cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Weight Considerations in FRRPP Behavior

Changes in molecular weight in the system can have a profound effect on the progress of FRRPP behavior, especially under conditions where the temperature is easily distributed within the reactive polymer-rich domains. This can occur when domain sizes have been forced to be relatively small through the addition of an emulsifier or a fine dispersing agent. In our experimental efforts, we discovered that a viable first stage of FRRPP behavior for PS–S–Ether system could end at relatively low conversions with relatively large polymer-rich domain sizes (hundreds of microns) that are relatively hot compared to the average reaction fluid of 80°C. Dropping the reactor temperature or adding a good solvent could result in some increase in conversion, but at the expense of terminating the polymer radicals. However, if a fine dispersing agent and its dispersing medium were admixed into the reactor, the reactor polymer-rich domain sizes could be reduced dramatically, and this allows the increase in molecular weight and fractional conversion in the system without terminating a significant portion of the polymer radicals.
Energetics and Escape of Interchain‐Delocalized Ion Pairs in Nonpolar Media

The electron acceptor F4TCNQ p-dopes aggregates "nanowires" of poly(3-hexylthiophene) in nonpolar solvents but does not dope unaggregated chains. The standard free energy change for the charge transfer to form an ion pair is ΔG°et = -0.21 eV. The dissociation constant to produce free ions in toluene by DC conductivity is K°d = 1 × 10-8 ± 50% (ΔG°d = 0.48 ± 0.05 eV). This remarkably large K°d , for ions in such a low polarity medium, may reflect interchain delocalization of the hole. The particular characteristics of this material system enables determination of both ΔG°et and ΔG°d , to find the overall free energy change from the two neutral species to completely separated ions in nonpolar media. It is endergonic by +0.27 ± 0.05 eV in contrast to -0.6 eV estimated from reported HOMO LUMO differences, illustrating the challenges that persist in determining such energetics. Steady state microwave conductivity experiments on doped aggregates confirm that holes in the aggregates cannot easily escape their dopant counterion, but at higher dopant concentrations, holes become mobile. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of charge separation involving intermolecularly delocalized charges in nonpolar media, an integral process in organic photovoltaic devices and doped molecular films.
The Finite Verb Morphology Composite: Values From a Community Sample.

Purpose We investigated the finite verb morphology composite (FVMC), a measure associated with developmental language disorder (DLD), in a large community sample to provide evidence on its distribu...
Statistical Performance Analysis of Nonlinear Joints in Space Structures

Space structures are characteristically composed of extremely slender, lightweight members which are deployed or assembled in orbit by ‘flexible connections’. The overall response is dominated by the nonlinear joint behavior which invariably exhibits ‘locking’ upon impingement. The current study examines the dynamic response behavior of an elementary model joint in order to examine the uncertainty of ‘freeplay’ on the joint performance. A three-dimensional state map is used to represent the nonlinear force transmission through the joint as a function of relative displacements and velocities which accounts for sliding friction, viscous damping and locking upon contact. The influence of uncertainties in the initial conditions is assessed via Monte Carlo simulation in order to explore possible avenues of linearization.
Brown Ring Experiment in Virtual Reality.

Brown Ring Experiment is a very popular test to detect the presence of Nitrate in salts commonly performed in chemical laboratories with supplies of required chemicals. Our work clears out the need for a chemical laboratory and chemicals in order to understand the experiment practically. We have used the technology of Virtual Reality to fulfill this requirement. Our research work can be extensively utilized to create virtual environments for conducting other chemical processes in a virtual environment hence, eliminating the need for a chemical laboratory. This can help students in remote areas with minimal resources to fill in the void of practical experiments they have in their learning process due to space constraints.
Internalities, Externalities, and Fuel Economy

It is standard to think that corrective taxes, responding to externalities, are generally or always better than regulatory mandates, but in the face of behavioral market failures, that conclusion might not be right. Fuel economy and energy efficiency mandates are possible examples. Because such mandates might produce billions of dollars in annual consumer savings, they might have very high net benefits, complicating the choice between such mandates and externality-correcting taxes (such as carbon taxes). The net benefits of mandates that simultaneously reduce internalities and externalities might exceed the net benefits of taxes that reduce externalities alone, even if mandates turn out to be a highly inefficient way of reducing externalities. An important qualification is that corrective taxes might be designed to reduce both externalities and internalities, in which case they would almost certainly be preferable to a regulatory mandate.
An Effective CNN Approach for Diabetic Retinopathy Stage Classification with Dual Inputs and Selective Data Sampling

