although other methods are also used. Filtration may be applied as the primary treatment method or more commonly as both a pre-treatment step and as a final or finishing stage, depending on the cleanup objectives and criteria. When employed as a finishing operation, the filtration process is referred to as polishing. Other operations that are often used with filtration include carbon adsorption, sedimentation, disinfections, biological methods, and others. A list of references for discussions on other unit operations used in wastewater treatment is provided at the end of the chapter.
Lung Nodule Synthesis Using CNN-Based Latent Data Representation

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used to address various image analysis problems at the cost of intensive computational load and large amounts of annotated training data. When it comes to Medical Imaging, annotation is often complicated and/or expensive, and innovative methods for dealing with small or very imbalanced training sets are mostly welcome. In this context, this paper proposes a novel approach for efficiently synthesizing volumetric patch data from a small amount of samples using their latent data. Our method consists of two major steps. First, we train a 3D CNN auto-encoder for unsupervised learning of volumetric latent data by means of multivariate Gaussian mixture models (GMMs): while the encoder finds latent representations of volumes using GMMs, the decoder uses the estimated GMMs parameters to reconstruct the volume observed in the input. Then, we modify latent data of samples at training time to generate similar, but different, new samples: we run non-rigid registrations between patches decoded from real latent data and patches decoded from modified latent data, and warp the corresponding original image patches using the resulting displacement fields. We evaluated our method in the context of lung nodules synthesis using the publicly available LUNA challenge dataset, and generated new realistic samples out of real lung nodules, preserving their original texture and neighbouring anatomical structures. Our results demonstrate that 3D CNNs trained using our synthesis method were able to consistently deliver lower lung nodule false positive rates, which indicates an improvement in the networks discriminant power.
The Roles of Primary Cilia in Cardiovascular Diseases

Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles found in most mammalian cell types. Cilia act as sensory organelles that transmit extracellular clues into intracellular signals for molecular and cellular responses. Biochemical and molecular defects in primary cilia are associated with a wide range of diseases, termed ciliopathies, with phenotypes ranging from polycystic kidney disease, liver disorders, mental retardation, and obesity to cardiovascular diseases. Primary cilia in vascular endothelia protrude into the lumen of blood vessels and function as molecular switches for calcium (Ca2+) and nitric oxide (NO) signaling. As mechanosensory organelles, endothelial cilia are involved in blood flow sensing. Dysfunction in endothelial cilia contributes to aberrant fluid-sensing and thus results in vascular disorders, including hypertension, aneurysm, and atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the most recent findings on the roles of endothelial primary cilia within vascular biology and alludes to the possibility of primary cilium as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disorders.
United States Physician Preferences Regarding Healthcare Financing Options: A Multistate Survey

Background: Not much is currently known about United States (US) physicians' opinions about healthcare financing, specifically subsequent to the creation and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Objectives: A four state survey of practicing US based physicians' opinions about healthcare financing following ACA passage and implementation. Methods: Physician leaders practicing in the state of New York, Texas, Colorado and Mississippi were surveyed. Two factor analyses (FA) were conducted to understand the underlying constructs. Results: We determined the final response rate to be 26.7% after adjusting it for a variety of factors. Most physicians favored either a single payer system (43.8%) or individualized insurance coverage using health savings accounts (33.2%). For the single-payer system, FA revealed two underlying constructs: System orientation (how the physicians perceived the impact on the healthcare system or patients) and individual orientation (how the physicians perceived the impact on individual physicians). Subsequently, we found that physicians who were perceived neutral in their attitudes towards physician-patient relationship and patient conflict were also neutral in reference to system orientation and individual orientation. Physicians who were perceived as stronger on the physician-patient relationship were more supportive of a single-payer system. Conclusion: This study brings attention to the paradox of social responsibility (to provide quality healthcare) and professional autonomy (the potential impact of a healthcare financing structure to negatively affect income and workload). Efforts to further reform healthcare financing and delivery in the US may encounter resistance from healthcare providers (physicians, mid-level prescribers, pharmacists, or nurses) if the proposed reform interferes with their professional autonomy.
Febrile neutropenia and mortality in patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6604 Background: Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN) contributes considerably to morbidity and mortality. This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated FN incidence and mortality in patien...
Ortho-Novum® 1/50-21 (Ortho Pharm.)

