cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Please Pass the Pan: Retheorizing the Map of Panlatinidad in Communication Research

A departure from the tendencies in past research, which tended to focus solely on majority populations within the Latino community, this article posits new diasporas within the U.S. Latino community as a fertile area for communication research into issues of identity, representation, and citizenship. An examination of the wave of Argentinean migration since 2001 provides one example of how research on new diasporas would complicate the notions of either an essentialistic or a pluralistic “panlatinidad” by contextualizing power relations both within and outside of Latino communities.
40.4: An Electrophoretic LCD: Switching with Threshold and Video Rate

Here is presented an electrophoretic liquid crystal (EPLC) display, which employs a suspension of pigments with liquid crystals and exhibits switching with threshold and fast response, enabling video rate. The dielectric anisotropy of the LC medium, allowing by applying voltage switching between states with high and low dielectric permittivity, is responsible for this unusual electrophoretic switching.
Where do sets come from

Many philosophers take set-theoretic discourse to be about objects of a special sort, namely sets; correlatively, they regard truth in such discourse as quite like truth in discourse about nonmathematical objects. There is a thin “disquotational” way of construing this construal; but that may candy-coat a philosophically substantive semantic theory: the Mathematical-Object theory of the basis for the distribution of truth and falsehood to sentences containing set-theoretic expressions. This theory asserts that truth and falsity for sentences containing set-theoretic expressions are grounded in semantic facts (about the relation between language and the world) of the sort modelled by the usual model-theoretic semantics for an uninterpreted formal first-order language. For example, it would maintain that ‘{ } ∈ {{ }}” is true in virtue of the set-theoretic fact that the empty set is a member of its singleton, and the semantic facts that ‘{ }’ designates the empty set,‘{{ }}’ designates its singleton, and ‘∈’ applies to an ordered pair of objects iff that pair's first component is a member of its second component.Now this theory may come so naturally as to seem trivial. My purpose here is to loosen its grip by “modelling” an alternative account of the alethic underpinnings of set-theoretic discourse. According to the Alternative theory, the point of having set-theoretic expressions (‘set’ and ‘∈’ will do) in a language is not to permit its speakers to talk about some special objects under a special relation; rather it is to clothe a higher-order language in lower-order garments.
Scaling behavior of three-dimensional dendrites

The scaling behavior of geometry parameters in three-dimensional dendritic growth is investigated through a detailed measurement of the morphology of pure succinonitrile dendrites grown on the first microgravity flight of the isothermal dendritic growth experiment [M. E. Glicksman, M. B. Koss, and E. A. Winsa, Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 573 (1993)]. Measurements are performed of the integral parameters of a sidebranching dendrite, such as the envelope shape, projection area, contour length, volume, surface area, and solid volume fraction. The evidence presented here reveals that unique scaling relations exist between these geometry parameters and the primary tip radius or speed in steady growth. These relations are valid far away from the tip, up to a normalized distance equal to about the inverse of the tip P\'eclet number. For the secondary arm envelope on the sidebranch plane, a self-similar scaling behavior given by ${X}_{\mathrm{tip}}{/R=0.668(Z/R)}^{0.859}$ is found, where ${X}_{\mathrm{tip}}$ is the envelope width (or the secondary dendrite tip position), $Z$ is the distance away from the primary tip, and $R$ is the primary tip radius. The normalized projection area ${F/R}^{2}$ and the normalized contour length $U/R$ demonstrate an identical time dependence after some initial transient, which indicates that the interfacial length concentration $U/F$ is time independent and inversely proportional to the tip radius $R.$ The volume $V$ and the surface area $A$ of a dendrite can also be scaled to the primary tip radius $R.$ It is noted that the interfacial area concentration $A/V$ has a similar behavior and the same order value as $U/F.$ The experimental results are compared to analytical predictions [E. Brener and D. Temkin, Phys. Rev. E 51, 351 (1995)] and generally found to be in good agreement. Finally, the internal solid volume fractions for various envelopes are deduced from the volume measurements and found to be in good agreement with a simple heat transfer model.
Hepatic stellate cells’ involvement in progenitor-mediated liver regeneration

Earlier studies conducted by our laboratory have shown that suppression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)-mediated upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) by iloprost resulted in a greatly diminished oval cell response to 2-acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy (2AAF/PH) in rats. We hypothesized that this effect is due to decreased activation of hepatic stellate cells. To test this hypothesis, we maintained rats on a diet supplemented with 2% L-cysteine as a means of inhibiting stellate cell activation during the oval cell response to 2AAF/PH. In vitro experiments show that L-cysteine did, indeed, prevent the activation of stellate cells while exerting no direct effect on oval cells. Desmin immunostaining of liver sections from 2AAF/PH animals indicated that maintenance on the L-cysteine diet resulted in an 11.1-fold decrease in the number of activated stellate cells within the periportal zones. The total number of cells proliferating in the periportal zones of livers from animals treated with L-cysteine was drastically reduced. Further analyses showed a greater than fourfold decrease in the magnitude of the oval cell response in animals maintained on the L-cysteine diet as determined by immunostaining for both OV6 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Global liver expression of AFP as measured by real-time PCR was shown to be decreased 4.7-fold in the L-cysteine-treated animals. These data indicate that the activation of hepatic stellate cells is required for an appropriate oval cell response to 2AAF/PH.
Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall

