cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridging the Divide: The Casework Policy Link

The professional history of social work in the United States of America is entering its second century. From this vantage point, it is possible to draw on, the past to develop ideas that will work for the future. Contemporary social workers often view the profession as dichotomized between those who deal with individual issues through counseling and private practice and those who are concerned with social change through policy reform. Mary Richmond, pioneer in the professionalization of social casework, offers a tightly integrated model which demonstrates how social casework and social reform can serve to reinforce and support one another for the betterment of society. This model, generally utilized by the COS, was developed in the late nineteenth century and honed in the early twentieth century. It is relevant for today, and has implications for unifying the profession.
The mouse in safety evaluation.

Several recent publications have reviewed the history, rationale and experience concerning the use of mice as a test species in oncogenicity bioassay programs. Conclusions from three of these publications will be discussed: The Report of the International Expert Advisory Committee on the Relevance of Mouse Liver Hepatoma to Human Carcinogenic Risk (from the Nutrition Foundation), the Report of the NTP Ad Hoc Panel on Chemical Carcinogenesis Testing and Evaluation (from the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Toxicology Program), and Chemical Carcinogens: Review of the Science and its Associated Principles (from the Office of Science and Technology Policy). Using the recommendations from these and other groups regarding modification of the current testing protocols and alternative approaches to evaluating the adverse health effects of long-term, low-level exposure to environmental chemicals, an effort will be made to predict some future developments in this area of toxicology.
REAL-TIME MEASUREMENT OF DIESEL PARTICULATE EMISSIONS WITH A LIGHT EXTINCTION OPACITY METER

A system has been developed that provides real-time measurement of heavy-duty diesel engine particulates emitted during the EPA transient emission test cycle. This is accomplished by measuring the opacity of the exhaust/air mixture in an EPA type dilution tunnel with a light extinction opacity meter. Simultaneously, the temperature in the dilution tunnel is measured, and the ratio of the dilution tunnel temperature to a standard temperature is used to correct the opacity signal to standard conditions. The outstanding features of the system are that it produces a continuous record of when particulates were generated during the 20-minute transient cycle and that particulate cycle results are available immediately upon completion of the transient cycle without the requirement of conditioning and weighing filters. Results to date indicate correlation of the opacity-particulate monitor measured particulates to gravimetrically determined particulates to be within 10% for specific engines.
Four layer metal, flip chip, submicron ASIC product designed for advanced multichip module

The use of an additional metal layer on a large CMOS ASIC part provides a practical method for converting an existing chip design with wirebond or tape automated bonding (TAB) peripheral pads to an array of flip chip solder bumps across the chip surface. While there are advantages to single chip packages with flip chip interconnect, multichip modules are required to take full advantage of flip chip packing density and performance gains. Compared with single chip packages on a printed circuit board, flip chip multichip modules offer about a 10* surface area reduction. Propagation delays in signal interconnect lines are about three times faster for the module than single chip packages on a printed circuit board. >
B-Treaps: A Uniquely Represented Alternative to B-Trees

We present the first uniquely represented data structure for an external memory model of computation, a B-tree analogue called a B-treap . Uniquely represented data structures represent each logical state with a unique machine state. Such data structures are strongly history-independent ; they reveal no information about the historical sequence of operations that led to the current logical state. For example, a uniquely represented file-system would support the deletion of a file in a way that, in a strong information-theoretic sense, provably removes all evidence that the file ever existed. Like the B-tree, the B-treap has depth $O(\log_{\ensuremath{B}} n)$, uses linear space with high probability, where ${\ensuremath{B}}$ is the block transfer size of the external memory, and supports efficient one-dimensional range queries.
Maintaining the roots of economic development in an era of globalized production

Abstract The globalization of economic activity is being driven by market processes. The market based indicators used to measure its progress mask serious and wide-spread economic problems that also undermine our economic future. Alternative indicators, designed to give a more accurate reading of our economic well being, are being developed, but more work and wider acceptance of the concepts are needed. An examination of economic theory reveals that there is no basis for the claims that market based guideposts and decision making lead to inherently superior results and provide support for the search for non-market criteria in the evaluation of economic development. The labor movement has long sought to establish international standards as one criterion of production. A review of the global approach of the ILO, the narrowly focused European Union agreements, and the treaty-based fair deal movement provides guidance for future directions for policy work.
An Open Label, Non-randomized, Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating the Immunogenicity of Branded Enoxaparin Versus Biosimilars in Healthy Volunteers:

