cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Underwater observatory captures coastal upwelling events off New Jersey

A third summer of coastal upwelling observations was recently completed by researchers at LEO-15, the Long-term Ecosystem Observatory established in 15 m of water offshore of Tuckerton, New Jersey. Each year, real-time satellite images of wind-driven upwelling events trigger fast-response shipboard surveys to study the subsurface structure of the upwelled features and their relationship to bottom dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (Figure 1). The LEO-15 observations indicate that recurrent up-welling centers develop on the downslope sides of topographic highs and coincide with the historically observed regions of recurrent low DO. Recent modeling suggests that because of the along-shore topographic variations, a cyclonic eddy in the upwelling center forms that may concentrate nutrients, leading to phytoplankton blooms and subsequent reductions in DO as the resulting organic material decays below the thermocline.
Ankyrin links fodrin to the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and in intact renal tubule cells

In nonerythroid cells the distribution of the cortical membrane skeleton composed of fodrin (spectrin), actin, and other proteins varies both temporally with cell development and spatially within the cell and on the membrane. In monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, it has previously been shown that fodrin and Na,K-ATPase are codistributed asymmetrically at the basolateral margins of the cell, and that the distribution of fodrin appears to be regulated posttranslationally when confluence is achieved (Nelson, W. J., and P. I. Veshnock. 1987. J. Cell Biol. 104:1527-1537). The molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are poorly understood. We find that (a) in confluent MDCK cells and intact kidney proximal tubule cells, Na,K-ATPase, fodrin, and analogues of human erythrocyte ankyrin are precisely colocalized in the basolateral domain at the ultrastructural level. (b) This colocalization is only achieved in MDCK cells after confluence is attained. (c) Erythrocyte ankyrin binds saturably to Na,K-ATPase in a molar ratio of approximately 1 ankyrin to 4 Na,K-ATPase's, with a kD of 2.6 microM. (d) The binding of ankyrin to Na,K-ATPase is inhibited by the 43-kD cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte band 3. (e) 125I-labeled ankyrin binds to the alpha subunit of Na,K-ATPase in vitro. There also appears to be a second minor membrane protein of approximately 240 kD that is associated with both erythrocyte and kidney membranes that binds 125I-labeled ankyrin avidly. The precise identity of this component is unknown. These results identify a molecular mechanism in the renal epithelial cell that may account for the polarized distribution of the fodrin-based cortical cytoskeleton.
The therapeutic nature of the human–animal bond

Rehabilitative medicine, despite its reliance upon technological advances, owes much of its success to the therapeutic nature of the human–human bond. Healing, however, is not necessarily species-specific.
Optical techniques for image compression

Optical computing has recently become a very active research field. The advantage of optics is its capability of providing highly parallel operations in a three dimensional space. The authors propose optical architectures to execute various image compression techniques. They optically implement the following compression techniques: transform coding; vector quantization; and interframe coding; They show many generally used transform coding methods, for example, the cosine transform, can be implemented by a simple optical system. The transform coding can be carried out in constant time. Most of this paper is concerned with a sophisticated optical system for vector quantization using holographic associative matching. Holographic associative matching provided by multiple exposure holograms can offer advantageous techniques for vector quantization based compression schemes. Photorefractive crystals, which provide high density recording in real time, are used as the holographic media. The reconstruction alphabet can be dynamically constructed through training or stored in the photorefractive crystal in advance. Encoding a new vector can be carried out by holographic associative matching in constant time. An extension to interframe coding is also discussed. >
An Integrated Theoretical Approach to Understanding the Sociocultural Basis of Multidimensional Environmental Attitudes

Various disciplines have contributed to knowledge about complex and multifaceted attitudes about natural resource management regimes. The vast array of previous research has resulted in disparate approaches to understanding and evaluating environmental attitudes and related constructs, which make comparisons across studies and the advancement of knowledge difficult. Drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives, I outline an integrated approach for assessing critical dimensions of environmental attitudes based on underlying values, ecological worldviews, and sociopolitical orientations. With a cognitive hierarchy framework, I specify a variety of attitude objects toward which evaluative judgments should be examined, focusing on the goals, entities, and strategies involved in resource governance. My intent is to enhance the conceptual clarity of research on environment perspectives while providing a comparable but flexible approach to assessing attitudes and their sociocultural basis in a variety of contexts.
Model-based overlapping clustering

While the vast majority of clustering algorithms are partitional, many real world datasets have inherently overlapping clusters. Several approaches to finding overlapping clusters have come from work on analysis of biological datasets. In this paper, we interpret an overlapping clustering model proposed by Segal et al. [23] as a generalization of Gaussian mixture models, and we extend it to an overlapping clustering model based on mixtures of any regular exponential family distribution and the corresponding Bregman divergence. We provide the necessary algorithm modifications for this extension, and present results on synthetic data as well as subsets of 20-Newsgroups and EachMovie datasets.
Comment on 'A reinterpretation of the linear heat flow and heat production relationship for the exponential model of the heat production in the crust' by R. N. Singh and J. G. Negi

