cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable Loop Gain Using Excessive Regeneration Detection for a Delayed Wide-Area Control System

Excessive time delay in the implementation of a wide-area damping controller may lead to poor time-domain response or instability of an otherwise stable closed loop system. Careful monitoring of the controller output reveals the relative phase margin as it tends toward a vanishingly small value. Design and analysis of the Excessive Regeneration Detector (ERD) for system stability migration is presented. Details of degradation are followed by the description of a variable loop gain controller to ensure stability in the presence of significant delay, with nominal controller design developed using loop shaping theory. Linear and nonlinear stability of the system is assessed with the variable loop gain controller in place. Simulations of multiple disturbance environments and time delay conditions validate the developed theory using a detailed nonlinear model of the western North American Power System. Finally, a GPS spoofing algorithm is employed to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach to a malicious phasor measurement unit (PMU) attack.
Developmental Disorders of the Foot and Ankle

Embryological differentiation of the foot is noticeable by the fifth intrauterine week. By the end of the fifth week, condensation of the mesenchymal tissue has resulted in the formation of tarsal bone anlage (earliest developmental models). Tissue differentiation to precartilage and cartilage follows and all skeletal elements of the foot have begun to chondrify by 7 weeks with the exception of the distal phalanx of the little toe. By the end of the second month, the outline of each bone is becoming distinct [1–3]. Homogenous interzones develop at the ankle and between all tarsal, tarsal-metatarsal, metatarsal-phalangeal, and interphalangeal joints with the three-layered interzone developing earliest at the ankle and metatarsal-phalangeal joints at the end of the embryonic period (8 weeks). Cavitation with vascularized synovial tissue is seen in most joints of the foot at 9–11 weeks (early fetal period). A proximodistal sequence of development unfolds. By the end of the embryonic period (8 weeks), the foot resembles that of the adult in most details. All elements of the foot destined to become bone have begun to chondrify (except the distal phalanx of the little toe) by 7 weeks of embryonic life. Anomalies of the skeletal elements (such as tarsal coalition) form very early. The articular surfaces of the ankle joint and of the other joints of the foot reach a high degree of differentiation before the resorption phase of the interzone begins around 8 weeks of age. Hesser noted that the articular surfaces of the ankle joint reach a high degree of differentiation even before joint cavitation is complete [4]. The talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints also reach close to their final shapes very early. Straus also stated that the joints of the foot are laid down in their definitive form by the ninth intrauterine week [5]. Cavitation of the interzone to form the synovial joints begins first at the ankle and progresses distally, forming last in the interphalangeal joints. O’Rahilly et al. further reviewed the skeletal development of the foot [6]. The prenatal development of the human foot has been well studied and described by Gardner et al. who reviewed the extensive developmental literature as well as assessing 184 human embryos and fetuses.
Disruption of latent HIV in vivo during the clearance of actinic keratosis by ingenol mebutate

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin lesion that is common in HIV-positive patients. Without effective treatment, AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Ingenol mebutate, a PKC agonist, is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved (FDA-approved) topical treatment for AKs. It can induce reactivation of latent HIV transcription in CD4+ T cells both in vitro and ex vivo. Although PKC agonists are known to be potent inducers of HIV expression from latency, their effects in vivo are not known because of the concerns of toxicity. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of topical ingenol mebutate gel on the HIV transcription profile in HIV-infected individuals with AKs, specifically in the setting of suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). We found that AKs cleared following topical application of ingenol mebutate and detected marginal changes in immune activation in the peripheral blood and in skin biopsies. An overall increase in the level of HIV transcription initiation, elongation, and complete transcription was detected only in skin biopsies after the treatment. Our data demonstrate that application of ingenol mebutate to AKs in ART-suppressed HIV-positive patients can effectively cure AKs as well as disrupt HIV latency in the skin tissue microenvironment in vivo without causing massive immune activation.
Resolution of new daily persistent headache by a tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist, Venlafaxine.

New daily persistent headache is a continuous, unremitting headache, notorious for its unresponsiveness to aggressive medical interventions. The underlying pathophysiology of new daily persistent headache is poorly understood resulting in unending, chronic pain. However, a prior study identified elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha within the cerebral spinal fluid of new daily persistent headache patients. Herein, we report on a patient who suffered with headache for 6 years failing to respond to over 20 different medical treatments, but found drastic improvement and eventual resolution with Venlafaxine. This drug binds to the 5-HT2A receptor inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha signaling. Therefore, we hypothesize a chronic inflammatory mechanism driving new daily persistent headache pathology.
How Relevant Is Grit? The Importance of Social Capital in First-Generation College Students’ Academic Success:

Traditional definitions of Grit have diminished the role of institutional actors in student success. Social capital theory posits that students derive benefits like institutional resources, informa...
Paternal migration and children’s educational attainment and work activity: the case of Mexico