Introduction: Compositional variations among biosimilar enoxaparin could lead to a differential immunogenic response between these preparations. Methods: Enoxaparin (Clexane, n = 110) and a biosimilar version (Cutenox, n = 110) were administered to healthy volunteers in Brazil, 40 mg subcutaneous (SQ), daily, for 10 days. Blood was collected at baseline, days 1 and 10, and analyzed for antiheparin/PF4 antibody (AHPF4 antibodies) titers and subtypes by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). Results: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) treatment resulted in AHPF4 antibodies generation, with differences on day 10 (P < .05). Antibody subtyping (immunoglobulin [Ig] G, IgA, IgM) demonstrated different profiles between LMWH with statistical significance for IgG (Clexane 10 = 0.21 ± 0.06, Cutenox 10 = 0.28 ± 0.10, P < .0001) and IgA (Clexane 10 = 0.15 ± 0.02, versus Cutenox 10 = 0.13 ± 0.02, P < .0001) on day 10, with a significant drug effect (P < .0001) and significant time by drug interaction (P ...
Surface Effects on Mutant Aβ Aggregation

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a late onset neurodegenerative disease, that is part of a group of diseases commonly classified as ‘protein misfolding’ diseases. Such diseases are defined by the rearrangement of specific proteins to non-native conformations, promoting the formation and deposition of toxic, nanoscale aggregates within tissues or cellular compartments. A pathological hallmark of AD is the development of neuritic amyloid plaques comprised predominantly of aggregated β-amyloid (Aβ). Aggregated Aβ has several forms, including spherical oligomers, annular aggregates, protofibrils, and amyloid fibrils. The precise mechanisms by which protein aggregates are toxic remains unclear. In kinetic and thermodynamic studies, conformational changes can be induced in proteins encountering surfaces and may play a role in nucleating and inducing aggregate formation. A series of point mutations, clustered around the 22 amino acid of Aβ, alter the aggregation kinetics of Aβ and are associated with familial forms of AD. These mutations alter the charge properties of Aβ, providing an excellent system to determine the role electrostatic surface interactions play in Aβ aggregation. We hypothesize that the altered charge of mutant Aβ peptides will influence their interactions with model surfaces, resulting in altered aggregation both kinetically and morphologically. To test this hypothesis, we used in situ atomic force microscopy to directly observe the aggregation of wild type (WT) and mutant Aβ peptides on mica under near physiological conditions. These results were compared with aggregates formed under free solution conditions. While the mutations altered Aβ aggregation kinetics under free solution conditions, the respective aggregate morphologies were indistinguishable. However, aggregation of Aβ WT and mutants on the mica surface differed not only kinetically but also morphologically. These studies provide insight into the valuable role surface chemistries may play in Aβ aggregation and the onset of familial AD.
Basic Equations for Electric and Sound Radiations

THE purpose of this discussion is to derive the basic equations for electric radiation and for sound radiation by elementary calculus, without using the notions of differential equations or of vector analysis. The essential step is the selection of an elementary wave pulse discontinuous only at its front and not involving double layers nor regions of infinite energy at the wave front.
Ion/molecule reaction rate coefficients at translational temperatures below 5 K: selected bimolecular reactions of C2H2+ and NH4+

Abstract The rate coefficients and product distributions for reactions of the cold molecular ions C2H2+ and NH3+ with several small neutral species have been measured at translational collision temperatures below 5 K. The reactions of C2H2+ with NO, CH4, C2H2 and C2H4 have been studied along with the reactions of NH3+ with NH3 and CH4. The low temperature rate coefficients in all cases are equal to or greater than the rate coefficients at 300 K, with several showing a strong negative temperature dependence over this range. Mechanism is discussed with regard to the importance of long-lived complex mediated processes in the low temperature limit.
High-temperature and self-heating effects in fully depleted SOI MOSFETs

Abstract In this paper, the high-temperature and self-heating effects in the fully depleted enhancement lightly doped SOI n-MOSFETs are investigated over a wide range of temperatures from 300 to 600 °K by using the SILVACO 1 TCAD tools. In particular, we have studied their current–voltage characteristics (ID–VGS and ID–VDS), threshold voltages and propagation delays. Simulation results show that there exists a biasing point where the drain current and the transconductance are temperature independent. Such a point is known as the zero temperature coefficient (ZTC) bias point. The drain current ZTC bias points are identified in both the linear and saturation regions whereas the transconductance ZTC bias point exists only in the saturation region. We have observed that decreasing the film thickness could reduce the threshold voltage sensitivity of the SOI MOSFET with temperature and that the drain current decreases with increasing temperature. We have also noted that due to the self-heating effects, the drain current decreases with increasing drain bias exhibiting a negative conductance and that the self-heating effects reduced at a higher operating temperature. Self-heating effects are more pronounced for higher gate biases and thinner silicon films whereas the bulk device shows negligible self-heating effects.
Palladium catalyzed decarbonylation of aromatic acyl chlorides

Abstract A variety of palladium catalysts have been found to effectively promote the decarbonylation of aromatic acyl chlorides at elevated temperatures.
Transdermal delivery of tacrine: I. Identification of a suitable delivery vehicle