In their recent paper, Singh & Negi (1979) contend that if the slope of the empirical linear relation between heat flow and heat production is interpreted as the decay-length of an exponential depth-distribution of sources, a discrepancy arises, whereas if it is interpreted as the depth of a step distribution, it does not. I should like to point out that their discrepancy follows from their arbitrary assumption of one of a range of physical possibilities unconstrained by the observations; with an equally valid alternate assumption (Lachenbruch 1970) the discrepancy disappears. In any case such discrepancies are probably minor compared to physical difficulties that arise from the step model, and to uncertainties introduced by other assumptions in any simple model. The empirical linear relation (their equation 1) can be written (Birch, Roy & Decker 1968)
Species‐specific rates of growth and grazing loss among freshwater algae1

Recent investigations into the population dynamics of phytoplankton communities have emphasized the variabilities of loss rates rather than growth rates in governing the changes that occur. Many freshwater phytoplankton, however, grow at rates that are measurably less than their maximum physiological capability because of nutrient limitation. At any moment the nutrient most limiting in situ division rates varies from species to species within an assemblage and the extents of limitation change with time. Rates of mortality inflicted by herbivorous zooplankton are likewise species-specific, but the size of algal particles is a good predictor of whether the particle will be grazed at all. We manipulated grazer abundances and nutrient concentrations in enclosures to examine the effects on algal net growth rates. Grazed species were usually unicellular organisms. Some colonial species showed increased growth rates in the presence of grazers; in all cases these species were limited by N or P in situ. The variability of algal growth rates was much greater than that of measured loss rates due to grazing. Alternate loss rates, primarily sinking, seem to exhibit variability similar to growth rates in comparisons among all species in the assemblage.
Critical review of experimental research on the usability of hard copy documentation

The author examines 22 experimental usability studies that appeared between 1980 and 1989. The discussion takes two directions: analysis of fundamental aspects of research coherence and unity by assessing the extent to which researchers jointly pursue a logical sequence of questions and the extent to which they integrate findings from prior studies into their own designs; and assessment of how trends in sample selection, size, and composition limit the strength of research conclusions. Ten years' worth of choices about samples show that a cumulative laxity in these choices has greatly constrained what one confidently can say experimental studies have proven about effective hard copy documentation. The author concludes by offering 13 recommended design strategies for future usability research. >
Nail gun injuries treated in U.S emergency departments, 2006-2011: not just a worker safety issue.

BACKGROUND: Nail guns increase productivity in residential building but with a corresponding increase in worker injuries. They are also easily accessible, at low cost, to consumers. METHODS: Data from the occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS-Work) were used to calculate national estimates of work-related injuries from nail guns between 2006 and 2011. These were compared to estimates of consumer injuries obtained through online access to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) NEISS data. RESULTS: Approximately 25,000 ED-treated work-related and consumer nail gun injuries were estimated each year. During the construction economy collapse, injuries among workers declined markedly, closely following patterns of reduced residential employment. Reduction in consumer injuries was much more modest. CONCLUSIONS: Current nail gun injury patterns suggest marked blurring of work and home exposures. A united effort of CPSC, NIOSH, and OSHA is warranted to address these preventable injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Expected neurologic outcomes for surgical treatment of cervical neurilemomas

Objective Neurilemomas are classically described as fusiform tumors that eccentrically displace the undisturbed neural fascicles. The authors seek to clarify the relationship of cervical neurilemomas to their nerve of origin and assess the functional outcome of surgical extirpation. Study design A retrospective review of clinical, intraoperative, and histopathologic data of six patients with cervical extracranial neurilemomas. Methods Additional histochemical staining of the pathologic specimens was performed to evaluate the tumor for neurites. A comprehensive literature review of cervical neurilemoma cases and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes in these cases were performed. Results In the series of five consecutive cervical neurilemomas, only one was an eccentric mass pushing the undisturbed nerve aside. In the five other cases, excision of the neurilemoma required complete nerve excision. Neural elements traveling through the central portions of the tumor were clearly demonstrated histologically. Collective analysis of the literature on cervical neurilemomas revealed that although some cases allow nerve preservation, preservation of function is frequently poor. Conclusions This experience and that reported in the literature suggest that it is frequently impossible to preserve the function of the nerve of origin with surgical treatment of cervical neurilemomas.
3D Modeling of Optically Challenging Objects

