cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of American Colonial Assemblies as Legislative Organizations

I examine the organizational evolution of the American colonial assemblies. The assemblies, like their modern progeny, established organizational boundaries, created standing committees, adopted increasingly complex rules and procedures, evolved apprenticeship and seniority norms in regard to leadership positions, and acquired specialized staff and facilities. After documenting the rise of these common legislative features, I turn to the question of how we can explain their existence at a far earlier time than most political scientists realize. I conclude with an examination of the implications of these findings for our understanding of how legislative institutions evolve.
Advection of Microphysical Scalars in Terminal Area Simulation System (TASS)

The Terminal Area Simulation System (TASS) is a large eddy scale atmospheric flow model with extensive turbulence and microphysics packages. It has been applied successfully in the past to a diverse set of problems ranging from prediction of severe convective events (Proctor et al. 2002), tracking storms and for simulating weapons effects such as the dispersion and fallout of fission debris (Bacon and Sarma 1991), etc. More recently, TASS has been used for predicting the transport and decay of wake vortices behind aircraft (Proctor 2009). An essential part of the TASS model is its comprehensive microphysics package, which relies on the accurate computation of microphysical scalar transport. This paper describes an evaluation of the Leonard scheme implemented in the TASS model for transporting microphysical scalars. The scheme is validated against benchmark cases with exact solutions and compared with two other schemes - a Monotone Upstream-centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL)-type scheme after van Leer and LeVeque's high-resolution wave propagation method. Finally, a comparison between the schemes is made against an incident of severe tornadic super-cell convection near Del City, Oklahoma.
Impact of lattice mismatch on the electrical properties of AlAs/InGaAs/InAs resonant tunneling diodes

Through the use of a vertically-integrated resonant tunneling diode heterostructure, we have examined the impact of lattice-mismatch on the electrical properties of the AlAs/In0.53Ga0.47As/InAs resonant tunneling diode (RTD). For strained-layers below the critical thickness, the current-voltage characteristics of the RTD track the bandgap change. In contrast, for strained layers greater than the critical thickness, the current-voltage characteristics are significantly degraded in the case of three-dimensional relaxation, but retain their characteristics in the case of two-dimensional relaxation.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of high levels of DDT in the diet on liver microsomal estrogen metabolism in the laying hen

Two experiments were conducted with laying hens to evaluate the effect of technical grade DDT on estrogen metabolism by liver microsomes using an assay which measured the metabolism of estradiol-17β-4-14C. In Experiment I feeding 500 ppm DDT in the diet had no significant effect on estrogen metabolism after 10 days. However, the metabolism was increased after 18 days and more than doubled after 51 days. In Experiment II hens were fed diets containing 0, 300, 600 or 1200 ppm DDT and estrogen metabolism by liver microsomes was examined at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 35 days. A significant increase in estrogen metabolism was seen at 14 days with the feeding of 600 or 1200 ppm DDT and at 21 days with 300 ppm DDT, The ability to metabolize estrogen reached a maximum increase of approximately two-fold in all hens fed DDT. This required 14 days when the birds were fed 1200 ppm DDT, 21 days when fed 600 ppm DDT and 35 days when fed 300 ppm DDT. The increase in estrogen metabolism caused by DDT was found to be dose and time dependent.
African American Fathers of High-Achieving Sons: Using Out -standing Members of an At-Risk Population to Guide Intervention:

Research on the highest-achieving members of a population can be instructive in assisting those who are less successful. The authors present findings from a study of 29 fathers of academically successful African American males, an untapped area of study, to illustrate how such findings can be used to guide interventions. Six parenting practices were observed among the fathers, most notable of which were their strong identity as a Black male and the support they received from the broader community. Implications for practice and research are suggested.
Contextual cost: When a visual-search target is not where it should be

Visual search is often facilitated when the search display occasionally repeats, revealing a contextual-cueing effect. According to the associative-learning account, contextual cueing arises from associating the display configuration with the target location. However, recent findings emphasizing the importance of local context near the target have given rise to the possibility that low-level repetition priming may account for the contextual-cueing effect. This study distinguishes associative learning from local repetition priming by testing whether search is directed toward a target's expected location, even when the target is relocated. After participants searched for a T among Ls in displays that repeated 24 times, they completed a transfer session where the target was relocated locally to a previously blank location (Experiment 1) or to an adjacent distractor location (Experiment 2). Results revealed that contextual cueing decreased as the target appeared farther away from its expected location, ultima...
Irradiation of the spleen by the intra-arterial administration of 90Yttrium microspheres in patients with malignant lymphoma. A preliminary report

