cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Kind of Hearing Officer

In his prominent 1975 law-review article, “Some Kind of Hearing,” Second Circuit Judge Henry Friendly explored how courts (and agencies) should respond when the Due Process Clause required, in the Supreme Court’s exceedingly vague words, “some kind of hearing.” That phrase led to the familiar (if unhelpful) Mathews v. Eldridge balancing test, in which courts weigh three factors to determine how much process or formality is due. But the Supreme Court has never applied Mathews to another, often ignored facet of due process—the requirement for impartial adjudicators. As it turns out, Congress and agencies have broad discretion to fashion not only “some kind of hearing” but also some kind of hearing officer. Scholars, Congress, and even federal agencies have largely ignored so-called “informal” agency hearings and the hearing officers who preside over them, despite their large number and significance. Unlike well-known administrative law judges, the lack of uniform treatment of, and data on, these federal hearing officers renders it difficult to monitor, compare, and improve the systemic design and fairness of informal hearings. To understand this “hidden judiciary” better, this article first reports, based on rare access to agencies, the most comprehensive empirical data assembled on those adjudicators’ independence. The data confirm the significant variety of federal hearing officers and the lack of uniform impartiality protections. To improve data collection, transparency, and salience of these hearing officers, this article proposes a disclosure framework—appropriated from consumer contexts—to detect, compare, and improve prophylaxes to protect hearing officers from improper agency influence. Ongoing disclosure of these adjudicators’ varied characteristics would prove useful to different constituencies by providing salient and comparable information, incentivizing agencies to provide optimal protections, and permitting Congress to intervene when particular agencies fail to do so or to consider more comprehensive reforms.
Class numbers and p-ranks in Zpd-towers

Abstract To extend Iwasawa's classical theorem from Z p -towers to Z p d -towers, Greenberg conjectured that the exponent of p in the n-th class number in a Z p d -tower of a global field K ramified at finitely many primes is given by a polynomial in p n and n of total degree at most d for sufficiently large n. This conjecture remains open for d ≥ 2 . In this paper, we prove that this conjecture is true in the function field case. Further, we propose a series of general conjectures on p-adic stability of zeta functions in a p-adic Lie tower of function fields.
Prolonged Bat Call Exposure Induces a Broad Transcriptional Response in the Male Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Brain

Predation risk induces broad behavioral and physiological responses that have traditionally been considered acute and transitory. However, prolonged or frequent exposure to predators and the sensory cues of their presence they broadcast to the environment impact long-term prey physiology and demographics. Though several studies have assessed acute and chronic stress responses in varied taxa, these attempts have often involved a priori expectations of the molecular pathways involved in physiological responses, such as glucocorticoid pathways and neurohormone production in vertebrates. While relatively little is known about physiological and molecular predator-induced stress in insects, many dramatic insect defensive behaviors have evolved to combat selection by predators. For instance, several moth families, such as Noctuidae, include members equipped with tympanic organs that allow the perception of ultrasonic bat calls and facilitate predation avoidance by eliciting evasive aerial flight maneuvers. In this study, we exposed adult male fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) moths to recorded ultrasonic bat foraging and attack calls for a prolonged period and constructed a de novo transcriptome based on brain tissue from predator cue-exposed relative to control moths kept in silence. Differential expression analysis revealed that 290 transcripts were highly up- or down-regulated among treatment tissues, with many annotating to noteworthy proteins, including a heat shock protein and an antioxidant enzyme involved in cellular stress. Though nearly 50% of differentially expressed transcripts were unannotated, those that were are implied in a broad range of cellular functions within the insect brain, including neurotransmitter metabolism, ionotropic receptor expression, mitochondrial metabolism, heat shock protein activity, antioxidant enzyme activity, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, chromatin binding, methylation, axonal guidance, cilia development, and several signaling pathways. The 5 most significantly overrepresented Gene Ontology terms included chromatin binding, macromolecular complex binding, glutamate synthase activity, glutamate metabolic process, and glutamate biosynthetic process. As a first assessment of transcriptional responses to ecologically relevant auditory predator cues in the brain of moth prey, this study lays the foundation for examining the influence of these differentially expressed transcripts on insect behavior, physiology, and life history within the framework of predation risk, as observed in ultrasound-sensitive Lepidoptera and other ‘eared’ insects.
An Outcome Study: NLSY79

Relying on NLSY79National Longitudinal Survey of YouthNLSY79 respondents who participated in every survey year between 1979 and 2006, this chapter explores the educational and economic outcomes of maturing youth who enrolled in any one of several government training programs through 1986. Government training programs included apprenticeship, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), Job Corps, Manpower Development and Training Act (MDTA), Opportunities Industrial Centers (OIC), Service Employment Redevelopment (SER), Jobs for Progress, Urban League, Vocational Rehabilitation, among others. The chapter also compares the educational and economic outcomes of these government-sponsored training program enrollees, who were primarily from low-income families, to those who participated in more traditional school-related vocational education programs over the same period as well as those who participated in neither of these two major types of job training initiatives. Outcome measures including highest grade completed, number of years of schooling, family income, hours worked per week, and individual wages are examined from 1988 by which time the vast majority of the cohort had completed most if not all of their formal education, through 2006, the most recent year of available NLSY79National Longitudinal Survey of YouthNLSY79 data at the time of the study.
A Toroidal Hydrodynamic Absorber for Damping Low Frequency Motions of Fixed and Floating Offshore Platforms

