cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The International Criminal Court is Legitimate Enough to Deserve Support

In Allen Buchanan’s essay, "The Complex Epistemology of Institutional Legitimacy Assessments," 33 TEMP. INT’L & COMP. L. J. 323, 323 (2019), he suggests that the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is weak – perhaps so weak that it is unworthy of support. This response argues that Buchanan underestimates the ICC’s legitimacy by misconstruing the institution’s chief justifying function and under-valuing the benefits the institution can provide. Unlike domestic courts, the ICC’s main function is not to uphold the rule of law by deterring crimes, but rather to express global norms in the hopes that over time those norms will permeate the fabric of global society. In light of the complexity of this mandate, and the ICC’s relatively limited resources, it is unsurprising that the institution has faced challenges to its legitimacy in its early years. But these are early years, and we argue that the ICC meets at least to the minimum threshold of legitimacy required to justify giving it support.
Metal-insulator transition in a double-donor system, Si:P, As

Mesure de la conductivite electrique en fonction de la temperature. Les donnees sont reliees a une variable de concentration reduite definie en termes de remplissage spatial par les systemes d'impuretes entremeles. La transition metal-isolant, comparativement a celle de Si:P ou Si:As, ne semble pas affectee par le desordre vertical additionnel introduit par les energies d'ionisation differentes des deux donneurs
Psychological Distress among Black Immigrants by Region of Birth

We assess the likelihood of moderate and severe psychological distress among Black immigrants. We test the region of context framework, which states that Black immigrants from majority-Black and racially mixed regions of origin have better health outcomes than Black immigrants from majority-white contexts. We utilize data from IPUMS Health Surveys, 2000–2018. We employed partial proportional odds models to assess the likelihood of moderate and severe psychological distress among Black immigrants and U.S.-born Black Americans. All immigrant groups, except for Black Europeans, are significantly less likely to be in moderate and severe distress vis-a-vis U.S.-born Black Americans (p < 0.01). Black Africans are about 54–58% less likely to be in severe distressed compared to U.S.-born Black Americans. Black immigrants from racially mixed and majority-Black contexts (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America, and Africa) are significantly less likely to be afflicted with moderate and severe distress than U.S.-born Black Americans.
Liver Fat Reduction After Gastric Banding and Associations with Changes in Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in liver fat and changes in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function 2 years after gastric banding surgery. Methods Data included 23 adults with the surgery who had prediabetes or type 2 diabetes for less than 1 year and BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 at baseline. Body adiposity measures including liver fat content (LFC), insulin sensitivity (M/I), and β-cell responses (acute, steady-state, and arginine-stimulated maximum C-peptide) were assessed at baseline and 2 years after surgery. Regression models were used to assess associations adjusted for age and sex. Results Two years after surgery, all measures of body adiposity, LFC, fasting and 2-hour glucose, and hemoglobin A1c significantly decreased; M/I significantly increased; and β-cell responses adjusted for M/I did not change significantly. Among adiposity measures, reduction in LFC had the strongest association with M/I increase (r = -0.61, P = 0.003). Among β-cell measures, change in LFC was associated with change in acute C-peptide response to arginine at maximal glycemic potentiation adjusted for M/I (r = 0.66, P = 0.007). Significant reductions in glycemic measures and increase in M/I were observed in individuals with LFC loss >2.5%. Conclusions Reduction in LFC after gastric banding surgery appears to be an important factor associated with long-term improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic profiles in adults with obesity and prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.
Sensory Stimulation Threshold: A Viable Tool to Improve the Outcome of Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation?

Background Sensory stimulation threshold (SST) has been used as a surrogate marker to target a nerve branch for radiofrequency (RF) denervation; however, the validity of SST as a prognostic marker is still under debate. Objective To assess whether lower SST values correlate with better outcomes of radiofrequency denervation for facetogenic low back pain. Design Prospective cohort study. Patients Sixty-seven patients who underwent radiofrequency denervation for low back pain. Methods Correlations, between the average percentage of pain relief from diagnostic medial branch block (MBB) and RF denervation procedure outcome, and between SST and RF denervation procedure outcome, were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs ). Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to assess whether magnitude and duration of pain relief following RF denervation differed by the levels of SST (<0.5 and ≥0.5) or pain relief (<80% and ≥80%) from diagnostic MBB. Results There was a positive correlation between pain relief after diagnostic MBB and pain relief 2 weeks after denervation (rs 0.31, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.51, p < 0.01), but not between pain relief after MBB and pain relief 6 months after denervation, nor pain relief duration after denervation. There was a negative correlation between SST and pain relief 6 months after denervation (rs -0.41, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.18, p < 0.001). There was also a negative correlation between SST and pain relief duration after denervation (rs -0.33, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.09, p < 0.01). Conclusion SST is a viable measurement with which to guide needle placement during RF denervation for lumbar facet pain, and enhances pain relief outcomes.
Reducing Symptomatic Postoperative Hypotension in the Extended Stay Patient