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening complication among the diabetic population and a leading cause of blindness for working-age adults. Early detection and timely treatment can reduce the occurrence of blindness due to DR. Computer-aided diagnosis have great potential to significantly improve the accuracy and speed in DR detection over the traditional manual diagnosis process. In this paper, we present a deep convolutional neural network for DR stage classification, trained and evaluated on a large dataset. Our model uses high-resolution retinal fundus images of both the left and right eyes as inputs to take advantage of more detailed retinal lesion information in images and strong correlation between both eyes. Selective data sampling (SeS) is applied in the training process to mitigate the data imbalance problem. Experiments show that our model outperforms the fine-tuned Inception-v3 model by every measure, achieving an accuracy of 87.2% and a Kappa score of 0.806 on the Kaggle dataset.
A first order transition and parity violation in a color superconductor

In cold, dense quark matter, quarks of different flavor can form Cooper pairs which are antitriplets under color and have total spin J=0 . The transition to a phase where strange quarks condense with either up or down quarks is driven first order by the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism. At densities sufficiently high to (effectively) restore the axial U(1) symmetry, then relative to the ordinary vacuum, the condensation of up with down quarks (effectively) breaks parity spontaneously. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Solution of long-coast re-entry COLA problems with COLA gap methods

Abstract Upper stages on long-coast re-entry trajectories remain on orbit well past the end of standard launch collision avoidance (COLA) screening. The position dispersion cloud grows very large during this time period. Using a large miss distance screening volume to protect manned objects has several significant problems, including failure to detect important conjunctions and false detections. These problems have been circumvented by using COLA gap methods described in this study. Results for an example mission showed that miss-distance only screening using a correctly sized (i.e., large) screening volume resulted in a launch window closure of 76%. Use of COLA gap methods resulted in a launch window closure of 10 to 18%, depending on the method used.
The Use and Misuse of Coordinated Punishments

Communication facilitates cooperation by ensuring that deviators are collectively punished. We explore how players might misuse communication to threaten one another, and we identify ways that organizations can deter misuse and restore cooperation. In our model, a principal plays trust games with a sequence of short-run agents who communicate with each other. An agent can shirk and then extort pay by threatening to report that the principal deviated. We show that these threats can completely undermine cooperation. Investigations of agents’ efforts, or dyadic relationships between the principal and each agent, can deter extortion and restore some cooperation. Investigations of the principal’s action, on the other hand, typically do not help. Our analysis suggests that collective punishments are vulnerable to misuse unless they are designed with an eye toward discouraging it.
DNAJA1 Dysregulates Metabolism Promoting an Antiapoptotic Phenotype in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

The cochaperone protein DNAJA1 (HSP40) is downregulated four-fold in pancreatic cancer cells. The impact of DNAJA1 expression on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression remains unclear. The metabolic impacts of increased DNAJA1 expression were evaluated using a combination of untargeted metabolomics, stable isotope-resolved metabolomics (SIRM), confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and cell-based assays. Differential Warburg glycolysis, an increase in redox currency, and alterations in amino acid levels were observed in both overexpression cell lines. DNAJA1 overexpression also led to mitochondrial fusion, an increase in the expression of Bcl-2, a modest protection from redox-induced cell death, a loss of structural integrity due to the loss of actin fibers, and an increase in cell invasiveness in BxPC-3. These differences were more pronounced in BxPC-3, which contains a loss-of-function mutation in the tumor-suppressing gene SMAD4. These findings suggest a proto-oncogenic role of DNAJA1 in PDAC progression and suggest DNAJA1 may function synergistically with other proteins with altered activities in pancreatic cancer cell lines.
Faculty attitudes toward technology-driven instruction in developmental mathematics

Innovation in instructional technology has contributed to the rapid implementation of technology-driven instructional platforms, particularly in developmental math coursework (Bickerstaff et al., 2016). In this phenomenological study, we investigate how faculty perceive and respond to a mandated, technology-driven instructional model for developmental math coursework at public colleges in Tennessee. Through interviews with faculty members across four colleges, we find that many faculty agreed that technology helped them to better track student performance, provide more targeted assistance, and communicate directly with students. Faculty also expressed concerns that technology provides the opportunity or temptation to game the system, interfering with true learning, and that students with the greatest needs may not be well served by the instructional model. We draw policy implications related to the role of educators in the development and implementation of curricular policy, provision and requirements for ongoing professional development, and postsecondary learning accountability.
Pre-anthracycline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment and long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) lymphoma survivors.

e24060Background: Anthracyclines are known to cause long-term cardiotoxicity. There are no specific guidelines for CV screening and follow-up of AYA patients treated with anthracyclines. Pediatric ...
Qualitative inquiry of cancer caregiving during young adulthood: responsibilities, challenges, teamwork, and social support.