An application of a toroidal hydrodynamic absorber is suggested for reducing low-frequency bending vibrations of fixed offshore platforms and planar oscillations of tethered platforms. A design methodology for such an absorber is presented. Results of an experiment intended to illustrate the effect of the absorber are presented.
Hydrocephalus disorders: their biophysical and neuroendocrine impact on the choroid plexus epithelium

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells carry out a wide variety of secretory and reabsorptive functions that, by way of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume transmission, contribute to the stability of the neuronal extracellular environment. During fetal development, the brain critically depends upon the CP–CSF nexus for a steady supply of micronutrients and trophic factors to support normal growth. In adulthood, the CP reacts to biochemical and physical perturbations, associated with disease and trauma by secreting into CSF a wide array of growth factors, transport (carriage) proteins, and neuropeptides. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF–2) colocalize in the choroid epithelium. Release of these peptides at the blood–CSF barrier in response to ischemia and augmented intracranial pressure helps to repair injured tissue, and adjust CSF formation and pressure. The chapter discusses that as a part of homeostatic mechanisms to modulate extracellular fluid parameters, in the face of CSF distortions, such as ventriculomegaly, there is plasticity in regard to CP receptor targets for AVP and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Functional and ultrastructural evidence is offered to support the model of a CSF neuroendocrine system, the histological substrate, of which is the “dark” epithelium in CP. The response of the AVP, ANP, and nitrergic (nNOS) systems to hydrocephalus provides insight on the fluid dynamics in the basolateral space between choroid epithelial cells.
Vulnerable locations on the head to brain injury and implications for helmet design

In studying traumatic brain injury (TBI), it has been long hypothesized that the head is more vulnerable to injury from impacts in certain directions or locations, as the relationship between impact force and the resulting neurological outcome is complex and can vary significantly between individual cases. Many studies have identified head angular acceleration to be the putative cause of brain trauma, but it is not well understood how impact location can affect the resulting head kinematics and tissue strain. Here, we identify the susceptibility of the head to accelerations and brain strain from normal forces at contact points across the surface of the skull and jaw using a 3-dimensional, 20 degree-of-freedom rigid-body head and cervical spine model. We find that head angular acceleration and brain tissue strain resulting from an input force can vary by orders of magnitude based on impact location on the skull, with the mandible as the most vulnerable region. Conversely, head linear acceleration is not sensitive to contact location. Using these analyses, we present an optimization scheme to distribute helmet padding thickness to minimize angular acceleration, resulting in a reduction of angular acceleration by an estimated 25% at the most vulnerable contact point compared to uniform thickness padding. This work gives intuition behind the relationship between input force and resulting brain injury risk, and presents a framework for developing and evaluating novel head protection gear.
THE BIOMARKERS OF MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE AND THEIR ROLE IN THE PROGRESSION OF HEART FAILURE (REVIEW)

Despite the success achieved in the study and treatment of chronic heart failure, this syndrome still remains one of the most difficult and predictable unreliable pathologies. Moreover, in recent years there has been a tendency of growth of such patients. Based on the above, the attention of scientists focuses on new concepts that involve the study of new biomarkers of cardiac damage and the definition of their role in the progression of heart failure. Based on studies conducted by numerous authors, the paper analyzes the importance of new biomarkers of myocardial damage in the development of heart failure. The manuscript describes biomarkers of damage (troponin T, galectin 3, lipocalin, Cystatin C): nature: the causes and mechanisms of their growth, increase and activity. Biomarkers of myocardial damage are shown to have diagnostic and high predicted values. Their temporary definition provides additional information for stratifying the risks of possible complications. It also gives us the opportunity to allocate patients with high risks in a timely manner and eliminate possible adverse complications.
Optical function of atomic layer deposited alumina (0.5–41.0 nm) from 191 to 1688 nm by spectroscopic ellipsometry with brief literature review