Abstract Peroral administration of tacrine, a drug approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, is associated with low bioavailability (due to first-pass effect), short elimination half-life and reversible hepatotoxicity. Transdermal administration may reduce the degree of these problems. In this investigation the influence of three commonly used solvents (water, propylene glycol and ethanol), and their mixtures, on the in vitro permeation of tacrine through rat and human skin were evaluated. Maximum flux and permeability were observed from ethanol-propylene glycol and water-ethanol binary mixtures, respectively. The permeability of tacrine through rat skin was about 2.5 times higher than that through human skin. Excellent correlation between the rat and human skin data was observed. The flux from the ethanol-propylene glycol binary mixture was 98 μg/cm 2 per h through rat skin and was selected for in vivo transdermal administration. The observed in vivo tacrine plasma concentrations were in good agreement with the concentration-time profile simulated using in vitro flux and tacrine clearance in rat. Preliminary short-term (24 h) irritation studies did not indicate any irritation. The results from this investigation indicate that transdermal delivery of tacrine may be feasible and that the ethanol-propylene glycol (1:1) mixture appears to be a promising solvent system.
Additional Data on Mercury Accumulation in Northern Michigan River Otters

ABSTRACT This study documented mercury contamination in river otter (Lutra canadensis) in the Keweenaw Bay area, northern Michigan. Total mercury concentrations in liver and kidney from 11 otters were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and ranged from 0.79 to 4.07 μg g−1 wet weight. There were no significant differences in mercury concentrations between males and females, or between tissue types. A significant difference did exist between mercury levels in mature animals and those in immature animals (<1 year old). Data indicate that otters in areas with no known point sources are contaminated with mercury.
Regulation of herpesvirus thymidine kinase activity in LM(TK−) cells transformed by ultraviolet light-irradiated herpes simplex virus

Abstract Thymidine kinase (TK) activity of herpes simplex virus-transformed cells [LM(TK−)/HSV-1 and LM(TK-)/HSV-2] was stimulated 6 to 9 hr after the cells were infected with TK-negative mutants of either type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 TK-, HSV-2 TK−) or with TK-negative mutants of marmoset herpesvirus (MarHV TK−) and pseudorabies virus (PRV TK−) Inhibitors of DNA synthesis did not prevent this stimulation, but inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis did. In contrast, equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) and TK-negative mutants of vaccinia virus did not enhance the TK activity of the transformed cells, showing that stimulation was not a consequence merely of nonspecific virus infection. HSV-1 132015, a mutant deficient in inducing TK activity in productively infected LM(TK−) cells at 37°, stimulated HSV-transformed cell TK at this temperature, suggesting that the gene which controls TK turn-on probably functions normally in mutant 132015. These experiments suggest that enhancement by TK-negative herpesviruses can occur regardless of whether the superinfecting herpesvirus produces an inactive TK polypeptide or none at all. Autoradiographic and enzyme studies on a subline of LM(TK-)/HSV-1 cells grown in nonselective medium without HAT (hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine) demonstrated that essentially all of the cells contained significant TK activity. The TK activity of this subline and of clonal sublines isolated in nonselective medium or in counterselective medium with bromodeoxyuridine (BrUdR) was enhanced by HSV-1 TK− infection, supporting the suggestion by Davidson and co-workers that the HSV TK gene was retained in most transformed cells grown in nonselective medium. Immunological studies, using type-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) fractions prepared from sera of rabbits that had been immunized with HSV-1 TK or HSV-2 TK, demonstrated that the enhanced TK activity of HSV-1-transformed cells was inhibited by anti-HSV-1 IgG and that of HSV-2-transformed cells was inhibited by anti-HSV-2 IgG, regardless of whether the transformed cells were superinfected with HSV-1 TK−, HSV-2 TK− or MarHV TK−. Neither antiserum inhibited the TK activity induced by wild-type MarHV in LM(TK−) cells, indicating that the TK activity stimulated by TK-negative herpesvirus infections of HSV-transformed cells had the antigenic specificity of the resident virus TK.
Flexible search-based approach for morphological shape decomposition

Mathematical morphology is well-suited to capturing geometric information. Hence, morphology-based approaches have been popular for object shape representation. The two primary morphology-based approaches, the morphological skeleton and the morphological shape decomposition (MSD), each represent an object as a collection of disjoint sets. A practical shape representation scheme, though, should give a representation that is computationally efficient to use. Unfortunately, little work has been done for the morphological skeleton and the MSD to address efficiency. We propose a flexible search- based shape decomposition scheme that typically gives more efficient representations than the morphological skeleton or MSD. Our method decomposes an object into a number of simple components based on homothetics of a set of structuring elements. To form the representation, the components are combined using set union and set difference operations. We use three constituent component types and a thorough cost-based search strategy to find efficient representations. We also consider allowing some object representation error, which may yield even more efficient representations.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Formal Rules in Institutional Transitions: An Examination Based on the Meiji Restoration and Xinhai Revolution

