cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Morphological Growth State and Gene Expression in Desulfovibrio africanus Strain Walvis Bay Mercury Methylation

The biogeochemical transformations of mercury are a complex process, with the production of methylmercury, a potent human neurotoxin, repeatedly demonstrated in sulfate- and Fe(III)-reducing as well as methanogenic bacteria. However, little is known regarding the morphology, genes, or proteins involved in methylmercury generation. Desulfovibrio africanus strain Walvis Bay is a Hg-methylating δ-proteobacterium with a sequenced genome and has unusual pleomorphic forms. In this study, a relationship between the pleomorphism and Hg methylation was investigated. Proportional increases in the sigmoidal (regular) cell form corresponded with increased net MeHg production but decreased when the pinched cocci (persister) form became the major morphotype. D. africanus microarrays indicated that the ferrous iron transport genes (feoAB), as well as ribosomal genes and several genes whose products are predicted to have metal binding domains (CxxC), were up-regulated during exposure to Hg in the exponential phase. Whereas no specific methylation pathways were identified, the finding that Hg may interfere with iron transport and the correlation of growth-phase-dependent morphology with MeHg production are notable. The identification of these relationships between differential gene expression, morphology, and the growth-phase dependence of Hg transformations suggests that actively growing cells are primarily responsible for methylation, and so areas with ample carbon and electron-acceptor concentrations may also generate a higher proportion of methylmercury than more oligotrophic environments. The observation of increased iron transporter expression also suggests that Hg methylation may interfere with iron biogeochemical cycles.
Social Studies in World War One: A Period of Transition

Abstract During the early years of the twentieth century, educators challenged the traditional organization and content of the high school curriculum, including the social studies. Nevertheless, many teachers continued their loyalty to an elitist curriculum until World War I, which served as a catalyst for rapid change in the teaching of history, geography, and current events. Indicators of that change are found in the methods and professional journals of that period, particularly The History Teacher's Magazine. Social studies in public schools after WWI was more like our current curriculum than like the history and geography taught prior to the War.
Overexpression of human erythropoietin in tobacco does not affect plant fertility or morphology

Human erythropoietin (EPO) is a leading product in the biopharmaceutical market, but functional EPO has only been produced in mammalian cells, which limits its application and drives up the production costs. Using plants to produce human proteins may be an alternative way to reduce the cost. However, a recent report demonstrated that overexpression of the human EPO gene (EPO) in tobacco or Arabidopsis rendered males sterile and retarded vegetative growth, which raises concern whether EPO might interfere with hormone levels in transgenic plants. In the present study, we demonstrated that overexpressing EPO with additional 5′-His tag and 3′ ER-retention peptides in tobacco did not cause any developmental defect compared to GUS plants. With our method, all 20 transgenic plants grew on selective medium and, further confirmed by PCR, were fertile. Most of them grew similarly compared to GUS plants. Only one transgenic plant (EPO2) was shorter in plant height but had twice the life span compared to other transgenic plants. When 11 randomly selected EPO plants, along with the abnormal plant EPO2, were subjected to RT-PCR analysis, all of them had detectable EPO transcripts. However, their protein levels varied considerably; seven of them had detectable EPO proteins analyzed by western blot. Our results indicate that overexpressing human EPO protein in plants does not have detrimental effects on growth and development. Our transformation systems allow us to further explore the possibility of glycoengineering tobacco plants for producing functional EPO and its derivatives.
Gram's Stain of Peritoneal Fluid Is Rarely Helpful in the Evaluation of the Ascites Patient

Study objective We determine the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility of the Gram's stain of peritoneal fluid in patients undergoing paracentesis. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all peritoneal fluid analyses in a 3-year period in an urban 3-hospital system. Peritoneal dialysis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage patients were excluded. Data collected included Gram's stain, cell count, and culture results. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was defined as an absolute neutrophil count greater than 250 cells/mm 3 . In patients with a positive Gram's stain result, charts were reviewed for antibiotic changes. Primary outcome measures were the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the Gram's stain for the detection of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Results Of 796 fluid samples, Gram's stain demonstrated an organism in 31 (3.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6% to 5.4%). Gram stain had a sensitivity of 10% (95% CI 6% to 15%), specificity of 97.5% (95% CI 96.7% to 98.3%), positive predictive value of 48% (95% CI 32% to 65%), and negative predictive value of 81.3% (95% CI 80.7% to 82.0%) in the detection of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Antibiotic treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was changed after Gram's stain results in only 1 case, and 16 of 31 positive Gram's stain results occurred in patients without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, likely representing contaminants. Conclusion The Gram's stain result was rarely positive in patients undergoing paracentesis, and when positive, it rarely provided clinically useful information.
Teaching Communication Skills: An Essential Part of Residency Training