We present a system for constructing 3D models of real-world objects with optically challenging surfaces. The system utilizes a new range imaging concept called multipeak range imaging, which stores multiple candidates of range measurements for each point on the object surface. The multiple measurements include the erroneous range data caused by various surface properties that are not ideal for structured-light range sensing. False measurements generated by spurious reflections are eliminated by applying a series of constraint tests. The constraint tests based on local surface and local sensor visibility are applied first to individual range images. The constraint tests based on global consistency of coordinates and visibility are then applied to all range images acquired from different viewpoints. We show the effectiveness of our method by constructing 3D models of five different optically challenging objects. To evaluate the performance of the constraint tests and to examine the effects of the parameters used in the constraint tests, we acquired the ground-truth data by painting those objects to suppress the surface-related properties that cause difficulties in range sensing. Experimental results indicate that our method significantly improves upon the traditional methods for constructing reliable 3D models of optically challenging objects.
Promoting Metacognition and Motivation of Exceptional Children

Metacognition fosters independent learning by providing personal insight into one's own thinking. Such awareness can lead to flexible and confident problem solving as well as feelings of self-efficacy and pride. This is especially important for students who encounter difficulty in school because they do not understand how to appraise and manage their own resources for learning. Too often, students develop debilitating expectations and behavior that undermine learning in school and inhibit transfer of effective learning strategies. We describe four general kinds of instruction that help students learn to think: metacognitive explanation, scaffolded instruction, cognitive coaching, and cooperative learning. Teachers can adapt and combine these methods to teach students how to think as they read, write, and compute in classrooms.
An investigation of efficient grid-less treecode Poisson solvers for charged particle simulations

Summary form only given, as follows. In this work we consider the development of an efficient gridless approach for charged particle simulations. The method is based on a treecode algorithm Treecode algorithms have been used extensively in the study of fluid dynamics. The method has been applied to many types of problems outside of plasma physics. This work focuses on the development of treecode algorithms for problems in plasma physics. In this work, the treecode is used to compute the electrostatic potential.
OpenADN: Mobile apps on global clouds using OpenFlow and Software Defined Networking

In recent years, there has been an explosive growth in mobile applications (apps), most of which need to serve global audiences. This increasing trend of service access from mobile computing devices necessitates more dynamic application deployment strategies based on the user context (user device type, mobility, link conditions, location, energy constraints, etc.) and the variations in the user access demographics. Cloud computing provides unique new opportunities for application service providers (ASPs) to implement such deployment strategies by making it possible to dynamically allocate geographically distributed computing resources to the application. However, managing such a dynamic and distributed Internet-scale application deployment environment is hard; requiring ASPs to be able to intelligently route application traffic based on high-level application deployment policies over a dynamically changing deployment environment. To this end, we propose the design of an open and standard data plane abstraction called Open Application Delivery Networking (OpenADN) that will allow ASPs to express and enforce application traffic management policies and application delivery constraints at the required level of granularity. The key motivation to designing the OpenADN abstraction is to be able to extract and standardize a set of common application delivery requirements across a wide class of applications deployed over the Internet. OpenADN is designed within the Software Defined Networking (SDN) framework allowing each ASP to implement a separate control plane application to manage the data plane entities over OpenADN to suit the specific requirements of the application. The data plane entities may belong to the ASP itself or may be delegated to third party providers such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). We also make a case for augmenting the flow abstraction layer of SDN (OpenFlow) to add adequate support for OpenADN. OpenADN uses IP for forwarding packets to endpoint locators, making it easy to deploy over the current Internet with only a few OpenADN aware entities.
Not so Simple Justice: Frank Michelman on Social Rights, 1969 - Present