This article focuses on the roles of formal rules (laws) in institutional emergence, sustenance, crisis, and transition based on an examination of the Meiji Restoration and the Xinhai Revolution. It describes how formal rules in the polities of Qing China and Tokugawa Japan were enforced, supplemented, or modified by the strategic interactions among the ruler, the intermediate organisations, and the peasantry. It then discusses how the strategic complementarities between the ruler and the intermediate organizations were transformed into strategic rivalries in response to changes in the economic and foreign environments, resulting in the demise of dynastic rule in each country. The post-transition constitutional design was affected by the ways in which the strategic reconfigurations led to the demise of the dynastic rulers. This historical narrative suggests that formal rules per se do not necessarily create institutions in the sense of an integral pattern and process of social behavior and ideas. A formal rule can function as a substantive form of an institutional process if, and only if, it mediates between a recursive state of strategic interactions among agents and individual belief formation in order to sustain the social order.
Nanoparticles as Fluid Loss Control Additives for Hydraulic Fracturing of Tight and Ultra-Tight Hydrocarbon-Bearing Formations

Injection of polymeric solutions, either as slick water or cross-linked fluids, in order to propagate a fracture and distribute proppants and keep the fracture open is a common practice in hydraulic fracturing of unconventional tight and ultra-tight formations. In addition to propagation of a main fracture, polymeric fluids will be invading the already existing network of micro-fractures and extending the network connected to the main fracture. Fluid loss into the matrix rock and micro-fractures is inevitable, so is the use of a comparable fluid loss additive to reduce the filtrate volume.Different classes of nanoparticles have been used by several researchers to carry different agents including surfactants and enzymes for hydraulic fracturing purposes. Nano-sized pores and micro-sized fractures in tight and ultra-tight formations require a nano to micro-sized fluid loss additive to improve propagation of the hydraulic fractures by efficiently reducing the fluid loss.In this study, application of silica and polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles as fluid loss additives for three sets of core plugs with permeability values within the 10−5 −10−4 mD, 0.01–0.1 mD and 1–40 mD range was investigated. The nano-sized material used in this study significantly reduced the fluid loss volume for the cores with permeability values below 0.1 mD when mixed only with 2% KCl or with low concentrations of guar polymer prepared in 2% KCl.Combination of the fluid loss additive application with chemical carrying application makes these nanoparticle systems a suitable package for hydraulic fracturing of tight and ultra-tight formations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Navy review of nasopharyngeal radium treatments of submarine candidates

Abstract From approximately 1945 through 1960 nasopharyngeal radium treatments were used to treat barotrauma incurred during submarine escape training by submarine candidates. Concern has been expressed that the treatments placed submarine candidates at significantly increased risk of having brain cancer develop. The concern is based on brain cancer incidence rates reported in a study of Washington County children. Using comparable populations' risk coefficients and secondary brain tumor incidence rates, the excess number of brain cancers per 10,000 subjects during the 42.5 years after treatment was calculated to be 0.5 to 2.8 cases and 1 case, respectively. Personnel records of a sample of those treated and others whose treatment status was unknown were reviewed to determine the feasibility of an epidemiologic study to confirm the cancer risk. The records indicated treatments were not consistently documented to confirm who was treated. In addition, social security numbers are not known to aid in determination of vital status. In conclusion, nasopharyngeal irradiation does not appear to pose a significant risk to submariners, and it is not feasible to use the submariner population to do a meaningful epidemiologic study to clarify the cancer risk. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:438-41.)
The influence of oxygen on the surface chemistry of 1,2-propanediol on Pd(111)

Abstract The surface chemistry of 1,2-propanediol (PDO) has been studied on oxygen precovered Pd(111) using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Adsorbed 1,2-propanedioxy (–OCH(CH 3 )CH 2 O–) forms from the activation of the O–H bonds. When the concentration of O (a) is large compared to 1,2-propanedioxy, no H 2 is produced and the dialkoxide reacts to form H 2 O, CO through decarbonylation, and CO 2 through decarboxylation. Unreacted oxygen also desorbs as O 2 at high temperature. Conversely, when the concentration of O (a) is small relative to 1,2-propanedioxy, the dialkoxide reacts to form decomposition products (H 2 , CO), oxidation products (H 2 O, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, formaldehyde) and deoxygenation products (ethylene, propylene). Co-adsorbed oxygen increases the overall coverage of PDO that can undergo decomposition, which in turn strongly influences decomposition activation barriers and products.
Leptin prevents fasting-induced suppression of prothyrotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid in neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.