Introduction Postoperative patients can exhibit hypotension secondary to anesthesia and blood loss. Patients that are on bedrest for an extended period are more at risk for orthostatic hypotension. These factors can contribute to a higher incidence of hypotensive symptoms when first mobilizing. Orthostatic hypotensive episodes can potentially lead to an increased risk for falls, reduced patient satisfaction, and delayed discharge. Identification of the Problem There is a higher rate of patients who exhibit hypotensive symptoms in the Overnight Stay Unit where patients are often on bedrest for extended periods. Purpose of the Study To form a quality improvement plan to reduce the incidence of hypotensive symptoms when mobilizing postoperative patients. Methods Data was collected over a 3-month period on 156 overnight stay and extended stay patients. Data tracked blood pressures, hypotensive symptoms, along with variables that nurses observed to affect this patient population's incidence of the negative symptoms. These included treating hypotension with an intravenous bolus, raising the head of bed, and assuring patients eat prior to mobilization. Results Data confirmed that most postoperative patients had a lower blood pressure than preoperatively, indicating that all patients are at risk for orthostatic hypotension and related symptoms. Data also supported the proposed theory that patients whose head of bed was elevated and who ate prior to mobilization were less likely to experience symptomatic hypotension. Discussion The study was limited because the preventive variables of intravenous bolus, head of bed elevation and eating prior to mobilization were implemented before the study began to give all patients the opportunity for optimal outcomes. Conclusion Staff was educated on postoperative patients’ risk for hypotensive episodes. An improvement plan was implemented to optimize patient safety, patient sense of well-being and satisfaction, along with timely discharge. The plan includes assuring adequate hydration, verifying the patient has eaten, and elevating the head of the bed greater than 60 degrees at least 30 minutes prior to mobilization. Implication for Perianesthesia Nurses and Future Research Findings from this study can be a guide on actions perianesthesia nurses can perform to promote the best outcomes for mobilizing postoperative patients in extended stay areas.
Influence of sex, diabetes and ethanol on intrinsic contractile performance of isolated rat myocardium

The influence of sex on intrinsic contractile performance, diabetes-induced myocardial mechanical dysfunction and the inotropic response to clinically relevant concentrations of ethanol (ETOH) was studied using weight-matched streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 8 weeks, isolated left-ventricular papillary muscles stimulated at 0.5 hz, were studied under isometric conditions at Lmax. Peak developed tension, time-topeak tension (TPT), time-to-90% relaxation (RT90) and the maximum velocities of tension development and rate of tension decay were assessed at baseline and in response to changes in stimulation frequency and varying extracellular calcium concentrations. In male but not in female rats, body weight and heart size were significantly correlated with glycemic status. In both sexes, diabetes was associated with prolongation of baseline TPT and RT90 values. However, diabetes-induced prolongations of contraction and relaxation duration were greater in papillary muscles obtained from male than in those from female animals. The negative staircase effect of increasing the frequency of stimulation was not influenced by sex or the diabetic state. Similarly, neither the positive inotropic effect of increasing extracellular calcium nor the negative inotropic effect of ethanol was modified by sex or experimental diabetes. Our results suggest that: 1) myocardium from female rats is resistant to diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction and 2) neither baseline developed tension, calcium-mediated nor ethanol-induced inotropic responsiveness are influenced by sex or experimental diabetes.
Formative Peer Review of Teaching: Attitudes of Faculty at Liberal Arts Colleges Toward Colleague Assessment

Nearly all students of faculty evaluation agree that peer review should be part of a comprehensive program of faculty assessment. Faculty are particularly well qualified to critique their colleagues' teaching when the objective is to improve quality of instruction because they are in a position to assess several aspects of teaching better than students, academic administrators, and other constituencies of the academic community. Large proportions of faculty in this study indicated they would take part in four methods of formative peer review--classroom observation, videotaping of classes, evaluation of course materials, and assessment of their evaluation of the academic work of students--and they provide important information on factors that might detract from their participation, on conditions that might enhance the process, and on the benefits they and their students, colleagues, and institutions might receive as a result of their participation.
Tax Credit Scholarship Programs: A Model Statute for a Better Program

This is a companion piece to an article that carefully analyzes tuition tax credit scholarship programs now popular around the country. This article offers a model statute for states considering or improving such programs that addresses concerns raised in my previous article.The companion article (Tax Credit Scholarship Programs and the Changing Ecology of Public Education) for this paper is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2244608
Lower Atmospheric Changes in Betelgeuse Deduced from Optical Continua Polarization Measurements

Observations of Betelgeuse's optical continua linear polarization are reviewed. Arguments are presented that the observed ordered large-scale polarization variations emanate from this star's lower atmosphere, i.e., at or near the photosphere. Polari zation-producing mechanisms are indicated, the most promising being large-scale surface convective features.
Reliability of the rabbit postero-lateral spinal fusion model: A meta-analysis.