A technique is described whereby large doses of internal irradiation can be delivered to the spleen. The technique consists of passing a catheter via the femoral artery into the splenic artery and injecting approximately 100 mCi of 90Yttrium microspheres which deliver ± 122,000 rads B to a 150-g spleen. Spleen scans taken before and after the internal irradiation of the spleen presented presumptive evidence that a radiation splenic destruction has been effected. There is a marked diminution and at times absence of pick-up of radioactive chromium-labeled red cells by the spleen. A preliminary report of 13 patients suffering from malignant lymphoma treated by this technique is presented.
Cardinality constraints in semantic data models

Abstract Constraints are central to the notion of a semantic data model. How well a model captures constraints affects its power and viability as a semantic data model. Cardinality constraints are an important subclass of general constraints. In this paper we provide formal definitions for cardinality constraints of several semantic models, as described in the literature. We construct a partial ordering of these constraints that shows the relative power expressed by each cardinality constraints. We discuss our results and offer possible extensions to contemporary cardinality constraint definitions. Our contributions include a collection and formal definition of existing cardinality constraints, a partial ordering of this set, and recommendations for cardinality constraint mechanisms in semantic data models.
Caregiving among American Indians and Alaska Natives with cancer

Caregivers are an important source of support for oncology patients during cancer diagnosis and treatment, often helping patients manage barriers to care. Our study had three goals: to describe the characteristics of caregivers for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) oncology patients, to assess the similarities and differences between the perceptions of caregivers and patients regarding barriers to cancer care, and to compare AI/AN caregivers to non-AI/AN caregivers on perceived barriers to cancer care. We conducted a structured interview that assessed perceived barriers to cancer care with a paired sample of 98 adult caregivers and 98 AI/AN oncology patients and to assess the degree of agreement between these two groups. We also investigated whether AI/AN and non-AI/AN caregivers had differing perceptions of barriers to cancer care. Caregivers reported that their role was very meaningful and not highly stressful. Caregivers and patients agreed 70 % of the time on specific barriers to cancer care. Both groups overwhelmingly reported financial and family or work issues as major barriers to care, whereas trust in providers was the least frequently endorsed barrier. A comparison of AI/AN and non-AI/AN caregivers revealed that AI/AN caregivers identified confidentiality among clinical staff as a significant barrier, whereas non-AI/AN caregivers perceived financial barriers as more significant. Finances, family, and work are perceived as the largest barriers to the receipt of cancer care for AI/AN oncology patients. Both patients and caregivers trusted health-care providers. Assessing barriers to care early in the assessment process may result in better engagement with cancer treatment by patients and their caregivers.
The abundance and distribution of the toxic dinoflagellate, Gonyaulax tamarensis, in Long Island estuaries

The distribution and abundance of motile cells of the toxic dinoflagellateGonyaulax tamarensis Lebour were monitored in estuarine waters of Long Island, a region with no previous history of shellfish toxicity. The population distribution was patchy, with the species detected in 40% of 115 estuaries examined during the spring bloom season. More detailed studies in four estuaries indicated that the dinoflagellate was most abundant in the headwater regions, with concentrations falling to undetectable levels at the mouths.G. tamarensis cell concentrations did not exceed 105 cells per 1 and often remained an order of magnitude lower. In several instances, population growth and accumulation ceased under seemingly favorable environmental and nutritional conditions.
The Mechanical and Structural Effects of HIV Proteins on Murine Carotid Arteries

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is considered a global epidemic with over 65 million people worldwide infected with the HIV-1 virus, the causative agent [1]. The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly increased the life expectancy of people infected with the virus by slowing the progression to the development of AIDS. However, the treatment has also led to the emergence of early onset cardiovascular complications including myocardial infarction [2] and atherosclerotic lesions [3], as well as subclinical markers of atherosclerosis including increased carotid artery intima-media thickness [4], increased arterial stiffness [5–6], and endothelial dysfunction [6]. It appears that HAART and HIV-1-infection are independent risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in adults [7]; however, the mechanism of disease progression remains unclear. There is a pressing need to identify mechanisms of early on-set cardiovascular disease associated with HIV-1 infection and HAART and to identify therapeutic strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease in HIV patients. The overall goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that over-expression of HIV proteins will lead to alterations in the biomechanical properties of large arteries.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Patient age is related to decision-making, treatment selection, and perceived quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Background: Patients with breast cancer must choose among a variety of treatment options when first diagnosed. Patient age, independent of extent of disease, is also related to quality of life. This study examined the impact of patient age on treatment selected, factors influencing this selection, and perceived quality of life. Methods: A 62-question survey evaluating breast cancer treatment and quality of life was mailed to breast cancer survivors. Responses were stratified by age ( 65 years) and extent of disease. Results: Of the 1,131 surveys mailed, 402 were included for analysis. There were 104, 179, and 119 women aged 65 years, respectively. The median patient age was 58 years, and the average interval from diagnosis to survey participation was 31.5 months.
Development of receptor for advanced glycation end products-directed imaging of atherosclerotic plaque in a murine model of spontaneous atherosclerosis.