Prolonged fasting is associated with a number of changes in the thyroid axis manifested by low serum T3 and T4 levels and, paradoxically, low or normal TSH. This response is, at least partly, caused by suppression of proTRH gene expression in neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and reduced hypothalamic TRH release. Because the fall in thyroid hormone levels can be blunted in mice by the systemic administration of leptin, we raised the possibility that leptin may have an important role in the neuroendocrine regulation of the thyroid axis, through effects on hypophysiotropic neurons producing proTRH. Adult male, Sprague-Dawley rats were either fed normally, fasted for 3 days, or fasted and administered leptin at a dose of 0.5 microg/gm BW i.p. every 6 h. Fasted animals showed significant reduction in plasma total and free T4 and T3 levels compared with controls, that were restored toward normal by the administration of leptin. Percent free T4, but not percent free T3, increased during fasting, further suggesting a reduction in plasma transthyretin levels that did not return to fed levels after leptin administration. By semiquantitative analysis of in situ hybridization autoradiograms, proTRH messenger RNA in medial parvocellular PVN neurons was markedly suppressed in the fasting animals but was restored to normal by leptin administration [fed vs. fast vs. fast/leptin (density units x 10(8)): 8.5 +/- 0.4, 3.2 +/- 0.2, 8.1 +/- 0.8]. In contrast, proTRH messenger RNA in adjacent neurons in the lateral hypothalamus that do not have a hypophysiotropic function remained unchanged by any of the experimental manipulations. These findings indicate that leptin has a selective, central action to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis by regulating proTRH gene expression in the PVN but does not have peripheral effects on thyroid-binding proteins. We propose that the fall in circulating leptin levels during fasting resets the set point for feedback inhibition by thyroid hormones on the biosynthesis of hypophysiotropic proTRH, thereby allowing adaptation to starvation.
Current research directions in the development of expert systems based on belief networks

An expert system is a computer program that is designed to solve problems at a level comparable to that of a human expert in a given domain. Often expert systems require a representation of uncertainty. This paper highlights some of the key developments in the history of representing uncertainty in expert systems. An uncertainty representation called belief networks is then introduced and its use in expert systems is motivated. The paper concludes with a discussion of current directions in belief network research.
Clinical applications of EPR: overview and perspectives.

The development and use of in vivo techniques for strictly experimental applications in animals has been very successful, and these results now have made possible some very attractive potential clinical applications. The area with the most obvious immediate, effective and widespread clinical use is oximetry, where EPR almost uniquely can make repeated and accurate measurements of pO2 in tissues. Such measurements can provide clinicians with information that can impact directly on diagnosis and therapy, especially for oncology, peripheral vascular disease and wound healing. The other area of immediate and timely importance is the unique ability of in vivo EPR to measure clinically significant exposures to ionizing radiation ‘after-the-fact’, such as may occur due to accidents, terrorism or nuclear war. There are a number of other capabilities of in vivo EPR that also potentially could become extensively used in human subjects. In pharmacology the unique capabilities of in vivo EPR to detect and characterize free radicals could be applied to measure free radical intermediates from drugs and oxidative process. A closely related area of potential widespread applications is the use of EPR to measure nitric oxide. These often unique capabilities, combined with the sensitivity of EPR spectra to the immediate environment (e.g. pH, molecular motion, charge) have already resulted in some very productive applications in animals and these are likely to expand substantially in the near future. They should provide a continually developing base for extending clinical uses of in vivo EPR. The challenges for achieving full implementation include adapting the spectrometer for safe and comfortable measurements in human subjects, achieving sufficient sensitivity for measurements at the sites of the pathophysiological processes that are being measured, and establishing a consensus on the clinical value of the measurements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient water oxidation catalyzed by homogeneous cationic cobalt porphyrins with critical roles for the buffer base

A series of cationic cobalt porphyrins was found to catalyze electrochemical water oxidation to O2 efficiently at room temperature in neutral aqueous solution. Co–5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(1,3-dimethylimidazolium-2-yl)porphyrin, with a highly electron-deficient meso-dimethylimidazolium porphyrin, was the most effective catalyst. The O2 formation rate was 170 nmol⋅cm−2⋅min−1 (kobs = 1.4 × 103 s−1) with a Faradaic efficiency near 90%. Mechanistic investigations indicate the generation of a CoIV-O porphyrin cation radical as the reactive oxidant, which has accumulated two oxidizing equivalents above the CoIII resting state of the catalyst. The buffer base in solution was shown to play several critical roles during the catalysis by facilitating both redox-coupled proton transfer processes leading to the reactive oxidant and subsequent O–O bond formation. More basic buffer anions led to lower catalytic onset potentials, extending below 1 V. This homogeneous cobalt-porphyrin system was shown to be robust under active catalytic conditions, showing negligible decomposition over hours of operation. Added EDTA or ion exchange resin caused no catalyst poisoning, indicating that cobalt ions were not released from the porphyrin macrocycle during catalysis. Likewise, surface analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of the working electrodes showed no deposition of heterogeneous cobalt films. Taken together, the results indicate that Co–5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(1,3-dimethylimidazolium-2-yl)porphyrin is an efficient, homogeneous, single-site water oxidation catalyst.
Interatrial septal defect.

