cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A geochemical study of dolomite in the Monterey Formation, California

ABSTRACT Isotopic and trace-element analyses of dolomites from the Miocene Monterey Formation of California show that there is a strong correlation between the 13C values and the iron, manganese, and strontium contents of dolomites from different localities. Dolomites with negative 13C values have low trace-element contents, averaging less than 1 mole % iron, 300 to 400 ppm manganese, and 200 to 250 ppm strontium. Those with positive 13C values have much higher trace-element contents, averaging greater than 2 mole % iron, with values as high as 10 mole %, 1,200-1,400 ppm manganese, and 600 to 800 pm strontium. Monterey sections with dolomites with low trace-element contents contain higher percentages of dolomite and have lower sedimentation rates and lower detrital mineral contents than sections with dolomites with high trace-element contents. Differences in iron and manganese contents of dolomites from different sections are probably attributable to variation in the amount of readily available iron and possibly manganese oxide coatings on detrital minerals. Whether a dolomite forms in or below the zone of organic-matter oxidation by microbial sulfate reduction also may affect the availability of iron and manganese. In the zone of sulfate reduction, reduced iron, and possibly manganese, may be precipitated as sulfide minerals rather than be incorporated into dolomite. Differences in the strontium contents of Monterey dolomites are probably the result of different reaction stoichiometries of the dolomitization process. Calculations of the maximum depth of dolomite formation based on a diffusion-limited seawater source of Mg2+ for dolomitization show that for sections with high percentages of dolomite (10-20%), dolomitization must take place within the uppermost few meters of the sediment column.
Sp3 Is a Transcriptional Repressor of Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptors

MCF-7E breast cancer cells express transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptors RI and RII in comparison to MCF-7L cells. We present data showing that Sp3 acts as a transcriptional repressor of RI and RII in MCF-7L cells and GEO colon cancer cells. MCF-7L and GEO cells express high levels of Sp3 protein. Gel shift analysis indicated enhanced binding of Sp3 from MCF-7L cells to a consensus Sp1 oligonucleotide. Southwestern data indicated increased binding of Sp3 to RI and RII promoters in MCF-7L cells, suggesting a correlation between Sp3 binding and reduced expression of TGF-beta receptors in MCF-7L cells. Cotransfection of CMV-Sp3 cDNA with RI and RII promoter-luciferase reporter constructs decreased RI and RII promoter activities by 70% in MCF-7E and GEO cells. Southwestern analysis detected the binding of transiently expressed Sp3 to RI and RII promoters in MCF-7E cells. Significantly, ectopic Sp3 expression led to repression of RI and RII transcripts in MCF-7E cells. This report demonstrates that inappropriate overexpression of Sp3 is a mechanism that contributes to repression of TGF-beta receptors.
Optimal CO2 Capture Operation in an Advanced Electric Grid

Abstract Increased attention to CO 2 capture operability motivates study of CO 2 capture within a full electricity system where different operating configurations (no capture, inflexible capture, flexible capture) can be studied alongside competing generating technologies in current and future electric grids. A least-cost electricity system dispatch model is created as a mixed integer linear program using GAMS software and used to perform such analysis, specifically examining flexible post-combustion amine scrubbing for energy and ancillary service provision. A projected 2020 Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid with substantial wind and energy storage is modeled to quantify flexible capture capabilities for $0–80/tCO 2 and $3–8/MMBTU natural gas. Flexible capture is found to reduce electricity dispatch costs by responding to variability in electricity demand. Given sufficient system response time, the ability to reduce capture load (energy requirement) allows facilities to provide substantial low-cost reserve capacity, and units with capture operating below 100% load can offer the ability to increase capture load for unexpected increases in supply such as from wind. The cost and reliability (ancillary) service benefits of flexible capture are found to increase with CO 2 and natural gas price because units become more economical to operate. Furthermore, the existence of grid-scale energy storage does not significantly detract from the value of flexible capture.
Competition and cooperation in information systems innovation

Abstract Information systems may be strategic and may have competitive impact on a firm and its industry. Properties of an innovation or an environment that may predict the competitive impact have already been studied; now the process of determining an information systems strategy must be addressed. Recent work in economics addresses a game theoretic approach to selecting strategy for an innovation, where the decision maker's key choice is when to adopt the innovations. A strategy can be selected, based upon: beliefs concerning cost of development as a function of time of introduction; and estimates of profits, with and without the innovation, and with and without introduction by competitors. This work can be modified to relate more closely to the selection of a strategy for an information systems innovation. Most specifically, since many information systems are expensive, offer scale advantages, and are available to all members of an industry, cooperation through consortium development may make more sense than competition. Thus the key aspects of an investment decision in strategic information systems are timing, as an early or late developer, and cooperation, as an independent innovator or as a member of a development consortium.
Diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Among a Cohort of 119 Patients With Fanconi Anemia Morphologic and Cytogenetic Characteristics

Predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute leukemia is a hallmark of Fanconi anemia (FA). Morphologic criteria for MDS in FA are not well established, nor is the significance of clonal chromosomal abnormalities. We reviewed bone marrow samples of 119 FA patients: 23 had MDS, with the most common subtype refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia. The presence of MDS was highly correlated with the presence of clonal abnormalities. Neutrophil dysplasia and increased blasts were always associated with the presence of a clone, in contrast with dyserythropoiesis. The most frequent clones had gains of 1q and 3q and/or loss of 7. Karyotype complexity also correlated with MDS. One third of patients with 3q as a sole abnormality had no MDS; patients with 3q and an additional abnormality all had MDS. The data provide a rationale for integrating cytogenetic findings with independently evaluated morphologic findings for monitoring bone marrow status in FA.
The structure of species, outcomes of speciation and the ‘species problem’: ideas for paleobiology

Abstract Paleobiologists reviewing the recent literature on species concepts are likely to come away with the impression that the fundamental unit of biodiversity is impossible to define in terms of a universal concept that applies to all forms of cellular life and the varied outcomes of species-level evolution. Operational concepts are likely to differ from specialty to specialty in biology, but a general theory of species has been available for nearly 50 yr in the form of G.G. Simpson’s evolutionary species concept. In addition to this, a general picture of species structure has been accepted for at least as long, consisting of demes or habitat clusters that bud off other demes/clusters, split, fuse and often go extinct. More recently, it has become obvious that the outcomes or products of species-level evolution may include any of the following: speciation with morphologic differentiation (producing the so-called ‘good species’ of applied biology and probably the stable entities resolved in patterns of stasis in the fossil record); speciation without pronounced phenotypic differentiation (cryptic species); or acquisition of diagnosable characters without either complete reproductive isolation or pronounced morphologic change. The view that species are lineages containing networks of demes (or habitat clusters of uniparental organisms), each with its own biologic tendencies and role – with a unique place within a clade composed of similar historical entities, each having a certain kind of internal structure and resulting from a different evolutionary outcome – is the ultimate concept many of the operational approaches seem to be aiming to uncover. Considering species structure, speciation outcomes and the evolutionary species concept together brings the nature of species into a much sharper focus.
Role of Cs promotion of Ag/AlOOH catalysts for the epoxidation of 1,3-butadiene : effects on surface acidity and basicity

Abstract The epoxidation of 1,3-butadiene to epoxybutene (EpB) was performed in a plug flow reactor using a boehmite-supported silver catalyst with molecular oxygen as the oxidant. Unpromoted silver catalysts exhibited optimum catalytic activity at a silver loading of 15 wt%. Using this experimentally determined silver level, a range of Cs nitrate loadings was incorporated on the Ag/boehmite catalyst to determine which catalyst composition provides the optimum activity. For this study, two catalyst preparations were investigated: (1) simultaneous supporting of silver and Cs nitrate and (2) initial supporting of silver followed by the sequential supporting of Cs nitrate. Reactivity studies have shown that catalysts prepared by simultaneously supporting silver and Cs nitrate are not as effective at enhancing EpB production and catalyst stability compared with catalysts prepared by the sequential supporting method. Adsorption microcalorimetry of CO 2 indicates that a portion of the Cs promoter is blocked when simultaneously supporting both Cs and Ag on the support surface. Adsorption microcalorimetry of NH 3 and DRIFTS studies have shown that increased Cs loadings result in a reduction in the number of acidic hydroxyl groups present on the catalyst, producing a catalyst that exhibits less deactivation with time-on-stream.
A Rapid and Simple High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Assay for the Leflunomide Metabolite, Teriflunomide (A77 1726), in Renal Transplant Recipients

Leflunomide (Arava), a drug with immunosuppressive and antiviral effects, is being used in renal transplant recipients, primarily for its action against BK polyomavirus (BKV), which affects 1% to 10% of renal transplant recipients and often causes failure of grafted kidneys. Leflunomide effects are solely due to an active metabolite, teriflunomide (formerly A77 1726). Trough blood concentrations of teriflunomide exceeding 40 microg/mL (148 micromol/L) are associated with progressive clearance of BKV. Toxic effects become increasingly apparent at higher concentrations. We have developed a rapid, simple, and robust high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for therapeutic monitoring of teriflunomide in renal transplant recipients. Sample preparation is rapid, and each HPLC separation takes about 7 minutes. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation were 1.5% or less and 5.6% or less, respectively. The method was linear to 200 microg/mL (740 micromol/L), which is well above teriflunomide concentrations that are likely to be observed.
Incidental mediastinal dose does not explain low mediastinal node recurrence rates in patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy

Abstract Background Patients with stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) do not undergo a staging mediastinoscopy, yet reported mediastinal recurrence rates appear lower than in patients undergoing surgical resection. We determined incidental SBRT doses to assess whether this could account for the low rates of recurrence. Patients and Methods Between March 2009 and September 2012, we reviewed cases of patients with inoperable lung tumors (n = 136) treated with SBRT at our institution. The SBRT regimen was 54 Gy in 3 fractions with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) staging. Incidental doses to the mediastinal lymph node stations (MLNSs), primary tumor control, locoregional (LR), distant control (DC), and overall survival (OS) rates were determined. Results Forty-six patients with stage I NSCLC met the inclusion criteria. The calculated median incidental SBRT dose to all MLNSs was P > .05). Conclusion Low mediastinal recurrence rates in stage I NSCLC treated with SBRT validates the omission of staging mediastinoscopy. The low incidental dose to MLNSs does not seem to explain the low mediastinal recurrence in the majority of patients. Our findings also confirm that prophylactic radiation to the mediastinum is not necessary and support the hypothesis that local ablation of the primary lesion could indirectly affect subclinical nodal disease through unknown mechanisms.
Failure analysis of cooling fan gearbox

Abstract This article describes the findings of an investigation on the failure of a cooling fan gearbox. The failure analysis was aimed at identifying the root cause of the gear damage in order to prevent their reoccurrence. Detailed investigation using several characterisation techniques such as visual and metallographic examinations, hardness testing, and different chemical analyses showed that the gears failed by contact fatigue accelerated by alternating high loads. The failure contributing factors are discussed and identified. Practical corrective actions were suggested in order to avoid similar failures.
Quality of life for transplantation patients: National Institute of Nursing Research Spring Science Work Group.

Abstract Quality of life for transplantation patients offers many opportunities for basic science and clinical researchers, ranging from biological and behavioral investigations to clinical interventions and population studies. Specific topics of interest for the field of transplantation research that have immediate application to studies of quality of life include signs and symptoms of chronic illness, biobehavioral risk factors for disease, functional disabilities, patient outcomes, adherence to treatment, care delivery, roles of families and caregivers, strategies of stress management, special needs of children and high-risk patients, health promotion and education, and long-term care. These topics offer investigators a unique opportunity to develop and apply integrated prevention and treatment strategies and to contribute valuable insights and skills to multidisciplinary research teams needed for quality-of-life studies of transplantation patients. (Heart Lung ® 2001;30:5-8.)
Ultrastructural Study of Gametocytes and Gametogenesis of Haemoproteus metchnikovi

SYNOPSIS. The ultrastructure of gametocytes and microgametogenesis of Haemoproteus metchnikovi, an intracellular malaria parasite of chelonians, was compared with other malarial parasites. Gametocytes resemble those described for other avian, reptilian and mammalian malarial parasites. The process of microgametogenesis is similar in many respects to that reported for Leucocytozoon simondi (Aikawa et al., 1970) and Haemoproteus columbae (Bradbury and Trager, 1968). Atypical centrioles are described from both microgametocytes and macrogametocytes. Axoneme development begins before the microgametocyte leaves the host red blood cell. Fully developed microgametes which bud off from the parent gametocyte contain a single axoneme with the typical 9 + 2 pattern of microtubules.
A numerical approach to directional solidification

Abstract We describe a numerical technique for solving the integrodifferential equations which describe the motion of the solidification interface. The technique enables us to study both the stationary states and dynamics of the interface for the symmetric model. Comparison is made between existing analytical results and the numerical calculations.
AFM imaging of RGD presenting synthetic extracellular matrix using gold nanoparticles

Several high-resolution imaging techniques such as FESEM, TEM and AFM are compared with respect to their application on alginate hydrogels, a widely used polysaccharide biomaterial. A new AFM method applicable to RGD peptides covalently conjugated to alginate hydrogels is described. High-resolution images of RGD adhesion ligand distribution were obtained by labeling biotinylated RGD peptides with streptavidin-labeled gold nanoparticles. This method may broadly provide a useful tool for sECM characterization and design for tissue regeneration strategies.
Data processing of urine chromatograms for the clinical management of melanoma