The rabbit model of spinal fusion with the autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) control is widely used to evaluate bone graft substitutes and enhancers. This study examined the reliability of this model using meta-analysis. A systematic literature search from January 1995 to May 2011 identified 56 studies, involving 733 animals. The primary outcome was fusion success calculated as logit event rate. Study design, surgical technique, rabbit characteristics (gender, species, age, weight), and institution were analyzed. Overall fusion success was 52.4%. Important positive variables were time-point >4 weeks, ICBG dose >1 cm(3) , initial weight of animals ≥3 kg, level at L4-5 or L5-6, and age ≥6 months. Inter- and intra-institutional reliability was excellent. The rabbit model ICBG control group is reliable, although several factors can affect results. Fusion under normal handling occurs reliably in 5 weeks. The volume of bone graft should be >1 cm(3) but no benefits are present with >2 cm(3) . The animals should weigh a minimum of 3 kg and be at least 6 months old.
Cervical length in prediction of preterm birth after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objectives To determine the risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) at < 34 weeks' gestation after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome and to identify the optimal threshold for preoperative cervical length (CL) that indicates a high risk for spontaneous PTD. Methods This was a secondary analysis of data prospectively collected from 449 patients at three fetal centers. CL measurements were obtained by preoperative transvaginal ultrasound, at a gestational age of 16–26 weeks. The risk factors associated with spontaneous PTD before 34 weeks' gestation were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. We excluded patients with dual fetal demise and those with maternal or fetal indications for delivery without PPROM (n = 63). The optimal threshold for cervical length to predict spontaneous PTD before 34 weeks was determined using a receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve and Youden index. Additionally, the CL threshold for spontaneous PTD at 2-week intervals between 24 and 34 weeks was determined. Results Spontaneous PTD before 34 weeks occurred in 206 (53.4%) of the included patients. Only the preoperative CL was significantly associated with spontaneous PTD. The preoperative CL was normally distributed with a mean of 37.6 ± 10.3 mm (range, 5–66 mm). Maternal age and parity were positively associated, and gestational age at procedure and anterior placenta were negatively associated, with CL on multivariable linear regression analysis. The area under the ROC curve for predicting spontaneous PTD with CL measurements was 0.61 (P = 0.02) and the optimal threshold was 28 mm with a Youden index of 0.19 (sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 27%, respectively). A CL measurement of < 28 mm increased the risk of spontaneous PTD for all gestational age thresholds. Conclusions Spontaneous PTD at < 34 weeks' gestation is associated with a preoperative CL of < 28 mm. Preventive strategies should focus on this high-risk group. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Criterion-free pattern and flicker thresholds

Previous measurements of pattern and flicker thresholds in man have used the psychophysical method of adjustment and have required that the subject change criteria. Our new approach measures pattern and flicker thresholds by a criterion-free procedure that requires that the subject distinguish a test stimulus from control stimuli that differ from the test in only one dimension, the spatial dimension in the pattern experiments and the temporal dimension in the flicker experiments. By using this technique, we find that the subject’s pattern sensitivity is equal to or greater than his flicker sensitivity for all flickering gratings except those that have extremely low spatial and moderate or high temporal frequencies (depending on the subject). Furthermore, spatiotemporal interaction is evident in both the pattern and the flicker data. These results differ substantially from those obtained by the method of adjustment.
Rule based solution for a real time applications problem through abstract Petri nets

A rule-based solution for a real-time problem based on an abstract Petri net (APN) is provided. This extended net type provides compact and verifiable models, and possesses the same descriptive power as that of other extended net types. Various restrictions, activities, and properties of an elevator system (a representative real-time problem) are defined by means of set of behavioral rules to control and manage the functioning of elevator system. How these rules can be implemented in terms of entities of APN to get the model of the system is demonstrated, and it is shown how this model provides an efficient solution of the elevator system. >
Lessons learned across a decade of knowledge modeling

I review lessons learned in the creation of knowledge models composed of Concept Maps. The models were developed in studies of expertise in a variety of domains including weather forecasting, clinical oncology, and terrain analysis. Lessons learned pertain to a number of methodological issues, such as the measurement of the effectiveness of knowledge elicitation methods, issues in organizing, resourcing and navigating large sets of Concept Maps, and issues in comparing computer performance to that of humans.
Cisplatin plus etoposide consolidation following cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine in limited small-cell lung cancer

From June 1982 through October 1985, the Southeastern Cancer Study Group randomized patients with limited small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) to cyclophosphamide plus doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH) plus vincristine (CAV) for six cycles v CAV plus concomitant thoracic irradiation as induction therapy. Patients achieving either a complete or partial response and remaining in remission after completion of induction therapy were subsequently randomized to consolidation chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin 20 mg/m2 X 4 plus etoposide (VP-16) 100 mg/m2 X 4 every 4 weeks for two courses v no further therapy. There were 160 patients entered on the consolidation phase and 148 were fully evaluable. The median survival for patients randomized to cisplatin plus VP-16 (PVP16) from start of CAV chemotherapy was 97.7 weeks, compared with 68 weeks for the no-consolidation arm (P = .0094). PVP16 consolidation also significantly increased the duration of remission, with median durations of 49 weeks v ...
Fabrication of Size-Tunable TiO2 Tubes Using Rod-Shaped Calcite Templates