Abstract Recent developments in the study of congenital heart disease have necessitated a more careful evaluation of clinical material. It is surprising that so few clinical studies of atrial septal defect comparable to that of Bedford, Papp, and Parkinson 1 are available in the literature. Our purpose is to describe the clinical and laboratory features in thirty-five cases of atrial septal defect and to evaluate the various diagnostic procedures at present available in the study of this, the most common lesion in congenital heart disease. The relative value and diagnostic significance of fluoroscopy, circulation times, angiocardiography, and venous catheterization will be discussed. The material consists of sixteen unselected clinical cases collected during a period of eighteen months in a large cardiovascular clinic. On all patients adequate histories, physical examinations, fluoroscopy, and laboratory tests were available. Four of these cases came to necropsy. Another series of nineteen unselected autopsy cases was used to obtain further information on the pathology of this congenital lesion. In this particular series the clinical information was less detailed and is not included in our study.
Diet and ageing: critical influence of genotype and gene expression profile

Abstract Ageing is a complex process controlled both by environmental and genetic factors. Among the environmental factors, oxidative stress is known to be an important contributor to cellular senescence. On the other hand, genotypes coding for a pro-inflammatory profile are negatively associated with longevity. The balance between external and internal or deleterious and protective influences might result in the determination of mean life span for the different species of living organisms. In experimental model organisms, the ageing process is recognised to be modulated by nutritional manipulation. By means of controlled dietary restriction, an extension of life span has been well described in short-lived rodents and more recently reported in yeast, nematode, fruitflie, fish and primates. The putative mechanisms by which dietary control acts on the ageing process are discussed.
Potentially singular solutions of the 3D axisymmetric Euler equations

The question of finite-time blowup of the 3D incompressible Euler equations is numerically investigated in a periodic cylinder with solid boundaries. Using rotational symmetry, the equations are discretized in the (2D) meridian plane on an adaptive (moving) mesh and is integrated in time with adaptively chosen time steps. The vorticity is observed to develop a ring-singularity on the solid boundary with a growth proportional to ∼(ts − t)−2.46, where ts ∼ 0.0035056 is the estimated singularity time. A local analysis also suggests the existence of a self-similar blowup. The simulations stop at τ2 = 0.003505 at which time the vorticity amplifies by more than (3 × 108)-fold and the maximum mesh resolution exceeds (3 × 1012)2. The vorticity vector is observed to maintain four significant digits throughout the computations.
Does Electoral Reform Increase (or Decrease) Political Equality

Over recent decades, the American states have implemented electoral reforms that make it easier for citizens to register and vote. This article examines the “equality effects” of these reforms: the degree to which reform serves to equalize or further skew participation rates between the rich and poor. Using the Voter Supplement to the Current Population Survey, the authors generate state-level estimates of income bias in registration and voting for elections from 1978 to 2008. Findings support their theory that some electoral reforms promote equality, while others further stratify the electorate—particularly when state registration rolls are already unrepresentative in terms of income groups.
Reported communication ability of persons with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to describe the communication ability of individuals with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes.Methods: Parents reported on children’s potential communication acts, words, spontaneous gesture, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) using a parent report inventory (n = 32; age range 3–35 years). Potential communicative acts are defined as behaviors produced by an individual that may be interpreted by others to serve communicative functions.Results: Potential communicative acts categorized as body movement displayed the highest median rank for reported occurrence followed by vocalization and facial expression. Although symbolic forms were ranked lower, more than half of the parents (66%) reported that their children produced at least one word, gesture or AAC form. Challenging behaviors or stereotypic movement displayed lowest median ranks.Conclusions: Results are discussed in terms of communication potential and the need to address AAC in trisomy 18 ...
A Study of Errors in the Measurement of Microscopic Spheres

Uncertainties in the microscopical measurement of small spheres as influenced by index of refraction of the mount, focus, aperture, and resolution have been variously reported and denied. The present study was conducted with large spheres in order to disclose the basic phenomena, but with such optical conditions as would ordinarily be used for much smaller objects. The reality of each reported error is verified. The principal uncertainties originate in the geometrical optics of thick bodies, but these effects tend to be confused by limitations in resolving power.
Bombesin acts in the brain to decrease gastric vagal efferent discharge in rats