Most of the research evaluating the import of paternal migration for children’s outcomes has taken ‘left-behind children’ as a single group. Taking a life course perspective, this paper distinguish...
Omics-Driven Biotechnology for Industrial Applications

Biomanufacturing is a key component of biotechnology that uses biological systems to produce bioproducts of commercial relevance, which are of great interest to the energy, material, pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture industries. Biotechnology-based approaches, such as synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are heavily reliant on "omics" driven systems biology to characterize and understand metabolic networks. Knowledge gained from systems biology experiments aid the development of synthetic biology tools and the advancement of metabolic engineering studies toward establishing robust industrial biomanufacturing platforms. In this review, we discuss recent advances in "omics" technologies, compare the pros and cons of the different "omics" technologies, and discuss the necessary requirements for carrying out multi-omics experiments. We highlight the influence of "omics" technologies on the production of biofuels and bioproducts by metabolic engineering. Finally, we discuss the application of "omics" technologies to agricultural and food biotechnology, and review the impact of "omics" on current COVID-19 research.
Couples managing chronic illness: A test of the extended theoretical model of communal coping:

How individuals in romantic partnerships cope with health challenges either separately or together has a profound impact on their individual and relational well-being. The goal of this investigatio...
Epidural abscess after lumbar medial branch blocks in a patient on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug and corticosteroid.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but devastating disease process that presents in approximately 12.5 per 10 000 hospital admissions.[1][1] In SEA, infection of the epidural space causes mass effect on the underlying spinal cord or nerves leading to pain and/or neurological injury.[1][1] The
2007 Year in Review: Constitutional Law

This chapter summarizes constitutional law developments involving environmental, energy and resources law for 2007. The U.S. Constitution provides both the authority for, and the limitations to, governmental efforts respecting environment, energy and natural resources. We have entered an interesting constitutional era, one in which a rising sea level will help to buoy a rising tide of climate litigation, the leading edge of which lies constitutional jurisprudence as applied to standing, the commerce clause, the political question doctrine, preemption, federalism, due process and takings. In 2007 most of it involves either state action (e.g., to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles or require climate friendly energy production), or state causes of action (e.g., public or private nuisance). Among the battleground issues are the extent to which Congress may regulate use of private property under the Endangered Species Act as a last gasp effort to save rare plants and animals from extinction, pollutant discharges into water bodies that are not traditionally navigable, or activities that cause or contribute to climate change, and whether states may restrict destructive development, emissions of greenhouse gases, or the import and export of wastes that might denude or degrade natural resources, or provide causes of action for those harmed by releases of hazardous chemicals, and otherwise turn to federal courts to enforce federal natural resource and environmental laws.
Examining Failures and Repairs on Supercomputers with Multi-GPU Compute Nodes

Understanding the reliability characteristics of supercomputers has been a key focus of the HPC and dependability communities. However, there is no current study that analyzes both the failure and recovery characteristics over multiple generations of a GPU-based supercomputer with multiple GPUs on the same node. This paper bridges that gap and reveals surprising insights based on monitoring and analyzing the failures and repairs on the Tsubame-2 and Tsubame-3 supercomputers.
Abstract 13874: Elevated [Na+]i in Cardiac Myocytes from Diabetic Rats Due to Enhanced Na+ - Glucose Cotransport

Intracellular Na + concentration ([Na + ] i ) is a key regulator of cardiac Ca 2+ cycling, contractility and metabolism. [Na + ] i is elevated in myocytes from failing hearts, leading to arrhythmias and oxidative stress. We hypothesized that myocyte [Na + ] i is also increased in type-2 diabetes (T2D) due to enhanced activity of the Na + -glucose cotransporter (SGLT). To test this hypothesis, we used myocardial tissue from humans with T2D and an animal model of late-onset T2D (HIP rats). We found increased SGLT expression in failing hearts from patients with T2D compared to non-diabetic individuals (by 55±16%) and in HIP rat hearts ( vs . age-matched wild-type, WT, littermates; by 59±17%). [Na + ] i , measured with the fluorescent indicator SBFI, is increased in myocytes from diabetic HIP rats, both at rest (14.7±0.9 mM compared to 11.4±0.7 mM in WT) and during electrical stimulation at 2 Hz (17.3±0.8 mM vs . 15.0±0.7 mM in WT). However, the Na + /K + -pump function (measured as the rate of pump-mediated [Na + ] i decline in intact myocytes) is not significantly altered in diabetic HIP rats. This result suggests that higher [Na + ] i is due to an increased Na + entry in HIP rat myocytes. Indeed, Na + influx, assessed as the rate of [Na + ] i rise upon Na + /K + -pump inhibition with 10 mM ouabain, was significantly larger in myocytes from diabetic HIP vs . WT rats (1.74±0.13 mM/min vs . 1.27±0.07 mM/min). SGLT inhibition with 250 μM phlorizin significantly reduced Na + influx in myocytes from diabetic HIP rats (to 1.08±0.20 mM/min), while it had no effect in the WT (1.14±0.21 mM/min). Phlorizin also significantly decreased glucose uptake in HIP rat myocytes (by 50±10 %) but not in WT, indicating an increased reliance on SGLT for glucose uptake in T2D hearts. In agreement with this result, the insulin-sensitive glucose uptake was greatly reduced in HIP rat myocytes vs . WT. These data suggest that SGLT is upregulated in diabetic hearts to compensate for reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake. In summary, we found that [Na + ] i is elevated in myocytes from diabetic HIP rats due to an increased Na + entry via the Na + -glucose cotransporter. Higher [Na + ] i may contribute to arrhythmogenesis and oxidative stress in diabetic hearts.
On-Line Identification, Model Structure Reduction, and Control Using NARX Models