Abstract Purpose To analyze the results of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall. Methods and Materials Between 1964 and 2009, 170 patients were treated with definitive RT; all living patients had a 1.7-year minimum follow-up. Results The 5-year rates of local control and ultimate local control were the following: T1, 93% and 93%; T2, 84% and 91%; T3, 60% and 62%; and T4, 44% and 44%. Multivariate analysis revealed stage I-II tumors, female gender, and altered fractionation were associated with improved local-regional control. The 5-year cause-specific and overall survival rates were the following: I, 88% and 50%; II, 89% and 57%; III, 49% and 31%; IV, 35% and 21%; and overall, 50% and 31%, respectively. Fatal complications occurred in 9 patients (5%). Conclusions Local-regional control and survival are related to extent of disease and treatment technique. Although outcomes have improved in recent years, the morbidity of treatment is significant and a substantial proportion of patients die due to cancer.
A parallel particle-in-cell model for the massively parallel processor

Abstract A two-dimensional parallel particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithm was developed for the Massively Parallel Processor (MPP), which has 16,384 processors configured in a 128 × 128 array with nearest-neighbor communication. The developed parallel PIC algorithm loads particles in a cell randomly to a row of processors and fills only half of the processors with particles. Because the vacant processors and the random particle sequence in a row of processors simplify the communication among the processors, the algorithm efficiently sorts particles and performs gather/scatter procedures for collecting charge density according to their cells. From the cell charge density, the algorithm calculates electric fields at the cells by fast Fourier transform. With faster I/O or more array memory, the parallel PIC algorithm can be greatly improved.
Step structure in the resistive transition of a type-II superconducting alloy

Abstract For d.c. currents greater than a threshold value, the resistive superconducting-to-normal transition proceeds in several well defined steps.
Human Chronic Post-Thrombotic Intraluminal Venous Obstruction Involves Neovascularization.

or venography. When findings are “normal,” the physician is left with no explanation for recurrent venous hypertension. The purpose of this study is to show the value of looking inside the stent, with intravenous ultrasound (IVUS), to identify treatable hemodynamically significant lesions that cause symptomatic venous hypertension. Methods: Patients underwent standard measurements of limbs, duplex of lower extremities and iliac veins with attention to waveform analysis and velocities. Symptomatic patients were imaged from a jugular or popliteal approach with multi-plane venography and IVUS, to evaluate the stents and veins. In the event of in-stent stenosis, measurements of cross-sectional area were obtained before and after intervention. Treatment included angioplasty, atherectomy, or strategic placement of a new stent. Procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. No change of therapeutic international normalized ratio for patients on warfarin. A postprocedure duplex was performed and compared to the preoperative study. Results: Between 2002 and 2013, we evaluated 37 patients (17 M, 20 F) with 47 limbs (17 R, 30 L; 9 bilateral + 13 inferior vena cava) with previously placed iliocaval venous stents. Each person presented with new onset pain and/or edema that had been absent after initial stenting. The onset of recurrent venous hypertension ranged between 6 months and 10 years. Twenty-seven of 47 limbs had occluded stents, while 20 of 47 had one or more stenoses. The mean age was 41.4 years (range, 21-70 years). Lumen-compromising stenosis was identified within stents, with IVUS, in 90% of symptomatic patients, all of whom had “normal” findings on duplex. Tissue specimens were obtained in three cases, and evaluation showed fibrosis, not thrombus. Balloon dilatation effectively increased luminal area. Recalcitrant lesions (4) were successfully enlarged with balloonexpandable nitinol stents. Sustained patency of the revisions has been excellent. Mean follow-up was 38 months. All patients reported clinical improvement consistent with decreased venous pressure. Conclusions: Patients with failing venous stents present with recurrent limb edema or pain, heaviness, tightness, etc. Hyperplasia can narrow the diameter up to 30% and not be appreciated with standard duplex or venography. Restenosis typically occurs, circumferentially, where stents overlap and at the leading edges. IVUS is an important tool for investigating stent integrity in symptomatic patients. Timely endovenous evaluation and treatment of failing stents is clinically indicated to preserve patency.
Negative dependence and srinivasan's sampling process

Dubhashi, Jonasson and Ranjan Dubhashi, Jonasson and Ranjan (2007) study the negative dependence properties of Srinivasan's sampling processes (SSPs), random processes which sample sets of a fixed size with prescribed marginals. In particular they prove that linear SSPs have conditional negative association, by using the Feder–Mihail theorem and a coupling argument. We consider a broader class of SSPs that we call tournament SSPs (TSSPs). These have a tree-like structure and we prove that they have conditional negative association. Our approach is completely different from that of Dubhashi, Jonasson and Ranjan. We give an abstract characterization of TSSPs, and use this to deduce that certain conditioned TSSPs are themselves TSSPs. We show that TSSPs have negative association, and hence conditional negative association. We also give an example of an SSP that does not have negative association.
Air-water CO2 fluxes in the microtidal Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina

[1] From June 2009 to July 2010, we conducted 27 continuous-flow surveys of surface water CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) along the longitudinal axis of the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), North Carolina ranging from the tidal freshwater region to the polyhaline border with the Pamlico Sound. Lateral transects were also conducted at the borders of each of three hydrologically distinct sections. The pCO2 displayed considerable spatial-temporal variability. Likewise, net air-water CO2 fluxes showed high spatial and temporal variability, with a maximum [release] of 271 mmol C m−2 d−1 during high river flow conditions in fall and minimum [uptake] of −38 mmol C m−2 d−1 during wind-driven, high primary productivity conditions in late spring. During high-flow conditions, pCO2 generally decreased from the river mouth to the Pamlico Sound, similar to patterns seen in well-mixed systems. During warm, low-flow conditions, surface water pCO2 distributions were spatially variable and dissimilar to those patterns seen in most macrotidal, well-mixed estuaries. The annual air-water CO2 efflux from the study area was 4.7 mol C m−2 yr−1, an order of magnitude less than previously estimated for temperate estuaries. The CO2 fluxes observed in the NRE highlight the contrasts between macrotidal and microtidal systems and suggest that global estuarine CO2 emissions are likely overestimated by the current classification approaches. Scaling this lower efflux by the relative surface area of macrotidal and microtidal systems would reduce the global estuarine flux by 42%.
BEST scheduler for integrated processing of best-effort and soft real-time processes

Algorithms for allocating CPU bandwidth to soft real-time processes exist, yet best-effort scheduling remains an attractive model for both application developers and users. Best-effort scheduling is easy to use, provides a reasonable trade-off between fairness and responsiveness, and imposes no extra overhead for specifying resource demands. However, best-effort schedulers provide no resource guarantees, limiting their ability to support processes with timeliness constraints. Reacting to the need for better support of soft real-time multimedia applications while recognizing that the best-effort model permeates desktop computing for very good reasons, we have developed BEST, an enhanced best-effort scheduler that combines desirable aspects of both types of computing. BEST provides the well-behaved default characteristics of best-effort schedulers while significantly improving support for periodic soft real-time processes. BEST schedules using estimated deadlines based on the dynamically detected periods of processes exhibiting periodic behavior, and assigns pseudo-periods to non-periodic processes to allow for good response time. This paper discusses the BEST scheduling model and our implementation in Linux and presents results demonstrating that BEST outperforms the Linux scheduler in handling soft real-time processes, outperforms real-time schedulers in handling best-effort processes, and sometimes outperforms both, especially in situations of processor overload.
A hybrid monte carlo method for accurate and efficient subsurface scattering

Subsurface scattering is a fundamental aspect of surface appearance responsible for the characteristic look of many materials. Monte Carlo path tracing techniques can be employed with high accuracy to simulate the scattering of light inside a translucent object, albeit at the cost of long computation times. In a seminal work, Jensen et al. [JMLH01] presented a more efficient technique to simulate subsurface scattering that, while producing accurate results for translucent, optically-thick, materials, exhibits artifacts for semi-transparent, optically-thin, ones, especially in regions of high-curvature.This paper presents a hybrid Monte Carlo technique capable of simulating a wide range of materials exhibiting subsurface scattering, from translucent to semi-transparent ones, with an accuracy comparable to Monte Carlo techniques but at a much lower computational cost. Our approach utilizes a Monte Carlo path tracing approach for the first several scattering events, in order to estimate the directional-diffuse component of subsurface scattering, and switches to a dipole diffusion approximation only when the path penetrates deeply enough into the surface. By combining the accuracy of Monte Carlo integration with the efficiency of the dipole diffusion approximation, our hybrid method produces results as accurate as full Monte Carlo simulations at a speed comparable to the Jensen et al. approximation, thus extending its usefulness to a much wider range of materials.
Exercise attenuates the association of body weight with diet in 106,737 runners.