Abstract The central nervous system action of bombesin to influence basal gastric vagal efferent discharge (GVED) was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Bombesin (62, 620, and 6200 pmol) injected intracisternally (IC) decreased GVED to 78 ± 10% , 50 ± 4% , and 43 ± 3% of preinjection levels, respectively. Bombesin (620 pmol) injected IV also reduced GVED to 36 ± 6% . Pretreatment with bombesin monoclonal antibody 2A11 completely prevented the decrease in GVED induced by bombesin (620 pmol) given IV but not IC. These data indicate that both IC and IV injections of bombesin decrease basal GVED, and that the inhibitory effect of IC injection represents a central nervous system-mediated action.
MUC1-associated proliferation signature predicts outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma patients

MUC1 protein is highly expressed in lung cancer. The cytoplasmic domain of MUC1 (MUC1-CD) induces tumorigenesis and resistance to DNA-damaging agents. We characterized MUC1-CD-induced transcriptional changes and examined their significance in lung cancer patients. Using DNA microarrays, we identified 254 genes that were differentially expressed in cell lines transformed by MUC1-CD compared to control cell lines. We then examined expression of these genes in 441 lung adenocarcinomas from a publicly available database. We employed statistical analyses independent of clinical outcomes, including hierarchical clustering, Student's t-tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, to select a seven-gene MUC1-associated proliferation signature (MAPS). We demonstrated the prognostic value of MAPS in this database using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank tests and Cox models. The MAPS was further validated for prognostic significance in 84 lung adenocarcinoma patients from an independent database. MAPS genes were found to be associated with proliferation and cell cycle regulation and included CCNB1, CDC2, CDC20, CDKN3, MAD2L1, PRC1 and RRM2. MAPS expressors (MAPS+) had inferior survival compared to non-expressors (MAPS-). In the initial data set, 5-year survival was 65% (MAPS-) vs. 45% (MAPS+, p < 0.0001). Similarly, in the validation data set, 5-year survival was 57% (MAPS-) vs. 28% (MAPS+, p = 0.005). The MAPS signature, comprised of MUC1-CD-dependent genes involved in the control of cell cycle and proliferation, is associated with poor outcomes in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. These data provide potential new prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets for lung adenocarcinoma.
Generating social networks of intimate contacts for the study of public health intervention strategies

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are, by definition, transferred among intimate social settings. Although the circumstances under which these social settings are established and maintained may vary, the common prerequisite remains an intimate level of social atmosphere. For this reason, the development of sexually transmitted disease mathematical and computational models must utilize a precise and efficient social networking tool. This paper describes a computational simulator created to embody the intimate social networks related to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and infections for the utilization by public health professionals to facilitate evaluation of targeted intervention strategies.
Prognostic value of preoperative myocardial fibrosis assessment by delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing mitral valve repair

Background Cardiac MRI has been shown to be the gold standard for noninvasive assessment of myocardial fibrosis. The extent of fibrosis has been associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing CABG surgery. The presence of fibrosis and associated clinical features of patients with chronic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair have not been described. The objective of this study is to examine prognostic value of preoperative myocardial fibrosis assessment by cardiac MRI in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation undergoing mitral valve repair.
Literacy, Bilingualism, and Gender in a Hasidic Community

Abstract This paper focuses on language socialization activities in a community of Hasidic Jews, showing the ways that local ideologies of texts and knowledge interact with local ideologies of language and gender. Drawing on texts, literacy practices, metalinguistic commentary, and censoring practices at different points along the female life cycle, the paper examines girls' shift from Yiddish-English bilingualism to English dominance upon entering the first grade, despite complaints by teachers and parents. Literacy practices, in particular shifting ideologies of English, are shown to unintentionally render girls' rejection of Yiddish as their vernacular less threatening to communal boundaries because they blur the boundaries of language itself. Ethnographic investigation of how language(s) and literacy are socialized across the life cycle is critical to providing a lens through which to view broader cultural processes, which shape the reproduction of persons, languages, and communities.
A field validation of the thermal performance of a passively heated building as simulated by the DEROB system

Abstract Hourly thermal performance data for a passively solar heated house are compared with simulated data. The house, Solar Village 1, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, owned and occupied by the Douglas Balcomb family, has been instrumented and monitored since the 1976–1977 winter. The data reproduced here were collected in February 1978, including on-site micro-climatic weather data. The simulation is carried out with the computer program DEROB as developed at the Numerical Simulation Laboratory of the School of Architecture of the University of Texas at Austin. DEROB is a fully dynamic program, capable in principle of handling architectural designs of arbitrary geometry and simultaneously solving thermally coupled multispace structures. Solar Village 1 is a 2 storey, L-shaped, hybrid structure with a glasshouse occupying the front court (south-facing) 2-storey volume. Hourly data include, in addition to micro-climatic information, temperature readings of the air in the glasshouse, of the air in the various living quarters, the temperature readings across the adobe walls that separate the living quarters from the glasshouse, and also the temperature of the two rock storage bins. The simulated model treats the house as having five thermally coupled spaces, one for each wing of each floor or the living quarters, and one for the glasshouse. The output of DEROB is programmed to simulate the temperature readings at the places corresponding to the readings collected in the instrumented house. The agreement between simulated and observed values is sufficiently close to justify further validation of the DEROB system and, subject to this additional validation, to offer it as a research simulation and design aid tool for the thermal performance of passively heated and cooled buildings.
Anomeric Specificity of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release: Evidence for a Glucoreceptor?

