cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Globalization and Labor in Four Developing Regions: An Institutional Approach

This paper is the introduction to a SCID special issue on “Global Pressures, National Response, and Labor Rights in Developing Countries.” We focus on the potentially conflicting demands that developing countries face from international institutions for better labor standards versus more labor flexibility. This is studied through a comparative analysis of four regions: Eastern Europe, Latin America, East Asia, and the Middle East. The major international institutions we examine are the International Labor Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements, and multinational corporations. This introductory paper presents a review of existing literature on labor standards and labor flexibility with particular focus on the role of international institutions in promoting the two processes and their impact on labor market outcomes. It also describes our project and its contribution to the debates, including a discussion of our main methodological innovation, namely, the construction of new indices for labor standards and flexibility. In empirical terms, it compares the indices across the four regions and provides an analysis of the impact of the indices on labor market outcomes.
Characteization of bacterial spores from high-temperature growth transformants ofBacillus subtilis

Spores from high-temperature growth transformants ofBacillus subtilis were examined for a number of sporal characteristics. Analyses showed a dramatic increase in both the calcium (Ca) and dipicolinic acid (DPA) contents, a slight increase in the Ca/DPA mole ratio, but a reduction in magnesium (Mg) content and the Mg/Ca mole ratio. The spore wet density increased, whereas the core/core+cortex volume ratio and protoplast water content decreased. Spore heat resistance increased but not to levels normally observed for thermophilicBacillus species. It is concluded that the biophysical and biochemical changes within the spores of the transformants are influenced by both the inherent mesophilic genotype and the transformant's inherited ability to grow at elevated temperatures.
Compositional Influence on the pH of Reduced‐Moisture Solutions

The pH of reduced-moisture systems is not the same as in hydrated systems. As aqueous phosphate buffer solutions become concentrated, the pH of the system decreases. The pH of citrate buffer solutions decreases, then increases as the concentration increases. Identical buffer solutions whose water activity is reduced by the addition of nonionic solutes indicate no correlation of pH with either the water activity reduction or the change in dielectric constant. The response of pH to added solutes appears to be dependent on the chemical nature of the solute and its interaction with water. This study also confirmed the limitations of several theoretical models of ionic activities.
UV-acclimation responses in natural populations of cyanobacteria (Calothrix sp.).

Summary Phenotypic acclimation to changing conditions is typically thought to be beneficial to organisms in the environment. UV radiation is an important parameter affecting photosynthetic organisms in natural environments. We measured the response of photosynthetic carbon fixation in populations of cyanobacteria inhabiting a hot spring following acclimation to different UV treatments. These two very closely related populations of cyanobacteria, differing in their content of the extracellular UV-screening pigment scytonemin, were acclimated in situ under natural solar irradiance modified by filters that excluded both UVA/B, only UVB or transmitted both UVA/B. Cells from each preacclimation treatment were subsequently assayed for photosynthetic performance under all UV conditions (incubation treatment) giving a two-factor experimental design for each population. No acclimation filter treatment effects were observed even after two months under different acclimation treatments. This suggests that UV photoacclimation does not occur in either of these populations, regardless of the presence of scytonemin. By contrast, cells showed significant UV-inhibition during 1 h incubations under full sun. The population with high levels of scytonemin usually had lower rates of photosynthetic carbon fixation than the scytonemin-lacking population. However, the degree of UV inhibition, especially UVA inhibition, was higher for the cells without scytonemin pigment. These results suggest that closely related natural cyanobacterial populations respond differently to natural irradiance conditions and may be adopting different strategies of UV tolerance.
PRINCELY COURTS OF THE MING DYNASTY

Imperial clansmen and their courts in the provinces figure only minimally in Western scholarship on Ming history. Such an omission is curious; it is impossible to read more than a few entries of th...
Confronting the Contradiction: Global Capitalism and Environmental Health [*]

This paper examines the contradiction of economic globalization and environmental health. Despite the emergence of a significant environmental movement, the ecological health of many democratic industrial nation-states remains poor and the overall environmental health of the planet is declining rapidly (Brown 2000). The first section of this paper reviews literature that suggests that the inability of democratic industrial nation-states to reduce environmental degradation results from compromising environmental health in the interests of capital accumulation by regulating rather than eliminating environmentally destructive behaviors. The failure of democratic industrial nationstates to achieve environmental health is being exacerbated further by the creation of a globalized capitalist system managed by a variety of international free-trade agreements and the World Trade Organization. In the second section, we examine decisions made by these new managers of capital over the interests of environmental health. In the last section of this paper, we deconstruct the ideological tenets of global capitalism as they pertain to achieving environmental health and social justice.
"Information Gap" Tasks: Do They Facilitate Second Language Acquisition?

