cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Civil Wars and Party Systems

Objective. This article examines the effects of civil wars on the characteristics of postconflict party systems, in terms of fractionalization, whether a dominant party emerges, and party systems stability. Methods. Data were collected for 92 developing countries, 44 of which experienced a civil war from 1975 to 2009. Regression and logistic regression analyses are conducted to examine the impact of civil wars, while controlling for anumber ofothervariables. Results. This articlefindsnorelationship between civil war and fractionalization, but does find that intense, bloodier civil wars tend to produce party systems that are dominant-party systems with less electoral volatility than transitional states that did not experience a civil war. Conclusion. These results suggest support for the argument that particularly bloody civil wars are likely to have an especially powerful freezing effect on party systems (and may not lead to fully competitive party politics). What effects do civil wars 1 have on the development of party systems? Although it has long been acknowledged that sudden changes can affect the development of political parties, the general relationship between violent internal conflict and party systems development in the aftermath of a civil war is not well understood. Although there has been some work that suggests that civil wars have a “freezing” effect on the shape of party systems later (as in Ireland, and for a time in Finland and Spain), most of this work has focused largely on individual historical European cases (Linz and Montero,
The Stress Intensity Factors for Griffith Crack(s) in an Orthotropic Strip in the Presence of Asymmetrical Body Forces

The closed form expressions of stress intensity factors for Griffith crack(s) opened by asymmetrical body forces in a rigidly lubricated orthotropic strip have been obtained by using finite Fourier transform. The determination of plastic-zone length and the conditions of partial closing of the crack are also given for asymmetrical forces. A special case of point body force is considered for wood of Oak.
Labor Standards and Trade

This paper explores the wide disparity of views on issues of international labor standards and the available options for addressing the issues involved. The discussion and analysis include: the definition and scope of labor standards; theoretical aspects of the economic effects of labor standards and the available empirical evidence; global, regional, national/unilateral, and other arrangements for the monitoring and enforcement of labor standards; and implications for policy in dealing with labor standards. It is argued that, because of the diversity of labor standard in countries with differing national characteristics, policies, and institutions, the case for devising WTO rules and disciplines to improve core labor standards in low-income countries cannot be convincingly made. Further, there are no compelling theoretical and empirical grounds to support the international enforcement and harmonization of labor standards.
Effects of Polyinosinic Acid and Polycytidylic Acid on the Deoxyribonucleic Acid Template Activity of Isolated Nuclei and Soluble Chromatin from Rat Liver

Abstract 1. Polyinosinic acid (poly(I)) is capable of releasing the DNA template restrictions of rat liver nuclei or soluble chromatin when assayed with Escherichia coli DNA polymerase. In contrast, polycytidylic acid (poly(C)) is completely ineffective. 2. The ability of poly(I) to release the DNA template restrictions is dependent on the size of the poly(I). Poly(I) with sedimentation values from 4.1 to 12.5 S are good template activators while an equivalent amount of the smaller poly(I) with an s20,w value of 2.5 is far less effective. In comparison, poly(C) with sedimentation values from 3.1 to 13.2 S are incapable of activating the template DNA of either rat liver nuclei or chromatin. 3. The similarity of the poly(I) effect on both isolated nuclei and soluble chromatin indicate that the specificity of the polymer for DNA template activation is not determined by its ability to pass through the nuclear membrane. 4. The double-stranded homopolymer pair poly(I)·poly(C) is completely ineffective in activating template DNA. Similarly, the nuclear template-activating ability of poly(I) can be totally inhibited if the bases of the poly(I) are methylated in the N-7 position. 5. Radioactive poly(I), but not radioactive poly(C), is capable of binding to isolated rat liver nuclei and soluble chromatin. Similarly, poly(I), but not poly(C), produced an optical clearing of nuclear suspensions when measured at A600 nm. This phenomenon was accompanied by a release of DNA from the nuclei. 6. Poly(I), and to a lesser extent poly(C), was able to protect high molecular weight DNA in nuclei from degradation when nuclear suspensions were incubated at 37° in the presence of 2.5 mm magnesium ion. 7. DNA template characteristics of calf thymus DNA could be completely inhibited by the addition of unfractionated calf thymus histones. Large sizes of poly(I) were specifically able to reactivate the template properties of these histoneinhibited DNA preparations. 8. These results indicate that the ability of specific polyribonucleotides to activate template DNA depends on several characteristics of the polymer including its composition, size, and secondary structure in solution.
Use of Computer Adaptive Testing in the Development of Machine Learning Algorithms