Background Young adult cancer caregivers (YACC) may experience heightened caregiver burden because they take on caregiving during a dynamic time of life. The purpose of this study was to describe YACC experiences, burden, and social support while caregiving. Methods Grounded by the Cancer Family Caregiving Experience Model and the Stress and Coping Social Support theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACC. Inductive analysis was applied to YACC perceptions of caregiving, and deductive analysis to YACC social networks and social support. Results YACC (N=34) were primarily between 25 to 29 years of age (38.2%), primarily female (70.6%), non-Hispanic White (91.2%), employed (85.3%), college graduates or higher (53.0%), and caring for a spouse/partner (52.9%). Qualitative analysis of interviews with YACC resulted in 2 themes: cancer caregiving during young adulthood and young adult cancer caregiver social support. In the first theme YACC often did not perceive themselves as caregivers, rather their caregiving responsibilities were viewed as an extension of their relationship with the patient. Further YACC reported developmental-specific responsibilities (eg, caring for young children, being unable to take time off while solidifying careers) which often conflicted with their caregiving responsibilities (eg, managing patient's medication, attending appointments) and heightened burden. In response, YACC often formed caregiver teams consisting of family, friends, and community members to care for their loved one. In the second theme YACC most commonly reported receiving emotional and instrumental support from their social network. YACC specifically mentioned their appreciation for emotional support provided by other young adults and instrumental support in the form of financial support. Conclusions YACC faced developmentally specific challenges during caregiving that older adult caregivers may not encounter. The conflict of young adult and caregiving responsibilities resulted in YACC forming caregiver teams. Thus, theoretical approaches to understand and improve caregiver health would benefit from the inclusion of the developmental context of young adulthood. Furthermore, it is crucial that cancer centers tailor supportive services to YACC as the number of young caregivers increases.
SU‐E‐T‐12: A Comparative Dosimetric Study of Pre and Post Prostate Iodine‐125 Permanent Seed Implants

Purpose: Post-implant dosimetry has become the gold standard for prostate implant evaluation. The goal of this research is to compare the dosimetry between pre-plan and post-plan in permanent prostate seed implant brachytherapy. Methods: A retrospective study of 91 patients treated with Iodine-125 prostate seed implant between year 2012∼2014 were performed. All plans were created using a VariSeed 8.0 planning system. Pre-plan ultrasound images were acquired using 0.5 cm slice thickness. Post-plan CT images acquired about 1–4 weeks after implant, fused with the preplan ultrasound images. The prostate and urethra contours were generated using the fusion of ultrasound and CT images. Iodine-125 seed source activities varied between 0.382 to 0.414 mCi per seed. The loading patterns varied slightly between patients depending on the prostate size. Statistical analysis of pre and post plans for prostate and urethra volumes, V100%, V150% and D90, and urethra D10 were performed and reported. Results: The pre and post implant average prostate size was 36.90cc vs. 38.58cc; V100% was 98.33% vs. 96.89%; V150% was 47.09% vs. 56.95%; D90 was 116.35Gy vs. 116.12Gy, urethra volume was 1.72cc vs. 1.85cc, urethra D10% was 122.0% vs. 135.35%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre and post-plan values for D90(p-value=0.43). However, there are significant differences between other parameters most likely due to post surgical edema; prostate size (p-value= 0.00015); V100% (p-value=3.7803E-07); V150% (p-value=1.49E-09); urethra volume (p-value= 2.77E-06); Urethra D10 (p-value=7.37E-11). Conclusion: The post-plan dosimetry using CT image set showed similar D90 dose coverage to the pre-plan using the ultrasound image dataset. The study showed that our prostate seed implants have consistently delivered adequate therapeutic dose to the prostate while sparing urethra. Future studies to correlate dose versus biochemical response using patients’ PSA values as well as patients’ survival are warranted.
Imaging of magnetospheric dynamics using low energy neutral atom detection

Recent advances in low energy neutral atom (LENA) detection technology show that magnetospheric imaging is achievable with 4[sub o][times]4[sub o] resolution and can distinguish numerous features of the magnetosphere. A critical factor in detecting low energy neutrals is their removal from the ambient UV background. One technique to accomplish this is by ionizing the neutrals by their transmission through an untrathin charge modification foil and subsequent electrostatic deflection. In this type of instrument, the driving factor for resolution and sensitivity is scattering in the foil and the ionization probability of transiting neutrals. We describe results of a prototype LENA imager using a collimated beam of 10 key H. Additionally, we illustrate model results of anticipated LENA images of the magnetosphere based on the Rice Convection Model and show that plasma variations resulting from geomagnetic storm disturbances can be observed using a LENA imager.
Facilitation in multiple life-history stages: evidence for nucleated succession in coastal dunes

Understanding plant interactions during succession is a central goal of plant ecology. The nucleation model of succession proposes that facilitative interactions lead to outward radiations of colonization from established plants. I tested the nucleation hypothesis for early successional plants on the primary dunes of barrier islands in the southeastern United States. On the coast of Florida and Georgia, I sampled the above-ground vegetation and the seed bank, and conducted a seedling emergence experiment in the field. Vegetation sampling at both field sites showed more positive correlations in percent cover of adult species than expected by chance. At both sites, there were significantly more seeds under plants than in open microsites. Seeds of the same species as the adult plants in the vegetated microsites were removed from the analysis, so the accumulation of seeds under adults is not due simply to a seed shadow effect. Seeds of six species were added to plots under plants and in open microsites, and seedling emergence was significantly higher under plants than in the open. The findings support the predictions of the nucleation hypothesis for the early life-history stages of seed dispersal and germination, and help to explain the clumped distribution of dune plants seen in the field. The results add further support for the contention that facilitation is an important mode of plant interaction in stressful and disturbed habitats.
Spectroscopy of CF3COZ compounds—III