This article reports the findings of the latest of a series of studies conducted to determine the effects of task type and participation pattern on language classroom interaction. The results of this study are compared to those of an earlier investigation (Pica & Doughty, 1985a) in regard to optional and required information exchange tasks across teacher-directed, small-group, and dyad interactional patterns. The evidence suggests that a task with a requirement for information exchange is crucial to the generation of conversational modification of classroom interaction. This finding is significant in light of current theory, which argues that conversational modification occurring during interaction is instrumental in second language acquisition. Furthermore, the finding that group and dyad interaction patterns produced more modification than did the teacher-fronted situation suggests that participation pattern as well as task type have an effect on the conversational modification of interaction.
Fluorescence induction in green plants revisited origin of variabilities in sigmoidicities on different time scales of irradiation

Abstract The yield of the variable fluorescence in green plants is known to increase sigmoidally as a function of the fraction of closed photosystem II reaction centers under continuous illumination. However, in double-pulse, pump-probe experiments, the shapes of the fluorescence induction curves tend to be exponential rather than sigmoidal for actinic flashes less than a few microseconds in duration, but become more sigmoidally shaped for actinic pulse lengths of 50 μs, or longer. It is shown here that the shapes of the induction curves cannot be due to artefacts arising from the pump-probe double-flash measuring technique. The near-exponentially of the induction curves is not due to singlet-triplet annihilation effects either, which are known to shorten the lifetimes of the singlet excitation, and thus could decrease the effective connectivities between adjacent photosynthetic units. The dependence of the shapes of the induction effects can be accounted for in terms of an integrated lake-model version of the sequential double-hit model proposed earlier (L. Valkunas, N.E. Geacintov, L. France and J. Breton, Biophys. J. 59 (1991) 397). Finally, some new experiments are proposed to further verify the validity of the sequential hit model.
Respiratory Monitoring in Critical Care

The assessment of pulmonary function, from a clinical perspective, can be performed accurately only if the clinician understands the concept ventilation/perfusion ratios of the lung. The major categories of ventilation/perfusion ratios are intrapulmonary shunting and physiologic deadspace. Virtually all pulmonary assessments and interventions are aimed to address Qs/Qt or Vd/Vt. This chapter provides background information useful to the clinician in the assessment of intrapulmonary shunting and deadspace analysis. From this information, more thorough assessments of pulmonary function are possible.
Plasma polymerization of ethane. I. Experimental studies of effluent gas composition and polymer deposition rates

The plasma polymerization of ethane was studied in a flow reactor of rectangular cross section. The plasma was sustained between parallel-plate electrodes by an RF generator operating at 13.56 MHz. The composition of the gas leaving the reactor was analyzed by gas chromatography. Polymer deposition rates were measured as a function of axial position in the reactor, using a quartz-crystal microbalance. The effluent gas is composed primarily of unreacted C2H6 and H2. Significant concentrations of CH4, C2H4, C2H2, and C3H8, and small amounts of C3H6, i-C5H12, and n-C5H12, are also observed. The distribution of these products is a strong function of the discharge power and of the gas pressure and residence time in the plasma. These experimental variables also affect both the rate of polymer deposition and the shape of the deposition profile along the reactor axis.
Design Process Error-Proofing: Project Quality Function Deployment

This paper presents an advanced application of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for product development projects. Design process error-proofing not only seeks to prevent catastrophic failures but also addresses product definition problems that compromise product features, time-to-market, or cost. Project QFD helps identify the organization requirements and flow them down to the activities, tools, and other solution elements for the project. This approach aids both product definition and resource allocation to clarify and strategically align project goals. The paper explains the method, illustrates it with an example, and discusses its effectiveness through a survey in industry and practical design projects at Stanford. The paper concludes with the proposed work to further disseminate this method.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Backbone dynamics and refined solution structure of the N-terminal domain of DNA polymerase beta. Correlation with DNA binding and dRP lyase activity.

