cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Impact of Peace Groups

Mobilizing for Peace: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine and South Africa. Edited by Benjamin Gidron, Stanley M. Katz, Yeheskel Hasenfeld. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. 304 pp., $45.00 (ISBN: 0-19-512592-4). To date, the literature on unofficial (Track Two) organizations seeking to bring about intrasocietal peace (or the resolution of protracted social conflicts) has tended to consist of case studies involving a single organization working in a single location. The work of such organizations also occasionally merits a mention in studies of recent peace processes, such as those in Central America, Sri Lanka, or Northern Ireland (Darby and MacGinty 2000). Finally, these groups make rare appearances in works, such as the study by Marc Ross and Jay Rothman (1999), seeking to answer the question: How successful are Track Two activities? In Mobilizing for Peace , a number of scholars have collaborated to produce a systematic, comparative study of the work of peace and conflict resolution organizations in three very different settings: Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Israel-Palestine. Moreover, they have produced interesting findings from the comparison, not least of which is that commonalities exist in the nature, tactics, and achievements of such organizations, despite major differences in the societies in which they work and the conflicts with which they deal. The research that resulted in Mobilizing for Peace originally focused on two questions: what do the peace and conflict resolution organizations in these three peace processes have in common, and how effective have they been? However, the research team (which, apart from the three editors, consisted of scholars from the countries under examination) rapidly found that even asking such apparently straightforward questions immediately raised a variety of issues. What …
Predictors of expatriate hotel manager satisfaction in Asian Pacific countries

Abstract A sample of 104 expatriate hotel managers in the Asian Pacific was asked to respond to a questionnaire designed to analyze the effects of multiple job and non-job-related factors on expatriate job satisfaction and life satisfaction. The study shows that job satisfaction and life satisfaction are closely related, and share some common predictors. The five common predictors of expatriate satisfaction identified are role clarity, skill variety, participation in decision making, cultural adjustment, and cross-cultural training.
Effects of thermal history on isotactic polypropylene

The effect of past thermal history on the melting behavior of isotactic polypropylene is investigated in some detail. It is shown that a series of stepwise annealing treatments at steadily increasing temperatures will raise the final melting point and will result in a double endothermic peak if the final anneal temperature is at or close to 160°C. It is also shown that a series of stepwise annealing treatments at steadily decreasing temperature will lead to multiple DSC peaks. The number of such separate peaks is equal to or greater than the number of annealing steps. Even low-temperature anneals (100–130°C) affect the melting endotherm, while high-temperature anneals have a marked effect on both the degree of crystallinity of the sample and the final melting temperature. For a 3-min anneal, the highest degree of crystallinity is produced by an anneal temperature of 155°C. The highest melting temperature (∼182°C) is produced by a 30-min, or longer, anneal at about 160°C. The implications of these results in terms of crystal thickening and perfection are discussed.
Defining Appropriate Inter -Aircraft Separation Requirements

In order to maintain minimum separation standards between two aircraft, proper avoidance maneuvers must be initiated before their relative separation reaches the minimum separation due to aircraft dynamics, controller and pilot response delays, and other delays. This paper presents the concept and a systematic procedure for the calc ulation of required action thresholds, which is the time or distance when the conflict resolution process must begin in order to maintain minimum separation requirements. It sets an upper boundary or latest alert time for the conflict detection and resolu tion process. In this paper, 5 main segments in the process of conflict resolut ion are identified and modeled: s tate information acquisition, comprehension and decision, communication, pilot response, and aircraft maneuver. Then, the models of the five segments are brought together in a simulation where a robust aircraft maneuver time can be calculated through extensive simulations. The models and simulation are then used to determine the required action threshold. Three example scenarios are studied to illustrate the determinations of appropriate required action thresholds.
Why Don't We Teach Secondary Materials First?

This essay responds to the question, what should be taught first in a basic legal research and writing course, primary authority or secondary authority? I argue for the latter. Secondary sources can: help the researcher formulate an issue; gain an understanding of what type of law is likely to be important (court decisions, statutes, regulations, constitutional provisions); and develop analogies.This was part of a colloquy in the journal's section, Brutal Choices in Curricular Design. Donald J. Dunn took the opposite position, arguing that primary materials should be taught first.
Physeal Bar Excision

While several surgical options are available for management of a physeal arrest, the treatment choice must be tailored to the individual patient to ensure the most optimal outcome. A complete understanding of location, extent, and etiology of a physeal bar are paramount and used in conjunction with predicted remaining physeal growth and the presence of acquired angular deformity to determine the viability of bar resection. Both the technical intricacies of physeal bar excision and the timing of the procedure are essential to success.
Analysis of trends of intestinal infectious diseases in Xiangyang before and after Cuijiaying Reservoir Water Storage

