cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Constitutional Grounding for Environmental Taxation in the United States

This chapter of Constitutional Aspects of Environmental Taxation discusses the basis in the U.S. Constitution for the federal use of Pigouvian taxes and subsidies to manage natural resources and the environment. First, the chapter provides an overview of the dual system of state and federal governments, the state delegation of limited authority to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution, and the limitations on federal power under the Bill of Rights. Second, it outlines the role of the Commerce Clause as authority for Congress to enact environmental regulation and discusses the limits on that authority based on Tenth Amendment federalism concerns and the Fifth Amendment Takings Clause. Third, the chapter identifies a second source of constitutional authority for Congress to use environmental taxation: the Taxing Power. The chapter identifies the Taxing Power’s scope, uses and limitations. It provides examples of excise and other taxes designed to generate revenue that may also benefit the environment, examples of income and other tax provisions that directly or incidentally harm the environment, and examples of tax subsidies designed to aid the environment. Finally, the chapter recounts the constitutional case law that insulates tax subsidies and Congressional decisions about the use of tax revenues from challenge.
Entrepreneurial motivation as a key salesperson competence: trait antecedents and performance consequences

This study aims to explore the effects of three competency layers of personality on salesperson effort and performance: self-efficacy, competitiveness and entrepreneurial motivation.,A two-study approach with data from 285 business-to-business (B2B) salespeople in the USA and 342 B2B/business-to-consumer salespeople in Poland is used. This study has also used structural equation modelling with partial least squares, common method assessment and mediation testing.,The findings show that across both studies, entrepreneurial motivation relates directly and positively to effort: salespeople with a greater entrepreneurial motivation exert more effort to perform their sales-related tasks. In addition, competitiveness and self-efficacy are two antecedents of entrepreneurial motivation in a sales context.,This study introduces the concept of entrepreneurial motivation as a goal orientation.
Single nucleotide variant counts computed from RNA sequencing and cellular traffic into human kidney allografts

Advances in bioinformatics allow identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (variants) from RNA sequence data. In an allograft biopsy, 2 genomes contribute to the RNA pool, 1 from the donor organ and the other from the infiltrating recipient's cells. We hypothesize that imbalances in genetic variants of RNA sequence data of kidney allograft biopsies provide an objective measure of cellular infiltration of the allograft. We performed mRNA sequencing of 40 kidney allograft biopsies, selected to represent a comprehensive range of diagnostic categories. We analyzed the sequencing reads of these biopsies and of 462 lymphoblastoid cell lines from the 1000 Genomes Project, for RNA variants. The ratio of heterozygous to nonreference genome homozygous variants (Het/Hom ratio) on all autosomes was determined for each sample, and the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumors using expression data (ESTIMATE) score was computed as a complementary estimate of the degree of cellular infiltration into biopsies. The Het/Hom ratios (P = .02) and the ESTIMATE scores (P < .001) were associated with the biopsy diagnosis. Both measures correlated significantly (r = .67, P < .0001), even though the Het/Hom ratio is based on mRNA sequence variation, while the ESTIMATE score uses mRNA expression. Het/Hom ratio and the ESTIMATE score may offer unbiased and quantitative parameters for characterizing cellular traffic into human kidney allografts.
Combined Effects of Wakes and Jet Pulsing on Film Cooling

Pulsed film cooling jets subject to periodic wakes were studied experimentally. The wakes were generated with a spoked wheel upstream of a flat plate. Cases with a single row of cylindrical film cooling holes inclined at 35 degrees to the surface were considered at blowing ratios, B, of 0.50, and 1.0 with jet pulsing and wake Strouhal numbers of 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60. Wake timing was varied with respect to the pulsing. Temperature measurements were made using an infrared camera, thermocouples, and constant current (cold wire) anemometry. The local film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient were determined from the measured temperatures. Phase locked flow temperature fields were determined from cold wire surveys. With B = 0.5, wakes and pulsing both lead to a reduction in film cooling effectiveness, and the reduction is larger when wakes and pulsing are combined. With B = 1.0, pulsing again causes a reduction in effectiveness, but wakes tend to counteract this effect somewhat by reducing jet liftoff. At low Strouhal numbers, wake timing had a significant effect on the instantaneous film cooling effectiveness, but wakes in general had very little effect on the time averaged effectiveness. At high Strouhal numbers, the wake effect was stronger, but the wake timing was less important. Wakes increased the heat transfer coefficient strongly and similarly in cases with and without film cooling, regardless of wake timing. Heat transfer coefficient ratios, like the time averaged film cooling effectiveness, did not depend strongly on wake timing for the cases considered.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Parallel Evolution of Host-Attachment Proteins in Phage PP01 Populations Adapting to Escherichia coli O157:H7.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance has sparked interest in phage therapy, which uses virulent phages as antibacterial agents. Bacteriophage PP01 has been studied for potential bio-control of Escherichia coli O157:H7, its natural host, but in the laboratory, PP01 can be inefficient at killing this bacterium. Thus, the goal of this study was to improve the therapeutic potential of PP01 through short-term experimental evolution. Four replicate populations of PP01 were serially passaged 21 times on non-evolving E. coli O157:H7 with the prediction that the evolved phage populations would adsorb faster and more efficiently kill the host bacteria. Dead-cell adsorption assays and in vitro killing assays confirmed that evolved viruses improved their adsorption ability on E. coli O157:H7, and adapted to kill host bacteria faster than the wildtype ancestor. Sequencing of candidate tail-fiber genes revealed that the phage populations evolved in parallel; the lineages shared two point mutations in gp38 that encodes a host recognition protein, and surprisingly shared a ~600 bp deletion in gp37 that encodes the distal tail fibers. In contrast, no mutations were observed in the gp12 gene encoding PP01’s short tail fibers. We discuss the functional role of the observed mutations, including the possible adaptive role of the evolved deletions. This study demonstrates how experimental evolution can be used to select for viral traits that improve phage attack of an important bacterial pathogen, and that the molecular targets of selection include loci contributing to cell attachment and phage virulence.
Resource control for java database extensions