Abstract In an extension of the work of Dodd et al. [J. Chem. Soc. 2783 (1957)], the infrared spectrum of CF3CHO (gas and solid) has been investigated in the region 4000-33 cm−1. The infrared spectrum of CF3CDO was also obtained, and a complete vibrational assignment is suggested which diners in some respects from that of the earlier workers. Of particular interest is the torsional frequency (~55 cm−1 for gas-phase CF3CHO), which implies a barrier to internal rotation of 190–240 cm−1, significantly lower than the barrier obtained in a recent microwave study. The discrepancy may be due to mixing of the torsion and other internal coordinates of the molecule. Barriers for three CF3COZ compounds (Z = H, F, Cl) are compared with those found in the corresponding CH3COZ compounds. The infrared spectrum of the solid shows that no hydrogen bonding takes place and that at least two crystalline forms are present. These facts are consistent with a structure similar to that suggested by schneideb and BERNSTEIN [Trans. Faraday Soc. 52, 13 (1956)] for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
The Numerical Methods Programming Projects Book

Introduction The set up Project 1 through to Project 22 Documentation CO5ADF: DO1AJF DO2HBF EO2BAF EO2BCF EO2BDF EO4VDF FO1BTF FO2WAF FO4AYF FO4JGF Asnwers to exercises NAG Graphical Library examples, and Index
THE RELATION OF HEART RATE TO EXERCISE FITNESS: AN ATTEMPT AT PHYSIOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BRADYCARDIA OF TRAINING

It is painfully obvious that, at this time, no clearly demonstrated mechanism for the bradycardia of training is at hand. Accordingly the present attempt at its explanation has necessarily been speculative. It has, however, proposed a number of possible factors: (a) A decrease in the intensity of the central cardiovascular discharge made possible by the increased strength of skeletal muscles; (b) An increase in blood volume, acting through nervous mechanisms regulating central venous pressure; and (c) A diminished cardioaccelerator effect of the Alam-Smirk chemoreceptor reflex permitted by reduced concentration of metabolites in the interstitial fluid of active muscles made possible by greater capillarization of their fibers. (d) A diminished cardioaccelerator effect resulting reflexly from the increase in respiratory efficiency induced by training. As a result of these factors the heart rate at any given level of work is slowed, so reducing the oxygen consumption of the heart and achieving greater myocardial efficiency. One cannot but feel dissatisfied with such a picture: in it the bradycardia appears merely as a chance result of the action of various heterogeneous factors, rather than the consequence of operation of an integrated system for organismic adaptation to a high level of physical activity. True it would be possible to restate this picture formally as a system with multiple sensors, located in the skeletal muscles, the lungs and the venous system, playing on the central structures controlling the heart rate. What is disturbing is, for instance, the absence of a means whereby there could be transmitted to the centers the effect of such an outstanding consequence of training as strengthening of the left ventricular myocardium. Surely some fairly direct and reliable channel of communication from the ventricle to its pacemaker must exist! Further, it is disturbing that nothing has been said involving cardiac output in the causation of the bradycardia, even though training apparently achieves greater work capacity at lowered total blood flow. Our knowledge of the changes in circulatory adjustment to prolonged heavy exercise is too meager to warrant setting up a formal hypothesis to account for the bradycardia involved therein. A philosophical question suggests itself at this point: if the circulatory changes resulting from training are adaptive to a high level of physical activity, then is it not possible that the circulatory state of a sedentary individual is equally adaptative to his level of activity? This question suggests studies which would explore the efficiency of circulatory adjustment at levels above, at and below that of common daily life. Indeed, it may be that the relative tachycardia, characteristic of the bedridden, the chronically ill and the denizen of the easy chair may be of value to them. Is it possible that the "unfit" in reality possess a better circulatory adaptation to their restful way of life than those rated "fit" by a test of "exercise fitness"?
The Sources and Sinks of Nuclides in Long Island Sound

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the sources and sinks of nuclides in Long Island Sound (LIS). The LIS has the properties of a large protected settling basin. In such a system, many of the processes affecting the behavior of material injected into the coastal zone can be followed more directly than in some other systems more responsive to large-scale and seasonal variables. The Connecticut River is the most important river draining into LIS. This river is least important in the transport of metals to LIS. The distribution of trace metals in LIS sediments is discussed in the chapter. Trace-metal distributions in mussels and oysters are studied. The cause of the observed trace-metal distributions is analyzed, and the processes affecting the deposition and accumulation of trace metals in LIS are outlined. Processes that affect the vertical distribution of nuclides in the sediment pile are also described.
Fractional Cauchy Problems on Bounded Domains: Survey of Recent Results