Ortho-Novum is a combination oral contraceptive preparation. It acts mainly through the mechanism of gonadotropin suppression due to the estrogenic and progestational activity of the constituents. The predominant effect of estrogen is to inhibit secretion of FSH, while continued action of progesterone (related, but not equated to progestins) is to inhibit LH. Alterations in the genital tract, such as changes in the cervical mucus and the endometrium, may also contribute to the contraceptive effectiveness.
AMERICAS, SOUTH | Amazon Basin

The dominant theme of archaeologists' interpretations of Amazonia is the question of the role of the tropical forest in human cultural and biological evolution. Environmental determinism was the explicit paradigm of the first archaeologists to espouse a theory; Betty J. Meggers and Clifford Evans of the Smithsonian Institution. Like many early scientific archaeologists, they believed that the tropical forest environment strongly limited human cultural evolution. Influenced by theoreticians such as Julian Steward, they considered the habitat so poor in resources that early foragers could not have penetrated it. The archaeological sequence thus only could have begun in late prehistory when pottery-using migrants from agricultural Andean civilizations invaded Amazonia. In the tropical environment, their cultures would have deteriorated into horticultural village societies and foraging bands. Their small, shifting settlements and limited subsistence activities would have left the forest essentially virgin of human impacts.
Gastrointestinal diseases among relatives of patients with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula.

Background: Several studies have identified genetic factors that are associated with the formation of isolated and non-isolated esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in human and mice. Some of these genetic factors like FOXF1/Foxf1 are associated with Barrett syndrome, esophageal carcinoma or tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we investigated the prevalence of common gastrointestinal diseases among EA/TEF patients and their first- and second-degree relatives (parents and grandparents). Methods: We send out a questionnaire to 280 EA/TEF families asking for the presence of Barrett syndrome, Achalasia and carcinoma of the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestine among first- and second-degree relatives. Results: In 32 of 124 families we found at least one affected family member with a possible association of colon carcinoma and the occurrence of EA/TEF within the same family. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to evaluate a possible association.
Innate coagulability changes with age in stored packed red blood cells

Abstract Background Packed red blood cell (pRBC) units administered during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock are of varied storage ages. We have previously shown that RBC-derived microparticles' impact on thrombogenesis. However, the impact of storage age on pRBC coagulability is unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effect of storage age on innate coagulability and aggregability of stored pRBCs. Methods pRBCs prepared from male C57BL/6J mice were stored in Additive Solution-3 according to our standardized murine blood banking protocols for 14 days. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was used to assess the innate coagulation status of fresh and 14-day old pRBCs. Viscoelastic coagulation parameters of clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle, and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were analyzed to determine coagulability. Plasma was added to the fresh pRBCs and 15-day old pRBCs to determine if the storage-associated coagulopathy was reversible with plasma. Statistical analyses were conducted with a Student's t-test. Results Fifteen-day old pRBCs demonstrated a significant reduction in MCF (10.3 vs. 24.4 mm, P-value Conclusions Storage duration may be an important factor in coagulation potential of pRBCs. Transfusion with older pRBCs may contribute to coagulopathy in massively transfused patients.
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a Mental Health Screening Tool for Newly Arrived Pediatric Refugees

Many refugee children have exposure to trauma prior to arrival and during resettlement. Mental health screening in primary care among resettled refugee children is needed. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to screen refugee children age 4–18 years at their Domestic Medical Examination and three other primary care visits in their first year of resettlement. We tested the association between time and SDQ score or intervention/referral, and differences based on geographic origin. SDQ scores were highest upon arrival (Ps < .0005). Referrals were most common at the six-month visit compared to arrival and one month (Ps < .01). Iraqi children had higher SDQ scores at all visits (Ps < .03). The SDQ can be used in primary care to screen newly arrived refugee children. Practitioners should screen at arrival to identify difficulties. Those with difficulties continuing at six months may need an intervention or referral.
Hispanic health disparities and housing: Comparing measured and self-reported health metrics among housed and homeless Latin individuals

