cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Slender salamanders (genus Batrachoseps) reveal Southern California to be a center for the diversification, persistence, and introduction of salamander lineages.

Background The southern California biodiversity hotspot has had a complex geological history, with both plate tectonic forces and sea level changes repeatedly reconfiguring the region, and likely driving both lineage splittings and extinctions. Here we investigate patterns of genetic divergence in two species of slender salamanders (Plethodontidae: Batrachoseps) in this region. The complex geological history in combination with several organismal traits led us to predict that these species harbor multiple ancient mitochondrial lineages endemic to southern California. These species belong to a clade characterized by fine-scale mitochondrial structure, which has been shown to track ancient splits. Both focal species, Batrachoseps major and B. nigriventris, are relatively widely distributed in southern California, and estimated to have persisted there across millions of years. Recently several extralimital populations of Batrachoseps were found in the San Joaquin Valley of California, a former desert area that has been extensively modified for agriculture. The origins of these populations are unknown, but based on morphology, they are hypothesized to result from human-mediated introductions of B. major. Methods We sequenced the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b from a geographically comprehensive sampling of the mitochondrial lineages of B. major and B. nigriventris that are endemic to southern California. We used phylogenetic analyses to characterize phylogeographic structure and identify mitochondrial contact zones. We also included the San Joaquin Valley samples to test whether they resulted from introductions. We used a bootstrap resampling approach to compare the strength of isolation-by-distance in both Batrachoseps species and four other salamander species with which they co-occur in southern California. Results The northern lineage of B. major harbors at least eight deeply differentiated, geographically cohesive mitochondrial subclades. We identify geographic contact between many of these mtDNA lineages and some biogeographic features that are concordant with lineage boundaries. Batrachoseps nigriventris also has multiple deeply differentiated clades within the region. Comparative analyses highlight the smaller spatial scales over which mitochondrial divergence accumulates in Batrachoseps relative to most other salamander species in southern California. The extralimital populations of Batrachoseps from the San Joaquin Valley are assigned to B. major and are shown to result from at least two independent introductions from different source populations. We also suggest that B. major on Catalina Island, where it is considered native, may be the result of an introduction. Some of the same traits that facilitate the build-up of deep phylogeographic structure in Batrachoseps likely also contribute to its propensity for introductions, and we anticipate that additional introduced populations will be discovered.
Effects of finite flux and flushing efficacy on specific energy consumption in semi-batch and batch reverse osmosis processes

Abstract This work focuses on Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) in batch and semi-batch reverse osmosis (RO) processes. It is proved from optimal control theory that the minimal SEC in semi-batch RO occurs at constant flux conditions, similar to conclusions in both batch RO and continuous, infinite-stage RO. While semi-batch RO is comparable to two- or three-stage RO at the thermodynamic limit (i.e. zero flux), its performance may be severely compromised by finite flux applied in desalination and efficacy of flushing before the next filtration step. Batch RO is even more susceptible to salt retained during flushing. On the basis of typical flux used in industrial desalination and a 95% flushing efficacy, semi-batch RO at the cyclic steady state is only similar to one-stage RO at low recoveries (e.g. 30 and 40%) and excels slightly at high recoveries (e.g. 50 and 60%). Batch RO may outperform one-stage RO but is still not as good as two-stage RO. Reducing salt retention and operating at a reduced flux are ways to make batch and semi-batch ROs energy advantageous over their continuous counterparts.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy Improves Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma With Routine Positron Emission Tomography Imaging.

Background With a multimodal treatment strategy, cytoreductive surgery extends survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Improving the accuracy of staging can refine patient selection. Our objective was to determine whether diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) improves staging for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma with the routine use of positron emission tomography (PET). Methods We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database from February 2014 to May 2019. Inclusion criteria were patients who had disease in the chest that was deemed potentially resectable by radiographic criteria and who underwent DL as part of the staging evaluation before surgery. Results Of 187 patients (71% men, 80% epithelial) who underwent DL during staging, 76% proceeded to surgery; 22% were unresectable at exploratory thoracotomy and 78% underwent resection (pleurectomy and decortication, 68%; extrapleural pneumonectomy, 32%). Also, 89% had a PET computed tomography (CT), and 11% had a preoperative CT without PET. DL revealed peritoneal disease in 17%. Among patients with pathologically proven disease at DL, 77% had negative PET-CT imaging. Based on the pathologic findings at DL the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET-CT were 23%, 78%, 17%, and 83%, respectively. The accuracy of PET-CT was 68%. Conclusions PET-CT has low sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy to identify peritoneal disease in malignant pleural mesothelioma. DL as part of the preoperative staging defines an important subset of patients with bicavitary disease. We recommend DL as a component of staging before surgery.
Jupiter high-energy/high-latitude electron environment from Juno's JEDI and UVS science instrument background noise