Purpose: The high prevalence of obesity in Western societies has been attributed in part to high-fat low-CHO food consumption. However, people have also become less active, and inactivity may have increased the risk for weight gain from poor dietary choices. Analyses were performed to test whether diet-weight relationships were attenuated by vigorous exercise. Methods: Age- and education-adjusted cross-sectional regression analyses of 62,042 men and 44,695 women recruited for the National Runners' Health Study were conducted. Reported meat and fruit intakes were analyzed separately and as indicators of high-risk diets. Results: The runners were generally lean (mean ± SD: males = 24.15 ± 2.81 kg·m-2, females = 21.63 ± 2.70 kg·m-2) as measured by body mass index (BMI), educated (males = 16.42 ± 2.47 yr, females = 16.04 ± 2.32 yr), and middle-aged (males = 44.40 ± 10.83 yr, females = 38.21 ± 10.08 yr), who ran 5.30 ± 3.23 km·d-1 if male and 4.79 ± 3.00 km·d-1 if female. Running significantly attenuated BMI's relationship to reported meat and fruit intakes in men (P 8 km·d-1 reduced the apparent BMI increase per serving of meat by 43% in men (slope ± SE = from 0.74 ± 0.10 to 0.42 ± 0.06) and 55% in women (from 1.26 ± 0.13 to 0.57 ± 0.09) and reduced the apparent BMI reduction per serving of fruit by 75% in men (from -0.28 ± 0.04 to -0.07 ± 0.02) and 94% in women (from -0.16 ± 0.05 to -0.01 ± 0.02). Running also significantly attenuated the concordant relationship between reported meat intake and waist and chest circumferences in men (P < 10-9 and P = 0.0002, respectively) and women (P = 0.0004 and P < 10-5, respectively) and the concordant relationship between meat intake and hip circumference in women (P < 10-6). Conclusions: Vigorous exercise may mitigate diet-induced weight gain, albeit not guaranteeing protection from poor dietary choices.
Molecular dynamics studies of aqueous surfactants systems

Abstract Recent progress in the characterization of aqueous surfactant systems using molecular dynamics simulations is reviewed, and insights into the structure and dynamical behavior of three systems are presented. In the first example we study the formation of an ethanol monolayer at the air/water interface. The second example is an investigation of the structure and the dynamics of nanoscale aqueous droplets, similar to those encountered in nucleation of binary systems from the gaseous phase. Finally, we report recent results on attempts to follow the self assembly of micellar aggregates from surfactant monomers in solutions.
Optimization of Reactive-Element Additions to Improve Oxidation Performance of Alumina-Forming Alloys

It is well-known that the addition of reactive elements (including yttrium, zirconium, lanthanum, cerium, and hafnium) improve the high-temperature oxidation performance of alumina-forming alloys. Less studied are strategies for optimizing these additions for developing a high-performance, wrought FeCrAl alloy with maximum oxidation-limited component life. Results from the literature are summarized regarding potential improvements. One promising strategy is the addition of two reactive elements, such as yttrium and hafnium, which has been effective in commercial and laboratory nickel-based alloys and appears to impart the expected benefits, such as reducing the scale growth rate while minimizing detrimental effects, such as the formation of reactive element-rich oxides in the scale and internal oxidation. Although there are promising data, the long-term studies are not yet complete, and it is difficult to predict if “co-doped” FeCrAl alloys will produce superior oxidation-limited lifetimes in high-temperature environments.
Individuals with Low Working Memory Spans Show Greater Interference from Irrelevant Information Because of Poor Source Monitoring, Not Greater Activation

Although individuals with high and low working memory (WM) span appear to differ in the extent to which irrelevant information interferes with their performance on WM tasks, the locus of this interference is not clear. The present study investigated whether, when performing a WM task, high- and low-span individuals differ in the activation of formerly relevant, but now irrelevant items, and/or in their ability to correctly identify such irrelevant items. This was done in two experiments, both of which used modified complex WM span tasks. In Experiment 1, the span task included an embedded lexical decision task designed to obtain an implicit measure of the activation of both currently and formerly relevant items. In Experiment 2, the span task included an embedded recognition judgment task designed to obtain an explicit measure of both item and source recognition ability. The results of these experiments indicate that low-span individuals do not hold irrelevant information in a more active state in memory than high-span individuals, but rather that low-span individuals are significantly poorer at identifying such information as irrelevant at the time of retrieval. These results suggest that differences in the ability to monitor the source of information, rather than differences in the activation of irrelevant information, are the more important determinant of performance on WM tasks.
Opening gates to oxygen reduction reactions on Cu(111) surface

Electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen is composed of multiple steps, including the diffusion-adsorption-dissociation of molecular oxygen. This study explores the role of electrical double layer in aqueous medium in quantifying the rate of these coupled electrochemical processes at the electrode interface during oxygen reduction. The electronic, energetic, and configurational aspects of molecular oxygen diffusion and adsorption onto Cu(111) in water are identified through density functional theory based computations. The liquid phase on Cu(111) is modeled with hexagonal-ordered water bilayers, at two slightly different structures, with O–H bonds either facing the vacuum or the metal surface. The results indicate that the energetically preferred structure of water bilayers and adsorption configuration of O2 are different in cathodic and anodic potentials. The diffusion of O2 is found to be heavily hindered at the water/metal interface because of the ordering of water molecules in bilayers as compared to the bulk liquid. The unique correlations of diffusion and adsorption kinetics with water structure identified in this work can provide clues for improving oxygen reduction efficiency.
Assessing the effects of gamification in the classroom

