cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making something of the sacrifice: gender, migration and Mexican children's educational aspirations

Transnational families often use international migration as a strategy not only for survival, but also for social mobility. Migrant parents hope their sacrifices via migration will translate into educational benefits for non-migrant children. In this article, we use mixed methods to explore the success of parents' efforts by considering the relationship between gender, family migration patterns and the educational aspirations of children in the Mixteca region of Mexico. Analysis of surveys collected from 1273 students show that mothers' migrations affect children's educational goals in different ways depending on whether they migrate alone or with their husbands. Fathers' lone migrations have no significant impact on children's educational aspirations. Interviews with 51 children of migrants suggest that children of unmarried migrant mothers are motivated academically because they invest in their mothers' migrations as a sacrifice, whereas the emotional consequences of parental absences lower the educational aspirations of children with both parents in the USA.
The one atmosphere glow discharge as a detector of millimeter radiation

Summary form only given, as follows. Previous work has showed that the one atmosphere glow discharge is a broad-band absorber of microwave radiation. The absorbed radiation causes fluctuations in the discharge current. The change in the discharge current is a direct measure of the incident wave power. The fact that the plasma is generated at atmospheric pressure renders this type of glow discharge a very practical detector of millimeter waves. Also, since the amount of power attenuation (in dB) of a wave propagating through a uniform plasma at atmospheric pressure is proportional to the ratio of the plasma number density and the collision frequency, the former or the latter can be accurately determined if either quantity is measured by another diagnostics.
Dopamine Genes and Schizophrenia: Case Closed or Evidence Pending?

The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia (SZ) has motivated a large number of genetic association studies but few if any dopaminergic (DA) polymorphisms are accepted as credible risk factors at present. To evaluate whether dopamine-related genes have been investigated adequately, we surveyed public genetic databases and published SZ association studies with regard to 14 conventional DA genes and 7 selected dopamine-interacting proteins. We estimate that 325 polymorphisms would be required to evaluate the impact of common variation on SZ risk among Caucasian samples. To date, 98 polymorphisms have been analyzed in published association studies. We estimate that only 19 of these variations have been evaluated in samples with at least 50% power to detect an association of the effect size commonly found in genetically complex disorders. While it is possible that DA genes do not harbor genetic risk factors for SZ, our review suggests that satisfactory conclusions for most genes cannot be drawn at present. Whole-genome association studies have begun to fill this void, but additional analyses are likely to be needed. Recommendations for future association studies include analysis of adequately powered samples, judiciously selected polymorphisms, multiple ethnic groups, and concurrent evaluation of function at associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
Perturbations to engulfment trigger a degradative response that prevents cell-cell signalling during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis.

Summary During sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, the mother cell membranes migrate around the forespore in a phagocytic-like process called engulfment. Developmental gene expression requires the successful completion of this key morphological event. Here we show that perturbations to engulfment block the accumulation of proteins secreted into the space between the mother cell and forespore membranes. Our data support a model in which engulfment defects cause the proteolytic clearance of these secreted proteins. Importantly, we show that this degradative response is reversible; once proper engulfment is restored, secreted proteins again accumulate. In particular, we have found that the forespore signalling protein SpoIVB fails to accumulate when engulfment is impaired and, as a result, late mother cell gene expression under the control of σK is blocked. If engulfment is restored, SpoIVB accumulates and cell–cell signalling resumes. Thus, this degradative pathway functions like a developmental checkpoint ensuring that mother cell gene expression does not commence unless morphogenesis proceeds normally.
Instigation of endothelial Nlrp3 inflammasome by adipokine visfatin promotes inter-endothelial junction disruption: role of HMGB1

Recent studies have indicated that the inflammasome plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. However, the pathological relevance of this inflammasome activation, particularly in vascular cells, remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of endothelial (Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain) NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing three (Nlrp3) inflammasomes in modulating inter-endothelial junction proteins, which are associated with endothelial barrier dysfunction, an early onset of obesity-associated endothelial injury. Our findings demonstrate that the activation of Nlrp3 inflammasome by visfatin markedly decreased the expression of inter-endothelial junction proteins including tight junction proteins ZO-1, ZO-2 and occludin, and adherens junction protein VE-cadherin in cultured mouse vascular endothelial (VE) cell monolayers. Such visfatin-induced down-regulation of junction proteins in endothelial cells was attributed to high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) release derived from endothelial inflammasome-dependent caspase-1 activity. Similarly, in the coronary arteries of wild-type mice, high-fat diet (HFD) treatment caused a down-regulation of inter-endothelial junction proteins ZO-1, ZO-2, occludin and VE-cadherin, which was accompanied with enhanced inflammasome activation and HMGB1 expression in the endothelium as well as transmigration of CD43(+) T cells into the coronary arterial wall. In contrast, all these HFD-induced alterations in coronary arteries were prevented in mice with Nlrp3 gene deletion. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the activation of endothelial Nlrp3 inflammasomes as a result of the increased actions of injurious adipokines such as visfatin produces HMGB1, which act in paracrine or autocrine fashion to disrupt inter-endothelial junctions and increase paracellular permeability of the endothelium contributing to the early onset of endothelial injury during metabolic disorders such as obesity or high-fat/cholesterol diet.
The Adsorption Sites of CO and NO Molecules on Metal Surfaces