While object-relational database servers can be extended with user-defined functions (UDFs), the security of the server may be compromised by these extensions. The use of Java to implement the UDFs is promising because it addresses some security concerns. However, it still permits interference between different users through the uncontrolled consumption of resources. In this paper, we explore the use of a Java resource management mechanism (JRes) to monitor resource consumption and enforce usage constraints. JRes enhances the security of the database server in the presence of extensions allowing for (i) detection and neutralization of denial-of-service attacks aimed at resource monopolization, (ii) monitoring resource consumption which enables precise billing of users relying on UDFs, and (iii) obtaining feedback that can be used for adaptive query optimization. The feedback can be utilized either by the UDFs themselves or by the database system to dynamically modify the query execution plan. Both models have been prototyped in the Cornell Predator database system. We describe the implementation techniques, and present experiments that demonstrate the effects of the adaptive behavior facilitated by JRes. We conclude that, minimally, a database system supporting extensions should have a built-in resource monitoring and controlling mechanism. Moreover, in order to fully exploit information provided by the resource control mechanisms, both the query optimizer and the UDFs themselves should have access to this information.
Feasible Error Estimates in Boundary Element Methods

One of the primary concerns when using boundary element methods to approximate the solution of boundary integral equations is the determination of the accuracy of the solutions. The well known asymptotic error estimates which are used for theoretical convergence proofs are not useful for estimating the actual error or even obtaining suitable error bounds unless the actual solution is known. Of course such solutions are known only in very special test cases.
Establishing a data monitoring committee for clinical trials

Summary A data monitoring committee (DMC) is a group of clinicians and biostatisticians appointed by study sponsors who provide independent assessment of the safety, scientific validity and integrity of clinical trials. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration requires the formation of DMC in all trials that assess new interventions. DMC are also strongly recommended in other clinical studies that have substantial safety issues, that have double-blind treatment assignment or that are expected to have a major impact on clinical practice. They are important in clinical research in psychiatry because they provide an added layer of protection for the vulnerable populations that are often enrolled in such studies. This report describes the role, formation and operation of DMC.
集团诉讼条例—大陆法系国家模板, 中国国际私法与比较法年刊 (The Class Action Code: A Model for Civil Law Countries)

The English version of this document can be found at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=930439La versione italiana di questo articolo puo essere trovata in: http://ssrn.com/abstract=951889A versao em portugues deste artigo pode ser encontrada em: http://ssrn.com/abstract=947207La version francaise de ce document se trouvent a: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1406310La version en espanol de este articulo puede encontrarse en: http://ssrn.com/abstract=952455Chinese Abstract: 作者提出了大陆法系国家，包括中国在内的集体诉讼法典的制定。拟议的模型代码广泛调节现代类行动，包括站、 充分性、 前提条件、 认证、 通知、 证明、 结算、 判断、 既判力、 决、 律师费、 禁令类操作、 类赔偿的诉讼、 损害赔偿的计算、 分布奖、 基金群体权利、 被告集体诉讼等各个的方面。目的是代码的最好的可能为集体诉讼，根据需求和大陆法系国家和集体诉讼的国际经验的特点创作有所启发。虽然这项建议主要侧重于民法法系国家，它也可能适用于英美法系国家考虑通过或改进类操作规则。由李贽翻译。English Abstract: This is the Chinese translation of a paper originally published in 2002, in which the author proposes the enactment of a Class Action Code in civil law countries. The proposed Model Code extensively regulates all aspects of modern class actions, including standing, adequacy, prerequisites, certification, notice, proof, settlement, judgment, res judicata, lis pendens, attorney fees, injunctive class actions, class action for damages, calculation of damages, distribution of the award, fund for group rights, defendant class actions, etc.The objective is to inspire the creation of the best possible code for class action suits, in light of the needs and peculiarities of civil law countries and the international experience with class actions. Although the proposal is focused primarily on civil-law countries, it may also prove useful to common law countries considering the adoption or improvement of class action rules.Translated by Li Zhi.
How can leaders of multinational organizations be ethical by contributing to corporate social responsibility initiatives? Guidelines and pitfalls for leaders trying to do good