Abstract Previous studies argue that Hispanics are healthier and less likely to experience homelessness than other populations in their same socioeconomic position. However, earlier studies have not explored the relationship between housing status and health for Latin individuals. This study examines 1) the health disparities between homeless and housed Hispanics in El Paso, Texas, and 2) the Hispanic health and homelessness paradoxes using an intersectional framework to understand health risks. A large number of Hispanic residents of El Paso (N = 1152) were surveyed. Demographic, health, and housing data were collected. We contribute to the literature by providing detailed health indicators for homeless Hispanics. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine health disparities between housed and homeless Hispanics. Bivariate analysis, as well as data coded from interviews, indicated that homeless Hispanics were more likely to have barriers to care, less likely to have health insurance, slightly more likely than housed Hispanics to experience mental illness, alcoholism, and addiction, and more likely to be underdiagnosed for health problems, including hypertension. This study shows how certain traditional methods for collecting health data, including self-rated health and reported diagnoses, can be ineffective at revealing health disparities. This paper calls for innovative, mixed-methods approaches to understand the social and structural determinants of health for marginalized populations.
Analysis of basic airflow configurations for separate sensible and latent cooling systems with indoor air recirculation.

Abstract Separate sensible and latent cooling (SSLC) is a technology with efficiency and comfort advantages over conventional cooling systems used for space conditioning of buildings. Using multiple cooling processes at different temperatures allows SSLC to save energy by raising the evaporation temperature of the sensible cooling process. In this paper, all possible airflow configurations of SSLC systems are enumerated under the following constraints: exactly two heat exchangers are used, and air is recirculated to the conditioned space (no exhaust or outdoor air treatment). Seven designs are identified, with varying free operating variables, and each is modeled. Analysis reveals that several configurations are equivalent, and there is only one unique basic airflow SSLC configuration: the one with the sensible and latent heat exchangers placed in series. The efficiency of the SSLC system is compared against that of the conventional system. Under standard conditions, an SSLC system can improve the coefficient of performance by 14.8%. In addition to the numerical simulation, the optimal operating condition of the basic air configuration of the SSLC system is derived analytically. The basic SSLC system is shown to offer the highest performance improvement when the outdoor temperature is relatively cool and the space sensible heat ratio is high.
The Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Is a Poor Diagnostic Tool for Chronic Rhinosinusitis:

Background:The SNOT-22 is a validated and widely used outcomes tool in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We hypothesized that SNOT-22 scores and response patterns could be used as a diagnostic tool to ...
Threatening incidence trends of genitourinary small cell cancer.

e17059Background: Genitourinary localization (GU) is the most frequent extrapulmonary localization of small cell cancer (SCC). The goal of our study was to evaluate incidence trends of GU SCC (blad...
A Systematic Review of Passing as Non-autistic in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

While long described in anecdotal accounts of the lived experiences of autistic individuals, the phenomenon of behaving in ways that appear inconsistent with the presence of autism (or passing as non-autistic; PAN) has recently seen a dramatic increase in scrutiny in the published scientific literature. Increased research attention has coincided with a proliferation of methods, definitions, measures, and population assumptions associated with PAN. To date, however, no review has sought to systematically identify and synthesize the literature on PAN. This systematic review reflects the state of the PAN literature as of May 2020. Ninety articles were screened, 66 were identified for evaluation, and 46 met inclusion criteria and were reliably coded for study characteristics and participant characteristics. Results reveal that the PAN literature includes a relatively even mix of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies, and that a variety of terms are used for PAN (with masking and camouflage being the most frequent). Sample sizes varied widely (from one to 832 participants), with 63.06% of participants being categorized as autistic. Nearly all studies reported methods for confirming autism diagnoses, with community and clinical diagnoses being most common. The majority of studies reported participant gender, with slightly more females included than males on average, but fewer than half of all studies compared PAN across genders. Nearly all studies reported participant age, demonstrating a wide range of 2 to 79 years, with a mean age of 23.85. Conversely, only 23.91% of studies provided participant race or ethnicity data. Nearly all studies formally or informally excluded participants with intellectual disability. Finally, measures of internalizing symptoms, which are often thought to be linked to PAN, were reported in only 17.4% of studies. Implications for gaps in understanding of PAN and future directions for the field are discussed.
Shalom/Salaam/Peace: A Liberation Theology of Hope