This article briefly reviews recent structural results obtained for the adsorption of CO and NO on the closest-packed single-crystal metal surfaces. We discuss mainly the question of adsorption sites (top, bridge, hollow), in connection with site assignments based on C–O and N–O vibrational stretch frequencies. It is by now well established that, especially for high-coverage molecular structures (i.e., high-density monolayers), one cannot rely on simple site assignments based on these frequencies: molecular interactions change the frequencies, such that the frequency ranges deduced for carbonyl and nitrosyl cluster compounds are in some cases violated.
Banking Bigness: Concentration of the World’s 50 Largest Banks

Industrial concentration is broadly defined as: a few firms controlling a substantial share (assets, revenues) of the market. In the banking sector, this paper shows that the largest 50 banks in the world control about 50 percent of assets of the largest 1,000 banks. Two well known indexes of concentration were used (the Herfindahl and Theil’s entropy) to check the levels of concentration between 1990 and 2002. For purposes of robustness, the world’s largest 100 banks were also investigated. It was found in both cases that the concentration in 2002 was statistically significant as compared to concentration in the previous decade
Sparse coding blind source separation through Powerline

Without multiplexing, Powerline (PL) can support the concept of smart sensor webb roadcasting of an N -sensors-to-single-owner (N -to-1) for household=stadium=mall=metro=city surveillance. In order to make the single user scenario feasible, the underdetermined blind source separation (BSS) problem x(k )= � * a; * s (k)� + n(k) has to be solved so that only inner product time series signal x(k) is known. Our contribution is based on the understanding that the 3nite alphabet property of the binary sources * s (k) can resolve the underdetermined PL BSS case. For example, the alphabet of two binary sources consists of four states (1 1, 1 −1, − 11 ,−1 −1), which mixing vector * a and noise n(k) will spread in the mixed signal x(k), around the four centroids. We apply self-organizing maps to compute centroids from which the impulse response vector * a is determined. Then, the source vector * s (k) is recovered using the standard LMS method. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Dietary Supplementation of Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Influences Gastrointestinal Microbiota Composition and Immunity Characteristics of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, Cultured in a Recirculating System

Supplementation of prebiotic compounds, including short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) has been shown to confer benefits on nutrient utilization, growth, and disease resistance of various animal species through improved gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota. However, potential uses of prebiotics for shrimp have not been defined. A 6-wk feeding trial was conducted in a recirculating system to determine the effects of scFOS supplementation on growth performance, immune functions, and GI microbiota composition of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). scFOS was supplemented in a nutritionally complete diet (35% crude protein) at 0.025, 0.0500, 0.075, 0.100, 0.200, 0.400, and 0.800% by weight. After 6 wk of feeding, shrimp fed 0, 0.1, and 0.8% scFOS were sampled for assays of immune function and GI microbiota. Dietary supplementation of scFOS did not improve weight gain, feed conversion ratio, or survival of shrimp. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis suggested the intestinal tract microbial community from shrimp fed the basal diet was different from that of shrimp fed the scFOS diets [similarity coefficient (SC) = 74.9%)], although the intestinal tract microbial community from shrimp fed the scFOS-supplemented diets was very similar (SC = 92.3%). All the bacterial species contributing to the GI microbial differences were identified, although most of them are uncultured species. Both total hemocyte count and hemocyte respiratory burst increased (P < 0.05) by incremental dietary supplementation of scFOS (0-0.8%). This study is the first to our knowledge to show that dietary scFOS can selectively support growth of certain bacterial species in the GI tract of shrimp and enhance immunity, which may facilitate development of alternative strategies, including novel probiotics and synbiotics, for shrimp growth and health management.
Noncanonical localized orbitals and chemisorption

Abstract A localization scheme is applied to the Huckel N -atom linear chain in the limit that the chain becomes semi-infinite. It is shown that eigenvalues which arise from the localization procedure serve to separate a set of orbitals localized near the surface from a set of bulk orbitals. The effect of localization on the binding energy of an adatom is also reported where the adatom is assumed to be identical to the bulk atoms. Approximate binding energies are computed by taking combinations of the adatom orbital plus localized orbitals. Agreement to within 10% with the exact energy is found for the case of localization to two end atoms.
Fractional products of sets

