cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New building blocks for fluorinated imidazole derivatives: preparation of beta-fluoro- and beta,beta-difluorohistamine.

We demonstrate that “FBr” addition to 1-trityl-4-vinyl-1H-imidazole (7) provides a convenient route to side-chain-fluorinated histamines. Thus, addition of “FBr” to the double bond of 7 occurs with Markovnikov regioselectivity to produce 4-(2-bromo-1-fluoroethyl)-1-trityl-1H-imidazole (8). Substitution with azide, reduction, and removal of the trityl group provide β-fluorohistamine (1) as the dihydrochloride. Elimination of HBr from 8 followed by a second addition of “FBr” gives 4-(2-bromo-1,1-difluoroethyl)-1-trityl-1H-imidazole (15). This was similarly converted to β,β-difluorohistamine (2) as the dihydrochloride.
S-wave observations in the Franciscan terrane, central California

We have examined S -wave arrivals from local earthquakes at a three-station seismograph array in the Franciscan terrane of the Diablo Range, California. A single crustal S -wave phase is observed with a velocity of 3.30 km/sec. Poisson's ratio calculated for the crust from a composite Wadati diagram is 0.27. Beyond epicentral distances of 90 km we have tentatively identified an Sn phase with a velocity of 4.35 km/sec. Other investigators have reported a Pn velocity of 8.0 km/sec corresponding to an upper mantle Poisson's ratio of 0.29. The 3.30 km/sec crustal S -wave velocity is intermediate in value between crustal S -wave velocities measured in similar terranes 75 km north at Berkeley and 90 km south at Bear Valley, suggesting a NW-SE crustal S -wave velocity gradient east of the San Andreas fault in the Franciscan terrane. This may be indicative of an increase in crustal rigidity from southeast to northwest, possibly associated with the differing levels of seismic activity observed along portions of the San Andreas fault.
Patterns of depressive disorders across 13 years and their determinants among midlife women: SWAN mental health study

Abstract Background Little is known about the course of depression in midlife women. This study aims to identify factors that distinguish risk factors for persistent or recurrent depression from those of a milder course across 13-years of follow-up. Methods 297 Black and White premenopausal women aged 42–52 were enrolled at the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Pittsburgh site. Psychiatric interviews obtained information on lifetime psychiatric diagnoses at baseline and occurrences of depression annually. We identified four depression patterns: 91(31%) had Persistent/recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) , 27(9%) Single Episode MDD , 35(12%) Minor Depression ( minD ) only, 144(48%) No Depression. We compared baseline risk factors for the Persistent/recurrent MDD group with each of the other three. Results A lifetime history of major or minor depression (p-values =.001–.08) and 2+ very upsetting life events in the previous year (p-values=.003–.04) were more likely to be reported by women in the Persistent/recurrent group than in the other three. The Persistent/recurrent group was more likely to report a family history of depression (p=.03) than the MinD group, and to report current sleep problems (p=.002) at baseline than the Single Episode MDD group. Limitations Small numbers of women with minD or a Single Episode MDD. Childhood maltreatment and family depression history were retrospectively reported. Conclusions A Persistent/recurrent depression course is common during midlife. In addition to personal and family histories of depression, providers of midlife health care should recognize that current sleep problems and recent very upsetting events are strong risk factors for a pernicious depression course.
Vancomycin concentrations in necrotic pancreatic tissue: A pilot study

Purpose:To determine vancomycin concentrations in necrotic pancreatic tissue of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.Methods:The prospective, observational pilot s...
Disorder And Diffusion In Thin-Film Multilayers

Practical multilayer devices usually have some in-built imperfections that adversely affect their properties. An analysis of the diffraction properties of a multilayer, and its comparison with the results obtained from a theoretical model of a multilayer with imperfections, can give information about the type and magnitude of imperfections in the multilayer. This information can then be used to make multilayers with better characteristics.
Case Study: Concentrations of biotin in blood of Holstein bull calves supplemented with biotin and pantothenic acid

ABSTRACT Pantothenic acid interferes with biotin absorption in nonruminants. The objective of this study was to determine whether pantothenic acid affects the concentration of biotin in the blood of young calves. Weaned bull calves (n = 16) were fed ad libitum a pelleted starter including no supplemental B-vitamins and hay for 2 wk before the beginning and until the end of the experiment. Water was available ad libitum at all times. Two wk after weaning, calves were blocked by age and randomly assigned to 4 treatments according to a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted of administering, for 14 d, a daily gelatin capsule containing no B-vitamins, 10 mg of biotin, 240 mg of pantothenic acid, and 10 mg of biotin + 240 mg of pantothenic acid. Expeller soybean meal was used as a carrier of the vitamins in the capsules. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein at d 0 and 14. Concentrations of avidin-binding substances (ABS) in plasma were determined by a single-step competitive enzyme-binding assay. The concentrations of ABS in plasma were similar for all treatments ( P > 0.24) and did not change after dosing vitamins over time (3.47 and 3.07 ng/mL for d 0 and 14, respectively; SEM = 1.5 ng/mL; P > 0.63). Plasma concentrations of ABS were substantially greater than those previously reported for lactating dairy cows (0.7–2.1 ng/mL). Based on these data, we cannot conclude whether or not an interaction exists between biotin and pantothenic acid in regards to biotin absorption.
Relationship Between the Lateral Center-Edge Angle and 3-Dimensional Acetabular Coverage.

