cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastric motor physiology and pathophysiology

The stomach has two distinct physiologic motor areas: the proximal stomach and the distal stomach. The proximal stomach, with its slow, sustained contractions, has a key role in regulating intragastric pressure and gastric emptying of liquids, while the distal stomach, with its peristaltic contractions, has a major role in mixing, trituration, and emptying of solids. Diseases and operations that disturb the motility of these two areas can result in unique adverse motor sequelae. For example, operations that impair proximal gastric motility, such as proximal gastric resection, may cause rapid gastric emptying of liquids and subsequent dumping and diarrhea. In contrast, operations that impair distal gastric contractions, such as truncal vagotomy, may cause slow gastric emptying of solids and chronic gastric atony. Knowledge of the physiology of the stomach in health and of the pathophysiology with disease and after operation provides a basis for the successful treatment and prevention of these disorders.
Survival and glycemic control outcomes among patients with coexisting pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus.

Aim: We aimed to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on survival in pancreatic cancer and effects of pancreatic cancer on glycemic control in DM. Materials & methods: Patients with pancreatic cancer from 2007 to 2015, with and without DM, were matched 1:1. We compared characteristics between the groups and assessed 2-year survival with Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: In patients with DM, hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly over time (p = 0.01). In survival analysis, 2-year overall survival estimates were 15% (95% CI: 8–24%) for DM patients versus 26% (95% CI: 17–36%) for non-DM patients (p = 0.55). The hazard ratio for matched pairs was 1.15 (95% CI: 0.75–1.77; p = 0.51). Conclusion: DM did not decrease survival in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer did not affect glycemic control.
Pluronic‐based dual‐stimuli sensitive polymers capable of thermal gelation and pH‐dependent degradation for in situ biomedical application

Thermo-sensitive hydrogels are considered ideal for applications in the biomedical fields for their biocompatibility, flexibility, tissue-like water content, and reversible gelation property. By adjusting sufficient hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance in block copolymer structure, thermogel's critical gelation temperature can be modified to be near the physiological temperature, which makes it an appealing candidate for in situ gel depot. In this study, we report successful syntheses of novel multiple block copolymer compounds, denoted as dual-stimuli sensitive polymers (DSSPs), by copolymerizing Pluronic® P104 (7,100 Da) and 2,2-bis(aminoethoxy)propane (BAP) using diisocyanate linkers, L-lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (DSSP-1) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (DSSP-2). Through effective elongation of polymer chain lengths (DSSP-1: 41,760 Da, DSSP-2: 41,230 Da), Pluronic® P104's reversible thermal gelation properties were enhanced, as demonstrated by lowered critical gelation temperatures (DSSP-1: 36°C, DSSP-2: 38.7°C; 15 wt.%) that is near the physiological temperature. Furthermore, integration of acid-labile BAP allowed rapid pH-dependent degradation of the polymer, which was displayed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and release profiles of nile red and irinotecan from polymeric micelles and gels, respectively.
Lagerung des Patienten

Patient in Ruckenlage auf einem gewohnlichen Operationstisch. Verletzte Schulter nahe der Tischkante. Schulter durch einen Sandsack angehoben. Dadurch erleichtert man sich das axiale Anbohren der beiden Schlusselbeinfragmente.
Dynamic Correlation in Driven Vortex Phases

We describe transport experiments where the spatial gradient of the driving Lorentz force is controlled. The velocity profiles induced by the Lorentz force gradient in the driven liquid and lattice vortex phases are characteristic of hydrodynamic, plastic, and elastic motion.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse

In this chapter, the prevalence of prolapse and the causative factors are reviewed. Important features of the clinical examination are described, and the objective Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quatification (POP-Q) and Schussler Quantitative systems of clinical examination are illustrated and explained.
The risk of delayed intracranial hemorrhage with direct acting oral anticoagulants after trauma: A two-center study.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to characterize the risk of a delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in trauma patients on direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Methods Patients on DOACs admitted to two Level I Trauma Centers between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. Only patients with a negative admission CT brain were included. The primary outcome was a delayed ICH. Results Overall, 249 patients were included. The median age was 81 years with 82% undergoing a repeat CT. Three patients developed a delayed ICH (1.2%). One developed an ICH after receiving tissue plasminogen activator for a cerebrovascular accident after two negative CTs. Excluding this patient, the incidence dropped to 0.8%. None required neurosurgical intervention. Conclusion For patients at risk for a TBI who are on DOACs, repeat cross-sectional imaging of the brain when the initial imaging is negative is not necessary. A period of clinical observation may be warranted.
The Probiotic Bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens Downregulates Virulence Factor Transcription in the Shellfish Pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus by N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone Production.

