cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): The Need for Accessible Data in Real Time

Many new treatments for cancer have been developed based on successful anecdotes, single-institution retrospective studies, and small, poorly powered and controlled randomized trials, especially in the surgical world, in which completion of randomized trials has been challenging. Although these treatments have sometimes cured patients who had no hope, and prolonged high-quality survival for patients sentenced to weeks of life, they often are applied beyond their initial indications as physicians strive to offer hope to desperate patients. In these cases of novel, controversial, or ‘‘off-label’’ treatments, it is imperative that we record and maintain accurate data. To date, many investigators have relied on data managers, who are not well trained to record data, which may not be accurate in a semi-prospective format. Years may pass before these data are analyzed and the results written and published. More years may elapse before the results are digested by the medical community, and even more years may be required for practice to change. In the end, we still may make the wrong decisions because the data may not be presented completely, or we may doubt the validity of outdated information.
The impact of particle size on the adsorption of citrate to hematite

We investigated the adsorption of citric acid on the surface of two different sized hematite nanoparticles using batch adsorption experiments, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, surface complexation modeling and computational molecular modeling. Citrate adsorption reached a maximum between pH approximately 2.5 and 5.5 and declined as the pH was increased or decreased from that range. At high surface loading conditions, the dominant adsorbed citrate structure was outer-sphere in nature with a protonation state that varied with pH. At low pH, there was also evidence of an inner-sphere complex consistent with a binuclear, bidentate structure where the hydroxyl group was deprotonated and played an active role in the adsorption. An inner-sphere complex was also detected at low citrate surface loading conditions. Surface-area normalized surface coverages were similar for both sizes of hematite, however, the inner sphere complex appeared to be slightly more prevalent on the smaller hematite. Based on these structures, a triple layer surface complexation model comprised of two outer-sphere complexes and one inner-sphere complex was used to describe the adsorption data for both hematite sizes across a range of solution conditions with a single set of surface area dependent equilibrium constants.
Nuclear Genes Causing Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy

The heart is one of the major energy-consuming organs. Consequently, cardiac muscle dysfunction is a common but underrecognized feature of mitochondrial disease. Patients with mitochondrial disease and cardiac involvement have higher morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and prompt treatment of cardiac symptoms can significantly impact recovery and limit disease progression. Mutations in the X-linked gene TAZ cause Barth syndrome, a disorder characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, growth retardation, and 3-methlyglutaconic aciduria. An undulating cardiac phenotype is common in many mitochondrial cardiomyopathies including Barth syndrome, with phenotypes alternating between hypertrophic and dilated forms. Left ventricular noncompaction, a developmental arrest of the myocardium, may be seen in isolation or in combination with other cardiomyopathy phenotypes. Four additional nuclear genes known to cause mitochondrial cardiomyopathy by disparate mechanisms are SLC25A3, SURF1, SCO2, and TMEM70. In addition, secondary cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction is a common finding in patients with end-stage heart failure, aging, ischemia, and diabetes. Consequently, there is substantial interest in the identification of therapy for both primary and secondary cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction.
Development of II-VI high band gap devices for high efficiency tandem solar cells

Simulations indicate that efficiencies of 25-30% are attainable in 4-terminal, compound semiconductor thin film devices. CIGS can serve as the bottom cell, but a high band gap, transparent top cell with greater than 17% efficiency is needed. CdSe with an Eg of 1.7 eV and Cd/sub x/Zn/sub 1-x/Te (CZT) that can also be tuned to this range show high potential for this role. Using MIS structures we have demonstrated the attainment of high electronic quality CdSe. External Jsc's of 14.7 mA/cm/sup 2/ have been attained without correction for substantial losses in the Cu contact. Similar progress has been made with CZT. High quality, single phase material has been demonstrated.
Petri nets and heuristic search for periodic scheduling

A method that uses a Petri net formulation and heuristic search is developed to handle periodic scheduling. This is an extension of a previous method for nonperiodic scheduling and treats both nonperiodic and periodic scheduling of flexible manufacturing systems with the same formulation. Periodic scheduling uses a more complex algorithm at the solution stage, which maintains the firing count vector for each marking and checks it against the T-invariant. >
ICT-Enabled Self-Management of Chronic Diseases: Literature Review and Analysis Using Value-Sensitive Design

Increasing number of older population and patients with chronic diseases, demand a new healthcare model in which patients take more responsibility in their disease management and actively collaborate with their health professionals, known as self-management (SM). SM is defined as a patient's ability to manage the symptoms, treatment, physical and psychosocial consequences, and life style changes that are germane to living with a chronic disease. The use of ICTenabled SM systems have shown promising benefits for the patients with chronic diseases. However it is not clear in the literature if the human values important to the patients are implicated in the SM systems. In this paper, building on Value-Sensitive Design (VSD) perspective and Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT), we have conducted a literature review and analysis to uncover SM human values, to explicate the extent to which those values are implicated in the SM systems, and to illustrate the ways values can be supported in the SM systems.
Soils and the Quaternary climate system

