cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fate of PAHs in the post-combustion zone: Partial oxidation of PAHs to dibenzofuran over CuO

Abstract The main objective of this work is to investigate how different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) will react over a catalyst under post-combustion zone conditions. It is important to know if PAHs polymerize/condense on the catalyst surface to form carbonaceous material (coke) or if they partially oxidize to form dibenzofuran or similar structures. Also, the formation of dibenzofuran from different PAHs studied in this work should help clarify the role of PAHs in the formation of an important class of pollutants like polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). In this work, the transformation of seven different PAHs were studied over a CuO catalyst at temperatures between 250 and 350 °C in 10% oxygen. All experiments were conducted in a fixed bed flow reactor system with an on-line GC/MS, which trapped and analyzed gaseous reaction products. The results of this study show that when the four or higher ringed PAHs are passed over CuO catalyst under post-combustion zone conditions, they are primarily converted to coke, but the lower ringed (two or three rings) PAHs are partially oxidized. The results of this study show that the decomposition of PAHs to lower aromatic compounds can follow two different pathways: one where anthracene is an intermediate and other where phenanthrene is the intermediate. However, dibenzofuran, an important product, is only formed in the phenanthrene pathway. Further investigation showed that in the phenanthrene pathway, dibenzofuran can directly form from fluorenone, biphenyl and fluorene and that the concentration of these three PAHs can be used to predict dibenzofuran yields.
A short sharp slice of evolutionary history

Thirty-five years after they first appeared in print, provoking howls of protest, Stephen Jay Gould's ideas on evolution are as compelling and essential as ever, finds P. Z. Myers
Bifurcation in Onsager's model of the isotropic-nematic transition

In this paper Onsager's theory of the orientational order in a three-dimensional system of hard rods is reanalyzed as a nonlinear eigenvalue problem. Bifurcation is found and the equation of state is calculated from the orientational distribution function for a nematic phase. We also investigate the corresponding twodimensional system of hard lines. The existence and order of a phase transition are shown to depend on both the direction of bifurcation and on properties of the global solutions. The analysis can be adapted to other nonlinear equations obtained in theories of liquid crystals.
A generalized set of kernels for edge and line detection

Edge detection is an important image processing task which has been used extensively in object detection and recognition. Over the years, many edge detection algorithms have been established, with most algorithms largely based around linear convolution operations. In such methods, smaller kernel sizes have generally been used to extract fine edge detail, but suffer from low noise tolerance. The use of higher dimension kernels is known to have good implications for edge detection, as higher dimension kernels generate coarser scale edges. This suppresses noise and proves to be particularly important for detection and recognition systems. This paper presents a generalized set of kernels for edge and line detection which are orthogonal to each other to yield nxn kernels for any odd dimension n. Some of the kernels can also be generalized to form mxn rectangular kernels. In doing so, it unifies small and large kernel approaches in order to reap the benefits of both. It is also seen that the Frei and Chen orthogonal kernel set is a single instance of this new generalization. Experimental results show that the new generalized set of kernels can improve edge detection results by combining the usefulness of both lower and higher dimension kernels.
Acoustic modes in dense dusty plasmas

Properties of acoustic modes in high dust density dusty plasmas are studied. The solutions of fluid equations for electrons, ions, and dust grains with collisional and ionization effects are solved along with an equation for grain charging. The high dust density effects on the acoustic modes are interpreted in terms of a change in the screening properties of the grain charge. At low dust density, the grain charge is screened due to electrons and ions. However, at high dust density, the screening of the grain charge due to other grains also becomes important. This leads to a reduction of the phase-velocity, which in turn is shown to make the plasma more unstable at high dust density. In this regime the role of the ion acoustic mode is replaced by the charging mode. The relevance of these results to earlier theoretical studies and experimental results are discussed.
Sex differences in the behavior of nonhuman primates

Abstract This study recognizes the phylogenetic and morphological commonalities shared by members of a taxonomic unit and suggests that the creatures most similar to ourselves will be those belonging, in order, to: the same species, genus, family, order, class, phylum and kingdom. The more closely allied to our species, taxonomically, presumably the more similar will the animal be. We therefore select nonhuman primates as animal models of choice in studying human problems.
Using Comparative Frontiers to Explore World‐Systems Analysis in International Relations

This article presents one way to approach the case study versus theoretically driven approach to teaching comparative courses. The goal is to actively engage students in doing international studies, not simply reading about the work of others. The method derives a broad set of case studies from some theoretical approach. Students then conduct and present their own case studies. Students then use their own case studies and those examined by the class as a whole as vehicles for interrogating, critiquing, and extending that theoretical approach. These final exercises in theory-building are a significant part of this approach. The specific example presented here uses world-systems analysis as the vehicle for organizing comparative study of frontiers. However, this method could readily employ other theoretical models to examine other theoretical and/or empirical puzzles via specific case studies.
Visceral abdominal obesity measured by CT scan is associated with an increased risk of Barrett's oesophagus: a case-control study