Objective To master the trends of intestinal infectious diseases in Xiangyang before and after CuiJiaying Reservoir water storage,and to take countermeasures in time. Methods Cases of intestinal infectious diseases were collected and t- test was used to analyze differences in incidences of intestinal infectious diseases before- and- after water storage. Results The results showed that there was a tendency of increase in incidence of intestinal infectious diseases in Xiangyang. It was 84. 37 per 100,000 in 2007 increased to 784. 75 per 100,000 in 2011. Among all intestinal infectious diseases,Hand- foot- mouth disease played a most important role in this increase. The incidence of Hand- foot- mouth disease was increased from 1. 07 per 100,000 in 2007 to 724. 89 per 100,000. Conclusions The reservoir area should focus on the monitor and analysis of intestinal infectious diseases,especially the Hand- foot- mouth disease.
1 Running Hot and Cold: Recombination Around and Within Mating-Type Loci of Fungi and Other Eukaryotes

Recombination, both crossover and gene conversion, plays fundamental roles in evolution by generating novel allele combinations, as well as by increasing the genetic diversity and facilitating natural selection. In many fungal species, recombination is also critical for sex (mating-type) determination and sexual development, and the evolution of the mating-type locus (MAT) is likely strongly influenced by recombination (or lack thereof). On the other hand, in some fungal species, the presence of a mating-type locus on a chromosome can affect its recombinational landscape. Additionally, while in some cases the MAT locus is associated with repressed crossing-over within, there are also examples where recombination hot spots are present within or in the proximity of the MAT locus. Given the diverse mating systems and mating-type determination mechanisms in different species, fungi as well as other microbial eukaryotes provide rich resources to study the effects of recombination on mechanisms of sex determination and sexual development, as well as the evolution of sex determination systems and sex chromosomes in general.
Elevated Temperature, Solid-State Cracking in Welds

A number of elevated-temperature, solid-state cracking phenomena are associated with welded fabrication. These include ductility dip cracking which generally occurs during multipass welding, and reheat cracking which is usually associated with postweld heat treatment. Reheat cracking includes stress relief cracking of steels, strain-age cracking of Ni-base alloys, and relaxation cracking of stainless steels and Ni-base alloys. This paper describes the mechanism associated with each of these forms of cracking and methods to avoid such cracking. Weldability tests that can be used to quantify susceptibility to the various forms of cracking will also be described.
Looking at Learning as Preparation for Teaching

ABSTRACTOne of the more heated and consequential debates in teacher education today concerns the instructional methods used in preparation programs and the knowledge and skills that teacher candidates should acquire. In this study, I examine looking at learning as a pedagogical approach to transition teacher candidates from the technical conceptions of teaching that they bring to the field toward a conception that more closely aligns with the research on how people learn for understanding (National Research Council 2000, 2005). Data are taken from responses given by teacher candidates to a writing prompt administered at the course outset and field reports they submitted following field assignments that required them to detail moments of learning as they presented volunteer learners with materials they selected to spark their curiosity and elicit exploration. The approach is an application of Duckworth’s critical exploration methodology (2006) in the field of teacher education and responds to the call of l...
Localism in environmental policy: New insights from an old case

Determining the appropriate balance between local and national interests is an enduring issue in public and environmental policy. Study of this issue, however, has been impeded by the theory of agency capture. This paper demonstrates the limitations of capture theory with respect to localism and provides a new perspective on the issue by revisiting the case of the U.S. Division of Grazing, a common example in the literature of a ‘captured’ agency. Until now, the over-extension of capture theory to this case has obscured the division's extensive efforts to balance local and federal influence over range policy and prevent domination by large private interests. At the center of this struggle was a prominent legal dispute over local control involving Colorado sheepherder Joseph Livingston. As a detailed debate over political representation and the merits of localism, the Livingston case holds important lessons for modern community-based conservation efforts seeking similar policy goals.
The Founding of the Academy of Human Resource Development

The Problem. The Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) evolved out of a perception that a practitioner-focused professional association (American Society for Training and Development [ASTD])...
Magic angle spinning29Si and27Al NMR study of mordenite dealumination

Magic angle spinning29Si NMR presents a rapid qualitative method of assessing the degree of dealumination of sodium mordenite modified by acid leaching and heat treatment. A quantitative determination of the29Si coordination sphere is hampered by the overlap of chemical shift ranges for Si−O−Al and Si−O−H species. MAS27Al NMR indicates the presence of octahedrally coordinated Al in interstitial sites in all treated samples. On treating mordenite samples at high temperatures (∼700°C) much of the Al becomes invisible to the NMR experiment because of its location in sites of low symmetry and large quadrupole coupling constant.
Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Two different types of uncertainty have been recognized in different literatures. Swiler et al. define epistemic uncertainty as lack of knowledge about the appropriate value to use for quantity (also known as type B, subjective, reducible) which researcher can reduce the level of uncertainty by increasing introduction of the relevant data, and aleatory uncertainty as the type of uncertainty which is characterized by its inherent randomness (type A, stochastic, irreducible) which cannot be reduced by acquiring additional data.
Direction finding using an antenna with direction dependent impulse response