For integers d > 1 and arbitrary 1 ⩽ α ⩽ d, α‐products in d‐fold Cartesian products are produced by probabilistic methods. Some explicit constructions are given by solutions of instances of the Turan problem for graphs. © 1995 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SEASONAL CYCLES IN ATMOSPHERIC CO2 CONCENTRATIONS

This chapter addresses the seasonal cycles in the concentration of atmospheric CO2, and the information they contain about the corresponding seasonal cycles of sources and sinks of CO2. Although the important factors will be covered, this is not intended as an exhaustive review of the subject, and in particular no attempt has been made to review the extensive literature in this area.
Toxicity and Radiation Protective Effect of WR-77913 in BALB/c Mice

The toxicity and radiation protective effect obtained by intraperitoneal injection of WR-77913 have been investigated in BALB/c mice. The toxic LD50/30 was 3574 mg/kg. When WR-77913 was given 30 min before whole body irradiation adequate protection was observed against bone marrow and gut death. Dose modifying factors of 1.91 and 1.76 for bone marrow and 1.95 and 1.80 for gut death were obtained with drug doses roughly equivalent to one half and one quarter of the maximum tolerable doses (MTD). No protective effect was observed against central nervous system injury. Preliminary experiments with the EMT6 tumor show limited tumor protection with a dose of WR-77913 equivalent to 70 per cent of the MTD. Because of its low toxicity, adequate bone marrow and gut protection at doses equivalent to one quarter MTD and limited protection of the EMT6 tumor, WR-77913 deserves further investigation to determine its value in multiple drug dose regimens and its capability to protect other normal tissues.
Assessing the alcohol–BMI relationship in a US national sample of college students

Objective:This study sought to assess the body mass index (BMI)–alcohol relationship among a US national sample of college students.Design:Secondary data analysis using the Fall 2011 National College Health Assessment (NCHA).Setting:A total of 44 US higher education institutions.Methods:Participants included a national sample of college students (N = 27,774). BMI, frequency of alcohol consumption and binge drinking were measured based on responses to items in the NCHA. T-tests and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified differences in BMI based on drinking status and sex.Results:Drinkers exhibited significantly lower BMIs than non-drinkers, t(26,968) = 5.55, p < .001. Binge drinkers exhibited significantly lower BMIs than non-binge-drinkers, t(27,094) = 2.64, p < .001. A significant interaction for drinking frequency and sex existed, F(5, 20,434) = 4.121, p = .001, but no interaction effect was present for sex and binge drinking frequency. Respondents drinking 1–20 days/month had lower BMIs compar...
Dual Pathways of Carbon Monoxide-Mediated Vasoregulation: Modulation by Redox Mechanisms

Rationale: Vascular tissues produce carbon monoxide (CO) via HO-dependent and HO-independent mechanisms; the former in tandem with biliverdin and iron and the latter as a lone product. CO has been shown to function as both a vasoconstrictor and vasodilator; however, factors that dictate the vasoregulatory phenotype of this gas are unknown. Objective: We investigated whether CO-mediated vasoconstriction is mechanistically linked to enhanced reactive oxygen species production that masks vasodilatory pathways. Methods and Results: Sprague–Dawley rat interlobar and interlobular arteries were examined in terms of superoxide (O2·−) generation and vascular reactivity in the absence and presence of antioxidants. Both authentic CO and the CO-releasing molecule (CORM)-3 constricted renal arteries and increased O2·− production in a dose-dependent manner. The antioxidants tempol, ebselen, and deferoxamine inhibited CO-induced O2·− production and converted CO from constrictor to dilator. CO-induced O2·− generation was...
Anal-rectal cytology as a screening tool for the detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive men.

Introduction Use of anal-rectal cytology is on the rise as a screening tool for the detection of anal squamous lesions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive individuals. The purpose of this 5-year retrospective study was to determine the utility of routine anal-rectal screening for the detection of squamous lesions in HIV-positive patients with histology correlation. Materials and methods From January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012, 448 anal-rectal Papanicolaou tests were performed on HIV-positive men, of which 133 were referred for high-resolution anoscopy. Results Of the 448 cases, 184 (41%) were classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or above, of which 133 (72%) had histologic correlation. Nine (7%) were negative, 64 (48%) were anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, 36 (27%) were AIN 2, 21 (16%) were AIN 3, and 3 (2%) were squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions The results of this study support the use of anal-rectal cytology as a screening tool in the detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia, particularly in high-risk populations.
High performance self-aligned SiGe p-type modulation-doped field-effect transistors

We report on self-aligned gate p-type SiGe MODFETs which exhibit superior performance in comparison with p-type devices using other technologies. The MODFETs are fabricated using a new process that benefits from a shallow, low thermal-budget ohmic contact and T-shaped gates.
In-beam study of the level structure of 122Te