Objective: To design a structured curriculum concerning issues of communication with patients and families for use during training of pediatric residents. Background: The stimulus for this initiative arose from residents' perceived need for such a program and the realization that a structured approach to communication techniques did not currently exist in our residency and, in fact, in many undergraduate and graduate medical education curricula. Methods: Our program was designed to address complex and difficult areas in physician-patient interaction, including how to deliver "bad news," deal with hostile parents, and speak to children about serious illness; the psychosocial aspects of death and dying were also covered in the program. Various teaching techniques were used. We attempted to assess residents' response and alteration in behavior consequent to the program. Results: The program was successfully incorporated into the training of our residents and was carried out by using existent personnel; minimal expense was incurred. The residents thought the course was valuable and effective, although no statistically significant change in the communication skills of residents could be demonstrated. Conclusions: The area of physician-patient communication can be taught in a structured fashion during residency. Programs should be devised to meet the changing needs of training during residency and should incorporate the unique strengths of individual institutions. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996;150:638-642)
Enhancing Their Likelihood for a Positive Future

To the Editor. — In their recently published companion articles, Ginsburg and colleagues1,2 provide us with 2 outstanding glimpses, 1 quantitative and the other qualitative, into the world views of today’s inner-city youth. The authors identify the ongoing debate between the risk and resiliency paradigms about how to best promote adolescent and young adult well-being in their discussion and suggest that studies that explore macro social forces such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status perpetuate a focus on risk and draw attention away from “more easily acted on variables.” I agree that a focus on demographic predictors of risk may not lead to interventions that easily enhance youth development and may, in fact, promote a “blame the victim” mentality. However, I reject the notion that studies of larger sociostructural factors, such as socioeconomic status, engender such a focus. How we interpret the data creates that difference. I offer an alternative …
Free amino acid pools, 15N2 fixation and fixed N2 assimilation in Leucaena leucocephala var. K-8.

The objectives of this study were to determine the nitrogen content of an the free amino acid pools in various organs of L. leucocephala, to measure any changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in the plants from the time of germination through nodulation and to identify the N compound exported from nodules
Error-driven generalist+experts (edge): a multi-stage ensemble framework for text categorization

We introduce a multi-stage ensemble framework, Error-Driven Generalist+Expert or Edge, for improved classification on large-scale text categorization problems. Edge first trains a generalist, capable of classifying under all classes, to deliver a reasonably accurate initial category ranking given an instance. Edge then computes a confusion graph for the generalist and allocates the learning resources to train experts on relatively small groups of classes that tend to be systematically confused with one another by the generalist. The experts' votes, when invoked on a given instance, yield a reranking of the classes, thereby correcting the errors of the generalist. Our evaluations showcase the improved classification and ranking performance on several large-scale text categorization datasets. Edge is in particular efficient when the underlying learners are efficient. Our study of confusion graphs is also of independent interest.
Nanofiltration/reverse osmosis for treatment of coproduced waters

Current high oil and gas prices have lead to renewed interest in exploration of nonconventional energy sources such as coal bed methane, tar sand, and oil shale. However oil and gas production from these nonconventional sources has lead to the coproduction of large quantities of produced water. While produced water is a waste product from oil and gas exploration it is a very valuable natural resource in the arid Western United States. Thus treated produced water could be a valuable new source of water. Commercially available nanofiltration and low pressure reverse osmosis membranes have been used to treat three produced waters. The results obtained here indicate that the permeate could be put to beneficial uses such as crop and livestock watering. However minimizing membrane fouling will be essential for the development of a practical process. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging may be used to observe membrane fouling
From hyperplanes to large-margin classifiers: applications of SAR ATR

In this paper, the structural risk minimization (SRM) criterion is employed to train a large margin classifier, the support vector machine (SVM). Its relative performance is compared with traditional classifiers employing hyperplanes against a realistic difficult problem, the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR). In most pattern recognition applications, the task is to perform classification into a fixed number of classes. However, in some practical cases, such as ATR, one also needs to carry out a reliable pattern rejection. Experimental results showed that the SVM with the Gaussian kernels performs well in target recognition. Moreover, the SVM is able to form a local or 'bounded' decision region that presents better rejection to confusers.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pediatric endoscopic airway management with posterior cricoid rib grafting.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To confirm and extend reported successful treatment of posterior glottic stenosis in pediatric patients using endoscopic laser division of the posterior cricoid plate with augmentation using costal cartilage. Study Design: A retrospective chart review and case series. Methods: Medical records were examined to determine the surgical indications, outcomes, and postoperative complications of this procedure. Results: Twelve patients underwent the procedure, six females and six males, with an average age of 7 years (range, 2–26 years). There were 8/12 (67%) patients successfully decannulated after being tracheostomy dependent. There were no consistent anatomic abnormalities or surgical findings predictive of failure to decannulate. Average hospital stay was 3.6 days (range, 2–9 days). There were no deaths or other major complications; one patient had extrusion. Conclusions: Endoscopic posterior cricoid grafting is a valuable surgical option for patients with posterior glottic stenosis. The procedure is associated with low morbidity and permits decannulation in the majority of patients.
Triassic Sedimentation, Maritime Provinces, Canada