ABSTRACT Phaeobacter inhibens S4Sm acts as a probiotic bacterium against the oyster pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus. Here, we report that P. inhibens S4Sm secretes three molecules that downregulate the transcription of major virulence factors, metalloprotease genes, in V. coralliilyticus cultures. The effects of the S4Sm culture supernatant on the transcription of three genes involved in protease activity, namely, vcpA, vcpB, and vcpR (encoding metalloproteases A and B and their transcriptional regulator, respectively), were examined by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of vcpB and vcpR were reduced to 36% and 6.6%, respectively, compared to that in an untreated control. We constructed a V. coralliilyticus green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter strain to detect the activity of inhibitory compounds. Using a bioassay-guided approach, the molecules responsible for V. coralliilyticus protease inhibition activity were isolated from S4Sm supernatant and identified as three N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). The three AHLs are N-(3-hydroxydecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone, N-(dodecanoyl-2,5-diene)-l-homoserine lactone, and N-(3-hydroxytetradecanoyl-7-ene)-l-homoserine lactone, and their half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) against V. coralliilyticus protease activity were 0.26 μM, 3.7 μM, and 2.9 μM, respectively. Our qRT-PCR data demonstrated that exposures to the individual AHLs reduced the transcription of vcpR and vcpB. Combinations of the three AHLs (any two or all three AHLs) on V. coralliilyticus produced additive effects on protease inhibition activity. These AHL compounds may contribute to the host protective effects of S4Sm by disrupting the quorum sensing pathway that activates protease transcription of V. coralliilyticus. IMPORTANCE Probiotics represent a promising alternative strategy to control infection and disease caused by marine pathogens of aquaculturally important species. Generally, the beneficial effects of probiotics include improved water quality, control of pathogenic bacteria and their virulence, stimulation of the immune system, and improved animal growth. Previously, we isolated a probiotic bacterium, Phaeobacter inhibens S4Sm, which protects oyster larvae from Vibrio coralliilyticus RE22Sm infection. We also demonstrated that both antibiotic secretion and biofilm formation play important roles in S4Sm probiotic activity. Here, we report that P. inhibens S4Sm, an alphaproteobacterium and member of the Roseobacter clade, also secretes secondary metabolites that hijack the quorum sensing ability of V. coralliilyticus RE22Sm, suppressing virulence gene expression. This finding demonstrates that probiotic bacteria can exert their host protection by using a multipronged array of behaviors that limit the ability of pathogens to become established and cause infection.
1507. Evaluating the Effects of a “Urinalysis to Reflex Culture” Process Change in the Emergency Department (ED) at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital

AbstractBackgroundThe ED environment makes proactive collection of urine cultures (UCs) favorable. However, unnecessary UCs can result in over-detection and over-treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). A previous analysis at the study facility found that UCs were collected frequently despite negative urinalyses (UA), which commonly resulted in unnecessary antibiotics. Our objective was to compare the frequency of inappropriate UC utilization and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing post implementation of a “Urinalysis to Reflex Culture” process change intervention. A secondary objective was to assess the frequency of health encounters for UTIs post implementation.MethodsAfter education, an ED process change was implemented in October 2017. This included automatic UC cancellation if UAs had <5 WBC/HPF. An option for “do not cancel (DNC)” UC was available for specific conditions (eg. pregnancy) per guidelines. Data were prospectively collected for 3 months post-implementation and included UA/UC results, presence of UTI symptoms, antibiotics prescribed and healthcare utilization. Inappropriate UC was defined as a UC ordered despite negative UA in asymptomatic patients. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was defined as treatment in patients with ASB. A Student’s t-test and contingency tables were applied in SAS; significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsThere were 684 UAs (37.2% post-intervention) evaluated from ED visits. Post-intervention (n = 255 UAs), 37.3% of UAs were negative with UCs cancelled. Of the remaining UAs, 37.3% were positive with a processed UC, 16.9% were ordered as DNC and 8.6% were ordered without a UC. UC processing despite a negative UA significantly decreased from 100% pre-intervention to 38.6% post-intervention (P < 0.001). Inappropriate antibiotics for ASB also decreased from 10.2% pre-intervention to 1.9% post-intervention (OR = 0.17; P < 0.0110). In patients with negative UAs, antibiotic prescribing decreased by 25.3% post-intervention (P = NS). No reports of outpatient, ED, or hospital visits for UTI symptoms were found within 7 days of initial UA post-intervention.ConclusionA “UA to Reflex Culture” process change demonstrated a significant decrease in processing of inappropriate UCs and unnecessary antibiotics for ASB. There were no missed UTIs or other adverse patient outcomes.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
Correlation of Falls in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis With Objective Measures of Balance, Strength, and Spasticity