In a fractional Cauchy problem, the usual first order time derivative is replaced by a fractional derivative. This problem was first considered by Nigmatullin [25] (Nigmatullin RR (1986) The realization of the generalized transfer in a medium with fractal geometry. Phys Status Solidi B 133:425–430), and Zasalavsky [32] (Zaslavsky G (1994) Fractional kinetic equation for Hamiltonian chaos. Phys D 76:110–122) in \({\mathbb{R}}^{d}\) for modeling some physical phenomena. The fractional derivative models time delays in a diffusion process. We will give a survey of the recent results on the fractional Cauchy problem and its generalizations on bounded domains D⊂ℝ d obtained in Meerschaert et al.[20, 21](Meerschaert MM, Nane E, Vellaisamy P (2009) Fractional Cauchy problems on bounded domains. Ann Probab 37:979–1007; Meerschaert MM, Nane E, Vellaisamy P (to appear) Distributed-order fractional diffusions on bounded domains. J Math Anal Appl). We also study the solutions of fractional Cauchy problem where the first time derivative is replaced with an infinite sum of fractional derivatives. We point out connections to eigenvalue problems for the fractional time operators considered. The solutions to the eigenvalue problems are expressed by Mittag-Leffler functions and its generalized versions. The stochastic solution of the eigenvalue problems for the fractional derivatives are given by inverse subordinators.
Is the Magnitude of the Deep Outflow from the Atlantic Ocean Actually Governed by Southern Hemisphere Winds

The large-scale overturning in the Atlantic Ocean and its export of salty water to the other basins of the ocean is usually thought of as a thermohaline process driven by the formation of dense bottom water in the isolated basins of the North Atlantic. In this paper the output from several different runs of a global ocean GCM is used to show that the inflow of upper kilometer water in the South Atlantic and the outflow of deep water varies in direct proportion to the westerly wind stress in the circumpolar region of the southern hemisphere. According to the results presented here, the production of dense bottom water in the North Atlantic makes it possible for an Atlantic overturning to exist, but southern hemisphere winds appear to determine the magnitude of the inflow and outflow. The connection between southern hemisphere winds and the Atlantic overturning is due to a unique dynamic constraint which operates in the latitude band of Drake Passage. This constraint suggests the possibility of a very simple relationship between the magnitude of the northward wind drift at the latitude of the tip of South America (i.e. ∫(τx/f)dxSA) and the magnitude of the inflow and outflow from the Atlantic basin.
Fascio-peritoneal patch repair of the IVC: a workhorse in search of work?

A 52-year-old man with a history of nephrolithiasis presented with 2 years of intermittent right flank discomfort. This was a dull pain with no obvious initiating or alleviating factors. His physical examination, laboratory tests, abdominal x-rays, and IVP were all unrevealing. An ultrasound demonstrated a large mass adjacent to the right kidney. Subsequent CT scanning showed that this mass extended to the right lobe of the liver and encroached on the IVC, portal vein, and right hepatic vessels. He underwent exploratory laparotomy at a local hospital, where the tumor was deemed unresectable. An incisional biopsy revealed high-grade leiomyosarcoma. He presented to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for definitive management of this difficult problem. To further assess resectability, an MRI was performed with additional contrast-enhanced threedimensional gradient echo angiography through the upper abdomen (Fig. 1). This study demonstrated the mass encasing the right renal vein, with apparent invasion and compression of the posterior IVC and left renal vein. All of these vessels, however, remained patent. The celiac and mesenteric vessels were clear of tumor involvement. The patient was taken to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy using a thoracoabdominal approach. The large tumor was found to fill the right retroperitoneum from the retrohepatic space to the pelvic brim. The tumor was mobilized laterally to medially en bloc with the right kidney and adrenal gland. The right renal artery was ligated in continuity with the specimen. The right renal vein was dissected free from the tumor and then divided with a vascular stapling device. This left the tumor adherent to the posterior IVC at the confluence of the renal veins. Proximal and distal control of the IVC was obtained with vessel loops at the retrohepatic and infrarenal portions of the vessel. The left renal vein was divided after an adequate left gonadal vein was visualized. The IVC was then clamped proximally and distally, and the tumor was excised with a scalpel, leaving an 835-cm defect in the posterior IVC. The remaining anterior IVC measured approximately 4.5cm in width. A sizematched strip of peritoneum with posterior rectus fascia was harvested from the right supraumbilical abdominal wall by electrocautery. The patch was affixed, peritoneum inward, to the IVC using running 4-0 Prolene suture (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) (Fig. 2). The clamps were removed, revealing vigorous caval flow. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home on postoperative day 6 with normal renal function. An ultrasound of the IVC 2 weeks after the procedure demonstrated a patent, although slightly narrowed vein (Fig. 3). Pathologic examination confirmed a 14312311-cm high-grade leiomyosarcoma with margins negative for tumor.
Chapter 14 Economic impact of international migration and the economic performance of migrants