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the complexity of extracting paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic information from preserved soils and discusses examples that show how soil is related to climate and, in turn, the types of climate change information that can be derived from soil studies. Because of the pedogenic processes that attempt to equilibrate with earth-surface variables, soils can be more stable than rocks at the surface. Evidence of soil stabilizing the landscape is seen in humid river valleys and in broad interfluvial landscapes. The examples discussed in the chapter demonstrate how field research supported by improved analytical techniques is critical for advancing the understanding of Quaternary landscapes. Process models describing soil development are useful for portraying the interactions of complex variables as soils evolve toward steady states. Climate modeling is an iterative process in which the terrestrial impacts of dust production, albedo, and soil moisture on climate must be assessed, along with the terrestrial impacts of climate variation on soils.
In Situ Studies of Iron under Pressure: New Windows on the Earth's Core

Experiments on iron with recently developed high-pressure techniques are providing new insights into the nature of the Earth's core. In situ high P-T synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies to above 160 GPa and 3000 K with double-sided, laser-heated diamond-anvil cells demonstrate that the hexagonal closed packed phase (ϵ-Fe) has a wide stability field extending from deep mantle to core conditions. Direct measurements of the melting line of ϵ-Fe to above 100 GPa with these techniques provide constraints on the temperature and density at the inner core boundary. Radial x-ray diffraction measurements carried out at room temperature to 220 GPa have constrained the elasticity, rheology, and acoustic velocities of ϵ-Fe at core pressures. Vibrational properties providing information on thermodynamic and elastic parameters have been measured to above 150 GPa using both synchrotron x-ray and laser Raman spectroscopies. X-ray diffraction studies of liquid iron reveal changes in short-range structure as functions of ...
P300 in clinical applications : meaning, method and measurement

ABSTRACT.The P300 (P3) event-related brain potential (ERP) is sensitive to the cognitive changes resulting from normal aging and the mental decline associated with dementia and other cognitive disorders. The relationship between the P3 ERP and the cognitive dysfunction found in dementing illness is reviewed to provide context for discussion of the theoretical meaning, appropriate methods, and measurement of the P3 component in clinical populations. The utility of the P3 with respect to extraneous factors that can contribute to its normal variability also is examined. It is concluded that the P3 ERP can provide useful information about cognitive function in a clinical setting, but that task and biological factors must be considered in order to obtain more precise and interpretable results.
1714 EFFECT OF THEOPHYLLINE ON THE CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW RESPONSE TO HYPOCAPNIA IN NEWBORN PIGLETS

Cerebral hypocapnic vasoconstriction is limited such that CBF no longer decreases when PaCO2 falls below 20-25 torr, presumably because tissue hypoxia resulting from hypoperfusion counteracts the CO2 induced vasoconstriction. This study examines the effect of theophylline (T), an adenosine receptor antagonist, on the CBF response to hypocapnia in newborn piglets. Twelve piglets (2-5) days, ventilated under 30% N2O anesthesia, were divided into two groups; one received T, 10 me/kg i.v. (n=5) while controls received saline (n=7). CBF (microspheres), blood gases, pH, and blood pressure were measured during baseline (PaCO2=40) and following sequential hyperventilation for 10 min, to PaCO2's of 31 (HV1), 23 (HV2), and 14 torr (HV3). In control pigs, CBF decreased from baseline (55±7) to 47±6 and 38±5 ml/min/100g during HV1 and HV2 with no further decrease at HV3, 38±5 ml/min/100g (mean±SEM). In T pigs, CBF decreased from 54±4 to 41±5 and 36±5 during HV1 and HV2 and decreased further to 28±4 ml/min/100g during HV3, p <0.01. T enhanced vasoconstriction at low PaCO2 in all brain regions. Additional studies in 6 piglets (α-chloralose), with a cranial window implanted over the left parietal lobe, examined the response of pial vessels to topical adenosine before and after T. Adenosine (10−5 M) caused 31% increase in pial vessel caliber, 151±21 μm (12 vessels) to 199±26 μm. T caused pial vasoconstriction (135±18 μm) but had no effect on adenosine-induced vasodilation (176±20 μn, 30%). These data show that T enhanced hypocapnic vasoconstriction at doses where cerebral vessel response to adenosine was not inhibited, suggesting that T acts by a mechanism other than adenosine receptor inhibition.
Successful implementation of TPS in a manufacturing setting: a case study

Presents an application of the Toyota Production System (TPS) in a manufacturing environment. By means of a case study, discusses the most important elements of TPS, the strategies used by the company for implementing TPS, and the significant benefits that were accrued in manufacturing operations and total inventory values. Obtains data through interviews, questionnaire survey and archival sources.
Project team organization and its application to crisis intervention.