In this issue, Tighe and colleagues present a novel approach for “classifying large amounts of data into useful information.” Their study demonstrates the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms for clinical predictions and highlights the promise of such advances in mining secondary databases. Recently, a new approach to ML, Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), has been applied to the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). CAT relies on computer algorithms that select the most informative subset of items for each individual from a larger “bank” of self-report items. The algorithm improves efficiency by administering fewer items and reducing response burden. As the choice of items to be administered is tailored to the individual, measurement precision is not sacrificed. The ML algorithms applied by Tighe and colleagues were used to identify accurate and efficient formulas for predicting subsequent femoral nerve blocks as are the CAT algorithms. In CAT, levels of self-reported health outcomes are estimated (predicted) by administering the most efficient subset of items for any given individual. The methodological advances of ML and CAT have the potential to meaningfully impact both research and clinical practice. This editorial describes ML as it relates to the collection of PROs and explores recent applications of this computer-based measurement strategy. In addition, we discuss how the existence of CAT-assessed PROs might improve the prediction of ML algorithms such as those applied by Tighe and colleagues. The need to reduce the number of items administered in measuring PROs has long been an issue in health outcomes research. This concern has led researchers away from reliance on classical testing models and toward emerging theories and applications such as item response theory (IRT) and CAT. These methods have been used successfully for several decades in settings as varied as education, licensure, achievement testing, personality assessment, and selection of military …
Building Multicultural Residential Communities: A Model for Training Student Staff.

The growing diversity and changing demographics within the United States increases the importance of students developing skills to engage across identity difference. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how a pre-employment course for student staff members is used as a multicultural intervention training to provide students with the knowledge and skills to create and facilitate an inclusive, multicultural community in residential communities.
Effect of regional topography and hydrology on the lacustrine isotopic record of Miocene paleoclimate in the Rocky Mountains

Drummond, C.N., Wilkinson, B.H., Lohmann, K.C. and Smith, G.R., 1993. Effect of regional topography and hydrology on the lacustrine isotopic record of Miocene paleoclimate in the Rocky Mountains. Palaeogeogr., Palaeoclimatol., Palaeoecol., 101: 67-79. Oxygen isotopic compositions of upper Miocene (9.2 m.y.) lacustrine limestone from northwestern Wyoming range from -21.5 to -35.2%0 (PDB) and are the lightest yet reported for a non-marine carbonate sequence. These values require that lake water was greatly depleted in 180 relative to modern meteoric precipitation and indicate that most inflow was sourced as meltwater from glaciers in the adjacent Gros Ventre range. Assessment of climatic factors influencing the isotopic composition of global meteoric water indicates either that nearly all of Miocene precipitation in the southern Rocky Mountains was derived from large lake systems in the Snake River Plain and northern Great Basin to the west, or that Gros Ventre catchment elevations were up to 2300 m higher than at present. Because erosion rates in modern alpine regions suggest that subaerial denudation could only account for up to 1200 m of post-Miocene elevation reduction, any additional lowering must reflect the influence of post-Laramide epeirogeny during Basin and Range extensional tectonism. Lacustrine isotopic data therefore provide boundary conditions on the timing and magnitude of changes in late Cenozoic paleoclimate, topography, hydrology, and tectonism in the western Wyoming portion of the Rocky Mountains.
Magnetic properties and negative colossal magnetoresistance of the rare earth Zintl phase EuIn2As2.

Large, high quality single crystals of a new Zintl phase, EuIn2As2, have been synthesized from a reactive indium flux. EuIn2As2 is isostructural to the recently reported phase EuIn2P2, and it is only the second reported member of the group of compounds with formula AM2X2 (A = alkali, alkaline earth, or rare earth cation; M = transition or post-transition metal; and X = Group 14 or 15 element) that crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63/mmc (a = 4.2067(3) A, c = 17.889(2) A and Z = 2). The structure type contains layers of A2+ cations separated by [M2X2]2− layers along the crystallographic c-axis. Crystals of the title compound were mounted for magnetic measurements, with the crystallographic c-axis oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the applied field. The collective magnetization versus temperature and field data indicate two magnetic exchange interactions near 16 K, one involving Eu2+···Eu2+ intralayer coupling and the other involving Eu2+···Eu2+ coupling between layers....
What's wrong with immediate knowledge?