Background Persons diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often demonstrate neurological deficits that predispose them to repeated falls and associated adverse consequences. Determining contributing factors to falls in this population is critical to improve safety and patient outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to correlate clinical measures of gait speed, balance, strength, spasticity, and a self-reported rating scale of function with fall incidence in individuals with ALS. Methods Thirty-one participants with a confirmed ALS diagnosis were recruited from an outpatient clinic. Each participant performed the following tests: timed gait speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), manual muscle testing (MMT) for lower extremity (LE) strength, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for LE spasticity, and the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). Each participant reported number of falls that occurred in the past three months. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between variables. Results Significant correlation was found between fall incidence and composite LE strength score (rp = 0.385, p = 0.032). Conclusions There is a relationship between LE weakness and number of falls in the ALS population. Preventing disuse-related LE muscle weakness and education of need for external support may decrease the number of falls experienced by individuals with ALS.
The Strategic, Shifting Work of Market Devices: Selective Stories and Oriented Knowledge:

For the producers of food products originating in the tropics, far from consumers and their local farmers’ markets, vital processes of interacting and storytelling necessarily take place in grocery...
Delayed Radical Prostatectomy is Not Associated with Adverse Oncologic Outcomes: Implications for Men Experiencing Surgical Delay Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose:The 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced many health care organizations to divert efforts and resources to emergent patient care, delaying many elective oncologic surgeries...
Sexual harassment and sexual assault in early adulthood: national estimates for college and non-college students

Young adults are at high risk for sexual harassment and sexual assault. Although attention has been given to prevention on college campuses, the need for prevention may be at least as high for young adults who do not attend college as for young adults who do. In October 2019, we administered a nationally representative survey of 893 adults to measure sexual harassment and sexual assault victimization during a recall period defined as "during college years" for respondents who had enrolled in college at any time or "ages 18-24" for respondents not in college. Reported rates of sexual harassment (32.7%) and sexual assault (24.6%) during early adulthood were similar for respondents who reported having ever enrolled in college and for respondents who reported never attending college. Women were more likely than men to report both sexual harassment (37.4% vs 22.4%) and sexual assault (36.0% vs 16.0%) during early adulthood. Compared with respondents aged ≥30, respondents aged 18-29 were 105% more likely to report sexual harassment and 65% more likely to report sexual assault. Moreover, sexual harassment experiences predicted sexual assault victimization (adjusted odds ratio = 18.1). This study highlights the importance of attending to sexual harassment and sexual assault risks for young adults through research, policy, and criminal justice structures beyond institutions of higher education. Evidence that sexual harassment is strongly associated with sexual assault victimization of young adults highlights the importance of naming and stemming early behavioral transgressions across the US population.
Psychological barriers to urban recycled water acceptance: a review of relevant principles in decision psychology

This paper reviews principles from decision psychology relevant to understanding and increasing acceptance of urban recycled water, and supplements existing literature by suggesting an additional f...
The Inside Songs of Amiri Baraka

In the first decade of the twenty-first century, bassist/composer William Parker created The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield. The musicians and poet on this project demonstrate what Baraka had always termed “the changing same,” for not only had Parker searched within the outlines of Mayfield’s songs to find a yet newer music, but Baraka, as he recited his poems on stage or into the studio mic, often made in-the-moment alterations. The result is one of the most profound settings for Baraka’s poetry across the course of his career. Baraka’s final recordings take their place alongside The New York Art Quartet, It’s Nation Time, New Music-New Poetry, and Real Song as the fullest statements, and best audio quality recordings left us by this artist.
Yoga as a complementary approach to healing for adult victims and survivors of interpersonal violence.