Introduction: From the Particular to the Global and Back to the ProjectChapter One: The Land of Israel/PalestineThe Land as PlaceJerusalemThe Ownership of LandThe Theology of the LandGenerations of God Gifting the LandConquering in the Name of GodOne God: Three FaithsThe Word of GodThe Word from a Palestinian Christian PerspectiveThe Word from a Palestinian Muslim PerspectiveThe Word from a Jewish PerspectiveThe Land in Modern Day Israel/PalestineSettlers and SettlementsThe Establishment of the State of IsraelZionism: Secular and ReligiousPolitics, Wars and New BeginningsPeacemakers: Jewish, Christian and MuslimThe Wall, the Fence, the BarrierThe Law Ancient, the Reality TodayChapter Two: Liberation TheologyExodusPeacemakers Versus Disturbers of the PeaceLiberation Theology and Vatican TwoEconomic Development and Developing RevolutionsFounders of Liberation TheologyLeaders and Martyrs of the RevolutionMartyrs of Liberation TheologyBase Christian Communities (Communidades de Base)Liberation Theology in North AmericaLiberation Theology: Jewish and IslamicLiberation Theology: Palestinian ChristianPalestinian Resistance GroupsThe Peacemakers in Israel/PalestineIsraeli Jewish Peace GroupsPalestinian Christian and Muslim Peace GroupsInternational Peace GroupsTragedy Behind the TheologyConclusion
Growth and amylase production in Sporotrichum thermophile Apinis

The mycelial dry weight of Sporotrichum thermophile reached a maximum of 101±2mg after 6 days of growth and then declined to 57±6 mg after an additional 16 days of growth. Extracellular-reducing-sugar concentration reached its maximum range of 1.16±0.38 mg/ml after 4 days of growth, decreasing to 0.515±0.076 mg/ml after 10 days, but resumed the maximum range after 14 days and maintained it through the remaining 8 days studied. Extracellular amylase activity reached 45.2±3.7 m-units after 6 days of growth, declining to 17.4±0.8 m-units after an additional 16 days of growth.
Multiscale Modeling of a Silicon Solar Wafer Manufacturing Process

Abstract In this paper we present the conceptual design of a new continuous process to fabricate silicon wafers for further use in solar cells. We develop a partial album of models which show the behaviors of solidification, fluid flow and heat transfer. A multiscale modeling approach is used to solve the conservation equations in order to find the relevant design parameters for further control and optimization studies.
Magnetic Braking and the Origin and Evolution of Close Low-Mass Binaries

Cataclysmic binaries arise from wide binaries after a common envelope phase. The frequency of formation of each type of system (short (P ≲ 2h) period as well as long (P ≲ 3h) period) is ~ 3 × 10-3 yr-1. The maximum semiaxis of a precataclysmic binary at the end of the common envelope stage is ~ 10 Rθ and the initial mass of the secondary is confined to the interval 0.3 ≲ M2 /Mθ ≲ 1.5 for stars with a convective envelope and a radiative interior. To explain the 2–3 hours gap in the distribution of cataclysmic binaries one needs to suppose that the efficiency of angular momentum loss by an assumed magnetic stellar wind (MSW) is limited from below. The same MSW can explain the origin and, possibly, also the observed number of WUMa stars. Bright (L~102-104Lθ) X-ray sources may be members of binaries whose evolution is driven by this MSW.
Antipyrine, indocyanine green, and lorazepam determined in plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography

This HPLC method for measuring antipyrine, lorazepam, and indocyanine green in 0.5 mL of plasma can be used in studies of liver function in which these "model" compounds are used. After a fast, simple, one-step extraction procedure with acetonitrile, an isocratic HPLC system is used, with a single detection wavelength (214 nm) and a single internal standard (1-acetamidopyrene). The mobile phase is a 47/53 (by vol) mixture of acetonitrile and 50 mmol/L phosphate buffer, pH 6. The three compounds are separated on an LC-18 reversed-phase column. The low cost of the HPLC method makes feasible the routine clinical measurement of all three compounds.
Griffiths Inequalities for some O(n) Classical Spin Models with $n\ge 3$

The first and second Griffiths inequalities are proved for some classical O($n$)-invariant spin models (including Euclidean quantum field theories) for any $n$. The proof assumes a certain condition on an integral transform of the measure. Some examples are discussed.
Colorimetric determination and distribution of urinary creatinine and creatine.