Abstract Spectral modelling combining the Jupiter Energetic-particle Detector Instrument (JEDI) differential flux and simulations of the Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) background noise data were used to obtain the integral electron fluxes for energies of > 1 MeV and > 6 MeV at points along the Juno spacecraft’s trajectory. These high energy electrons are understood to dominate the Jovian energetic particle environment and their characterization for energies above 1 MeV is a critical aspect of understanding particle acceleration in Giant Planet magnetospheres. The measurements will reduce uncertainties in existing Jovian radiation models, which will enable a reduction in margins when designing future missions to Jupiter. These high energy data will also assist in better understanding the Juno instruments’ responses to the radiation environment and help to avoid misinterpreting radiation contamination as a true signal. Results of the analysis are compared with measurements from Pioneer 11 as well as with predictions using the Galileo Interim Radiation Electron (GIRE3) model.
Family Presence and Support During Resuscitation

Family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (FPDR) is an evidence-based practice in the hospital setting. Members of the interdisciplinary team should adhere to ethical principles and patient and family-centered care concepts when offering interventions to support the family member during this potential end-of-life crisis. FPDR is an option for family members who are interested, screened as appropriate, and supported by a family facilitator. Essential components to guide this practice include developing an FPDR policy, educating the health care team, and creating evaluation methods.
Resonant mode scanning to compute the spectrum of capillary surfaces with dynamic wetting effects

A capillary surface bound by a solid rectangular channel exhibits dynamic wetting effects characterized by a constitutive law relating the dynamic contact-angle to the contact-line speed through the contact-line mobility $$\Lambda $$ parameter. Limiting cases correspond to the free ( $$\Lambda =0$$ ) and pinned ( $$\Lambda =\infty $$ ) contact-line. Viscous potential flow is used to derive the governing integrodifferential equation from a boundary integral approach. The spectrum is determined from a boundary value problem where the eigenvalue parameter appears in the boundary condition. Here we introduce a new frequency scan approach to compute the spectrum, whereby we scan the complex frequency plane and compute the system response from which we identify the complex resonant frequency. Damping effects due to viscosity and Davis dissipation from finite $$\Lambda $$ do not attenuate signal response, but rather shift the response poles into the complex plane. Our new approach is verified against an analytical solution in the appropriate limit. We identify the critical mobility that maximizes Davis dissipation and the critical Ohnesorge number (viscosity) where the transition from underdamped to overdamped oscillations occurs, as it depends upon the static contact-angle $$\alpha $$ . Our approach is applied to a rectangular channel, but is suitable for a myriad of geometric supports.
Communication Secrecy in Offshore Wind Farms

The secrecy of an offshore wind farm with single series daisy-chain topology is investigated in this paper. The eavesdropper access link is assumed to have the significant components of line-of-sight. A closed-form exact expression is derived for the outage probability of secrecy capacity itself, rather than some lower bound or upper bound.
Theory of dielectric nanofilms in strong ultrafast optical fields

We theoretically predict that a dielectric nanofilm subjected to a normally incident strong but ultrashort (a few optical oscillations) laser pulse exhibits deeply nonlinear (nonperturbative) optical responses which are essentially reversible and driven by the instantaneous optical field. Among them is a high optical polarization and a significant population of the conduction band, which develop at the peak of the pulse and almost disappear after its end. There is also a correspondingly large increase of the pulse reflectivity. These phenomena are related to Wannier-Stark localization and anticrossings between the Wannier-Stark ladders originating from the valence and conduction bands leading to optical ``softening'' of the dielectric. Theory is developed by solving self-consistently the Maxwell equations and the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation. The results point out to a fundamental possibility of optical-field effect devices with the bandwidth on the order of optical frequency.
Opinions on the Ethics of Tax Evasion: A Comparative Study of Utah and New Jersey