Abstract Mammalian DNA polymerase β functions in the base excision DNA repair pathway filling in short patches (1–5 nt) in damaged DNA and removing deoxyribose 5′-phosphate from the 5′-side of damaged DNA. The backbone dynamics and the refined solution structure of the N-terminal domain of β-Pol have been characterized in order to establish the potential contribution(s) of backbone motion to the DNA binding and deoxyribose 5′-phosphate lyase function of this domain. The N-terminal domain is formed from four helices packed as two antiparallel pairs with a 60° crossing between the pairs. The RMSD of the NMR conformers (residues 13–80) is 0.37 A for the backbone heavy atoms and 0.78 A for all heavy atoms. NMR characterization of the binding site(s) for a ssDNA-5mer, ssDNA-8mer, ssDNA-9mer, and dsDNA-12mer shows a consensus surface for the binding of these various DNA oligomers, that surrounds and includes the deoxyribose 5′-phosphate lyase active site region. Connection segments between helices 1 and 2 and between helices 3 and 4 each contribute to DNA binding. Helix-3-turn-helix-4 forms a helix-hairpin-helix motif. The highly conserved hairpin sequence (LPGVG) displays a significant degree of picosecond time-scale motion within the backbone, that is possibly important for DNA binding at the phosphodiester backbone. An Ω-loop connecting helices 1 and 2 and helix-2 itself display significant exchange contributions (Rex) at the backbone amides due to apparent conformational type motion on a millisecond time-scale. This motion is likely important in allowing the Ω-loop and helix-2 to shift toward, and productively interact with, gapped DNA. The deoxyribose 5′-phosphate lyase catalytic residues that include K72 which forms the Schiff’s base, Y39 which is postulated to promote proton transfer to the aldehyde, and K35 which assists in phosphate elimination, show highly restricted backbone motion. H34, which apparently participates in detection of the abasic site hole and assists in the opening of the hemiacetal, shows conformational exchange.
The Effects of Continuous Exposure of Animals to Ethanolamine Vapor

(1960). The Effects of Continuous Exposure of Animals to Ethanolamine Vapor. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 374-381.
Collective modes of the two-dimensional Wigner crystal in a strong magnetic field

We present a calculation of the dispersion relation of the intra-Landau-level and inter-Landau-level collective modes of the two-dimensional Wigner crystal in a strong magnetic field. Our analysis is based on the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation (TDHFA) for the density-density response function and allows for an arbitrary large degree of anharmonicity. We derive the density-density response function from an equation-of-motion approach that uses identities valid in the strong-field limit. The TDHFA response function is shown to depend only on the ground-state density as calculated in the Hartree-Fock approximation. The intra-Landau-level collective excitation and the excitation near the cyclotron frequency are shown to correspond, respectively, to the low- and high-energy branches of the harmonic phonon spectrum. Additional collective-excitation branches occur near larger multiples of the cyclotron frequency. In contrast with the Hartree-Fock approximation, the TDHFA excitation spectrum does not contain transitions between the Landau-level subbands created by the self-consistent Hartree-Fock potential in the electron lattice.
Electron cyclotron resonance deposition of diamond-like films

Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma CVD has been developed at low pressures (0.0001 - 0.01 torr) and at ambient and high substrate temperatures (up to 750 C), to achieve large-area (greater than 4 in. diameter) depositions of diamondlike amorphous carbon (a - C:H) films. The application of a RF bias to the substrate stage, which induces a negative self-bias voltage, is found to play a critical role in determining carbon bonding configurations and in modifying the film morphology. There are two distinct types of ECR-deposited diamondlike films. One type of diamondlike film exhibits a Raman spectrum consisting of broad and overlapping, graphitic D (1360/cm, line width = 280/cm) and G (1590/cm, line width 140/cm) lines, and the other type has a broad Raman peak centered at appoximately 1500/cm. Examination of plasma species by optical emission spectroscopy shows no correlation between the CH-asterisk emission intensity and the deposition rate of diamondklike films.
The use and impact of positron computed tomography scanning in epilepsy.

Summary: Through the effective combination of instrumentation, tracer kinetic principles, and radiopharmaceuticals, positron computed tomography (PET) allows for the analytic, noninvasive measurement of local tissue physiology in humans. A large number of studies have already been performed in patients with epilepsy using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to measure local cerebral glucose utilization. In patients with complex partial epilepsy who are candidates for surgery, hypometabolic zones have been seen consistently (70%) in the interictal state. These areas of hypometabolism have been related to electroencephalographic findings, surgical pathology, and clinical symptomatology. The complex anatomical and pathophysiological investigation of these hypometabolic zones is discussed. Ictal studies of patients with partial seizures have demonstrated a much more variable metabolic pattern which usually consists of hypermetabolism relative to baseline or interictal studies. Generalized epilepsy produced by electroconvulsive shock and petit mal epilepsy have been studied using FDG to estimate glucose metabolism. These studies demonstrated hypermetabolism in the ictal state, relative to interictal or postictal scans, but with a more generalized pattern than ictal studies of partial seizures. Methodological problems in the study of epilepsy with PET are discussed in detail. The investigation of interictal hypometabolism through animal models of epilepsy and quantitative autoradiography is described as a means to understand the human PET results. The impact and future direction of PET studies in epileptic populations will probably employ the use of behavioral, pharmacological, and electrophysiological maneuvers to provide more specific details about the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms of specific aspects of epilepsy. These techniques may allow for a truly pathophysiological classification system for the common and unusual types of epilepsy, and through this classification system improve the therapeutic and prognostic clinical approach to patients
Cholecystokinin-induced satiation with ethanol: effects of lighting cycle and limited access procedures