Abstract Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a laudable goal for multinational enterprises (MNEs) because of the significant positive impact they can bring to the society and environment around the world. However, there are significant challenges to the practice of CSR in MNEs. This article discusses two major barriers to CSR that are especially significant for MNEs: leaders’ attitudes and cultural variance. We then apply insights from Rest’s ethical decision-making and cross-cultural research to offer guidance to leaders of MNEs to implement CSR in their organizations. We present a multistep process by which leaders first reflect on and clarify what goals they want to accomplish in the realm of CSR and then how to build consensus for those goals and modify them to incorporate the values and beliefs of local constituents.
Preliminary development of a neuroimaging paradigm to examine neural correlates of relationship conflict.

Abstract Social stress in the form of conflict between romantic partners is a salient correlate of substance use disorders (SUD), and also plays an integral role in SUD treatment outcomes. Neuroimaging has advanced the study of social stress on SUD etiology, course, and treatment. However, no neuroimaging paradigms have yet been developed to examine neural responses to conflict among romantic couples. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the goal of this exploratory study was to examine the preliminary feasibility of a novel relationship conflict fMRI paradigm. We compared the effects of an auditory relationship conflict versus a neutral cue on functional connectivity in corticolimbic brain regions, and the associations between neural activities and self-report ratings of relationship adjustment, substance use problems, and intimate partner violence. We also explored sex differences in neural correlates of relationship conflict versus neutral cues. Participants demonstrated increased functional connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex during the relationship conflict cue compared to the neutral cue. Intimate partner violence was associated with functional connectivity. Sex differences emerged in neural responses to the relationship conflict cue compared to the neutral cue. Collectively, the findings demonstrate preliminary validity of this novel neuroimaging paradigm for couples.
How moles destroy your lawn: the forelimb kinematics of eastern moles in loose and compact substrates.

ABSTRACT The interplay between morphological specialization and kinematic flexibility is important for organisms that move between habitats within different substrates. Burrowing is energetically expensive and requires substantial interaction with soil to dislodge and transport it. True moles (Talpidae) have extraordinary forelimb morphologies and a unique ability to dig in loose as well as compact soils, yet we know little of how moles coordinate their forelimb joint kinematics when digging in soils of different compactness. Using marker-based X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), we tested the hypothesis that moles burrow using different forelimb kinematics in loose and compact substrates. We predicted that moles raise mounds of loose soil by performing powerful compacting strokes mainly with long-axis rotation of the humerus (i.e. pronation/supination), but shear compact soil away by performing scratching strokes involving amplified elbow extension, similar to most scratching diggers. We also predicted that in both types of substrate, moles displace soil rearward like other mammalian diggers. Our results support our hypothesis but not the predictions. Eastern moles ( Scalopus aquaticus ) move substrates upward using compacting strokes in loose substrates and outward from the body midline using scratching strokes in compact substrates; unlike the digging strokes of most mammalian forelimb diggers, the power-stroke of moles itself does not displace substrates directly rearward. Compacting and scratching strokes involve similar ranges of humeral pronation and retraction at the scapulohumeral (shoulder) joint, yet the movements at the elbow and carpal joints differ. Our results demonstrate that the combination of stereotypic movements of the shoulder joint, where the largest digging muscles are located, and flexibility in the elbow and carpal joints makes moles extremely effective diggers in both loose and compact substrates.
Sequential drinking water sampling as a tool for evaluating lead in flint, Michigan.