ABSTRACT The ethics of tax evasion has been discussed sporadically in the theological and philosophical literature for at least 500 years. Over the centuries, three main views evolved on the topic, but the business ethics literature has paid scant attention to this issue, perhaps because of the belief that tax evasion is always unethical. This paper reports the results of an empirical study of opinion in Utah and New Jersey. The arguments that have been made over the centuries to justify tax evasion were ranked to determine which arguments are strongest and which are weakest. Scores were compared between samples to determine whether the responses were significantly different. Keywords: Ethics, Tax evasion INTRODUCTION The vast majority of articles that have been written about tax evasion have been written from the perspective of public finance. They discuss technical aspects of tax evasion and the primary and secondary effects that tax evasion has on an economy. In many cases there is also a discussion about how to prevent or minimize tax evasion. Very few articles discuss ethical aspects of tax evasion, so there is a need for further research which this study is intended to partially address. This study reports on the findings of a survey that was distributed to business students at colleges in Utah and New Jersey. The survey instrument consisted of 18 statements that reflect the three views on the ethics of tax evasion that have emerged over the centuries. Scores were compared to determine whether the responses were significantly different by state. Although many studies have been done on tax compliance, very few have examined compliance, or rather noncompliance, primarily from the perspective of ethics. Most studies on tax evasion look at the issue from a public finance or economics perspective, although ethical issues may be mentioned briefly in passing. The most comprehensive twentieth century work on the ethics of tax evasion was a doctoral thesis written by Martin Crowe [1]. This thesis reviewed the theological and philosophical debate that had been going on, mostly within the Catholic Church, over the previous 500 years. A more recent dissertation on the topic was written by Torgler [2], who also touched on some psychological and philosophical aspects of the issue. There have been a few studies that focus on tax evasion in a particular country. Ethics are sometimes discussed but, more often than not, the focus of the discussion is on government corruption and the reasons why the citizenry does not feel any moral duty to pay taxes to such a government. A number of articles have also been written from various religious perspectives.
The Transnational Aspects of Hong Kong Insolvency Law

Many Asian countries, including the People’s Republic of China, have been developing at an accelerated pace and are playing an expanded role in world trade. Hong Kong’s role as a world financial market benefits from this growth, for Hong Kong is a major conduit by which Chinese enterprises, and Hong Kong enterprises investing in China, raise capital from local, Asian-Pacific, and other interests. However, hovering in the background of Hong Kong’s prosperity is the planned resumption of Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. If foreign investors lose confidence in Hong Kong or if economic crises develop in China, foreign funds will very likely flow out of Hong Kong as quickly as they came in, perhaps causing a crash in the Hong Kong stock market and property markets and, in turn, the insolvency of many Hong Kong companies and individuals. This article provides an overview of pre-1997 Hong Kong transnational insolvency law, discussing the options availableto (1) a foreign representative seeking to protect the assets of a foreign debtor in Hong Kong and to obtain cross-border assistance from the Hong Kong courts and (2) to a Hong Kong trustee or liquidator seeking cross-border asssistance outside Hong Kong.
A robust sensorless sliding mode observer with speed estimate for the flux magnitude of the induction motor drive

The paper presents a sensorless sliding mode observer for the flux magnitude of the induction motor (IM) drive. In order to implement a vector control scheme for the IM, the angle of the rotor flux and the flux magnitude are needed. To obtain them, it is typical to use a stationary frame flux observer - once the α, β flux components have been estimated, they are used to compute the flux angle and the flux magnitude. However, in Indirect Field Orientation methods, such an observer is not used; then, a separate flux magnitude estimator is needed. The paper presents a flux observer that is based on a modified IM model in the rotating reference frame. This is constructed on the skeleton of a sensored observer - in order to make it sensorless, the observer is fed with a speed estimate. The paper shows that, with a certain gain design, the resulting sensorless observer is insensitive to the potential input speed inaccuracy. The observer yields an accurate flux magnitude without measuring the speed.
A Vision for Open Hypermedia Systems

Currently, the Open Hypermedia Systems (OHS) Working Group claims three main areas of interest: scenarios, reference architectures, and protocols. The discussions over scenarios of OHS use are supposed to inform the work on OHS reference architectures, which in turn is supposed to enable the development of an Open Hypermedia Protocol (OHP) that will allow clients of one OHP-compliant OHS to use services of other OHP-compliant OHS's. In this paper, we start from existing proposals for an OHS reference architecture and an OHP. We then present a number of scenarios that motivate modifications to these existing proposals. These modifications primarily include adding the notion of an open structure processing layer to the reference architecture and adding a fixed minimal set of guaranteed services to the protocol. We then present our resultant reference architecture and protocol proposals. Our proposals are based on current working group proposals, but incorporate the modifications suggested by our scenarios. Finally, we conclude with some comments on the process we used to derive our proposals, an evaluation of current progress of the OHS Working Group, and suggestions for future directions.
Being discharged from hospice alive: The lived experience of patients and families

Abstract Background: Approximately 259,000 patients were discharged alive from U.S. hospices in 2010. There is a paucity of research describing the experiences of these individuals and their family members. Objective: The study objective was to explore the experiences of adults discharged from a hospice program due to decertification related to ineligibility or extended prognosis, from the perspective of the individual and his or her adult family members. Research questions were, How do participants perceive and describe (1) the experience of being discharged alive from hospice, and (2) their quality of life after a live hospice discharge? Methods: A transcendental phenomenological design guided this study. Purposive, snowball sampling was used to recruit 12 volunteers, aged 35–92 years, who had experienced live hospice discharge due to decertification. Data collection included open-ended interviews and journals. Results: Findings included two primary themes: suffering “AS…” and the paradox of hospice dis...
Memories That Reach Back into Consciousness: An Interview with Lan Samantha Chang