One day liberals and progressives again will wield power. Part of the liberal/progressive project is reinvigorating the old conviction that all Americans are entitled to a share in the nation's wealth, protection against desperate want and a realistic opportunity to make a decent livelihood. In the precincts of constitutional scholarship, we ought to think large and ask anew whether, why and how the Constitution and (a separate question) judicially enforced constitutional law should be interpreted to safeguard these commitments. Spanning almost four decades, Frank Michelman's writings include several of the most important approaches to poverty and material inequality in American constitutional thought. This essay, written for a Symposium in honor of Michelman, engages that work, partly from the perspective of theory, partly from history. It situates Michelman's classic 1960s-70s articles on constitutional welfare rights in the context of the welfare rights movement and its distinctive historical possibilities and constraints. The movement broke the link forged in earlier languages of social and economic rights between decent livelihoods and decent work. That was its strength and its weakness, and both infused Michelman's conception of constitutional welfare rights as the material bases of equal citizenship. This contextual account sets the stage for a textual argument, a critical reading of Michelman's reading of Rawls's A Theory of Justice. Michelman, I argue, overlooked that Rawls is a critic of welfare-state liberalism in favor of a more ambitious constitutional political economy, which Rawls dubs property-owning democracy. From Rawls, Michelman turned in the 1980s to republicanism. But, I argue, the republican tradition in America supplies scant ground for the proposition that welfare rights provide the essential material bases for equal citizenship. Its distributive norms point instead to the distribution of material opportunities for self support and independence. Welfare rights are better seen as a critique of, or supplement to, this gendered and sometimes illiberal and coercive dimension of republicanism. The thrust of these criticisms is that Michelman's normative and hermeneutic goals - getting it right and in the American grain - would have been better served by a broader and more participatory conception of social citizenship: entitling everyone not only to a decent livelihood but also to the opportunity to earn such a livelihood by contributing in some respected fashion to the social enterprise. In recent work, Michelman has signed on to this "Forbath-style conception of social citizenship," scrutinizing it along three intersecting dimensions of possible difficulty: judicial competence; constraints on democratic decision-making; and indeterminacy from the perspective of citizens entitled to ascertain whether government is complying with constitutional guarantees. Michelman concludes that the social citizenship guarantee should be non-justiciable. I demur, in part, and suggest instead two categories of social rights for a liberal/progressive Constitution.
Regulation of flowering in 'Arbequina' olives under non-chilling conditions: The effect of high daytime temperatures on blooming

Recently, we have shown that flowering and fruiting in ‘Arbequina’ cultivar of olives (Olea europaea) can be achieved in the absence of chilling temperatures (≤ 7°C). In our previous studies we showed that absence of flowering in certain subtropical climates (e.g. southern Texas) is not due to lack of chilling temperature but due to high temperatures during winter days. Based on these initial results we hypothesized that daytime temperatures ≤ 23°C could produce adverse effects on flowering in ‘Arbequina’ olives. In the present study trees were subjected to 24±1°C for 4-5 hrs during the day in temperature-controlled chambers. We found that exposure to temperatures of 24±1°C for a few hours during daytime (from November 15, 2004 until February 15, 2005) could significantly inhibit flowering in ‘Arbequina’ olives while nighttime temperature was maintained at 9±1°C. In addition, flower formation occurred when nighttime temperatures were raised from 8±1°C to 12±1°C. In the growth chamber where daytime temperatures reached to 24±1°C for 4-5 hrs, three trees flowered even when the night temperatures were kept at 8±1°C. However, these trees flowered again when the nighttime temperatures were raised to 12±1°C. This resulted in a unique phenomenon where new flowers were being formed just a node away from developing or fully developed fruits (but before color change or maturity). Thus, fruit development seems to have little ramification on the formation of new blooms in olives.
Monetization of Developing Economies

Este trabajo, a la luz de una revision critica de los conceptos y las pruebas empiricas, trata de desarrollar un marco teorico para analizar y medir la monetizacion en los paises menos desarrollados (PMD) y un temario para investigaciones ulteriores. En la literatura sobre el tema, la palabra monetizacion tiende a usarse indiscriminadamente como una especie de "cajon de sastre"; pero debe definirse en debida forma como una ampliacion de la esfera de la economia monetaria mediante la absorcion de los sectores no monetizados de trueque y subsistencia, y diferenciarse claramente de la comercializacion y la intermediacion financiera. Como no hay realmente ningun sector de subsistencia puro, el sector no monetizado debe interpretarse como un agregado estadistico de las imputaciones por actividades economicas no monetizadas cuya explicacion economica deriva de la busqueda de la supervivencia por parte de los hogares rurales mas que de la maximizacion de algoritmos en un ambiente de alto riesgo e incertidumbre. La medida mas importante de la monetizacion es el coeficiente de monetizacion, o sea, la proporcion del producto agregado que el comprador paga en dinero. Por consiguiente, para captar el nivel y la tendencia de la monetizacion hay que indicar la participacion relativa, a lo largo del tiempo, de los sectores monetizados y no monetizados en las cuentas nacionales a precios constantes. Por el momento no se dispone de los datos necesarios para casi ninguno de los PMD, con las notables excepciones de Papua Nueva Guinea y Tonga, sobre todo este ultimo cuyas cuentas nacionales presentan posiblemente el mayor grado de desagregacion entre los PMD. Historicamente, la monetizacion ha sido un proceso evolutivo, aunque discontinuo. Tiende a asumir caracter asintotico pasado cierto umbral critico que varia segun las economias. Sin embargo, es una importante variable ex ante en la programacion financiera de economias que aun tienen un sector no monetizado grande, como las de Asia sudoriental, la region del Pacifico sur y Africa tropical. Las consecuencias fiscales de la monetizacion tambien son relevantes en la medida que la politica tributaria afecta a los incentivos del sector de subsistencia y el componente de consumo no monetizado determina la incidencia efectiva de la tributacion. Por consiguiente, la estructura y las tasas impositivas tendrian que disenarse adecuadamente para que armonicen con el ritmo y direccion de la monetizacion. Sin embargo, hay una verdadera necesidad de investigar detalladamente la estructura y comportamiento del sector no monetizado y tambien la naturaleza y efectos de la monetizacion en variables decisivas, como el excedente comercializado de importantes sectores de subsistencia y las carteras de activos de hogares e instituciones financieras. Por lo tanto el estudio formula un modelo teorico de monetizacion y presenta sugerencias para un sistema apropiadamente desagregado de cuentas nacionales.
Transfer Matrix Approach to Layered Systems