Gamification, the application of game elements to non-game settings, continues to grow in popularity as a method to increase student engagement in the classroom. We tested students across two courses, measuring their motivation, social comparison, effort, satisfaction, learner empowerment, and academic performance at four points during a 16-week semester. One course received a gamified curriculum, featuring a leaderboard and badges, whereas the other course received the same curriculum without the gamified elements. Our results found that students in the gamified course showed less motivation, satisfaction, and empowerment over time than those in the non-gamified class. The effect of course type on students' final exam scores was mediated by students' levels of intrinsic motivation, with students in the gamified course showing less motivation and lower final exam scores than the non-gamified class. This suggests that some care should be taken when applying certain gamification mechanics to educational settings. Longitudinal study on effects of gamification in the classroom.71 students surveyed at four time points in gamified or non-gamified course.Over time, gamified students were less motivated, empowered, and satisfied.Gamified course negatively affected final exam grades through intrinsic motivation.Gamified systems strongly featuring rewards may have negative effects.
Glucocorticoid receptor structure and function in an adrenocorticotropin-secreting small cell lung cancer.

ACTH secretion by tumors of nonpituitary origin is characteristically resistant to negative feedback regulation by glucocorticoids. One possible mechanism for the phenomenon could be a structural defect in the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We studied the GR in DMS-79 cells derived from a human ACTH-secreting small cell lung cancer. Compared with control cells, DMS-79 cells were found to have greatly diminished GR ligand-binding activity and immunoreactive 94-kilodalton (kDa) GR content. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of GR transcripts that appeared to be slightly larger than those in control cells. A DMS-79 cell GR cDNA was cloned by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction amplification of mRNA using primers specific for full-length normal GR. The derived sequence of this full-length GR differed from the reported sequence by a single altered codon (G to A; Asn to Ser at codon 363) outside the steroid-binding domain. This N363S DMS-79 GR functioned normally to activate a t...
Formation of non-amidine products in the chemical modification of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase with imido esters

Abstract The reaction of imido esters with horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH) and other proteins is widely considered to involve direct conversion of amino groups to amidine functions. We have shown that the 14-fold activated form of LADH which is produced when the modification is carried out near pH 8 contains primarily N-alkyl imidate, rather than amidine, moieties. Fully acetamidinated LADH, which is formed directly at pH 10, or by multiple modification at pH 8, is 6-fold activated. The observed mechanism of amidine formation suggests a re-evaluation of various conclusions drawn from studies of protein amidination.
Streamlined Darwin simulation of nonneutral plasmas

Efficient, new algorithms that require less formal manipulation than previous implementations have been formulated for the numerical solution of the Darwin model. These new procedures reduce the effort required to achieve some of the advantages that the Darwin model offers. Because the Courant--Friedrichs--Lewy stability limit for radiation modes is eliminated, the Darwin model has the advantage of a substantially larger time-step. Further, without radiation modes, simulation results are less sensitive to enhanced particle fluctation noise. We discuss methods for calculating the magnetic field that avoid formal vector decomposition and offer a new procedure for finding the inductive electric field. This procedure avoids vector decomposition of plasma source terms and circumvents some source gradient issues that slow convergence. As a consequence, the numerical effort required for each of the field time-steps is reduced, and more importantly, the need to specify several nonintuitive boundary conditions is eliminated. copyright 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Environmental Impact on Underwater Surveillance Systems in Estuary Areas

The paper focuses on the design of remote sensing and detecting systems for the underwater environment around estuary areas. The behavior of estuary water conditions is studied and the environmental impacts on the performance of underwater sensing and detecting systems are investigated. Sensor coverage variations are determined in particular. Environmental data is extracted from the NYHOPS ocean model with periodic calibration from fixed CTD stations in the Hudson River. The result shows that careful planning is required for sensor placement in an estuary area.
Electron Microscopic Methods for Determining Changes in the Density of Synaptic Input to Neurons in the Aging Brain

Changes in the synaptic input to aging neurons can best be evaluated using electron microscopy (EM). Immunocytochemistry is used to identify neuronal populations and to distinguish the chemical identity of their synaptic input, using a double-label protocol (e.g., diaminobenzidine for the sites of the first antigen/antibody complexes and tetramethylbenzidine for the second). In preparing tissue for EM examination, neurons are sectioned in the plane of the nucleus at 70 nm and sections collected on slot hole grids. Photographic montages of neurons are made at a minimum of 3 depths of section, with about 1 μm intervening. The original micrographs are taken at 10,000× and printed at 25,000×. Morphometric analyses are performed using the Bloquant program (R&M Biometrics) and an IBM computer. The perikaryal membrane is outlined on an X-Y digitizing pad, and regions along which there is synaptic modification are measured. These synaptic regions are expressed as a percentage of the perikaryal membrane measured. Data are tested using a non-parametric statistic (Mann-Whitney U, P < 0.05). In some cases, the entire neuronal soma is serially sectioned in order to determine whether synapses are randomly distributed over the neuronal surface.
Onset of thermal degradation in poly(p-phenylene vinylene) films deposited by chemical vapor deposition