Lan Samantha Chang was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Chinese parents who survived the Japanese occu pation of China and subsequently migrated to the United States. Her parents didn't share extensive information about their experi ences in their homeland, and in writing the novel Inheritance (2004), Chang had the opportunity to do research into the world her par ents had once inhabited. Inheritance tells the story of a splintered Chinese family set against the historical backdrop of the 1920s to 1940s. The schism that divides sisters Junan and Yinan mirrors the fate of China during this time. In Hunger: A Novella and Stories (1998) Chang focuses on Chinese immigrants and their children, who labor for emotional survival. The families in this novella and collection of stories accomplish a fragile balance between remembering and forgetting their past, and starting over on foreign soil. The title novella is narrated after her death by Min, whose husband escaped from China swimming with his precious violin held high above his head. In January 2006, Ms. Chang was appointed Professor of English and Director of the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa.
Observations of pseudo aftershocks from underground nuclear explosions

Recent large underground nuclear detonations in Novaya Zemlya have provided crucial new evidence of the fine structure of the Earth's upper mantle and outer core. Observations of the prescursors to P′P′ waves at Jamestown and Priest from explosions in 1966, 1970 and 1971 entail a sharp reflecting interface at 650 km depth. A spike doublet occurs, in agreement with predicted travel-times for a triparite core. Additional precursor waves also were detected at least 9 s before the first spike. These waves may be reflections from minor discontinuities in a 40 km thick transition shell below 650 km. The difference between the observed waves PmMP (m = 4 and 7), reflected m−1 times within the core, exceeds by 1.4 s the difference predicted by the 1968 PcP and PKP tables at Δ = 69°.
Movements and food habits of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in Delaware Bay (USA) salt marshes: comparison of a restored and a reference marsh

There has been much recent interest in restoration of salt-marsh habitats to their natural structure and function. However, the criteria for success of such restorations are not well-defined. As part of a larger program to evaluate the restoration of a former salt-hay farm bordering Delaware Bay, New Jersey, USA, we monitored the response of a large predator, the striped bass Morone saxatilis, to the restoration. During June to October 1998 we compared tidal and diel movements and food habits of juvenile and adult striped bass (n = 82, 212 to 670 mm fork length) between a restored marsh and an adjacent reference marsh with similar physical characteristics (depth, salinity, temperature). Striped bass movements at both sites were characterized by ultrasonic tracking with small, surgically implanted tags (21 d rated battery-life). Striped bass (n = 23, 421 to 610 mm fork length) were tagged and released near the main creek mouths at both the restored (n = 14) and reference (n = 9) marshes. At both sites, striped bass tended to move up the main creek during ebb tide. At the restored site, ebb tide upstream-movements ranged from 0.1 to 3.5 km from the main creek mouth (mean = 1.2 km). During the upstream movement, the fish typically stopped every 200 to 300 m (presumably to feed) for 1 to 2 h. At the reference site, few of the tagged fish moved farther than 100 to 200 m upstream from the main channel mouth at ebb tide, perhaps in response to somewhat lower dissolved oxygen at this site. During flood tide, tagged fish at both sites moved out into Delaware Bay, where they remained within 200 to 500 m of the creek mouth. Striped bass were sampled with gill nets to determine additional aspects of habitat use and food habits. Striped bass in both marshes were much more abundant at creek mouths (catch per unit effort, CPUE = 1.17) than in the upper reaches of the creeks (CPUE = 0.13). In the creek mouths, CPUE was greater at the restored site (CPUE = 1.8) than at the reference site (CPUE = 0.5). At both sites, most fish (approx. 80%) were collected on the late ebb or early flood tides, i.e. around low tide, when prey were presumably concentrated at the creek mouths. Stomach contents of bass from both restored and reference marshes (n = 59, 212 to 670 mm fork length) revealed that striped bass were eating mostly blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris), sand shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa), mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), and various unidentifiable fishes (probably anchovies, Anchoa mitchilli, and Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia). In conclusion, the restored marsh supported larger numbers of striped bass than the reference marsh, but there was little difference in the pattern of creek utilization or food habits at either site. Thus, the restored marsh appears to be functioning in a similar manner to the reference marsh for these large predators.
Distribution of potassium, calcium and magnesium in strawberry fruits in relation to breakdown of the sulphited fruit