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is widely used in the semiconductor industry to provide atomic level control over film thicknesses and layer conformality. Here, the authors report the thermal (332 °C) ALD of thin amorphous alumina films (0.5–41.0 nm) deposited using water and trimethylaluminum precursors. Alumina deposition was optimized by varying the dose and purge times for both precursors with an eye toward obtaining uniform film thicknesses and constant growth per cycle. Films were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry (from 191 to 1688 nm). The subsequent workup of the SE data was based on a multisample analysis. It considered Cauchy and Sellmeier functions and accounted for surface roughness. This modeling yielded an optical function for ALD alumina over the measured wavelength range. The authors recommend the optical function determined from the Sellmeier model.Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is widely used in the semiconductor industry to provide atomic level control over film thicknesses and layer conformality. Here, the authors report the thermal (332 °C) ALD of thin amorphous alumina films (0.5–41.0 nm) deposited using water and trimethylaluminum precursors. Alumina deposition was optimized by varying the dose and purge times for both precursors with an eye toward obtaining uniform film thicknesses and constant growth per cycle. Films were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry (from 191 to 1688 nm). The subsequent workup of the SE data was based on a multisample analysis. It considered Cauchy and Sellmeier functions and accounted for surface roughness. This modeling yielded an optical function for ALD alumina over the measured wavelength range. The authors recommend the optical function determined from the Sellmeier model.
Use of trypsin in serologic investigation.

CONCLUSIONS Trypsin is an enzyme first discovered in the quest to increase the detection of newly found Rh antibodies. Because of the crude source of trypsin and challenges in its consistency in test conditions, additional enzymes and chemical treatments were devised as alternative sources to enhance the detection of antibodies. The key to successful trypsin treatment starts with reagent preparation. Optimal testing conditions should be determined with each batch of trypsin prepared. As in all enzyme treatments, quality control is required to ensure proper removal of the expected antigen(s) while not producing enzyme-specific panagglutination. Once successful quality control results have been obtained, trypsin treatment can be used to rule out "common" clinically significant alloantibodies and provide direction in the identification of antibodies to high-prevalence antigens. Trypsin treatment is a key player in the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory but is often overlooked as a tool in the Transfusion Service. If performed using the proper preparation and quality control, trypsin treatment can be a valuable tool in the serology toolkit in both settings.
Biodiesel produced from crude, degummed, neutralized and bleached oils of Nile tilapia waste: Production efficiency, physical-chemical quality and economic viability

Abstract Crude oil extracted from tilapia heads and oils obtained from different steps of its refinement process (physically degummed, chemically degummed, neutralized, and bleached oils) were used as raw materials for biodiesel production. Extraction and refinement of the oil and, after, production and economic viability of the different biodiesels were performed. The heads corresponded to 45% of waste from Nile tilapia and of extractions yield was around 80–85% of the crude oil. The highest biodiesel yields were with the neutralized oil (80.35%, w w−1) and chemically bleached oil (83.55%, w w−1). The lowest biodiesel production costs were by the physical degumming, chemical degumming, and neutralization steps, which presented an average cost of 0.181 US$ kg−1. Neutralized oil in the transesterification reaction, besides presenting the lowest biodiesel production cost, provided a suitable product with the acid value, kinematic viscosity, and flash point according to ASTM standard for biodiesel. Regardless of the refinement process, the degradation ranges of the oil samples were 350–550 °C. TLC, GC, and FTIR confirmed the triglycerides conversion from tilapia oil into biodiesel. Based on results, Nile tilapia neutralized oil showed suitable characteristics, becoming a promising source for biodiesel production of the quality and economically viable.
Evidence-Based Medicine and Decision Making

Evidence-based medicine provides a rigorous and important framework to guide surgeon decision making, from individual clinical decisions to national policy changes. This chapter will examine the components of evidence-based medicine in the context of bariatric surgery. We describe the steps of evidence-based deliberation with specific applications to bariatric surgery. These steps begin with clearly defining a question. Then, we evaluate the evidence to answer that question. Elements that we should always evaluate include external validity and threats to internal validity of our evidence—chance, bias, and confounding. We introduce two systems—Levels of Evidence and GRADE—which can help us further understand the strength of the evidence. Lastly, we discuss how to leverage observational studies with innovative approaches to produce robust evidence.
Tax Rate Cuts and Tax Compliance-The Laffer Curve Revisited1

The paper shows how tax rate cuts can increase revenues by improving tax compliance. The intuition is that tax evasion has externalities: tax evaders protect each other, because they tie down limited enforcement capacity. Thus, relatively small tax rate cuts, which decrease incentives to evade taxes, can lead to increased revenues through spillovers creating Laffer effects. Interestingly, tax rate cuts here imply increasing effective taxes. The model is consistent with what happened in Russia, and may provide basis for further thinking about tax rate cuts in other countries. JEL classification: H2, H26
Integrin β8 is a marker of mouse regulatory T-cells (Treg) and is required for processing of latent TGF-β1 from the GARP/latent TGF-β1 complex. (IRC4P.483)