Abstract Eliminating the sources of human lead exposure is an ongoing public health goal. Identifying the make-up of household plumbing and service line material type is important for many reasons including understanding lead release sources and mechanisms, targeting locations for lead service line (LSL) removal, and assessing the effectiveness of lead remediation strategies. As part of the response to Flint, Michigan's drinking water lead public health crisis, a return to their original drinking water source (Lake Huron) and an increase in orthophosphate dose was implemented in late 2015. In 2016, EPA performed multiple rounds of sequential or “profiling” water sampling to evaluate corrosion control effectiveness and identify lead sources in homes and service lines, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment with time on the different plumbing components. The results showed that lead levels, including high lead levels likely associated with particles, decreased with time in homes sampled during the 11-month evaluation period. Although sequential sampling indicated that brass fittings, brass fixtures, and galvanized pipes were lead sources, LSLs were the greatest source of lead when present. Following the removal of LSLs, the total mass of lead contributed to the drinking water decreased by 86% on average.
Challenges and opportunities towards fast-charging battery materials

Extreme fast charging, with a goal of 15 minutes recharge time, is poised to accelerate mass market adoption of electric vehicles, curb greenhouse gas emissions and, in turn, provide nations with greater energy security. However, the realization of such a goal requires research and development across multiple levels, with battery technology being a key technical barrier. The present-day high-energy lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes and transition metal oxide cathodes in liquid electrolytes are unable to achieve the fast-charging goal without negatively affecting electrochemical performance and safety. Here we discuss the challenges and future research directions towards fast charging at the level of battery materials from mass transport, charge transfer and thermal management perspectives. Moreover, we highlight advanced characterization techniques to fundamentally understand the failure mechanisms of batteries during fast charging, which in turn would inform more rational battery designs. Along with high energy density, fast-charging ability would enable battery-powered electric vehicles. Here Yi Cui and colleagues review battery materials requirements for fast charging and discuss future design strategies.
Are priorities of younger patients with knee pain addressed by PROMs? A qualitative study.

Abstract Objectives To describe the impact of knee pain and dysfunction in young adults and determine whether current patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) address their recovery priorities. Design Qualitative. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation center. Participants Young adults, 23–30 years. Main outcome measures 1:1 semi-structured interviews were held and analyzed with NVivo version 11. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) were compared to participant identified functional limitations. Results 9 themes were identified in 7 interviews: Incomplete Recovery as Acceptable, Motivation for Adequate Long Term Function, Guidance Needed to Facilitate Recovery, Sports: To Play or Not to Play, Pain, Therapy Participation and Interventions, Impact on Life, Decreased Knowledge and Condition Management, and A Wide Range of Functional Limitations. The LEFS captured 23/26 identified functional activities, the KOOS 22/26, the IKDC 16/26, and the WOMAC 13/26. Conclusions Incomplete recovery as an acceptable outcome was the most unique theme found in this study. LEFS captured the most relevant functional activities reported by this group. Physical Therapists should consider these findings in PROM selection to better inform meaningful outcome measurement.
Reactivation of Histoplasmosis Disseminated into the Central Nervous System Presenting as a Stroke.

Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent endemic mycosis in the United States. Patients with a previous history of histoplasmosis have a risk of reinfection in the future. Individuals with impaired immunity and those who have massive re-exposure to H. capsulatum, their defenses against this organism can be overwhelmed and diseases can recur. We present a unique case of reactivation disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient. We present a case of a 75-year-old male who presented to the ER on two separate occasions for stroke-like symptoms with progressive falls, impaired speech, hand tremor, confusion and generalized weakness. CT of the head without contrast on both occasions showed chronic atrophy and microvascular changes but no acute abnormalities. MRI could not be performed due to pacemaker incompatibility. EKG showed paced rhythm. The only abnormal lab was a creatinine level of 1.6. Neurology was consulted and they ordered an EEG and lumbar puncture during his second hospitalization. EEG showed generalized slowing, suggestive of diffuse brain dysfunction. Lumbar puncture showed WBC: 103, protein: 172, lymphocytes: 88%, neutrophils: 11%, monocytes: 1%. Following the lumbar puncture, Infectious Disease was consulted. On further investigation, it was discovered that the patient was previously treated for oral histoplasmosis with itraconazole for three months. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was positive for histoplasmosis antigen titer 1:64. Serology was positive for histoplasmosis antibody complement fixation titer of 1:32. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B for six weeks. With treatment, his serology titers continued to improve. The patient was discharged home on itraconazole 200 mg for lifetime, due to his previous history of oral histoplasmosis. On his three-month follow-up, his serology titer was <1:8. Histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with chronic meningitis, cerebral vascular accident, focal brain or spinal cord lesions, and encephalitis.
Proteomic analysis of the crustacean molting gland (Y-organ) over the course of the molt cycle