Immediate knowledge is here construed as true belief that does not owe its status as knowledge to support by other knowledge (or justified belief) of the same subject. The bulk of the paper is devoted to a criticism of attempts to show the impossibility of immediate knowledge. I concentrate on attempts by Wilfrid Sellars and Laurence Bonjour to show that putative immediate knowledge really depends on higher-level knowledge or justified belief about the status of the beliefs involved in the putative immediate knowledge. It is concluded that their arguments are lacking in cogency.
Strontium and Magnesium in Water and in Crassostrea Calcite

Distribution of magnesium and strontium was determined between waters and calcites secreted by the oyster species Crassostrea virginica and C. rhizophorae in natural habitats at eight localities, from Maine to Puerto Rico. The concentration of strontium in the calcite shells increases with increasing temperature in the range 13° to 25°C, and also with increasing Sr ++ /Ca ++ molal ratio in the water. The concentration of magnesium in the shells increases irregularly with temperature, and it is apparently independent of the Mg ++ /Ca ++ ratio in the water. The greater variation with temperature in the distribution factor for magnesium may be related to genetic differences between semi-isolated populations.
An Apparatus for Separating Live Amphipods from Debris

Abstract We designed an inexpensive (US$35), easy-to-build apparatus that separates live freshwater amphipods Hyalella azteca from debris. In 2 d of unattended operation, the separator provided an average of 2,700 amphipods from debris per square meter of raceway bottom (range = 1,600–4,000/m2; n = 3). Amphipod-containing debris collection, apparatus setup, and salt treatment of amphipods to kill hydras and flatworms took about 10 min.
Submillimeter spectroscopy of the major isotopes of water

Abstract Extensive new measurements in the region 300–1100 GHz for the major isotopes of water in both the ground and first excited vibrational states are reported. These results are used as the basis for centrifugal distortion analyses of these species that are based solely upon microwave data. Comparisons are made with both earlier microwave work and with previous analyses based upon weighted data sets of microwave and high-resolution infrared data. The new measurements reported in this paper represent more than a third of the total microwave data currently available.
Photovoltaic properties of polymer films

Abstract The effect of metal electrode and film thickness on the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency in (1:1) mole ratio films of poly (N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF) has been investigated. Low work function metals increase the Schottky barrier height which leads to increases in the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency. A ten-fold decrease in film thickness produces a thousand-fold increase in photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency. A theoretical model which assumes that the photovoltaic current is limited by Child's law predicts photovoltaic efficiencies which are in good agreement with the measured efficiencies.
Internal flavonoid patterns of diploids and tetraploids of two exudate chemotypes of Pityrogramma triangularis (Kaulf.) Maxon

Abstract The internal flavonoid patterns of Pityrogramma triangularis fronds were found to distinguish diploids and tetraploids of two exudate chemotypes (the ceroptin and the kaempferol methyl ether types). The flavonoid data suggest that the tetraploid-kaempferol methyl ether chemotype is of alloploid origin involving the two diploid chemotypes because the flavonoid pattern for the former represents a pattern additive of the two diploids, while the tetraploid-ceroptin chemotype may be of autoploid origin, as deduced from the similarity of the diploids and tetraploids.
Evolving Concepts Regarding the Genus Aeromonas: An Expanding Panorama of Species, Disease Presentations, and Unanswered Questions

It has been almost 10 years since a major review on the association of Aeromonas with human disease has been published. During that period the number of valid species in the genus has grown to 14, with a new family (Aeromonadaceae) established to house this genus. Despite this explosion in the number of new genomospecies, only five (Aeromonas hydrophila, A. caviae, A. veronii, A. jandaei, and A. schubertii) are currently recognized as human pathogens. New syndromes attributed to this genus include hemolytic uremic syndrome, burn-associated sepsis, and a variety of respiratory tract infections, including epiglottitis. Convincing evidence suggests that some aeromonads do cause gastroenteritis, but it is presently unclear whether many of the strains isolated from feces are involved in diarrheal disease. Many questions regarding this genus remain unanswered.
Upper and lower bounds analysis of electric induction intensity factors for multiple piezoelectric cracks by the BEM

Abstract For piezoelectric cracks, the correct magnitudes of the electric induction intensity factors (EIFs) are obtained by the semi-permeable boundary condition (BC) the solution procedure of which is a non-linear iterative process that are not well established so far. We propose to use the impermeable and permeable BCs, although not correct, to obtain the upper and lower bounds of the EIFs using much simpler linear solution procedure by the boundary element method (BEM). We develop a numerical Green's function approach based on the whole crack singular element (WCSE) for the general piezoelectric solids in two-dimensions. It is used for the mixed mode boundary element analysis of multiple straight cracks for impermeable and permeable BCs. The crack opening displacement (COD) of a straight crack is represented by the continuous distribution of dislocation dipoles, with the built-in r COD behavior, which is integrated analytically to give the r COD and the 1 / r crack tip stress singularity. The proposed numerical Green's function approach does not require the post-processing for the accurate determination of the stress intensity factors (SIFs).
Coaxial silicon nanowires as solar cells and nanoelectronic power sources