Background— The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. We tested the hypothesis that 99mTc-labeled anti-RAGE F(ab′)2 can be used as a noninvasive tool to image atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Methods and Results— A sequence in the V-type Ig extracellular domain of RAGE was used to develop a peptide injected into rabbits; serum was retrieved, IgG prepared and affinity-purified, and pepsin-digested into F(ab′)2. Thirteen 6-week apoE−/− mice were fed a Western diet. At 20 weeks, 6 were injected with 15.2±1.9 MBq (350 to 411 μCi) 99mTc-labeled anti-RAGE F(ab′)2, 6 were injected with 99mTc-labeled control nonspecific IgG F(ab′)2, and 1 was injected with dual-labeled 99mTc and rhodamine anti-RAGE F(ab′)2. Four 20-week C57BL/6 mice were injected with 99mTc-labeled anti-RAGE F(ab′)2. All mice were imaged on a high resolution mini-γ camera 4 hours after injection and euthanized. The aortic tree was dissected and photographed, and the proximal aorta was sectioned for staining after γ scintillation counting. All 6 apoE−/− mice injected with 99mTc-labeled anti-RAGE F(ab′)2 fragments showed focal tracer uptake in the proximal aorta (mean %ID/g, 1.98%). Disease and antibody controls showed no focal tracer uptake in the thorax (%ID/g, <1.0%). Histological sections of the proximal aorta showed American Heart Association class III lesions with lipid laden macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and positive staining for RAGE. On immunofluorescence, RAGE colocalized with macrophages. Conclusion— These data show the feasibility of noninvasively imaging RAGE in atherosclerotic lesions in a murine model and confirm levels of RAGE expression sufficient to allow detection on in vivo imaging. Received May 22, 2008; accepted September 23, 2008.
Nondestructive vision-based approaches for condition assessment of structures

Nondestructive evaluation techniques, including the use of optical instrumentation (e.g., digital cameras), image processing and computer vision are promising approaches for structural health monitoring to complement sensorbased approaches. This study applies and evaluates the underlying technical elements for the development of an integrated inspection tool that is based on the use of commercially available digital cameras. The proposed system can help an inspector to visually assess a target structure remotely, without the need of having to travel to the bridge site, and by bypassing needed traffic detouring. Also, a contact-less vision-based crack detection methodology is introduced and evaluated. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities as well as the limitations of the proposed vision-based approaches.
Automatic extraction of core learning goals and generation of pedagogical sequences through a collection of digital library resources

A key challenge facing educational technology researchers is how to provide structure and guidance when learners use unstructured and open tools such as digital libraries for their own learning. This work attempts to use computational methods to identify that structure in a domain independent way and support learners as they navigate and interpret the information they find. This article highlights a computational methodology for generating a pedagogical sequence through core learning goals extracted from a collection of resources which in this case, are resources from the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE). This article describes how we use the technique of multi-document summarization to extract the core learning goals from the digital library resources and how we create a supervised classifier that performs a pair-wise classification of the core learning goals; the judgments from these classifications are used to automatically generate pedagogical sequences. Results show that we can extract good core learning goals and make pair-wise classifications that are up to 76% similar to the pair-wise classifications generated from pedagogical sequences created by two science education experts. Thus we can dynamically generate pedagogically meaningful learning paths through digital library resources.
The removal of exogenous thiols from proteins by centrigugal column chromatography

Abstract Centrifugal column chromatography was shown to provide a rapid, efficient, and useful means of separation of various low molecular weight thiols from proteins. The single chromatographic step procedure employed standard 5 ml plastic syringes containing Sephadex G-25 as the bed matrix and required less than 5 min to procedure average dilutions of 5000-, 980-, and 25-fold, respectively, from 5 to 200 mM initial concentrations of 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, and reduced glutathione in the sample as measured by titration with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Dihydrofolate reductase solutions of 0.07–0.08 mM were separated from 50 mM 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, or reduced glutathione with a minimum 16 500-fold dilution of the thiol after centrifugal chromatography on two consecutive columns. Thymidylate synthase solutions of 0.06 mM were effectively separated from mM 2-mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol with a minimum average 5900-fold dilution of the thiol after consecutive column chromatography. There was no change in either the physical or chemical properties of the enzyme throughout the course of the experiments as determined by activity, active site sulfhydryl group titration, and binding assays. Recoveries of protein obtained in the load fraction were usually in excess of 70% of the protein with virtually no dilution from the initial concentration. This method was developed in order to facilitate the study of the active site sulfhydryl groups in enzymes.
Role of AKT/PKB signaling in fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1)‐induced angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)