Abstract The level structure of 122 Te has been studied using the 120 Sn(α, 2n) reaction at beam energies of 18 and 24 MeV. Standard in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy measurements of excitation functions, γγ-coincidences, and γ-ray angular distributions were performed. A level scheme up to 3995 keV in excitation was constructed and spin-parity values up to 12 + were assigned to almost all of the states. The identification of several new levels and the first in-beam observation of the excited 0 + state at 1357.4 keV are discussed. The low-lying excitations are examined in the context of coexisting structures of collective, single-particle, and particle-hole intruder excitations.
Lightning-induced fracture of masonry and rock

As a lightning channel on its way to ground meets a standing masonry or rock structure, radiant energy from the channel can induce a thermal shock of sufficient intensity to cause the structure to fracture and collapse. Mathematical models for two such structural failure mechanisms are proposed: one describing violent surface separations or spalling, and the other characterizing internal cracking from sudden increased pore pressure in the solid. Experimental data and case studies are used to complement these theories of lightning-induced failure.
Comparison of film capacitor designs for a high power density application

Three designs for an 8μF 3.1 kV snubber capacitor were built and tested to compare the performance of different technologies for a high RMS current requirement. The designs were (1) extended foil, (2) metalized film, and (3) a hybrid containing both a metalized electrode and extended foil electrodes. All were impregnated with a vegetable oil and epoxy encapsulated in the same size case. The prototype of the hybrid design was only a 6 μF capacitor due to machine limitations on winding dimensions that have since been resolved. A short-term, stepped-voltage test was performed on samples of each design until the units failed or to a maximum of 8.0 kV, more than 2.5 times the rated voltage. Short-circuit discharge, AC partial discharge measurements, and AC stepped-stress tests were also performed and will be reported. The implications of these test data for the selection of specific capacitor technologies for power electronics applications will be discussed.
Identification of power system topology from synchrophasor data

With the growing prevalence of phasor measurement units (PMUs), an abundance of high-resolution data is becoming available for analysis. The problem arises of how to use the data to obtain information about the operating conditions of the system. We examine the use of data from PMUs to expose information about the underlying system topology. An equivalent network at the PMU buses is obtained. Changes in the equivalent line flows can also be mapped back to events in the full system if the normal system structure is known.
Heavy Metal Chelation in Neurotoxic Exposures

Metals such as iron and copper are critical to living organisms, whereas other metals such as lead and arsenic have no known biologic role. Any metals in large amounts may cause toxicity. Many metals cause pervasive systemic effects involving the nervous system, which can be subtle in some cases. Although challenging, the diagnosis and treatment of metal poisoning can be made based on history, physical examination, and the proper use of metal testing. This article focuses on the use, and misuse, of chelation in the diagnosis and management of metal intoxication.
LABORATORY ANGULAR DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CHARGED SECONDARIES IN INELASTIC PROTON-PROTON COLLISIONS AT 102 GeV/c *

Lab angular distributions for the production of charged secondary particles in inelas- tic proton-proton collisions are presented. Data are separately displayed for protons and for positive and negative mesons (pions and kaons combined).
The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength

Ergogenic aides are widely used by fitness enthusiasts and athletes to increase performance. Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-GPC) has demonstrated some initial promise in changing explosive performance. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if 6 days of supplementation with A-GPC would augment isometric force production compared to a placebo. Thirteen college-aged males (Means ± SD; Age: 21.9 ± 2.2 years, Height: 180.3 ± 7.7 cm, Weight: 87.6 ± 15.6 kg; VO2 max: 40.08 ± 7.23 ml O2*Kg−1*min−1, Body Fat: 17.5 ± 4.6 %) gave written informed consent to participate in the study. The study was a double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over design. The participants reported to the lab for an initial visit where they were familiarized with the isometric mid thigh pull in a custom squat cage on a force platform and upper body isometric test against a high frequency load cell, and baseline measurements were taken for both. The participant then consumed either 600 mg per day of A-GPC or placebo and at the end of 6 days performed isometric mid thigh pulls and an upper body isometric test. A one-week washout period was used before the participants’ baseline was re-measured and crossed over to the other treatment. The A-GPC treatment resulted in significantly greater isometric mid thigh pull peak force change from baseline (t = 1.76, p = 0.044) compared with placebo (A-GPC: 98.8. ± 236.9 N vs Placebo: −39.0 ± 170.9 N). For the upper body test the A-GPC treatment trended towards greater change from baseline force production (A-GPC: 50.9 ± 167.2 N Placebo: −14.9 ± 114.9 N) but failed to obtain statistical significance (t = 1.16, p = 0.127). A-GPC is effective at increasing lower body force production after 6 days of supplementation. Sport performance coaches can consider adding A-GPC to the diet of speed and power athletes to enhance muscle performance.
Observations for Low-Cost Shore Protection