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a brain-gut neuropeptide and hormone previously shown to inhibit alcohol intake in water- or food-deprived rats. The effects of CCK and the phase of lighting cycle on alcohol intake in rats were investigated in a comparison of limited access and water-restriction procedures. The limited access procedure (LAP) is a recently developed technique for inducing free-choice alcohol consumption in nondeprived animals. Two groups of 12 male rats each were maintained in either normal or reversed 12:12 L:D lighting cycles and simultaneously given 40 minutes' access to 6% w/v ethanol and water in nonhome cages. After adaptation to this procedure, CCK octapeptide (0.5-16 micrograms/kg) was injected IP prior to access to fluids. During LAP, CCK reduced alcohol intake and increased water intake more potently in the dark phase. These effects of CCK were more reliable when the design was replicated, which suggests the importance of acquired expectancies for the development of CCK's actions. CCK more effectively reduced alcohol intake in LAP, than in a 23.3-h water-deprivation procedure for inducing alcohol intake in a 2-bottle choice test with water. However, CCK was less so effective in LAP, than in the water-deprivation procedure when alcohol was presented alone in a 1-bottle test. The alcohol satiation effect of CCK is independent of prior deprivation and not an artifact of thirst reduction, debilitation, or conditioned aversion, because CCK strongly increased water intake in the limited access procedure, and ethanol preference remained robust after experience with CCK. CCK may operate endogenously as a specific factor in satiation with ethanol.
Interaction of Neopentyl Thiol with Clean and Oxygen-Modified Fe(100) Surfaces†

The decomposition of neopentyl thiol on clean and oxygen-modified Fe(100) surfaces has been investigated under ultrahigh vacuum conditions using temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. On the clean Fe(100) surface upon adsorption at 100 K, the S−H and C−S bonds of the neopentyl thiol cleave, resulting in adsorbed S, H, and neopentyl alkyl fragments, in contrast to the formation of the alkyl thiolate observed on the adsorption of n-alkane thiols on this surface. Upon heating, some neopentyl alkyl fragments react with adsorbed surface hydrogen to evolve neopentane at 260 K. On the oxygen-modified surface, only S−H bond cleavage is observed, and a neopentyl thiolate surface species is formed. No initial neopentane evolution from the oxygen-modified surface is observed upon heating. However, on both surfaces, isobutene and trace amounts of neopentane are seen to desorb at 380 K as a result of an elimination reaction path...
Nerve growth factor-induced increase in calcium uptake by PC12 cells.

Treatment of PC 12 cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) produces a rapid and transient increase in calcium uptake into the cells. The increased uptake is maximal after 5 minutes of NGF treatment, but after 15 minutes of NGF treatment, no such increase can be observed. The effect of NGF is partially inhibited by blockers of L-type calcium channels. K-252a, an alkaloid-like kinase inhibitor that usually is found to inhibit the actions of NGF on PC 12 cells, produces an increase in calcium uptake similar to, but smaller than, that seen with NGF. NGF had no effect on calcium release under these conditions.
Gorillas in our Midst: Rulers in the Twentieth Century

The twentieth century saw its share of autocrats and tyrants. The question of how to understand each group, as well as the differences between them, is certainly a fit subject for the interdisciplinary study of history. Hard evidence from psychology and biology stand ready to make a valuable contribution to it. Yet, at this juncture, political and sociological explanations for the bizarre behavior of ruthless leaders have more to offer than taxonomical imperatives derived from anecdotal data about personality traits of rulers and sociobiological speculations based on the impulses of dominant male primates.
Direct liquid chromatographic separation of phthalide enantiomers

Abstract The enantiomers of a series of 3-substituted phthalides (3-substituted-1-(3H)-isobenzofuranones) have been separated by high-performance liquid chromatography on commercially available chiral stationary phases derived from (S)-leucine and (R)-phenylglycine. Chromatographic data and a chiral recognition model are presented for the separation of phthalide enantiomers on these chiral phases. Assignment of elution orders based on the a priori model proposed are consistent with those ultimately determined by independent chemical and spectroscopic means.
Dissociating the effects of featural and conceptual interference on multiple target processing in rapid serial visual presentation

Attentional blink (AB) describes the finding that, when subjects attend to a specified target in a rapidly presented visual stream, they show a decreased ability to process a subsequent probe item for up to 600 msec. In the present study, the roles of featural and conceptual interference in the processing of targets and probes in a rapid serial visual presentation stream were examined. In Experiment 1, featurally more complex T + l items produced larger AB even when the physical energy of the stimulus (e.g., the number of pixels) was held constant. In Experiment 2, the conceptual category of the T + l item affected target identification but not AB magnitude. These results suggest that featural interference is a major determinant of AB magnitude, whereas featural and conceptual interference both affect target identification.
Carrier scattering at periodic a-Si:H,F barriers in a-Si,Ge:H,F alloys☆