Titania tubes with tunable wall thickness were produced by the sol−gel reaction of titanium(IV) n-butoxide in the presence of rod-shaped calcite particles that act as templates. A shell of amorphous titania was deposited around the calcite particles by sol−gel synthesis. The titania was crystallized to the anatase or rutile phase by sintering at different temperatures, and then acid etching was used to remove the calcite core, leaving hollow titania tubes. The influences of several parameters on the final particle formation were investigated, including calcite templates, surfactant, the method of adding reagents, and catalyst. The average width of the prepared titania tubes ranges from nearly 100 nm to 1 μm, with wall thickness ranging from approximately 70 to 300 nm. A possible growth mechanism of the titania tubes is presented. The ability to control titania tube size and crystal structure is important for photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and other applications. The fabrication approach presented is appli...
A single specimen determination of J1C for aluminum alloys

Abstract A single specimen technique for measuring JlC of aluminum alloys is presented and a formula, J = P 2 (23.12+34.68 ΔC C ) 2EB 2 w(1− a w) 3 for calculating J-integral is proposed. Experimental results show that the J1C measured by this technique is in good agreement with that measured by using a multispecimen method. It is simple and effective for aluminum alloys. The results calculated from experimental data using the formula above are consistent with the results calculated using J = 1+α 1+α 2 2A B(w−a)
A Strategy for Obtaining Explicit Estimators of Signal Delay

A new strategy for extracting the delay parameter ? from observed data of the form s(t - ?) + n(t), where s(t) is a deterministic signal and n(t) is a sample function from an arbitrary random process, is presented and analyzed. The strategy requires no a priori statistics of the delay parameter and only second-order statistics (the autocorrelation function) of the additive noise process. The strategy involves correlating the received data with the sum of the properly weighted signal derivatives or, alternately, passing the observed data into a linear filter matched to the sum of the properly weighted signal derivatives. The filter output is approximately given by the true signal delay plus a term due to the noise.
The etiology of nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Summary Interstitial pneumonitis without evidence of Pneumocystis jiroveci infection has been described in the patients infected with immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) is the most commonly observed pathologic diagnosis. The etiology of NSIP in HIV infected patients is unknown. We retrospectively studied 6 cases of NSIP that were diagnosed with transbronchial biopsies. The etiologic causes of NSIP were evaluated retrospectively by reviewing the inpatient and outpatient charts. The medical records from other institutions were also reviewed when available. We concluded that cocaine abuse, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis, and immune reconstitution syndrome were the potential causes of NSIP in our patients with HIV infection.
519 PROTEIN SPARING MODIFIED FAST IN OBESE ADOLESCENTS: LONG TERM EFFECT ON LEAN BODY MASS

Protein sparing modified fasts have been studied in adults, but little data exist for adolescents. This study was designed to evaluate a high protein liquid (HPL) diet (Optifast-70R, Delmark) in excessively overweight adolescents (>175% IBW). 7 subjects ages 14-18 were studied for 5 weeks as inpatients, and 4 for another 4-6 months as outpatients. After 1 week on a 1000 calorie mixed diet they were given HPL diet in amounts providing 7cal/kg/IBW and protein 1.5gm/kg/IBW. All patients tolerated the diet well and lost considerable amounts of weight. Frequent 24 hour ECG monitoring showed no significant abnormalities. Resting metabolic rate decreased 20% over the first 5 weeks and a further 5-10% over the next months. Nitrogen balance during the first 5 weeks was +1.65±2.45gN/d (SD). Lean body mass (K-40 counting) decreased during the first month and then levelled off, whereas body fat continued to decrease. These data suggest that the high protein low calorie diet as used in this study spares lean body mass and maintains nitrogen balance in the excessively obese adolescent.
The role of papillae in resistance to powdery mildew conditioned by the ml-o gene in barley. II. Experimental evidence

Abstract The ml-o gene in barley conditions resistance to primary penetration by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei as well as an enhanced papilla response. To determine if papillae are necessary for ml-o resistance, cytoplasmic aggregation and papilla formation Were inhibited in near-isogenic resistant-susceptible pairs of barley breeding lines by low-speed centrifugation of leaves and centrifugation and heat-shock treatments of coleoptiles. Papilla frequency was markedly reduced by both methods. Centrifugation separated papilla formation from resistance at most encounter sites, although a small increase in penetration efficiency occurred because haustoria developed at some sites where papilla formation was inhibited. Heat-shock caused a substantial increase in penetration efficiency. Here too, this increase occurred because haustoria developed at sites where papilla formation was inhibited. Taken together, these results demonstrate a strong link between papilla formation and ml-o resistance, but they do not uniformly support the hypothesis that ml-o resistance is based on papilla formation. The centrifugation results, in particular, suggest that papilla formation is not necessary for resistance.
Performance of trickle-bed bioreactors for converting synthesis gas to methane.