The Modified Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization algorithm for NARX (Non-linear AutoRegressive with eXogenous input) models is used for the on-line identification and model structure reduction of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) non-linear systems. In addition a novel non-linear adaptive controller, based on the identified model structure is proposed and verified by simulation experiments on a highly non-linear bioreactor model.
The Great Divide: Black Fraternal Ideals and Reality

Black Greek-letter fraternities (herein after “BGLFs”) are unique and complex organizations with a rich history. Holding the ideals of high academic achievement, developing and sustaining fictive-kinship ties, maintaining strong racial and gender identity, implementing a racial uplift agenda, and demonstrating a commitment to the perpetuity of their organizations together define BGLF members. Drawing upon the growing corpus of Black fraternity scholarship, this article first investigates the extent to which Black fraternities have remained faithful to these founding ideals. Second, it explores the ways in which Black fraternities articulate fidelity to these founding precepts. Third, it assesses the degree to which Black fraternities are currently consistent with these foundational ideals. And fourth, it examines the future of Black, collegiate-based fraternalism in specific to contemporary challenges to BGLF's function and even existence, especially in regard to hazing. Broader implications, specifically in the legal realm, are discussed.
Effect of thymine starvation on deoxyribonucleic acid repair systems of Escherichia coli K-12.

Thymine starvation of Escherichia coli K-12 results in greatly increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UV). Our studies, using isogenic strains carrying rec and uvr mutations, have shown the following. (i) Common to all strains tested is a change from multihit to single-hit kinetics of survival to UV after 60 min of thymine starvation. However, the limiting slope of UV survival curves decreases in the rec+uvr+ strain and changes very little in several rec mutant strains and one uvrB mutant strain. Thus, when either the rec or uvr system is functioning alone, the limiting slopes of the UV survival curves are relatively unaffected by thymine starvation. (ii) Thymine starvation does not significantly inhibit repair processes carried out by either repair system alone; i.e., host cell reactivation of irradiated phage (carried out by the uvr system), excision of thymine dimers (uvr), or X-ray repair (rec). (iii) In a rec+uvr+ strain, repair appears to be a synergistic rather than additive function of the two systems. However, after thymine starvation, repair capacity is reduced to about the sum of the repair capacities of the independent systems. (iv) The kinetics of thymineless death are not changed by rec and uvr mutations. This indicates that the lesions responsible for thymineless death are not repaired by rec or uvr systems. (v) Withholding thymine from thy rec+uvr+ bacteria not undergoing thymineless death has no effect on UV sensitivity. Under these conditions one sees higher than normal UV resistance in the presence or absence of thymine. This is due to increased repair carried out by the uvr system. To explain these results we postulate that thymine starvation does not inhibit either the rec or uvr repair pathway directly. Rather it appears that thymine starvation results in increased UV sensitivity in part by inhibiting a function which normally carries out efficient coordination of rec and uvr pathways.
X-ray observations of global solar activity

High resolution observations of the Solar corona, mainly from the Skylab missions in 1973–74, have shown that the x-ray corona is variable on all observable temporal and spatial scales. Variability which has been observed ranges from x-ray bright point flares, with sizes of a few arcseconds and rise times of tens of seconds, to large scale structure evolution on time scales of months to years and size scales of a Solar radius. In this paper we present a sampling of the data, up to and including the most recent high resolution results from the NIXT rocket, in order to discuss the important new contributions which will be made by the Solar-A instruments.
Priming the Sleeping Giant: The Dynamics of Latino Political Identity and Vote Choice

Latinos are commonly referred to as the " sleeping giant" in American politics, and interest in the political potential of this fastest-growing American ethnic group has risen in recent years. This article examines the influence of Latino political identity on voting preferences in the 2006 California gubernatorial election. A survey experiment linking Latino identity to support for either the Democratic or Republican candidate finds that vote preferences were influenced by group cues and that this effect was strongest in increasing support for the Democratic candidate among Latino Republicans and independents. The influence of Latino political identity is modeled as a two-step process of social identification and group influence , both of which are found to interact with prior partisanship. These findings support a model of political identity that views identity as malleable and subject to contextual influences.
Timothy Bates, Race, Self-Employment and Upward Mobility: An Illusive American Dream (Washington, Dc; the Woodrow Wilson Center Press, and Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press) Lisa J. Servon, Bootstrap Capital: Microenterprises and the American Poor (Washington Dc: Brookings, Institution Press)