The Triassic rocks of the Canadian Maritime Provinces (Fundy Group) represent an inter-tonguing complex of continental red beds and tholeiitic basalts. Interbedded sharpstone conglomerates occur in the basin margins and are represented by the Gerrish Facies of the Wolfville Formation, Chedabucto Formation, Quaco Formation, Echo Cove Formation, and Lepreau Formation. An alternating flood-plain-alluvial-fan phase is represented by the Hants Facies of the Wolfville Formation; a lacustrine complex is represented by the Digby Facies of the Blomidon Formation (deposited within the active-wave zone) and the Del Haven Facies of the Blomidon Formation (deposited below wave base) and also by the Scots Bay Formation. Combinations of primary structures were most useful for recognition of different depositional environments. Alluvial-fan deposits contained crude cut-and-fill stratification and poorly sorted sharp-stone conglomerates and sandstones. Flood-plain-alluvial-fan intertongues were characterized by channel stratification, lenticular, wedge-shaped, and planar cross-stratification, current ripple marks, imbricate boulders, current lineation, and claystone breccia. Lacustrine deposits formed below wave base showed even, uniformly thick bedding, disturbed bedding, graded bedding, rhythmic lamination, and oscillation ripple marks, whereas lacustrine deposits formed in the active-wave zone showed these same primary structures in combination with channel stratification, lenticular cross-stratification, current ripple marks, flute casts, groove casts, oriented plant stems, rib-and-furrow structure, mud cracks, and raindrop imprints. Sandstones in the Fundy Group consist of low-and high-rank graywacke, arkose, impure arkose, and orthoquartzite. Their geographic distribution was found to be related to pre-Triassic geology, as Pre-Mississippian metamorphic and Mississippian sedimentary rocks generated low-rank graywacke, Paleozoic granites generated impure arkose, arkose and high-rank graywacke, and Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks generated orthoquartzites. A provenance control of Fundy Group sandstone composition is suggested. Paleocurrent mapping confirmed the provenance inference. Comparison of Fundy Group sandstones with other ancient sandstones and modern sands demonstrates that provenance, rather than tectonics, controls sandstone composition.
Gas-Liquid-Solid Phase Transition Model for Two-Dimensional Nanocrystal Self-Assembly on Graphite

The self-assembly of 12 nm PbSe nanocrystals on a graphite surface during solvent evaporation is analyzed within the two-dimensional van der Waals phase condensation model. The interparticle attractive force, phase separation kinetics, and critical coverage in this system can be revealed from aggregation spatial patterns at different kinetic stages. Cracking in nanocrystal monolayer drying at high coverage reveals limitations of this model.
A New Approach to Characterize High Power Electromagnetic Waves Following Apertures Interactions

Summary form only given. External high power electromagnetic sources are threats to electrical systems used in both commercial and defense applications. Such an interaction with a very large electrical system can be simulated through a modular technique known as electromagnetic topology (EMT) that requires volume decomposition. In our presentation, we have demonstrated an improved electromagnetic EMT based simulation approach by integrating a transmission line matrix method to the topological simulation technique. This approach allows for the use of the topological code for fields propagations between electrical systems through mediums other than hard-wire cables. An array of cable network is created by the integration of the sub-network matrices based on the TLM network. The agreement of the simulated results with FDTD analysis validates the topological approach to simulation through volume decomposition. Analysis also shows that the aperture size affects field propagation and penetration, thus influencing both the field characteristics and frequency spectral components of the incident pulse
Buyer perceptions on the buyer-supplier collaborative relationship and performance: a service example

Increasing need to improve efficiency and/or productivity and achieve competitive advantage causes organisations to look into collaborative relationships with their supply chain partners. This study examines how buyer-supplier collaboration contributes to relationship outcomes as measured by supplier delivery performance, buyer perceived business performance and revenue. Surveys collected from 57 managers of a US service organisation reveal the significance of knowledge transfer in improving buyer performance and supplier delivery performance. Also, knowledge transfer is a key mediator explaining the association between supplier relationship management and performance constructs when buyer-supplier relationship length is added to the model. If buyer and suppliers are in a trustworthy and sustainable relationship, they will be more likely learn from each other, respond to each other’s concerns and problems that in turn improve business performance. Buyer and suppliers can use these results to better understand the implications of knowledge management in the supply chain.
Enhanced Sodium‐Calcium Exchange in the Infarcted Heart

Arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction both contribute to the high morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. Contractile dysfunction is generally believed to reflect a decrease in the amplitude of intracellular Ca(2+) transients, whereas tachyarrythmias are often initiated in the setting of cellular Ca(2+) overload. In a rabbit model of left ventricular dysfunction due to myocardial infarction, we found evidence that myocyte sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content may be normal or even increased at slow stimulation rates. This may occur because prolonged action potential duration promotes Ca(2+) influx via the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. Despite preserved SR Ca(2+) content, intracellular Ca(2+) transients and contractions may be reduced in amplitude because of impaired synchronization of Ca(2+) release events throughout the myocyte.
On the Interference of two Gaussian beams and their ABCD Matrix Representation

Gaussian beam propagation is well described by the q-parameter and the ABCD matrices. A variety of ABCD matrices are available that represent commonly occurring scenarios/components in optics. One important phenomenon that has not been studied in detail is the interference of two optical beams with different q-parameters undergoing interference. In this paper, we describe the effect of interference of two Gaussian beams. We derive an ABCD matrix for the addition of two beams that takes into account both the amplitude and phase difference between two beams. This ABCD matrix will help greatly in determining the propagation of beams inside complex interferometers and finding the solutions for the coupled cavity Eigenmodes.
On-filter determination of collected wood dust by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS)

A new analytical technique based on DRIFTS spectroscopy has been developed for the specific and sensitive determination of size-fractionated wood dust from 37 mm glass fiber filter samples collected with the Respicon™ sampler. A translational diffuse reflectance apparatus was modified to accept filter samples by incorporating a special filter holder in the sample stage and a clockwork motor to drive the translational stage during infrared scanning, thus providing an average analysis across the filter face. Filter samples were pre-treated with ethyl acetate to uniformly redeposit dust onto the filter and extract potential chemical interferences. Two absorbance maxima (1251 and 1291 cm−1), corresponding to the cellulose content of the wood, were suitable for quantitation of wood dust. Analysis of seven species of wood at 1291 cm−1 showed an equivalent quantitative response for all species except maple. The response at 1251 cm−1 was more variable across species but more sensitive for the softwoods. There was a statistically significant effect of particle size on the analytical response, so that analytical standards should be matched to the samples in terms of particle size distribution. Analytical limit of detection was approximately 0.08 mg of wood dust per sample with overall precision of about 6%. Comparison of DRIFTS and gravimetric analyses of 51 pure wood dust samples ranging from about 0.2 to 2 mg yielded a slope of 1.08 and r2 equal to 0.9. Other particulate contaminants common in the industrial wood processing industry showed little or no interference with the determination of wood dust by this method.
Laser-Induced High-Strain-Rate Superplastic 3-D Microforming of Metallic Thin Films

Microforming of metals has always been a challenge because of the limited formability of metals at the microscale. This paper investigates an innovative microforming technique: microscale laser dynamic forming (?LDF), which induces 3-D superplastic forming in metallic thin films. This forming process proceeds in a sequence of laser irradiation and ionization of ablative coating, shockwave generation and propagation in metallic thin films, and conformation of metallic thin films to the shape of microscale molds. Because the deformation proceeds at ultrahigh strain rates, it is found that materials experience superplastic deformation at the microscale. In this paper, experiments are systematically carried out to understand the deformation characteristics of ?LDF. The topologies and dimensions of the deformed samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. The thickness variations are characterized by slicing the cross section of the deformed material using the focused ion beam. The magnitude of deformation depth in ?LDF is determined primarily by three critical factors: film thickness, mold geometry, and laser intensity. The relationships between these factors are explored in process maps to find suitable processing conditions for ?LDF. Nanoindentation tests are conducted to show that the strength of the thin films is increased significantly after ?LDF.
THE X-RAY SYSTEM R AQUARII: A TWO-SIDED JET AND CENTRAL SOURCE