Carbon monoxide, H2, and CO2 in synthesis gas can be converted to CH4 by employing a triculture ofRhodospirillum rubrum, Methanosarcina barken, andMethanobacterium formicicum. Trickle-bed reactors have been found to be effective for this conversion because of their high mass-transfer coefficients. This paper compares results obtained for the conversion of synthesis gas to CH4 in 5-cm- and 16.5-cm-diameter trickle-bed reactors. Mass-transfer and scale-up parameters are defined, and light requirements forR. rubrum are considered in bioreactor design.
SU‐E‐T‐181: IMRT Quality Assurance ‐Evolution from 2D to 3D

Purpose: We evaluated the performance of a 3D diode device ArcCHECK (Sun Nuclear) for IMRT patient plan verification and compared the results with our current IMRT QA 2D diode array device MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear). Methods: The ArcCHECK QA device consists of 1386 diodes of 0.8×0.8 mm2 size geometrically arranged in 21 adjacent rings spaced 1 cm apart. An acrylic insert with an ionization chamber holder was plugged into ArcCHECK to form a 26.6 cm diameter cylindrical phantom. A compact ion chamber was placed inside the holder to measure dose. Seven IMRT patient plans generated using Pinnacle 9.0 were evaluated for this study, including 3 Head & Neck, 3 prostate and one whole pelvis. Actual beam angles were used for ArcCHECK QA plans, but set to 0 degrees for MapCHECK. Gamma criteria of 3%/3mm were used for analysis. Results: Results using our gamma criteria fall between 90.4% to 96.8% for ArcCHECK and 96% to 100% for MapCHECK. For 3 Head & Neck plans ArcCHECK achieved 96% or above pass rate using our gamma criteria, very similar to our MapCHECK result. 90.4% of ArcCHECK measurements passed the gamma analysis for the whole pelvis while 100% of MapCHECK measurements passed. The gamma analysis for three prostate plans was 91.5%, 95% and 96.7% using Arc Check measurements and 98.2%, 96% and 99.2% using MapCHECK. Doses between ion chamber measurement and calculation were in good agreement (0.89%∼2.44%) for all 7 plans. Conclusions: ArcCHECK achieved above 90% pass rate using gamma criteria of 3%/3mm. ArcCHECK measurements produced very similar results to MapCHECK for most plans. Using ArcCHECK in the clinic for IMRT QA can mimic patient dose delivery and examine gantry angle and couch transmission effects.
Seasonal monsoon forecast for the years 1987 and 1988

Abstract The results of several seasonal integrations with an atmospheric global circulation model with prescribed “perfect” sea surface temperatures are presented. These experiments illustrate the results of seasonal simulations for the years 1987 and 1988. These were a dry and a wet monsson year, respectively, when compared to the average. The integrations cover the period from June 1 through August 31 for both years and were carried out at two horizontal resolutions, T42 and T106, of a global model containing two different parameterizations of surface hydrology. The seasonal differences of the motion fields, divergent circulations and rainfall distributions for these respective experiments are compared with the corresponding observed fields. The sensitivity of seasonal simulations to the initial state is explored with integrations starting on two successive dates. In these experiments we diagnose differences of the simulated time mean states from residue free budgets of the complete vorticity equation.
Streptococcus pneumoniae synergizes with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae to induce inflammation via upregulating TLR2.

Background Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays a critical role in mediating inflammatory/immune responses against bacterial pathogens in lung. Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) were previously reported to synergize with each other to induce inflammatory responses. Despite the relatively known intracellular signaling pathways involved in the synergistic induction of inflammation, it is still unclear if both bacterial pathogens also synergistically induce expression of surface TLR2.
Metallic and non-metallic coatings for inertial confinement fusion targets☆

Abstract Some fusion targets designed to be driven by 0.35-1 microm laser light are glass spheres coated with layers of various materials such as hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, beryllium, copper, gold, platinum etc. The glass shell, which is filled with gas, liquid or solid deuterium-tritium fuel, must have remarkably good surface and wall thickness uniformity. To avoid the development of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities which reduce the effectiveness of the implosion in achieving both the high density and the high temperature necessary for efficient thermonuclear deuterium-tritium interactions, the surface irregularities should be of the order of 100 A or less and wall thickness variations should be limited to 1% or less of the thickness. It is further required that irregularities of the surface should be small enough (or absent) to avoid nucleating variations in coatings as they are deposited. Each layer applied must conform to the same uniformity requirements. Methods for depositing the various materials will be discussed. They include plasma polymerization, electrodeposition, sputtering and evaporation. Many of the difficulties encountered in the coating processes are the result of coating on free spheres with very small radii (35–500 microm). Several means of overcoming the problems are described and experimental results are presented.
Family systems and HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