Abstract A data processing system for the analysis of melanoma urine chromatograms is described. The system operates on a MODCOMP IV computer and processes in three distinct stages the chromatographic data that has been logged and stored on nine-track magnetic tape. While the initial data reduction stage uses standard programming techniques for peak-area computations, the other stages involve novel graphical displays that provide an overview not only of the clinical data, but also of the operation of the chromatography system itself. Among other results, the data processing provides clear evidence that vanillactic acid is a urinary melanogen.
Glibenclamide Reduces Hippocampal Injury and Preserves Rapid Spatial Learning in a Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Cognitive disturbances after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequent, even when neuroimaging shows no overt hemorrhagic or other abnormality. Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) plays a key role in various forms of CNS injury, but its role in hippocampal dysfunction after mild to moderate TBI is unknown. To assess the hypothesis that postinjury SUR1 upregulation in the hippocampus is associated with a later disturbance in learning, we studied a rat model of cortical impact TBI calibrated to avoid primary and secondary hemorrhage in the underlying hippocampus. The transcription factor, specificity protein 1, which regulates expression of SUR1 and caspase-3, was activated in the hippocampus 15 minutes after injury. Upregulation of SUR1 protein and of Abcc8 (which encodes SUR1) messenger RNA was evident by 6 hours. To assess the role of SUR1, injured rats were administered vehicle or a low dose of the specific sulfonylurea inhibitor glibenclamide for 1 week. At 2 weeks, the increase in activated caspase-3 in the hilus of glibenclamide-treated rats was half of that in vehicle-treated rats. Testing for rapid learning in a Morris water maze at 4 weeks showed significantly better performance in glibenclamide-treated rats; performance inversely correlated with Fluoro-Jade staining for degenerated neurons in the hilus. We conclude that glibenclamide may have long-term protective effects on the hippocampus after mild-to-moderate TBI.
Homology and evolutionary origins of the 'neocortex'.

The telencephalon of mammals is characterized by the presence of a hexalaminated structure on its external surface, with specific auditory, visual, somatosensory and motor regions. Due to its seeming
Polyaniline-Gold Nanocomposite System

Nanostructured composite materials of polyaniline (PANI) with gold clusters of different sizes and amounts have been produced. PANI films of the same thickness were grown electrochemically on platinum substrates. Then nucleation of gold clusters in the PANI film was initiated by chemical reduction of tetrabromoaurate ion in acidic solution. The spontaneous process of gold cluster formation was evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the Kelvin probe. It was found that the amount and size distribution of gold clusters vary with immersion time. The measured work function of the PANI/Au composite changes its magnitude according to the changes in composition of the materials. Despite the fact that the preparation method makes the gold cluster growth difficult to control in size and in distribution, it is of interest to applications for solid-state potentiometric sensors, batteries, supercapacitors, or catalysis since it modifies the electron affinity of the synthesized conducting polymer/gold composite.
Online and offline sexual health-seeking patterns of HIV-negative men who have sex with men.

To inform health information targeting, we used cross-sectional data from 2577 HIV-negative MSM to identify groups of men who access similar sources. Offline, more men reported talking to a physician about HIV than about having sex with men; fewer than half attended a safer sex workshop. Online, men sought information primarily through Internet search engines, GLBT websites, or health websites. A latent class analysis identified four groups of health seekers: minimal health seekers, those who accessed online sources only, those who sought information mostly from health professionals, and those who sought information from diverse sources. Minimal health seekers, 9% of the sample, were the group of greatest concern. They engaged in unprotected anal sex with multiple partners but infrequently testing for HIV or sought sexual health information. By encouraging health seeking from diverse sources, opportunities exist to increase men’s knowledge of HIV/STI prevention and, when necessary, access to medical care.
How did Smoking Affect Birth Outcomes in Massachusetts from 1989 to 2004

Purpose Massachusetts introduced a comprehensive tobacco control program (MTCP) in January 1993. Tobacco smoke is a serious health hazard, particularly for pregnant women. Low birth weight (LBW) is a common condition that has been shown consistently to be causally related to smoking during pregnancy. Methods We calculated population attributable risk (PAR), using the conventional formula in addition to the effect measure, which is relative risk (RR) in this study. Because the database used (Mass CHIP) captures all pregnant women including their smoking status across the state, and also links birth files with death files, this database is a valuable resource for calculating overall smoking prevalence among pregnant women. Infant mortality rates (IMR) from 1989 to 2004 were also calculated. Multiple births and pregnant women with unknown smoking status ( Results More than 91,000 live-births occurred in 1989 as opposed to 78,250 live-births in 2004. Almost 22% of mothers smoked during pregnancy in 1989, reducing to 7.4% in 2004 (66% decline). IMR among smoking mothers declined from 11.6/1000 live-births in 1989 to 5.7 in 2004 (>50% decline), while IMR in non-smoking mothers decreased from 6.7 in 1989 to 4.2/1000 live-births in 2004 (a 37% decline). The proportions of sudden infant death syndrome babies showed a significant annual decline of -6% among non-smokers. The very low LBW babies among smokers showed an annual decline of 8.4% (95%CI: -9.1; -7.7). In the 15-year study period, RR of LBW among smokers has decreased from 2.0 to 1.71 (a 29% overall decline). PAR decreased from 18% to 5% over the 15-year period contributing to almost 300 fewer LBW babies between 1989 and 2004. Conclusion Approximately 300 fewer LBW babies were born between 1989 and 2004 in Massachusetts that could be attributed to reductions in smoking prevalence during pregnancy. Such an effect can also in part be due to the beneficial impact of the MTCP. The fact that almost 5,800 pregnant mothers still continue smoking is of concern. Health promotional activities should be focused on target populations both for an accelerated decline and for a substantial impact.
Behavioral disinhibition in mice bred for high drinking in the dark (HDID) and HS controls increases following ethanol