The purpose of this note is to outline some of the practical results of the research program on low-cost shore protection in regard to the evaluation of field observations and effective protective methods.
Westphalian Procedure, Post-Westphalian Substance: Alien Torts in Bolivia

This paper argues that the Post-Westphalian International Legal System protects substantive rights, subject to procedural constraints of the Westphalian state system - using the example of Alien Tort Statute litigation with respect to the former head of state of Bolivia.
Tweet Conversation Annotation Tool with a Focus on an Arabic Dialect, Moroccan Darija

This paper presents the DATOOL, a graphical tool for annotating conversations consisting of short messages (i.e., tweets), and the results we obtain in using it to annotate tweets for Darija, an historically unwritten Arabic dialect spoken by millions but not taught in schools and lacking standardization and linguistic resources. With the DATOOL, a native-Darija speaker annotated hundreds of mixedlanguage and mixed-script conversations at approximately 250 tweets per hour. The resulting corpus was used in developing and evaluating Arabic dialect classifiers described briefly herein. The DATOOL supports downstream discourse analysis of tweeted “conversations” by mapping extracted relations such as, who tweets to whom in which language, into graph markup formats for analysis in network visualization tools.
A Study Of Undergraduate Students' Alternative Conceptions Of Earth's Interior Using Drawing Tasks

Learning fundamental geoscience topics such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes requires students to develop a deep understanding of the conceptual models geologists use when describing the structure and dynamics of Earth’s interior. Despite the importance of these mental models underlying much of the undergraduate geoscience curriculum, surprisingly little research related to this complex idea exists in the discipline-based science education research literature. To better understand non-science-majoring undergraduates' conceptual models of Earth’s interior, student-generated drawings and interviews were used to probe student understanding of the Earth. Ninety-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with non-science-major college students at the beginning of an entry-level geology course at a large Midwestern university. Students were asked to draw a picture of Earth’s interior and provide think-aloud explanations of their drawings. The results reveal that students hold a wide range of alternative conceptions about Earth, with only a small fraction having scientifically accurate ideas. Students’ understandings ranged from conceptualizing Earth’s interior as consisting of horizontal layers of rock and dirt, to more sophisticated views with Earth’s interior being composed of concentric layers with unique physical and chemical characteristics. Processes occurring within Earth, such as "convection," were rarely mentioned or explained. These results provide a first-steps basis from which to further explore college students’ thinking and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on earth science teaching and geoscience education research.
Engineered nanoparticle adhesion and removal from tomato surfaces.

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are being used in different industries due to their unique physicochemical properties. NPs may be toxic and could pose both public health and environmental contamination risks. In this study, two concentrations (50 and 500 μg mL–1) of titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3) were applied to contaminate the surface of cherry tomato as a food model, followed by washing with deionized water (DI) to remove the NPs from the tomato surfaces. The NP surface charge and hydrodynamic diameter results showed that the isoelectric point (IEP) for alumina was at pH 9–9.6, for silica at pH <3, and for titania was at pH 6.5–6.8; in addition, the highest hydrodynamic size for all NPs was observed at the IEP. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) indicated that the highest NP concentration was observed on tomato surfaces contaminated at the higher concentration (500 μg mL–1) (P < 0.05). After the tomatoes had been washed with DI, alumina levels decreased significantl...
The Use of Nitrogen as a Test Gas for Arnold Engineering Development Center's Huels H2 Arc Heater Facility

A test entry was conducted during Fiscal Year 2009 to evaluate the performance of using nitrogen as a process test gas in the Arnold Engineering Development Center’s (AEDC) H2 High-Enthalpy Ablation Test unit (HEAT) for specific testing requiring an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. In order to perform testing in conjunction with NASA-Ames, it was desired to acquire parametric model performance data using both nitrogen and air. This required a facility modification to the gas-supply manifold to support additional test gases. Five total runs were completed under this project. Analysis of the results shows that facility operation is feasible and has no detrimental effect on the facility. The HEAT-H2 facility does have a slight reduction in efficiency when using nitrogen as opposed to air, but the critical test parameters are comparable between the two test gases.
Cytokines and Feeding Suppression: An Integrative View From Neurologic to Molecular Levels.