Solar cells are attractive candidates for clean and renewable power; with miniaturization, they might also serve as integrated power sources for nanoelectronic systems. The use of nanostructures or nanostructured materials represents a general approach to reduce both cost and size and to improve efficiency in photovoltaics. Nanoparticles, nanorods and nanowires have been used to improve charge collection efficiency in polymer-blend and dye-sensitized solar cells, to demonstrate carrier multiplication, and to enable low-temperature processing of photovoltaic devices. Moreover, recent theoretical studies have indicated that coaxial nanowire structures could improve carrier collection and overall efficiency with respect to single-crystal bulk semiconductors of the same materials. However, solar cells based on hybrid nanoarchitectures suffer from relatively low efficiencies and poor stabilities. In addition, previous studies have not yet addressed their use as photovoltaic power elements in nanoelectronics. Here we report the realization of p-type/intrinsic/n-type (p-i-n) coaxial silicon nanowire solar cells. Under one solar equivalent (1-sun) illumination, the p-i-n silicon nanowire elements yield a maximum power output of up to 200 pW per nanowire device and an apparent energy conversion efficiency of up to 3.4 per cent, with stable and improved efficiencies achievable at high-flux illuminations. Furthermore, we show that individual and interconnected silicon nanowire photovoltaic elements can serve as robust power sources to drive functional nanoelectronic sensors and logic gates. These coaxial silicon nanowire photovoltaic elements provide a new nanoscale test bed for studies of photoinduced energy/charge transport and artificial photosynthesis, and might find general usage as elements for powering ultralow-power electronics and diverse nanosystems.
AC strength of a pattern generator

The AC strength of a pattern generator is the fraction of the exhaustive two-pattern count that it can apply to the logic given sufficient time. It is a measure that allows assessing how well a pattern generator can serve in applying AC test vectors to the logic. Generators with high AC strengths tend to perform better than generators with low AC strengths. Special generators with high AC strengths can be designed with a considerable penalty of hardware overhead. An alternative to designing special pattern generators that can serve well during AC test is to separate the inputs of the logic fed by the generator, so that no two inputs belonging to the same output cone in the logic are connected to adjacent stages of the generator. This input separation will facilitate an effective AC test, and will not suffer from the high overhead that the special generators suffer from. This paper introduces the notion of the AC strength of a pattern generator and proposes the input separation scheme that will allow an efficient AC test to be performed on the logic.
Bounds on the size of minimal nonnegative realizations for discrete-time LTI systems

Nonnegative linear time-invariant (LTI) state-space models are characterized by the property that their state variables and outputs remain nonnegative whenever the initial state and the inputs are nonnegative. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a nonnegative state-space realization of a given discrete-time (DT) impulse response were obtained recently. In this letter, we look at minimal nonnegative realizations of DT impulse responses and develop bounds on the number of state variables that are necessary.
The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS): Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure

In Behavioral Activation (BA) for depression (Martell, C. R., Addis, M. E., & Jacobson, N. S. (2001)), which has recently received empirical support in a large randomized trial, therapists pay close attention to the function of behavior and the role of aversive controlling stimuli and escape and avoidance behavior in depression. A key variable to measure in studies of BA is when and how clients become more activated over the course of treatment. This study sought to develop an initial set of items for the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS), submit these items to an exploratory factor analysis in an initial administration (Study 1, N = 391), and submit the resulting scale to a confirmatory factor analysis in a second administration (Study 2, N = 319). Results indicated four factors (Activation, Avoidance/Rumination, Work/School Impairment, and Social Impairment) with good factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Evidence for construct and predictive validity is presented.
Nuclear granules recognized by some monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filament protein locate on chromosomes during mitosis

AC54 monoclonal antibody (MAb), an anti-desmin MAb, recognizes both intermediate filaments (IFs) and nuclear granules in BHK21/C13 cells. To investigate nuclear granules, similar MAbs were obtained by using desmin fraction as an antigen. Among them, DSB389 MAb recognized mainly nuclear granules in HeLa and rat liver cells. The nuclear granules in HeLa cells were aligned in arrays, sometimes connected by, or part of, a rope-like structure, and stable against treatment with 0.5% Triton X-100 and 2 M NaCl. They located on or around the chromosomes during mitosis. Essentially the same results were obtained with DSB860 and AC54 MAbs. The distribution of the granules in liver nuclei recognized by DSB389 MAb was similar to that of DNA and was different from that of the nuclear pore complexes. The biological significance of the nuclear granules is discussed.
Traveling waves and weak solutions for an equation with degenerate dispersion