Abstract The optical absorption of a-Si:H,F a-Si 0.4 , Ge 0.6 : H,F superlattices have been measured over a range of well sublayer widths. The absorption data have been analyzed to yield a defect density per superlattice interface of ≈1010 cm−2. Electron and hole drift mobilities data suggest a transition from scattering dominated transport in states at the top of the barriers for short superlattice periods, to recombination dominated transport at the bottom of the wells for large periods. The data are used to estimate a characteristics scattering length of ≈3 nm in bulk a-Si0.4Ge0.6:H,F.
Multifamily Group Psychoeducation and Cognitive Remediation for First-Episode Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Multifamily group psychoeducation (MFG) has been shown to reduce relapse rates among individuals with first-episode psychosis. However, given the cognitive demands associated with participating in this intervention (e.g., learning and applying a structured problem-solving activity), the cognitive deficits that accompany psychotic disorders may limit the ability of certain individuals to benefit from this intervention. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine whether individuals with first-episode psychosis who participate simultaneously in MFG and cognitive remediation--an intervention shown to improve cognitive functioning among individuals with psychotic disorders--will be less likely to experience a relapse than individuals who participate in MFG alone. Forty individuals with first-episode psychosis and their caregiving relative will be recruited to participate in this study. Individuals with first-episode psychosis will be randomized to one of two conditions: (i) MFG with concurrent participation in cognitive remediation or (ii) MFG alone. The primary outcome for this study is relapse of psychotic symptoms. We will also examine secondary outcomes among both individuals with first-episode psychosis (i.e., social and vocational functioning, health-related quality of life, service utilization, independent living status, and cognitive functioning) and their caregiving relatives (i.e., caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression) Cognitive remediation offers the possibility of ameliorating a specific deficit (i.e., deficits in cognitive functioning) that often accompanies psychotic symptoms and may restrict the magnitude of the clinical benefits derived from MFG. ClinicalTrials (NCT): NCT01196286
Real-Time Autotracking/Image Processing Architectures For Field Applications

Following the development of several high speed video image processors, the lack of such special purpose processors for applica-tions such as target tracking and image processing offering low power and volume was realized. A handful of shared algorithms for video target tracking and image processing were discovered and incorporated into the design. Realizing the design requirements, a methodology was established to develop a product that can support a wide range of applications, and a generic architecture to allow growth and a longer product life cycle.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) nanoparticle tumour vaccination

Use of mRNA-based vaccines for tumour immunotherapy has gained increasing attention in recent years. A growing number of studies applying nanomedicine concepts to mRNA tumour vaccination show that the mRNA delivered in nanoparticle format can generate a more robust immune response. Advances in the past decade have deepened our understanding of gene delivery barriers, mRNA's biological stability and immunological properties, and support the notion for engineering innovations tailored towards a more efficient mRNA nanoparticle vaccine delivery system. In this review we will first examine the suitability of mRNA for engineering manipulations, followed by discussion of a model framework that highlights the barriers to a robust anti-tumour immunity mediated by mRNA encapsulated in nanoparticles. Finally, by consolidating existing literature on mRNA nanoparticle tumour vaccination within the context of this framework, we aim to identify bottlenecks that can be addressed by future nanoengineering research.
Lysosomes and secretory granules in the normal and autotransplanted salamander pars distalis

Abstract Normal and autotransplanted salamander pituitary glands were studied by light and electron microscopy. Frozen sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed material were incubated for demonstration of acid phosphatase, a “marker” enzyme for lysosomes. Acid phosphatase is demonstrable in the agranular membrane systems and vesicles associated with the Golgi apparatus, in newly formed secretory granules, and in lysosomes of both the normal and autotransplanted par distalis. Among the lysosomes, autophagic vacuoles containing secretory granules are more common in the hypersecretory cell types of the autotransplanted pituitary than in the normal gland.
Tillage effects on nitrogen uptake by maize from fine textured soils in the northwestern Corn Belt, USA

Nitrogen (N) accumulation data from a replicated field study were fitted to a tanh (time) function and the derivate obtained to determine relative maximum rates of accumulation by maize. Both positive and negative effects of tillage on N accumulation rates were observed. Most of the N accumulation occurred over a 30-day period and time of N accumulation was not affected by tillage. Tilled profiles tend to contain greater NO3 -N, greater aeration, and lower moisture contents than untilled profiles, and these characteristics interact to affect plant N accumulation.
Disrupted tight junctions in the small intestine of cystic fibrosis mice