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption and behavioral inhibition share some common underlying genetic mechanisms. The current study examined whether lines of mice selected for high blood ethanol concentrations, attained by heavy drinking in the dark period (DID) of the light–dark cycle that models binge drinking, also exhibit higher levels of drug-naive inhibition. It also examined whether the administration of ethanol would result in higher levels of disinhibition in these selected lines compared to the founder stock (HS). Methods A Go/No-Go task was used to assess baseline inhibition and the effects of acute ethanol on disinhibition (response to a No-Go cue) in the HS line and in mice selected for high levels of DID (HDID-1 and HDID-2). Results Lines did not differ in inhibition at baseline and all lines showed increased disinhibition following moderate doses of ethanol. Ethanol decreased responding to Go cues for HDID-2 and HS lines at high doses but not HDID-1 mice. Conclusions These data corroborate previous work showing ethanol-induced increases in behavioral disinhibition. The selection paradigm did not result in differential sensitivity to the disinhibiting effects of ethanol, but did result in differential sensitivity to the suppressant effects of ethanol on operant behavior between the two HDID lines.
Evaluation of the reinforcing effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716, in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract The abuse liability of a selective cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist, SR141716 ( N -(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1 H -pyrazole-3-carboxyamide hydrochloride), was evaluated in rhesus monkeys. Four rhesus monkeys with chronically indwelling venous catheters were initially trained to self-administer cocaine (30 μg/kg/injection) during daily 1-h sessions under a fixed ratio 50 (FR50) schedule of reinforcement. SR141716 was subsequently substituted for cocaine, and SR141716 dose was varied from 1 to 100 μg/kg/injection. Each dose of SR141716 was tested for four consecutive sessions and each unit dose was separated by at least three sessions of cocaine self-administration. Substitution of SR141716 for cocaine resulted in rapid extinction of lever pressing and none of the doses of SR141716 tested was self-administered above the vehicle levels. When the highest dose of SR141716 (100 μg/kg/injection) was evaluated, self-administration behavior was suppressed below vehicle levels suggesting that behaviorally active doses were evaluated. Since positive results in self-administration tests are generally predictive of abuse potential, the negative results with SR141716 suggest that this drug would likely have low abuse liability.
Strain rosette relief measurements in hemispherically ended boreholes

Abstract Full-scale laboratory experiments have been performed to determine the effectiveness of strain rosette relief techniques in hemispherically ended boreholes. Strains measured during these tests agree with those inferred from the well-known solution for the stresses surrounding a spherical cavity in an elastic medium. If the orientation of the stress field is known or assumed, and the borehole is drilled parallel to one of the principal stress directions, and the magnitude of the stress acting parallel to the borehole is taken into account, strain relief in hemispherically ended boreholes appears to be a promising technique for measuring rock stress.
Understanding Aborigines in Australian Courts of Law

La discrimination raciale dans l'administration de la justice en Australie d'apres une etude des proces impliquant des Aborigenes ayant eu lieu de 1976 a 1978 en Australie de l'Ouest et dans le Territoire du Nord.
Enhanced bimanual manipulation assistance with the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA)

In this paper, we investigate the enhanced ability of manipulation with the newly developed Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA). PerMMA is a new assistive device that integrates bimanual manipulation with smart mobility to assist people with severe physical disabilities and enhance their quality of lives. Different from the fixed mounting method used in most existing systems, a novel mounting system was designed on PerMMA to enhance its capability of manipulation assistance. With a workspace characterized by essential daily living tasks, we evaluated PerMMA's performance of manipulation using a comparative study between PerMMA and classic design, such as single arm and fixed mounting, used in most existing systems. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements with PerMMA in both of its reachability and manipulability.
Characteristics Analysis and Optimization of Flying-Wing Vehicle Structure