We consider the following family of equations: ut = 2uuxxx − uxuxx + 2kuux. Here k 6= 0 is a constant and x ∈ [−L0, L0]. We demonstrate that for these equations: (a) there are compactly supported traveling wave solutions (which are in H) and (b) the Cauchy problem (with H initial data) possesses a weak solution which exists locally in time. These are the the first degenerate dispersive evolution PDE where (a) and (b) are known to hold simultaneously. Moreover, if k < 0 or L0 is not too large, the solution exists globally in time.
Neuroendocrine factors in susceptibility to inflammatory disease: focus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Communication between the central components of the stress response and the immune system plays an important role in susceptibility to inflammatory disease. This communication occurs through hormonal and neuronal mechanisms. Hormonal mechanisms involve activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by immune system products, e.g. cytokines. The stimulated HPA axis regulates immune responses through the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids. Neuronal mechanisms include direct innervation of immune organs. Cytokine activation of the HPA axis and the resultant glucocorticoid-induced suppression of immune and inflammatory responses represent an important mechanism whereby the central stress response modulates peripheral inflammation. Interruption of this communication is associated with exacerbation of inflammatory disease. Conversely, intracerebroventricular transplantation of hypothalamic tissue from inflammatory resistant rats into susceptible rats reduces peripheral inflammation by more than 85%.
The potential of waste-to-energy in reducing GHG emissions.

Background: The combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) to generate heat or electricity (waste-to-energy [WTE]) could reduce net GHG emissions in the USA compared with combusting methane from lan...
Evaluation of the functional properties of invertebrate hemoglobins

Abstract The function of respiratory pigments in marine invertebrates is often deduced from their oxygenation properties in vitro. The validity of the extrapolation rests upon identity of experimental conditions with body fluid pH and pO2 levels in vivo, and yet these quantities are not well known. Moreover, the influence of body temperature upon pH in cold-blooded animals has been ignored. Measurements indicate that body fluid pH in marine invertebrates varies inversely with temperature, it shows the effects of thermal acclimation and it is depressed by other factors that occur regularly in the lives of these animals. Absolute values of pH depart considerably from those often used in in vitro oxygen equilibrium studies of respiratory pigments. Infaunal microhabitats have higher pO2 values than often assumed in the past.
Bucking Conventional Wisdom And Focusing On Disparities To Address Kidney Disease

Physician and clinical researcher Carmen A. Peralta devised a breakthrough testing strategy for detecting those at risk of developing end-stage renal disease—a condition that afflicts disproportionate numbers of blacks and Hispanics.
Enhanced subinertial diurnal tides over isolated topographic features

Abstract Amplification of diurnal tidal currents has previously been reported over two isolated topographic features. The explanation suggested was that tidal forcing excites subinertial free waves that are trapped at the topography and propagate around it. However, only free waves were discussed and the actual forcing of the waves by the diurnal tide was not explored. To examine this forcing mechanism, a simple model of an oscillating, rectilinear, barotropic current flowing over a radially symmetric topographic feature is presented. Results support the idea of the resonant excitation of free waves and show that the amplification at the diurnal frequency is substantial for a wide range of topographic sized. Therefore, a free-wave frequency is occur precisely at the diurnal frequency in order for the wave to be excited.
Comparison of Memory Chip Organizations vs Reliability in Virtual Memories

Random access memory organizations typically are chosen for maximum reliability, based on the operation of the memory box itself without concern for the remainder of the computing system. This had led to widespread use of the 1-bit-per-chip, or related organization which uses error correcting codes to minimize the effects of failures occurring in some basic unit such as a word or double word (32 to 64 bits). Such memory boxes are used quite commonly in paged virtual memory systems where the unit for protection is really a page (4K bytes), or in a cache where the unit for protection is a block (32 to 128 bytes), not a double word. With typical high density memory chips and typical ranges of failure rates, the 1-bit-per-chip organization can often maximize page failures in a virtual memory system. For typical cases, a paged virtual memory using a page-per-chip organization can substantially improve reliability, and is potentially far superior to other organizations. This paper first describes the fundamental considerations of organization for memory systems and demonstrates the underlying problems with a simplified case. Then the reliability in terms of lost pages per megabyte due to hard failures over any time period is analyzed for a paged virtual memory organized in both ways. Normalized curves give the lost pages per Mbyte as a function of failure rate and accumulated time. Assuming reasonable failure rates can be achieved, the page-per-chip organization can be 10 to 20 times more reliable than a 1-bit-per-chip scheme.
Simultaneous Near-Field Optical Birefringence and Fluorescence Contrast Applied to the Study of Dye-Doped Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals.