Wideband antennas may be designed to have an impulse response that is direction dependent. This property can be used for angle-of-arrival estimation using a single fixed antenna, without the need for an array or antenna rotation. The method is demonstrated using a simple candelabra-shaped monopole operating in the 1–3 GHz range. A known transmitted pulse and high signal-to-noise ratio are needed, and the method is not as accurate or robust as conventional methods. However, it can add direction finding capability to a wideband communication system without additional hardware requirements.
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN STUDYING POSITIONAL BEHAVIOR

A major goal of primate evolutionary morphology is to relate limb anatomy to aspects of locomotor or postural behavior or to an entire regime of positional behavior. If well established in living forms these relationships provide the necessary framework for reconstruction of the behavior of extinct species and to answer questions concerning the evolution of primate locomotor systems that were the impetus for the 1965 conference (Kinzey, 1967). Studies of this sort usually proceed by noting salient differences in behavior and morphology in two or more species, establishing correlations between the two, and attempting to explain the correlations using causal arguments derived from biomechanical principles (e.g., Ashton and Oxnard, 1964; Fleagle, 1977a,b; Fleagle and Meldrum, 1988). Obviously, success in such an endeavor depends on the quality of both morphological and behavioral data sets (Ripley, 1967; Fleagle, 1979). In her contribution to the 1965 symposium, Ripley pointed out how the lack of detailed information on behavior hampered efforts to assess the evolutionary importance of behaviors and to construct realistic locomotor groupings or classifications. Morphologists tend to “underestimate the rich complexity of locomotor behavior and to underestimate the difficulties involved in relating morphology and habitual behavior” (Ripley, 1965:167). She especially criticized attempts to define locomotor types in primates on the basis of insufficient information. At the 1965 conference, both Ripley (1967) and Kinzey (1967) challenged primatologists to collect more data to alleviate these problems. Ripley (1967:149) outlined the elements of “an exhaustive study of the total locomotor pattern” necessary before such categorizations would be meaningful.
A characterization of a unified notion of mathematical function: the case of high school function and linear transformation

As part of a larger study of student understanding of concepts in linear algebra, we interviewed 10 university linear algebra students as to their conceptions of functions from high school algebra and linear transformation from their study of linear algebra. An overarching goal of this study was to examine how linear algebra students see linear transformation as related to high school function. Analysis of these data led to a characterization of student responses into three categories of mathematical structures used to discuss function: properties, computations, and a series of five interrelated clusters of metaphorical expressions. In this paper, we use this analytic framing for exploring the question: to what extent does each of the students in this study have a unified concept image of function across two mathematical contexts, high school algebra and their study of linear algebra? We found that students who expressed a unified notion of function used metaphorical language to bridge any gaps between the notion of function from high school and the notion of linear transformation from linear algebra. We conjecture that the framing of computations, properties, and metaphorical clusters could be extended to discussions of functions in contexts with other mathematical domains. Future research that further examines the extent to which undergraduate students develop a unified concept image of function could then lead to various design research efforts aimed at explicitly fostering such a unified understanding.
Shareholder Proposals on the Auditor–Client Relationship: The Case of Nonaudit Service Purchases

This article provides empirical evidence on shareholder proposals seeking to restrict nonaudit service (NAS) purchases by public companies from their independent auditors. Our analysis is based on ...
More risks can feel less risky

In the United States, direct-to-consumer advertisements for medications must disclose each specific side-effect risk. A new study demonstrates a counterintuitive dilution effect: people perceive drug descriptions that include both serious and trivial side effects as less risky than descriptions that only list serious side effects.
Hybrid Knowledge Mining Ecosystem

Scientific discovery today depends as never before upon ease of access to data, associated sophisticated tools and applications, to enable research and education. Researchers who once worked in local, isolated laboratories now collaborate routinely and on a global scale. Specialized instruments that were spread across multiple locations can now fit into a single lab connected via cyberinfrastructure resources and residing in big data. However, the sheer volume and heterogeneity of data bring a multitude of problems. Commodity scalable cluster-based platform enables diversity of researchers to efficiently extract, store, index, annotate, mine, curating, and search large scale diverse, heterogeneous open data source data sets such as Google Scholar [1]. This paper outlines the process of developing a hybrid commodity cluster, leveraging the commercial service IBM Bluemix via Watson Data Analytics.
White Cities, Black Streets: Planned Violence and Native Maps in Richard Wright’s Chicago and Modikwe Dikobe’s Johannesburg