A team approach to the treatment of clients in a state of crisis is described. The team consists of mental health specialists selected on the basis of expertise in performing tasks required by a particular client. The team leader is designated based on skill in establishing effective client rapport. The leader manages the team activities, expanding or contracting the team membership according to the needs of the client. The leader represents the team in its interface with the sponsoring service and is accountable to the service for completion of task assignments. The team model is applicable to various health care systems and provides a mechanism for the training of mental health professionals.
Chemical composition of ice containing tephra layers in the Byrd Station ice core, Antarctica

The chemical composition of ice containing tephra (volcanic ash) layers in 22 sections of the Byrd Station ice core was examined to determine if the volcanic eruptions affected the chemical composition of the atmosphere and precipitation in the vicinity of Byrd Station. The liquid conductivity, acidity, sulfate, nitrate, aluminum, and sodium concentrations of ice samples deposited before, during, and after the deposition of the tephra layers were analyzed. Ice samples that contain tephra layers have, on average, about two times more sulfate and three to four times more aluminum than nonvolcanic ice samples. The acidity of ice samples associated with tephra layers is lowered by hydrolysis of silicate glass and minerals. Average nitrate, sodium, and conductivity are the same in all samples. Because much of the sulfur and chlorine originally associated with these eruptions may have been scavenged by ash particles, the atmospheric residence time of these volatiles would have been minimized. Therefore the eruptions probably had only a small effect on the composition of the Antarctic atmosphere and a negligible effect on local or global climate.
Open Surgical Treatment for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia in the Endovascular Era: When It is Necessary and What is the Preferred Technique?

Treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia has evolved during the last 2 decades. Endovascular treatment has first emerged as an alternative to bypass in the elderly or higher-risk patient, but has become the primary modality of treatment in most patients with suitable lesions, independent of their surgical risk. Open mesenteric revascularization with bypass or (rarely) endarterectomy still has an important role in the treatment of patients with more extensive disease, including long-segment or flush occlusions, small vessel size, multiple tandem lesions, and severe calcification. Our preference for open reconstruction in good-risk patients with multivessel disease is a supraceliac aorta to celiac and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) bypass, whereas an iliac artery to SMA bypass or, occasionally, an infrarenal aortic to SMA bypass is used in the higher-risk group. In this article, we summarize the selection criteria, techniques, and outcomes of open mesenteric reconstruction in the endovascular era.
The CAFTA Conflict and Costa Rica's Democracy: Assessing the 2007 Referendum

The process of ratifying CAFTA in Costa Rica required traversing a contentious political landscape involving intense legislative battles, massive public demonstrations, and finally a national referendum in October 2007. By employing the mechanism of direct democracy to ratify a free trade agreement, Costa Rica made history. But how did this experiment with direct participation affect Costa Rica's democracy? This article evaluates what the referendum achieved in terms of promoting citizen engagement, equipping voters to make informed choices, resolving the CAFTA conflict in a way viewed as legitimate, and shaping citizens' relationships to representative institutions. While the referendum had positive effects, it had several negative consequences for representative democracy, which raises questions about the limits of democratic control over economic policy in the era of globalization.
Frequency Dependence of Miller's Rule for Nonlinear Susceptibilities

The frequency dependence of Miller's phenomenological relation is examined. Recent measurements of harmonic generation in semiconductors suggest that Miller's coefficient $\ensuremath{\delta}$ may be more nearly frequency independent than had been expected, and therefore the anharmonic oscillator, a model for which $\ensuremath{\delta}$ is known to be independent of frequency, is considered. It is shown that if the anharmonic potential is identified with the average antisymmetric potential of Phillips's theory of covalent bonding, values for the nonlinear susceptibilities of semiconductors at low frequencies are obtained which are in excellent agreement with experiment. When more realistic models of the dispersion of the nonlinearity are examined, it is found that for these models $\ensuremath{\delta}$ is nonsingular despite singularities in both the linear and nonlinear susceptibilities.
A convenient operational equivalent to the fowler photothreshold plot

Abstract A simple universal curve which is operationally equivalent to the Fowler universal photo-emission curve is presented which predicts the difference between the true photothreshold and the “apparent” photothreshold, ιa, defined by the intercept of a plot of R 1 2 versus hv on the hv axis or qφ a  hv − 2[ d In R d hv] −1 , where R is the photoresponse per absorbed photon of energy hv. This difference arises because of thermal effects which are customarily ignored when the Fowler theory is applied to metal-semiconductor (Schottky barrier) contacts, and may be significant in many practical situations. The analysis also shows that no information about the true photo-threshold is obtained if hv − qφa ≈ 2kT.
Characteristics of reduced fat milks as influenced by the incorporation of folic acid.