We report Chandra ACIS-S3 X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the R Aquarii binary system that show a spatially resolved two-sided jet and an unresolved central source. This is the first published report of such an X-ray jet seen in an evolved ∼2–3 M, stellar system. At keV, the X-ray jet extends to both the northeast E ! 1 (NE) and southwest (SW) relative to the central binary system. At keV, R Aqr is a pointlike source 1 ! E ! 7.1 centered on the star system. While both 3.5 cm radio continuum emission and X-ray emission appear coincident in projection and have maximum intensities at ∼7 .5 NE of the central binary system, the next strongest X-ray component is located ∼30 SW of the central binary system and has no radio continuum counterpart. The X-ray jets are likely shock-heated in the recent past and are not in thermal equilibrium. The strongest SW X-ray jet component may have been shocked recently since there is no relic radio emission as expected from an older shock. At the position of the central binary, we detect X-ray emission below 1.6 keV consistent with blackbody emission at K. There is also a prominent 6.4 keV feature, a possible fluorescence or collisionally 6 T ∼ 2 # 10 excited Fe Ka line from an accretion disk or from the wind of the giant star. For this excitation to occur, there must be an unseen hard source of X-rays or particles in the immediate vicinity of the hot star. Such a source would be hidden from view by the surrounding edge-on accretion disk. Subject headings: binaries: symbiotic — circumstellar matter — radio continuum: stars — stars: individual (R Aquarii) — stars: winds, outflows — white dwarfs — X-rays: general
Segmentation of ventricles in brain CT images using Gaussian Mixture Model method

In this paper, a segmentation method using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) combined with template match is proposed for analysis of brain CT images. The specific aim of this method is to extract ventricles from brain CT images. These can then be used for automated detection of the midline shift in brain. In the method, different types of brain tissue, of which the ventricles form the region of interest, are segmented using multiple Gaussian mixtures. Expectation Maximization (EM) method is used to train the GMM. Ventriclular tissue is then detected in the segmented regions using template matching. Other segmentation methods, including K-means clustering and Iterated Conditional Modes (ICM), are also implemented and their results are compared with those of the proposed method. The algorithms are evaluated against a dataset of brain CT images captured from both normal and TBI cases. The segmentation results show the advantages of the proposed GMM-based method for brain tissue modeling. The computational complexity of the proposed method is also discussed, as well as the means to address this issue. The proposed GMM-based method allows accurate segmentation of ventricles required for detection of the shift in the midline.
Decreased circulation time offsets increased efficacy of PEGylated nanocarriers targeting folate receptors of glioma

Liposomal and other nanocarrier based drug delivery vehicles can localize to tumours through passive and/or active targeting. Passively targeted liposomal nanocarriers accumulate in tumours via 'leaky' vasculature through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Passive accumulation depends upon the circulation time and the degree of tumour vessel 'leakiness'. After extravasation, actively targeted liposomal nanocarriers efficiently deliver their payload by receptor-mediated uptake. However, incorporation of targeting moieties can compromise circulation time in the blood due to recognition and clearance by the reticuloendothelial system, decreasing passive accumulation. Here, we compare the efficacy of passively targeted doxorubicin-loaded PEGylated liposomal nanocarriers to that of actively targeted liposomal nanocarriers in a rat 9L brain tumour model. Although folate receptor (FR)-targeted liposomal nanocarriers had significantly reduced blood circulation time compared to PEGylated liposomal nanocarriers; intratumoural drug concentrations both at 20 and 50 h after administration were equal for both treatments. Both treatments significantly increased tumour inoculated animal survival by 60–80% compared to non-treated controls, but no difference in survival was observed between FR-targeted and passively targeted nanocarriers. Therefore, alternate approaches allowing for active targeting without compromising circulation time may be important for fully realizing the benefits of receptor-mediated active targeting of gliomas.
A FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

The rise of global markets and increasingly virtual companies has focused management attention on competition between supply chains. Many schools of management and engineering are adopting integrated curricula that prepare students to design and manage the resulting complex global web of material and information flows. In this paper, we examine the curricula used by many top engineering and graduate business schools for courses in supply chain management. We present a framework for supply chain management and highlight supporting material and pedagogy. We also classify popular supply chain case studies within our framework and provide useful References to recent business press treatment of these issues.
Mechanisms of repair of interstrand crosslinks in DNA.

The chemotherapeutic use of the early forms of DNA interstrand crosslinking agents, such as mustard gas and nitrogen mustard, predates the Second World War, making these agents among the oldest, and yet still most effective, anticancer drugs available in the clinic. The alkylation chemistry of these drugs was elucidated shortly after the War, and their cellular pharmacology was studied extensively during the 1970s and 1980s1. In contemporary chemotherapy treatment, interstrand crosslinking agents such as cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and cisplatin are among the most potent antitumor agents. Despite this lengthy history of clinical usage and pharmacologic investigation, the mechanisms of repair of the lesions produced in DNA by interstrand crosslinking agents have not been extensively studied. This relative neglect of investigation into the biochemical pathways of interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair is to be contrasted with the striking advances that have been accomplished in the past decade in other DNA damage processing pathways, such as nucleotide excision repair (NER), double-strand break (DSB) repair, and mismatch repair2
Work or Learning Implications of Classroom Metaphors