Background:The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) is an important measurement in understanding acetabular morphology and has had multiple interpretations. Misunderstanding of the LCEA and its relatio...
Agent-causal libertarianism, statistical neural laws and wild coincidences

Agent-causal libertarians maintain we are irreducible agents who, by acting, settle matters that aren’t already settled. This implies that the neural matters underlying the exercise of our agency don’t conform to deterministic laws, but it does not appear to exclude the possibility that they conform to statistical laws. However, Pereboom (Nous 29:21–45, 1995; Living without free will, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001; in: Nadelhoffer (ed) The future of punishment, Oxford University Press, New York, 2013) has argued that, if these neural matters conform to either statistical or deterministic physical laws, the complete conformity of an irreducible agent’s settling of matters with what should be expected given the applicable laws would involve coincidences too wild to be credible. Here, I show that Pereboom’s argument depends on the assumption that, at times, the antecedent probability certain behavior will occur applies in each of a number of occasions, and is incapable of changing as a result of what one does from one occasion to the next. There is, however, no evidence this assumption is true. The upshot is the wild coincidence objection is an empirical objection lacking empirical support. Thus, it isn’t a compelling argument against agent-causal libertarianism.
Hacking the citizenry?: Personality profiling, ‘big data’ and the election of Donald Trump

This article examines the reported use of ‘big data’ analysis by Cambridge Analytica in support of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. It investigates the transformations enveloping the overlapping worlds of politics, technology and social science. In particular, it critically reviews new developments in the field of psychometrics that have enabled researchers to harvest vast quantities of data by accessing social media platforms such as Facebook. The article also assesses claims that predictive analytics and ‘psychographics’ led to Trump's unexpected victory. The article concludes with a broader discussion about the state of political discourse in an era of digital communication.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health services in the United States: Origins, evolution, and contemporary landscape.

Background LGBT community organizations in the United States have been providing health services since at least the 1970s. However, available explanations for the origins of LGBT health services do not sufficiently explain why health in particular has been so closely and consistently linked to LGBT activism. Little is also known regarding how LGBT health services may have evolved over time with the growing scientific understanding of LGBT health needs. Methods This study begins with a review of the early intersections of sexuality and health that led to an LGBT health movement in the United States, as well as the evolution of LGBT health services over time. Informed by this, an asset map displaying the location and types of services provided by "LGBT community health centers" today in relation to the population density of LGBT people was explored. An online search of LGBT community health centers was conducted between September-December, 2015. Organizational details, including physical addresses and the services provided, were confirmed via an online database of federally-registered non-profit organizations and organizational websites. The locations and types of services provided were analyzed and presented alongside county-level census data of same-sex households using geographic information system (GIS) software ArcGIS for Desktop. Findings LGBT community health centers are concentrated within urban hubs and coastal states, and are more likely to be present in areas with a high density of same-sex couples. LGBT community health centers do not operate in 13 states. The most common health services provided are wellness programs, HIV/STI services, and counseling services. Conclusions LGBT community health centers have adapted over time to meet the needs of LGBT people. However, significant gaps in service remain in the United States, and LGBT community health centers may require significant transformations going forward in order to continue serving LGBT people.
Early Operative Outcomes of Endoscopic (eTEP Access) Robotic-Assisted Retromuscular Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

Background The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia repair technique was first described for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and later applied to laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair. We present our center's early operative outcomes utilizing principles of this technique during robotic ventral and incisional hernia repair for implementation of the robotic eTEP Rives-Stoppa (eRS) and eTEP transversus abdominis release (eTAR) techniques. Methods A review of a prospectively maintained database of hernia patients was conducted identifying 37 patients who underwent robotic eTEP for ventral, incisional, flank or parastomal hernia repair between March and October 2017. All patients underwent retrorectus dissection with selective utilization of transversus abdominis release (TAR) as indicated. Results 37 patients including 13 male and 24 female with mean age, body mass index, and ASA score of 54, 35.5, and 2.4, respectively, underwent a mean operation room time of 198 min. Mean length of stay was 0.7 days. There were no intraoperative complications. Two patients developed subcutaneous seromas requiring interventional radiology drainage. One patient was readmitted at 30 days for PO intolerance that was managed expectantly. Mean postoperative follow-up visit occurred at 36 days with no sign of early hernia recurrences. Conclusion The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal approach is both safe and feasible in robotic-assisted repair of ventral and incisional hernias. Although long-term outcomes and patient selection criteria require further study, we believe this technique will become an important tool in the armamentarium of minimally invasive hernia surgeons.
Plastic deformation kinetics of fine-grained MgO in tension