The local optical and electrooptical properties of dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) thin films are explored by near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Detailed information on the mechanisms for dye alignment and electric-field-induced dye reorientation in localized sample regions is sought. Dye reorientation is predicted to occur by two distinct processes: (i) via its interactions with the liquid crystal host and (ii) via the direct interactions of its permanent and induced dipole moments with the applied field. The liquid crystal is doped with a nearly isotropically aligned BODIPY dye so that contributions of both reorientation mechanisms can be explored. An order parameter of 0.10 ± 0.02 is measured for BODIPY in bulk aligned samples, suggesting that host−guest interactions are very weak. Simultaneously recorded birefringence (transmission) and fluorescence NSOM images confirm that the dye is apparently not well aligned, even on submicrometer length scales. Surprisingly, NSOM st...
Exploring the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy Using Latent Class Cluster Analysis

Epilepsy co-occurs frequently in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Understanding this co-occurrence requires a better understanding of the ASD-epilepsy phenotype (or phenotypes). To address this, we conducted latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) on an ASD dataset (N = 577) which included 64 individuals with epilepsy. We identified a 5-cluster solution with one cluster showing a high rate of epilepsy (29%), earlier age at first recognition, and high rates of repetitive object use and unusual sensory interests. We also conducted LCCA on an ASD-epilepsy subset from the overall dataset (N = 64) which yielded three clusters, the largest of which had impairments in language and motor development; the remaining clusters, while not as developmentally impaired were characterized by different levels of repetitive and sensory behaviors.
Towards a hydrological model for computerized ice-sheet simulations

Ice-sheet modelling typically uses grid cells 10km or more on a side, so any hydrological and sliding model must average or parameterize processes that vary over shorter distances than this. Observations and theory suggest that basally produced water remains in a distributed, high-pressure system unless it encounters low-pressure channels fed by surface melt. Such distributed systems appear to exhibit increasing water storage, water transmission and water lubrication of sliding with increasing water pressure. A model based on these assumptions successfully simulates some aspects of the non-steady response of mountain glaciers to externally forced channel-pressure variations; it merits testing in ice-sheet modelling.
Shoot RNA, cambrial activity and indolebutyric acid effectivity in seasonal rooting of juvenile and mature Ficus pumila cuttings

The seasonal influence on adventitious root formation was studied in woody leaf bud cuttings of Ficus pumila L., creeping fig. Juvenile cuttings rooted easily, whereas only mature cuttings treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA) exceeded 30% rooting. Greater rooting occurred in IBA-treated juvenile and mature cuttings than controls, regardless of the month each experiment was initiated. Seasonal changes influenced rooting in all treatments except IBA treated juvenile cuttings where percentage rooting was not affected. Higher vascular cambial activity and shoot RNA levels occurred in juvenile and mature forms during peak rooting periods. Highest RNA was recorded with juvenile materials during maximum rooting periods, while lowest RNA was observed in mature shoots during low rooting intervals.
Characterization and surgical resection of an organized pericardial hematoma assisted by transesophageal echocardiography

We describe the echocardiographic features of a rare pericardial hematoma causing elevated venous pressure in a patient who had suffered blunt chest trauma in the past. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a large, partially calcified mass in the right cardiophrenic angle impinging on the tricuspid annulus and facilitated intraoperative assessment of surgical resection.
Ordering of Helium Mixtures in Porous Gold

Torsional oscillator measurements show that the phase diagram of ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixtures in porous gold is fundamentally different from that of bulk mixtures but similar to that found for mixtures in $98%$ porous silica aerogel. The similarities found in the mixture phase diagram and in the vapor pressure isotherms in these two media clarify our understanding of the nature of the ordering and the phase transitions in these systems.
The effect of the Infant Health and Development Program on special education use at school age.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of an intensive early intervention on special service use at school-age. Study design The Infant Health and Development Program was a randomized controlled trial of an intervention for low birth weight ( Results There were 875 complete cases at 8-year follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in risk of special education (risk ratio [RR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.64-1.15), remedial reading (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68-1.14), remedial math (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63-1.34), or speech therapy (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.62-1.23). The treatment arms did not differ in rates of LDs, and service use for those with LDs was low and unaffected by study group. Conclusions Early gains in IQ from infant interventions may not protect children as they face the educational demands of grade school. Only a fraction of those having a LD were receiving school-based support services, indicating a high level of unmet need among low birth weight children with disabilities.
Deforming Grid Variational Principle for Unsteady Small Disturbance Flows in Cascades

A variational method for computing unsteady subsonic flows in turbomachinery blade rows is presented. A variational principle that describes the harmonic small disturbance behavior of the full potential equations about a nonlinear mean flow is developed. Included in this variational principle is the effect of a deforming computational grid that conforms to the motion of vibrating airfoils. Bilinear isoparametric finite elements are used to discretize the variational principle, and the resulting discretized equations are solved efficiently using lower-upper decomposition. The use of a deforming computational grid dramatically improves the accuracy of the method since no error-producing extrapolation is required to apply the upwash boundary conditions or to evaluate the unsteady pressure on the airfoil surfaces
Minimizing the Need for Physical Restraint and Seclusion in Residential Youth Care Through Skill-Based Treatment Programming