Abstract Molting in crustaceans is a highly complex physiological process involving regulation by two paired endocrine glands, the X-organ/sinus gland complex (XO/SG) and the Y-organ (YO). The XO/SG complex is responsible for making molt-inhibiting hormone, which negatively regulates synthesis of molting hormones, ecdysteroids, by the YO. In this study, changes in protein abundance in the YO were characterized over the course of a molt cycle induced by multiple leg autotomy in the blackback land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis. In all, 457 distinct protein spots were detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, of which 230 (50%) changed significantly in abundance over the course of the molt cycle. Protein abundance differed most notably between intermolt and the three premolt stages, indicative of a biological ‘on-off’ switch. Changes in hemolymph proteins were correlated with stage-specific processes of sclerotization and melanization that facilitate cuticle hardening and support immune reactions. An abundance of cytoskeletal proteins were identified, which corresponded with glandular hypertrophy associated with synthesis and secretion of ecdysteroids. Many proteins involved in energetic pathways including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, and one‑carbon metabolism changed in abundance in response to increasing energy demands and the requirement for precursors of macromolecular synthesis. Several proteins involved in immune, proteostasis, and oxidative stress responses were correlated with the dynamic and demanding cellular changes associated with ecdysteroidogenesis. These changes in diverse physiological pathways represent the complexity involved with molecular regulation of the YO in decapod crustaceans.
Nursing care of post-operative wound infection of two neonates′s sacrococcygeal teratoma

To summarize the nursing intervention of the post-operative wound infection of two neonates with sacrococcygeal teratoma. The concept of wet healing was employed.The usage of the most appropriate dressing combined with appropriate antibiotic, pain management, tubing nursing, baby′s position, skin care and sufficient nurtrition were the key of recovery.The two cases were both discharged satisfactorily. Key words: Nursing care; Neonate; Sacrococcygeal teratoma; Post-operative wound infection
Meteorological impacts on the incidence of COVID-19 in the U.S.

Since the World Health Organization has declared the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, some have been anticipating that the mitigation could happen in the summer like seasonal influenza, while medical solutions are still in a slow progress. Experimental studies have revealed a few evidences that coronavirus decayed quickly under the exposure of heat and humidity. This study aims to carry out an epidemiological investigation to establish the association between meteorological factors and COVID-19 in high risk areas of the United States (U.S.). We analyzed daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven meteorological measures in top 50 U.S. counties with the most accumulative confirmed cases from March 22, 2020 to April 22, 2020. Our analyses indicate that each meteorological factor and COVID-19 more likely have a nonlinear association rather than a linear association over the wide ranges of temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation observed. Average temperature, minimum relative humidity, and precipitation were better predictors to address the meteorological impact on COVID-19. By including all the three meteorological factors in the same model with their lagged effects up to 3 days, the overall impact of the average temperature on COVID-19 was found to peak at 68.45 °F and decrease at higher degrees, though the overall relative risk percentage (RR %) reduction did not become significantly negative up to 85 °F. There was a generally downward trend of RR % with the increase of minimum relative humidity; nonetheless, the trend reversed when the minimum relative humidity exceeded 91.42%. The overall RR % of COVID-19 climbed to the highest level of 232.07% (95% confidence interval = 199.77, 267.85) with 1.60 inches of precipitation, and then started to decrease. When precipitation exceeded 1.85 inches, its impact on COVID-19 became significantly negative. Our findings alert people to better have self-protection during the pandemic rather than expecting that the natural environment can curb coronavirus for human beings.
K-8 Teachers’ Overall and Gender-Specific Beliefs About Mathematical Aptitude

Teachers’ beliefs play a significant role in students’ academic attainment and career choices. Despite comparable attainment levels between genders, persistent stereotypes and beliefs that certain disciplines require innate ability and that men and women have different ability levels impede students’ academic career paths. In this study, we examined the prevalence of US mathematics teachers’ explicit general and gender-specific beliefs about mathematical ability and identified which teacher characteristics were associated with these beliefs. An analysis of data from 382 K-8 teachers in the USA indicated that overall, teachers disagreed with the idea that general and gender-specific mathematical ability is innate and agreed with the idea that hard work and dedication are required for success in mathematics. However, our findings indicate that those who believed mathematics requires brilliance also tended to think girls lacked this ability. We also found that teachers who were teaching mathematics to 11- to 14-year-old students seemed to believe that mathematics requires innate ability compared with teachers who were teaching mathematics to 5- to 10-year-old students. In addition, more experienced teachers and teachers who worked with special education students seemed to believe less in the role of hard work in success in mathematics, which could have serious consequences for shaping their students’ beliefs about their academic self-concept and future career-related decisions.
Emerging Therapies to Prevent Post-ERCP Pancreatitis.