The workplace metaphor has often been used to drive research as well as teaching models. Conceptualizing the classroom as a work setting, however, neglects the unique qualities of the classroom that create a “learning setting.” After some of the benefits and limitations of using the workplace metaphor in classroom research are noted, some characteristics that differentiate learning settings from work and recreational settings are described. Suggestions for the development of a model of the classroom as a learning setting based on cognitive approaches to learning and on classroom research are outlined. Implications of this model are presented.
Social Networks and Correct Voting

Work on the nexus between deliberation and democratic practice has considered the normative consequences of socially driven behavior. However, a common criticism of interpersonal networks is that most people have insular social circles and that when they do not they are unlikely to engage in politics. We show that such pessimistic assessments are unwarranted, though for unexpected reasons. Using data from the 1992 Cross-National Election Project and the 2000 ANES, we examine the conditions under which social networks promote interest-based voting in the United States. We find that networks facilitate connections between individuals’ vote decisions and their underlying preferences when they provide unambiguous signals regarding candidates—because many Americans reside in supportive social environments, networks often help citizens make “correct” voting decisions (Lau and Redlawsk 1997 ). Thus, social networks appear to help shoulder the demands of democratic theory, but not by helping people learn about po...
Partial Basis Indexation: Tax Arbitrage and Related Issues

The capital gains preference has been justified as a second-best response to flaws in income taxation. This Article posits, however, that partial basis indexation (of assets but not debt) is a better second-best alternative than the preference. The preference has been supported as a desirable offset to the excess inclusion of inflationary gains in the tax base. Separately, the lower rate reduces the incentive under the realization requirement to defer the tax on appreciated assets by retaining such assets (the "lock-in" problem). The lock-in response is the stronger of the two justifications since the preference is an extremely poor response to the inflation problem; i.e., the uniform lower rate fails to take into account the percentage of the gain attributable to inflation. Partial basis indexation therefore is clearly superior to the preference at first blush. Basis indexation, which removes inflationary gains from the tax base, more directly responds to the inflation issue. In addition, basis indexation simultaneously addresses the lock-in problem by reducing the amount of taxable gain. Partial basis indexation has failed to gain acceptance over the preference despite its initial apparent superiority. The primary objection relates to partial indexation's exclusion of debt. (The debt exclusion is attributable to complexity and political concerns.) In particular, the debt exclusion creates arbitrage opportunities. Leveraged acquisitions might create excess tax deductions: the borrower's entire nominal interest expense would be deductible while some or all of the offsetting gain on the acquired asset would be excluded. Prior scholarship rejecting partial indexation on arbitrage grounds has failed to assess whether partial indexation would worsen current arbitrage opportunities. This Article therefore undertakes this comparative analysis. While complexities preclude an absolute conclusion, the Article demonstrates why partial indexation, on balance, does not appear to materially worsen tax arbitrage opportunities. This assessment restores the superiority of partial indexation over the preference. Without materially worsening the arbitrage concerns, partial indexation would maintain a second-best response to lock-in and provide a more precise inflationary response. Another comparative advantage of partial indexation that I analyzed in an earlier article buttresses this conclusion: basis indexation implicitly imposes a tax deferral charge on taxpayers holding appreciated assets. See Mitchell Engler, Partial Basis Indexation: An Implicit Response to Tax Deferral, 53 Tax Law Review 177 (2000). Finally, in similar comparative fashion, the Article defends partial indexation against concerns of excess complexity and inefficiencies due to the special regime for debt.
Surface Interaction of Inflammatory Species with Titanium and Titanium Oxide

Titanium has been successfully used for decades in dental and orthopedic implants, but the mechanism for this metal’s biocompatible properties have not been determined. Our hypothesis is that this biocompatibility involves interaction between the surface layer of titanium dioxide on the metal implant and reactive oxygen mediators of the inflammatory response. The affect of different titanium surface oxide layers on the reactive oxygen mediators produced during the inflammatory response has never been examined. Peroxynitrite is a highly reactive and unstable compound produced in vivo by the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide. We investigated if titanium oxides affect the stability of peroxynitrite by promoting its breakdown. Peroxynitrite levels can be measured by its absorbance at 302 nm. At pH= 13.2, we found a 100% increase in the rate of degradation of peroxynitrite in the presence of titanium particles. Peroxynitrite is capable of nitrating 4-hydroxyphenolacetic acid (4-HPA). The nitrated form of 4-HPA can be measured by its absorbance at 432nm. 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a nitric oxide donor, has been shown to produce superoxide during its breakdown resulting in the formation of peroxynitrite. At physiological pH (7.4), a solution of 0.5mM 4-HPA was exposed to 5mM SIN- 1 on passivated titanium surfaces. There was a decrease of 58% nitrated 4-HPA in the solution exposed to passivated titanium compared to controls. Unpassivated titanium surfaces resulted in only a 10% decrease of nitrated 4-HPA while titanium treated with hydrogen peroxide resulted in a 70% decrease in nitrated 4-HPA concentrations compared to controls. Zirconium and palladium were also tested. These experiments suggest that titanium is capable of enhancing the breakdown of the inflammatory compound peroxynitrite which may account for the metal’s biocompatible properties.
Can Simple Mechanism Design Results Be Used to Implement the Proportionality Standard in Discovery?Comment