Increasingly, scholars and policy makers have become interested in the relationship between entrepreneurship and upward mobility, particularly as it pertains to the poor, minority group members, an...
Measurement of Microbial Activity and Growth in the Ocean by Rates of Stable Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis

A relatively simple and extremely sensitive technique for measuring rates of stable ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis was devised and applied to bacterial cultures and seawater samples. The procedure is based upon the uptake and incorporation of exogenous radiolabeled adenine into cellular RNA. To calculate absolute rates of synthesis, measurements of the specific radioactivity of the intracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate pools (precursor to RNA) and of the total amount of radioactivity incorporated into stable cellular RNA per unit time are required. Since the rate of RNA synthesis is positively correlated with growth rate, measurements of RNA synthesis should be extremely useful for estimating and comparing the productivities of microbial assemblages in nature. Adenosine 5′-triphosphate, adenylate energy charge, and rates of stable RNA synthesis have been measured at a station located in the Columbian Basin of the Caribbean Sea. A subsurface peak in RNA synthesis (and therefore growth) was located within the dissolved oxygen minimum zone (450 m), suggesting in situ microbiological utilization of dissolved molecular oxygen. Calculations of the specific rates of RNA synthesis (i.e., RNA synthesis per unit of biomass) revealed that the middepth maximum corresponded to the highest specific rate of growth (420 pmol of adenine incorporated into RNA·day−1) of all depths sampled, including the euphotic zone. The existence of an intermediate depth zone of active microbial growth may be an important site for nutrient regeneration and may serve as a source of reduced carbon for mesopelagic and deep sea environments.
Hot and dense matter: from RHIC to LHC – Theoretical overview

Abstract Relativistic heavy ion physics studies the phenomena that occur when a very large amount of energy (in units of QCD scale Λ QCD ) is deposited into a large volume (in units of Λ QCD − 3 ), creating an extended in space and time domain with an energy density that is large in units of Λ QCD 4 . This includes the mechanism by which the energy is deposited (likely a transformation of the colliding Lorentz-contracted “gluon walls” into the strong longitudinal color fields); approach to thermalization; and the static and dynamical properties of the created quark-gluon plasma. Of particular interest is the fate of symmetries (e.g. chiral SU L ( 3 ) × SU R ( 3 ) , scale, and discrete P and CP invariances) in hot and dense QCD matter. At present, the program at RHIC has entered a stage where new discoveries are enabled by high precision of the measurements; moreover, an array of new capabilities will soon be available due to the numerous and significant upgrades. Very importantly, we will soon have access to unprecedented energies of colliding ions at the LHC. In addition, future RHIC runs at low energies, FAIR at GSI and NICA at JINR will make possible the studies of QCD matter at high baryon density. I will describe the current status of theoretical knowledge about hot QCD, and the ways in which it may be expected to improve in the near future.
Manipulating the Magnetic Structure of Co Core/CoO Shell Nanoparticles: Implications for Controlling the Exchange Bias

We present an experimental study of the effects of oxidation on the magnetic and crystal structures of exchange biased $ϵ\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{CoO}$ core-shell nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that oxidation creates a Co-CoO interface which is highly directional and epitaxial in quality. Neutron diffraction measurements find that below a N\'eel temperature ${T}_{N}$ of $\ensuremath{\sim}235\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$ the magnetization of the CoO shell is modulated by two wave vectors, ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}=(\frac{1}{2}\text{ }\frac{1}{2}\text{ }\frac{1}{2})\frac{2\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}$ and ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}=(100)\frac{2\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}$. Oxidation affects the ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathbf{1}}$ component of the magnetization very little, but hugely enhances the ${\mathbf{q}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ component, resulting in the magnetic decompensation of the core-shell interface. We propose that the large exchange bias effect results from the highly ordered interface between the Co core and CoO shell, and from enhanced core-shell coupling by the uncompensated interface moment.
Food Protein Functionality in a Liquid System: A Comparison of Deamidated Wheat Protein with Dairy and Soy Proteins

: Solubility, surface properties, overrun, foam stability, apparent viscosity, and emulsification properties were evaluated for 3% protein dispersions of deamidated wheat protein (DWP), sodium caseinate (SC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI). DWP dispersion had the highest apparent viscosity, 25% higher emulsion activity index (EAI), and 82% higher emulsion stability index (ESI) when compared to SPI dispersions. Dispersions of DWP had similar foaming properties and surface properties when compared to SC, but had 50% higher EAI and 1000% greater ESI when compared to the 2 dairy proteins. The utilization of DWP could be expanded into liquid food systems currently using dairy proteins.
Prescribing trends by nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the United States.