We report on the thermal degradation characteristics of heat treated poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) films deposited using chemical vapor deposition. It was found that no decrease in the thickness of the films (110 nm) occurred after isothermal heat treatment in vacuum at 450 °C for up to 1 h, while films treated at 500 °C for 1 h decreased to 70% of their original thickness. In situ mass spectrometry during heat treatment of the film at 500 °C showed the release of significant amounts of material including toluene and xylene ion fragments. However, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows no significant change in bond structure, indicating that the decrease in film thickness after heat treatment is due to release of material and densification, not crosslinking or bond breaking.
Propagation of rapid pulses through a two-phase mixture of gas and dust particles

Abstract Small and finite amplitude pulses of an arbitrary initial profile propagating into a uniform region of a dusty gas have been studied. Solutions based on an asymptotic simple wave procedure are presented under the approximation that the characteristic length of the signal is much shorter than the characteristic length of the medium. The modulation of simple waves by the dissipative effects owing to the presence of solid particles, and the effect of nonlinearity leading to wave distortion and shock formation are discussed. In the small amplitude limit, a solution up to the second order is obtained, and numerical computations are carried out over one complete cycle for typical values of the physical parameters involved in the solution. The second order solution, in contrast to the first order, depends on the precursor wavelets and exhibits changes in those parameters which remained constant in the first order approximation. Finally, the second order solution is used to describe the far field behavior of weak shocks.
Differential effects of the novel kappa opioid receptor antagonist, JDTic, on reinstatement of cocaine-seeking induced by footshock stressors vs cocaine primes and its antidepressant-like effects in rats

Stress and depression have been linked to relapse of cocaine abuse. Antagonism of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has been reported to attenuate some effects of stressors, and antagonism of the KOR has been reported to have antidepressant-like properties. Our objective was to determine whether the potent and selective KOR antagonist, (3R)-7-hydroxy-N-{(1S)-1-{[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-2-methylpropyl}-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinoline-carboxamide (JDTic), can reduce the ability of a stressor (intermittent footshock) to reinstate cocaine-seeking behavior and to have antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test (FST). Male Long–Evans hooded rats were trained to lever-press, reinforced with 0.5 mg/kg i.v. infusion of cocaine, according to fixed ratio 1 reinforcement schedules during daily 2-h experimental sessions. After performance had stabilized, lever pressing was extinguished for 12 consecutive sessions, and doses of 0 (vehicle), 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg JDTic were then administered i.g. to separate groups of 12 rats. Twenty four hours later, the rats were given 15 min of intermittent footshock (0.87 mA, 0.5 s activation time, average interactivation interval of 40 s) or a 17-mg/kg i.p. administration of cocaine prime followed by a 2-h reinstatement test session. JDTic was also evaluated for its ability to block diuresis induced by the KOR agonist, U50,488H (10 mg/kg, s.c.), during 5-h test sessions beginning 1 h after footshock reinstatement tests to verify its KOR antagonist activity. In the FST, male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with either nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) or JDTic (both at 0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg, injected s.c. 23 h before), or desipramine (5.6, 10, or 17 mg/kg, injected i.p. 23, 5, and 1 h before) and placed in a cylinder of water, during which the predominance of immobility, swimming, and climbing were scored during 5-s intervals for 5 min. The 10- and 30-mg/kg doses of JDTic significantly reduced footshock-induced reinstatement of responding previously reinforced by cocaine and significantly attenuated U50,488H-induced diuresis. In contrast, JDTic did not affect cocaine-prime-induced reinstatement. Both nor-BNI and JDTic decreased immobility and increased swimming time in the FST, similar to the antidepressant desipramine. Depression and stress are two states during cocaine abstinence which users identify as precipitating relapse, and JDTic may have properties which attenuate both.
Axion bremsstrahlung in red giants

We calculate the bremsstrahlung emission rate of axions from a degenerate but weakly coupled plasma, using a Debye structure factor to take account of the nuclei correlations. This result pertains to axion emission from red giants near the helium flash and thus could be used to make a previous bound precise which involves the suppression of helium ignition in red giants by axionic energy losses.
Sampling and analytical methods for assessing the levels of organic pollutants in the atmosphere: PAH, phthalates and psychotropic substances: a short review

This short review presents the procedures used to monitor PAHs, phthalates and psychotropic substances in the air, and the results of some measurements made in Italy and abroad. Organic contaminants are characterized by a variety of physical and chemical properties, including aggregation phase, concentration level, and life time. This variety widens the spectrum of procedures developed to assess their occurrence in the environment and biota, but prevents the complete speciation of the “organic fraction” of air, waters and particulates, and attention is paid to a few substances. The progress in health sciences stimulates the concern on contaminants and the development of new instrumental apparatuses and methods; new chemicals are continuously identified or recognized as capable of injuring the environment and organisms. Persistent organic pollutants and persistent biologically active toxicants are subject to regulation and extensively measured by means of standard procedures. For instance, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorobiphenyls and polychlorodibenzodioxins are recovered from air through phase partition, thermal desorption or solvent extraction, then separated and detected through GC–MS or HPLC–MS procedures. By contrast, dedicated methods must be still optimized to monitor candidates or possible candidates as emerging organic pollutants, e.g. phthalates, flame retardants and perfluoroalkanes. Also, psychotropic substances appear of potential concern. Legal and illicit substances are commonly detected in the urban air besides waste and surface waters. If nicotine, caffeine and cocaine will result to enough persistence in the air, their monitoring will become an important issue of global chemical watching in the next future.
Media Fragmentation, Attribute Agenda Setting, and Political Opinions About Iraq