The aim of this review is to evaluate emerging, novel therapies for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Rectal indomethacin reduces the risk of pancreatitis in low- and average-risk patients, who comprise the majority of patients undergoing ERCP. An 8-h protocol of aggressive lactated Ringer’s reduces the risk of pancreatitis in average-risk patients. Sublingual nitrate may provide additional benefit to rectal NSAIDs in preventing PEP. A tacrolimus trough > 2.5 ng/mL was recently shown to be associated with a lower risk of PEP in liver transplant patients undergoing ERCP. Routine usage of rectal indomethacin in all patients undergoing ERCP reduces the risk of PEP. Pancreatic-duct stents reduce the risk of PEP in high-risk patients. There is emerging data that aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer’s and nitrates may further reduce PEP. Tacrolimus is a promising potential agent to prevent PEP but needs further clinical study.
Passive soil depressurization in Canadian homes for radon control

Abstract Health Canada's cross-Canada residential radon survey from 2012 demonstrated roughly 7% of Canadian homes contain radon levels above the national guideline of 200 Bq/m3. British Columbia (BC) is the first province in Canada to mandate a full stack passive soil depressurization (PSD) system installed within homes in radon prone areas. All other provinces within Canada require a sealed and capped rough-in pipe. In this study, PSD systems were installed in fifteen new construction homes and retrofitted in six existing homes across three provinces in Canada. This study demonstrated the potential of well-designed PSD systems to reduce radon exposure in Canadian homes, reducing indoor radon concentration below 200 Bq/m3 in all 21 homes during multiple 30-day periods. During the winter, the PSD system was less effective in several new construction homes, whereas it appeared to operate more consistently in retrofitted existing homes. Further investigation revealed homes with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), a ground floor bathroom, or no stack insulation were susceptible to degradation in the PSD system performance from the shoulder to winter season. Such performance degradation might be attributed to 1) HRV defrost mode causing a reduction in the ventilation air supply, 2) unsealed ground floor cut outs for the bathroom increasing the building stack effect and inducing more radon ingress through the floor slab during the winter, and 3) stacks without insulation causing frost and restricting the airflow within the stack.
Multi-level Predictors of Depression Symptoms in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

Abstract Objective To identify multi-level factors that maximize prediction of depression symptoms in a diverse sample of children in the U.S. participating in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Methods 8,507 participants (49.6% female, 75.2% white, ages 9-10) from ABCD provided complete data at baseline and 7,998 of these participants provided one-year follow-up data. Depression symptoms were measured with the Child Behavior Checklist. Predictive features included child demographic, environmental, and structural and resting-state fMRI variables, parental depression symptoms and demographic characteristics, and relevant site and scanner-related covariates. We used linear (elastic net regression, EN) and non-linear (gradient boosted trees, GBT) predictive models to identify which set of features maximized prediction of depression symptoms at baseline and, separately, at one-year follow-up. Results Both linear and non-linear models achieved comparable results for predicting baseline (EN: MAE=3.628; R2=0.232; GBT: MAE=3.555; R2=0.229) and one-year follow-up (EN: MAE=4.116; R2=0.143; GBT: MAE=4.141; R2=0.1400) depression. Parental depression symptoms, family support, and child sleep duration were among the top predictors of concurrent and future child depression symptoms across both models. Although resting-state fMRI features were relatively weaker predictors, connectivity of the right caudate was consistently the strongest neural feature associated with depression symptoms at both timepoints. In contrast, brain features derived from structural MRI did not significantly predict child depression symptoms. Conclusions & Relevance Parental mental health and child sleep quality are potentially modifiable risk factors for youth depression. Functional connectivity of the caudate is a relatively weaker predictor of depression symptoms but may represent a biomarker of depression risk.
Model-Selection-Based Approaches to Identifying the Optimal Number of Factors in Multilevel Exploratory Factor Analysis

This study examined the accuracy of commonly used model fit indexes in identifying number of factors in multilevel exploratory factor analysis using Monte Carlo simulations. Multilevel data were ge...
Love's Labor's Lost - Judicial Tenure among Federal Court Judges: 1945-2000

I. The Legal and Legislative Debates over Judicial Compensation.... 1032 II. The Study of Judicial Tenure 1039 III. A Description of the Data Relating to Judicial Tenure 1042 IV. Explanations of Judicial Tenure 1043 A. Overview 1043 B. Time-Series Trends .... 1045 C. Regression Analysis ....... 1050 D. Wealth and Recent Appointments 1054 V. Is Compensation Affecting Tenure? 1055 Conclusion ........ .... 1059
Prevalence and Correlates of Sex Selling and Sex Purchasing among Adults Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder.