Purpose: As an important step in analyzing the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), we examined their prescribing behavior. The intent is to study the characteristics of providers and patients, and the type of prescriptions written by NPs and PAs in primary care and to compare these activities to physicians. Data sources: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) database was examined for prescriptions written by primary care clinicians (family and general medicine, internal medicine, and general pediatrics). A representative sample of 88,346 primary care visits over a 6-year period (1997–2002) was analyzed in which a prescription was written by an NP, a PA, or a physician in an urban or rural setting. Conclusions: The characteristics of all the patients seen were similar for geographical region of visit, age, and gender, but differed by ethnicity and race. An NP or a PA was the provider of record for 5% of the primary care visits in the NAMCS database. The three clinician types were likely to write at least one prescription for 70% of all visits, and the mean number of prescriptions was 1.3–1.5 per visit (range 0–5) depending on the provider. PAs were more likely to prescribe a controlled substance for a visit than a physician or an NP (19.5%, 12.4%, 10.9%, respectively). Only in nonmetropolitan settings did differences emerge. In rural areas, NPs wrote significantly more prescriptions than physicians and PAs. Implications for practice: We suggest that NPs and PAs may provide a role that is similar to that of physicians in primary care based on prescribing behavior. The prescribing behavior of PAs and NPs parallels that of physicians by the number of medications per visit, the types of therapeutic classes, and the type of patient. However, in nonmetropolitan areas, prescribing differences emerge between the three types of providers that bear further exploration.
Corneal ablation using the pulse stretched free electron laser

The Mark-III Free Electron Laser (FEL), tuned to λ=6.45 μm has been demonstrated to provide for efficient ablation in ocular and neural tissues with minimal collateral damage. To date, the role of the FEL pulse structure on the mechanism of ablation has not been determined. In an effort to study the role of the FEL micropulse on the ablation of corneal tissue, the native pulse structure of the FEL, a 2.85 gigahertz repetition of picosecond pulses within a five microsecond macropulse envelope, was changed using a a pulse stretcher. This device changes the duration of the micropulse from 1 picosecond to 30-200 picoseconds in length, thus reducing the peak intensity of the micropulse by as much as 200x the original intensity, while the macropulse energy remains unchanged. Two basic metrics were studied: the ablation threshold on water and the ablation crater depth on gelatin. These metrics were employed at λ=6.45 and 6.1 μm for 1, 100, and 200 picoseconds in micropulse duration. The results showed a very slight difference between the 1, 100, and 200 picosecond micropulse duration, given a 200 fold decrease in peak energy for both the threshold and crater depth measurements. Brightfield imaging was also performed to probe the ablation dynamics and showed no difference between the 1 and 200 ps micropulses. The effect of changing the micropulse duration was studied on the ablation of canine cornea. Craters (500 micron diameter) were created with 25 pulses at three times the ablation threshold as determined for water on freshly enucleated corneas within 12 hours of removal. Three rows of seven craters were created on the center of each cornea. The native one picosecond micropulse and 200 picosecond stretched micropulse were compared at λ=6.1 and 6.45 μm. Histological data shows that less thermal damage is present at 6.1 μm compared with 6.45 μm; however, there is no significant difference between the native and stretched pulses with respect to thermal damage.
A Seismic Shift in U.S. Federal Arts Policy: A Tale of Organizational Challenge and Controversy in the 1990s

The eruption of the "culture wars" in 1989 pushed U.S. arts policy to the forefront of the public agenda, leading to extreme political scrutiny of and controversy over the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and its funding activities. As the premier national-level public agency charged with supporting the arts in the United States, the NEA stood at the heart of debates on related arts policy. With an empirical focus on the NEA in the 1990s, we delineate and examine the broader effects and implications of the surrounding debates and related policy outcomes. In general, in keeping with the conservative political agenda of the 1990s in the United States, the result was the development of policies ostensibly aimed at promoting access to the arts that demoted concerns over artistic excellence, along with direct attacks on the NEA's overall administrative philosophy and decision-making practices. Employing insights from critical theory and reflexive sociology, we analyze the dramatic organizational shifts an...
Next Generation Vehicle Network: Web Enabled

A new architecture of the next generation vehicle networks is proposed and discussed in this paper. Modern in-vehicle networks, on-board computers and the Internet, mobile telecommunications and Telematics applications in the ground vehicles, as well as future desired features are discussed. New applications such as remote diagnostic, condition monitoring, error detection, and remote firmware upgrade and reprogramming are proposed. Several hardware and software methodologies in the ground vehicles are proposed to achieve the proposed applications
The “Hidden Hand” and White House Roll-Call Predictions: Legislative Liaison in the Eisenhower White House, 83d-84th Congresses