The plastic deformation kinetics of 99.4% MgO (do = 5.3 μm) was investigated at 1500°–1600°C in uniaxial tension. It was determined that the stress exponent n ≈ 1 and the activation energy Q = 204 kJ/mole. Neither the present results on MgO, nor data in the literature on MgO and other oxide ceramics, can be fully explained by the models usually proposed for the plastic deformation of fine-grained oxide ceramics. The present results are however in good agreement with the model for grain boundary diffusion plastic flow recently developed by Kim, Estrin and Bush.
Three Dimensional Reconstruction of Vascular Beds

This chapter discusses the mathematics and computer processing required to generate three dimensional representations of vascular beds from multiple digital angiographic projections. In order to compensate for the deficiencies of conventional reconstruction techniques, a method is presented which directly reconstructs a vascular tree structure. This method appears to take good advantage of vessel characteristics such as connectivity and uniform internal density. Direct reconstruction takes full advantage of the information contained in multiple images, using a dynamic programming technique to determine the vessel centerline, edges, and densitometric profiles in each of the views. With the knowledge of the artery locations from each projection, reconstruction of the arterial tree centerline is overdetermined and averaging or least squares techniques can be used. The vessel lumen geometry may be estimated using the edge information and attenuation profile. The lumen geometry can then be refined by densitometric reprojection of the vascular tree and comparison with original profiles. Examples of direct reconstruction and perspective display of a pig heart coronary artery cast are given.
Strategic synergy: advances in the shape control of bimetallic nanoparticles with dilute alloyed surfaces

Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles with dilute alloyed surfaces are promising materials for many applications, especially catalysis. However, the preparation of nanoparticles composed of catalytically advantageous metal pairs is complicated by challenges, such as lattice mismatch and dissimilar reduction potentials. This review presents recent advances in nanoparticle shape and composition control, and these syntheses can be classified as ‘two-step’ or ‘one-step.’ Two-step techniques use a premade particle that is modified by the deposition of the secondary metal via galvanic exchange, direct reduction, or underpotential deposition. In contrast, one-step methods such as seed-mediated coreduction, sequential coreduction, and underpotential deposition involve the simultaneous deposition of both metals. A perspective on ongoing synthetic challenges is also provided, as well as promising directions for future work.
Extended Plasticity in the Supercooled Liquid Region of Bulk Metallic Glasses

Bulk metallic glasses have good mechanical formability in viscous states. The good formability offers a great advantage of fabricating near-net-shape structural components. Whereas large tensile ductility has been observed in metallic glasses in the supercooled liquid region, the exact deformation mechanism, and particularly whether such alloys deform by Newtonian viscous flow (m = 1, where m is the strain rate sensitivity exponent) or not, remains a controversial issue. In this paper, existing data are analyzed and the apparent controversy is discussed. Results obtained from an amorphous alloy (composition: Zr-10Al-5Ti-17.9Cu-14.6Ni in at%) are presented. Dynamic structural evolution is characterized using electron microscopy and focus X-ray. It is demonstrated that, despite the fact that the deformation was carried out in the supercooled liquid range, concurrent crystallization of the amorphous structure occurred. As a result, a non-Newtonian behavior was observed.
Growing the Bioeconomy through Catalysis: A Review of Recent Advancements in the Production of Fuels and Chemicals from Syngas-Derived Oxygenates

Synthesis gas (syngas), composed primarily of H2 and CO, can be produced from fossil resources, municipal solid waste, biogas, and terrestrial biomass and can be converted into oxygenated intermediates such as alcohols and aldehydes through both catalytic and biological routes. These oxygenates serve as precursors for the downstream production of fuels and chemicals. However, since these processes all proceed through syngas regardless of the feedstock, renewable resources do not offer any inherent chemical advantage over fossil resources, and the process economics is largely dictated by (i) the spread between feedstock cost and the cost of petroleum (the dominant existing feedstock for fuel and chemical production) and (ii) the conversion efficiency, in terms of both energy and carbon, normalized by capital costs. Thus, lower-cost renewable feedstocks and improved conversion efficiencies combined with policy incentives could enable increased incorporation of biocontent into fuels and chemicals through syn...
Nickel-Catalyzed Conversion of Enol Triflates into Alkenyl Halides.