Transfection of chicken chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) with a chimeric secreted version of fibroblast growth factor-1 (sp-FGF-1) gene construct leads to a significant increase in vascularization. Though FGF-stimulated angiogenesis has been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms regulating FGF-1-induced angiogenesis are poorly understood in vivo. This study was designed to investigate the role of the AKT (PKB) kinase signaling pathway in mediating sp-FGF-1-induced angiogenesis in the chicken CAM. The involvement of the AKT pathway was demonstrated by up-regulation of AKT1 mRNA expression in sp-FGF-1 compared to vector alone control transfected CAMs as demonstrated by real-time RT-PCR. Western analysis using an antibody specific to the activated AKT (phosphorylated AKT), demonstrated an increase in AKT activity in sp-FGF-1 compared to vector control transfected CAMs. More importantly, the AKT inhibitor ML-9 significantly reduced sp-FGF-1-induced angiogenesis in CAMs. These results indicate that AKT signaling plays a role in FGF-1-stimulated angiogenesis in vivo and the AKT pathway may serve as a therapeutic target for angiogenesis-associated diseases.
Housing Finance in the 1980's

Strains evident in the housing finance system on the eve of the 80's suggest significant difficulties in meeting the housing demands of the decade ahead. The annual increase in residential mortgages outstanding had climbed to historic levels, relative to GNP, without raising residential construction spending above its ordinary share of GNP. This very weak housing bang for the mortgage buck is traceable, ultimately, to the soaring volume of sales in the used home market, relative to those in the new home market. With significant inflation rates continuing through the 1980's, mortgage lenders will be under great pressure from demands to refinance the existing housing stock, even if the rate of ownership turnover does not persist at the levels of the late 70's. And, as the dollar demands mount, for new and used housing purchases, lenders may find repayment flows from earlier loans continuing to provide a historically small fraction of the funds they need in supplying these demands.
Age-related assessment of central 5-HT1A receptors following irreversible inactivation by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ)

Abstract Age-dependent differences in the ability of N -ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) to irreversibly inactivate 5-HT 1A receptors were investigated in female Fischer 344 rats (ages 3 and 22 months). In the hippocampus, frontal cortex and amygdala, EEDQ reduced 5-HT 1A receptor density (33–70%) and drug affinity (2.3–6.2 fold) as determined by Scatchard analyses using [ 3 H]8-hydroxy-2-(di- N -propylamino)tetralin. In the frontal cortex, the reduction in B max values was significantly greater in 3 months vs. 22 months groups. These region-specific and age-dependent alterations in 5-HT 1A receptors may be of pathophysiological significance in age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
EFFECT OF SHARED INFORMATION ON TRUST AND RELIANCE IN A DEMAND FORECASTING TASK

People have difficulty relying on forecasting systems appropriately, which can lead to huge business losses. Sharing information regarding the performance of forecasting systems may lead to more appropriate trust and reliance. This study considered imperfect forecasting systems and investigated how sharing such information influences people’s trust and reliance. A simulated demand forecasting task required participants to provide an initial forecast, select and view a model forecast, and then determine their final forecast. Results showed that participants’ reliance on a forecasting model strongly depended on their trust in the model, which was often inappropriate. With shared information, participants’ reliance was more sensitive to changes of their trust in the model. However, when the shared information exposed instances of poor performance of the model, it diminished compliance with the selected model forecast, which undermined the accuracy of the final forecasts. These results suggest that sharing information may promote more appropriate reliance in situations in which people over trust automation, but not in situations in which people tend to under trust automation.
How the Patient Gets from the Front Door of the ASC to Your OR Suite

The patient, once arriving at the ASC, will complete paperwork at the admitting/reception desk. These will typically include medical-legal consent forms, financial information, and general instructions. The patient will then be moved to the pre-op staging area.
Wireless strain sensing microsystem

This paper describes a high-performance wireless strain sensing microsystem. A MEMS capacitive strain sensor converts an input strain to a capacitance change with a sensitivity of 26.5 aF per 0.1 /spl mu//spl epsiv/. Low-noise integrated sensing electronics employing a continuous time synchronous detection architecture convert the capacitive signal to an output voltage for further signal processing. An RF to DC converter based on inductive coupled coils converts a 50 MHz AC signal to a stable DC supply of 2.8 V with a current driving capability of 2 mA, sufficient to power the interface sensing electronics. A two-channel digital phase shift keying (PSK) and amplitude shift keying (LSK) passive telemetry achieve a wireless data transmission rate of 5 Mbps and 250 kbps, respectively, which are adequate for sending the strain data and temperature information for thermal compensation. The prototype microsystem achieves a minimum detectable strain of 0.9 n/spl epsiv// /spl radic/Hz with a maximum input strain of 1000 /spl mu//spl epsiv/.
Acute endophthalmitis in eyes treated prophylactically with gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin.