The art moderne architecture on Chicago’s streets and its Century of Progress Fair in 1933 influenced the Empire Exhibition and the urban form in Johannesburg in 1936 but in the shadow of the white cities, as their promoters called them, black lives were threatened by planned and unplanned violence. Owing more to property speculation and informal vigilantes than to legislation, Chicago’s black South Side in this period was more segregated than Johannesburg’s inner districts like Doornfontein. Starting with this counter-intuitive fact, the chapter compares critical responses to segregation by African Americans and black South Africans, and the literary expression of these tensions in fiction. Richard Wright’s Native Son and Modikwe Dikobe’s Marabi Dance combine sociological and ethnographic research—by Horace Cayton and St Clair Drake in Chicago and Ellen Hellman in Johannesburg—with melodrama and life-writing to depict with passion and realism black women and men who negotiate informal maps, gender and racial stereotypes, and planned and unplanned violence in their striving to fully inhabit their native cities.
The Impact of Graduates' Job Preferences on the Current Radiation Oncology Job Market.

Purpose To examine the role of radiation oncology (RO) graduates' application patterns and personal preferences in current labor concerns. Methods and Materials An anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed to 665 domestic RO graduates from 2013 to 2017. Questions assessed graduates' regional (Northeast [NE]; Midwest [MW]; South [SO]; West [WT]) job type and population size preferences. Top regional choice was compared across other categorical and numerical variables using the χ2 test and analysis of variance, respectively. Results Complete responses were obtained from 299 (45.0% response rate) participants: 82 (27.4%), 74 (24.7%), 85 (28.4%), and 58 (19.4%) graduated from NE, MW, SO, and WT programs. The most to least commonly applied regions were SO (69.2%), MW (55.9%), and then NE/WT (55.2% each). The first and last regional choices were the WT (29.4%) and MW (15.7%), respectively. The most and least common application and top choice preferences were consistent in terms of city size: >500,000 (86.0% and 64.5%, respectively) and Conclusions The MW and jobs in smaller cities are less appealing to RO graduates, even if they receive training in the MW, which may contribute to current job market concerns. Nonetheless, the majority of respondents received a job offer in the region, population size, and job type of their top choice. Assessing prospective candidates' city size and geographic preferences and prioritizing applicants who are compatible with positions may help address potential job market discrepancies.
A Review of Structural and Biomechanical Changes in the Cornea in Aging, Disease, and Photochemical Crosslinking

The study of corneal biomechanics is motivated by the tight relationship between biomechanical properties and visual function within the ocular system. For instance, variation in collagen fibril alignment and non-enzymatic crosslinks rank high among structural factors which give rise to the cornea's particular shape and ability to properly focus light. Gradation in these and other factors engender biomechanical changes which can be quantified by a wide variety of techniques. This review summarizes what is known about both the changes in corneal structure and associated changes in corneal biomechanical properties in aging, keratoconic, and photochemically crosslinked corneas. In addition, methods for measuring corneal biomechanics are discussed and the topics are related to both clinical studies and biomechanical modeling simulations.
How do the components of procedural justice and driver race influence encounter-specific perceptions of police legitimacy during traffic stops?

Procedural justice is often recognized as the key antecedent of police legitimacy. However, less is known about how the components of procedural justice, treatment and decision-making quality, infl...
Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation of 3-D Cu-Graphene Hybrid Nano-Interconnects

Cu-Graphene (Cu-G) hybrid nano-interconnects are promising alternative interconnect solutions for the development of future integrated circuit technology. However, the modeling and simulation of their high-frequency electrical performance remains a challenging problem. To enable the design of complicated Cu-G interconnects, we propose a multiphysics modeling and simulation algorithm to co-simulate Maxwell's equations, dispersion relation of graphene, and Boltzmann equation. We also develop an unconditionally stable time marching scheme to remove the dependence of time step on space step, as the space step is extremely small in nano-interconnects. Numerical experiments on graphene-encapsulated Cu interconnects reveal a conductivity enhancement similar to what has been found in experiments.
Closing Deferred Revenue