The tight junction (TJ) is the major determinant of paracellular permeability, which in the gut protects the body from entry of harmful substances such as microbial components. In cystic fibrosis (CF), there is increased permeability of the small intestine both in humans and in CF mice. To gain insight into the mechanisms of increased intestinal permeability in CF, I analyze the composition of the TJ in a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (Cftr) knockout mouse model. Significant changes in TJ gene expression in the CF intestine were found for Cldn1, Cldn7, Cldn8 and Pmp22, which were expressed at lower levels and Cldn2 that was expressed at a higher level. Protein levels of claudin-2 were increased in the CF intestine as compared to wild-type, while other TJ proteins were not significantly different. In the villus epithelium of the CF intestine, all TJ components analyzed were mislocalized to the basal cytoplasm and showed varying degrees of loss from the TJ and apico-lateral surfaces. The pore-forming claudin-2 in the CF intestine showed more intense staining but was correctly localized to the TJ, principally in the crypts that are enlarged in CF. The cytokine TNFα, known to affect TJ, was elevated to 160 % of wild-type in the CF intestine. In summary, there is a dramatic redistribution of claudin proteins from the TJ/lateral membrane to the basal cytoplasm of the villus epithelium in the CF intestine. These changes in TJ protein localization in CF are likely to be involved in the increased permeability of the CF small intestine to macromolecules and TNFα may be a causative factor.
Survey on attitudes to nutrition planning.

Abstract The results of a worldwide survey of nutrition planning professionals' attitudes towards nutrition policy are presented. The survey was intended to find out what those involved in nutrition planning percieve to be the causes of hunger and malnutrition, and their views on the effectiveness of the programmes implemented to overcome these problems. The results show that the self-classification of political beliefs is the most clear cut correlate in predicting attitudes towards food and nutrition policy.
Sulfate and glucosamine labelling of the intercellular matrix in vitellogenic follicels of a moth

InHyalophora cecropia the intercellular spaces of the follicles contain during vitellogenesis a matrix that can be labelled eitherin situ or in culture with35S-sulfate and3H-glucosamine. The matrix was demonstrated by autoradiography and also by treating follicles for 15 min with pronase, which released TCA-soluble matrix fragments with molecular weights of up to 2×106 daltons. Testicular hyaluronidase degraded the high molecular weight fragments, and thus it is probable that they are chondroitin sulfate-like mucopolysaccharides. With the termination of vitellogenesis new matrix is no longer deposited, and the pre-existing material is disassembled. The sulfated matrix may account for the patency of the intercellular diffusion channels essential for blood protein uptake and also for the low level, extracellular binding of blood proteins that characterizes the vitellogenic follicle inHyalophora.
A prospective study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cognitive function in an older population: the Rancho Bernardo Study.

Objective: To determine whether low plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels predict poor cognitive function in the elderly. Design: A prospective, population-based study with periodic clinical evaluations and 100% follow-up for vital status. Setting: Rancho Bernardo, California Patients: 270 men and 167 women (80% of surviving, local, age-eligible subjects) from the Rancho Bernardo cohort who had plasma obtained for DHEAS assays in 1972 to 1974 and screening for dementia in 1988 to 1991. Measurements: DHEAS levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. There were five interviewer-administered standard screening tests of cognitive function: Mini-Mental Status Examination, Buschke selective reminding test, Trails B, category fluency, and Heaton Visual Reproduction test. Results: DHEAS levels were higher in men than women and decreased with age in both sexes. There were no significant differences in age-adjusted DHEAS levels in the percent of men or women with categorically impaired performance on any test. When analyzed as a continuous variable, DHEAS levels were significantly correlated with only one test, the Bushke, and only in women. Low baseline DHEAS levels were not associated with any mention of dementia on death certificates or with non-participation of survivors. Low levels of DHEAS predicted mortality in men more than in women such that men were more likely to have died before cognitive function testing than women. Conclusion: The single DHEAS-memory association, restricted to women, is most likely to be spurious, consequent to multiple comparisons. We cannot exclude a true effect of low DHEAS, restricted to women and reflecting their better survival than men.
Dissociation of immunosuppression by chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine from pharmacologic activities as dopamine antagonists.

Neuroleptic compounds may affect the immune system through a variety of mechanisms. Most possess a complex pharmacology, which makes specific, causal relationships difficult to discern. In this study, a series of experiments was performed to examine the effects of dopamine antagonists on a battery of immunologic parameters. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation in vitro was inhibited by haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine at 10, 1 and 1 gmM concentrations, respectively. Sulpride and metoclopramide had no direct effect in vitro. In vivo lymphocyte proliferation was significantly reduced by chlorpromazine at the highest tested doses (12.5 and 15 mg/kg) and by trifluoperazine at the highest tested dose (30 mg/kg). All other dopamine antagonists had no significant effect on in vivo lymphocyte proliferation. A murine graft vs host (GVH) response was unaffected by haloperidol, sulpiride, and metoclopramide. Chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine exhibited significant inhibition of the GVH response at the highest doses only (15 and 30 mg/kg, respectively). In a picryl chloride induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) assay, haloperidol, metoclopramide, and sulpiride had no effect. However, both chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine significantly reduced DTH-induced paw swelling at the higher doses (7.5 mg/kg, and 10 and 30 μm/kg, respectively). These studies indicate that the more specific dopamine antagonists (e.g. sulpiride, metoclopramide, and haloperidol) do not share the immunologic profiles of chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, suggesting that these effects of chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine are not related to their dopamine antagonist properties.
QWERTY, Nashville, and country music