Purpose To study the use of prophylactic fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics, gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin, and bacterial sensitivity in cases of acute postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Design Retrospective, consecutive, observational case series. Methods Forty-two eyes of 42 patients with acute endophthalmitis occurring within six weeks after cataract surgery were identified. All patients were seen in a referral vitreoretinal practice over a two-year time interval. The number of patients using prophylactic gatifloxacin or moxifloxacin and results of bacterial culture and sensitivity to all fluoroquinolone antibiotics were recorded. Results Thirty-one of 42 eyes (74%) were treated with perioperative gatifloxacin or moxifloxacin and 24 eyes (57%) were continuously taking one of these antibiotics at the time of diagnosis. Nineteen eyes (45%) had a positive bacterial culture. The most frequent organism isolated was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus . Sensitivities were performed for 14 gram-positive organisms, and sensitivities to ciprofloxacin (50%), ofloxacin (44%), levofloxacin (46%), gatifloxacin (38%), and moxifloxacin (38%) were noted. Five organisms were resistant to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8 μg/ml. All gram-positive organisms were sensitive to vancomycin. Median visual acuity improved from hand motions to 20/40 at last follow-up. Conclusion Acute endophthalmitis can develop after cataract surgery despite the prophylactic use of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Gram-positive organisms causing acute endophthalmitis are frequently resistant to all fluoroquinolones, including a significant number of cases resistant to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin.
Historical Perspective — Emergence of Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses

Twelve key events leading up to the emergence of the current pandemic swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus are reviewed.
A Simple Heuristic for Serial Inventory Systems with Fixed Order Costs

We propose a heuristic for finding base order quantities for stochastic inventory models. The heuristic includes two steps. The first clusters the stages according to cost parameters. The second solves a single-stage problem for each cluster with the original problem data. In a numerical study, we show that the heuristic is near optimal.
Bigger Is Not Always Better The Effect of Obesity on Sexual Satisfaction and Behavior of Adult Men in the United States

We use data from the Midlife Development in the United States study to examine how sexual satisfaction, frequency, and number of partners are associated with men’s body weight. We consider five bod...
Deep brain stimulation activation volumes and their association with neurophysiological mapping and therapeutic outcomes

Objective: Despite the clinical success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), little is known about the electrical spread of the stimulation. The primary goal of this study was to integrate neuroimaging, neurophysiology and neurostimulation data sets from 10 patients with PD, unilaterally implanted with subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS electrodes, to identify the theoretical volume of tissue activated (VTA) by clinically defined therapeutic stimulation parameters. Methods: Each patient specific model was created with a series of five steps: (1) definition of the neurosurgical stereotactic coordinate system within the context of preoperative imaging data; (2) entry of intraoperative microelectrode recording locations from neurophysiologically defined thalamic, subthalamic and substantia nigra neurons into the context of the imaging data; (3) fitting a three dimensional brain atlas to the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the patient; (4) positioning the DBS electrode in the documented stereotactic location, verified by postoperative imaging data; and (5) calculation of the VTA using a diffusion tensor based finite element neurostimulation model. Results: The patient specific models show that therapeutic benefit was achieved with direct stimulation of a wide range of anatomical structures in the subthalamic region. Interestingly, of the five patients exhibiting a greater than 40% improvement in their Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS), all but one had the majority of their VTA outside the atlas defined borders of the STN. Furthermore, of the five patients with less than 40% UPDRS improvement, all but one had the majority of their VTA inside the STN. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that therapeutic benefit is associated with electrode contacts near the dorsal border of the STN, and provide quantitative estimates of the electrical spread of the stimulation in a clinically relevant context.
Implementation cost analysis of a community-based exercise program for seniors in south Florida

The objective of the study was to measure the costs of implementing the EnhanceFitness program to elderly residents of South Florida. The Health Foundation of South Florida's Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative implemented EnhanceFitness as part of their initiative to make evidence-based healthy aging programs available to South Florida seniors. Cost data were collected from agencies participating in the delivery of EnhanceFitness classes in South Florida. Cost questionnaires were e-mailed to program coordinators from agencies participating in the delivery of EnhanceFitness classes. Program coordinators worked with accounting staff to complete the questionnaires. Questionnaires were returned via e-mail. Costs were presented from the perspective of participating agencies. Total costs were divided by the number of classes being offered by each agency to determine cost per class per month. Average monthly costs per class were $1,713 during the first year of implementation and $873 during the second year of implementation. The cost measurements, combined with information from the literature on cost savings attributable to EnhanceFitness participation, suggest that EnhanceFitness has the potential to generate a net societal cost savings among program participants. The results are useful for community agencies considering implementing EnhanceFitness for their populations.
Judicial legitimacy and the Role of Courts: Shapiro's Courts