Cytokines are released from activated cells during acute and chronic pathologic processes including infection and malignancy. These processes and immunotherapy with cytokines are frequently accompanied by feeding suppression. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinfusion of low doses of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) decreases short- and long-term food intake by reducing meal size and meal duration; high amounts also decrease meal frequency and prolong intermeal intervals. The ICV microinfusion of interferon (IFN) suppresses only short-term feeding by reducing meal size and meal duration; IL-8 suppresses short-term feeding by reducing meal size. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide also reduces meal size. IL-1 beta is significantly more potent than IFN, IL-8, and other cytokines. Evidence also shows that only a subset of cytokines released during pathologic processes participate in the regulation of feeding. These behavioral effects of cytokines are blocked by the appropriate receptor antagonists and monoclonal antibodies. Cytokines affect the hypothalamus and this may result in feeding suppression. IL-1 beta and IFN act directly and specifically on the glucose-sensitive neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (a "satiety" site) and the lateral hypothalamic area (a "hunger" site). Pathophysiologic concentrations of IL-1 beta and IL-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid inhibit the calcium channel current in neurons. It is essential to characterize the mechanisms by which cytokines induce feeding suppression to understand appetite suppression during disease and immunotherapy.
Operative gastric perforation : a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts are reported in 24-47 % of cases. These include mechanical malfunction and infection, cerebrospinal fluid collection, shunt migration, and visceral perforation. Intestinal perforation, most commonly colonic, may be associated with meningitis or cerebral abscess. Gastric migration has been previously described as a late complication related to the use of stiff Raimondi coil-spring peritoneal catheters in children with malnutrition and abdominal adhesions. We report a case of operative gastric perforation, a rare complication which was detected prior to development of symptoms.
An attempt to determine whether maternal transmission of scrapie occurs in mice.

SUMMARY Female mice inoculated with scrapie agent were housed with uninoculated male mice. A proportion of the litters that were born were observed for evidence of the disease but no cases of scrapie were seen. When the progeny were challenged with scrapie they reacted at the same time as control mice. There was no evidence for maternal transmission of scrapie, or that resistance was conferred to mice born of scrapie-affected dams.
Application of a Nonlinear Model to Transcript Levels of Upregulated Stress Response Gene ibpA in Stationary-Phase Salmonella enterica Subjected to Sublethal Heat Stress.

Sublethal heating, which can occur during slow cooking of meat products, is known to induce increased thermal resistance in Salmonella. However, very few studies have addressed the kinetics of this response. Although several recent studies have reported improved thermal inactivation models that include the effect of prior sublethal history on subsequent thermal resistance, none of these models were based on cellular-level responses to sublethal thermal stress. The goal of this study was to determine whether a nonlinear model could accurately portray the response of Salmonella to heat stress induced by prolonged exposure to sublethal temperatures. To accomplish this, stationary-phase Salmonella Montevideo cultures were subjected to various heating profiles (held at either 40 or 45°C for 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, or 240 min) using a PCR thermal cycler. Differential plating on selective and nonselective media was used to confirm the presence of cellular injury. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR was used to screen the transcript levels of six heat stress-related genes to find candidate genes for nonlinear modeling. Injury was detected in populations of Salmonella held at 45°C for 30, 60, and 90 min and at 40°C for 0, 5, and 90 min (P 0.05). The transcript levels of ibpA, which codes for a small heat shock protein associated with the ClpB and DnaK-DnaJ-GrpE chaperone systems, showed the greatest increase relative to the transcript levels at 0 min, which was significant at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 180 min at 45°C and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min at 40°C (P < 0.05). Using ibpA transcript levels as an indicator of adaptation to thermal stress, a nonlinear model for sublethal injury is proposed. The use of variables indicating the physiological state of the pathogen during stress has the potential to increase the accuracy of thermal inactivation models that must account for prolonged exposure to sublethal temperatures.
Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients Who Have Undergone the Fontan Operation

Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) is produced by osteoblasts. A recent series noted a positive association between cardiac index (CI) and BALP in patients with Fontan circulation. CI is low at baseline in these patients, and small decreases in CI may result in diverting of blood away from bone. We prospectively enrolled 15 patients (males ≤ 14 yo, females ≤ 12 yo) who had previously undergone Fontan operation and were undergoing cardiac catheterization. Serum BALP was measured at catheterization, and analysis performed to evaluate association between age-/gender-specific BALP z-score and CI as well as other patient variables. The median age at catheterization was 5.6 years (3.1–13.1), and time from Fontan was 1.5 years (0.1–12.1). The median superior vena cava saturation (SVC) was 65 % (52–74), median average between SVC and inferior vena cava (IVC) saturations was 62.5 % (51–70), and median CI was 3.8 L/min/m2 (2.0–8.4). The median BALP was 65 IU/L and BALP z-score was −2.1 (−3.2 to 0.9). BALP z-score was not associated with CI (ρ = −0.1, p = 0.7), but a positive correlation was noted with the average of SVC and IVC saturation (ρ = 0.5, p = 0.052) and with SVC saturation (ρ = 0.4, p = 0.07), both nearly reaching statistical significance. In our cohort of children with Fontan circulation undergoing catheterization, BALP z-score was not associated with CI, but an association with estimates of mixed venous saturation was noted that nearly reached statistical significance. We hypothesize that BALP is a marker of oxygen delivery in those with Fontan circulation and may represent a valuable biomarker in this population.
Assessment of environmental and economic impacts made by the reduced laundering of self-cleaning fabrics