This article offers a fresh perspective into the Eisenhower administration's attempts to predict and influence roll-call outcomes in Congress during the transition from Republican to Democratic control following the midterm elections of 1954. Analysis of archival data uncovered at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, provides insight into a different facet of Eisenhower's “hidden-hand presidency” and early efforts to systematize congressional liaison. Using headcount data assembled by the Legislative Liaison Unit, this research assesses the accuracy of forecasts of presidential legislative support in the House of Representatives. A multinomial logit model is developed to account for the basis of successful and unsuccessful White House estimates of members' positions. On the subset of votes the White House found difficult to predict, the empirical model highlights that the least accurate forecasts of individual members' positions are best explained by constituency factors, partisan politicking, and disunity in the Republican House Conference.
Measurement of permeability, diffusion and solubility coefficients. A testing method

Abstract Values of permeability, diffusion and solubility coefficients were obtained with a new procedure proposed here. This technique was applied to data from a modified Dow gas transmission cell, which was automated with the use of a personal computer. This technique is applicable for real time measurement of diffusion and solubility coefficients.
On inverse sampling with unequal probabilities

SUMMARY Sampford (1962) has considered the following sampling scheme to select a sample with n distinct population units. Sampling with unequal probabilities with replacement is carried out until (n + 1) different population units are selected, the last unit is not recorded in the sample to insure some simplicity in the estimation procedure. The method is called inverse sampling with unequal probabilities. In this paper it is shown that this method of sampling is equivalent to sampling with unequal probabilities without replacement in some sense. The estimator of the population total given by Sampford is compared with other existing estimators. It is shown that there exist estimators which are uniformly better than the estimator given by Sampford. Finally, it is demonstrated that Des Raj's estimator (1956) has certain definite advantages over Sampford's estimator suggesting that sampling with unequal probabilities (without replacement) with Des Raj's estimator probably gives a better estimation procedure than inverse sampling with unequal probabilities. 1. INTRODUCTION AND PRELIMINARIES Although sampling with unequal probabilities with replacement has the merit of simplicity, it has a major drawback that the number of distinct population units selected in a sample is a random variable and varies from sample to sample. Sampling with unequal probabilities without replacement does not have this drawback, but most estimators of the population total in this sampling scheme are either unwieldy or biased. Recently some workers have developed sampling schemes wherein the number of distinct population units selected in a sample is constant from sample to sample, and also the estimator of the population total is easy to compute and has some desirable properties like possessing a nonnegative estimator of its variance, etc. Of special interest in this connexion are the works of Des Raj (1956), Stevens (1958), Rao, Hartley & Cochran (1962) and others. In cluster sampling, Sampford (1962) has considered a method of sampling with probabilities proportional to cluster size (with replacement) by which a fixed number of distinct clusters are included in the sample and has given an unbiased estimator of the population total and an estimator of its variance. A slightly different version of this method of sampling is considered here in detail and is referred to as inverse sampling with unequal probabilities. The following notation and definitions are used in the subsequent sections. Number of population units: N.
Spirituality, Religion, and Health: The Role of Communication, Appraisals, and Coping for Individuals Living with Chronic Illness

Currently, 10 % of Americans are living with a chronic illness. One coping mechanism for individuals living with chronic illness is religion and/or spiritual (R/S). To better explicate the relationship among R/S and psychological well-being, we conceptualize R/S as an interpersonal process involving conversations that may facilitate positive reappraisals. We use a mixed-method approach from data collected from 106 participants, involving a content analysis of R/S conversations and test Burleson and Goldsmith’s (Handbook of communication and emotion: research, theory, applications, and contexts, Academic Press, San Diego, pp 245–280, 1998) appraisal-based comforting model. Partial support for the model was found. In addition, the majority of R/S conversations were considered positive, helpful, and supportive. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Low-frequency nonlinear magnetic response of an unconventional superconductor

We consider an unconventional superconductor in a low-frequency harmonic magnetic field. In the Meissner regime at low temperatures a nonlinear magnetic response arises from quasiparticle excitations near minima in the energy gap. As a consequence various physical quantities acquire higher harmonics of the frequency of the applied ac field. We discuss how an examination of the field and angular dependences of these harmonics allows the determination of the structure of the energy gap. We show how to distinguish nodes from small finite minima (``quasinodes''). Gaps with nodal lines give rise to universal power-law field dependences for the nonlinear magnetic moment and the nonlinear magnetic torque. They both have separable temporal and angular dependences. In contrast, with gap functions which only have quasinodes, these physical quantities do not display power laws in the applied field, and their temporal and angular dependences are no longer separable. We illustrate this via the example of the nonlinear magnetic moment for a $d+is$ gap. We discuss how to perform ac measurements so as to maximize the nonlinear signal, and how to investigate in detail the properties of the superconducting minima, thus determining the gap function symmetry.
Thermally activated deviations from quantum Hall plateaux