Objective Abdominal obesity has been associated with increased risk of Barrett9s oesophagus (BE) but the underlying mechanism is unclear. We examined the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and the risk of BE. Design A case-control study among eligible patients scheduled for elective oesophagastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and in a sample of patients eligible for screening colonoscopy recruited at the primary care clinic. All cases with definitive BE and a random sample of controls without BE were invited to undergo standardised mid-abdomen non-contrast computerised axial tomography images, which were analysed by semiautomated image segmentation software. The effect of VAT and SAT surface areas and their ratio (VAT to SAT) on BE were analysed in logistic regression models. Results A total of 173 BE cases, 343 colonoscopy controls and 172 endoscopy controls underwent study EGD and CT scan. Participants with BE were more than twice as likely to be in the highest tertile of VAT to SAT ratio (OR: 2.42 (1.51 to 3.88) and adjusted OR 1.47 (0.88 to 2.45)) than colonoscopy controls, especially for those long (≥3 cm) segment BE (3.42 (1.67 to 7.01) and adjusted OR 1.93 (0.92 to 4.09)) and for white men (adjusted OR 2.12 (1.15 to 3.90)). Adjustment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use attenuated this association, but there was a significant increase in BE risk even in the absence of GERD or PPI use. Conclusions Large amount of visceral abdominal fat relative to subcutaneous fat is associated with a significant increase in the risk of BE. GERD may mediate some but not all of this association.
KNUDSEN measurements of the sublimation and the Heat of Formation of GeSe

Knudsen effusion studies of the sublimation of polycrystalline GeSe have been performed employing mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that GeSe vaporizes congruently under present experimental conditions according to the reaction: GeSe(s) yields GeSe(g). The mean values for the third-law heat and second-law entropy of reaction based on direct mass-loss data are 42.0 + or - 1.5 kcal/mole and 42.3 + or - 1.6 eu respectively. From these data the standard heat of formation was calculated to be -10.1 + or - 2.0 kcal/mole, and the standard absolute entropy was determined to be 16.9 + or - 2.0 eu.
Nitrogen Compounds Used in Crop Production

In order to keep pace with the food needs of the world, application of nitrogen in chemical fertilizer must be and is being increased very rapidly, with a doubling time of about 10 years. The efficiency of use of fertilizer N by crop plants diminishes as rate of application is increased. The N not used by the growing plants may be stored in the rhizosphere, beneath it, percolate to groundwater, or principally, be volatilized to the atmosphere. Efficiency of crop plants in use of N and in its accumulation as nitrate varies widely. Genetic variation is notable; e.g., the chenopods — beets, spinach, and the like — are notable accumulators. Under drought conditions, oats, corn, and other crop plants may also accumulate NO2. Nitrate in well-water in some areas is presently high; unrelated to fertilizer use.
Authoring a Second Chance in Life: Emotion and Transformational Processing Within Narrative Identity

In this article, narrating a second a chance in life after an identity-challenging experience is defined as a process of connecting the self to the negative emotional impact of the experience and using it as a narrative catalyst for positive self-transformation. I examined this process, labeled transformational processing, with quantitative and qualitative analyses from 2 studies, 1 on narratives of difficult life experiences in midlife women (Pals, 2006b), and the other on the formation of causal connections between past experiences and self-development within the life stories of midlife adults (Pals, McAdams, & Machado, 2006). Across these 2 studies, the transformational processing of difficult life experiences was shown to (a) be a product of 2 distinct narrative processes, exploratory narrative processing and coherent positive resolution; (b) predict healthy outcomes in adulthood including maturity, well-being, and physical health; and (c) involve acknowledging negative emotion in the past and connect...
Effects on precipitation, clouds, and temperature from long-range transport of idealized aerosol plumes in WRF-Chem simulations

[1] Using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), we explored the impacts of nonlocal aerosol plumes transported at three different altitudes on a summertime convective system developed in a clean environment over the northeastern United States. Idealized aerosol plumes from forest fire and volcano emissions, which are known to be frequently transported in this region, were prescribed at three separate altitudes on the upstream boundary of WRF-Chem. The low-altitude (1.5–2.5 km) plume characteristic of forest fire emissions intersects the water clouds, resulting in optically thicker clouds and about a 30% decrease in accumulated precipitation. The precipitation response to the idealized aerosol plume is attributed to the aerosol “second indirect effect” and aerosol-induced enhancement in evaporation efficiency. Convection also significantly impacted this low-altitude aerosol plume because wet removal scavenges up to 70% of plume aerosols over regions where deep convection and precipitation occur. In stark contrast, midaltitude (5.6–6.6 km) and high-altitude (11.5–12.5 km) plumes exerted a negligible effect on clouds and precipitation. The apparent highly nonlinear sensitivity of simulated convection to the vertical positioning of nonlocal aerosol plumes is explained in terms of the dominant controls influencing this convection regime and limitations in the microphysics currently implemented in WRF-Chem.
Inference Analysis in Privacy-Preserving Data Re-publishing