Abstract Methods are described for the determination of the free and bound Ca ++ , Mg ++ and K + in flesh and of these cations in achenes of strawberry fruits. A substantial amount of minerals was present in the achenes and the variation in mineral analyses of whole strawberries most probably reflects differences in the relative proportion of achenes to flesh. A negative correlation (r = −0·8) was found between bound Ca ++ and the survival of fungal polygalacturonase in liquor of sulphited fruit. The possible role of calcium in reducing enzymic softening of sulphited strawberries is discussed.
Analysis and synthesis of dynamic systems via block-pulse functions

The paper presents a method of numerically integrating a system of differential equations based on an idea of orthogonal approximation of functions. Here, block-pulse functions are chosen as the orthogonal set. The method gives piecewise constant solutions with minimal mean-square error and is computationally similar to the familiar trapezoidal rule of integration. Design of piecewise constant controls or feedback gains for dynamic systems can be simplified following this approach.
Interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia: Educational support groups and Alzheimer's Association support groups

This study compared three groups of dementia caregivers: educational support group (ESG) participants, Alzheimer's Association support group (AASG) participants, and a contrast group (CNG) of nonparticipants. ESG members reported lowest levels of care-receiver impairment. AASG members more frequently were wives, reported highest levels of care-receiver impairment, and expressed highest levels of concerns for themselves. CNG members reported lowest levels of concern for both themselves and their care receiver. As a means of further understanding why caregivers might have selected the ESG or the AASG, underlying group leader, group member, and group process characteristics were examined.
Changes in carbon dioxide tension and oxygen saturation during deep sedation for paediatric cardiac catheterization

The purpose of this observational study was to determine whether hypercarbia or oxygen desaturation occurred during our current regimens of deep sedation or general anaesthesia of infants and children undergoing cardiac catheterization. Data were gathered prospectively from 50 consecutive infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years undergoing cardiac catheterization. Several anaesthetists used the following regimens, which were not randomized: 1) propofol. 1.5-2.0 mg.kg-1 and fentanyl 1 microgram.kg-1 IV over 2 min for induction, followed by propofol infusion of 100-150 micrograms.kg-1.min-1; 2) fentanyl 2-3 micrograms.kg-1 and midazolam 0.1-0.2 mg.kg-1 IV over 10-15 min; 3) ketamine 8 mg.kg-1 IM, or 4) same as regimens 1 or 2, plus pancuronium, intubation and controlled ventilation. Regimens 1, 2, and 3 were associated with spontaneous ventilation through the natural airway. End-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PetCO2), SpO2, and respiratory rate were monitored for 60 min. The three regimens employing spontaneous ventilation through the natural airway were associated with both statistically and clinically significant increases in PetCO2 and decreases in SpO2. This raises the possibility that acute exacerbation of PAP and PVR may occur in pulmonary hypertensive patients. In contrast, PetCO2 and SpO2 did not change significantly from baseline in the controlled ventilation group.
Raeder syndrome produced by extension of chronic inflammation to the internal carotid artery

Raeder paratrigeminal syndrome (painful Horner syndrome with trigeminal nerve involvement) is a poorly recognized complication of multiple disorders including carotid aneurysm, cancer, herpes zoster, maxillary sinusitis, and chronic otitis media. Although brain MRI has revealed carotid artery narrowing,1 dissection,2,3 and aneurysm,4 Raeder syndrome produced by inflammatory disease surrounding the carotid artery has not been verified by brain imaging until now.
Inhibition of protein phosphatase activity and changes in protein phosphorylation following acetaminophen exposure in cultured mouse hepatocytes

Abstract Protein phosphorylation was determined in cultured mouse hepatocytes exposed to an hepatotoxic concentration of acetaminophen (APAP) for selected times up to 12 h. Cultures were radiolabled with 32 P-orthophosphoric acid and the cell extracts were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. APAP exposure selectively increased the phosphorylation state of proteins of molecular weight 22, 25, 28, and 59 kDa and decreased the phosphorylation of a 26-kDa protein. Evidence is presented that these changes (1) are dependent on cytochrome P-450 activation of APAP; (2) occur well before enzyme leakage in this in vitro model; (3) are not likely attributed to GSH depletion alone; (4) are in part mimicked by okadaic acid, calyculin A, and cantharidic acid, three structurally distinct inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A; and (5) are paralleled by a decline in protein phosphatase activity. The physiological consequences of protein phosphatase inactivation could be significant in APAP overdose since these enzymes are involved in the dephosphorylation of regulatory proteins that control many cell functions. This study also provides the first evidence for disruption in signal transduction pathways as a response to or component of APAP-induced hepatic injury.
Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of the Human Antibody Response to Streptococcal Group A Carbohydrate