The closing deferred revenue proposal would require a taxpayer to close ‘‘deferred revenue’’ as if the taxpayer received cash equal to the amount of the deferred revenue account when it is closed. Deferred revenue accounts arise because the taxpayer receives cash (or ‘‘debit-side’’ benefits) but does not then pay tax because the cash or other benefit is not yet earned or because of offsetting obligations. The accounting will not reflect the cash and the books will not balance unless the deferred revenue is closed into revenue or reduced cost. Current law has to be confirmed, however, because KPMG LLP sold billions of dollars of son-of-BOSS shelters that rested on the assumption that deferred revenue accounts could disappear without tax consequences.The proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, a collaboration by tax professionals to develop and perfect proposals to help Congress when it needs to raise revenue. Shelf Project proposals are intended to raise revenue, defend the tax base, follow the money, and improve the rationality and efficiency of the tax system. The tax community can propose, follow, or edit proposals at http://www.taxshelf.org. A longer description of the Shelf Project can be found at ‘‘The Shelf Project: Revenue-Raising Projects That Defend the Tax Base,’’ Tax Notes, Dec. 10, 2007, p. 1077, Doc 2007-22632, 2007 TNT 238-37.Shelf Project proposals follow the format of a congressional tax committee report in explaining current law, what is wrong with it, and how to fix it.Copyright 2008 Calvin H. Johnson.
Comparing Multiple Theories about Learning with Physical and Virtual Representations: Conflicting or Complementary Effects?.

In most STEM instruction, students interact with visual representations, which can be presented in either in a physical or a virtual mode or in a blended form that combines both modes. While much research has compared the effects of physical and virtual representations on students’ learning, the field is far from being able to predict when and why one representation mode is more effective than the other. One reason why making such predictions is particularly difficult is that multiple different theories have been used to explain differences between representation modes. The goal of this article is twofold. First, it presents a survey of the literature to examine which theoretical perspectives have been used to motivate comparisons of representation modes and what predictions they make about their effectiveness. A review of 54 articles reveals five theoretical perspectives: physical engagement, cognitive load, haptic encoding, embodied action schemas, and conceptual salience. While the first two make general predictions about the effectiveness of representation modes, the last three make concept-specific predictions. Second, this article compares these predictions to examine how they conflict and align. This comparison identified several conflicts between theories that predict opposite effects, as well as several alignments where theories make the same predictions but based on different mechanisms. Further, this comparison revealed common confounds in experimental designs of the reviewed studies. The article concludes with recommendations for research to address the identified conflicts and with recommendations for instructors and designers of blended technologies for appropriate choices of representation modes.
Concurrent urinary and bowel diversion: Surgical modification with sigmoid colon that avoids a bowel anastomosis

ABSTRACT Objective: Cystectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard for muscle invasive bladder cancer. It also may be performed as part of pelvic exenteration for non-urologic malignancy, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and chronic conditions that result in a non-functional bladder (e.g., interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis). Our objective is to describe the surgical technique of urinary diversion using large intestine as a conduit whilst creating an end colostomy, thereby avoiding a primary bowel anastomosis and to show its applicability with respect to urologic conditions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed five cases from a single institution that utilized the described method of urinary diversion with large intestine. We describe operative times, hospital length of stay (LOS), and describe post-operative complications. Results: Five patients with a variety of urologic and oncologic pathology underwent the described procedures. Their operative times ranged from 5 hours to 11 hours and one patient experienced a Clavien III complication. Conclusion: We describe five patients who underwent this procedure for various medical indications, and describe their outcomes, and believe dual diversion of urinary and gastrointestinal systems with colon as a urinary conduit to be an excellent surgical option for the appropriate surgical candidate.
“Breaking Free” from the Frame: International Human Rights and the New York Times’ 360-Degree Video Journalism

This article conducts a qualitative textual analysis of the New York Times’ 360-degree news reports that focus on international human rights issues, posing the following research questions: (1) How...
Decomposing the gender pay gap in the formal sector in Venezuela: a microdata analysis 1985–2015

This note explores the presence of a gender pay gap in Venezuela. Using household surveys between 1985 and 2015, I test for gender disparity on wages in the formal sector. Firstly, I use a dummy va...
An analysis of within-subject and population level risk related to substance use and mental health outcomes among adolescents in the PATH study

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to understand how adolescent substance use patterns may lead to negative mental health outcomes. Methods Data from adolescents (12–17 years old at baseline, Wave 1) who participated in the first 3 waves of the Population Assessment of Health and Tobacco (PATH) study were used. Self-reported data on past 30-day substance use and internalizing/externalizing problems were used to conduct within-subject (fixed-effects model) and population-averaged (GEE model) analyses. Results In both within-subject and between-subject analyses, the use of other illicit drugs (e.g., opioids, cocaine, prescription drugs for non-medical use) was positively associated with internalizing problems (within-subject estimate, AOR: 1.65, 95 % CI = 1.36–2.01; between-subject estimate, AOR: 1.53, 95 % CI = 1.32–1.78) and alcohol use was positively associated with externalizing problems (within-subject estimate, AOR: 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.43–1.93; between-subject estimate, AOR: 1.67, 95 % CI = 1.48–1.89). Additionally, within-subject analysis suggested that alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs were associated with increased odds of comorbid internalizing and externalizing problems (ranging from marijuana, AOR: 1.18, - alcohol, AOR: 1.58). Discussion Using within-subject and between-subject comparisons, this study demonstrated associations between adolescent substance use and internalizing and externalizing problems. Results suggest not only the need for individual level assessment and early intervention, but also the development and implementation of public health policy aimed at preventing or mitigating the negative effects of substance use in adolescence to promote improved mental health outcomes for this at-risk group.
The effect of chronic nausea on gastric slow wave spatiotemporal dynamics in children.