Fueled by concern about the alleged "litigation explosion,"' a new round has begun in the debate about the proper role of courts in the United States and the need for reform. The debate, at least in academic circles, most often dwells on questions of capacity and legitimacy.2 What kinds of cases and issues are courts able to resolve effectively? What kinds of cases should they hear? For the most part courts do what they have always done. But extended impact (or institutional reform) cases, which involve controversial policy questions, inevitably strain public acceptance of such institutions as courts that already bear a special burden of nonaccountability in a democratic society. Legitimacy, essentially a normative concept, questions the authority of courts to displace the value choices of elected legislative bodies by judicially fashioned policies.3 But much of the current debate, following Horowitz, is on judicial capacity-whether courts have the resources to deal with exceedingly complex and continuing issues that strain the boundaries of traditional adversarial adjudication. Capacity sometimes denotes the courts' internal ability to deal with a particular kind of question, other times, their "effec-
Comparative Studies on Effects of Three Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors on Common Malaria Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae)

Toxicities of three chitin synthesis inhibitors (diflubenzuron, nikkomycin Z and polyoxin D) were evaluated using second instars of the common malaria mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). Neither nikkomycin Z nor polyoxin D at 50 microg/liter caused significant larval mortality, although they reduced the body weight of the survivors by 20.5 and 33.8%, respectively, in 48 h. In contrast, exposures of the larvae to diflubenzuron at 12.5 microg/liter for 48 h resulted in 86.7% larval mortality and reduced the body weight of the survivors by 29.1%. Exposure of the pupae (<12 h old) to diflubenzuron at 100 microg/liter for 48 h caused 18.9% pupal mortality and consequently reduced the adult emergence by 24.7% from the surviving pupae. Furthermore, exposure of third instars to diflubenzuron at 4, 20, 100, and 500 microg/liter for 24 h resulted in the reduction of larval chitin contents by 4.25, 33.2, 35.2, and 57.7%, respectively. Such an effect seemed to be associated with only cuticular chitin synthesis because the same exposures did not significantly affect chitin contents in the guts. Our results indicated that diflubenzuron was highly toxic to second instars by not only causing high larval mortality but also by affecting their growth. Diflubenzuron was also fairly toxic to pupae by not only causing pupal mortality but also affecting the adult emergence. Our results suggest that diflubenzuron might affect only chitin synthesis in the cuticle but not in the peritrophic matrix, which is probably due to diflubenzuron's direct contact to mosquito larvae in water, slow distribution in insect body, rapid degradation in the insect gut, or a combination.
Women In Information Technology: New Connections In The Internet-Based Enterprise

This study first examines the factors that have resulted in the perceived inequality of opportunity for women in the Information Technology disciplines at the collegiate and corporate levels. The corporate continuum is analyzed to determine what specific strategies, if any, are employed to capitalize on the resources of women in the Information Technology spectrum. Implied barriers to the acceptance, integration, development and advancement of women are brought into focus. The article transitions to a review of collegiate innovations in the curriculum that attempt to find solutions that integrate and link corporate needs to university programs, both at the undergraduate and doctoral levels. Corporations ranging in size from small entrepreneurial entities to large multi-national firms, with various degrees of dependence on Internet technology, are surveyed in relation to their utilization of the female technology professional. The qualities, strengths, and holistic skills of the gender in relation to the electronic business spectrum are documented.
Synchronized amplification of local information transmission by peripheral retinal input

Sensory stimuli have varying statistics influenced by both the environment and by active sensing behaviors that rapidly and globally change the sensory input. Consequently, sensory systems often adjust their neural code to the expected statistics of their sensory input to transmit novel sensory information. Here, we show that sudden peripheral motion amplifies and accelerates information transmission in salamander ganglion cells in a 50 ms time window. Underlying this gating of information is a transient increase in adaptation to contrast, enhancing sensitivity to a broader range of stimuli. Using a model and natural images, we show that this effect coincides with an expected increase in information in bipolar cells after a global image shift. Our findings reveal the dynamic allocation of energy resources to increase neural activity at times of expected high information content, a principle of adaptation that balances the competing requirements of conserving spikes and transmitting information.
Online sketching for big data subspace learning

Sketching (a.k.a. subsampling) high-dimensional data is a crucial task to facilitate data acquisition process e.g., in magnetic resonance imaging, and to render affordable ‘Big Data’ analytics. Multidimensional nature and the need for realtime processing of data however pose major obstacles. To cope with these challenges, the present paper brings forth a novel real-time sketching scheme that exploits the correlations across data stream to learn a latent subspace based upon tensor PARAFAC decomposition ‘on the fly.’ Leveraging the online subspace updates, we introduce a notion of importance score, which is subsequently adapted into a randomization scheme to predict a minimal subset of important features to acquire in the next time instant. Preliminary tests with synthetic data corroborate the effectiveness of the novel scheme relative to uniform sampling.
Advancing Medical Professionalism in US Military Detainee Treatment.