Folic acid plays an important role in the prevention of neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida and anencephaly), heart defects, facial clefts, urinary abnormalities, and limb deficiencies. Milk and milk products serve as a potential source for folic acid fortification because of the presence of folate-binding proteins that seem to be involved in folate bioavailability. Although milk is not a good source of folic acid, fortification could help in the prevention of the above-mentioned defects. The objective of this study was to examine the physicochemical characteristics of reduced fat milks fortified with folic acid. Reduced fat milks were prepared using 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the recommended dietary allowance of 400 μg of folic acid. Treatments included addition of folic acid at these levels before and after pasteurization. Color, pH, fat, protein, viscosity, folic acid concentration, folate-binding protein concentration, folate-binding protein profile, standard plate count, and coliform counts were determined on d 1, 7, 14, and 21. A consumer acceptability test was conducted on d 7. Data from the consumer panel were analyzed using ANOVA (PROC GLM) with means separation to determine the differences among treatments. Data obtained from the color, pH, fat, protein, viscosity, folic acid concentration, folate-binding protein concentration, standard plate count, and coliform counts were analyzed using the GLM with a repeated measure in time. Significant differences were determined at P < 0.05 using Tukey's Studentized Range Test. There were no differences in the electrophoretic mobility of folate-binding protein in the samples. The concentration of folic acid was significantly higher in reduced fat milks fortified with folic acid after pasteurization compared with the treatments in which folic acid was added before pasteurization. The consumer panelists did not find any significant differences in flavor, appearance, or texture of folic acid fortified reduced fat milks compared with that of the control. Fortification of reduced fat milks with folic acid can be accomplished without adversely affecting the product characteristics.
Modeling the Fracture of a Sandwich Structure due to Cavitation in a Ductile Adhesive Layer

The strength and durability of adhesively bonded sandwich structures often depend on the mechanisms of fracture, which in turn depend on the properties of the adhesive and the microstructures of the interface, When the thin adhesive layer is ductile, cavitation either within the layer or along the interface is often the dominant failure mechanism. In the present paper, fracture due to cavity growth in a thin ductile layer is analyzed. A new method utilizing fluid mechanics solutions is developed. Solutions of fluid flow field are used to approximate the plastic deformation field in the corresponding solid body with a cavity. The equilibrium condition is satisfied by using the principle of virtual work rate. Stress-separation curves due to cavitation in the thin layer can thus be obtained. The method is validated by reevaluating the one-dimensional problem of cavity growth in a sphere-a problem for which an exact, analytical solution exists. A two-dimensional plane strain cavitation problem is analyzed using the new method. The stress-separation curves and the fracture resistance due to this mechanism are obtained. The results show that both the stress-separation curves and the fracture resistance are sensitive to the strain-hardening exponent and the initial void size, but not the yield strength of the material. The new method has clear advantages over numerical methods, such as the finite element method, when parametric studies are performed.
The composition of eta carbide in hastelloy N after aging 10,000 h at 815°C

The composition of the eta carbide in Hastelloy N containing 0.7 wt pct silicon in the alloy, approaches Mi2C, rather than M6C as indicated in the alloy literature. The silicon content of the eta phase in this case was ~25 at. pct, much higher than has been observed in less highly alloyed material. The data do not permit a definition of the limiting compositions of the phases.
General and Discipline Specific Strategies and Adolescents Who Struggle: What Can an SLP Do?

Students who lack proficiency with general literacy skills and strategies will be doubly challenged to successfully acquire discipline-specific skills and strategies necessary for success in rigoro...
Anisotropic Superfluidity in a Dipolar Bose Gas

We study the superfluid character of a dipolar Bose-Einstein condensate (DBEC) in a quasi-two dimensional geometry. We consider the dipole polarization to have some nonzero projection into the plane of the condensate so that the effective interaction is anisotropic in this plane, yielding an anisotropic dispersion relation. By performing direct numerical simulations of a probe moving through the DBEC, we observe the sudden onset of drag or creation of vortex-antivortex pairs at critical velocities that depend strongly on the direction of the probe's motion. This anisotropy emerges because of the anisotropic manifestation of a rotonlike mode in the system.
Theory of percolative conduction in polycrystalline high-temperature superconductors