Previous studies have demonstrated that activated Tregs express latent TGF-β1 on their cell surface bound to the tethering molecule GARP. Although integrins have been implicated in mediating the release of biologically active TGF-β1 from the complex of latent TGF-β1 and latent TGF-β1 binding protein, their role in processing latent TGF-β1 from the latent TGF-β1/GARP complex is unclear. We detected integrin β8 expression by CD4+Foxp3+ Treg, but not by CD4+Foxp3- T cells, by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, integrin β8 expression appeared to be a marker of thymically-derived Treg (tTreg), as its could not be detected on Foxp3+ T cells induced in vitro nor in vivo on peripherally induced Foxp3+Helios- Tregs. While Tregs from integrin β8 conditional knockouts suppressed T effector cell proliferation normally in vitro and in vivo in a model of colitis, integrin β8 deficient Tregs failed to provide a source of TGF-β1 to drive Th17 or iTreg differentiation in vitro. In addition, the knockout Tregs expressed higher levels of latent TGF-β1 on their cell surface consistent with defective processing. Taken together, integrin β8 is not only a marker of tTregs, but also functions in a cell intrinsic manner as the major pathway for processing latent TGF-β1 from the latent TGF-β1/GARP complex on the surface tTregs.
Heats of hydrogenation

Abstract The heat of hydrogenation of acepleiadylene (1) to the corresponding decahydro derivative 5 is −88·35 ± 0·45 kcal/mole, whereas the heat of hydrogenation of acepleiadane to 5 is −29·75 ± 0·13 kcal/mole. If the heats of hydrogenation of cyclopentene (−25·7 kcal/mole) and cycloheptene (−25·9 kcal/mole) are used as models to calculate the heat of hydrogenation of the three non-naphthalene double bonds, the value for these three double bonds in such a hypothetical, non-resonating model would be −77·5 kcal/mole in contrast to the experimentally found value of −58·6 kcal/mole. This indicates that the “conjugation” energy of the three non-naphthalene double bonds in acepleiadylene is approximately 18·9 kcal/mole.
A Framework for Dynamic Causal Inference in Political Science

Dynamic strategies are an essential part of politics. In the context of campaigns, for example, candidates continuously recalibrate their campaign strategy in response to polls and opponent actions. Traditional causal inference methods, however, assume that these dynamic decisions are made all at once, an assumption that forces a choice between omitted variable bias and posttreatment bias. Thus, these kinds of “single-shot” causal inference methods are inappropriate for dynamic processes like campaigns. I resolve this dilemma by adapting methods from biostatistics, thereby presenting a holistic framework for dynamic causal inference. I then use this method to estimate the effectiveness of an inherently dynamic process: a candidate’s decision to “go negative.” Drawing on U.S. statewide elections (2000–2006), I find, in contrast to the previous literature and alternative methods, that negative advertising is an effective strategy for nonincumbents. I also describe a set of diagnostic tools and an approach to sensitivity analysis.
Constituents of morphologically similar sponges : Aplysina and smenospongia species

Abstract Compounds from the marine sponge Smenospongia aurea have been isolated and characterized as 5-bromo- and 5,6-dibromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamines ( 1 and 2 ), aureol ( 3 ), and two new aplysinopsin derivatives (6-bromoaplysinopsin and 6-bromo-4'-N-demethylaplysinopsin, 4 and 5 , respectively). Morphologically similar species from the Caribbean have been surveyed and found to contain either mixtures of these metabolites or bromotyrosine-derived compounds. 1 H NMR spectra of bromoindole-containing metabolites are discussed.
Beyond Genomics: Multidimensional Analysis of Cancer Therapy Resistance

Cancer resistance to therapy occurs through a selection process generally thought to be driven by mutations. In a recent study, Hugo et al. use multidimensional analysis of the dynamic genetic, transcriptional, epigenetic, and immune landscape alterations in baseline and MAPK inhibitor-resistant melanoma tumors, demonstrating a role for ‘non-genomic’ drivers in cancer evolution.
Multicultural and Gender Equity Issues in a History of Mathematics Course: Not Only Dead European Males.

We address issues related to gender and cultural equity in a history of mathematics course. We first look at the preponderance of male European mathematicians represented in textbooks of mathematics and history or mathematics. Then we discuss ways to highlight the presence of female and non-European mathematicians in the history of mathematics. Next we analyze the cultural and gender bias present in a history of mathematics textbook and how it tends to perpetuate the perception of mathematics as a male domain. Finally, we discuss the development of an activity to connect the history of mathematics with high school mathematics learning, and the need for teachers to be aware of bias in textbooks so they can rewrite women back into their instruction. The activity about statisticians and their contributions, set in a contemporary fictional setting, follows the article.
Does Lower Esophageal Sphincter Incompetency Contribute to Esophageal Variceal Bleeding

The purpose of this study is to determine whether lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetency is a common occurrence in patients with liver cirrhosis and contributes to the development of variceal bleeding. Resting LES pressure (17.8 ± 1.1 mm Hg) in 35 patients with cirrhosis was similar to that of our control population (17.3 ± mm Hg). No differences were found among patients with ascites, variceal hemorrhage, or with different degrees of hepatic decompensation. In both patients and control subjects the LES responded with a significant pressure increase to gastric alkalinization. Symptoms and radiological evidence of gastroesophageal reflux were extremely uncommon in patients with liver cirrhosis. Based on these data it is unlikely that acid-pepsin regurgitation is a significant factor in the development of variceal hemorrhage.
A modified Drucker–Prager Cap model for finite element simulation of doped tungsten powder compaction