Abstract Purpose Yoga is increasingly accepted to improve overall health and wellness and is considered a meaningful adjunct treatment for mental and physical health ailments associated with interpersonal violence (IV). This review provides background information about the use of yoga among individuals with IV histories and aims to inform researchers and practitioners about the available evidence on yoga's application and effectiveness. Methods Using six databases, we systematically reviewed empirical literature examining yoga among IV survivors. Criteria for study inclusion: yoga included a physical component and was the primary intervention; participants had an IV history; peer-reviewed; and participants were 17 years and older. After review, 10 articles reporting findings from seven independent samples were included. Findings Yoga demonstrated preliminary, positive implications as a complementary treatment for individuals with an IV history. Synthesizing across articles four themes emerged: (1) acceptability and feasibility, (2) enhancement of mental and physical health, (3) promotion of personal growth, and (4) facilitators and barriers to practice. Conclusions The nascent literature indicates potential benefits of integrating yoga into interventions for IV survivors to enhance physical and psychological functioning. The primary barriers to intervention were resources (e.g., access) and incompatibility with spiritual beliefs for select clients. Despite consistent barriers, preliminary findings indicate yoga has many positive implications for individuals with an IV history. Given the small evidence base and insufficient methodology, additional empirical research with diverse samples and sites, and robust designs, could improve the state of knowledge and strengthen the efficacy of this promising practice.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of inner ear sensory and non-sensory cells revealed by single-cell transcriptomics

The utricle is a vestibular sensory organ that requires mechanosensitive hair cells to detect linear acceleration. In neonatal mice, new hair cells are derived from non-sensory supporting cells, yet cell type diversity and mechanisms of cell addition remain poorly characterized. Here, we perform computational analyses on single-cell transcriptomes to categorize cell types and resolve 14 individual sensory and non-sensory subtypes. Along the periphery of the sensory epithelium, we uncover distinct groups of transitional epithelial cells, marked by Islr, Cnmd, and Enpep expression. By reconstructing de novo trajectories and gene dynamics, we show that as the utricle expands, Islr+ transitional epithelial cells exhibit a dynamic and proliferative phase to generate new supporting cells, followed by coordinated differentiation into hair cells. Taken together, our study reveals a sequential and coordinated process by which non-sensory epithelial cells contribute to growth of the postnatal mouse sensory epithelium.
Neo-Nazi environmentalism: The linguistic construction of ecofascism in a Nordic Resistance Movement manifesto

Harmony with nature, pristine countryside, organic farming, a vegan diet, renewable energy, sustainable development. This imagery tends to be associated with ‘green liberal’ environmentalist movements and more broadly, left-wing political ideologies. However, concern for the environment and warnings about the imminent climate crisis are gaining traction within far-right and white supremacist movements. This article focuses on the revival of white supremacist environmentalism based on a qualitative text analysis of an English-language manifesto published by the violent extremist neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement. Drawing on the concept of axiological cosmologies from Legitimation Code Theory and the Appraisal framework from Systemic Functional Linguistics, this paper shows how an ecofascist ideology is built up through clusters of meanings that reinforce neo-Nazi grievances such as ‘global Zionism’, ‘mass immigration’ and multiculturalism. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of what the promotion of eco-fascist ‘solutions’ to the climate crisis could mean for climate justice from a human rights perspective and preventing violent extremism from an educational perspective.
The Caribbean Writer and Exile

There was, a traditional format in the classical Akan theatre around which all drama-comedy, tragedy, farce-evolved. The important features of this drama were these: there was an archetypal middle man and on either side of him were powerful spirits opposing one another. The figure in the middle often stood between malevolent and benign spirits of the ancestral dead, and a host of other spirits that were urbane or demonic, creative or destructive, compassionate or cruel, surrogates of the living or the dead, ethereal or earthy, part saint, part trickster. These spirits were involved in eternal conflicts which could only be resolved if the human being periodically renewed contact with communal wellsprings or rhythm, creation and life. The Caribbean writer today is a creature balanced between limbo and nothingness, exile abroad and homeless at home; between the people on the one hand and the creole and the colonizer on the other. Exile can be voluntary or it can be imposed by stress of circumstances; it can be a punishment or a pleasure. The exile can leave home for a short time or he can be expelled forever. The colonising zeal of the European made indigenous peoples exiles in their own countries-Prospero made Caliban an exile in his. The Caribbean writer by going abroad is in fact searching for an end to exile. This, at first, appears to be a contradiction until one lays bare some of the truths of Caribbean life. The Caribbean person in subjected to successive waves of cultural alienation from birth, a process that has its origins embedded in a mosaic of cutlural fragments?Amerindian, African, European, Asian. The European fragment is brought into sharper focus than the others, but it remains a fragment. Hiding behind the screen of this European cultural fragment the Caribbean writer oscillates in and out of sunlight and shadows, exile abroad and homelessness at home. At home, he is what C.L.R. James described very aptly as a "twentieth century man living in a seventeenth century economy,"1 while abroad he is a performer in a circus of civilization. There are times when he claims that he is-a nomad, but this is one of his clever
The Mass Distribution in the Galactic Center