Privacy-Preserving Data Re-publishing (PPDR) deals with publishing microdata in dynamic scenarios. Due to privacy concerns, data must be disguised before being published. Research in privacy-preserving data publishing (PPDP) has proposed many such methods on static data. In PPDR, multiple appeared records can be used to infer private information of other records. Therefore, inference channels exist among different releases. To understand the privacy property of data re-publishing, we need to analyze the impact of these inference channels. Previous studies show such analysis when data are updated or disguised in special ways, however, no general method has been proposed. Using the Maximum Entropy Modeling method, we have developed a general solution. Our method can conduct inference analysis when data are arbitrarily updated or arbitrarily disguised using either generalization or bucketization, two most common data disguise methods in PPDR. Through analysis and experiments, we demonstrate the advantage and the effectiveness of our method.
An effect of dietary sulfate on selenium poisoning in the rat.

toxicity in plants (Hurd-Karrer, '38; Weissman and Trelease, '55; Shrift, '54) and in microorganisms3 (Fels and Cheldelin, '49; Postgate, '52) as measured by growth re sponse. That selenate is in some cases a biological analogue of sulfate has be come apparent, particularly in microbio logical systems. For example, Escherichia coli under suitable circumstances can pro duce amino acids containing selenium in place of sulfur4 and selenate, as well as molybdate and several other ions, appears to be an alternate substrate to sulfate for the yeast enzyme sulfurylase,5 (Wilson and Bandurski, '58). Monty3observed that selenate, molybdate and tungstate were competitive inhibitors of the utilization of sulfate by E. coli, and attributed this ef fect to an inhibition of sulfurylase. With the recognition that sulfate tends to al leviate both the gross symptoms (Dick, '53, '56; Van Keen and Williams, '56) and metabolic changes (Dick, '56; Van Keen and Williams, '56; Mills et al., '58) due to excessive dietary intake of molybdenum in animals, it was deemed desirable to explore the possibility of an alleviation by sulfate of the symptoms of selenium tox icity as well.
Deep Spatio-Temporal Architectures and Learning for Protein Structure Prediction

Residue-residue contact prediction is a fundamental problem in protein structure prediction. Hower, despite considerable research efforts, contact prediction methods are still largely unreliable. Here we introduce a novel deep machine-learning architecture which consists of a multidimensional stack of learning modules. For contact prediction, the idea is implemented as a three-dimensional stack of Neural Networks NNkij, where i and j index the spatial coordinates of the contact map and k indexes "time". The temporal dimension is introduced to capture the fact that protein folding is not an instantaneous process, but rather a progressive refinement. Networks at level k in the stack can be trained in supervised fashion to refine the predictions produced by the previous level, hence addressing the problem of vanishing gradients, typical of deep architectures. Increased accuracy and generalization capabilities of this approach are established by rigorous comparison with other classical machine learning approaches for contact prediction. The deep approach leads to an accuracy for difficult long-range contacts of about 30%, roughly 10% above the state-of-the-art. Many variations in the architectures and the training algorithms are possible, leaving room for further improvements. Furthermore, the approach is applicable to other problems with strong underlying spatial and temporal components.
Walking and Bicycling to School: A Review:

Walking and bicycling (active commuting) to school has been proposed as a strategy for increasing youth physical activity and decreasing the prevalence of overweight. Citations for this review were retrieved through PubMed, Transport, ERIC, and ISI database searches using relevant keywords (1975 to March 2007), government and organization Web sites, and bibliographic citations. This review presents (1) prevalence estimates for active commuting to school; (2) the correlates of active commuting to school, presented using a new conceptual framework; (3) the associations between active commuting to school and health (ie, physical activity, weight status, environmental); and (4) a summary of the findings and recommendations for further research. Considerable heterogeneity exists among the reviewed studies for sample size and demographics, the methods used to measure active commuting, and the definition used to identify a positive case (active commuter). In general, active commuting to school is much less prevalent in the United States compared with European countries. A wide range of correlates of active commuting to school have been studied (individual to policy level). Active commuters tend to be more active than nonactive commuters, although no difference in weight status was observed in most studies. More research is needed to corroborate these findings and build on the knowledge base so that effective walk-to-school interventions can be implemented independently or as part of other health promotion efforts, including physician counseling for physical activity. KW: SR2S Language: en
Transmission Route of Rhinovirus Type 39 in a Monodispersed Airborne Aerosol