Exchange sex places individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) at particularly high risk for deleterious safety and health outcomes. A substance use treatment provider who is aware of a patient's exchange sex behavior is better able to provide appropriate screening, care, and/or referral to risk reduction services. However, little is known about exchange sex, especially purchasing, among treatment-seeking adults with CUD. The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of sex selling and sex purchasing among treatment-seeking men and women with CUD (n = 109; ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02896712). Separate binary logistic regressions via backward elimination were used to identify best fitting models for sex selling and sex purchasing. Over 41% of participants endorsed exchange sex within the last 30 days; 20.2% reported selling sex and 30.3% reported purchasing sex. Sex selling and sex purchasing rates differed by gender and race. Number of sexual partners (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = 2.07-16.43), concern about contracting HIV/AIDS (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.31-3.44), cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.20-2.77), years using cocaine (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03-1.20), drug-related problem days (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.14), and sexual preference (OR = 9.50, 95% CI = .69-130.35) were retained in the final model estimating sex selling (Nagelkerke R2 = .56). In the final sex purchasing model (Nagelkerke R2 = .46), gender (OR = 36.17, 95% CI = 2.96-441.75), number of sexual partners (OR = 6.28, 95% CI = 2.69-14.66), number of convictions (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.25), and drug-related problem days (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = .92-1.01) were retained. Predictive models in this study identified distinct sets of variables related to sex selling and purchasing. Findings may be used to improve identification of exchange sex in the substance use treatment setting and referral to targeted interventions to reduce associated risk.
Family Disruption and Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Using unique data from an economically and racially diverse sample of 448 caregivers with young children (ages 4–9 years) in Ohio, we assess multiple sources of family social and economic disruptio...
Using an alternatives assessment framework to evaluate waterborne versus solventborne basecoats used in automotive refinishing.

We evaluated two types of automotive basecoats used in automotive refinishing (i.e., in auto body shops): waterborne and solventborne. The primary tool we used for this evaluation was the Alternatives Assessment Guide (version 1.0) developed by the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2). The term "solventborne," as used in this article, refers to products that contain relatively high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (referred to as "high-volatile organic compound [VOC] basecoats" in the industry). These products are distinct from the "low-VOC" solventborne products used widely in California and elsewhere. From a health and environmental hazard perspective, our evaluation found that waterborne basecoats contained fewer hazardous ingredients and at lower concentrations than their solventborne counterparts. Automotive painters who spray-painted vehicles with waterborne products experienced significantly lower exposures to several harmful solvents. Waterborne products are readily available and offer advantages with regard to social impacts. Some of these advantages include lower worker and community exposure to VOCs, reduced VOC release and smog formation, and reduced potential for generation of and exposure to hazardous waste. Based on our assessment in auto body shops, we consider waterborne basecoats to be safer alternatives from both a human health and environmental perspective. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;00:1-13. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Appraisal Arbitrage – Is There a Delaware Advantage?

The article examines the extent to which economic incentives may have improved for appraisal arbitrageurs in recent years, which could help explain the observed increase in appraisal activity. We investigate three specific issues. First, we review the economic implications of allowing petitioners to seek appraisal on shares acquired after the record date. We conclude that appraisal arbitrageurs realize an economic benefit from their ability to delay investment for two reasons: (1) it enables arbitrageurs to use better information about the value of the target that may emerge after the record date to assess the potential payoff of bringing an appraisal claim; and (2) it helps minimize arbitrageurs’ exposure to the risk of deal failure. Second, based on a review of the recent Delaware opinions in appraisal matters, as well as fairness opinions issued by targets’ financial advisors, we document that the Delaware Chancery Court seems to prefer a lower equity risk premium than bankers. Such a systematic difference in valuation input choices also works in favor of appraisal arbitrageurs. Finally, we benchmark the Delaware statutory interest rates and find that the statutory rate more than compensates appraisal petitioners for the time value of money or for any bond-like claim that they may have on either the target or the surviving entity. Our findings suggest that, from a policy perspective, it may be useful to limit petitioners’ ability to seek appraisal to shares acquired before the record date. We also posit that, absent any finding of a flawed sales process, the actual transaction price may serve as a useful benchmark for fair value. We conjecture that, while the statutory interest rate may not be the main factor driving appraisal arbitrage, it does help improve the economics for arbitrageurs. Thus, the proposal by the Council of the Delaware Bar Association’s Corporation Law Section to limit the amount of interest paid by appraisal respondents – by allowing them to pay appraisal claimants a sum of money at the beginning of the appraisal action – seems like a practical way to address concerns regarding the statutory rate. However, paying appraisal claimants a portion of the target’s fair value up front is akin to funding claimants’ appraisal actions, which may end up encouraging appraisal arbitrage.
Acceptability of mobile health interventions to reduce inactivity-related health risk in central Pennsylvania adults

Insufficient physical activity and excessive sedentary behavior elevate health risk. Mobile applications (apps) provide one mode for delivering interventions to modify these behaviors and reduce health risk. The purpose of this study was to characterize the need for and acceptability of health behavior interventions among rural adults and evaluate the interest in and the value of app-based interventions in this population. Central Pennsylvania adults with smartphones (N = 258) completed a brief web survey in October–November 2012. Most adults report one or both inactivity-related behavioral risk factors, would use a free app to modify those risk behaviors, and would pay a small amount for that app. Low-cost, efficacious apps to increase physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior should be promoted in public health practice. User experience should be at the forefront of this process to increase value and minimize burden in the service of long-term engagement, behavior change, and health risk reduction.
Sorption and migration of radionuclides in geologic media