Conduction in bulk polycrystalline high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors with relatively high critical currents has been shown to be percolative. This phenomenon is due to weak links at grain boundaries. These weak links are the major limiting factor for technological applications that require high-current densities. We formulate a model of these materials that can be reduced to a nonlinear resistor network. The model is solved by analytical approximations and a new numerical technique. The numerical technique is variational, which makes it capable of solving a wide variety of nonlinear problems. The results show that the presence of a distribution of critical currents in the sample does not erase all information about the dissipative electrical properties of individual boundaries. This means that an unambiguous connection can be made between the $I\ensuremath{-}V$ characteristics at the microscopic level and the macroscopic electrical properties.
Uplift and extension at the Gulf of Suez: indications of induced mantle convection

Reconstruction of tectonic movements since the initiation of the Gulf of Suez rift indicates that there has been 25–27 km of extension. The uplift bordering rift indicates that lithosphere heating greatly exceeds that producible by uniform lithosphere extension. I propose that small-scale convection induced by the rifting augments the heating introduced by extensional rifting and produces the broad uplifts flanking the rift.
Is the Beijing strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with cavitary lung disease

We conducted a cross-sectional study to describe clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without evidence of pulmonary cavitation on chest radiography and assess whether cavitation is associated with infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strain. Cases were selected from the Tuberculosis Registry (January 1, 2008-November 1, 2011) of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Molecular characterization was performed by spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR. We analyzed 975 cases, where 144 (14.8%) were infected with the Beijing strain. Cavitation was not associated with disease caused by the Beijing strain. Alcohol use (OR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.249-2.313) was associated with increased risk of cavitation in the unadjusted analyses. Multivariable analyses showed that older age (⩾ 65 years) (OR = 0.5; 95%CI: 0.233-0.871), Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.312-0.962), and co-infection with HIV (OR = 0.1; 95%CI: 0.068-0.295) demonstrated protective effects to cavitation. Understanding the factors associated with cavitation among pulmonary cases is essential toward improved tuberculosis management and control.
A Systematic Economic Approach to Evaluating Public Investment in Observations for Weather Forecasting

Abstract Observations of the current state of the atmosphere are a major input to production of modern weather forecasts. As a result, investments in observations are a major component of public expenditures related to weather forecasting. Consequently, from both a meteorological and societal perspective, it is desirable to select an appropriate level of public investment in observations. Although the meteorological community has discussed optimal investment in observations for more than three decades, it still lacks a practical, systematic framework for analyzing this issue. This paper presents the basic elements of such a framework, using an economic approach. The framework is then demonstrated using an example for radiosonde observations and numerical weather forecasts. In presenting and demonstrating the framework, the paper also identifies gaps in existing knowledge that must be addressed before a more complete economic evaluation of investment in observations can be implemented.
Effects of hypertension on cardiac performance in rats with myocardial infarction.

Abstract To determine the effects of hypertension and myocardial infarction on cardiac performance, hemodynamic studies were performed on etheranesthetized, female spontaneously hypertensive rats and on two strains of normotensive rats, Wistar-Kyoto and American Wistar, 26 days after coronary arterial ligation. Baseline measurements of ventricular and arterial pressures and cardiac output (electromagnetic flowmeter) were obtained. Peak cardiac pumping and pressure-generating capacities were determined during a volume load and aortic occlusion, respectively. Infarct size was determined by planimetry. There was a progressive reduction in mean arterial pressure in relation to infarct size in both hypertensive and normotensive rats, but this reduction was twice as great in spontaneously hypertensive rats as in the normotensive rats, such that the arterial pressure of hypertensive rats with a moderate or large infarction decreased to within the “normotensive range.” However, spontaneously hypertensive rats still maintained significantly higher arterial pressures than did normotensive rats at comparable infarct sizes. There was also a progressive reduction in the peak pressure developed during an afterload stress, and this reduction was greater in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats with a large infarct. Maximal flow-generating capacity was similarly altered in rats with infarction: Peak stroke volume index varied inversely with infarct size and the reduction in this index was significantly greater in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats with a large infarct. Moreover, peak stroke work index was reduced to a greater extent in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in both normotensive strains of rats at any infarct size. Thus, after myocardial infarction, greater reductions in both pressure and flow-generating capacities occurred in hypertensive rats than in normotensive rats.
Blood substitutes in the Soviet Union. A review.