(1994). QWERTY, Nashville, and country music. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 41-55.
Thermal crack initiation mechanisms on the surface of functionally graded ceramic thermal barrier coatings

The surface crack initiation mechanism in a multilayer zirconia/metal coating on a steel substrate was determined to be tensile stresses which are generated by cooling after relaxation of the compressive stresses at high temperature. This crack initiation criterion is utilized to study the architectural design of a functionally graded coating.
Gregorio Dati (1362–1435) and the Limits of Individual Agency:

This article focuses on the diary of the Florentine Gregorio Dati (1362–1435) and its significance for the study of agency in pre-modern Europe. In particular, this article analyses Dati's ‘abeyance of individual agency’ in the context of his family affairs, business ventures, and participation in politics, as well as in relation to Dati's views on his personal development. The diary data, and in particular the private memoranda of 1404 and 1412, are corroborated with Dati's other writings and placed in the context of late-medieval and Renaissance culture. As such, this article draws attention to the role of cultural factors in the construction of agency, and aims to participate in a broader, interdisciplinary debate.
The Economics of Brazil’s Ethanol-Sugar Markets, Mandates, and Tax Exemptions

Sugarcane in Brazil is processed into sugar and/or ethanol, often in flex plants that can switch between the two products. We develop an economic model of flex plants, export demands, and two domestic fuel demand curves for a blend of ethanol with gasoline consumed by conventional cars, and ethanol consumed only by flex cars. We analyze the market impacts of the following policies: the blend mandate; fixing gasoline prices below world prices; the high gasoline tax; and a higher tax exemption for ethanol blended with gasoline. Because Brazilian and U.S. ethanol prices have become linked, a change in Brazilian ethanol policy or a shock in world sugar markets can now impact U.S. ethanol and corn prices. We show that in theory, each policy analyzed has an ambiguous impact on ethanol and sugar prices. Empirically, however, a low gasoline tax and a high tax exemption for ethanol used in the fuel blend reduce ethanol and sugar prices; this contradicts conventional wisdom. Overall, we find that policy reforms implemented in 2010 offset the ethanol price increase by about 27% due to outward shifts in fuel transportation and sugar export demand curves, and due to a reduced sugarcane supply caused by bad weather. Our model illustrates the importance of Brazil's ethanol policies on world commodity markets; it also provides insight into how the Brazilian government can adjust policies to better control domestic inflation while minimizing impacts on investment.
Carrier and Bit Synchronization in Data Communication--A Tutorial Review

This paper examines the problems of carrier phase estimation and symbol timing estimation for carrier-type synchronous digital data signals, with tutorial objectives foremost. Carrier phase recovery for suppressed-carrier versions of double sideband (DSB), vestigial sideband (VSB), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal formats is considered first. Then the problem of symbol timing recovery for a baseband pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) signal is examined. Timing recovery circuits based on elementary statistical properties are discussed as well as timing recovery based on maximum-likelihood estimation theory. A relatively simple approach to evaluation of timing recovery circuit performance in terms of rms jitter of the timing parameters is presented.
Physical oceanographic conditions in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in summer 2000–2002

Abstract The circulation and distribution of water properties in the water column of the Gulf of Mexico influence the flux of carbon to the benthic environment. The eddy field of the upper 1000 m creates environmental conditions that are favorable for biological productivity in an otherwise oligotrophic subtropical ocean. This eddy field results in the transport of nutrients and organic matter into the photic zone through cross-margin flow of shelf waters, upwelling in cyclones, and uplift from the interaction of anticyclones with bathymetry. These conditions then allow the productivity that becomes a possible source of carbon to the benthos. Data from four cruises during summers of 2000–2002 are used to describe the currents and water property distributions in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, which consists of water depths greater than 400 m. Comparisons are made to historical data sets to provide an understanding of the persistence of the characteristics of the Gulf and the processes that occur there. The currents in the Gulf are surface intensified, have minimum in 800–1000 m depths, and also exhibit bottom intensification, especially near sloping topography. Historical time series records show current speeds near-bottom reach 50–100 cm s −1 . At basin scales, these currents tend to flow cyclonically (counter-clockwise) along the bathymetry. These near-bottom, episodic, high-speed currents provide a mechanism for the transport of organic material, in both large and small particle sizes, from one benthic area to another. The distributions of temperature, salinity, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen during the study appear to be unchanged from historical findings. The source waters for the deep Gulf are the water masses brought into the Gulf by the Loop Current system. The properties in the upper 100–200 m are the most variable of the water column, consistent with their proximity to wind mixing, river discharge mixing, and atmospheric influences. Below 1500 m, there are no major horizontal variations in these water properties.
Physical synthesis onto a layout fabric with regular diffusion and polysilicon geometries