In this comment on Gelbach (JITE 2016), I make two points. First, I support Gelbach’s application of mechanism design (MD) to legal design because it takes information requirements and other constraints seriously. MD derives the best rule under the stated constraints. This rigorously confirms the existing rule’s optimality, reveals a superior alternative, or, if the MD solution appears unrealistic, uncovers additional constraints that any real solution must satisfy. Second, I consider implementing the social optimum, rather than the private optimum. In Gelbach’s discovery example, even a court with limited information can objectively implement some social goals; for other social goals, the court can at least do the best it can according to its subjective beliefs.
Data, Phenomena, Signal, and Noise

This essay attempts to provide additional motivation for the data/phenomena framework advocated in Bogen and Woodward, “Saving the Phenomena” (1988).
Strategic Substitutes and Strategic Complements With Interdependent Demands

Strategic substitutes and complements have become standard tools of analysis in industrial organization. Bulow et al. (1985) original model which introduced these concepts focused on multimarket oligopoly. Building upon that model, this paper shows that there becomes not one but two strategic interaction terms if the demands between markets is interdependent and the firms compete in prices. This new model is applied to the telecommunications industry, where the local exchange carriers face competition from competitive access providers. The theoretical model shows the critical variables in the local exchange carriers' strategic pricing decision.
Resources Naturelles, Commerce Et Endettement

Dans ce chapitre, nous generalisons le modele de Chichilnisky afin de pouvoir considerer l'effet de la dette sur le pays exportateur de ressources. Nous permettons l'existence d'un desequilibre du compte commercial, compense par un afflux d'investissement provenant de l'exterieur ou par un transfert financier . Ce desequilibre represente la dette envers l'etranger, affectee a l'expansion des reserves petrolieres. Il s'agit d'un modele standard d'equilibre general concurrentiel, sauf en ce qui concerne l'ecart entre revenus d'exportations et couts d'importations, qui represente precisement la dette . Les prix de tous les biens et facteurs peuvent s'ajuster aux conditions du marche, et ce pour les deux regions.
Characterization of Reservoir in Chegu 20 Buried Hill of Chezhen Sag

According to the core description and analyzing data comprehensively combined with the rock thin section and scanning electron microscope pictures,reservoir characteristics of lower Paleozoic of Chegu 20 buried hill were studied.It is found that the reservoir space can be classified into three types including cave,porosity and fracture,which are subdivided into ten species.Reservoir developments show hybrid features of above three types:the upper contains porosity,cave and fracture;the middle includes cavity and fracture;the lower consists of fracture and porosity.The physical properties of reservoir are characterized by low porosity and low permeability.
Justice Breyer's Constitutional Jurisprudence: Active Liberty and Pragmatism

ABSTRACTThis analysis of Associate Justice Stephen Breyer's jurisprudence proceeds from his first book devoted to this subject, Active Liberty, a term he derives from Benjamin Constant and that Breyer defines as participatory democracy. Active Liberty and two subsequent books, as well as numerous off-bench writings, explain his jurisprudence of pragmatism, an approach he contrasts with originalism. This article addresses three general questions: Is Breyer's jurisprudence, founded on active liberty and pragmatism, fundamentally consistent with the design of the Constitution? Does his jurisprudence support his opinions in the constitutional decisions examined, a number of which are also treated in his books and articles? In a system that is designed to empower and to limit government, do his jurisprudence and judicial decisions constrain judges? This last question is especially important because of Breyer's thesis “that courts should take greater account of the Constitution's democratic nature when they int...
Improvement in Stability of HVDC System by Optimizing PI Control Parameters in PSCAD