Leonard Rubenstein and colleagues argue that professional associations should ensure that military rules do not require health professionals to choose between service to their country and ethical practice.
Alternative Possibilities, Luck, and Moral Responsibility

I first question whether genuinealternatives are necessary for moralresponsibility by assessing the assumption thataccessibility to such alternatives is vital tohaving the kind of control required forresponsibility. I next suggest that theavailability of genuine alternatives courtsproblems of responsibility-subverting luck foran important class of libertarian theories. Isummarize one such problem and respond torecent replies it has elicited. I then proposethat if this ``luck objection'' against theidentified class of libertarian theories ispersuasive, a similar objection appears toafflict compatibilist theories as well.Finally, I show that reflections on luck maywell take some bite out of variousFrankfurt-type examples. These are examplesdesigned to establish that an agent can bemorally responsible for an action despiteacting with libertarian free will in theabsence of genuine or pertinent alternatives.
The Predisposition Test

This note presents and describes the Predisposition Test, devised by Jay Lorsch and John Morse in their book Organizations and Their Members. The test was also published in Self-Assessment and Career Development (third edition) by James Clawson et al. Students may take the test and then use the text to guide themselves through the interpretation of the results. The test assesses predisposition for solitude, tolerance for ambiguity, and preference for autonomy.
Cell-, age-, and phenotype-dependent differences in the control of gene expression

elastin is an essential extracellular component of the pulmonary airways and vasculature that acts, in part, to provide the elasticity necessary to sustain respiratory and vascular dynamic functions ([5][1], [13][2]). The bulk of elastin production and deposition is limited to a narrow window of
Research on impacts of UHVDC transmission on operating stabilities of receiving-end power grid

Research on interaction impacts on UHVDC after fault in receiving-end power grid is important for improving stability. In order to research the running stability of the receiving end grid under typical fault take Jinsu UHVDC project as back ground, the sending grid and also the entire main grid of Jiangsu outside Jinsu UHVDC were established base on ADPSS. In accordance with the actual project DC line, filters, converter trans former and other DC electromagnetic transient model. The influence of typical faults on the receiving end grid such as AC bus fault, three-phase short circuit on line and bipolar locking were analyzed. Finally, restart procedure of bipolar locking were studied. Simulation results shows that serious fault may lead to DC bipolar locking, bipolar blocking or typical fault in AC system; Jiangsu power grid can restart smoothly after bipolar blocking, but the receiving end power grid can keep stable operation after bipolar locking.
Utilization of Ultrasonic Measurements to Quantify Aging-Induced Material Microstructure and Property Changes

Many structural components are exposed to thermal environments that promote aging-induced changes in material microstructure and properties. The extent of these changes may lead to a reduction in the design safety factors and, as a worst case, premature failure of the component. In order to illustrate how nondestructive measurements can be used to indicate these changes, ultrasonic measurements were conducted on stainless steel. Specimens from a high-carbon, Type 304 stainless steel were subjected to various thermal treatments to introduce differing precipitation morphologies. Specimens were examined using transmission electron microscopy to quantify the size, density, and distribution of the precipitates formed. Ultrasonic measurements were performed to assess sensitivity to the change in precipitation levels. Shear-wave birefringence provided the most consistent measurements for tracking precipitate morphology changes. Birefringence velocity differences increased as precipitate size and density increased on grain boundaries and as additional precipitates formed in the matrix. The ability to nondestructively monitor the precipitation process is important since susceptibility to environmentally assisted cracking and low-temperature embrittlement correlated with this microstructural change.
Requirement of two specific tyrosine residues for the catalytic activity of Bcr serine/threonine kinase

Bcr is a novel serine/threonine protein kinase that is believed to require two cysteine pairs for activity (Maru and Witte, Cell, 67, 459, 1991). Tyrosine phosphorylated Bcr has dramatically reduced kinase activity, and tyrosine 360 of Bcr, which is one of the sites of phosphorylation by the Bcr – Abl oncoprotein, is required for transkinase activity (Liu et al., Mol. Cell Biol., 16, 998, 1996). Results presented here indicate that Bcr tyrosine 328 is also phosphorylated within Bcr – Abl expressing cells and is required for Bcr's serine/threonine kinase activity. Bcr Y328F, like Bcr Y360F, had defective transkinase activity but can autophosphorylate. However, the Y328F/Y360F double mutant of Bcr is defective in both trans- and autokinase activities. Taken together with the kinase inhibitory effects of tyrosine phosphorylation of Bcr by Bcr – Abl, our studies with tyrosine to phenylalanine Bcr mutants indicate that the hydroxyl residues of tyrosines 328 and 360 play crucial roles in Bcr's kinase activity.
Genetic Differentiation Among Populations of Culicoides variipennis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the North American Vector of Bluetongue Virus