Abstract This paper presents a density dependent modified Drucker–Prager Cap (DPC) model for the compaction behavior of potassium doped tungsten powder. The experimental calibration of the model is done using an instrumented cylindrical die in powder compaction tests. The die is designed for direct determination of loading and unloading forces of powder compact inside the die in compaction and transverse directions. The cap surface parameters are characterized by fitting stress and strain curves acquired during loading to different green density values. The material parameters for the DPC failure surface are obtained by subsequent diametrical and axial compression tests. Additionally the contact pressure dependent wall friction coefficient is determined. The material model is implemented in the ABAQUS finite element code by user subroutines. The calculated compaction forces for a double-action compaction process are in excellent agreement with experimental data. The results show, that the proposed material model for doped tungsten can be used in finite element simulations of the compaction process.
The Housing Programme of the London County Council

In the following article, we offer our readers a summary of the most interesting chapters from a profusely illustrated and thoroughly remarkable publication‘, which describes how the London County Council is performing the most urgent task—that of supplying 100,000 new dwellings —in the fulfilment of its immediate housing programme.
Self-Operated Auditory Prompting Systems as a Function-Based Intervention in Public Community Settings.

Access to public community job-training sites can be restricted if students with moderate mental retardation exhibit behavior unacceptable to nondisabled coworkers or the general public. The author...
Tenure metrics: bibliometric education and services for academic faculty.

Bibliometric indicators can assist biomedical researchers in determining the nature of their influence and impact of their research. In recent years, demands by academic faculty for bibliometric analyses have risen considerably at the University at Buffalo (UB). Consequently, library staff at the Health Sciences Library (HSL) began to offer bibliometric services, a series of workshops and consultations to meet faculty requests. This column highlights the implementation, assessment, and challenges of UB HSL's “Tenure Metrics” program.
The syndrome of renal tubular acidosis with nerve deafness.

. Two brothers with renal tubular acidosis and nerve deafness are described. Studies of the physiopathological characteristics of the renal acidification defect show that the defect is limited to the distal tubule. Renal tubular acidosis with nerve deafness is a distinct nosologie entity that is determined by an autosomal recessive trait.
The Use of the Cancellation Technique to Quantify the Hermann Grid Illusion

When observers view a grid of mid-gray lines superimposed on a black background, they report seeing illusory dark gray smudges at the grid intersections, an effect known as the Hermann grid illusion. The strength of the illusion is often measured using the cancellation technique: A white disk is placed over one of these intersections and the luminance of the disk is reduced until the disk disappears. Its luminance at this point, i.e., the disk's detection threshold, is taken to be a measure of the strength of the illusion. Our experiments showed that some distortions of the Hermann grid, which were sufficient to completely disrupt the illusion, did not reduce the disk's detection threshold. This showed that the cancellation technique is not a valid method for measuring the strength of the Hermann grid illusion. Those studies that attempted to use this technique inadvertently studied a different effect known as the blanking phenomenon. We conclude by presenting an explanation for the latter effect.
Reduced hippocampal N-acetylaspartate without volume loss in schizophrenia

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can measure total gray matter volume but cannot discriminate between neurons and glia. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) measures N-acetylaspartate (NAA) which is a selective marker of neuronal loss or neuronal dysfunction. The objective of this study was to obtain quantitative measures of hippocampal volume and hippocampal NAA to determine if there was evidence for hippocampal neuronal dysfunction or neuronal loss in schizophrenia. Quantitative MRI and 1H MRSI was performed on the right and left hippocampal regions in 23 chronic schizophrenic patients and 18 control subjects. Relative to the control group, the patients with schizophrenia demonstrated no change in hippocampal volumes bilaterally, but significantly decreased NAA in the hippocampal regions bilaterally. There was also no correlation between hippocampal volumes and NAA in either the schizophrenics or controls. These findings suggest that: (1) hippocampal NAA may be a more sensitive measure of neuronal loss than volumetric measurements; and (2) reduced hippocampal NAA may be measuring neuronal dysfunction or damage rather than neuronal loss in this sample of schizophrenics.
Optimal spray characteristics in water spray cooling

Abstract The dependence of the efficiency of liquid usage (η) at CHF on spray parameters was experimentally investigated for subcooled water spray cooling. A spray can be characterized by three independent parameters (droplet Sauter-mean diameter, d32, droplet velocity, V, and droplet flux, N). In this study, each of these parameters was varied with the other two kept constant by using a combination of spray nozzles, operating pressures, and distance between the nozzle exit and the heater surface. It was found that η varies with N−2/3, d 32 - 14 / 5 and V1/4, respectively, when two of the three spray parameters are kept nearly constant. It was also found that CHF varies with N1/6 and V1/4 and is relatively independent of d32. It is concluded that to achieve the maximum possible CHF while using the minimum quantity of water, it is desirable to select nozzles that produce as small a droplet diameter with as high a velocity as possible.
Bone shaft bending strength index is unaffected by exercise and unloading in mice