Background/Objectives: The stability of High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system is improved by optimization of system's control parameters. The simulation model of HVDC network is designed in Power Systems Computer Aided Design (PSCAD) and the Proportional Integral (PI) parameters optimization are achieved by using simplex algorithm. Simulation based evaluation of Integral Time Absolute Error-Objective function (ITAE-OF) is implemented in this paper. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Simulation calculation results are iterated to determine the new values of objective function. The model of three parallel HVDC lines connecting Power system of Central-East China is used as a test network. PI control parameters of San-Chang ±500KV HVDC system line are optimized. Findings: Optimized results have been achieved by evaluating ITAE-OF using transient simulation and converged via Simplex algorithm in PSCAD. The performance of system in steady state behavior as well as in fault condition is improved through optimized control parameters as compared to the initial control parameters, which are presented by plotting graphs. Application/Improvements: The derived equation can be further optimized using the hybrid system.
Continuous Insemination in Eutrombicula Splendens (Acarina: Trombiculidae)

Regardless of the fact that we now know how sperm are transferred from male to female in trombiculids, and regardless of the existence of information on longevity and productivity of chigger cultures and even the existence of records of the number of eggs produced by females over a period of time, there appears to be no evidence to indicate whether a female is receptive only once or whether she may be inseminated repeatedly. Most of the information relating to reproductive potential of chigger cultures and of single females has accrued incidental to studies on culture methods or life histories (Wharton, aided by Fuller, 1952; Neal and Barnett, 1961; Holman, 1961; and others). Lipovsky, Byers and Kardos (1957) described the mode of insemination of chiggers as the deposition of stalked spermatophores by males and the subsequent acquisition of sperm sacs by the females. Whatever the factors may be that induce the female to pick up spermatophores, i. e., that make her receptive, the physical presence of the male is not requisite. However, from the observations of Holman (1961) it does appear that the acquisition of one or more spermatophotores is prerequisite to oviposition. Furthermore, she found no significant difference between the number of eggs produced by single females isolated with five spermatophores and the number of eggs produced by females kept constantly with males.
Communication and Customer Service

Service providers play a central role in organizations. This chapter integrates research on communication behaviors engaged in by providers in customer service interactions. Providers’ customer service styles may reflect a combination of courteous, personalized, and manipulative communication behaviors. The exact behaviors demonstrated in any given service interaction are greatly influenced by the provider’s status, the customer’s status, and time pressure. Providers may engage in courteous service behaviors, including phatic speech, nonverbal immediacy, and verbal immediacy. They may also offer personalized service by demonstrating a customer orientation, interaction involvement, information sharing, and social support. In addition, they may engage in manipulative service through such behaviors as bureaucratization, interaction control, compliance gaining, and emotion management. Whereas courteous and personalized service practices appear to contribute to customer satisfaction and compliance as well as p...
Optical coherence tomography based microangiography provides an ability to longitudinally image arteriogenesis in vivo

Abstract Background Arteriogenesis describes the active growth of the pre-existing collateral arterioles, which is a crucial tissue-saving process in occlusive vascular diseases. New method We propose to use optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based microangiography (OMAG) to monitor arteriogenesis following artery transection in mouse ear and focal stroke in mouse brain. Results Our longitudinal mouse ear study shows that the growth phase of arteriogenesis, indicated by changes in collateral vessel diameter and velocity, occurs between 12 and 24 h after vessel transection. Additionally, the magnitude of local inflammation is consistent with the time course of arteriogenesis, judging by the tissue thickness measurement and lymphatic vessel signals in OCT. In the mouse brain study, collateral vessel morphology, blood flow velocity and directionality are identified, and an activation of the collateral flow at the arteriolo-arteriolar anastomoses (AAA) is observed during stroke. Comparison with existing methods In comparison with histology and fluorescence imaging, OCT/OMAG is completely non-invasive and capable of producing consistent results of longitudinal changes in collateral vessel morphology and vasodynamics. Conclusion OCT/OMAG is a promising imaging tool for longitudinal study of collateral vessel remodeling in small animals. This technique can be applied in guiding the in vivo experiments of arteriogenesis stimulation to treat occlusive vascular diseases, including stroke.
Degradation and Microbial Uptake of C60 Fullerols in Contrasting Agricultural Soils

The environmental fate of functionalized carbon nanomaterials (CNM) remains poorly understood. Using 13C-labeled nanomaterial we present the results of a study investigating the mineralization and microbial uptake of surface-functionalized C60 (fullerols) in agricultural soils with contrasting properties. Soil microcosms rapidly mineralized fullerol C, as determined by 13C-content in the respired CO2, with higher fullerol mineralization in an organic, clay-rich soil versus a silty, low C soil (∼56.3% vs ∼30.9% fullerol C mineralized over 65 days). By tracking the enriched 13C from fullerol into microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) we also report, for the first time, the incorporation of nanomaterial-derived C into soil microbial biomass, primarily by fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. While more fullerol C was incorporated into PLFA in the organic C-rich soil (0.77% vs 0.19% of PLFA C), this soil incorporated fullerol C into biomass less efficiently than the silty, low C soil (0.13% and 0.84% of assim...