Abstract The Hall conductivity σxy of a two-dimensional electron system is quantized in units of e 2 h when the Fermi level is located in the gap between two Landau levels. We consider the deviation of σxy from a quantized value caused by the thermal activation of electrons to the extended states for the case of a long range random potential. This deviation is of the form σ xy ∗ exp ( −Δ T ) . The prefactor σ xy ∗ is equal to e 2 h at temperatures above a characteristic value T2. Below T2, σ xy ∗ decays according to a power law: σ xy ∗ = e 2 h ( T T 2 ) γ . The generalization to fractional Hall plateaux is discussed.
Experimental investigation of the effect of change in control modes on the post-failure behavior of coal and coal measures rock

Abstract This paper presents post-failure tests on rock and coal specimens obtained from various coal mines in West Virginia and Hiawatha. Berea sandstone was used for comparing post-failure behavior of coal measures rock. Two feedback-control modes: axial strain control and lateral strain control modes were used to study the post-failure behaviors of the rock and coal specimens. The results obtained from the experiments show that coal measure rocks show significant change in post-failure behavior when the control modes were changed from axial strain to lateral strain. It was found that when the lateral strain control mode was used, in the post-failure region, coal measures rock exhibited class II behavior. Also coal specimen under lateral strain control showed class II behavior. However, it was observed that when the same coal specimens are tested under confining pressure, the class II behavior is replaced by Class I behavior.
Comparison of various types of hydrogen bonds involving aromatic amino acids.

Ab initio calculations are used to compare the abilities of the aromatic groups of the Phe, Tyr, Trp, and His amino acids (modeled respectively by benzene, phenol, indole, and imidazole) to form H-bonds of three different types. Strongest of all are the conventional H-bonds (e.g., OH··O and OH··N). His forms the strongest such H-bond, followed by Tyr, and then by Trp. Whereas OH··φ bonds formed by the approach of a proton donor to the π electron cloud above the aromatic system are somewhat weaker, they nonetheless represent an important class of stabilizing interactions. The strengths of H-bonds in this category follow the trend Trp > His > Tyr ∼ Phe. CH··O interactions are weaker still, and only those involving His and Trp are strong enough to make significant contributions to protein structure. A protonated residue such as HisH+ makes for a very powerful proton donor, such that even its CH··O H-bonds are stronger than the conventional H-bonds formed by neutral groups.
Design and transmission-reflection properties of liquid crystalline optical metamaterials with large birefringence and sub-unity or negative-refractive index

The dispersion of nanoparticles in a nematic liquid crystal host medium provides an efficient way of designing tunable optical metamaterials that respond from the visible to the Terahertz and microwave regime. As studied in this article, these systems exhibit much larger birefringence than the nematic host and possess sub-unity, zero, and even negative refractive indices with unique reflection and transmission properties. These tunable optical metamaterials will enable a wide range of application possibilities in next-generation reflective, transmissive, modulation and switching elements and devices.
Structural basis for non-catalytic and catalytic activities of ribonuclease III.

Ribonuclease III (RNase III) represents a highly conserved family of double-stranded (ds) RNA-specific endoribonucleases, exemplified by bacterial RNase III and eukaryotic Rnt1p, Drosha and Dicer. Bacterial RNase III, containing an endonuclease domain followed by a dsRNA-binding domain, is the most extensively studied member of the family. It can affect RNA structure and gene expression in either of two ways: as a processing enzyme that cleaves dsRNA or as a binding protein that binds but does not cleave dsRNA. The available biochemical and structural data support the existence of two distinct forms of the RNase III–dsRNA complex which reflect the dual activities of the protein. The information revealed by the structures of bacterial RNase III provides insight into the mechanism of dsRNA processing by all members of the family.
Plasma Instabilities in Astrophysics (Report of the Asilomar Conference, Pacific Grove, Calif., USA, 14?17 October 1968)

The existence and development of the scientific discipline now known as plasma physics owe much to its interaction with astrophysics. Many of the concepts of plasma physics were first discussed i n an astrophysical setting by Alfven, Chapman, Cowling, Fermi and Spitzer. Within the last twenty years, there has been a tremendous increase – both in scope and in detail – in our understanding of the plasma state and in our knowledge of the astrophysical world. Although astronomers provide a wealth of significant problems, and plasma physicists provide a battery of powerful concepts and theories, the great opportunity of bringing plasma theories to bear upon astronomical problems has not been fully exploited. It was in recognition of this situation that a four day conference was held in October 1968 at Asilomar, California, to bring together three different groups of people: plasma physicists, astronomers and theoretical astrophysicists. To reduce the amount of material to be covered at the conference, discussion was confined to the role of plasma instabilities in astrophysics.
Three-dimensional cohesive crack model prediction of the flexural capacity of concrete slabs on soil