Anthropologists frequently use the shaft bending strength index to infer the physical activity levels of humans living in the past from their lower limb bone remains. This index is typically calculated as the ratio of bone shaft second moments of area about orthogonal principal axes (i.e. I(max)/I(min)). Individuals with high I(max)/I(min) values are inferred to have been very active, whereas individuals with low values are inferred to have been more sedentary. However, there is little direct evidence that activity has a causal and predictable effect on the shaft bending strength index. Here, we report the results of two experiments that were designed to test the model within which anthropologists commonly interpret the shaft bending strength index. In the first experiment, mice were treated daily with treadmill exercise for 1 month to simulate a high-activity lifestyle. In the second experiment, in an attempt to simulate a low-activity lifestyle, functional weight-bearing was removed from the hindlimbs of mice for 1 month. Femoral mid-shaft structure was determined with μCT. We found that while exercise resulted in significant enhancement of I(max) and I(min) compared with controls, it failed to significantly increase the I(max)/I(min)index. Similarly, stunted bone growth caused by unloading resulted in significantly diminished I(max) and I(min) compared with controls, but low activity did not lead to significantly decreased I(max)/I(min)compared with normal activity. Together, these results suggest that caution is required when the bone shaft bending strength index is used to reconstruct the activity levels of past humans.
Olfactory thresholds in normal and adrenalectomized rats.

Abstract Olfactory thresholds for pyridine were examined in normal and adrenalectomized rats. The animals were trained to suppress bar-pressing on a VR 10:1 schedule in the presence of the odorant. Adrenalectomized animals were found to have a lower threshold than normals. When one normal animal was subsequent adrenalectomized and another sham operated the threshold decreased for the first but did not change in the latter. The administration of corticosterone to both animals resulted in a shift in limen toward normal levels for the adrenalectomized rat but no change for the intact rat.
Detection of hapten erythrocyte conjugates in vitro and in vivo.

The studies presented demonstrate that immunofluorescent techniques are capable of detecting picryl chloride erythrocyte protein conjugates formed in vitro and in vivo , following infusion of picryl chloride into normal, sensitized and tolerant guinea pigs. These experiments and the finding that picryl erythrocyte stromata prepared in vitro , and in vivo from infused recipients, have the capacity to sensitize fresh animals, support the view that infused picryl chloride conjugates with the red cell membrane in vivo .
The pyrolytic conversion of perhydropolysilazane into silicon nitride

Abstract Polymeric precursors to ceramics have the potential to enable production of ceramic articles in novel forms, with novel microstructures, and improved properties. The polymer-to-ceramic conversion process is not sufficiently understood for this approach to be widely utilised. Perhydropolysilazane converts to high purity silicon nitride (Si3N4), and has been shown to be a useful coating and matrix precursor. The conversion of PHPS to Si3N4 is being examined by Solid State, Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy and other techniques. This paper summarises the results to date of this investigation.
The classification of transversal multiplicity-free group actions

Multiplicity-free Hamiltonian group actions are the symplectic analogs of multiplicity-free representations, that is, representations in which each irreducible appears at most once. The most well-known examples are toric varieties. The purpose of this paper is to show that under certain assumptions multiplicity-free actions whose moment maps are transversal to a Cartan subalgebra are in one-to-one correspondence with a certain collection of convex polytopes. This result generalizes a theorem of Delzant concerning torus actions.
Contactless sensing of physiological signals using wideband RF probes

In this paper, we present a new prototype ultrawideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) sensor and associated signal recovery algorithms for sensing of heart and lung motion without requiring contact with the skin. We pose the problem of recovering reflectivity profile of the body from UWB RF backscatter measurements as a blind deconvolution problem, and present an iterative algorithm for its solution. We also present subspace based detectors for detecting heart beats in this new imaging modality.
Losing water in a fight for land: examining water access amidst land acquisition in Northwest India

This paper presents the experiences of 22 displaced families and their battle for water access based on a pilot survey of Manesar, in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Interviews were conducted in the summer of 2011 to examine a water regime recently transformed by compulsory land acquisition and displacement in one of India's driest and fastest growing areas. This dimension of the land acquisition and displacement narrative is a response to the crisis over resource access and control in peri-urban India where a burgeoning demand for land, water, and capital has sparked contentious debates over fairness and equity. Despite recent amendments to the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, long-standing questions regarding compensation and rehabilitation for drinking water services remain unanswered. The findings of this paper show that there may be limits to halting the effects of land displacement altogether without aggressive legislation capping water grabs, or a radical shift in the way in which water is value...
Critical network infrastructure analysis: interdiction and system flow