"Apparent" creatinine and "total" creatinine levels in urine can be estimated to within 2 per cent accuracy by means of the Jaffe colorimetric reaction, provided that certain requirements for the colorimetric reaction itself are met, and provided that appropriate conditions for the conversion of creatine to creatinine are used. The amount of noncreatinine Jaffe-positive material appears to be negligible in most urines, but it can be evaluated with paper chromatography and ion-exchange technics. More than 88 per cent of normal subjects excrete 300-900 mg. creatinine per 100 lb. of total body weight per day, with the average at 600 mg. Normal males excrete creatinine at an average rate of 875 mg. Creatine excretion in normal subjects ranges more widely. From 0-800 mg. per 100 pounds of total body weight per day is excreted (as. creatinine), with the average at 275 mg., regardless of sex or age. Certain malabsorption syndromes (cystic fibrosis and celiac disease) include distinct creatinurias.
School Reentry and Educational Planning for the Individual with Traumatic Brain Injury

Guidelines are presented to assist medical, rehabilitative, and educational personnel in helping students with traumatic brain injury make the transition into a school setting. Included are a model for documentation of present level of performance and a guide for appropriate accommodations in public school programs to plan for school reentry. Language: en
SU-E-P-19: Patient-Specific Quality Control Workflow for Dedicated SBRT Vero System

Purpose/Objectives: To set up patient specific quality control (QC) process that ensures the integrity, deliverability and accurate dose for the SBRT lung plan. Materials/Methods: In 11/2012, SBRT Vero system (C‐band 6MV linac on gimbals, mounted on a rotating (+/− 60 degree) ring) was commissioned at our facility. The gimbals allow pan/tilt of the linac to mechanically account for gantry sag during gantry rotation, and track the motion of the target by moving the axis of the treatment beam. The linac is equipped with 0.5 mm (at isocenter) MLC. The treatment planning system (BrainLab iPlanTM) has the following algorithms available: Pencil Beam, Monte‐Carlo (Dose‐to‐water and Dose‐to‐Medium options). For the treated 37 targets (15 patients), 24 were located in lung. Monte‐Carlo (dose‐to‐water) algorithm was used, as it best corresponded to the film/ion chamber commissioning dosimetry. Quality assurance (QA) for lung targets utilizes 0.01cc ion chamber measurements in CIRSTM heterogeneous lung motion phantom with a range of small targets available. Per institutional policy, point dose from the patient plan mapped onto the phantom is compared to measured dose in the same heterogeneous phantom in static configuration. Additionally, the same QC process was repeated using 3D sinusoidally moving target with the amplitudes similar or exceeding the results of patient‐specific target motion evaluation performed for each 4DCT patient at UFPTI. A range of planning geometries was used and QC‐verified: ring angles within ±15degrees and fields 2.5‐5.0cm diameter. Results and Conclusions: The measured dose was within 2.5% from the Monte Carlo calculation, with 1.2 % average difference between plan and measurement in the static case, and within 3% with average 1.6% and 1% SD for dynamic case. The agreement was satisfactory and ensured the integrity of the treatment planning and delivery process
Effects of sidechain length and composition on the kinetic conversion and product distribution of vitamin D analogs determined by real-time NMR