The common cold affects millions of people. Unfortunately, it remains unknown whether cold viruses enter the respiratory tract only through the nose and mouth or whether they can also enter through the tear ducts. Transocular exposure to an airborne infectious dose of human rhinovirus did not lead to infection.
Ethnic Variation in Oral Health and Social Integration Among Older Rural Adults

This analysis examines the associations of oral health with social integration among ethnically diverse (African American, American Indian, White) rural older adults. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of 635 randomly selected community-dwelling adults aged 60+. Measures include self-rated oral health, number of teeth, number of oral health problems, social engagement, and social network size. Minority elders have poorer oral health than do White older adults. Most rural elders have substantial social engagement and social networks. Better oral health (greater number of teeth) is directly associated with social engagement, whereas the relationship of oral health to social network size is complex. The association of oral health with social engagement does not differ by ethnicity. Poorer oral health is associated with less social integration among African American, American Indian, and White elders. More research on the ways oral health affects the lives of older adults is warranted.
Taste Endures! The Rankings of Roger de Piles (†1709) and Three Centuries of Art Prices

oger de Piles (1635-1709) was a French art critic who ventured beyond the normal realm of his profession. Specifically, De Piles chose 58 famous artists and decomposed their styles into the areas of composition, drawing, color, and expression. He then rated each artist on a 20-point scale in each of these categories and published his findings in his 1708 work, Cours de Peinture par Principes in a table known as the "Balance des Peintres." De Piles' decomposition of the overall quality of an artist into four properties was revolutionary and ambitious at the time and, 300 years later, remains a controversial but extraordinary endeavor. His ratings, combined with historical price records, allow us to confront an art critic's taste with the public judgment of the same artists. Most of the 58 artists chosen by De Piles for his rankings were famous then and have remained important to this day. Furthermore, his higher rated artists achieved higher critical acclaim, and the price of their paintings increased more over time. Our estimates indicate that even in the earliest time period for which we have prices, the artists he favored commanded higher prices. Painting it seems is a superstar market—demand for the paintings of the most popular artists is ever increasing relative to those of other artists.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension With Therapeutic l-Lysine Ibuprofen in 2 Preterm Neonates

Persistently patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), affecting approximately one-third of all very low birth weight infants, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, ibuprofen has been recommended over indomethacin to close PDAs because of a reduction in risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare but potentially fatal complication of ibuprofen administration in preterm infants. We report 2 infants who developed this complication after receiving therapeutic L-lysine ibuprofen preparation for the PDA closure. The first infant, 1 of twins weighing 640 g, was born at 24 weeks' gestation. The second infant, born at 26 weeks' gestation, was small for gestational age, weighing 439 g. In both cases, ibuprofen was initiated after echocardiographic confirmation of a moderate-sized to large PDA and an otherwise normal intracardiac anatomy. Both infants had echocardiographic evidence of increased pulmonary vascular resistance but shunting across the PDA was left to right. The infants deteriorated within 48 to 72 hours, and repeat echocardiograms revealed evidence of severe pulmonary hypertension. Both infants died of refractory hypotension and hypoxemia. When considering the use of ibuprofen therapy for PDA closure, clinicians should keep in mind the potential serious complication of pulmonary hypertension, even if a shunt across the PDA is left to right.
Variation of Commercial Diisopropyl Fluorophosphate Preparations in Toxicological Studies

ABSTRACTThe variation of three diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) lots obtained from two sources was investigated. The effects of different lots of DFP on body weight, mortality, and brain acetylcholinesterase activity in rats varied significantly. The in vitro effects of these DFP preparations on braTn acetylcholinesterase activity also were markedly different. It appears that different commercial preparations of DFP possess different potencies and that the same apparent doses of different DFP preparations will not produce the same effects upon any physiological system under study.
WLC40-6: Playback Adaptation with Transport-Protocol Awareness for Wireless Video Streaming

This paper introduces a new idea for implementing playback adaptation algorithms suitable for video streaming applications in wireless IP networks. The proposed algorithm depends on the accurate estimation of the expected latency of lost video packets. The latency is estimated according to the transport protocol being used, which in our case is TCP. The client uses this estimate in order to adjust the playback rate according to a new algorithm so that both buffer underflows and overflows can be avoided. The proposed algorithm in non-intrusive to the protocol stack since it does not require any modifications to the transport protocol. To validate the basic principles behind our idea, we provide a set of comparative experimental results with other streaming systems in terms of the rate of underflow events and the actual PSNR.
The infraspinatus test: An early diagnostic sign of muscle weakness during external rotation of the shoulder in athletes.