Despite the belief that self-cleaning fabrics would be environmentally friendly for their reduced laundering needs, little research provides feasible evidence of it. The purpose of this study was to develop a logical assessment method for providing quantitative evidence of environmental and economic impacts made by reduced laundering efforts when selfcleaning fabrics were used in daily life. The assessment method developed included: 1) evaluation of functional effectiveness and functional lifetime of soil resistant fabrics, 2) measurement of the reduced laundering frequency and the resulting saving in electricity and water consumption, and 3) conversion of savings to CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq.) and monetary utility cost. To examine the self-cleaning ability in practical soiling situation, the treated fabrics were tested for self-cleaning ability against two types of food soils and cleaned by water-spraying using the modified AATCC test method 22-2005. The self-cleaning ability was evaluated by the subjective visual assessment and the quantitative measurement of color difference ΔE. The level of ΔE that gave the discernible color difference by the visual assessment was about 3.7, and ΔE of 3.7 was used as the criteria to determine the laundering needs. From the developed assessment method, the self-cleaning fabrics saved up to 84 % of water and electricity during lifetime laundering of 50 cycles. This study provides an objective assessment methodology that can be applied to functional textiles to determine the quantified environmental and economic impacts such as CO2 eq. and monetary cost.
Reading What the Mind Thinks From How the Eye Sees

Human eyes convey a remarkable variety of complex social and emotional information. However, it is unknown which physical eye features convey mental states and how that came about. In the current e...
Long-Term Remissions of Patients With Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3 Treated With R-CHOP

Abstract Background The optimal management of patients with follicular lymphoma Grade 3 (FLG3) is controversial. Patients and Methods This is a case series of 45 patients with FLG3 treated with first-line R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and observed for an extended time interval. Results The overall response rate was 100% and the median progression-free survival (PFS) has not been reached, with a 3-year PFS of 70%; 14 (31%) patients relapsed, nearly all within 3 years. The baseline characteristic more strongly associated with a shorter PFS were lymph >4 node sites and presence of B symptoms. Three patients later progressed to diffuse large B cell lymphoma, all had baseline elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase level and high International Prognostic Index score. Median overall survival has not been reached. All 4 patients who later developed acute myeloid leukemia were older than 60 years at the time of start of therapy. Conclusion R-CHOP is an effective first-line treatment for patients with FLG3, and might provide extended PFS, comparable with outcomes observed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, particularly in subgroups with limited nodal disease.
Strategic Implications of the Proliferation of Space Situational Awareness Technology and Information: Lessons Learned from the Remote Sensing Sector

Abstract Space situational awareness (SSA) refers to the ability to monitor and understand the state of the space environment, including the ability to track, understand, and predict the location of human-generated and natural objects in orbit around the Earth. This capability is a critical element in attributing and deterring attacks against space assets and in avoiding unintentional collisions. Historically, the United States Department of Defense has operated the most extensive SSA system in the world. Although, in recent years, it has shared data with commercial and foreign users on an ad hoc basis to help avoid collisions, access to the full database is highly restricted. Other nations, including Russia and Europe, have begun to develop or expand independent SSA systems. A number of commercial entities have also begun operating in this area, selling or planning to sell SSA services to satellite operators and governments. There are concerns in the United States about whether this proliferation of SSA technology and information will adversely affect national security, and questions about how the United States should respond to this situation. This article uses the example of remote sensing satellite technology and information, which experienced a similar transition from U.S. and Soviet dominance to participation by a wider range of nations and commercial entities, to identify the key strategic risks and opportunities posed by this trend. I discuss the extent to which these strategic risks and opportunities apply to the proliferation of SSA technology and information, finding that while the same strategic concerns are relevant in this case, typically the risks are lower. There are significant opportunities for the United States to benefit from this proliferation of technology. The article discusses the implications of these findings and offers recommendations that will allow the United States to further decrease the strategic risks associated with this trend, while increasing the benefits.
Diagnostic Evaluation of the Child with Dissociative Identity Disorder/Multiple Personality Disorder

This article reviews the diagnoses with which dissociative identity disorder/multiple personality disorder (DID/MPD) is often confused, and it reviews ways to distinguish DID/MPD from these conditions. The article suggests techniques for tapping dissociative symptoms in children. It also provides figures to illustrate the way writing samples and drawings produced prior to evaluations can be used to confirm the diagnosis of DID/MPD.
Evaluation of the importance of clay confining units on groundwater flow in alluvial basins using solute and isotope tracers: the case of Middle San Pedro Basin in southeastern Arizona (USA)