Background Chronic nausea in adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorders is an increasingly reported but poorly understood symptom that negatively affects quality of life. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are known to correlate closely with slow wave rhythm disturbances. The ability to characterize gastric electrophysiologic perturbations in functional nausea patients could provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools for nausea patients. Methods We used high-resolution electrogastrograms (HR-EGG) to measure gastric slow wave parameters in pediatric chronic nausea patients and healthy subjects both pre- and postprandial. We computed the dominant frequency, percentage power distribution, gastric slow wave propagation direction, and speed from HR-EGG. Key results We observed significant differences in the dominant frequency and power distributed in normal and bradyarrhythmia frequency ranges when comparing patients and healthy subjects. Propagation patterns in healthy subjects were predominantly anterograde, while patients exhibited a variety of abnormalities including retrograde, anterograde, and disrupted patterns. There was a significant difference in the preprandial mean slow wave direction between healthy subjects (222° ± 22°) and patients (103° ± 66°; p ˂ 0.01), although the postprandial mean direction between healthy subjects and patients was similar (p = 0.73). No significant difference in slow wave propagation speed was found between patients and healthy subjects in either pre- (p = 0.21) or postprandial periods (p = 0.75). Conclusions and inferences The spatiotemporal characterization of gastric slow wave activity using HR-EGG distinguishes symptomatic chronic nausea patients from healthy subjects. This characterization may in turn inform and direct clinical decision-making and lead to further insight into its pathophysiology.
Renewable ammonia for sustainable energy and agriculture: vision and systems engineering opportunities

Synthetic ammonia is essential for agriculture, but its production at present is unsustainable. Ammonia synthesized with hydrogen from renewable-powered electrolysis and nitrogen separated from air has the potential to alleviate these sustainability concerns while also having promise as a low-cost storage medium for intermittent renewable energy. This paper reviews recent research and development on the topic of renewable ammonia production and utilization as fertilizer and as energy storage. We describe our vision for synergistically combining these renewable ammonia applications to improve sustainability. Furthermore, we outline opportunities for systems engineering to play a crucial role in advancing the adoption of renewable ammonia in a manner which is sustainable, economically competitive, and reliable.
Age affects the strain-rate dependence of mechanical properties of kelp tissues

Premise The resistance of macroalgae to hydrodynamic forces imposed by ambient water motion depends in part on the mechanical properties of their tissues. In wave-swept habitats, tissues are stretched (strained) at different rates as hydrodynamic forces change. Previous studies of mechanical properties of macroalgal tissues have used either a single strain rate or a small range of strain rates. Therefore, our knowledge of the mechanical properties of macroalgae is limited to a narrow fraction of the strain rates that can occur in nature. In addition, although mechanical properties of macroalgal tissues change with age, the effect of age on the strain-rate dependence of their mechanical behavior has not been documented. Methods Using the kelp Egregia menziesii, we measured how high strain rate (simulating wave impingement) and low strain rate (simulating wave surge) affected mechanical properties of frond tissues of various ages. Results Stiffness of tissues of all ages increased with strain rate, whereas extensibility was unaffected. Strength and toughness increased with strain rate for young tissue but were unaffected by strain rate for old tissue. Conclusions Young tissue is weaker than old tissue and, therefore, the most susceptible to breakage from hydrodynamic forces. The increased strength of young tissue at high strain rates can help the frond resist breaking when pulled rapidly during wave impingement, when hydrodynamic forces are largest. Because breakage of young tissue can remove a frond's meristem and negatively impact the survival of the whole kelp, strain-rate dependence of the young tissue's strength can enhance kelp's survival.
What is the role of firearms in nonfatal intimate partner violence? Findings from civil protective order case data.