Abstract The lack of impressive quantitative differences in antibody to various streptococcal extracellular and cellular antigens among patients with acute rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, and following uncomplicated streptococcal infection has prompted investigation of qualitative aspects of the antibody response among these patients. By using a radiolabeled antigenically univalent hapten derived from streptococcal A carbohydrate, affinity of serum antibody to A-carbohydrate (A-antibody) was studied by an ammonium sulfate precipitation technique. The data obtained demonstrate average association constants (K0S) of acute rheumatic fever patient sera to be significantly lower than those of acute glomerulonephritis or streptococcal infection patients (P<0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). Further analysis of the data from hapten binding studies documents the fact that the radioimmune precipitin assay for the determination of A-antibody level is little influenced by K0 but directly correlates with the concentration of antibody binding sites. These data suggest that qualitative differences in A-antibody are present between rheumatic and non-rheumatic individuals. It is unclear whether the finding of low-affinity A-antibody among acute rheumatic fever patients reflects a generalized phenomenon or one restricted to the A-antibody-A-carbohydrate system.
Blocks languages for creating tangible artifacts

Logo turtles and Henderson's picture language have long been used to teach computational thinking by inspiring learners to construct programs that create complex geometric designs. We have developed visual blocks-based versions of these languages, TurtleBlocks and PictureBlocks, that allow users to transform their designs into tangible artifacts produced by laser cutters and vinyl cutters. Our languages embody two novel features. First, they use constructive area geometry to convert the geometric designs generated by our programs into formats suitable for laser and vinyl cutters. Second, they leverage static typing and polymorphism to provide a new way to reference the names of procedure parameters and local variables in a blocks language.
Lead in inner-city soil and its possible contribution to children's blood lead.

Abstract This study was designed to assess distribution and sources of lead in inner-city soils in Washington, D.C. Duplicate soil samples were collected randomly from 239 unpaved front yards of homes in Washington, D.C. Soil samples were collected 1 m from the houses. Lead concentration in soil was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Presence of lead detected in soil was correlated and traced to the anticipated source of origin. A significantly high concentration of lead was present in inner-city soils. Areas of the city in which the highest lead concentrations were found (Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) were determined to contain a large number of residents who had attained lower education levels than most residents in the remaining wards. It was concluded that lead concentration in inner-city soil plays a significant role in the incidence of lead poisoning in children in the District of Columbia and that paint is the main source of soil lead. Demographic characteristics of the residents ap...
Detailed investigation of doping in hydrogenated amorphous silicon and germanium.

Substitutional doping of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and germanium (a-Ge:H) with phosphorus, arsenic, and boron has been investigated, with use of electron-spin-resonance techniques, optical absorption, and transport measurements. Doping-induced changes in the density of shallow states and deep defects (dangling bonds) are compared for the different doping-host systems. Hyperfine spectra of neutral donor levels are observed in spin resonance and used to deduce a microscopic picture of the underlying donor wave functions. Based on the dependence of the occupancy of deep and shallow states on doping levels and temperature, a detailed model for the electronic density of states in n-type a-Si:H and a-Ge:H below the conduction-band mobility edge is obtained. Furthermore, similar studies in nominally compensated a-Si:H are used to discuss the location of boron acceptor states in this material as well as questions concerning light-induced creation of metastable dangling bonds. Experimental evidence for the existence of exchange-coupled electron-hole pairs in compensated a-Si:H is presented. For an investigation of the doping process, the incorporation of the various dopant atoms from the deposition gas phase into the amorphous film has been studied by secondary-ion mass spectroscopy. The concentration of electronically active dopants in the deposited film is related to the totalmore » concentrations of dopants in the solid or the deposition gas phase for a calculation of the corresponding doping efficiencies.« less
An assessment of vulnerability in Alaska groundfish

Federal fishery management rules in the United States have recently changed, necessitating an examination of which fish stocks require annual catch limits and how appropriate stock complexes are formed. We used an analytical approach termed productivity–susceptibility analysis (PSA) to analyze the vulnerability of federally managed Alaska groundfish stocks to overfishing. The focus of the effort was non-target stocks that have limited data available for determining stock status and vulnerability. The PSA approach was originally created to assess risks to bycatch in Australian trawl fisheries and compares productivity attributes (e.g. life-history traits) to factors that determine a stock's susceptibility to fishing impacts, producing a combined score indicative of a stock's relative vulnerability to overfishing. We used a form of the PSA developed by a working group from the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service specifically for use in assessing vulnerability in federally managed fisheries. Alaska groundfish displayed a wide range of vulnerability scores, and this result was mainly due to variability in productivity scores. Susceptibility scores varied less than productivity scores and were centered on an intermediate value. The inclusion of target stocks in the PSA was valuable for assessing the relative vulnerability of the non-target stocks. Sensitivity analyses indicated that PSAs respond differently to changes in attribute scores depending on their initial conditions, and managers should be careful in interpreting changes in PSA results when stocks are re-evaluated.
Time resolved emissions in the picosecond range of single tryptophan recombinant myoglobins reveal the presence of long range heme protein interactions