We present the results of a project to map the profile of the 2.3 μm CO V = 2–0 band-head in the integrated starlight in the central 10 pc of the Galaxy. This is the first detailed determination of the kinematics of the faint stars that are the major constituent of the mass of the stellar cluster. The stars exhibit systematic rotation in the same sense as Galactic rotation, with VLSR increasing with Galactocentric radius. The stellar velocity dispersion generally dominates the rotation and shows clear evidence for a radial gradient, in the sense of c decreasing with Galactocentric radius. The data are consistent with the dynamical center of the Galaxy being located at 1RS 16 (to an accuracy of ± 10″). The mass distribution has been derived via the theory of stellar hydrodynamics and is shown in Fig. 1. For an assumed core radius of 10″ (~0.4 pc), the best fitting model is a combination of a central mass of 2.5 × 106 M⨀ and a stellar cluster with a density dependence of r-21 (Fig. 1). If the core radius is small (~1″) then the mass distribution could be just due to a stellar cluster; a central condensed mass is not required to model the data in that case.
Full Domain Hash from (Leveled) Multilinear Maps and Identity-Based Aggregate Signatures

In this work, we explore building constructions with full domain hash structure, but with standard model proofs that do not employ the random oracle heuristic. The launching point for our results will be the utilization of a “leveled” multilinear map setting for which Garg, Gentry, and Halevi (GGH) recently gave an approximate candidate. Our first step is the creation of a standard model signature scheme that exhibits the structure of the Boneh, Lynn and Shacham signatures. In particular, this gives us a signature that admits unrestricted aggregation.
The United States Tobacco Industry after the Buyout

The elimination of the quota and price support program in 2004 meant limited government intervention and made U.S. tobacco producers more vulnerable to market risks. In this paper we provide an examination of the situation in the U.S. tobacco industry before and after the buyout and identify how the enacted policy change affected the U.S. tobacco industry in terms of supply and demand. The supply and demand system is estimated using the generalized method of moments (GMM). The results suggest that the buyout, which began with lowering the price for tobacco as well as increasing the cost of production, had a negative impact on the number of farmers in the United States as it declined substantially after 2004. However, tobacco producers who remained in the industry apparently became more efficient and more competitive on the world tobacco market in the face of lower tobacco prices. Improved overall competitiveness of the U.S. tobacco industry along with changes in U.S. consumer tastes and preferences for less consumption of tobacco products resulted in an increase in U.S. exports of tobacco leaf after the elimination of the government policy.
The Control of an Industrial ARM with a Distance Sensor

Abstract A distance sensor, which can measure a distance and is expected to be used with industrial robots in factories is introduced in this paper. The distance between the sensor and an object is measured by using the principle of tri angul ati on. This sensor can be simply realized because it consists of a gas laser, two photo-transistors, a synchronizing motor, and a single-board-micro-computer. It is also realized to let an arm on which this distance sensor is installed keep a constant distance apart from an object, even if the arm or the object is moved and the distance between them is changed, by controlling the arm using information from measured distances. This experiment shows that it can work in painting and welding fields. Since an arm is locally controlled only by this distance sensing system, to connect it with other sensing systems is also possible.
Hybrid Neural Network/Algorithmic Approaches to System Identification

Abstract Linear discrete-time models predominate in process system identification, but suffer from some drawbacks. An appealing alternative is to identify continuous-time linear models, expressed as differential equations or Laplace transforms. Two problems must be solved in a computationally feasible way for continuous-time transfer function identification: the model structure must be determined and, subsequently, values for parameters associated with the structural description must be estimated. Our approach to the identification of continuous-time models integrates two technologies. We use the nonlinear classification capabilities of neural networks for structure determination. For parameter estimation we use a nonlinear identification algorithm. A second neural network is employed to provide the algorithm initial conditions, thereby improving its convergence properties. Network training is greatly facilitated by the dynamic generation of examples—overparametrization and overfitting concerns are alleviated entirely. A system identifier targeted for petrochemical applications has been developed. Some details of the implementation are described and experimental results presented. These demonstrate that both accurate and efficient identification of continuous-time models is feasible.
Tolerating Deception and Discrimination After Batson