The stress and displacement distribution in a finite layered medium, statically loaded at the surface, is found by means of transfer matrices. Each layer is of infinite extent in the horizontal direction, of constant depth, and is considered to be linearly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic. The method developed has the built-in advantage of enforcing interface continuity conditions automatically. Its flexibility is shown by applying the technique to layered composites, in which case it predicts local as well as global behavior with equal ease.
Interstitial Chromosome 3p14.1 Deletion due to a Maternal Insertion: Phenotype and Association with Balanced Parental Rearrangement

Interstitial deletions of 3p14p12 are rare chromosome abnormalities. We present a patient with multiple congenital anomalies and a 15.4-Mb interstitial loss of chromosome 3p14p12 detected by chromosomal microarray (CMA). Our patient shared many phenotypic features with other reported cases involving the same region including prominent forehead, short palpebral fissures, hand and foot anomalies, genital abnormalities, and bilateral hearing loss. Given the clinical similarity of these cases with significant overlap of the deleted regions, it is likely that the phenotype is related to the deletion of specific genes within the region. Further molecular cytogenetic investigation revealed that our patient's rearrangement was derived from a cryptic insertion of a segment of chromosome 3p into chromosome 18q in the mother, which was balanced and therefore not visible on the mother's CMA. To our knowledge, this finding has not been previously reported. This case illustrates the importance of using molecular cytogenetics for structural analysis and parental studies. CMA is commonly the first-line study in patients with multiple congenital anomalies; however, it is not the appropriate modality to define a structural rearrangement that may be the cause of a deletion. The use of adjunct studies to define the mechanism of an identified copy number aberration has direct clinical application: to identify the underlying cause of the chromosomal abnormality and to define the recurrence risk. Additionally, this case adds to the current body of work regarding a recurrent phenotype that can be attributed to interstitial chromosome 3p deletions, which may help define the phenotypic implications of deletions in this region and support early clinical management.
Accuracy and precision of smartphone applications and commercially available motion sensors in multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundThere is increased interest in the application of smartphone applications and wearable motion sensors among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.ObjectiveThis study examined the accuracy and precision of common smartphone applications and motion sensors for measuring steps taken by MS patients while walking on a treadmill.MethodsForty-five MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) = 1.0–5.0) underwent two 500-step walking trials at comfortable walking speed on a treadmill. Participants wore five motion sensors: the Digi-Walker SW-200 pedometer (Yamax), the UP2 and UP Move (Jawbone), and the Flex and One (Fitbit). The smartphone applications were Health (Apple), Health Mate (Withings), and Moves (ProtoGeo Oy).ResultsThe Fitbit One had the best absolute (mean = 490.6 steps, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 485.6–495.5 steps) and relative accuracy (1.9% error), and absolute (SD = 16.4) and relative precision (coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.0), for the first 500-step walking trial; this was ...
Low-cost options for the subscriber loop

The prospects for fiber to the subscriber residence continue to be unsettled. It Is clear that at today's component costs, the price of an all-fiber system exceeds a reasonable Investment for residential subscriber services. Relying only on learning curve effects, it is possible to anticipate that the costs for new fiber systems can approach that of a combined new twisted wire and coaxial system. However, such costs are too high to open up the retrofit market. This constricts fiber deployment to situations where new housing is being constructed or to cases where the embedded base has been completely written off. Necessary strategies are discussed to reach lower cost levels.
Growth and sexual maturation in ewes: the role of photoperiod, diet and temperature on growth rate and the control of prolactin, thyroxine and luteinizing hormone secretion.