Abstract A three-dimensional approach to discretely account for crack initiation, crack growth, and determination of the flexural load capacity of concrete slabs on an elastic foundation under mode I loading is proposed. The finite element model incorporated cohesive crack elements along a pre-defined crack path in the concrete slab. A bilinear softening model was used to describe the stress-crack opening relationship for plain concrete and was defined solely on measured strength and fracture properties. The proposed method predicted the slab’s flexural load capacity as compared to the large-scale experimental concrete slab results for several geometries and notch configurations. The model also provided insight into stress concentration areas and crack propagation positions at different load levels.
Windows and mirrors: secret spaces in children's literature

This study examines eighteen novels of children's literature to explore how secret spaces affect the child characters that create them. The results indicate that story characters mirror their real-life counterparts in designing secret spaces to escape from problems in the real world while escaping to the possibilities of fantasy play. The results extend existing literature in many respects, highlighting the potential connection between the location of the secret space and the child's reason for creating it, and shedding new light on the transformative power of secret spaces to reconnect literally and metaphorically “orphaned” children with their communities and their own sense of personal power.
In vitro development and functions of human mast cells.

A long-term co-culture of mononuclear cells of human umbilical cord blood with mouse embryo-derived 3T3 fibroblasts resulted in the development of human mast cells. These mast cells are morphologically and functionally mature cells, containing 1.4–2.8 μg histamine per 106 cells and bear approximately 105 FceRI per cell. The mast cells sensitized with human IgE released histamine upon challenge with anti-IgE. Electron-microscopic analysis of the cells showed that these cells were mature human mast cells, and clearly different from basophilic granulocytes. Most of the mast cells contained some granules with regular crystalline arrays and both tryptase and chymase, resembling human skin mast cells. When mononuclear cells of cord blood were seeded in a millicell insert which was placed on 3T3 fibroblasts monolayer, the number of mast cells developed in the millicell inserts was comparable to those developed in the co-culture of the same cord blood cells with 3T3 fibroblasts. Recent observations that mast cells developed in the presence of concentrated culture supernatants of 3T3 fibroblasts without fibroblasts feeder layers, confirmed that soluble factors released from 3T3 fibroblasts are essential and sufficient for the differentiation of human mast cell progenitors in vitro. Analysis of functional characteristics of cultured mast cells revealed that they respond to anti-IgE, Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and substance P for histamine release, but failed to respond to compound 48/80 and FMLP. Upon anti-IgE challenge, sensitized mast cells generated approximately 80 ng PGD2 per 106 cells, and approximately 50 ng of LTC4 per 106 cells but no detectable generation of LTB4. Characterization of growth factors for human mast cells, followed by gene cloning of the growth factor(s) will provide us with a powerful tool for in vitro development of mature human mast cells, which will pave the way to further detailed studies on human mast cells in many aspects.
Scaling limits and reliability of SOI CMOS technology

As bulk and PD-SOI CMOS approach their scaling limit (at gate length of around 50 nm), there is a renewed interest on FD-SOI because of its potential for continued scalability beyond this limit. In this review the performance and reliability of extremely scaled FD transistors are discussed and an attempt is made to identify critical areas for further research.
SU-GG-T-50: Evaluating Source Constancy from the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy System

Purpose: The Xoft Axxent 50 kVp electronic brachytherapy source is currently used to treat a variety of clinical sites including endometrial carcinoma (single‐channel HDR cylinder), accelerated partial breast irradiation (single‐channel HDR balloon), and surface lesions (external cone applicator). Unlike conventional linac‐based dosimetrycontrol systems, the 50 kVp x‐ray source is not monitored during treatment, raising the question of source output stability as a function of absolute dose rate and the spatial constancy of the x‐ray emission. This study evaluates the constancy of the Xoft Axxent 50 kVp electronic brachytherapy source using a pinpoint ion chamber and EBT2 GafChromic film. Materials and Methods: A 0.015 cm3 pinpoint ion chamber was used to verify the constancy of source output during pre‐treatment quality assurance checks using a lucite phantom. The phantom is designed to accept a single channel Xoft applicator and a chamber verification plug. A standard treatment plan was developed to verify source output from a single 50 second dwell position. EBT2 GafChromic film was also used to verify the spatial constancy of a coronal dose plane anterior to the source channel. Results: A total of 37 independent quality assurance measurements were performed using 7 different Xoft sources. The mean pinpoint chamber reading was 10.34 nC with a relative standard error of 2.5%. The ratio of the maximum and minimum chamber reading versus the mean was 1.06 and 0.96, respectively. In comparison, the Xoft on‐board well chamber measures a relative standard error of <1% for the pre‐treatment air‐kerma strength. Conclusions: The output from the Xoft electronic brachytherapy source was monitored using a pinpoint ion chamber during pre‐treatment quality assurance checks. The relative standard error of 37 independent ion chamber readings was 2.5% indicating a relatively stable output across multiple x‐ray tubes in a clinical setting. Research sponsored by the Xoft Corporation.