Abstract Background Perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) use firearms to injure, scare, and manipulate their partners. Abusers who have a firearm in their homes are more likely to threaten and/or kill their partner. To date, however, limited research documents the nature of IPV perpetrator firearm access or the prevalence of nonfatal firearm abuse behaviors. Methods Federal law restricts firearm access for IPV perpetrators in qualifying domestic violence protective order (DVPO) cases and information about firearms should be disclosed during the DVPO process. We used secondary data from civil DVPO cases (n = 406) in North Carolina that were collected using a representative sampling strategy. Data were from DVPO case files and structured DVPO hearing observations. We conducted a content analysis to record IPV perpetrator access to guns and reported firearm abuse behaviors. We used a linear regression analysis to determine whether IPV perpetrator gun access was associated with higher levels of reported abuse. We also examined factors associated with perpetration of nonfatal firearm abuse. Results We found evidence of perpetrator firearm access in nearly half of all cases (46%, n = 108). Controlling for covariates, gun access was significantly associated with higher levels of reported IPV (b = 0.5, p Conclusions Gun access should be considered an indicator for severe IPV. We must ensure that existing legal mechanisms to identify and restrict abuser access to firearms are fully implemented and enforced. Firearm abuse often manifests as non-physical coercive control which is traumatic and has the potential to escalate to homicide, even in the absence of past physical violence.
Characterization of AMA1-RON2L complex with native gel electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing.

Rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2) binds to the hydrophobic groove of apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), an interaction essential for invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites. Vaccination with AMA1 alone has been shown to be immunogenic, but unprotective even against homologous challenge in human trials. However, the AMA1-RON2L (L is referred to as the loop region of RON2 peptide) complex is a promising candidate, as preclinical studies with Freund's adjuvant have indicated complete protection against lethal challenge in mice and superior protection against virulent infection in Aotus monkeys. To prepare for clinical trials of the AMA1-RON2L complex, identity and integrity of the candidate vaccine must be assessed, and characterization methods must be carefully designed to not dissociate the delicate complex during evaluation. In this study, we developed a native Tris-glycine gel method to separate and identify the AMA1-RON2L complex, which was further identified and confirmed by Western blotting using anti-AMA1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs 4G2 and 2C2) and anti-RON2L polyclonal Ab coupled with mass spectrometry. The formation of complex was also confirmed by Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (cIEF). A short term (48 h and 72 h at 4°C) stability study of AMA1-RON2L complex was also performed. The results indicate that the complex was stable for 72 hours at 4°C. Our research demonstrates that the native Tris-glycine gel separation/Western blotting coupled with mass spectrometry and cIEF can fully characterize the identity and integrity of the AMA1-RON2L complex and provide useful quality control data for the subsequent clinical trials. Color online: See article online to view Figs. 1-3 in color. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Reproducibility of Intraoperative Visual Evoked Potentials: A Review of 141 Cases Undergoing Prone Spinal Procedures

ABSTRACT.Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and surface electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded using flash stimulation during prolonged spine procedures performed in the prone position on 141 subjects without known visual deficits in the presence of various anesthetic protocols that included inhalation and intravenous agents. Waveforms were subjectively evaluated with respect to morphology, latency, amplitude, and reproducibility, with specific attention to the effects of minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of the inhalant in the anesthetic regimen. Although inter-subject variability was noted in the morphology of the VEPs, waveforms were highly reproducible within individual subjects and were relatively invariant over time. Reproducibility correlated inversely with the MAC level of inhalation agent. Potentials recorded using infraorbital-to-midline electrodes were also robust, reproducible, and stable, and similarly varied inversely with the MAC of inhalation agent. These waveforms were similar in morphol...
Equilibrium and disequilibrium chemistry of adiabatic, solar-composition planetary atmospheres

The impact of atmospheric and cloud-structure models on the nonequilibrium chemical behavior of the atmospheres of the Jovian planets is discussed. Quantitative constraints on photochemical, lightning, and charged-particle production of organic matter and chromophores are emphasized whenever available. These considerations imply that inorganic chromophore production is far more important than that of organic chromophores, and that lightning is probably a negligibly significant process relative to photochemistry on Jupiter. Production of complex molecules by gas-phase disequilibrium processes on Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune is severely limited by condensation of even simple intermediates.
Micrurgical studies with large free-living amebas.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the results of micrurgical studies on large, free-living amebas and describes the usefulness of the amebas as a model system for further micrurgical studies. The diverse experiments show that the micrurgical methods of transferring nuclei and cytoplasm have been effectively used in the studies of cells. These studies have joined with those using other methods in demonstrating the importance of the nuclear role both in simple cell activity, such as movement and in complicated cell functions including reproduction and inheritance. One of the valuable contributions of the nuclear transfer studies has been the direct demonstration of nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions at the macromolecular level. One interesting aspect of the nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions is the relation between heterologous nuclei and cytoplasm cells exhibit normal activities, such as phagocytosis, digestion of ingested food, growth, and cell division for several days before they decline and die. These functions are absent in anucleate amebas. In the case of a nuclear–cytoplasmic hybrid cell, the original cytoplasm is diluted by a factor of 2n as the cell multiplies, n being the number of cell divisions. Amebas have been shown to have DNA- and RNA-containing cytoplasmic particles that are capable of synthesizing nucleic acids and of reproducing cytoplasm.
Architects of Political Change: Constitutional Quandaries and Social Choice Theory