Ethical issues arise when courts rule that, under Batson, attorneys have exercised unconstitutional discriminatory peremptory challenges. The strikes themselves and the pretextual explanations offered in an effort to defend the strikes may provide grounds for levying personal sanctions against the striking attorneys. This article explores the wisdom and propriety of imposing personal liability on attorneys who exercise discriminatory strikes. In the course of doing so, it examines the meaning of "pretext, " the nature of "discriminatory intent" in equal protection jurisprudence, and the likely culpability or mens rea of attorneys as they engage in the prohibited conduct. It concludes that the costs of imposing such sanctions-including the risk of undeserved punishment and the adverse effect on the enforcement ofBatson's antidiscrimination principlemilitate against personally punishing the attorneys in addition to remedying the unconstitutional strikes, despite the fact that some deception and discrimination will inevitably be tolerated as a result.
Tracking and summarizing news on a daily basis with Columbia's Newsblaster

Recently, there have been significant advances in several areas of language technology, including clustering, text categorization, and summarization. However, efforts to combine technology from these areas in a practical system for information access have been limited. In this paper, we present Columbia's Newsblaster system for online news summarization. Many of the tools developed at Columbia over the years are combined together to produce a system that crawls the web for news articles, clusters them on specific topics and produces multidocument summaries for each cluster.
Do fiscal constraints prevent default? Historical evidence from U.S. municipalities

Through the nineteenth century numerous U.S. states developed extensive municipal fiscal constitutions. These generally came in the wake of financial crises and large-scale default of public debts. Although the constraints were imposed in order to minimize the likelihood that such outcomes would occur in the future, little work has been undertaken to analyze whether they were successful in achieving that goal. Therefore, this current study attempts to do so by empirically investigating how procedural safeguards and outright prohibitions on debt accumulation, along with hard budget constraints, and tax limits impacted the likelihood of default. This is done by evaluating municipal defaults that centered on the Panic of 1893. Overall, the results suggest that outright prohibitions on debt accumulation and hard budget constraints actually reduced the likelihood of municipal default across states, while tax limits and procedural safeguards increased that likelihood.
Justice Shepard and Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Legacy of ICLEO

In his presentation, Dean Klein discusses the importance of role models and mentors in promoting the value of diversity in the legal profession. His presentation includes personal background relating to his own involvement with the Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (“ICLEO”) program and highlights the accomplishments of several former ICLEO fellows who have become leaders and role models themselves. Dean Klein concludes by praising former Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard and the ICLEO program for providing a pipeline of leaders committed to the legal profession and a pipeline of mentors for future generations of lawyers who are committed to the important role that diversity plays in ensuring a system of justice.
Introduction to nuclear resonant scattering with synchrotron radiation

The concepts leading to the application of synchrotron radiation to elastic and inelastic nuclear resonant scattering are discussed. The resulting new experimental techniques are compared to conventional Mossbauer spectroscopy. A survey of situations that favor experiments with synchrotron radiation is offered.
Privacy Amplification in the Isolated Qubits Model

Isolated qubits are a special class of quantum devices, which can be used to implement tamper-resistant cryptographic hardware such as one-time memories (OTM’s). Unfortunately, these OTM constructions leak some information, and standard methods for privacy amplification cannot be applied here, because the adversary has advance knowledge of the hash function that the honest parties will use.
Adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling and estimation in Mata

I describe algorithms for drawing from distributions using adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods; I introduce a Mata function for performing adaptive MCMC, amcmc(); and I present a suite of functions, amcmc_*(), that allows an alternative implementation of adaptive MCMC. amcmc() and amcmc_*() can be used with models set up to work with Mata's moptimize() (see [M-5] moptimize()) or optimize() (see [M-5] optimize()) or with standalone functions. To show how the routines can be used in estimation problems, I give two examples of what Chernozhukov and Hong (2003, Journal of Econometrics 115: 293�346) refer to as quasi-Bayesian or Laplace-type estimators�simulationbased estimators using MCMC sampling. In the first example, I illustrate basic ideas and show how a simple linear model can be fit by simulation. In the next example, I describe simulation-based estimation of a censored quantile regression model following Powell (1986, Journal of Econometrics 32: 143�155); the discussion describes the workings of the command mcmccqreg. I also present an example of how the routines can be used to draw from distributions without a normalizing constant and used in Bayesian estimation of a mixed logit model. This discussion introduces the command bayesmixedlogit.
On the number of zeros of certain rational harmonic functions

Extending a result of Khavinson and Swiatek (2003) we show that the rational harmonic function r(z) - z, where r(z) is a rational function of degree n > 1, has no more than 5n - 5 complex zeros. Applications to gravitational lensing are discussed. In particular, this result settles a conjecture by Rhie concerning the maximum number of lensed images due to an n-point gravitational lens.
A taxonomy of inaccurate summaries and their management in OLAP systems