Fifty-two men successively elevated dumbbells in increments of 0.5 kg from 1 to 9 kg, performing external rotation of the shoulder with the elbow at 90° of flexion and the forearm at neutral rotation, while lying in the lateral position. Mean values and standard deviations of maximum weight elevated above the horizontal level by the dominant and nondominant arms of 49 men, excluding three athletes with marked infraspinatus muscle atrophy, ranged from 6.2 ± 1.12 kg to 6.7 ± 1.11 kg. Considering the contribution of the infraspinatus muscle to the strength of shoulder external rotation, the elevation of a 3 kg dumbbell, called the "infraspinatus test," is considered to be an early diagnostic sign of muscle weakness during external rotation of the shoulder in athletes who have insidious infraspinatus muscle atrophy.
The Simplex Algorithm

In Chapter 2 a projection algorithm was given for solving linear programs. Unfortunately, this projection algorithm is not practical because the number of constraints resulting from projecting out variables is generally an exponential function (and possibly doubly exponential) of the number of variables projected out. In this chapter we develop the simplex algorithm for solving linear programs. Although not a polynomial algorithm, the simplex algorithm due to Dantzig [108] is very effective and was the first practical algorithm for solving linear programs. The motivation behind the simplex algorithm is given in Section 5.2. The simplex algorithm is based on pivoting and this idea is introduced in Section 5.3. Important enhancements on the simplex algorithm are given in Sections 5.4 and 5.5. These enhancements have contributed dramatically to the success of simplex in solving real world models. In Section 5.6 rules are given to guarantee finite convergence of the simplex algorithm. The complexity of the simplex method is addressed in Section 5.7. Concluding remarks are given in Section 5.8. Exercises are provided in Section 5.9.
Management of pineal region tumours in children

Pineal region tumors in children are rare. A wide diversity of lesion arises from the pineal gland or the surrounding tissues. Among them, germinomas, nongerminomatous germ cell tumors and pineoblastoma are the most common. These tumor do not have pathognomonic imaging findings. However, tumor markers evaluation may narrow the differential diagnosis. Symptoms are usually related to tumor size and location. Treatment depends on tumor type but still the standard management remains unclear.
LMX, Context Perceptions, and Performance: An Uncertainty Management Perspective

This study investigates the role of leader–member exchange in moderating the effects of perceptions of organizational justice and politics on job performance. In contrast to previous research, which has relied on social exchange theory to explain these relationships, the current study uses uncertainty management theory to propose that relationships between employee perceptions of the context (e.g., perceptions of organizational politics, procedural justice, and distributive justice) and performance are stronger for employees who have lower quality leader–member exchange relationships with their supervisors. Analysis of data from a sample of 157 government employees and their supervisors provided partial support for the three hypothesized interactions and indicated that leaders play an important role in determining how employees respond to their perceptions of politics and justice and that neither social exchange theory nor uncertainty management theory fully explained our results. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings as well as directions for future research are provided.
Beyond the business cycle: The need for a technology-based growth strategy

This paper assesses the limitations of monetary and fiscal policies for establishing long-term growth trajectories and instead proposes a technology-based economic strategy targeted at long-term growth in productivity. The model expands the original Schumpeterian concept of technology as the long-term driver of economic growth where technology is characterized as a homogeneous entity developed and commercialized solely by industry. Instead, the new model defines technology as a multi-element asset that evolves over several phases of the RD or a technology-driven investment strategy that increases the productivity of the economy, thereby increasing the capacity of an economy to grow without inflation.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 dimer with superagonist in vitro activity improves granulation tissue formation during wound healing

Abstract Site-specific chemical dimerization of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) with the optimal linker length resulted in a FGF2 homodimer with improved granulation tissue formation and blood vessel formation at exceptionally low concentrations. Homodimers of FGF2 were synthesized through site-specific linkages to both ends of different molecular weight poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs). The optimal linker length was determined by screening dimer-induced metabolic activity of human dermal fibroblasts and found to be that closest to the inter-cysteine distance, 70 A, corresponding to 2 kDa PEG. A straightforward analysis of the kinetics of second ligand binding as a function of tether length showed that, as the polymerization index (the number of monomer repeat units in the polymer, N) of the tether decreases, the mean time for second ligand capture decreases as ∼N 3/2 , leading to an enhancement of the number of doubly bound ligands in steady-state for a given (tethered) ligand concentration. FGF2-PEG2k-FGF2 induced greater fibroblast metabolic activity than FGF2 alone, all other dimers, and all monoconjugates, at each concentration tested, with the greatest difference observed at low (0.1 ng/mL) concentration. FGF2-PEG2k-FGF2 further exhibited superior activity compared to FGF2 for both metabolic activity and migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, as well as improved angiogenesis in a coculture model in vitro . Efficacy in an in vivo wound healing model was assessed in diabetic mice. FGF2-PEG2k-FGF2 increased granulation tissue and blood vessel density in the wound bed compared to FGF2. The results suggest that this rationally designed construct may be useful for improving the fibroblast matrix formation and angiogenesis in chronic wound healing.
Interlaboratory evaluation of cellulosic acid-soluble internal air sampling capsules for multi-element analysis.