A Ni-catalyzed halogenation of enol triflates was developed and it enables the synthesis of a broad range of alkenyl iodides, bromides, and chlorides under mild reaction conditions. The reaction utilizes inexpensive, bench-stable Ni(OAc)2 ⋅4 H2 O as a precatalyst and proceeds at room temperature in the presence of sub-stoichiometric Zn and either 1,5-cyclooctadiene or 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine.
La esclavitud indígena en Chile: argumentos, autoridades y pseudo-diálogo en el Tratado de Melchor Calderón

La esclavitud indigena en los dominios ultramarinos del Imperio Espanol fue un tema arduamente debatido durante el siglo XVI. Cristobal Colon propuso la idea tempranamente a los Reyes Catolicos, pe...
On mutualism, models, and masting: The effects of seed‐dispersing animals on the plants they disperse

Species interactions are context dependent, in that their direction and magnitude can vary across ecological conditions. For seed dispersal interactions—especially interactions between plants and seed‐caching animals—the direction of the interactions is often obscured because of seed mortality inherent in seed handling and the delayed effects of fitness benefits received by plants. It is, therefore, an open question in ecology to understand the ecological contexts under which seed dispersal interactions are facilitative, antagonistic or null. We review the fitness benefits of animal‐mediated seed dispersal, extend a recently published model to include negative density‐dependent effects, and review the feedback between seed production (with a focus on masting) and seed‐caching animal populations. Negative density‐dependent effects are pervasive and strongly affect the direction of plant‐seed‐disperser interactions, and including them into models will give a more accurate understanding of the direction of the interaction. Including negative density‐dependent effects also makes the interpretation of interaction more mutualistic since seed dispersers decrease seed densities. Additionally, there is substantial interannual variability in seed production in most nut‐producing plant species, and the lags between seed production and seed‐disperser population sizes complicate and limit inferences made about the direction of interactions in any given short‐term study. Synthesis. If we wish to know the direction of species interactions in real ecological communities, we need models that contain a minimum level of biological realism. For complex and long‐term phenomena such as context‐dependent species interactions we should embrace a multifaceted approach of short‐term field research, long‐term field research, simple models, and complex models to form a more robust understanding of the ecological problem of context dependency.
A novel TNFR2 agonist antibody expands highly potent regulatory T cells.

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) restrict immune system activity, such as in response to self-antigens, and are switched on by tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2). Therapeutic activation of TNFR2, thereby expanding Treg cells and suppressing immune activity, may be beneficial to patients with various inflammatory diseases. Here, we characterized a new human TNFR2-directed antibody agonist isolated from mice. We found that the antibody agonist expanded the number of Treg cells within cultures of primary human CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and patients with type 1 diabetes or Sezary syndrome. These Treg cells had increased metabolic gene expression and intracellular itaconate concentrations, characteristics associated with maximally suppressive, anti-inflammatory Treg cells. Furthermore, antibody-expanded Treg cells repressed the activity of primary human CD8+ effector T cells (Teff cells). Epitope mapping suggested that the antibody bound to TNFR2 through a natural cross-linking surface and that Treg cell expansion was independent of the antibody Fc region. In addition, Treg cell expansion was not increased by adding either supplemental TNF ligand or a cross-linking reagent, suggesting that the antibody agonist by itself can elicit maximal activity, a notion that was confirmed by increased secretion of soluble TNFR2. Pending in vivo tests, these features indicate that this TNFR2 antibody agonist has the potential to safely and effectively treat various inflammatory disorders.
Comprehensive in vivo secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals novel regulatory motifs and mechanisms.

Severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the positive-sense RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is unique among viral RNAs in its vast potential to form RNA structures, yet as much as 97% of its 30 kilobases have not been structurally explored. Here, we apply a novel long amplicon strategy to determine the secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome at single-nucleotide resolution in infected cells. Our in-depth structural analysis reveals networks of well-folded RNA structures throughout Orf1ab and reveals aspects of SARS-CoV-2 genome architecture that distinguish it from other RNA viruses. Evolutionary analysis shows that several features of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic structure are conserved across β-coronaviruses, and we pinpoint regions of well-folded RNA structure that merit downstream functional analysis. The native, secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 presented here is a roadmap that will facilitate focused studies on the viral life cycle, facilitate primer design, and guide the identification of RNA drug targets against COVID-19.
Oil, Gas, and Mineral Titles: Resolving Perennial Problems in the Shale Era

Mineral deeds present a list of perennial interpretative problems, which create uncertainty about ownership rights in mineral estates and the proceeds from the sale of oil and gas production. Consequently, the following issues arise: (1) deeds with conflicting fractions; (2) the “mineral or royalty” question; (3) the application of the common law “rule against perpetuities” to non-participating royalties, a common interest in the oil patch; (4) the meaning of “minerals”—does it include oil and gas?; (5) the executive’s duty to lease; and (6) deed interpretation versus “reformation.” States with long histories of production and case law have grappled with several of these issues, providing answers for some and confusion regarding others. To promote consistency, courts should adopt rules that embrace the goal of ensuring title stability by rejecting rules that require scrutiny of extraneous evidence and that motivate strained interpretations. In addition to providing guidance to courts, certain cases provide valuable drafting lessons about perennial issues in oil, gas and mineral deeds.
Acculturation and market integration are associated with greater trust among Tanzanian Maasai pastoralists