Soviet researchers have developed a wide variety of blood substitutes to serve the purposes of shock treatment, detoxification and parenteral feeding. Polyglucine deserves special attention, because its effectiveness for shock and acute blood loss exceeds that of all other blood substitutes. Polyvinylpyrrolidone of low molecular weight is one of the better preparations possessing detoxifying properties, especially in burns and radiation sickness. For parenteral feeding, Hydrolysin L-103, Amino-peptide and Casein Protein Hydrolysate are used with considerable success. Fibrinolytic blood from cadavers has proved useful and reliable, but is limited to hospitals with a high number of sudden death cases being received shortly after demise.
Kinetics of 2 Genetically Distinct Pneumocystis carinii Populations in Rat Colonies

SUMMARY The natural history of prototype and variant Pneumocystis Corinii populations in several colonies of rats were monitored over time periods ranging from 1 to 4 yean. Karyotypic profiles of organism populations from individual rats were evaluated for the proportion of prototype: variant P. carinii and the number of animals harboring co-infections were enumerated. Throughout the observation periods: (1) each P. carinii population retained its distinctive karyotype; (2) the proportions of prototype:variant within the lungs fluctuated; and (3) the number of rats co-infected within a colony varied. These surveys suggest a competition between 2 similarly adapted populations.
How Watershed Immigration Policies Affect American Public Opinion Over a Lifetime

Important political events are known to influence political socialization and development (Green, Palmquist, and Schickler ). It is also possible that such events impact political socialization within particular age cohorts, and also across important social groups who may be impacted differently by landmark events. This paper examines whether landmark immigration events can leave a permanent mark on an individual's views toward immigrants and immigration, and whether that impact varies across different ethnic/racial groups in the United States Specifically, we examine the cohort of individuals who were in their formative years during the passage of major US immigration bills that were proposed or enacted from 1965 to 2010. Altogether, we focus on four pieces of landmark immigration legislation. The findings reveal variations on the effect of these events depending on the group in question; a relationship also emerges between these landmark legislative events and attitudes on immigration policies. The analysis contributes to an ongoing debate regarding the ways in which political elites influence attitudes, and we discuss how the findings may apply to other contexts outside the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Cyclodiene insecticides inhibit GABAA receptor-regulated chloride transport

The function of GABAA receptors in rat brain was assayed by GABA stimulation of 36Cl-influx into membrane microsacs. The evidence that the measured flux resulted from GABAA receptor activation was supported by the higher potency of muscimol than of GABA in inducing 36Cl-influx with Hill coefficients of 1.71 and 1.87, respectively, suggesting that two agonist molecules were binding to each receptor. Also, the GABA-induced 36Cl-influx was inhibited by the convulsants picrotoxinin and t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS), and the competitive inhibitor (+)-bicuculline was more potent than (-)-bicuculline in inhibiting this 36Cl-influx. Furthermore, preincubation of the membranes with pentobarbital or diazepam increased the GABAA receptor's affinity for GABA as judged by the increased 36Cl-influx induced by the same GABA concentration without increasing maximal 36Cl-influx. The GABAA receptor was desensitized as shown by the dose-dependent reduction in GABA-induced 36Cl-influx that resulted from preincubation of the membranes with GABA. Seven cyclodienes inhibited the GABA-induced 36Cl-influx, with endosulfan I and endrin being more potent than their less toxic isomers endosulfan II and dieldrin, and the epoxides of heptachlor and aldrin (i.e., dieldrin) were more potent than their less toxic parent compounds. There was good correlation (r = 0.9) between inhibition of [35S]TBPS binding to rat brain membranes by these cyclodienes and their inhibition of GABA-induced 36Cl-influx.
Zebrafish neural induction and patterning.

Formation of a functional nervous system requires that distinct types of cells develop at quite precise times and places. A goal of developmental neurobiologists is to understand the nature of the patterning mechanisms that specify neural cells for particular fates. In recent years, zebrafish has emerged as new model system for investigating vertebrate neural development, offering a unique combination of genetic, cellular, and molecular tools. Studies using zebrafish provide important new insights concerning the source and nature of molecular signals that induce and pattern the central nervous system. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relativistic equations of balance in continuum mechanics

In this paper we formulate the global expression of balance of energy starting from the relativistic definition of force, mechanical work, heat supply, and kinetic energy. We then prove that invariance under Lorentz transformation leads to the local expression for balance of momentum and to the equation of decomposition of the energy-momentum tensor.
Analyzing Cost Differences in Life Insurance

Several indexes for comparing the cost of life insurance policies are currently available. A variety of criticisms of these indexes has been offered. This paper identifies an additional problem: consumers may lack confidence in index values because they do not reconcile with data about company performance (e.g., lapse ratios, returns on invested assets). Analysis results suggest that policy costs are as much a function of actuarial manipulation for marketing advantage as of commonly cited textbook factors (mortality, interest, expenses) and competitive factors (lapse ratio, average policy size).
Integrating Social Media in Education