Effective management of critical network infrastructure requires the assessment of potential interdiction scenarios. Optimization approaches have been essential for identifying and evaluating such scenarios in networked systems. Although a primary function of any network is the distribution of flow between origins and destinations, the complexity and difficulty of mathematically abstracting interdiction impacts on connectivity or flow has been a challenge for researchers. This paper presents an optimization approach for identifying interdiction bounds with respect to connectivity and/or flow associated with a system of origins and destinations. Application results for telecommunications flow are presented, illustrating the capabilities of this approach.
Thymopoiesis, Regulatory T Cells, and TCRVβ Expression in Thymoma With and Without Myasthenia Gravis, and Modulatory Effects of Steroid Therapy

We analyzed thymocyte and thymic regulatory T cell (CD4SPCD25+Foxp3+cells, Treg) development in thymoma with and without myasthenia gravis (MG, MG-thymoma, non-MG-thymoma) and in MG-associated non-neoplastic thymus (MG-NNT). An increased number of immature CD4+CD8−CD3− thymocytes through the CD4+CD8+ to CD4+CD8− transition and an abnormal T cell receptor Vβ (TCRVβ) development through the CD4+CD8+ to CD4−CD8+ transition were seen both in MG-and non-MG-thymomas. Terminal thymopoiesis, i.e., CD45RA+ cells within the CD4+CD8−CD3+ and CD8+CD4−CD3+ subsets, was skewed towards the CD4+ compartment in MG-thymoma and CD8+ compartment in non-MG-thymoma, but thymic export was increased only in the latter in keeping with the hypothesis that CD8+ lymphocytes may play a role in the initial stages of autosensitization and in disagreement with the relevance of an increased output of CD4+ T lymphocytes in paraneoplastic MG. Treg level in normal thymus and MG-NNT and both MG- and non-MG-thymoma was similar, and TCRVβ development in Treg cells was slightly altered in thymoma but irrespective of MG presence. Thus, the relevance of a defective Treg development in MG context remains to be established. Most alterations in thymopoiesis were corrected by therapeutic corticosteroid administration, and the effects of steroid administration may be mediated by thymic microenvironment.
Synthesis of colletochlorin D

Abstract An efficient three-step synthesis of Colletochlorin D from orcinol has been achieved.
Suppression of Interleukin (IL)4 and Over-Production of Interferon Gamma(IFNγ) are Fundamental to the Development of Virus-Induced Wheezing ♦ 883

Suppression of Interleukin (IL)4 and Over-Production of Interferon Gamma(IFNγ) are Fundamental to the Development of Virus-Induced Wheezing ♦ 883
RANGE OF HEAVY IONS IN SOLIDS

The ranges of N, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe ions in Be, B, C, and Al have been measured to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10% for incident ion energy 50-500 kev. A monoenergetic ion beam from an electrostatic accelerator strikes a thick target of the absorber, and the penetration depth is determined by a momentum analysis of monoenergetic protons elastically scattered from the target and the embedded atoms. An expression relating the penetration depth to the actual path length is derived. A linear range-energy behavior is found for Ar, Kr, and Xe ions; for N and Ne ions $\frac{\mathrm{dE}}{\mathrm{dX}}$ increases with ion energy. The experimental ranges are 20% shorter than theoretical values based on energy loss by elastic nuclear collisions. By including electronic contributions to the stopping process, good agreement with experiment is achieved.
Shear flow near solids: Epitaxial order and flow boundary conditions.

We report on molecular-dynamics simulations of Lennard-Jones liquids sheared between two solid walls. The velocity fields, flow boundary conditions, and fluid structure were studied for a variety of wall and fluid properties. A broad spectrum of boundary conditions was observed including slip, no-slip, and locking. We show that the degree of slip is directly related to the amount of structure induced in the fluid by the periodic potential from the solid walls. For weak wall-fluid interactions there is little ordering and slip was observed. At large interactions, substantial epitaxial ordering was induced and the first one or two fluid layers became locked to the wall. This epitaxial ordering was enhanced when the wall and fluid densities were equal. For unequal densities, high-order commensurate structures formed in the first fluid layer creating slip within the fluid.
LINE-1 RNA splicing and influences on mammalian gene expression

Long interspersed element-1 elements compose on average one-fifth of mammalian genomes. The expression and retrotransposition of L1 is restricted by a number of cellular mechanisms in order to limit their damage in both germ-line and somatic cells. L1 transcription is largely suppressed in most tissues, but L1 mRNA and/or proteins are still detectable in testes, a number of specific somatic cell types, and malignancies. Down-regulation of L1 expression via premature polyadenylation has been found to be a secondary mechanism of limiting L1 expression. We demonstrate that mammalian L1 elements contain numerous functional splice donor and acceptor sites. Efficient usage of some of these sites results in extensive and complex splicing of L1. Several splice variants of both the human and mouse L1 elements undergo retrotransposition. Some of the spliced L1 mRNAs can potentially contribute to expression of open reading frame 2-related products and therefore have implications for the mobility of SINEs even if they are incompetent for L1 retrotransposition. Analysis of the human EST database revealed that L1 elements also participate in splicing events with other genes. Such contribution of functional splice sites by L1 may result in disruption of normal gene expression or formation of alternative mRNA transcripts.
Lipoprotein(a) and prevalent cardiovascular disease in a dialysis population: the choices for healthy outcomes in caring for ESRD (CHOICE) study