In this work we propose a regular layout fabric practical for industrial random logic design and present cell synthesis algorithms specialized to this fabric. We show results on an industrial test-case where physical synthesis onto a library of extremely regular cells results in only 7% increase in leakage in comparison to traditional standard cells. We also show that using this fabric based cell synthesis system allows better overall area by allowing more upper layer routing. We achieve a 4% routable die size reduction by simultaneous cell synthesis and custom M1 routing.
Federalism and American Inequality

Studies of the political determinants of economic inequality have usually focused on the national government, but in federalist systems subnational governments may also be important. In recent decades, the U.S. national government has been less active in fighting inequality, but increasing devolution means that states wanting to address this problem have had a greater incentive and perhaps means by which to do so. Applying power resources theory, we argue that in states where left parties are stronger and more liberal politics are enacted, the government will reduce inequality and that this state effect becomes more pronounced as middle- and lower-class power wanes nationally. In the analysis we find that both federal and state governments influence inequality, and since the Republican takeover of Congress in 1995, the states have played a more important role in shaping the income distribution.
Impact of a community based fire prevention intervention on fire safety knowledge and behavior in elementary school children

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a community based fire prevention intervention directed only to parents on the fire safety knowledge and behavior in elementary school children. This was a prospective, quasi-randomized controlled study in which third and fourth grade students from two elementary schools in an urban, poor, minority community completed knowledge/behavior surveys at baseline and following completion of the intervention. The intervention group received an in-home visit from fire department personnel who installed free lithium smoke detectors and provided a fire escape plan. After accounting for a small difference in baseline summary scores of knowledge and behavior between the control and intervention groups, this study found a modest improvement in fire safety behavior among children whose families received a fire prevention intervention reflecting a change in household fire safety practices. However, there was no significant change in fire safety knowledge.
On-line determination of cutting geometry through integrated force measurement

A novel on-line cutting geometry inspection technique based on the integrated force sensing method has been developed. A compact force sensor, mounted at the back of a single crystal diamond tool, was used to measure the cutting forces encountered by the tool system as it plunge-cut parallel micro flow channels on copper foils about 125 /spl mu/m in thickness. The force data were then converted by a software code which calculates the geometrical dimensions (depth and width) of the micro channels that had been cut. A series of experiments were conducted for four different feeds: 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 5.0 /spl mu/m/rev., at a constant workpiece speed of 2,400 rpm. Error analysis showed that the maximum relative error of the measurement, with regards to the results from the theoretical modeling, is 9.8%. By incorporating this force sensing technique into the tool control system, a real-time control unit can be implemented which conducts on-line adjustment of the diamond cutting performance to improve manufacturing quality. >
Motion sickness: a synthesis and evaluation of the sensory conflict theory.

"Motion sickness" is the general term describing a group of common nausea syndromes originally attributed to motion-induced cerebral ischemia, stimulation of abdominal organ afferents, or overstimu...
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Status of the Trials

Trials of balloon angioplasty versus bypass surgery for coronary artery disease showed essential equivalent survival except in diabetic patients. Reintervention following percutaneous coronary intervention was much more frequent and was reduced in subsequent stent trials. Drug-eluting stents now promise to reduce reintervention even further and therefore reassessment of percutaneous intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery is required. Several current trials are evaluating these two revascularization methods in complex multivessel disease patients, diabetics, and left main disease. The results of these trials are expected to guide practice in the future.
Evaluation of motions and actuation methods for biomechanical energy harvesting

This paper addresses energy harvesting from biomechanical motions. Such a technique is useful for powering small portable devices, such as wireless phones, music players, and digital assistants. For very low power devices, biomechanical energy may be enough to provide baseload power. In others, such as cell phones (which typically requires up to 3 W), biomechanical energy would recharge batteries for extended use between line charges, or allow for peak just-in-time power. In this paper, we consider several biomechanical motions for power generation. We evaluate actuation methods, including magnetic, piezoelectric, electrostatic, and electrical polymers for various motions in terms of energy, power, mass, and cost. We also discuss the practical issues associated with each, especially in terms of the power electronics required to connect the biomechanical sources to useful loads.