This study analyzes attribute agenda setting within a fragmented media environment. We conduct a content analysis of cable news network coverage of Iraq and compare it to national survey respondents' opinions of the war. The study finds that people who watched two cable outlets felt differently than people who only watched one outlet, political leanings had inconsistent effects on the relationship between cable network exposure and political opinions, and cable network exposure predicted opinions about Iraq as well as a content-based measure. Our study suggests that attribute agenda setting operates on an individual level in a fragmented media environment.
Transfer of the gene for neomycin resistance into goldfish, Carassius auratus

Abstract A recombinant DNA construct containing the neo gene controlled by a promoter from the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) was microinjected into newly fertilized, dechorionated goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) eggs. The neo gene confers resistance to the neomycin analog drug G-418. Results of Southern blot analyses were consistent with incorporation of single or multiple copies of the gene into the genomic DNA of one examined fish. Evidence of neo mRNA in RNA dot-blot analysis indicated that the RSV promoter had initiated transcription within a piscine genome. The utility of the neo gene as a selectable marker for transgenic fish was evaluated by G-418 selection on newly hatched and juvenile fish but proved inconclusive. Reasons for the discrepancy between neo expression and G-418 selection results are discussed.
Experiments With Some Automated Methods For Reconnaissance Photo Interpreters

Several automated procedures have been developed and tested on photo interpretation students. Although these techniques are certainly more reliable and accurate than by-hand work, this was not the primary purpose behind their development. The goal, in fact, was to design photo analysis procedures which were more rapid and less subject to blunders. Two specific areas of development have been investigated. The first involves the use of the digitizer and computer for oblique mensuration work. Several self-documenting programs have been written to allow the photo interpreter to quickly and accurately determine the depression angle, then measure various kinds of images. The second kind of tool involves the use of an image analyzer in complex enumeration tasks on aerial imagery. This technology has been applied commonly in biology and elsewhere, but is not usual in the aerial photo interpretation process.
The Abyss Experience and the Trauma Complex: A Jungian Perspective of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociation

ABSTRACT This article analyzes Carl G. Jung's theory of universal archetypes and complexes in the context of understanding traumatic experiences and the development of PTSD and dissociation. First, Jung's idea of psychological complexes as emotionally formed constellations of experiences centered around a unifying theme are discussed. Second, Jung set forth eight dimensions of constellated complexes, which are reviewed and compared to the core processes of PTSD, dissociation and their associated features. Based on comparisons to Jung's model of generic complexes, it is possible to define the Trauma Complex as a set of psychological processes which are archaic and typical, i.e., “archetypal.” The Abyss Experience is discussed as the core set of fear based emotional responses inherent in traumatic experiences and integral to understanding the unconscious dynamic of traumas impact to psychological functioning, with implications for psychotherapy. The implications of the Trauma Complex are discussed as a more...
A colorimetric assay for high-throughput screening of inhibitors of herpes simplex virus type 1 alkaline nuclease.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encodes a deoxyribonuclease that is frequently referred to as alkaline nuclease (AN) because of its elevated pH optimum. Studies with recombinant viruses which contain deletions in the HSV-1 gene encoding AN have indicated that this enzyme is required for efficient virus replication and therefore represents a potential target for novel antiviral therapies. A simple colorimetric assay for deoxyribonuclease activity employing a DNA–methyl green substrate was adapted for use in a high-throughput screen to identify small molecule inhibitors of this enzyme. This screen identified 1,2-benzoisothiazolin-3-one as a specific inhibitor of AN, since it exhibited activity against AN but was completely inactive against bovine pancreatic DNaseI. Subsequent studies revealed that this compound most likely inhibited AN by forming disulfide linkages with one or more exposed cysteine residues on the surface of the enzyme and that AN was sensitive to sulfhydryl-group-modifying reagents in general. These results demonstrated the utility of this DNA–methyl green substrate-based assay in both the rapid identification and the characterization of novel small molecule inhibitors of the AN encoded by HSV-1 and other herpesviruses.
Increased nerve growth factor mRNA stability may underlie elevated nerve growth factor secretion from hypertensive vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract Altered nerve growth factor (NGF) regulation has been linked to the pathophysiology of hypertension. Vascular smooth muscle cells from an inbred hypertensive, but normoactive rat strain (WKHT) secreted NGF at a greater rate than from a hyperactive, normotensive strain (WKHA). Exposure to phorbol ester increased NGF secretion rates from WKHT by 400–800% but not from WKHA vascular muscle. NGF secretion rates from both WKHT and WKHA vascular cells were elevated by co-application of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) by 300–1000%. This response was partially attenuated by actinomycin D, an inhibitor of RNA transcription. These results suggest that regulation of NGF production does not occur solely at the level of transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms operate. Analysis of NGF mRNA stability in the two strains following PDGF and TGF-β1 treatment showed that NGF mRNA in WKHT had a half-life of 126.2±11.68 min while in WKHA vascular smooth muscle cells, the half-life was 47.33±11.98 min. In addition to increased NGF mRNA stability in WKHT vascular muscle, these cells have an increased translational efficiency of NGF protein; elevated synthesis of NGF protein per unit NGF mRNA. Differences in signaling pathways may result in increased NGF mRNA stability and translational efficiency that may account for the elevated NGF protein in WKHT vascular smooth muscle cells.
Biological basis of sex differences in drug abuse: preclinical and clinical studies.