We have analyzed the time resolved fluorescence emission in the subnanosecond range of recombinant wild-type SW myoglobin and its single TRP mutants W7F and W14F. These recombinants carry a methionine at the N1 terminal end. The emission of Trp-7 in the met form of W14F showed residual lifetime components much shorter than those estimated after excitation energy transfer to the heme. We propose that in this recombinant the N1 methionine is close to Trp-7, thereby producing an extra quenching due to either collisions or electron transfer with its sulfur. When the measurements were repeated on its CO-form, the extra quenching of Trp-7 was much decreased, indicating a heme linked conformational change involving the amino terminal end of the protein. This hypothesis is supported by ligand linked conformational changes in myoglobin, reported by Ansari et al. and by Giardina et al. At neutral pH the lifetimes of W7F were consistent with estimations based on the atomic coordinates of SW myoglobin. Those of the wild-type were exactly the combination of the lifetimes of the two mutants. This suggest that the mutations did not affect the overall structure of the protein. However, in the ferric form, substitution of Trp-14 in W14F resulted in low stability at acid pH, as evident from lifetimes modifications at pH 4.8, while no modifications were produced by titrations of W7F to pH 4.5. This suggests a role of Trp-14 in the structural stability of myoglobin.
Operator algebra for birefringence and mirror reflection

Abstract An operator algebra for birefringence and regular mirror reflection is proposed. The main part of the algebra consists of Wolf's matrices, which are similar to Pauli's spin matrices. Because of the convenience of the matrices, the calculation of combined birefringent elements is simplified. Some examples including Faraday mirror will be discussed using the algebra.
Use of the percutaneous thrombolytic device for the treatment of thrombosed pseudoaneurysms during mechanical thrombectomy of hemodialysis grafts.

This article describes a method to remove thrombus from pseudoaneurysms associated with hemodialysis grafts during a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy procedure. This effective and easily performed technique involves manual compression of the pseudoaneurysm during activation of the Arrow Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device. The authors describe their clinical experience with use of this technique to treat 18 patients during percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy procedures. In addition, the development, morphology, and management of hemodialysis graft–related pseudoaneurysms are discussed.
Deformation behavior of 4;Mo alloys☆

Five polycrystalline nickel-molybdenum single-phase alloys (up to 10 at.% Mo) and pure nickel (INCO 270) were tested in compression at two temperatures. The molybdenum solutes contribute not only an additive friction stress, but also a multiplicative effect on the strain-hardening rate. This multiplicative effect is interpreted in terms of an influence of mobile solutes on the dislocation/dislocation interaction strength. Solute mobility was evidenced by the occurrence of static strain aging and of a strain-rate sensitivity that has a negative contribution. The total rate sensitivity, however, remained positive and jerky flow was not observed.
The Drug Crisis: A Description of Contingencies with a Recommendation for Regulated Legalization

Two rival approaches for alleviating the “drug crisis” are examined: the Bush elimination proposal and the legalization proposal. The drug crisis is broken down into relevant behaviors, and separated into an individual level and a social level. How well the two approaches address the contingencies of drug use and trade is examined, as well as the probable side-effects of implementing the two approaches. It is suggested that while legalization might increase the sheer number of users, the individual problems currently associated with use would be significantly alleviated. It is also suggested that legalization would alleviate many of the social problems of the drug crisis. It is concluded that the Bush proposal would exacerbate the problems of both levels and focuses on a specific problem while ignoring the conditions that caused the problem.
Disaster preparedness training for tribal leaders

It was with considerable irony that tribal leaders began a collaboration with the University of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Health Services for training in public health preparedness, as the tribes had an extended prior history of responding to a host of hazards caused by the dominant culture. The objective of the training was to ensure that Native American communities were adequately informed and trained to implement coordinated response plans for a range of potential public health emergencies on tribal lands and in surrounding communities. This commentary outlines how cultural competency (including public prayer by an elder during the training), respect for tribal sovereignity, solicitation of historical examples of indigenous preparedness, and incorporation of tribal community networks were essential to the success of this program.
Analytic strategies in hospital epidemiology: cross-sectional studies.