This work offers a set of extended interpretations of Madison's argument in Federalist X of 1787, using ideas from social choice theory and from the work of Douglass North, Mancur Olson, and William Riker. Its focus is not on rational choice theory itself, but on the use of this theory as a heuristic device to better understand democratic institutions. The treatment adapts a formal model of elections to consider rapid constitutional change at periods when societies face quandaries. The topics explored in the book include Britain's reorganization of its fiscal system in the eighteenth century to prosecute its wars with France; the Colonies' decision to declare independence in 1776; Madison's argument about the 'probability of fit choice' during the Ratification period of 1787-88; the argument between Hamilton and Jefferson in 1798–1800 over the long run organization of the US economy and the election of Lincoln in 1860.
Zero quiescent power VLF mechanical communication receiver

A first-in-kind all-mechanical communication receiver front-end employing resonant micromechanical switch (i.e., resoswitch) technology has detected and demodulated frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals as low as −60dBm at a VLF frequency of 20kHz suitable for extremely long-range communications, all while consuming zero quiescent power when in standby. The key to attaining high quality signal reception and demodulation with zero quiescent power consumption derives from the use of heavily nonlinear amplification, provided by mechanical impact switching of the resoswitch. This approach would be inconceivable in a conventional receiver due to performance degradation caused by nonlinearity, but becomes plausible here by virtue of the RF channel-selection provided by the resonant behavior of the mechanical circuit.
Induction of Chromosome Breaks and Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Patients with Hodgkin's Disease by Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens of Different Leukemogenic Potential

The success of various combination chemotherapies in the treatment of cancer is compromised by their potential to cause secondary leukemia. Previous studies have suggested that the alkylating agents used in some regimens are the major etiological factor in these leukemias. In this study, we compared the abilities of two standard regimens used in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease to cause chromosome breaks and sister chromatid exchanges, the two most common types of chromosomal damage induced by alkylating agents. These regimens are MOPP [mechlorethamine-vincristine (Oncovin)-procarbazine-prednisone] and CVPP-ABDIC [cyclophosphamide-vinblastine-procarbazine-prednisone-doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-bleomycin-dacarbazine-1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea]. Our study demonstrated that ( a ) levels of spontaneous chromosome breaks and sister chromatid exchanges were low in untreated Hodgkin's disease patients; ( b ) significantly higher levels of these damages were induced in patients receiving eight cycles of CVPP-ABDIC, as compared with their pretreatment levels; ( c ) significantly elevated levels of sister chromatid exchanges, but not chromosome breaks, were induced in patients receiving two cycles of MOPP; and ( d ) no differences in the effect of these two regimens on cell cycle kinetics were observed. Although MOPP therapy has been reported to have higher rates of secondary leukemia than CVPP-ABDIC, our studies show that eight cycles of CVPP-ABDIC are more potent than two cycles of MOPP in inducing chromosome damage in patients during treatments.
A History of Natural Philosophy: From the Ancient World to the Nineteenth Century

Natural philosophy encompassed all natural phenomena of the physical world. It sought to discover the physical causes of all natural effects and was little concerned with mathematics. By contrast, the exact mathematical sciences were narrowly confined to various computations that did not involve physical causes, functioning totally independently of natural philosophy. Although this began slowly to change in the late Middle Ages, a much more thoroughgoing union of natural philosophy and mathematics occurred in the seventeenth century and thereby made the Scientific Revolution possible. The title of Isaac Newton's great work, The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, perfectly reflects the new relationship. Natural philosophy became the 'Great Mother of the Sciences', which by the nineteenth century had nourished the manifold chemical, physical, and biological sciences to maturity, thus enabling them to leave the 'Great Mother' and emerge as the multiplicity of independent sciences we know today.
Chapman Conference on Time‐Dependent Positioning

The modeling of crustal deformation crosses several scientific disciplines including geodesy, tectonophysics, seismology, volcanology, hydrology, and geology. The AGU Conference on Time-Dependent Positioning provided scientists from these disciplines an opportunity to exchange information on alternative modeling concepts and techniques. The conference's scope encompassed user requirements for crustal motion models, the theoretical nature of crustal motion, modeling methodology, and results from recent deformation studies. The conference was convened September 23–25, 1991, in Annapolis, Md. It featured 62 presentations and was attended by 90 scientists from seven countries. Partial funding was provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Geological Survey.