Acting on socially learned information involves risk, especially when the consequences imply certain costs with uncertain benefits. Current evolutionary theories argue that decision-makers evaluate and respond to this information based on context cues, such as prestige (the prestige bias model) and/or incentives (the risk and incentives model). We tested the roles of each in explaining trust using a preregistered vignette-based study involving advice about livestock among Maasai pastoralists. In exploratory analyses, we also investigated how the relevance of each might be influenced by recent cultural and economic changes, such as market integration and shifting cultural values. Our confirmatory analysis failed to support the prestige bias model, and partially supported the risk and incentives model. Exploratory analyses suggested that regional acculturation varied strongly between northern vs. southern areas, divided by a small mountain. Consistent with the idea that trust varies with socially transmitted values and regional differences in market integration, people living near densely populated towns in the southern region were more likely to trust socially learned information about livestock. Higher trust among market-integrated participants might reflect a coordination solution in a region where traditional pastoralism is beset with novel conflicts of interest.
Association between atopic dermatitis and race from infancy to early childhood: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pediatric skin condition with significant morbidity. It is unclear what factors contribute to racial differences in disease prevalence. METHODS A single-site, retrospective cohort study of infants born from June 1, 2011, to April 30, 2017, was performed. RESULTS Of the 4016 infants included, 39.2% (n = 1574) were Black, 38.5% (n = 1543) White (non-Hispanic), 7.1% (n = 286) Hispanic, 5.3% (n = 213) Asian, 6.5% (n = 262) "other" race, 3.4% (n = 135) multiracial, and 0.1% (n = 3) not reported. Prevalence of AD differed by race, with 37.0% (n = 583) of Black, 25.8% (n = 55) of Asian, 24.1% (n = 69) of Hispanic, 23.0% (n = 31) of multiracial, 19.1% (n = 50) of "other" race, and 17.9% (n = 276) of White patients diagnosed (P < 0.0001). Delivery mode, NICU stay, and gestational age were all significantly associated with race. In modeling AD with logistic regression, race was significantly associated with the development of AD (P < 0.0001, OR Black = 2.6 [2.2-3.2], OR Asian = 1.6 [1.1-2.2], OR Hispanic = 1.4 [1.0-1.9], OR multiracial 1.4 [0.91-2.2], OR "other" 0.97 [0.67-1.4], and OR White 1.0). CONCLUSIONS Racial differences in rates of AD arise early in life. Diagnosis is associated with race rather than delivery mode, insurance type, and gestational age. Further investigation into these disparities and interventions to mitigate them should focus on infancy and early childhood.
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Cardiomyopathy: an Under-recognized Complication of Systemic Sclerosis

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and diastolic dysfunction are major sequelae of primary cardiac disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and contribute to increased mortality in this population. Studies of animal models of SSc and human tissue samples indicate that the pathophysiology underlying these conditions involves microvascular dysfunction, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and replacement fibrosis. Diagnostic recommendations for HFpEF in SSc include clinical examination and screening with laboratory studies and cardiac imaging to detect diastolic dysfunction early in the disease course. Management of HFpEF in this population does not significantly differ from general HFpEF guidelines. It is focused on symptomatic management of volume status and treatment of underlying SSc with immune-modulating therapies. Although cardiac disease is a major cause of mortality in patients with SSc, current treatments are lacking. There is a great need for novel therapeutics targeting the underlying pathophysiology in SSc to inhibit or reverse myocardial fibrosis, thus preventing cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in these patients.
Perioperative Analgesia in Cranial and Skull Base Surgery

This chapter examines the approach to management of perioperative analgesia in cranial and skull base surgeries. The controversy of pain management in cranial surgery dates back many years, and current trends in the literature are discussed including further addressing previously underrecognized pain and a drive toward the use of multimodal and non-opioid modalities. The use of scalp blockade and systemic therapies in cranial surgery are discussed. The approach to the skull base has evolved drastically in the last few decades, evolving into minimally invasive techniques that have reduced morbidity and consequently pain burden. Given the diversity of these procedures and the numerous subspecialties involved, it is not surprising that there is a need for further high-quality procedure-specific randomized controlled trials and systematic evidence-based reviews on perioperative analgesia in cranial and skull base surgeries. The current status of training in perioperative pain management in otolaryngology and neurosurgical residents also remains to be elucidated.
Basic Properties of Convex Sets