Genetic relationships among 24 populations of Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett) were examined using isozyme electrophoresis of 21 protein-encoding loci. Estimates of genetic similarity based on gene frequency differences among populations were consistent with the existence of three North American subspecies, C. v. occidentalis Wirth & Jones, C. v. sonorensis Wirth & Jones, and C. v. variipennis . A stepwise discriminant analysis determined several allozymes which, when used in two canonical variables, accounted for 97% of the dispersion between subspecies. The geographic and genetic relationships among the three subspecies provide support for the hypothesis that the subspecies may be different species. The genetic relationships of the three subspecies to C. gigas Root & Hoffman suggest that C. v. occidentalis diverged from a C. variipennis -like ancestor from which C. v. sonorensis and C. v. variipennis later evolved. The implications of the genetic structure of the C. variipennis complex for the epidemiology of bluetongue disease in North America are discussed.
Patients exposed to diagnostic head and neck radiation for the management of shunted hydrocephalus have a significant risk of developing thyroid nodules

Purpose External radiation to the head and neck can lead to an increased incidence of thyroid nodules. We investigated whether patients requiring repeated head and neck imaging for the management of shunted hydrocephalus had a higher incidence of ultrasound-detected thyroid nodules compared to reports of comparable age.
Modern Economics in U.S.A

The analytical framework of modern economics is consisted of three major parts:perspective,reference or benchmark,and analytical tools.The starting point of economists analysis of issues is efficiency;reference is at the core of analytical framework;analytical tool is an important weapon in the analysis.The above framework plays a fundamental role in the understanding of modern economics.The role of mathematics can be divided into two parts:one is the role in theoretical analysis,the other is the role played in teaching.However,the role of mathematics is just a tool,thought in economics is the most important.
Effects of Helicobater Pylori Infection on Henoch-Schonlein Purpura with Renal Impairment in Children

Objective To evaluate the relationship between Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) accompanying renal impairment and helicobater pylori(Hp) infection.Methods This study consisted of 304 patients with HSP.The patients were divided into 2 groups(group A and group B) based on Hp infection or not(91 cases in group A and 213 cases in group B).Compared with the rates of accompanying renal impairment in 2 groups.And observed the recovery from renal impairment between the patients who were turned into negative(group C)and patients still were positive after the anti-Hp therapy(group D).Numeration data were analyzed by χ2 test.Results Group A which was with Hp infected,the accompanying renal impairment ratio was 65.9%.Group B which was without Hp infected,the ratio was 35.2%.There was significant difference between 2 groups(χ2=24.378 P0.01).In group A,60 patients who were HSP accompanying renal impairment with Hp infection,after anti-Hp therapy,45 patients were negative in Hp infection(group C),and 84.4% recover from renal impairment,but 15 were still positive (group D) and only 46.7% recover.The ratio of group C was higher than the group D(χ2=8.563 P0.01).Conclusions Our study shows a significant correlation between Hp infection and renal impairment in HSP patients.And the treatment of anti-Hp in time may be helpful for the recovery from renal impairment in the HSP.
SERKing Coreceptors for Receptors

Plants have evolved a large number of cell surface-resident receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs), many of which are implicated in sensing extrinsic and intrinsic signals, and govern diverse cellular responses. The signaling pathways mediated by RLKs and RLPs converge at a small group of RLKs, somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs), via ligand-induced heterodimerization and transphosphorylation. As shared coreceptors in diverse signaling receptorsomes, SERKs exhibit functional plasticity yet maintain a high degree of signaling specificity. Here, we review recent advances in newly identified SERK functions in plant cell differentiation, growth, and immunity; discuss the regulation and activation mechanisms of SERK-associated receptorsomes; and provide insights into how SERKs maintain signaling specificity as convergent hubs in various signaling pathways.
Q Method/Analysis

Q method is a technique to elicit subjective beliefs, opinions, and discourses from individuals, and to assess and compare them using an analysis technique that is partly qualitative and partly quantitative. The technique differs from, though is not incompatible with, more well-known survey techniques, since it emphasizes the relationship of claims and responses within, rather than between, individuals. Its potential applications in human geography are manifold, and it is an excellent tool for use in projects seeking to understand shared and divergent points of view, a cornerstone for critical human geography, humanist geography, environmental perception, feminist geography, political ecology, and a host of other subdisciplinary approaches. Caution should be exercised in using the technique insofar as the ‘hard’ quantitative results provided by the analysis should be treated reflexively, since they inevitably result from a series of theory-laden decisions in research design and implementation.