ABSTRACTAn interlaboratory study was carried out to evaluate the use of acid-soluble cellulosic air sampling capsules for their suitability in the measurement of trace elements in workplace atmospheric samples. These capsules are used as inserts to perform closed-face cassette sample collection for occupational exposure monitoring. The interlaboratory study was performed in accordance with NIOSH guidelines that describe statistical procedures for evaluating measurement accuracy of air monitoring methods. The performance evaluation materials used consisted of cellulose acetate capsules melded to mixed-cellulose ester filters that were dosed with multiple elements from commercial standard aqueous solutions. The cellulosic capsules were spiked with the following 33 elements of interest in workplace air monitoring: Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Ti, Tl, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr. The elemental loading levels were certified by an accredited provider ...
Building a Better Judiciary

We have spent much of our academic careers arguing that judicial decision-making - even in constitutional cases - is a specialized craft, not merely an exercise in politics. We have suggested that good judging requires both expertise and a certain set of dispositional traits, and that it can be enhanced or hindered by both personal traits and situational characteristics. This essay is part of that continuing project. In a forthcoming book, Judgment Calls: Principle and Politics in Constitutional Law, we describe and defend our vision of the process of constitutional adjudication. We also provide examples of good and bad judicial opinions, and identify existing and proposed structural supports conducive to good constitutional decision-making. In this essay, to be published in an edited volume on the psychology of judicial decision-making, we call on some of the ideas from our book to translate our theorizing into concrete suggestions for further research. In Part One, we describe what judges do when they decide constitutional questions, concluding that they are primarily exercising the same legal expertise that judges and lawyers utilize in all of their professional decisions. Part Two focuses briefly on the personal and contextual characteristics that have been shown to produce or interfere with expert decision-making in general. Finally, in Part Three we turn to our main focus: the legal structures that might enhance the positive characteristics and minimize the negative ones.
Amphibulator II

This paper describes a recent capstone design project done at Western Kentucky University. An important tool for studying and monitoring wildlife are automated digital recording systems. The Amphibulator is designed to control the Marantz Professional Solid State Recorder PMD 660. In this paper improvements to the Amphibulator I are discussed. The system has being used to monitor the effects of global warming on populations of several species of amphibians in Spain and Portugal, to describe the acoustic landscape and bird populations in western Kentucky, and to study behavioral calls of midwife toads in central and northern Spain.
The Figura in Sonnet 106

Shakespeare develops Sonnet io6 by means of a figura. What is often an exegetical technique of Biblical interpretation becomes in this poem the method for a daringly hyperbolical, yet rhetorically controlled secular eulogy. Erich Auerbach has pointed out that according to figural interpretation (as practiced by St. Paul, the Church Fathers, and medieval exegetes), persons and events in the Old Testament "assumed the appearance of a series of 'figures', that is, of prophetic announcements and anticipations of the coming of Jesus and the concomitant events."' The following exemplifies a figural interpretation of Scripture:
Vibrational Predissociation Spectrum of the Carbamate Radical Anion, C5H5N-CO2−, Generated by Reaction of Pyridine with (CO2)m−

We report the vibrational predissociation spectrum of C(5)H(5)N-CO(2)(-), a radical anion which is closely related to the key intermediates postulated to control activation of CO(2) in photoelectrocatalysis with pyridine (Py). The anion is prepared by the reaction of Py vapor with (CO(2))(m)(-) clusters carried out in an ionized, supersonic entrainment ion source. Comparison with the results of harmonic frequency calculations establishes that this species is a covalently bound molecular anion derived from the corresponding carbamate, C(5)H(5)N-CO(2)(-) (H(+)). These results confirm the structural assignment inferred in an earlier analysis of the cluster distributions and photoelectron spectra of the mixed Py(m)(CO(2))(n)(-) complexes [J. Chem. Phys. 2000, 113 (2), 596-601]. The spectra of the (CO(2))(m)(-) (m = 5 and 7) clusters are presented for the first time in the lower energy range (1000-2400 cm(-1)), which reveal several of the fundamental modes that had only been characterized previously by their overtones and combination bands. Comparison of these new spectra with those displayed by Py(CO(2))(n)(-) suggests that a small fraction of the Py(CO(2))(n)(-) ions are trapped entrance channel reaction intermediates in which the charge remains localized on the (CO(2))(m)(-) part of the cluster.
Consumer Characteristics and Willingness to Pay for Locally Produced Product: A Case Study of Rib-eye Steaks in the Northern Great Plains