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the numbers and characteristics of international migrants to selected developed countries, explores some of the economic factors motivating international migration, examines the impact of immigration on the receiving country's labor markets, discusses the extent to which immigrants assimilate to the receiving country's labor market, and presents several studies of immigrants' effects on the social welfare system. The chapter focuses on the experiences of Australia, Canada, and the United States. Increased immigration has a modest impact on the distribution of income, and most of these adverse affects fall on immigrants themselves. These effects may be small as a result of the effects that immigrants have on local labor demand or of changes in natives' migration patterns. First, there is evidence of a significant amount of immigrant assimilation in the US data, although there is less evidence of it in Australian, Canadian, and European data. This result implies that the adverse effects that US immigrants have on wages lessen as they spend more time in the United States. Second, this assimilation does not mean that immigrants' wages approach those of the median native.
Tissue Engineering Breakthroughs

Tissue engineering (TE) is an emerging multidisciplinary field involving biology, medicine, and engineering that is likely to revolutionize the ways we improve the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide by restoring, maintaining, or enhancing tissue and organ function. Three essentials components of TE are: cells, scaffolds and molecules of extracellular matrix, designed to repair tissue defect. In addition to having a therapeutic application, where the tissue is either grown in a patient or outside the patient and transplanted, tissue engineering can have diagnostic applications where the tissue is made in vitro and used for testing drug metabolism and uptake, toxicity, and pathogenicity. The foundation of tissue engineering for either therapeutic or diagnostic applications is the ability to exploit living cells in a variety of ways. Tissue engineering research includes: biomaterials, cells, biomolecules, engineering design aspects, biomechanics, bio-informatics in order to help interventions not only at organ but also at cellular and molecular level. Therefore, gene therapy, manipulations with abzymes and rational vaccine design are also parts of TE. This Chapter will present the crucial breakthroughs in this field.
Characterization of spatially homogeneous regions based on temporal patterns of fine particulate matter in the continental United States.

Statistical analyses of time-series or spatial data have been widely used to investigate the behavior of ambient air pollutants. Because air pollution data are generally collected in a wide area of...
Transmyocardial laser revascularization

Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) for the treatment of medically unresponsive angina pectoris has been shown to be clinically effective. The mechanism of its action, however, is not quite understood. Over the last five years my collaborators and I have conducted a variety of in vivo and in vitro studies using different animal models, lasers and experimental protocols. The results seem to indicate that the mechanism of action of TMR is related to neovascularization rather than chronically patent channels, as originally proposed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sperm isolation and biochemical analysis of the major sperm protein from Caenorhabditis elegans

In order to facilitate the biochemical analysis of spermatogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans methods have been developed for obtaining large quantities of males and for the isolation of sperm. Males are isolated by a passive filtration method from strains producing high proportions of males and sperm are isolated by physical pressure followed by filtration and differential centrifugation. Biochemical analyses show that sperm contain a major protein component that represents 17% of the total sperm protein. This protein has a molecular weight of 15,600, an isoelectric pH of 8.6, and exists as a dimer. It is shown by immunocytochemical techniques to be a specific product of spermatogenesis. It is localized in the proximal arm of the male gonad and in the sperm of both the male and hermaphrodite but it is not detected in other tissues of the nematode. It is not a nuclear binding protein. Pulse-labeling studies show that this major sperm protein is first synthesized in the proximal arm of the male gonad beginning at 39-42 hr after hatching at 20 degrees C. Poly(A) mRNA coding for this protein is first detected in a translatable form just before synthesis of this sperm protein suggesting transcriptional control.
The effect of various drugs on the binding of warfarin-14C to human albumin☆

Abstract The effect of various drugs on the binding of warfarin- 14 C to human albumin was studied by the technique of ultrafiltration. Phenylbutazone, d -thyroxine, sulfa-phenazole, and chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB) were less effective than unlabeled warfarin in displacing warfarin- 14 C from albumin. The organic bases, phenyramidol and atropine, had little displacing effect. Phenylbutazone competitively inhibits the binding of warfarin- 14 C to albumin. CPIB binds to a different site on albumin than does warfarin- 14 C and noncompetitively inhibits the binding of the anticoagulant. Both Phenylbutazone and CPIB, at concentrations observed clinically, increased the unbound fraction of warfarin- 14 C 10-fold and 4-fold respectively. Phenyramidol and d -thyroxine had no effect on the binding of warfarin- 14 C under similar circumstances. Decreased binding of coumarin-type drugs to albumin produced by the administration of other drugs may cause an increased anticoagulant effect in clinical situations.
Harold Garfinkel (29 October 1917 – 21 April 2011): A remembrance and reminder:

This essay is a remembrance and also a reminder of Harold Garfinkel’s contributions to science studies. Garfinkel is best known as the founder of ethnomethodology, the sociological investigation of the production and coordination of ‘methods’ in non-scientific as well as scientific settings. In addition to studying the tacit organization of everyday activities, Garfinkel and his students also investigated practices in the natural and social sciences that elude formal methodological prescriptions and reports. Garfinkel’s work sometimes is acknowledged as a precursor to early ethnographies of scientific laboratories, but this essay argues that his conceptual and methodological innovations continue to have a pervasive, though often unacknowledged, place in science and technology studies and related fields.
Cross-neutralization potential of native human papillomavirus N-terminal L2 epitopes.

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) capsids are composed of 72 pentamers of the major capsid protein L1, and an unknown number of L2 minor capsid proteins. An N-terminal “external loop” of L2 contains cross-neutralizing epitopes, and native HPV16 virions extracted from 20-day-old organotypic tissues are neutralized by anti-HPV16 L2 antibodies but virus from 10-day-old cultures are not, suggesting that L2 epitopes are more exposed in mature, 20-day virions. This current study was undertaken to determine whether cross-neutralization of other HPV types is similarly dependent on time of harvest and to screen for the most effective cross-neutralizing epitope in native virions.
Low productivity and slow deep-water circulation in mid-Cretaceous oceans

Paleofertility estimates are derived from organic-carbon accumulation rates determined in nonbioturbated mid-Cretaceous deep-sea deposits using organic-carbon preservation factors observed in laminated sediments from anoxic Holocene environments. The estimated mid-Cretaceous primary production rates are as much as an order of magnitude lower than those measured in today's oceans. An evaluation of dissolved oxygen budgets using a simple oceanic circulation model indicates very low deep-water renewal rates in mid-Cretaceous oceans. 28 references, 2 tables, 4 figures.
Plasma flow due to a loss-cone distribution centred around the outboard edge in DIII-D

Recent Mach probe measurements of the bulk ion toroidal velocity near the last closed flux surface in DIII-D (Muller et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 106 115001) are consistent with the existence of a loss-cone distribution in velocity space, as described previously (deGrassie et al 2009 Nucl. Fusion 49 085020), predicting a co-Ip directed velocity localized to the edge. The former model has been extended into the scrape-off layer and takes into account limiting surfaces, and is also extended to include the effect of a uniform radial electric field with magnitude and sign relevant for measurements in the edge of DIII-D H-mode conditions. These added effects modify the details but do not wash out the basic model-computed velocity profile.
NEURONAL-TYPE ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTORS AND REGULATION OF ALPHA 7 GENE EXPRESSION IN VERTEBRATE SKELETAL MUSCLE

Several neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) genes are expressed in chick skeletal muscle during development. One of the most abundantly expressed is alpha 7, which produces a protein capable of binding alpha-bungarotoxin and is physically distinct from muscle AChRs containing the alpha 1 gene product. We show here that the alpha 7-containing species in muscle is indistinguishable pharmacologically from alpha 7-containing AChRs in neurons. In addition, immunologic analysis with subunit-specific muscle antibodies shows that the alpha 7-containing species in muscle lacks the beta 1 and delta muscle AChR gene products as it does the alpha 1. RNase protection experiments measuring alpha 7 mRNA levels indicate that the alpha 1 and alpha 7 genes may, in part, be subject to similar kinds of regulation in the tissue. Surgical denervation of leg muscle in newly hatched chicks caused a small and transient increase in alpha 7 mRNA after 8 days, while alpha 1 transcripts underwent a large and sustained increase in number. Similarly, treating myotube cultures with tetrodotoxin caused a modest increase in alpha 7 transcript levels and a large increase in alpha 1. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) increased both kinds of transcripts in myotube cultures equally as did treatment with 8-bromo-cyclic AMP; CGRP is thought to work via a cyclic AMP-dependent pathway in muscle. In at least one respect, however, alpha 7 expression in muscle differs qualitatively from that of alpha 1: AChR-inducing activity (ARIA) increased alpha 1 mRNA levels in culture while slightly depressing alpha 7 mRNA levels. The regulatory pattern of alpha 7 expression in muscle may combine features of both alpha 7 expression in neurons and alpha 1 expression in muscle.
Disease emergence in multi-host epidemic models