The relationship of photoperiod, temperature and diet on growth rate and serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), prolactin (PRL) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were studied in ewe lambs from 9 to 32 wk of age. Lambs reared on a diet supplying 1.78 Kcal/g net energy had higher (P less than .025) serum T4 concentrations and greater average daily gain (ADG) than lambs fed a lower energy ration (1.5 Kcal/g). Long artificial photoperiod of 16 h of light neither improved ADG nor altered T4 concentrations compared with ambient (natural light) or a short artificial photoperiod of 8 h light. Serum PRL concentrations were correlated (r = .83 to .74; P less than .01) to ambient temperature during the seasonal transition from summer to fall and temperature also determined the magnitude of photoperiodic stimulation of PRL levels in winter. Temperature had no effect on basal LH concentrations for lambs kept in warm (15 to 20 C) vs cold (0 to 15 C) environments for 6 wk, but the LH surge induced by estradiol was delayed (P less than .05) by the warm environment. The correlation (r = .015) between serum PRL levels and ADG was not significant, although serum PRL concentrations were dependent upon dietary energy levels. These observations do not support a positive relationship of PRL or photoperiod to ADG in the ewe lamb.
Federal civil rights litigation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983 as a correlate of police crime

The Civil Rights Act of 1871 (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1983 and commonly referred to as Section 1983) provides a civil remedy for aggrieved persons to sue state actors who under the color of law violate federally protected rights. Since the 1960s, there has been an explosion of Section 1983 litigation in the federal courts against police officers and their employing municipal and county agencies. Due to a lack of official statistics and poor methodologies, research has yet to determine how common Section 1983 actions are against the police nationwide. This study examines the relationship between police crime and being named as a party defendant in a federal court Section 1983 civil action. Using a list of 5,545 nonfederal sworn law enforcement officers who were arrested for committing one or more crimes during the years 2005 to 2011, searches were conducted in the federal courts’ Public Access to Courts Electronic Records (PACER) system to locate Section 1983 actions against those officers. The authors foun...
The Attribution of Causality

A theory of the attribution of blame must describe how people answer three fundamental questions: “What is the cause of this event or action,” “Is anyone responsible for its occurrence,” and “Who is to blame for the event?” But what exactly is meant by causality? How do perceivers actually use the concept? What is meant by responsibility? What process is involved in the assignment of blame? The philosophical discussion of causality in Chapter 2 permits a more precise answer to the first of these questions. The cause of an event or action must precede the event, with the last instant of the causal sequence being the first instant of the effect. The cause will be that single antecedent or group of antecedents that is sufficient for the occurrence of the effect. In keeping with the principle of necessity, “the” cause will be considered generative of the effect, rather than being a mere correlate of the effect. If there is to be subsequent blame, the cause must reflect human agency. Thus, the initial question becomes “Which antecedents involving human agency were sufficient for the occurrence of the action or event?”
Disease Risk Index Is the Major Predictor of Outcome Following Myeloablative Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (haplo-HSCT) and Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide (PT/Cy)

Abstract Disease Risk Index is the Major Predictor of Outcome Following Myeloablative Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (haplo-HSCT) and Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide (PT/Cy) Although non-myeloablative (NMA) haplo-HSCT utilizing PT/Cy results in low rates of GVHD, infection, and non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse remains the predominant cause of treatment failure, occurring in up to 50% of patients. To reduce the risk of relapse often associated with the use of NMA preparative regimens, we have developed a myeloablative haplo-HSCT utilizing PT/Cy. Sixty-four patients have been transplanted following either Busulfan-based (n=20) or TBI-based (n=44) myeloablative conditioning, T-cell replete PBSC infusion, PT/Cy, and tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil. Median age was 43 (range 21-60). Patient characteristics included a high/very high disease risk by the Dana-Farber/CIBMTR disease risk index (DRI) in 32 patients (50%), KPS Download : Download high-res image (90KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Impact of Currency Risk on US MNCs: New Evidence From Returns and Cross-Border Investment Around Currency Crises

The Impact of Currency Risk on US MNCs: New Evidence From Returns and Cross-Border Investment Around Currency Crises
Effect of chlorine treatment on inhibition of E. coli serogroup O2 incorporation into 7-day-old biofilm on polyvinylchloride surface.

ABSTRACT Poultry waterlines are constructed using polyvinylchloride (PVC) material on which bacterial biofilm can easily form. Biofilm can harbor pathogens including avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains. An in vitro evaluation was performed to determine if E. coli sero group O2 (avian pathogenic) could attach on a PVC surface that had pre-formed biofilm and if this phenomenon could be affected when water was treated with chlorine. Initially, biofilm growth was induced in PVC test coupons (15.16 cm2) for a 7-day period mimicking the waterline scenario in the first wk of poultry brooding; and then this biofilm was challenged with E. coli O2 seeded water in presence/absence of chlorine treatment. After rinsing, test coupons were sampled for bacterial (APC) and E. coli O2 enumeration at various occasions post seeding the pathogen and chlorine treatment. Day 7 APC recovered from coupons was 4.35 log10 cfu/cm2 in trial 1 and 3.66 log10 cfu/cm2 in trial 2. E. coli O2 was not recovered from chlorine treated test coupons (P 3 log10 cfu/cm2 in trial 1 and > 2 log10 cfu/cm2 in trial 2). This study suggests that E. coli O2 can incorporate into pre-formed biofilm on a PVC surface within 24 h if water sanitation is not present, and the attachment time of the pathogen can prolong in the absence of already formed biofilm.
Abstract MP07: Endogenous Chemerin Amplifies Nerve-Dependent Arterial Contraction