Recent and widely publicized increases in client injuries and occasional deaths relating to the use of physical restraint in child care settings have administrators and practitioners searching for alternative methods of managing clients who present a danger to themselves, other clients, or staff. Many care facilities have responded to the problem by providing better crisis intervention training to direct care staff, both to help them defuse crisis episodes without the need for potentially dangerous interventions, and to equip them to use restraint tactics safely when those are required. Some have implemented and enforced vigorous and categorical zero restraint policies or have adopted sharply limited restraint practices. Others have combined these measures to comply with the recent federal mandate regulating the use of restraint and seclusion. This study explored an alternative possibility that definable, systematic, and skill-based treatment programming may inherently reduce the need for these interventi...
Principles in quality assurance. Part 1. Sink or swim

The regulated pharmaceutical industry is an ocean of complexity and detail through which Quality Assurance (QA) professionals must steer the best course, playing a crucial role in the profitability of the industry and the well-being of patients. How best to keep the 'good ship' QA stable and effective while being battered by the numerous changing priorities, last-minute demands, or unforeseen events, is a challenge to us all, and the subject of this paper. The ideas presented here are simple, perhaps simplistic, and stem from the idea that, in order to be effective in this complex environment, we have to find some fundamental unifying concepts that can be applied consistently to our work. Semantics aside, we will consider these unifying concepts to be 'principles' and this paper will describe their definition and application within a bioanalytical Contract Research Organization (CRO). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technology, cluelessness, anthropology, and the memex: the future of academic reference service

The future of the academic library and the future of reference service are inextricably interdependent. These include information technology, the role of the library as place, users’ values, and users’ naivete about the complexity of information. Significant user values include immediacy, interactivity, personalization, and mobility. In order to develop services that respond to users’ need, librarians need to develop an anthropological understanding of their user communities. They also need to play a significant role in developing information systems. These need to provide personalized service. These ideas are not new; however, information technology has advanced to a point where they can be applied both practically and effectively. As librarians take a larger role in adapting information technologies to meet users’ information needs in ways that respond to their values, reference service must remain user‐centered; high‐tech and high touch are equally important.
Impact airblast triggers dust avalanches on Mars

Visible images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed more than 200 new impact sites on Mars (almost all in dust-mantled regions) containing 1–50 m diameter craters, often in clusters. We count approximately 65,000 small-scale slope streaks within 2 to 3 km of one such cluster and categorize them into four morphologically distinct types. Here we show that these slope streaks (interpreted as dust avalanches) are triggered by the impact event but, surprisingly, are not due to seismic shaking; instead, the dust avalanches are due to airblasts created by the supersonic meteor(s) before impact. Sixteen of the new impact sites are associated with high areal densities of dust avalanches. The observed dust avalanche frequency suggests that impact-generated airblasts constitute a locally important and previously unrecognized process for inducing slope degradation on Mars.
Impact of Co-Occurring Birth Defects on the Timing of Newborn Hearing Screening and Diagnosis

Purpose Early detection of hearing loss in all newborns and timely intervention are critical to children’s cognitive, verbal, behavioral, and social development. The initiation of appropriate early...
Investigation of pediatric renal transplant recipients with heavy proteinuria after sirolimus rescue

Background Little is known about the incidence and evolution of proteinuria as a complication of sirolimus rescue in children. This study describes pediatric renal transplant (Tx) recipients who were treated with sirolimus and who developed heavy proteinuria. Risk factors for the development of proteinuria and its time course are explored. Methods Data at various time points after sirolimus introduction were abstracted from the records of children treated at the author's center. The repeated measures general linear model and the Student's paired t test were used to analyze changes in laboratory values over time. Results Of the 13 children on sirolimus, 12 developed heavy proteinuria after a mean interval of 1 month. The mean urine protein (Up)-to-creatinine (c) ratio increased from 1.1 to a peak value of 3.9 (P=0.003) at 4.6 months after the start of sirolimus. Although not statistically significant, children on no calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) had a greater increase in the Up/c than those on low-dose CNI. At last follow-up, with the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), the Up/c declined to 2.2. No predictors could be identified for the development of proteinuria. Conclusions Heavy proteinuria is common after the use of sirolimus as rescue therapy in children with renal Tx. Whether this is attributable to a toxic effect of the sirolimus itself or to lower CNI exposure is uncertain. Early detection of proteinuria is important to enable prompt intervention. Most children have a reduction in their Up/c with the use of ARB and can therefore be continued on sirolimus.
Are natural languages universal