Accurate summarizability is an important property in OLAP systems because inaccurate summaries can result in poor decisions. Furthermore, it is important to understand and identify the potential sources of inaccurate summaries. In this paper, we present a taxonomy of inaccurate summary factors and practical rules for handling them. We consolidate relevant terms and concepts in statistical databases with those in OLAP systems and explore factors that are important for measuring the impact of erroneous summaries. We discuss these issues from the perspectives of schema, data, and computation. This paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of summarizability and its impact on decision-making. Our work could help designers and users of OLAP systems reduce unnecessary constraints caused by imposing rules to eliminate all summarizability violations and give designers a means to prioritize problems.
Indefinite quadratic forms and the invariance of the interval in Special Relativity

In this note, a simple theorem on proportionality of indefinite real quadratic forms is proved, and is used to clarify the proof of the invariance of the interval in special relativity from Einstei...
A view toward future launch vehicles - A civil perspective

Prospective NASA launch vehicle development efforts, which in addition to follow-on developments of the Space Shuttle encompass the Shuttle-C cargo version, various possible Advanced Launch System (ALS) configurations, and various Heavy Lift Launch System (HLLS) design options. Fully and partially reusable manned vehicle alternatives are also under consideration. In addition to improving on the current Space Shuttle's reliability and flexibility, ALS and HLLV development efforts are expected to concentrate on the reduction of operating costs for the given payload-launch capability.
The Dynamic Role of Small Firms: Evidence from the U.S.

This paper provides a conceptual and empirical account of the dynamic role of SMEs in the U.S. economy. Evidence is provided to show that SMEs are important sources of employment growth and innovation. For example, the net employment gain during 1990–95 is shown to be greater among smaller firms than among larger firms. Furthermore, while large firms often produce a larger number of patents per firm, the patenting rate for small firms is typically higher than that for large firms when measured on a per-employee basis. It is noted that public policy is shifting away from traditional measures which were based on a static conception of industrial organization and thus emphasized anti-trust, regulation and public ownership solutions, towards measures which are geared towards supporting the dynamic role of SMEs. These measures focus on providing an enabling environment for enterprise start-ups, job creation, knowledge spillovers and technological change.
700 years later: using multimedia to bring the stories of medieval asian scrolls to today's students

Medieval Asian scrolls are classic storytelling devices, yet these scrolls are rarely available to Western students in their original continuous format. By developing a web-based multimedia scroll viewer we make these Asian scrolls available to students and provide additional features, such as side-by-side scroll comparison, zooming, and appending to the scroll. The paper discusses the pedagogical benefits of narrative and how narrative, along with the scroll viewer, is being used in two college courses.
Valuing Teams: What Influences Student Attitudes?

The ability to work with others is a skill highly valued by employers. Students often work in groups for class projects, but extensive teamwork is usually limited. This research explores student attitudes toward working with peers through a "Value of Teams" survey. The relationship of demographic characteristics and initial attitudes, changes in attitudes after a semester in an intensive team-based learning environment, and the enduring effect of attitudes as measured through responses of students enrolled in a second class with the same instructor are all examined.
A layered and nuanced assessment of network neutrality rationales

2 Network neutrality refers to government mandated nondiscrimination, transparency and other requirements on ISPs designed to foster a level competitive playing field among content providers and to establish consumer safeguards so that Internet users have unrestricted access limited only by legitimate concerns such as ISP network management and national security. See Rob Frieden, A Primer on Network Neutrality, 43 INTERECONOMICS REV. EUR. ECON. POL’Y, No. 1, 4-15 (Jan./Feb. 2008).
The Use of 123I in Diagnostic Radioactive Iodine Scans in Children with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Adult studies have shown that iodine-123 (123I) is as effective as 131I in detecting metastatic disease in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However, the type and administered activity of radioiodine used for diagnostic imaging of metastatic thyroid cancer has not been well studied in children. Here we describe our institution's experience with using 123I in diagnostic radioiodine scans in children with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Every patient with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who completed diagnostic scanning followed by radioiodine therapy at our institution over the past 8 years was included in this retrospective chart review. Patient age, sex, presentation of thyroid disease, past medical history, thyrotropin, thyroglobulin, and antithyroglobulin antibodies were recorded. A single nuclear medicine radiologist evaluated all scans. Results: Thirty-three subjects completed 37 pairs of scans at a mean age of 13.4 years (range 6–17 years). The majority of subje...
An Enciphering Scheme Based on a Card Shuffle