To study structural characteristics of flying-wing vehicle, static and dynamic model of half wing span, static and dynamic model of all wing span, optimization model were established. Based on associated static test and ground resonance test data, these models were modified to implement static, dynamic and optimization analysis. Results demonstrated that structural bending and torsional deformations are mainly at outer wing surface. Torsion at inner wing is positive, while torsion at outer wing is negative. Total spar axial force along the wing span increases gradually from inner wing to outer wing and then decreases gradually after reaching the inner-outer wing interface. After axial force is transmitted to the inner wing, it is going to concentrate at the rear spar obviously. Structural bending rigidity and torsional rigidity satisfy requirements of both static force and flutter, without flutter problem of main structural mode. Viewed from the optimization size, ±45° and 0° skin at inner-outer wing turn thickens significantly. This can increase structural bending and torsional rigidity, which is good for satisfying multiple constraints comprehensively.
On the generation of subsets of order statistics

A modification of Schucany's (1972) method for generating order statistics is given which allows for efficient generation of certain subsets of order statistics.
Citizen Dissatisfaction with the US Presidential Primary System

Abstract Since the US presidential election of 2000, a great deal of attention has been paid to the conduct of elections – most especially to the mechanics of voting and ballot counting. Less attention has been paid to how voters respond to the structure of elections more generally and the primary system in particular. In this paper we examine the extent to which citizens support or oppose different versions of the primary system. We find that a significant and persistent majority of Americans support making fundamental changes to the presidential election system. These opinions, moreover, have systematic components and do not, then, simply reflect a momentary and possibly inchoate disgruntlement. Support for fundamental changes to the system is directly attributable to self‐interested political motivations, individuals’ partisan preferences, and disaffection with the political system.
Clinical relatedness with persons having schizophrenia: A symbolic interactionist perspective

The practive of psychotherapy with persons having schizophrenia has been increasingly abandoned by clinical social workers, even as an adjunct to broad psychosocial interventions, due to the rise in prominence of case management and biological interventions. The author opposes this trend and presents a rationale for including long-term relationship-based clinical treatment with the client population as a major portion of a comprehensive treatment milieu. This article focuses on the difficult process of developing the treatment relationship and is based on a conceptual framework of symbolic interactionism. The process, including seven practive guidelines, is illustrated with a case example.
Facilitators and barriers to adjustment of international nurses: an integrative review

Background: There is a scarcity of research focusing on issues encountered by international nurses (INs) in their adjustment to foreign health-care environments. Increasingly, INs are relied upon to address staffing shortages in many Western countries. As such, it is vital to identify what facilitates and what the barriers are to the successful adjustment in order to assist their integration into new workplace environments. Aim: This integrative review identifies facilitators and barriers encountered by INs as they adjust to foreign health-care environments. Method: Based on Cooper's Five Stages of Integrative Research Review, a systematic search of eight electronic databases was conducted, combined with hand and ancestral searches. Two authors independently reviewed each qualified study for relevance and significance. Subsequently, facilitators and barriers were identified and categorized into themes and subthemes. Findings: Twenty-nine studies conducted in Australia, Canada, Iceland, UK and the USA were included in this review. Findings indicated that positive work ethic, persistence, psychosocial and logistical support, learning to be assertive and continuous learning facilitated the adjustment of INs to their new workplace environments. In contrast, language and communication difficulties, differences in culture-based lifeways, lack of support, inadequate orientation, differences in nursing practice and inequality were barriers. Conclusion: The review findings provide the basis for the development and testing of an evidence-informed programme to facilitate the successful adjustment of INs to their new work environments.
Just say NO to muscle degeneration

The devastating muscle degeneration characteristic of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. The dystrophin complex has two functions: a structural role in maintaining sarcolemmal integrity during contraction and a scaffolding function that recruits signaling proteins such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase to the membrane. New studies indicate that transgenic restoration of nitric oxide (NO) production in the mdx dystrophic mouse improves muscle pathology. Although NO-mediated killing of inflammatory cells might be involved, other mechanisms are also possible. These results point to the therapeutic potential of manipulating the signaling activity of the dystrophin complex as a way to ameliorate the progression of muscle degeneration.
Aborting panic attacks using false misattribution: a new treatment option.