The cross-sectional study, also called the prevalence survey, is one of the most popular epidemiologic methods. It has been employed in up to one-third of published studies. This survey method has two primary applications: describing population characteristics and analyzing potential etiologic agents or risk tactors for diseases or other population attributes. Studies of the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and the association between smoking and chronic bronchitis are two examples of the cross-sectional method applied at the population-based level.
Management of Common Neurologic Symptoms in Pediatric Palliative Care: Seizures, Agitation, and Spasticity

Palliative care for children is complex and focuses on patients' comfort. Some of the most troublesome symptoms as patients approach the end of life are seizures, agitation, and spasticity. Many doctors caring for children at the end of life are uncomfortable or untrained in managing these symptoms in children. Our goal is to help physicians recognize and treat these neurologic symptoms optimally.
A 10b 50MS/s opamp-sharing pipeline A/D with current-reuse OTAs

A 10b opamp-sharing pipeline A/D using current-reuse OTAs is presented. The current-reuse OTA, with two NMOS differential inputs operating in opposite phases, facilitates opamp-sharing between consecutive stages, minimizing power consumption. Constant transistor biasing ensures no loss of settling time from power-on delays. The A/D is fabricated in a 0.18μm CMOS process and occupies active area of 0.7mm2. At 50MS/s, maximum SNDR of 58dB (ENOB=9.3b) is obtained with 9.2mW analog power consumption on a 1.8V supply.
First-ballot votes, predeliberation dispositions, and final verdicts in jury trials

This study examines the proposition that first ballots predict jury verdicts inaactual juries, an oft-cited finding from Kalven and Zeisel, and the explicit assumption by Kalven and Zeisel that first-ballot preferences are equivalent to predeliberation opinions, referred to as the liberation hypothesis. Interview data from respondents who had served on felony juries indicate that first ballots do predict jury verdicts at a high level. However, it is probable that influence occurs in juries prior to the first ballot, making it unlikely that the distribution of votes on the first ballot is equivalent to the individual inclinations of jurors at the time they enter into deliberation, which casts doubt on the liberation hypothesis. Methodological issues in the study of real juries on these topics are discussed.
Study of Merrill-Crowe processing. Part I: Solubility of zinc in alkaline cyanide solution

Abstract A comprehensive study of zinc solubility was carried out in de-aerated alkaline cyanide solutions. Parameters investigated were: dissolved oxygen, cyanide and lead nitrate concentrations and pH. Zinc solubility increases significantly with increased dissolved oxygen and cyanide concentrations. Eh-pH diagrams have been developed and used to predict regions of stability of zinc hydroxide, which may inhibit gold precipitation. The interaction between cyanide and hydroxyl ion activities to prevent the formation of zinc hydroxide is presented. With lead nitrate additions, maximum solubility of zinc occurs in the range of 10–15 mg/l lead nitrate. SEM photomicrographs of zinc particles in the presence of lead nitrate are presented.
Modular, bluetooth enabled, wireless electroencephalograph (EEG) platform

A design for a modular, compact, and accurate wireless electroencephalograph (EEG) system is proposed. EEG is the only non-invasive measure for neuronal function of the brain. Using a number of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, this neuronal function can be acquired and processed into meaningful representations of brain activity. The system described here utilizes Bluetooth to wirelessly transmit the digitized brain signal for an end application use. In this way, the system is portable, and modular in terms of the device to which it can interface. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) has become a popular extension of EEG systems in modern research. This design serves as a platform for applications using BCI capability.
Are Legislative TV and Campaign Finance Regulations Complementary Entry Barriers? Evidence From the USA

The present study examines the political use of legislative television and campaign finance restrictions as either complementary or substitutable forms of entry barriers using data from the 50 states for 1976. Results from a simultaneous probit procedure indicate that where campaign finance regulations are relaxed, demand for televised house sessions is increased. Results also suggest that the presence of televised proceedings increases the restrictiveness of a state's campaign finance rules, thus supporting the hypothesis that legislative television and campaign finance restrictions serve incumbent legislators as complementary institutional entry barriers. Mixon (2002) supports this view by providing examples of outlets for voters to scrutinize elected legislators at the federal level in the United States. For instance, legislative positions for members of Congress are often described in detail by nationally circulated periodicals such as Time and Newsweek, and in widely circulated newspapers such as Th...
Allometry constants of finite-dimensional spaces: theory and computations

We describe the computations of some intrinsic constants associated to an n-dimensional normed space $${\mathcal{V}}$$, namely the N-th “allometry” constants $$\kappa_\infty^N(\mathcal{V}) := \inf \{\|T\| \cdot \|T'\|, \quad T\,:\,\ell_\infty^N \to \mathcal{V}, \; \; T': \mathcal{V} \to \ell_\infty^N, \; \;TT'={\rm Id}_{\mathcal{V}}\}.$$ These are related to Banach–Mazur distances and to several types of projection constants. We also present the results of our computations for some low-dimensional spaces such as sequence spaces, polynomial spaces, and polygonal spaces. An eye is kept on the optimal operators T and T′, or equivalently, in the case N = n, on the best conditioned bases. In particular, we uncover that the best conditioned bases of quadratic polynomials are not symmetric, and that the Lagrange bases at equidistant nodes are best conditioned in the spaces of trigonometric polynomials of degree at most one and two.