In their article "Integrating Social Media in Education" Hadewijch Vanwynsberghe and Pieter Verdegem propose a framework in order to integrate social media literacy in an educational setting. In today's networked society students are new media users and hence the relevance in curricula to include social media literacy. Vanwynsberghe and Verdegem propose a multidimensional conceptual framework of social media literacy that includes the practical, cognitive, and affective competencies needed to deal with information of social media, to communicate with others through social media, to create content on social media, and to handle the consequences related to these three activities. On the theoretical level, the construction of social media literacy including its link with the educational system is based on the notion of cultural capital developed by Pierre Bourdieu.
New Hybrid Interpolation Method for Motion Transfer in Fluid-Structure Interactions

Introduction I N computational aeroelastic analyses by loosely coupled approaches, efficient and accurate interpolation is essential to transfer structural deformation to aerodynamic grid points due to the intrinsically different resolution in fluid and structural grids. The numerous interpolation methods used in motion transfer can be categorized into two groups: surface spline and tracking methods. The surface spline methods solve a linear equation consisting of radial basis functions to obtain a globally representative surface. For example, these methods employ infinite plate spline1 (IPS), thin plate spline2 (TPS), and multiquadrics3 (MQ). IPS is widely used because of its simplicity and smoothness. The system matrices from these methods are prone to becoming ill conditioned when used with unstructured grids and large numbers of nodes. A subdomaining approach has been applied to TPS and MQ to reduce this instability.4 The tracking methods use the natural coordinates of fluid nodes projected to nearest structural elements. The accuracy of these methods is low at highly curved geometries. Several algorithms such as quadratic interpolation, initial distance vectors, and rotated distance vectors with point normals have been suggested to increase accuracy.5 In this study, a new hybrid interpolation method, referred to as curvature gradient index local fitting (CILF), is suggested. CILF uses a surface spline method at local geometries having high curvature gradient and a tracking method at the remaining geometries. Analytical test cases and motion transfer of an AGARD 445.6 wing6 are implemented to show efficiency, accuracy, and smoothness of the suggested method in comparison with other interpolation methods.
Ononitol and pinitol production in transgenic soybean containing the inositol methyl transferase gene from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Abstract Although cyclitols are a major portion of carbohydrates in plants, surprisingly little is known about their metabolism. In the halophytic iceplant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), ononitol is produced through the action of inositol methyl transferase (IMT), which transfers the methyl group from S-adenosyl- l -methionine to myo-inositol. Through an epimerase reaction, ononitol is then converted to pinitol. In an attempt to modify and study cyclitol production in a pinitol-producing glycophytic plant, an imt gene from M. crystallinum was introduced into soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. ‘Jack’) embryogenic tissue using particle bombardment. Southern and northern hybridization analyses showed that all of the transgenic clones contained a low copy number of the introduced plasmid DNA and imt mRNA was present. In transgenic embryogenic soybean tissues, ononitol levels were increased 10–80-fold compared to non-transgenic tissues. Pinitol was first produced late in somatic embryo development in both transgenic and non-transformed tissues, indicating that the epimerase responsible for the conversion of ononitol to pinitol was developmentally regulated. The increase in ononitol levels in transgenic developing embryos led to 2–6-fold higher pinitol levels in transgenic embryos compared to non-transformed tissues. In leaves from mature plants, however, pinitol levels were not significantly different bewteen imt-containing and non-transformed tissues.
A plasmid construct encoding murine interferon beta antagonizes the replication of herpes simplex virus type I in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract In the present study, we employed a plasmid DNA encoding murine interferon (IFN)-β to assess its antiviral efficacy in an in vitro transfection–infection assay and in an ocular HSV-1 infection model of mice. In the in vitro assay, transfection of mouse fibroblasts with the IFN-β transgene resulted in a 17-fold or greater reduction in the viral load of HSV-1 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1 compared to that of those mice treated with the plasmid control. RT-PCR analysis of representative immediate early (ICP27), early (thymidine kinase, TK) and late (VP16) viral genes found no changes in the level of expression comparing the IFN-β transgene- to the vector-treated control group, suggesting that the IFN-β transgene may act at the post-transcriptional level of viral replication. In the ocular HSV-1 infection model, topical application of the plasmid DNA encoding murine IFN-β onto mouse cornea enhanced cumulative survival and significantly reduced the viral load of HSV-1 in the eyes and trigeminal ganglia of mice at both day 3 and 6 post-infection compared with mice treated with the plasmid vector control or normal saline. Neutralizing antibody to IFN-β blocked the protective effect elicited by the IFN-β transgene. Unlike the in vitro experiment, viral gene expression was reduced in the trigeminal ganglion of mice pre-treated 24 h with the IFN-β transgene day 3 (ICP27 and VP16) and day 6 (ICP27, TK, DNA polymerase, and VP16) post-infection in comparison to mice treated with the plasmid vector control as determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.
On the life and work of Cyrus Derman