Panic attacks – a brief sense of impending doom accompanied by striking autonomic changes – is a relatively common disorder. It is often, but not necessarily, associated with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). The pathogenesis of the disorder is unknown. The fact that it sometimes occurs in TLE (temporal lobe epilepsy) offers a clue. Panic attacks may result from a malfunction of a phylogenetically ancient fight-flight response that is triggered accidentally [3]. When a person sees a terrifying or otherwise arousing scene, the visual input gets relayed via the fusiform gyrus to the amygdala. (The fusiform projects to the amygdala both directly and indirectly via the superior temporal sulcus) The amygdala – acting in concert with other ‘‘limbic’’ structures gauges the emotional significance (Predator? mate, something neutral?) of the sensory input and its output cascades into the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic activation results in the behavioral, affective as well as autonomic activation (increased heart rate, blood pressure, tidal volume; piloerection; sweating etc.) required to generate the fight flight response and to dissipate the heat of muscular exertion. These changes are usually induced by an identifiable external trigger to which they can be attributed; e.g., being chased by a lion. William James and Antonio Damasio have long championed the view that somatic changes resulting from autonomic arousal can in turn feedback into the brain, amplifying (or possibly even causing) subjectively experienced emotions. Now consider what would happen if the same cascade of changes were triggered by a mini-seizure in the temporal lobes. The entire cacade of events – including autonomic arousal and emotions – would be artificially set in motion but this time there is no identifiable external stimulus. Since the subject has no way of interpreting the arousal, the net result is a vague, inexplicable foreboding of terror which is even worse than an identifiable terror you can do something about. Indeed the sweating, accelerating heartbeat and breath rate resulting from the autonomic storm might be interpreted as a heart attack. This ‘‘treatment’’ – using false visual feedback – would be loosely analogous to our treatment of phantom pain [2] and stroke [1].
The Impact of a Mastery Motivational Climate on Obese and Overweight Children's Commitment to and Enjoyment of Physical Activity: A Pilot Study

Background: Obese and overweight children are often cast as being lazy or unmotivated in regards to participation in physical activity. Purpose: Based on the social cognitive principle of triadic reciprocality, this pilot study was designed to examine the impact of a mastery motivational climate on overweight and obese children's commitment to, and enjoyment of, physical activity. Methods: Obese and overweight children (n = 43) enrolled in a summer physical activity and nutrition education program incorporating a mastery motivational climate served as participants in this investigation. Pre and post measures of the participants' commitment to, and enjoyment of, physical activity were assessed. In addition, accelerometer data were collected to assess the participants' engagement in physical activity. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant difference in participants' enjoyment of and commitment to physical activity. In addition, physical activity data demonstrated that the participants e...
Exploring the role of the built and social neighborhood environment in moderating stress and health.

Background Health researchers have explored how different aspects of neighborhood characteristics contribute to health and well-being, but current understanding of built environment factors is limited.
Central infusion of agouti-related peptide suppresses pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey.

Agouti-related peptide (AGRP), an endogenous melanocortin receptor antagonist, is a powerful orexigenic peptide when infused centrally. AGRP and neuropeptide Y (NPY), another orexigenic peptide, are colocated within the same neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Both NPY and AGRP mRNA expression increases during food restriction, a condition that is known to suppress the GnRH pulse generator and reproductive function. Although NPY has been shown previously to suppress LH secretion in the ovariectomized monkey, data on AGRP are lacking. In this study, we examined the effect of AGRP infusion into the third ventricle on pulsatile LH release in five adult monkeys. The 8-h protocol included a 3-h intraventricular saline infusion to establish baseline pulsatile LH release, followed by a 5-h infusion of AGRP (83–132) [5 μg/h (n = 1) or 10 μg/h (n = 4)]. In separate experiments, each animal received an 8-h saline treatment as a control. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for LH measurements. Cortisol levels were...
Stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression in optical fibers by hydrogen-loading technique

Further power scaling of single frequency fiber lasers is of significant interests for many scientific and defense applications. It is currently limited by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). In recent years, a variety of techniques have been investigated for the suppression of SBS in optical fibers. A notable example is to design transverse acoustic properties of optical fibers in order to minimize optical and acoustic mode overlap. It was pointed out recently that SBS suppression from such transverse acoustic tailoring is limited when considering the existence of acoustic leaky modes. We demonstrate, for the first time, a post-processing technique where hydrogen is diffused in to a fiber core and then locally and permanently bonded to core glass by a subsequent UV exposure. Large local acoustic property can be altered this way for significant SBS suppression. It is also possible to use this technique to implement precisely tailored acoustic properties along a fiber for more optimized SBS suppression in a fiber amplifier. Change in Brillouin Stokes frequency of ~320MHz at 1.064μm has been demonstrated using hydrogen, corresponding to a SBS suppression of ~8dB. Much higher SBS suppression is possible at higher hydrogen concentrations.
Relations between spouses' depressive symptoms and marital conflict: A longitudinal investigation of the role of conflict resolution styles.