We began by distinguishing Tarskian and Fitchean notions of universality in such a way that the claim that no language is universal in the sense of Tarski is compatible with accepting Fitchean universality. Then we examined a proposal involving two truth concepts — one that fit the Fitchean notion and another that followed Tarski's views on truth — finding little advantage in such generosity. We attempted a reformulation of Herzberger's argument for the negative view — the view that no language is universal in Tarski's sense — but found it unsuccessful when the language of the argument's formulation was brought under consideration. A more persuasive argument for EI was found, free of the defect of the previous one. EI was then shown to have unsettling consequences, prompting us to inquire about avoiding it. We found this possible, noting that EI is itself a solution to the semantic paradoxes, to which there are alternatives that avoid the unwelcome aspects of EI. However, whether any such alternative is ultimately preferable to EI remains to be seen.
Preventing disease transmission through the transfer of in-vivo-derived bovine embryos

Abstract Investigation and experience have demonstrated that movement of in-vivo-derived bovine embryos can be accomplished while effectively limiting spread of infectious disease between populations of cattle. Experimental and theoretical justifications of current strategies for production of specific-pathogen-free, in-vivo-derived embryos are reviewed. Hazards of spreading bovine viral diarrhea virus via in-vivo-derived embryos are dealt with specifically. It is concluded that established sanitary procedures for producing pathogen-free, in-vivo-derived embryos are efficacious if the ethical and technical excellence of those performing the procedures can be assured.
Tropical forests and the global carbon cycle: the need for sustainable land-use patterns

Abstract Deforestation and degradation of forest and agricultural land in the tropics contribute to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, although the magnitude of the flux is under much debate. There is a great potential to control deforestation and further land degradation through increasing productivity and sustainability of the tropical landscape. Increased sustainable development will not only improve the economic well-being of the people living in the tropics but it has a great potential to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations through reduction of emissions and increase in area of land that serves as carbon sinks.
Control of Protein Level of Algae, Chlorella

SUMMARY Chlorella pyrenoidosa No. 71105, grown under limited nitrate conditions (1mM NO-s) had protein levels of 21–6470 of the total dry weight when grown in continuous culture, and only 5–20% protein when grown as stationary cultures. Light limited both the protein fixation and the total production of dry algal tissue. Protein per liter increased with light, but at a slower rate than total dry weight, resulting in yields of greater protein per liter but cells of lower percentage of protein. Up to limiting concentrations of nitrate the algal yield (dry matter) was directly proportional to light received. The conversion of light energy to net chemical energy was between 3 and 13%.
Improving Student Presentations: Pecha Kucha and Just Plain PowerPoint

Students often use PowerPoint for presentations. Pecha Kucha was introduced as an alternative type of PowerPoint presentation. Pecha Kucha is a fast-paced presentation style that forces students to focus on their message with automated, 20-second slides. Three studies, including a pilot, examined whether Pecha Kucha enhanced the quality of student presentations as compared to traditional PowerPoint presentations. In a pilot study, students chose their presentation style; those who selected Pecha Kucha had higher quality presentations than did those who used a traditional PowerPoint presentation. When randomly assigned to presentation styles, student presentation quality did not differ. In another experimental study, when students presented using both styles, Pecha Kucha presentations were rated higher than were those using traditional PowerPoint. The results suggest that Pecha Kucha is a new, useful presentation style for students.
Characterization of a Large, Low-Cost 3D Scanner

Imagery-based 3D scanning can be performed by scanners with multiple form factors, ranging from small and inexpensive scanners requiring manual movement around a stationary object to large freestanding (nearly) instantaneous units. Small mobile units are problematic for use in scanning living creatures, which may be unwilling or unable to (or for the very young and animals, unaware of the need to) hold a fixed position for an extended period of time. Alternately, very high cost scanners that can capture a complete scan within a few seconds are available, but they are cost prohibitive for some applications. This paper seeks to assess the performance of a large, low-cost 3D scanner, presented in prior work, which is able to concurrently capture imagery from all around an object. It provides the capabilities of the large, freestanding units at a price point akin to the smaller, mobile ones. This allows access to 3D scanning technology (particularly for applications requiring instantaneous imaging) at a lower cost. Problematically, prior analysis of the scanner’s performance was extremely limited. This paper characterizes the efficacy of the scanner for scanning both inanimate objects and humans. Given the importance of lighting to visible light scanning systems, the scanner’s performance under multiple lighting configurations is evaluated, characterizing its sensitivity to lighting design.