This study examines the role of family in the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) as a way of reducing the burden of stigma in the family. The PEN-3 model provided the cultural framework for this study. Data were drawn from participants responses in 27 focus groups interviews conducted in South Africa. Participants were asked to discuss experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS in the family. The results highlight the positive and supportive aspects of the family acknowledge the existential and unique aspects and discuss the negative experiences shared by participants. This studys findings stress the need to take into account families experiences with HIV and AIDS in the development of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of the disease on family systems and improving care and support for PLWHA. (authors)
Revealing a signaling role of phytosphingosine‐1‐phosphate in yeast

Sphingolipids including sphingosine-1-phosphate and ceramide participate in numerous cell programs through signaling mechanisms. This class of lipids has important functions in stress responses; however, determining which sphingolipid mediates specific events has remained encumbered by the numerous metabolic interconnections of sphingolipids, such that modulating a specific lipid of interest through manipulating metabolic enzymes causes ‘ripple effects', which change levels of many other lipids. Here, we develop a method of integrative analysis for genomic, transcriptomic, and lipidomic data to address this previously intractable problem. This method revealed a specific signaling role for phytosphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid with no previously defined specific function in yeast, in regulating genes required for mitochondrial respiration through the HAP complex transcription factor. This approach could be applied to extract meaningful biological information from a similar experimental design that produces multiple sets of high-throughput data.
A gentle introduction to NUMERICA

Abstract Numerica is a modeling language for stating and solving global optimization problems. It makes it possible to express these problems in a notation close to the way these problems are stated in textbooks or scientific papers. In addition, the constraint-solving algorithm of Numerica , which combines techniques from numerical analysis and artificial intelligence, provides many guarantees about correctness, convergence, and completeness. This paper is a gentle introduction to Numerica . It highlights some of the main difficulties of global optimization and illustrates the functionality of Numerica by contrasting it to traditional methods. It also presents the essence of the constraint-solving algorithm of Numerica in a novel, high-level, way.
Ibuttons : Building the infrastructure for more secure E-commerce

Abstract Business on the Internet is booming, and, from retailers to brokers to suppliers, it is destroying old habits and creating opportunities.9 The general term E-commerce is applied to the use of computer and telecommunication technologies in doing business across the Internet. Without a doubt, E-commerce is ushering in an era of sweeping change that will leave no business or industry untouched. In just three years, the Net has reached some 90 million people, thereby bringing them within the reach of the companies that have their digital doorways wide open for selling virtually everywhere. U.S. businesses are expected to exchange an estimated $17 billion in goods and services this year over the Net, more than double the amount in 1997. (according to Forester) By 2002, that is expected to explode to $327 billion. Combine that with cost savings to business and online consumer buying, and the Internet could add an estimated $10 billion to $20 billion to gross domestic product in four years.9 With so muc...
Microalgal system for treatment of effluent from poultry litter anaerobic digestion

Abstract The potential of mixotrophic microalgae to utilize poultry litter anaerobic digester (AD) effluent (PLDE) as nutritional growth medium was evaluated. Three algal strains viz. Chlorella minutissima , Chlorella sorokiniana and Scenedesmus bijuga and their consortium showed significant biomass productivity in 6% (v/v) concentration of PLDE in deionized water. Multiple booster dosage of PLDE supported better growth relative to a single dose PLDE. The maximum biomass productivity of 76 mg L −1 d −1 was recorded. The biomass was rich in protein (39% w/w) and carbohydrates (22%) while lipids (
Corrosion of SiC monofilament/Ti-15-3-3-3 metal-matrix composites in 3.15 wt.% NaCl

Abstract The corrosion behavior of silicon carbide monofilament/Ti-15-3-3-3 (SiC MF/Ti-15-3) metal-matrix composites (MMCs) were examined in 3.15 wt.% NaCl solutions at 30 °C. Electrochemical experiments were conducted on monolithic ultrapure Ti, Ti-15-3 alloy, hot-pressed SiC, SiC monofilament and the SiC/Ti-15-3 MMC to identify the degradation mechanisms that operate in the SiC/Ti-15-3 MMC. At oxidizing potentials, the Ti-15-3 matrix passivated, whereas the carbon cores and carbon-rich surfaces of the SiC MFs were severely damaged. The anodic polarization curve of the actual MMC and a curve generated using the mixed-potential theory were compared. The curves were very similar, indicating that MMC processing did not significantly affect the electrochemical dissolution behavior of the MMC constituents. Galvanic corrosion between the SiC monofilament and Ti-15-3 matrix metal was negligible. The MMC had excellent corrosion resistance in the open-circuit condition.
Interfacial Defects and Lamellar Decomposition in Titanium Aluminides