Abstract This study investigated longitudinal relations between spouses’ depressive symptoms and styles ofconflict resolution displayed by husbands and wives in marital conflict, including angry,depressive, and constructive patterns of expression. Behavioral observations were made from acommunity sample of 276 couples during marital conflict resolution tasks once a year for threeyears. Couples were observed engaging in a major and minor conflict resolution task.Constructive, angry, and depressive conflict resolution styles were derived from the behavioralobservation coding. Couples self-reported on depressive symptoms and marital dissatisfaction.Path analyses provided support for an extension of the marital discord model of depression (Beachand colleagues, 1990). Specifically, angry, depressive, and constructive styles of conflict eachmediated the link between marital dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. Significant cross-spouse effects were found. Implications for the treatment of depressed and/or relationally-discordant couples are discussed.
Graphene one-shot micro-valve: Towards vaporizable electronics

One-shot micro-valves are key to applications that require leak-proof sealing of micro-cavities before they are irreversibly triggered to expose the cavity content to the outside environment. Here, we report a novel micro-scale one-shot valve made of graphene transferred on to silicon-nitride (Si x N y ) membranes. The valve triggers thermo-mechanically in 15.4±3.9 msec consuming 142.1±13.5 mW electrical power, corresponding to 2.2 mJ input energy. The valve membrane can sustain a differential pressure of 2 bars. The graphene serves multiple purposes in the device, acting as an atomically thin barrier to gas-diffusion, a resistive heater, and a source of stress in triggering the valve owing to its negative thermal expansion coefficient (TEC). The valve is designed to trigger and expose arrays of nanogram micro-packets of reactive alkali metal atoms such as rubidium, exposing it to atmospheric oxygen causing it generate heat. This heat can be used for massively parallel vaporization of vaporizable polymer electronics. A 1 mm3 Li-battery can trigger 1580 valves on a single chip for enabling transient electronics.
Racial differences in academic achievement among juvenile offenders

Abstract Racial differences were examined in academic achievement among a large, diverse juvenile delinquent population in the Southwestern United States. Participant data were collected from the University of Arizona Juvenile Delinquency Project (UAJDP) database. Academic measures included school absences; grade point average; standardized reading, writing, and math achievement scores; and, special education placement. Results showed significant differences among racial groups on all measures of academic achievement. Whites had higher passage rates on standardized tests in math, reading, and writing, as well as higher GPA, compared to all racial minorities except for Asians. Native-American youth performed lower on most academic measures compared to other racial groups and had significantly more absences than any other racial group. Moreover, Whites had the highest rates of special education whereas Asians had the lowest. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of future research and public policy issues.
Effect of root death and decay on dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of yellow sweet clover and tall fescue

A 12-mo greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of root death and decay on the dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rhizosphere soil. The contaminated soil was previously treated by land-farming, but residual PAHs remained after treatment. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) were the target plants. To specifically evaluate the effect of root decay on contaminant dissipation, plants were treated with glyphosate, a broad spectrum herbicide, to induce root decay. Although tall fescue treatments had the highest root and shoot biomass and root surface area, this plant did not result in the highest contaminant degradation rates. Significant differences were noted between treatments for seven PAHs, with the active yellow sweet clover resulting in 60 to 75% degradation of these compounds. Induced root death and decay did not produce a significant enhancement of PAH degradation. The PAH microbial degrader populations in the vegetated treatments were more than 100 times greater than those in the unvegetated control. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) structural group profile shifted over the growing period, indicating a change in the community structure. In conclusion, phytoremediation was shown to be an effective polishing tool for PAH-affected soil previously subjected to biological treatment.
Observations on Doppler Mid-diastolic Mitral Flow Reversal

Mitral regurgitation is detected occasionally in diastole during severe aortic regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrioventricular block. We have noticed mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal in both patients and many normal subjects. To evaluate this flow phenomenon, pulsed Doppler mitral flow velocity and M-mode echocardiographic recordings were obtained in 38 normal subjects (age range, 16 to 61 years). Fifteen of 38 subjects (40%) had mid-diastolic flow reversal, defined as reversed flow occurring in mid-diastole with a duration >50 msec. Mid-diastolic flow reversal was more common in subjects with longer RR intervals (1031 versus 893 msec), more rapid M-mode echocardiographic EF (early diastolic deceleration) slopes of mitral valve anterior leaflet motion (141 versus 93 mm /sec), and more rapid deceleration of early diastolic mitral flow velocities (612 versus 426 cm/sec 2 ). Mid-diastolic flow reversal by Doppler color flow mapping was recorded in the left atrium in all subjects, even in subjects without mid-diastolic flow reversal shown by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. However, subjects with mid-diastolic flow reversal detected by pulsed Doppler echocardiography demonstrated greater extension of flow into left atrium (10.4 versus 4.1 mm) and longer duration (112 versus 69 msec) of color flow reversal. These data suggest that mid-diastolic flow reversal represents a physiologic intravalvular flow that is possibly the result of reflected flow from the vigorous early diastolic mitral semiclosure.