The effects on insulin secretion of α and β anomers of D-glucose were studied in the in vitro perfused rat pancreas. Both phases of insulin release showed consistent stereospecificity for α-glucose; this specificity indicates an action of glucose independent of intracellular glucose metabolism.
The Effects of Structural and Servo Modes in Titanium Machining

This paper shows that in titanium machining the metal removal rate may be limited by factors including the dynamic characteristics of the frame of the machine and the servo. Self-excited vibrations related to these components led to poor cutting performance and tool breakage. Measurements of the acceleration were made during a number of cuts. In combination with impact tests, these measurements were used to identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes associated with the structural modes. These measurements ultimately led to adjustment of parameters in the control loop (to modify the servo dynamics), to special tool selection (to disturb the regeneration), and to the choice of stable cutting speeds (to take advantage of the stability lobes). The resulting cutting conditions significantly improved the metal removal rate. The nature of current titanium machining makes the structural modes particularly problematic, and it is important to measure and consider them during process planning.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Genetic transformation of fruit trees: current status and remaining challenges

Genetic transformation has emerged as a powerful tool for genetic improvement of fruit trees hindered by their reproductive biology and their high levels of heterozygosity. For years, genetic engineering of fruit trees has focussed principally on enhancing disease resistance (against viruses, fungi, and bacteria), although there are few examples of field cultivation and commercial application of these transgenic plants. In addition, over the years much work has been performed to enhance abiotic stress tolerance, to induce modifications of plant growth and habit, to produce marker-free transgenic plants and to improve fruit quality by modification of genes that are crucially important in the production of specific plant components. Recently, with the release of several genome sequences, studies of functional genomics are becoming increasingly important: by modification (overexpression or silencing) of genes involved in the production of specific plant components is possible to uncover regulatory mechanisms associated with the biosynthesis and catabolism of metabolites in plants. This review focuses on the main advances, in recent years, in genetic transformation of the most important species of fruit trees, devoting particular attention to functional genomics approaches and possible future challenges of genetic engineering for these species in the post-genomic era.
Internet Paradox Revisited

Kraut et al. (1998) reported negative effects of using the Internet on social involvement and psychological well-being among new Internet users in 1995–96. We called the effects a “paradox” because participants used the Internet heavily for communication, which generally has positive effects. A 3-year follow-up of 208 of these respondents found that negative effects dissipated. We also report findings from a longitudinal survey in 1998–99 of 406 new computer and television purchasers. This sample generally experienced positive effects of using the Internet on communication, social involvement, and well-being. However, consistent with a “rich get richer” model, using the Internet predicted better outcomes for extraverts and those with more social support but worse outcomes for introverts and those with less support.
Regional climates in the GISS global circulation model : synoptic-scale circulation

A major weakness of current general circulation models (GCMs) is their perceived inability to predict reliably the regional consequences of a global-scale change, and it is these regional-scale predictions that are necessary for studies of human-environmental response. For large areas of the extratropics, the local climate is controlled by the synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation, and it is the purpose of this paper to evaluate the synoptic-scale circulation of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM. A methodology for validating the daily synoptic circulation using Principal Component Analysis is described, and the methodology is then applied to the GCM simulation of sea level pressure over the continental United States (excluding Alaska). The analysis demonstrates that the GISS 4 x 5 deg GCM Model II effectively simulates the synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation over the United States. The modes of variance describing the atmospheric circulation of the model are comparable to those found in the observed data, and these modes explain similar amounts of variance in their respective datasets. The temporal behavior of these circulation modes in the synoptic time frame are also comparable.
Spectral analysis of graphs by cyclic automorphism subgroups

The theory of spectral decomposition modulo subgroups of the graph automorphism group is extended to cyclic configurations of arbitrary rotational order. By regarding graphs with cyclic automorphisms as composite polymers of relatively simple monomeric structural units, it is shown that the spectrum of eigenvalues of many prominent molecular and nonmolecular families devolves to consideration of a single monomer-derived reduction network. As the only parameter associated with this network is the set of simple circuit eigenvalues, a direct connection is forged between the spectrum of a circuit and the spectrum of any cyclic array of the same periodicity.