Convex sets play a very important role in geometry. In this chapter we state and prove some of the “classics” of convex affine geometry: Carath’eodory’s theorem, Radon’s theorem, Helly’s theorem, and Krein and Millman’s theorem. These theorems share the property that they are easy to state, but they are deep, and their proof, although rather short, requires a lot of creativity. We introduce the notions of separating and supporting hyperplanes, of vertices, and of extreme points. We also define centerpoints and prove their existence.
Fundamental Attribution Error

People disproportionately attribute behaviors to actors’ dispositions over situational factors, a phenomenon known as the fundamental attribution error. For example, past research has demonstrated that people referred to others’ personalities when explaining why students would write counter-normative essays supporting a dictator; in so doing, they failed to consider the situational demands placed upon these writers. People additionally highlighted others’ personalities and ignored situational pressures when describing the reasons why experimental participants delivered electric shocks to their peers. Within Western cultures, people commit the fundamental attribution error (FAE) pervasively across various contexts when describing the behavior of others. Keywords: attribution theory; social cognition
Senior Lawyers Serving Public Interests: Pro Bono and Second-Stage Careers

The United States is facing a demographic transformation with profound implications for all sectors of society. As lives have lengthened, what was once considered “‘old’ has become old-fashioned.” The legal profession is no exception. It is about to encounter the “largest, healthiest and wealthiest generation of lawyers to approach senior status …” Many will be asking the question that Peter Laslett posed in A Fresh Map of Life: How are we “going to use this sudden ... unanticipated release from mortality?” For a substantial number of lawyers, the answer will involve some “second stage” of work that involves public service. This overview seeks to provide a better understanding of this transformation of retirement and the opportunities it presents to promote justice for those who need it most.
Cloning and sequencing of the genes for Shiga toxin from Shigella dysenteriae type 1.

The structural genes for Shiga toxin, designated stx A and stx B, were cloned from Shigella dysenteriae type 1 3818T, and a nucleotide sequence analysis was performed. Both stx A and stx B were present on a single transcriptional unit, with stx A preceding stx B. The molecular weight calculated for the processed A subunit was 32,225, while the molecular weight of the processed B subunit was 7,691. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences for Shiga toxin and Shiga-like toxin I (SLT-I) from Escherichia coli revealed that the genes for Shiga toxin and SLT-I were greater than 99% homologous; three nucleotide changes were detected in three separate codons of the A subunits. Only one of these codon differences resulted in a change in the amino acid sequence: a threonine in Shiga toxin at position 45 of the A subunit compared with a serine in the corresponding position in SLT-I. Furthermore, Shiga toxin and SLT-I had identical signal peptides for the A and B subunits, as well as identical ribosome-binding sites, a putative promoter, and iron-regulated operator sequences. These findings indicate that Shiga and SLT-I are essentially the same toxin. Southern hybridization studies with total cellular DNA from several Shigella strains and internal toxin probes for SLT-I and its antigenic variant SLT-II showed that a single fragment in S. dysenteriae type 1 hybridized strongly with the internal SLT-I probe. Fragments with weaker homology to the SLT-I probe were detected in S. flexneri type 2a but no other shigellae. No homology between the Shiga-like toxin II (SLT-II) probe and any of the Shigella DNAs was detected. Whereas SLT-I and SLT-II are phage encoded, no phage could be induced from S. dysenteriae type 1 or other Shigella spp. tested. These results suggest that the Shiga (SLT-I) toxin genes responsible for high toxin production are present in a single copy in S. dysenteriae type 1 but not in other shigellae. The findings further suggest that SLT-II genes are absent in shigellae, as are toxin-converting phages. Images
Laser damage of interference coatings at λ = 1.6 μm with an optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier

Laser damage of interference coatings is investigated with 1.6μm wavelength, 2 picosecond pulses from an optical parametric chirped pulse amplification system. 7 J/cm2 damage thresholds are achieved and deviation from conventional damage models is reported.
Dangerous Frames: How Ideas About Race and Gender Shape Public Opinion, by Nicholas J. G. Winter

While communication researchers have been interested in the rhetoric of politics since at least the propaganda research of the early 20th century, its study seems to have enjoyed a revival of sorts...
Life in the upper crust

Although deserts appear to be barren landscapes, many organisms grow and thrive in the top millimetre or so of desert soil. A new study reveals that these organisms are uniquely adapted to the conditions of the deserts in which they live. For example, one lichen found in southern Utah requires a lot of water for maximal photosynthesis compared with lichens from the Negev desert in Israel. This is because, whereas lichens in the Negev get their water in small, frequent doses, from early-morning dew, lichens in Utah get water from the heavy showers that occur there.
The role of lifestyle management in the overall treatment plan for prevention and management of hypertension.

Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular risk factor in the U.S. population, and hypertensive nephrosclerosis is a common cause of progressive renal disease. Dietary and lifestyle modifications have shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of blood pressure (BP) management. The Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNCVI) includes recommendations for prevention and management of hypertension. Recommendations include reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake, controlling obesity, and avoiding heavy alcohol intake, along with aggressive BP control. JNCVI guidelines provide a reasonable approach to lifestyle interventions, the benefits of which would outweigh the antihypertensive effects. The data suggest that such guidelines would benefit normotensive people as well.
Market Expectations following Major Catastrophes: An Examination of Insurance Broker Returns

We investigate the effect major catastrophes are expected to have on equilibrium price and quantity in the insurance market. In particular, we examine whether investors expect total industry revenue to increase following a disaster's shock to insurers' financial capital. Rather than examine insurers directly, we study insurance brokers, who earn commissions on premium revenue but do not pay losses following a disaster. We conduct an event study on insurance broker stock returns surrounding the 43 largest insured-loss catastrophes since 1970. We find that brokers earn positive abnormal returns on the day of the event, and that these returns are sustained following the top 20 largest events. We then investigate factors influencing these returns and find that returns are positively related to the size of the loss and negatively related to existing insurer capital. From this, we conclude that catastrophe shocks are expected to increase net industry revenue, benefiting brokers most immediately. This investor response is consistent with economic theories of a negative relationship between capital and insurance prices and price-inelastic demand for commercial insurance.
Automated segmentation and tracking of coronary arteries in cardiac CT scans: comparison of performance with a clinically used commercial software

Coronary CT angiography (cCTA) has been reported to be an effective means for diagnosis of coronary artery disease. We are investigating the feasibility of developing a computer-aided detection (CADe) system to assist radiologists in detection of non-calcified plaques in coronary arteries in ECG-gated cCTA scans. In this study, we developed a prototype vessel segmentation and tracking method to extract the coronary arterial trees which will define the search space for plaque detection. Vascular structures are first enhanced by 3D multi-scale filtering and analysis of the eigenvalues of Hessian matrices using a vessel enhancement response function specifically designed for coronary arteries. The enhanced vascular structures are then segmented by an EM estimation method. The segmented coronary arteries are tracked using a 3D dynamic balloon tracking (DBT) method. For this preliminary study, two starting seed points were manually identified at the origins of the left and right coronary artery (LCA and RCA). The DBT method automatically moves a sphere along the vessel whose diameter is adjusted dynamically based on the local vessel size, tracks the vessels, and identifies its branches to generate the left and right coronary arterial trees. The algorithm was applied to 20 cCTA scans that contained various degrees of coronary artery diseases. To evaluate the performance of vessel segmentation and tracking, the rendered volume of coronary arteries tracked by our algorithm was displayed on a PC, placed next to a GE Advantage workstation on which the coronary arterial trees tracked by the GE software and the original cCTA scan were displayed. Two experienced thoracic radiologists visually examined the coronary arteries on the cCTA scan and the segmented vessels to count untracked false-negative (FN) segments and false positives (FPs). The comparison was made by radiologists' visual judgment because the digital files for the segmented vessels were not accessible on the commercial system. A total of 19 and 38 artery segments were identified to be FNs, and 23 FPs and 20 FPs were found in the coronary trees tracked by our algorithm and the GE software, respectively. The preliminary results demonstrated the feasibility of our approach.
Optimal electricity rates and consumption externality

Abstract Despite the strong empirical evidence of heterogeneous customer outage costs and the recent theoretical arguments for unbundling service reliability, retail electric service remains homogeneous and causes an externality in electricity consumption. This paper, by integrating this peculiar aspect of the retail electric service market into a traditional second-best pricing analysis, derives a set of optimal pricing rules for retail electric rate designs. Such rules are sufficiently general that they encompass Ramsey pricing and peak load pricing under demand uncertainty and consumption externality. We apply these rules to analyze the economic inefficiency due to a fully distributed cost pricing method adopted in 1983 by the California Public Utilities Commission. This economic inefficiency is likely to be over-consumption by customers with relatively low outage costs and small price responsiveness.
Isotopic heterogeneity in a tilted plutonic system, Klamath Mountains, California