The interactions of a quartz monzonite, an argillite, an alluvium, and several tuffs with various radionuclides in selected phreatic waters has been studied. The sorption-desorption behavior of Sr, Tc(VII), Cs, Ba, Ce, Eu, U(VI), Pu, and Am under ambient and 70°C temperature conditions has been measured.
Gettering of Metal Precipitates

In this paper we deal with the effect of silicon interstitials on metal precipitates. We show that excess silicon interstitials which are injected by common gettering treatments cause most metal precipitates to shrink but a few to grow. Data from the literature confirms that the precipitates which grow by the absorption of silicon interstitials (primarily FeSi 2 and NiSi 2 ) are found exclusively in regions that act as net injectors of silicon interstitials. Other precipitates shrink in the presence of excess silicon interstitials and are easily gettered. This explains why silicon interstitial injection is essential for effective gettering.
A wavelet packet basis optimization approach to radar waveform design

We describe the process of convolving a transmitted wide bandwidth chirp signal with a simulated target and then show how the result of this convolution can be decomposed using a basis optimization approach algorithm. We then show how the wavelet packet basis set can prioritize the bandwidth in the chirp signal to those frequencies that represent the target while removing other frequencies that might contain clutter and noise. Finally we compare the resulting radar signal to the signal not prioritized by the basis optimization and show improvements in the detection performance of the target at the reduced bandwidth.
Violencia política, democratización y acuerdos de paz - algunas lecciones de América Latina

Los estudios de la democracia podrian hacer un mejor trabajo cuando se aproximan a aquellos casos en los que el pluralismo es escaso, como lo indican los altos niveles de violencia domestica.
Dietary and other sources of aluminium intake.

Aluminium in the food supply comes from natural sources including water, food additives, and contamination by aluminium utensils and containers. Most unprocessed foods, except for certain herbs and tea leaves, contain low (< 5 micrograms Al/g) levels of aluminium. Thus most adults consume 1-10 mg aluminium daily from natural sources. Cooking in aluminium containers often results in statistically significant, but not practically important, increases in the aluminium content of foods. Intake of aluminium from food additives varies greatly (0 to 95 mg Al daily) among residents in North America, with the median intake for adults being about 24 mg daily. Generally, the intake of aluminium from foods is less than 1% of that consumed by individuals using aluminium-containing pharmaceuticals. Currently the real scientific question is not the amount of aluminium in foods but the availability of the aluminium in foods and the sensitivity of some population groups to aluminium. Several dietary factors, including citrate, may affect the absorption of aluminium. Aluminium contamination of soy-based formulae when fed to premature infants with impaired kidney function and aluminium contamination of components of parenteral solutions (i.e. albumin, calcium and phosphorus salts) are of concern.
‘Chuck a Copyright on it’: Dilemmas of Digital Return and the Possibilities for Traditional Knowledge Licenses and Labels

This article focuses on the creation of an innovate network of licenses and labels delivered through an accessible, educational, and informative digital platform aimed specifically at the complex intellectual property needs of Indigenous peoples, communities, and collectives wishing to manage, maintain, and preserve their digital cultural heritage. The Traditional Knowledge (TK) Licenses and Labels answer a grassroots, global call by Indigenous communities, archivists, museum specialists, and activists for an alternative to traditional copyright for the varied needs of Indigenous communities and the cultural materials they steward. Local Contexts is a project and educational website dedicated to the production of new intellectual property frameworks for Indigenous materials that depart from colonial histories of collection and Western legal frameworks.
Ionospheric response to the solar flare of 14 July 2000

[1] We present our observations of the global ionospheric response to the X-class solar flare that started the Bastille Day storm on 14 June 2000. The observations were made using the Low-Resolution Airglow and Aurora Spectrograph (LORAAS) instrument on the Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS). The ARGOS is in a Sun-synchronous orbit at 0230/1430 LT at approximately 840 km altitude. During the daytime the LORAAS observes the 911-A emission; this emission is produced by radiative recombination of F region O+ and electrons. We simultaneously invert approximately one-half of an orbit of 911-A limb scans (approximately 30–45 min of observing) using a tomographic inversion technique to produce dayside electron density maps in the orbit plane. We compare our observations of orbits immediately before and after the flare to the orbit in which the flare occurred. We observed a 41% increase in the average 911-A brightness during the flare orbit compared to the orbits before and after the flare. This corresponds to an overall increase of electron density by ∼20%. This density enhancement has largely decayed by the next orbit. At altitudes near the F region peak, 250–450 km, the density enhancement has decayed to the preflare value. An enhancement of the electron densities at approximately −50° geomagnetic latitude has moved northward in the flare orbit, which may be indicative of enhanced meridional transport postflare. We compared our results to output from the SAMI-2 model, which was run for the flare study presents in the work of Meier et al. [2002].