Abstract Background: Levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an atherogenic lipoprotein, are elevated in patients with end-stage renal disease and inversely related to the size of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], a glycoprotein bound to Lp(a). We studied the association of Lp(a) level and apo(a) size with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in 871 incident dialysis patients (261 blacks, 565 whites, 45 other). Methods: Lp(a) was measured by an apo(a) size-independent enzyme-linked immunoassay; and apo(a) size was measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis. Prevalent ASCVD, derived from medical records, was defined as coronary heart disease or cerebral or peripheral vascular disease. Adjustment variables included age, sex, race, dialysis modality, diabetes, serum creatinine level, albumin level, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Results: ASCVD prevalence was 58%. Median Lp(a) levels for those with compared with those without ASCVD were 38 versus 35 nmol/L for whites ( P = 0.49) and 100 versus 74 nmol/L for blacks, respectively ( P = 0.35). Lp(a) level was associated with ASCVD among those younger than 60 years (odds ratio [OR] for +1 interquartile range of Lp(a), 1.5; P = 0.02), but not among those 60 years and older (OR, 1.0; P = 0.82; P interaction by age, 0.08). ORs were 1.3 for all whites ( P = 0.03) and 1.1 for all blacks ( P = 0.87; P interaction by race=0.53). ORs of ASCVD were 1.7 for whites younger than 60 years ( P = 0.01) and 1.2 for blacks younger than 60 years ( P = 0.77; P interaction by race=0.42). No association between apo(a) isoform size and ASCVD was present. Conclusion: In an incident dialysis cohort, Lp(a) level was associated with prevalent ASCVD among whites younger than 60 years, but not among blacks or those older than 60 years. Apo(a) isoform size was not associated with prevalent ASCVD. These data suggest that baseline ASCVD is unlikely to strongly confound the potential associations of Lp(a) level and prospectively ascertained ASCVD among incident dialysis patients.
Electron beam irradiation induced grafting of acrylonitrile to polyethylene powder

This study focuses on the influence of various parameters on the post-irradiation grafting of acrylonitrile monomer to a low density polyethylene powder having an average particle size of 20 μm diameter. The type of radiation used was 0.8 MeV electrons with a dose rate of either 0.1 Mrad/min or 4.0 Mrad/min. Irradiations were carried out in vacuum, air, and dry oxygen environments at room temperature to total doses ranging from 1 Mard to 15 Mrad. Several experimental techniques were used to investigate various interrelated aspects of both the graft copolymer product and the graft process, including infrared spectroscopy to measure percent graft, electron spin resonance to measure radical concentrations, scanning electron microscopy to investigate surface morphology, and differential scanning calorimetry to measure crystalline content. Comparisons of the percent graft determined from different probes were found to be consistent. The dose dependence of grafting exhibited a linear relationship below 8 Mrad. Initiation by both alkyl and peroxy radicals at 77°C was supported by results of decreased grafting with decreased temperature, increased dose rate or vacuum irradiation. Decreased grafting after oxygen irradiation suggested a unique change in grafting mechanism. Higher grafting yields were found for quenched relative to annealed samples. The amount of extractable homopolymer formed was found to be ∼ 10% at a dose of 10 Mrad and a dose rate of 4 Mrad/min.
The social symbolism of water-conserving landscaping

Three studies examined the symbolic and self-presentational meaning of low-water-use residential landscaping in a desert city in the southwestern United States. We hypothesized that owners' water-intensive or water-conserving landscape choices would be seen to convey very different characteristics. Data indicated that these two types of residential landscapes led to substantially different attributions about homeowners and also that potential homeowners could use landscapes to convey an array of characteristics to a social audience. In general, water-intensive landscapes led to more positive attributions than did water-conserving landscapes. The results support the idea that landscaping choice may be guided by self-presentational considerations, and that such considerations might influence the adoption of high- or low-water-use landscapes.
Intraindividual differences in levels of language in comprehension of written sentences

An experiment requiring sentence acceptability judgments was administered to second, fourth, and sixth graders. Sentences contained only real words, one of which might be an orthographic foil differing from a real word by just one letter. Mode of sentence presentation was manipulated to focus the reader's attention on different levels of language—the single word or the sentence unit. Results were analyzed for both the group and individuals. Individual subject analyses showed that intraindividual differences in levels of written language occurred at all grade levels: 60% of the subjects had at least one dissociation between the word and sentence level. Some dissociations reflected temporary superiority of one level of language, while others reflected more stable superiority of one level of language at a particular time in reading development. A psychometric study provided converging evidence for dissociations between word and sentence level skills in reading. Although double dissociations occurred (word superior to sentence level and sentence superior to word level), dissociations in which word level skills were superior to sentence level skills were more common in first through sixth grades on the psychometric measures. Implications of intraindividual differences in levels of language for reading theory are discussed.