This study examined crucial product attributes, consumer characteristics, and corresponding willingness to pay (WTP) for locally produced rib-eye steaks. We focused on consumers at farmers' markets because the rising trend of buying local is believed to have generated higher sales for local producers in recent years. This paper is the first demand-side study to focus solely on high-value beef cut in the state of South Dakota. We conducted an experimental survey study, and the data suggested a significantly higher WTP for locally produced rib-eye steaks. The results also indicated that all product attributes selected for inclusion in this study contributed to a higher WTP for shoppers at farmers' markets, especially in terms of juiciness and color of the steaks. We also found that two consumer characteristics — household beef intakes and health knowledge — significantly contributed to higher WTP. We recommend that local producers continue improving the quality of their meat; however, producers should be aware that improving quality would possibly result in diminished profits. Our study also indicates that although consumers at farmers' markets are willing to spend a higher price premium for better steaks, the additional WTP vanishes once the product's quality reaches a certain level. To improve profitability, we suggest that local producers develop effective market strategies to target and recruit customers who are willing to pay higher premiums for locally produced food.
Relation between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 determination and liver function in patients with hepatocirrhosis

Objective To study the changes in the values of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in patients with hepatocirrhosis and their correlation. Methods Immune radioactivity determination was used in the IGF-I and IGFBP-3 level determination in 35 patients with hepatocirrhosis after hepatitis (the hepatocirrhosis group) and those in 30 normal persons (the control group) in comparing the changes of in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in normal persons and patients with hepatocirrhosis with different Child Pugh levels. Results There existed a significant correlation between the values of the IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels and the liver function in the hepatocirrhosis group. There was a progressively decrease in the liver function as the value decreased. There showed a bad prognosis where IGF-I30mg/L and IGFBP-36mg/L. Both had a close correlation with Child Pugh levels(r=0.625, 0.523, all P0.01). Conclusion IGF-I and IGFBP-3 could be used as important determinants in liver functional conditions and prognoses evaluation in patients with hepatocirrhosis if incorporated with Child Pugh levels.
Carcinoma of the bladder in patients less than 40 years old.

AbstractThe records were reviewed of 22 patients with bladder carcinoma before they were 40 years old to determine whether age alone influenced the course of the disease. There were 19 men and 3 women, reflecting a male predominance of 6 to 1. Of the 9 patients with superficial stage A/O disease 8 are alive 6 months to 28 years after diagnosis, the remaining patient being lost to followup. The other 13 patients with tumors invading muscle are dead, 11 as a direct result of the disease. No evidence was found to substantiate earlier reports that bladder carcinoma in young patients has a more benign behavior.
Bending the Arc of Exercise and Recreation Technology Toward People With Disabilities

Most of the published research on exercise and disability has focused on short-term efficacy studies targeting specific disability groups. These studies often use grant-related or other financial resources to temporarily remove the many barriers that people with physical/mobility disability experience when attempting to become physically active. In this commentary, we explore how technology can be used to promote more sustainable physical activity outcomes in the home and community using a set of 4 overlapping domains: Access, Usability, Adherence, and Health and Function. In addition, we describe how the order in which these domains should be addressed will vary depending on the needs of the target group and the context of their environment. Finally, we provide examples of various types of technologies (eg, hardware and software) that can support the "afterlife" of successful short-term exercise and rehabilitation trials in people with physical/mobility disability who desire to self-manage their own health and maintain a regular and sustainable pattern of physical activity across their life span.
Psychology and the Attitude of Science

The organization of knowledge is not neutral with respect to that knowledge. What we know of something is reflected in the way in which we express it. This is seen, for example, in the act of speaking or writing. When we are trying to say something of which we are not sure, we are hesitant and groping. We look for a way to organize what we want to say, and this organization reflects what we will say and what we will not say. On a deeper level, it reflects what we can say because of what we know and what we cannot say because of what we do not know. The organization of knowledge, then, is in one sense the knowledge, and knowledge is in one sense its organization.
Characterization of a novel self-associating Mr 40,000 platelet glycoprotein [see comments]