The adipokine chemerin causes contraction of isolated arteries and is implicated in blood pressure regulation, especially in the obese population that have elevated levels of circulating chemerin. Because chemerin is expressed in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) that facilitates the sympathetic innervation of the blood vessel, we tested the hypothesis that chemerin (endogenous and exogenous) would amplify the effects of the sympathetic nervous system in mediating electrical field stimulated (EFS) contraction. The model was the superior mesenteric artery with PVAT, mounted into tissue baths for isometric contraction. Immunohistochemistry validated a robust expression of chemerin in the PVAT surrounding the superior mesenteric artery. EFS (0.3-20 Hz) caused a frequency-dependent, prazosin-sensitive contraction that was reduced (~40%) by the chemerin receptor ChemR23 antagonist CCX832 (100 nM; figure) but not by the inactive congener CCX826 (100 nM). Exogenous chemerin (1 μM) amplified EFS-induced contraction in a manner that was also blocked by CCX832. Chemerin did not directly modify contraction of the superior mesenteric artery (-PVAT) to cumulative concentrations of norepinephrine (1 nM - 10 μM), supporting that contractile amplification by chemerin was not at the level of smooth muscle. These studies raise the interesting possibilities that endogenous chemerin and/or ChemR23 modifies nerve-mediated contraction. This is significant because of the well appreciated role of the sympathetic nervous system in blood pressure control.
Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment de-excitation with calculated macroscopic-microscopic mass yields

The Hauser-Feshbach statistical model is applied to the de-excitation of primary fission fragments using input mass yields calculated with macroscopic-microscopic models of the potential energy surface. We test the sensitivity of the prompt fission observables to the input mass yields for two important reactions, $^{235}\mathrm{U}({n}_{\mathrm{th}},f)$ and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}({n}_{\mathrm{th}},f)$, for which good experimental data exist. General traits of the mass yields, such as the location of the peaks and their widths, can impact both the prompt neutron and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray multiplicities, as well as their spectra. Specifically, we use several mass yields to determine a linear correlation between the calculated prompt neutron multiplicity $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ and the average heavy-fragment mass $\ensuremath{\langle}{A}_{h}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ of the input mass yields $\ensuremath{\partial}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}/\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\langle}{A}_{h}\ensuremath{\rangle}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}(n/f)/\mathrm{u}$. The mass peak width influences the correlation between the total kinetic energy of the fission fragments and the total number of prompt neutrons emitted, ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{T}(\mathrm{TKE})$. Typical biases on prompt particle observables from using calculated mass yields instead of experimental ones are $\ensuremath{\delta}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}=4%$ for the average prompt neutron multiplicity, $\ensuremath{\delta}\phantom{\rule{0.83328pt}{0ex}}\overline{M}{\phantom{\rule{0.83328pt}{0ex}}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=1%$ for the average prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray multiplicity, $\ensuremath{\delta}{\overline{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{n}^{\mathrm{LAB}}=1%$ for the average outgoing neutron energy, $\ensuremath{\delta}{\overline{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=1%$ for the average $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energy, and $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\langle}\mathrm{TKE}\ensuremath{\rangle}=0.4%$ for the average total kinetic energy of the fission fragments.
Glycolipids in cultured fetal Tay-Sachs disease cerebellar cells.

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a fatal, genetically determined disorder of sphingoglycolipid metabolism, associated with the absence of the lysosomal enzyme B-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (Hex A) (1). There is a massive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside, and its asialo derivative GA2 in cells of the central nervous system. A cell culture which reproduces these biochemical parameters would permit one to measure the effect of enzyme replacement therapy under controlled conditions that are not easily attainable in vivo. Although skin fibroblasts cultured from TSD patients lack Hex A, these cultured cells do not accumulate GM2 ganglioside (2). Since TSD is a neuronal lipid storage disease, and since fetal TSD brain has the characteristic glycolipid patterns found in infant TSD brain, a cell strain from fetal TSD cerebellum was established and the glycolipid patterns were evaluated by TLC and GLC (3). The cells were labelled with 14C-glucosamine in order to compare the metabolic activity of the gangliosides over an extended time period. The cells were also transformed with the oncogenic DNA SV-40 virus (4) since we wished to establish a permanent cell line for the study of this disease.
Cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis for esophageal variceal bleeding