As groundwater becomes an increasingly important water resource worldwide, it is essential to understand how local geology affects groundwater quality, flowpaths and residence times. This study utilized multiple tracers to improve conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Middle San Pedro Basin in southeastern Arizona (USA) by determining recharge areas, compartmentalization of water sources, flowpaths and residence times. Ninety-five groundwater and surface-water samples were analyzed for major ion chemistry (water type and Ca/Sr ratios) and stable (18O, 2H, 13C) and radiogenic (3H, 14C) isotopes, and resulting data were used in conjunction with hydrogeologic information (e.g. hydraulic head and hydrostratigraphy). Results show that recent recharge (<60 years) has occurred within mountain systems along the basin margins and in shallow floodplain aquifers adjacent to the San Pedro River. Groundwater in the lower basin fill aquifer (semi confined) was recharged at high elevation in the fractured bedrock and has been extensively modified by water-rock reactions (increasing F and Sr, decreasing 14C) over long timescales (up to 35,000 years BP). Distinct solute and isotope geochemistries between the lower and upper basin fill aquifers show the importance of a clay confining unit on groundwater flow in the basin, which minimizes vertical groundwater movement.
Dialect Variation and Second-Language Intelligibility

Despite our growing awareness of variation and its role in second-language acquisition, and the recent attention given to variability in the learner’s inter-language (see Ellis, 1986), much current research and pedagogy presumes a single dialect of the target language as a baseline for the analysis of the learner’s comprehension and production. The limitations imposed by such an assumption are particularly inappropriate for the consideration of second-language acquisition in urban centers, which are likely to contain speakers representing a range of social and regional dialects. Hyltenstam (1981) and Kachru (1982) have emphasized the fact that many learners must communicate in an environment that involves contact with speakers of diverse target-language varieties.
Severe brain injury and organ solicitation: a call for temperance.

Though the loss of consciousness signals the end of life for patients with many diseases, it may be just the start of recovery for patients with severe brain injury. For this reason, it is extremely important that organ solicitation be delayed, rather than hastened, while the patient's prognosis becomes clear.
Is Breast Cancer Curable

After investigating breast cancer mortality since 1900, some epidemiologists in the middle of this Century reached the conclusion that survival rates (using a 5-year survival index) of patients with breast cancer were not affected by treatment at all (Park and Lees 1951). Other authors concluded, by constructing mathematical models of the behavior of breast cancer, that the same proportion of patients at any time during follow-up experience failure, indicating that eventually all patients die from breast cancer (Cutler and Axtell 1963). Other studies indicate that less than 15% of breast cancer patients with positive axillary lymph nodes will be free of disseminated disease (BROSS and BLUMENSON 1971). These hypotheses support the predominant view that nearly all breast cancer patients with histologically positive axillary nodes die of disease, thereby raising the controversial question of whether breast cancer is curable (Brinkley and Haybittle 1977; Bross and Blumenson 1971; Fletcher 1984; Harris and Hellmann 1986; Rutqvist et al. 1984). In this chapter, these hypotheses are tested on a series of 941 patients treated at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) be- tween 1963 and 1979; follow-up was a minimum of 14 years to a maximum of 28 years.
Diagnosis and Assessment of Preschool Children

Our purpose in this chapter is to provide a clinically useful discussion of the diagnosis and assessment of preschool children with autism and related disorders. The syndrome of autism is by definition a disorder which is first manifested during the preschool years, usually prior to thirty months of age (American Psychiatric Association, 1980; National Society for Autistic Children, 1978; Rutter, 1978). Thus, child development professionals in various fields need to recognize the symptoms of the condition in preschool-age children, and be prepared to assess the skills and needs of these children and their families.
Vertebral Artery Reconstruction

While the need for vertebral artery reconstruction is uncommon, indications for surgical or endovascular intervention should be recognized. Open surgical reconstruction is favored. Technical aspects of the most common surgical proximal and distal reconstruction options as well as techniques for endovascular intervention are described.
Surface energy of air fractionated corn stover

Abstract Despite decades of research, Integrated Biorefineries (IBRs) are still not commercially viable because of the long-standing, unresolved challenges related to biomass solids handling and transport (e.g., flowability and fouling), and pretreatment e.g., wettability and conversion). The compendium of challenges facing IBRs lead to operational reliability and time-on-stream estimates of 30%, yet economically viable IBRs require greater than 90% operational reliabilities. The performance of commercial solids handling operations is largely dependent on the fundamental thermodynamic property, surface energy. Combining surface area, thermogravimetric, and inverse gas chromatography analyses, we show the observed differences in surface energy (e.g., wettability and work of cohesion) for anatomically air fractionated corn (Zea mays L.) stover. This study highlights the importance of understanding and tuning biomass surface energy to improve IBR solids handling and transport, and pretreatment operations.