Most pathogens are capable of infecting multiple hosts. These multiple hosts provide many avenues for the disease to emerge. In this investigation, we formulate and analyse multi-host epidemic models and determine conditions under which the disease can emerge. In particular, SIS and SIR epidemic models are formulated for a pathogen that can infect n different hosts. The basic reproduction number is computed and shown to increase with n, the number of hosts that can be infected. Therefore, the possibility of disease emergence increases with the number of hosts infected. The SIS model for two hosts is studied in detail. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the global stability of an endemic equilibrium. Numerical examples illustrate the dynamics of the two- and three-host epidemic models. The models have applications to hantavirus in rodents and other zoonotic diseases with multiple hosts.
Special article: Infectious diseases among homeless children and adolescents: A national concern

Abstract Most Americans have the misconception that the homeless population is composed primarily of adults, many of whom are derelicts, drug abusers, and the like. In actuality, the typical homeless person in America today is a child, and the fastest growing portion of the homeless population is families with children. Homeless children and adolescents present specific challenges to individuals who provide health care to the pediatric population. This article reviews various aspects of homelessness and health concerns, particularly infectious diseases, as they pertain to homeless families, and describes model programs in several cities, especially one in Houston, TX. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Inotropic effects of the K+ channel blocker 3,4-diaminopyridine on fatigued diaphragm muscle.

Abstract K+ channels play important roles in skeletal muscle contraction by regulating action potential duration. Blocking these channels, for example with 3,4-diaminopyridine (DAP), augments muscle force considerably, and these force increases are maintained well during fatigue-inducing contractions. The present study tested the hypothesis that K+ channel blockade also improves force of previously fatigued muscle. Rat diaphragm underwent fatigue-inducing stimulation in vitro with four different stimulation protocols consisting of 20 Hz vs. 50 Hz trains and 1 min vs. 4 min stimulation durations. DAP administered at the onset of the recovery period produced significant force increases irrespective of the amount of antecedent force loss. These force gains considerably exceeded those resulting from normal force recovery in untreated muscle. Furthermore contraction time was prolonged by DAP in all cases, and half-relaxation time was prolonged by DAP in most cases. Several differences were found compared with previous studies of DAP in fresh muscle, including smaller magnitude and slower time course of force increases. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings found smaller effects of DAP on action potential overshoot and time-depolarization integral in previously stimulated compared with fresh muscle. These data indicate that K+ channel blockade does indeed increase force of fatigued diaphragm, but to an attenuated extent relative to its effects on non-fatigued muscle, which can be explained on the basis of electrophysiological findings. Nonetheless DAP-induced force increases were usually sufficient to restore force to values present prior to the onset of fatigue-inducing stimulation.
Novel 2-substituted cocaine analogs: binding properties at dopamine transport sites in rat striatum

Abstract A novel scheme utilizing vinylcarbenoid precursors has been developed for the synthesis of novel tropane analogs of cocaine. Using this method, 15 analogs were prepared and tested for activity in binding to dopamine transporters in rat striatal membranes using [125I]RTI-55. In all the analogs, the aryl group at the 3 position was directly bound to the tropane ring (as in WIN 35,428), and methyl or ethyl ketone moieties were present at the 2 position instead of the typical ester group. The most potent analog was a 2-naphthyl derivative (IC50 value of 0.2 nM, vs. 170 nM for cocaine), while replacement of the aryl with either ethyl or cyclohexyl drastically reduced potency (to > 50 μM and 5 μM, respectively).
On the inhibition of interferon action by inhibitors of fatty acid cyclooxygenase.

Abstract Experiments were carried out to investigate the proposed involvement of the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis pathway in interferon (IFN) action. Several known inhibitors of fatty acid cyclooxygenase (indomethacin, ibuprofen, oxyphenylbutazone) were found to inhibit the antiviral action of IFN in mouse L929 and human FS-4 cells. However, the concentrations of these inhibitors required for this effect were much higher than those used to inhibit PG biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that the inhibitors tested also blocked RNA and protein synthesis, and that the concentration dependence for these effects of the inhibitors and for the inhibition of IFN action were similar. This could account for the inhibitory effect of these compounds on IFN action without invoking an involvement of the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Consensus in multi-agent systems with nonlinear uncertainties under a fixed undirected graph

This paper presents consensus algorithms by integrating cooperative control and adaptive control laws for multi-agent systems with unknown nonlinear uncertainties. An ideal multi-agent system without uncertainties is introduced first. The cooperative control law, based on an artificial potential function, is designed to make the ideal multi-agent system achieve consensus under a fixed and connected undirected graph. The presence of uncertainties will degenerate the performance, or even destabilize the whole multi-agent system. The L1 adaptive control law is therefore introduced to handle unknown nonlinear uncertainties. Two different consensus cases are considered: 1) normal consensus—where all agents reach an agreement on an initially undetermined position and velocity, and 2) consensus with a virtual leader—where all agents’ states converge to the virtual leader’s states. Under a fixed and connected undirected graph, the presented consensus algorithms enable the real multi-agent system to stay close to the ideal multi-agent system which achieves consensus with or without a virtual leader. Simulation results of 2-D consensus with nonlinear uncertainties are provided to demonstrate the presented algorithms.