Novel pregna-5, 7-dienes were synthesized and subjected to UVB irradiation to generate the corresponding pre-D intermediates, tachysterol and lumisterol analogs. The kinetics of the conversion from each of the pre-D intermediates to the corresponding novel D analogs was investigated by using real time 1H NMR measurements inside the NMR magnet. Both the length and composition of the side chains were found to affect the rate of the kinetic conversion from pre-D intermediates to the thermodynamically more stable D analogs. Compound 7cc which has both a long side chain and a tertiary alcohol moiety showed the highest conversion rate, while compound 4a-S which has a very short side chain without the tertiary alcohol had the lowest conversion rate among the 13 tested compounds. We also determined product distributions for these 5,7-dienes upon UVB irradiation followed by thermodynamic equilibration. No clear correlations between product distribution and side chain length or composition were identifiable under the current experimental conditions, suggesting there are other factors affecting the kinetics during the photochemical reactions for these 5,7-dienes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the influences of side chain length and composition on the real time conversion kinetics from pre-D to D are studied. This study could serve as step-stones in future kinetic studies of novel biologically active 5,7-dienes and their corresponding D analogs under more physiologically relevant ex vivo or in vivo conditions, as well as providing important insights into optimizing yields of the desired active products during their organic syntheses.
The effects of divalent metal ions on the micellar properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate

Abstract Critical micelle concentrations and micellar molecular weights have been determined for sodium dodecyl sulfate in the presence of nitrates of copper, lead, zinc, and magnesium and critical micelle concentrations have been determined with sodium nitrate and silver nitrate as the added electrolytes. The thickness of the ionic atmosphere at the critical micelle concentration has been found to be 34.1 A with no electrolyte present and 33.6 A with 9.66 × 10−6M sodium or silver nitrate and was found to increase upon addition of the 2:1 electrolytes. This is explained in terms of molecular and ionic interactions. Micellar molecular weights were found to be 14,200 in the absence of extraneous electrolyte, 14,700 in the presence of 4.86 × 10−4M copper II, zinc, and magnesium, 18,000 with 4.83 × 10−4M lead, and 25,000 with 9.66 × 10−4M zinc. Part of the change in micellar molecular weight is attributed to replacement of sodium ions with heavier ions, especially in the case of lead.
Characterization of translocations in mesenchymal hamartoma and undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is an uncommon benign primary liver tumor that typically occurs in the pediatric population, although cases have been described in adults. MHL is sometimes associated with the highly malignant undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma (UES), and the synchronous or metachronous occurrence of MHL and UES suggests they share a common genetic link. Although the exact mechanism of tumorigenesis has not been identified, MHL cases harbor recurring chromosomal rearrangements involving 19q13. Design In order to provide more details on the genetic events of MHL tumorigenesis, capture-based next generation sequencing (NGS) targeted to loci recently shown to be involved in a translocation in a case of UES arising in MHL (specifically, the MALAT1 gene on chromosome 11 and a gene poor region termed MHLB1 on chromosome 19) was performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue from seven cases of MHL. Results Chromosome rearrangements involving the MHLB1 locus were identified in three of the seven cases, including the translocation t(11,19)(q13.1;q13.42) involving the MALAT1 gene; the translocation t(2,19)(q31.1;q13.42) involving AK023515, an uncharacterized noncoding gene; and the inversion inv(19,19)(q13.42;q13.43) involving the PEG3 gene encoding a Kruppel-type zinc-finger protein. Rearrangements were exclusively identified in pediatric tumors. In each case, the presence of the rearrangement was confirmed by PCR and interphase FISH. Interphase FISH also demonstrated that the arrangements occur within the spindle cell component but not within the epithelial components of the tumor. Conclusions Since the MHLB1 locus contains a CpG-rich region whose methylation regulates C19MC miRNA genes, rearrangements that disrupt this region may contribute to MHL development through alteration of miRNA expression. The demonstration that the loose stromal cells harbor the rearrangements indicates that (some cases of) MHL are a neoplastic process due to a somatic genetic change and not a germline abnormality.
Circulation and distribution of autotransfused fresh, liquid-preserved and cryopreserved baboon platelets.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies were carried out in five healthy male baboons to determine the 111indium oxine (111In-oxine) survival of autologous fresh, liquid-preserved and cryopreserved platelets. Simultaneous organ-distribution studies were performed to determine the percentage uptake of platelets by the spleen and/or liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS Each of five baboons was transfused, on three different occasions, with autologous fresh platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 18 h, liquid-preserved platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 5 days and washed previously frozen platelets, labelled with 111In-oxine. RESULTS In vivo recovery at 2 h was 81% for the fresh platelets, 54% for the previously frozen platelets and 44% for the 5-day-old liquid-preserved platelets. The weighted mean life span was 5.4 days for fresh platelets, 4.2 days for previously frozen platelets and 2 days for liquid preserved platelets. Increased radioactivity was detected over the liver 2 h after transfusion for both the previously frozen and liquid-preserved platelets. CONCLUSIONS Cryopreserved platelets and liquid-preserved platelets stored at 22 degrees C for 5 days had reduced survival 2 h post-transfusion and reduced life span values compared to fresh platelets. In addition, the finding of increased radioactivity over the liver in the baboons that received cryopreserved and liquid-preserved platelets suggested that the liver was the site for removal of the non-viable platelets.
Highly Efficient Organic Electrooptic Materials and Their Hybrid Systems for Advanced Photonic Devices