The Wooley Creek batholith, Slinkard pluton, and associated hypabyssal intrusive rocks constitute a large-volume, Middle Jurassic (∼162 Ma) magmatic system in the north-central Klamath Mountains of California. Tilting and erosion subsequent to Nevadan thrusting exposed a structural section at least 9 km thick. The system is heterogeneous with reference to initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (Sr i ) and δ 18 O, including mafic selvages and mafic dikes that intrude the Wooley Creek batholith and its roof rocks. Structurally lower parts of the plutonic system have average Sr i = 0.7048 and δ 18 O = 8.2‰. Structurally higher parts have average Sr i = 0.7044 and a range of δ 18 O that is positively correlated with SiO 2 content. Two-mica granite in the Slinkard pluton has Sr i = 0.7046, δ 18 O - 12‰, and is compositionally and mineralogically distinct from the rest of the system. Roof-zone dikes above the Wooley Creek batholith show a range of δ 18 O and Sr i that was caused by varying degrees of equilibration with host metamorphic rocks. Host rocks of the structurally higher part of the system have a range of Sr i and high δ 18 O, whereas metasedimentary xenoliths in structurally lower parts of the system have high Sr i and δ 18 O from 9.0‰ to 10.9‰. Field relations indicate that the system grew by periodic injection of mafic and intermediate magmas rather than by two pulses of isotopically distinct magmas. Field, trace-element, and isotopic data can be explained by combined in situ fractional crystallization, magma mixing, and assimilation. Assimilation of 87 Sr-rich wall rocks at lower levels and of 87 Sr-poor, 18 O-rich wall rocks at higher levels resulted in the heterogeneity observed in the system. Inclusion of our data set with other isotopic data for Klamath granitoids shows that pre-Nevadan plutons have slightly higher Sr i than post-Nevadan plutons, despite the apparent increase in crustal complexity and radiogenic nature of the Klamath crust during the Nevadan orogeny.
A DISTRIBUTED OBJECT-ORIENTED FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS PROGRAM ARCHITECTURE

This article presents a distributed object-oriented design for a nonlinear finite-element analysis using the message-passing paradigm and a single-program, multiple-data scheme. The architecture is an extension of an existing sequential object-oriented architecture. The design recognizes the costly communication startup time penalty by attempting to minimize the frequency of communications. This is facilitated by distributing not only the elements in the model but also their associated nodes and mapping between the degrees of freedom and the analytical equations of equilibrium. The proposed object design was implemented and tested on a nonlinear static pushover analysis of three moment-resisting frames.
GAD65 Autoantibodies Increase the Predictability but not the Sensitivity of Islet Cell and Insulin Autoantibodies for Developing Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The clinical onset of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD) can be predicted by determination of autoantibodies to several pancreatic-islet cell antigens. Islet-cell autoantibodies (ICA) and insulin autoantibodies (AA) are most commonly used. We have developed a recombinant human glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) radioimmunoassay and measured autoantibodies to GAD65 (GAD65A) in the sera of 73 documented prediabetic individuals, 76 newly-diagnosed patients, 103 relatives of IDD probands at increased risk for the development of IDD because they were positive for ICA and/or IAA, 72 ICA and IAA negative relatives, and 207 healthy controls. Our data demonstrate that GAD65A are strongly associated with the currently established autoantibody markers of IDD. Their presence in prediabetic subjects with only ICA or IAA enhances their risk for progression to IDD, yet does not much enhance the screening sensitivity already available through conventional ICA and IAA for IDD prediction.
Electrophysiology and antiarrhythmic efficacy of intravenous pirmenol in patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias

Abstract We assessed the electrophysiologic effects and antiarrhythmic efficacy of intravenous pirmenol in 15 patients who had spontaneous and induced sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. At a plasma concentration of 2.29 ± 0.75 μg/ml, pirmenol decreased sinus cycle length by 11 ± 13%, increased QRS, QTc, and HV intervals by 14 ± 12%, 13 ± 12%, and 22 ± 28%, respectively, and increased atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods (ERP) by 20 ± 14% and 7 ± 8%, respectively. There was a greater increase in QRS duration during ventricular tachycardia and ventricular pacing than during sinus rhythm (p
Planting Date Influence on Soybean Agronomic Traits and Seed Composition in Modified Fatty Acid Breeding Lines

A primary focus for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeders recently has been the development of cultivars with improved oil qualities such as reduced palmitic acid (16:0) and linolenic acid (18:3). A backcross breeding program was used to develop five low 16:0, two low 16:0 + 18:3, and one low 18:3 modified fatty acid breeding lines (MFALs). Research objectives were (i) to determine planting date effects on fatty acid content in the eight MFALs and (ii) to compare the MFALs to parental cultivars for seed composition and agronomic traits. The eight MFALs and four control cultivars were evaluated at two planting dates at Clemson, SC, in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Planting dates were chosen to simulate full season and double crop planting dates for South Carolina soybean production. Agronomic traits including seed yield, plant height, lodging, maturity date, seed size, and seed quality were measured, and seeds were analyzed for protein, oil, and fatty acid levels. Planting date had a significant effect on all agronomic variables, as well as on protein, oil, and palmitic and linolenic acid. There was a decrease in palmitic acid at the late planting date, while the early planting date resulted in a decrease in linolenic acid levels. The effect of genotype was significant for all agronomic and seed composition variables measured when averaged across planting dates. It appears that planting date may be manipulated to reduce palmitic or linolenic acid of MFALs, although the extent of the reduction varies with genotype.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL: From Oranges and Lemons to the Gold Standard

This article discusses the history and development of randomized clinical trial methodology, the reasons for its status and authority as a method of therapeutic evaluation, and the continuing role of clinical judgement in designing, interpreting, and applying the findings of trials.