The interfacial defect content of lamellar interfaces in Ti aluminide alloys has been evaluated by HREM and the data analysed using the Topological Theory of Interfacial Defects. It has been found that the defects observed are all perfect interfacial disconnections, and that the lamellar decomposition is diffusion-controlled. An analysis of the diffusive fluxes required for disconnection motion has been used to reconcile the apparent discrepancy between this conclusion and the martensitic crystallography exhibited by the TiAl lamellae. Moreover, this analysis has been used to explain why disconnections with Burgers vectors b = 1/3〈211〉 have been observed in these interfaces.
Backcalculation of full-depth asphalt pavement layer moduli considering nonlinear stress-dependent subgrade behavior

This paper describes the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as pavement structural analysis tools for the rapid and accurate prediction of critical responses and deflection profiles of full-depth flexible pavements subjected to typical highway loadings. The ILLI-PAVE finite element program, extensively tested and validated for over three decades, was used as an advanced structural model for solving the critical responses of full-depth flexible pavements. Unlike the linear elastic layered theory commonly used in pavement layer backcalculation, nonlinear stress-dependent subgrade soil response models were used in the ILLI-PAVE program to account for the softening nature of fine-grained subgrade soils under increasing stress states. ANN models then trained with the results from the ILLI-PAVE solutions have been found to be viable alternatives. The trained forward calculation ANN models were capable of predicting asphalt tensile strains and subgrade compressive stresses/strains with low average absolute...
Reynolds shear stress measurements in a separated boundary layer flow

Turbulence measurements were obtained for two cases of boundary layer flow with an adverse pressure gradient, one attached and the other separated. A three-component laser Doppler velocimeter system was used to measure three mean velocity components, all six Reynolds stress components, and all ten velocity triple product correlations. Independent measurements of skin-friction obtained with a laser oil-flow interferometer were used to examine the law of the wall in adverse pressure gradient flows where p(+) is less than 0.05. Strong similiarities were seen between the two adverse pressure gradient flows and free shear layer type flows. Eddy viscosities, dissipation rates, and pressure-strain rates were deduced from the data and compared to various turbulence modeling assumptions.
Technical Council on Forensic Engineering Survey of Member Needs

In the spring of 2004, the ASCE Technical Council on Forensic Engineering ~TCFE! conducted a member needs questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire was to determine the desires of ASCE members with forensic engineering interests and to help form a strategic plan for future council activities. In addition, a byproduct of the survey was to introduce to the council those ASCE members who had failure analysis interests in hopes of attracting additional members to TCFE committees. One specific reason the survey was undertaken at this time was to respond to declining attendance at the forensic engineering congresses held every 3 years since 1997 ~Rens 1997; Rens et al. 2000; Bosela et al. 2003!. The Third Congress, held in San Diego in October 2003, was successful in many ways, with the exception of attendance. The Fourth Forensic Engineering Congress is tentatively scheduled for fall 2006 in Chicago. It is hoped that the results of this questionnaire will help provide a more attractive product to those with an interest in the practice of failure analysis. The two-page survey questionnaire ~Appendix! consisted of 12 questions of which nine were multiple choice and three were open-ended general questions. The questionnaire was sent to each ASCE member that had indicated their level of forensic engineering interest as 1, 2, or 3 in the annual ASCE membership renewal form. The total target audience was approximately 3,000 members of which 312 responded on the Internet, a rate of return of about 10%.
Poisson integrals and singular weights

An earlier investigation into power series coefficients of functions in LZ*(LL+) [2] brought into consideration a class of functions which belong to L’(R) with respect to a weight possessing a singularity at the origin as well as the Poisson integrals of those functions. Here we investigate the space of those Poisson integrals as a subspace of all harmonic functions in the upper halfplane with L2 boundary values on the real line. The weight originally considered behaved like 1 tj ~ ’ near the origin; here we consider a more general set of weights, those whose behavior near zero is of the form 1 tI -* for a 2 0. In particular we consider the space
Sun-Compass Orientation in the Meadow Vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus

Meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) utilized the sun for sun-compass orientation. Orientation was most predictable when food was utilized as a training goal. A delayed photoperiod shift altered orientation predictably in a clockwise direction. This orientation shift associated with the photoperiod change indicates an operative biological clock for sun-cued orientation. Also, females utilized this orientation mechanism predictably during homing studies; males responded nonpredictably. Reasons for this sexual difference are discussed.
Comparison of Two Multimetal Resistant Bacterial Strains: Enterobacter sp. YSU and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ORO2

The Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, TN, which manufactured nuclear weapons during World War II and the Cold War, contaminated East Fork Poplar Creek with heavy metals. The multimetal resistant bacterial strain, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Oak Ridge strain O2 (S. maltophilia O2), was isolated from East Fork Poplar Creek. Sequence analysis of 16s rDNA suggested that our working strain of S. maltophilia O2 was a strain of Enterobacter. Phylogenetic tree analysis and biochemical tests confirmed that it belonged to an Enterobacter species. This new strain was named Enterobacter sp. YSU. Using a modified R3A growth medium, R3A-Tris, the Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Au(III), Cr(VI), Ag(I), As(III), and Se(IV) MICs for a confirmed strain of S. maltophilia O2 were 0.24, 0.33, 5, 5, 0.25, 7, 0.03, 14, and 40 mM, respectively, compared to 0.07, 0.24, 0.8, 3, 0.05, 0.4, 0.08, 14, and 40 mM, respectively, for Enterobacter sp. YSU. Although S. maltophilia O2 was generally more metal resistant than Enterobacter sp. YSU, in comparison to Escherichia coli strain HB101, Enterobacter sp. YSU was resistant to Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Au(III), Ag(I), As(III), and Se(IV). By studying metal resistances in these two strains, it may be possible to understand what makes one microorganism more metal resistant than another microorganism. This work also provided benchmark MICs that can be used to evaluate the metal resistance properties of other bacterial isolates from East Fork Poplar Creek and other metal contaminated sites.
First‐ and second‐order factor structure of five subscales of the eating disorders inventory

Objective Insofar as the factor structure of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) among nonclinical participants is unclear (despite very wide use), the present study addressed the factor structure of five EDI subscales (Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, Perfectionism, Interpersonal Distrust, and Maturity Fears). Method Relatively large samples of non-patient women who participated in a cohort study of behavior and diet in 1982 (N = 617) and 1992 (N = 545) completed the five EDI subscales. Results and discussion Results are the first to clearly support the intended factor structure of the EDI among nonclinical participants.
Teacher education policies in the United States: The accountability shift since 1980

Abstract This conceptual paper examines a tug-of-war between state and national authorities in the United States for control of teacher recruitment, preparation, licensing, and professional development policy-making. A discussion of policy problems and instruments grounds analysis of each governing body's policy-activity since 1980. The analysis reveals how policy instrument changes have sidelined teacher education professionals and shifted programme accountability from the state to national level. Conclusions and recommendations challenge teacher education researchers to alter the current accountability trajectory by becoming active participants in the United States policy-making arena.
The use of adjuvants in sensitization of the mouse

Abstract Particulate adjuvants, such as India ink, kaolin, and zymosan, were capable of enhancing anaphylactic sensitization in the mouse to a foreign protein antigen. Sensitization by the above was as pronounced as with Hemophilus pertussis . A lesser degree of sensitization was effected by gelatin, agar, dextran, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Sensitization attained a maximum about ten days after the intraperitoneal inoculation of the sensitizing antigen, provided it was concurrent with or followed the adjuvant administration. The presence of circulating antibodies, titratable by the tanned-red-cell technique of Boyden at a time when anaphylactic sensitization is at its height, indicates the causal relationship. However, anaphylactic response can occur in the absence of titratable circulating antibody. None of the adjuvants was found capable of a simultaneous enhancement of histamine sensitivity. The foregoing findings do not necessarily implicate the mode of action of H. pertussis as that of a classical "juvant."
Catalytic Mechanism of the Tryptophan Synthase α2β2 Complex EFFECTS OF pH, ISOTOPIC SUBSTITUTION, AND ALLOSTERIC LIGANDS

Abstract The mechanism of the tryptophan synthase α2β2 complex from Salmonella typhimurium is explored by determining the effects of pH, of temperature, and of isotopic substitution on the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reaction of l-serine with indole to form l-tryptophan. The pH dependence of the kinetic parameters indicates that three ionizing groups are involved in substrate binding and catalysis with pK a1 = 6.5, pK a2 = 7.3, and pK a3 = 8.2–9. A significant primary isotope effect (∼3.5) on V and V/K is observed at low pH (pH 7), but not at high pH (pH 9), indicating that the base that accepts the α-proton (βLys-87) is protonated at low pH, slowing the abstraction of the α-proton and making this step at least partially rate-limiting. pK a2 is assigned to βLys-87 on the basis of the kinetic isotope effect results and of the observation that the competitive inhibitors glycine and oxindolyl-l-alanine display single pK ivalues of 7.3. The residue with this pK a(βLys-87) must be unprotonated for binding glycine or oxindolyl-l-alanine, and, by inference,l-serine. Investigations of the temperature dependence of the pK a values support the assignment of pK a2 to βLys-87 and suggest that the ionizing residue with pK a1 could be a carboxylate, possibly βAsp-305, and that the residue associated with a conformational change at pK a3 may be βLys-167. The occurrence of a closed to open conformational conversion at high pH is supported by investigations of the effects of pH on reaction specificity and on the equilibrium distribution of enzyme-substrate intermediates.
Importance of dislocation cores in fatigue fracture

It is pointed out that proposed mechanisms of fatigue fracture should be consistent with Coffin’s Law for constant strain-amplitude cyclic deformation. Most proposed mechanisms are not. The fracture of dislocation cores along their glide planes is consistent with the fact that the law describes the behavior during the first ¼ cycle as well as that after a very large number of cycles. Experimental evidences of the relative weakness of edge dislocation cores is described. Analysis of this weakness by Bullough, and in this article, discussed. It is concluded that this effect plays an important role in fatigue fracture.