The recent focus on drug abuse in women has brought attention to numerous differences between women and men. In this review, we discuss both preclinical and clinical findings of sex differences in drug abuse as well as mechanisms that may underlie these differences. Recent evidence suggests that the progression to dependence and abuse may differ between women and men; thus, different prevention and treatment strategies may be required. Similar sex differences in drug sensitivity and self-administration have been reported in laboratory animal studies. Females appear to be more vulnerable than males to the reinforcing effects of psychostimulants, opiates, and nicotine during many phases of the addiction process (e.g. acquisition, maintenance, dysregulation-escalation, relapse). Male and female animals differ in their behavioral, neurological, and pharmacological responses to drugs. Although the role of sex in the mechanisms of drug action remains unclear, preclinical and clinical studies indicate that ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen, play a role in producing sex differences in drug abuse. Future research is necessary to provide information on how to design more effective drug abuse treatment programs and resources that are sex specific.
Realizing Terawatt-Scale Solar Electricity: Nanotechnology-Enabled Physical Mechanisms and Material Properties

In this article, we briefly review the importance of efficiency for PVs, the thermodynamic efficiency limits, and implications for PVs. Also, we have reviewed how nanostructures can improve existing devices and theoretically allow devices near the thermodynamic limits.
Allusion et légitimité dans Raoul de Cambrai

The late twelfth-century epic Raoul de Cambrai forges a relationship with some version of the Chanson de Roland and criticism seems to privilege the rapport between Raoul and Roland. Nevertheless, allusions to Roland in the first part of Raoul de Cambrai are fraught with misrepresentations of Roland’s legend and misappropriations of the Chanson de Roland. This article argues that the nexus of legitimacy and illegitimacy, which is prevalent in studies of Raoul de Cambrai, functions as a rejection of the absolute values and paradigms characteristic of the Chanson de Roland. Ultimately, this study posits that Raoul de Cambrai contributes to the supremacy of the Roland story which it then undermines in order to highlight its own illegitimacy and even failure in this narrative tradition. By fashioning itself as imperfect, incomplete, and inauthentic in relation to the legend of Roland, Raoul de Cambrai exposes its own short-comings as well as those of its era. References to Roland also recall the height of the Carolingian empire, which stands in contrast to the allegedly illegitimate Capetian monarchy in power during the composition of Raoul de Cambrai. The appropriation of the Roland legend, then, functions as a metaphor by which the poet of Raoul de Cambrai comments on the illegitimacy of the Capetians in relation to the Carolingians.
A characterization of Azumaya algebras

Abstract Let R be a commutative ring with identity 1, and A a finitely generated R -algebra. It is shown that A is an Azumaya R -algebra if and only if every stalk of the Pierce sheaf induced by A is an Azumaya algebra.
Projection to the spinal cord from the medial and descending vestibular nuclei of the cat.

THE principal projection from the vestibular nuclei to the spinal cord of the cat is the vestibulospinal tract, which originates in Deiters's nucleus1, but fibres from the vestibular nuclei also reach the cord through the descending medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF). There is uncertainty concerning the origin of this bundle: some authors have suggested that some of its fibres originate in the medial and descending nuclei1, while others believe that the descending nucleus does not contribute to this projection2. Many descending MLF fibres may be branches of dichotomizing axons, the other branch of which enters the ascending MLF1. The descending MLF fibres terminate in parts of lamina VII and lamina VIII of the spinal cord2, but their exact connexions and function are not known; impulses in the descending MLF may produce depolarization of primary afferent terminals, perhaps by relays through propriospinal pathways3.
Do Not Put Off the Writing ... Unpublished Work Effectively Does Not Exist

In this interview, Professor Clem W. Imrie shares with Pancreatology his life experience as a surgeon and scientist in pancreatic research. He is a world-recognized pancreatologist for his contribution to the understanding of pancreatic diseases; his work on the characterization of pathogenesis as well as the treatment of pancreatitis has been seminal.