This article provides a brief biographical synopsis of the life of Cyrus Derman and a comprehensive summary of his research. Professor Cyrus Derman was known among his friends as Cy.
Measurement of MPD thruster erosion using surface layer activation

An in-situ method for measuring MPD thruster component erosion has been developed and tested on two multimegawatt thruster configurations. The technique involves activation of selected areas on the components to be studied by precisely controlled high-energy ion beam bombardment. Monitoring the decrease in activity during thruster operation provides a precise, quantitative measure of the amount of material removed from the surface. In preliminary tests, erosion of the tungsten cathode occurred at all operating conditions, but a number of factors contributed to the lack of detectable erosion of the copper anode or the boron nitride insulator. These results indicate that cathode erosion is linearly related to the total charge transfer, but scatter in the individual test sequence erosion rate data prevents a more definitive conclusion. Nevertheless, a comparison of erosion data obtained at two different pulse lengths indicates that cathode material loss is generally independent of the number of pulse cycles. Work is continuing in a broad effort to refine the surface layer activation technique and to obtain a data base for additional thrusters.
Protective overcoatings on thin-film titanium targets for neutron generators

Abstract We have developed a thin-film coating for neutron generator targets that can be loaded with deuterium or tritium at low temperatures (100 °C), and at gas/Ti ratios greater than 1.7. The key to this improvement is the addition of a thin palladium overcoat at the end of the titanium deposition. This overcoat prevents the oxidation of the titanium film, yet still allows loading to take place at low temperatures. A palladium overcoat of just 50–100 A is sufficient to protect the titanium, while presenting a minimal energy loss to incident ions. We have just begun producing targets using this method, and see the possibility of substantial improvement in neutron generator efficiencies.
Sequence arrangement of tRNA genes on a fragment of drosophila melanogaster DNA cloned in E. coli

Abstract A plasmid with the vector Col E1 attached to an insert of Drosophila melanogaster DNA carrying four tRNA genes has been cloned in E. coli. Some features of the sequence arrangement and the positions of the tRNA genes have been determined by electron microscopic methods and by restriction endonuclease mapping. tRNA genes were mapped at 1.4, 4.7, 5.9 and 8.6 kb from one of the Drosophila/Col E1 junctions in the Drosophila insert of total length 9.34 kb. There are several secondary structure features consisting of inverted repeat sequences of length about 70–100 nucleotide pairs, some with and some without intervening loops, irregularly distributed on the insert. Cross-hybridization of tRNAs isolated by hybridization to separated restriction fragments indicate that the tRNA genes at 4.7, 5.9 and 8.6 kb are identical and differ from the one at 1.4 kb. Thus the positions of the genes, of the secondary structure features and of the restriction endonuclease sites all indicate that the spacers between the genes are not identical tandem repeats. In situ hybridization with cRNA transcribed from the plasmid showed localization at region 42A of chromosome 2R.
MEMS control moment gyroscope design and wafer-based spacecraft chassis study

Satellites based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology and tailored to low-cost space missions are investigated to determine their characteristics and feasibility. This work explores an alternative chassis formed from a stack of microfabricated silicon wafers. The outer layers contain optical sensing, micropropulsion and power generation systems whereas internal layers contain computers, RF components and mechanical sensors. This technique has the advantage of saving space and weight while allowing for easy design changes and precise tailoring to mission specifications. This concept is expanded through a design study of the MEMS control moment gyroscope which is used in satellite attitude control. In addition, a feasibility study is performed with special regard to the alternative chassis outlined above. This work (part of a Phase I NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts study) demonstrates that a wide variety of spacecraft components can be fabricated with silicon processing techniques. This approach may lead to batch- fabricated, high-volume, low cost, redundant teams of MEMS spacecraft.
Entropy production fluctuation theorem and the nonequilibrium work relation for free energy differences

There are only a very few known relations in statistical dynamics that are valid for systems driven arbitrarily far-from-equilibrium. One of these is the fluctuation theorem, which places conditions on the entropy production probability distribution of nonequilibrium systems. Another recently discovered far from equilibrium expression relates nonequilibrium measurements of the work done on a system to equilibrium free energy differences. In this paper, we derive a generalized version of the fluctuation theorem for stochastic, microscopically reversible dynamics. Invoking this generalized theorem provides a succinct proof of the nonequilibrium work relation.
Closed-form vibration analysis of sagged cable/mass suspensions

A theoritical model is presented which describes the three dimensional non linear motion of a sagged cable that supports an array of discrete masses. An asymptotic form of this general model is derived for the linear response of a cable/mass suspension having small equilibrium curvature and horizontal supports