This review summarizes recent development of highly efficient organic electricoptic (OEO) materials and their applications in hybrid photonic devices. New generation of highly efficient EO polymers possessing large Pockels coefficients of 200-250 pm/V at 1.3 μm and excellent thermal and photochemical stability have been developed for advanced photonic devices. In addition, new pyroelectric poling process provides an efficient and reliable high field poling for EO polymers in multilayered thin films and nanophotonic waveguides. Using OEO materials as a key enabling element, significant progress has been made in the development of innovative hybrid EO devices, including EO polymer hybrid nanophotonic waveguides with high-index semiconductors, all polymer- and polymer/sol-gel-based EO modulators using low-refractive-index cladding layers, and EO polymer-based electric field sensors. At the end, this review also provides an outlook of future development of OEO materials and their hybrid systems for advanced photonic technologies.
Paclitaxel interrupts TGF-β1 signaling between gallbladder epithelial cells and myofibroblasts

Background The cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis in the extrahepatic biliary epithelium are not known. TGF-β1 is a cytokine implicated in signaling pathways that mediate collagen formation. An observation that paclitaxel (PT), applied topically into the rat common bile duct, inhibited stricture formation led us to hypothesize that PT’s effects might be due to interruption of TGF-β1 signaling between biliary epithelial cells and subepithelial myofibroblasts.
Petrography and chemistry of fine-grained dark rims in the Mokoia CV3 chondrite: Evidence for an accretionary origin

Abstract The matrix and fine-grained dark rims (FGDRs) around a type-A Ca-, Al-rich inclusion (CAI) and a silicate aggregate in the Mokoia CV3 chondrite differ in their major, minor, and trace element abundances. The matrix contains more Nb, Sr, Ba, and V but less Ca than average CI chondrite and has an unfractionated rare earth element (REE) pattern. The two FGDRs are enriched in Na, Al, K, and Ti and depleted in Fe and Mn compared to the matrix. The rim surrounding the CAI is enriched in Hf, Y, and Sc relative to the matrix and has a REE pattern that reflects a complex history. The rim surrounding the silicate aggregate has a REE pattern that suggests a different history and, additionally, is complementary to those of the enclosed enstatite and mesostasis glass. The trace element abundances indicate that Mokoia FGDRs are a mixture of components derived from both high- and low-temperature processes, while the matrix consists of only relatively low-temperature materials. These FGDRs in Mokoia have an accretionary origin and were derived from multiple dust reservoirs.
The SNePS BDI architecture

Abstract Most AI systems are effective either for inference or for acting/planning but not for both. The SNePS BDI architecture uses propositional semantic network representations of beliefs, goals, acts, plans, and a representational concept called transformers. Transformers help capture a unified approach to acting and inference. They can be used to represent reasoning rules, reactive desires, desires for acquiring knowledge, preconditions and effects of actions as well as plan decompositions. A rational engine module operates on these representations and is responsible for the agent's reasoning and acting behavior. SNeRE, the SNePS rational engine, employs a quasi-concurrent message passing scheme, implements the underlying logic as well as the action theory, has forward, backward and bidirectional inference and acting. It also incorporates the notions of truth maintenance and spreading activation.