A recent examination of control groups in acute variceal hemorrhage trials is noted for an overall 40% risk reduction in mortality over the past three decades1 however, the probability of death remains high (25–30%) despite advances in medical management. From a number of high-quality randomized controlled trials the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers) as primary prophylaxis is associated with a 50% risk reduction in esophageal variceal bleeding2. Among patients ineligible or intolerant of beta-blocker therapy, clinical benefits from endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) versus observation alone are also recognized3.
GlobalEX: Creating a Collaborative Initiative for Enhancing Cross Cultural Engagement

GlobalEx is a co-curricular program designed to enhance cross-cultural engagement at the undergraduate level at Texas Christian University. This student-designed and student-led project arose from recognition of a need to integrate the experiences of international students and domestic students, and it uses a three-step model (EXplore, EXchange, and EXtend) to allow students to discover more about themselves and each other. For its first-year participants, who carry out intercultural inquiry in teams during the fall semester, this experiential program culminates in a version of performative storytelling to share publically what each team has learned. For upper-level students, who are selected to continue as leaders after finishing the program, GlobalEX provides the opportunity to mentor new participants into the program and into intercultural learning opportunities. In this article we report on the innovative aspects of the program’s design and the use of integrated assessment to continually refine the GlobalEX model.
Robustness Analysis of a Convolutional Neural Network Approach to Source-Range Estimation in a Simulated Arctic Environment

This study presents a convolutional neural network (CNN) approach to underwater source-range estimation in an Arctic propagation environment and compares its performance to conventional matched field processing (MFP). The covariance matrices of simulated sources upon a vertical line array are used as input data and estimates through both classification and regression approaches are examined. The network architecture is designed to be intuitive and lightweight; regularization is implemented to prevent over-fitting. The training data consist of acoustic outputs from a near-surface monopole source placed at discrete range increments between 3-50 km away from the receiving array; the test data are generated by placing the source at random ranges within the training interval. Robustness of the CNN models to sound speed profile (SSP) variability is tested. Results show that the CNN approaches are more tolerant of SSP mismatch compared to MFP at the expense of worse range resolution when the SSP is modelled accurately. By examining the CNN models filter activations and intermediate layer outputs, we present insights into how they generate predictions and achieve their robustness.
To Be Precise

Edgar Allan Poe and Virginia Woolf stand out as two authors who were particularly troubled by the increasing prestige of science, technology, and mathematics. Their work reflects an unease about the possibility that science, technology, and mathematics might come to dominate Western culture. We also find in their work a concern that scientific and mathematical precision might suppress other values. Ezra Pound, however, sought to borrow the concept of precision from science and mathematics. Pound hoped that he and like-minded poets could thereby reclaim for poetry the respect in which it had been held in former centuries.
Impact of early gastroesophageal reflux disease on childhood otologic outcomes.

Abstract Objective Recent evidence has suggested that children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) face increased risk for otologic disease. This study aims to evaluate otologic outcomes in children with GERD using a large pediatric hearing database. Methods Data pertaining to children with GERD in the first year of life were extracted from the Audiological and Genetic Database. Subgroups included children with uncomplicated GERD, complicated GERD (with esophagitis), and GERD requiring surgery (fundoplication or fundoplasty). Main outcome measures included hearing loss (HL) prevalence, type, severity, and progression. Children without GERD in the first year of life served as controls. Results 5747 children were diagnosed with GERD in the first year of life. Evidence of HL was present in 40.9% children with uncomplicated GERD, 63.1% in children with complicated GERD, 75% in children with GERD requiring surgical intervention, and 43.3% in controls (p Conclusion GERD diagnosed within the first year of life is associated with pediatric hearing impairment and otologic issues, including otitis media, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and need for tympanostomy tube placement. GERD requiring surgical intervention is particularly associated with hearing loss in this population. Children with GERD and HL deserve close audiologic follow-up.
Photophysics and ultrafast processes in rhenium( i ) diimine dicarbonyls

In this work, a series of nine Re(i) diimine dicarbonyl complexes of the general molecular formula cis-[Re(N^N)2(CO)2]+ (N^N are various 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) derivatives) were prepared and spectroscopically investigated to systematically evaluate the photophysical consequences of various substituents resident on the diimine ligands. These panchromatic absorbing chromophores were structurally characterized, evaluated for their electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties, and investigated using static and dynamic electronic absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and infrared spectroscopy from ultrafast to supra-nanosecond time scales. The ultrafast time-resolved infrared (TRIR) analysis was further supported by electronic structure calculations which characterized the changes within the two C[triple bond, length as m-dash]O vibrational modes upon formation of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state. The MLCT excited state decay of this series of dicarbonyl molecules appears completely consistent with energy-gap law behavior, where the nonradiative decay rate constants increase logarithmically with decreasing excited state - ground state energy separation, except in anticipated cases where the substituents were phenyl or tert-butyl.