A novel platelet glycoprotein has been purified and characterized. This glycoprotein, designated Pltgp40, is an acidic sialylated 40,000-dalton protein that bears both O-linked and N-linked oligosaccharides. Treatment of Pltgp40 with neuraminidase resulted in a 5,000-dalton reduction in its Mr and a 1.5 Unit alkaline shift in the isoelectric point, indicating the presence of a large number of sialic acid residues. A similar size reduction and change in pl were observed after treatment of Pltgp40 with O-glycanase showing that sialic acids are present on O-linked oligosaccharides. Digestion of Pltgp40 with N- glycanase reduced the Mr to approximately 20,000 daltons but did not affect the isoelectric point, suggesting that Pltgp40 contains six to seven nonsialylated N-linked carbohydrate chains. High Mr proteins were observed in affinity purified Pltgp40 and were identified as detergent- stable protein oligomers consisting of multiple 40,000-dalton monomers. Immunodepletion and direct binding studies indicated that Pltgp40 was not equivalent to Ig Fc receptor type II, another 40,000-dalton glycoprotein expressed on platelets. However, Pltgp40 copurified with Fc receptor type II when platelet extracts were loaded onto human IgG affinity columns, raising the possibility that Pltgp40 may associate with Fc receptors or Fc receptor-lg complexes. Amino acid sequence analysis of the N-terminus of Pltgp40 was performed and confirmed that Pltgp40 is a novel platelet glycoprotein. Epitopes on Pltgp40 appear to be widely expressed because monoclonal antibodies against Pltgp40 also reacted with a variety of myeloid, lymphoid, and epithelial cells. Pltgp40 was detected on activated but not resting platelets, indicating that Pltgp40 is a platelet activation marker.
Testing the Pims Model on Longitudinal Data for Strategically Homogeneous Firms

The claims of the PIMS model is evaluated by testing the performance of a surrogate model on the brewing industry. The model is then compared to models developed specifically for that industry.
Prospect of the use of checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular cancer treatments

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a very fatal disease due to limited therapeutic options as well as due to its association with underlying chronic liver disease in the majority of cases. The immune evasion in HCC signifies a major barrier to the delivery of effective immunotherapy. Sorafenib is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved drug available with an overall response rate of 2%-3% and overall survival of 2.8 months. Chemotherapy has not been used routinely because of the relative refractoriness of advanced HCC. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed death 1, and programmed death-ligand 1) has opened a new horizon for cancer immunotherapy. Future direction in immunotherapy for HCC is to rationally combine it with other treatment modalities, including surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and cytotoxic agents, to maximize its therapeutic efficacy.
Concerns of Quality and Safety in Public Domain Surgical Education Videos: An Assessment of the Critical View of Safety in Frequently Used Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Videos

Background Online videos are among the most common resources for case preparation. Using crowd sourcing, we evaluated the relationship between operative quality and viewing characteristics of online laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos. Study Design We edited 160 online videos of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to 60 seconds or less. Crowd workers (CW) rated videos using Global Objective Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), the critical view of safety (CVS) criteria, and assigned overall pass/fail ratings if CVS was achieved; linear mixed effects models derived average ratings. Views, likes, dislikes, subscribers, and country were recorded for subset analysis of YouTube videos. Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) assessed correlation between performance measures. Results One video (0.06%) achieved a passing CVS score of ≥5; 23%, ≥4; 44%, ≥3; 79%, ≥2; and 100% ≥1. Pass/fail ratings correlated to CVS, SCC 0.95 (p 20,000 views (22%) compared with those with Conclusions There is an incredibly low frequency of CVS and average GOALS technical performance in frequently used online surgical videos of LC. Favorable characteristics, such as number of views or likes, do not translate to higher quality.
Turbulent flow over craters on Mars: Vorticity dynamics reveal aeolian excavation mechanism.

This paper examines the theory that stratified mounds in craters on Mars are the result of extended exposure to winds. The results from large-eddy simulations confirm this hypothesis, and highlight the relevance of turbulent flows in the particular structure of these formations.
Hedging Against Uncertain Feedstock Compositions in Shale Gas Processing System Designs with Intensified Equipment Capacities

Abstract Handling uncertainty in feedstock compositions is an important challenge for shale gas processing and natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery process systems. If the process system is designed without considering uncertain feedstock compositions, the product specifications could be easily violated. To address this challenge, we develop a systematic simulation-based process intensification method. This method consists of three steps, namely process simulation, capacity-oriented process intensification, and design validation. An iterative feature of the proposed method guarantees the intensified design hedged against uncertain feedstock compositions. The proposed method is illustrated on a conventional process system and a novel condensation-based system. In the novel system, a condensation process is considered in the gas dehydration section and it is integrated with a turboexpander process to improve the overall energy utilization efficiency. The intensified design of the novel system shows a lower total annualized cost than that of the conventional system.
Technometrics 2017 Editor's Report

This report summarizes information in the Technometrics Editor's Report prepared for discussion at the Technometrics Editorial Board and Management Committee meetings at the Joint Statistical Meeti...