We introduce the swap-or-not shuffle and show that the technique gives rise to a new method to convert a pseudorandom function PRF into a pseudorandom permutation PRP or, alternatively, to directly build a confusion/diffusion blockcipher. We then prove that swap-or-not has excellent quantitative security bounds, giving a Luby-Rackoff type result that ensures security assuming an ideal round function to a number of adversarial queries that is nearly the size of the construction's domain. Swap-or-not provides a direct solution for building a small-domain cipher and achieving format-preserving encryption, yielding the best bounds known for a practical scheme for enciphering credit-card numbers. The analysis of swap-or-not is based on the theory of mixing times of Markov chains.
Rough Concept Analysis

The theory introduced, presented and developed in this paper, is concerned with Rough Concept Analysis. This theory is a synthesis of the theory of Rough Sets pioneered by Zdzislaw Pawlak [5] with the theory of Formal Concept Analysis pioneered by Rudolf Wille [6]. The central notion in this paper of a rough formal concept combines in a natural fashion the notion of a rough set with the notion of a formal concept — to use a slogan: “rough set + formal concept = rough formal concept”. A related paper [3] using distributed constraints provides a synthesis of the two important data modeling techniques: conceptual scaling of Formal Concept Analysis, and Entity-Relationship database modeling. A follow-up paper [2] will extend rough concept analysis from formal contexts to distributed constraints.
Variación de la violencia sexual en tiempos de guerra: la violación en la guerra no es inevitable

Sexual violence varies widely from one war to another, and sometimes from onearmed group to another within the same war. However, in some conflicts the sexual violence committed by certain armed groups is particularly limited, even though these groups engage in other types of violence against civilians. Some groups commit act sof sexual violence only against women, where as others also commit them against men. Social scientists have increasingly been documenting and analyzing these differentpatterns of sexual violence in times of war, particularly in terms of the different dimensions of violence (its form, frequency, targets and purposes), as well as in terms ofchanges in these four patterns over time. Firstly I introduce key concepts, including these four dimensions and the concept of sexual violence as a practice (a practice thatis not ordered but that is tolerated by the commanders, and which takes place bothin cases where it offers strategic benefits and where it does not). Afterwards I briefly summarize recent research that documents the patterns of violence during times ofwar. After showing that many of the approaches found in published literature do not explain the observed changes —in fact, many predict more sexual violence tan the tragic levels that were actually observed— I propose a theoretical framework that focuses on the internal dynamics of the armed groups. Then I analyze the conditionsunder which armed groups do not engage in rape, those where rape is performed in astrategic manner, and those where rape is performed as a practice. Throughout this chapter I rely on recent findings in social sciences literature, some of which have notyet been published. I conclude by discussing the implications of this analysis for publicpolicy: the changes found in sexual violence during times of war, and particularly the relative absence of this type of violence in many armed groups, implies that rape isnot inevitable in war.
The role of natural resources in fundamental tax reform in the Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has one of the richest natural resource endowments in the world. Despite their importance in the Russian economy, natural resources do not contribute as much as they could to public revenues. Large resource rents (excess payments, or above-normal profits generated by natural resources in scarce supply) are dissipated through subsidies and wastage, or appropriated by private interests. Failure to tax this rent means that taxes must be levied elsewhere (on capital and labor) to sustain revenues, thereby depressing investment and employment, or that potential revenues are foregone. Failure to reinvest rent means that Russia perpetuates the tradition of exporting low value-added raw materials and excessive capital outflows, and retards its transition to sustainable economic development. The author provides estimates of the average and total current rent on crude oil, natural gas, and round wood in Russia. The sum of appropriated rent on oil and gas was estimated at US$9 billion in 1999 (in excess of $15 billion in 2000), or about 18 percent of consolidated tax revenues. The appropriated rent on round wood was estimated at US$191-1,032 million. A more appropriate natural resource taxation system would enhance the fiscal role of natural resources as well as create better incentives for resource conservation and environmental protection. Two conditions further reinforce the appeal of such a reform. First, the state still owns most of the natural resources, which theoretically facilitates change in resource pricing and taxation. Second, the cost of adjusting the tax system is relatively low at this time since Russian tax policy is undergoing thorough reform. Increasing rent taxation should be relatively straightforward since the system already exists. What mainly needs to be done is to differentiate the fees to reflect objective rent-generating conditions by withdrawing the rent and imposing higher taxes on profitable resource deposits. A seemingly desirable instrument-true differentiation of rental payments-does not exist in Russia despite legislative provisions that it should. Several natural resource taxes are specific taxes (set per volume), regardless of the market price or production cost. Such taxes favor profitable deposits and penalize marginal ones. The author's study should be given serious consideration in the renewed debate on tax reform and in the context of Russia's structural reform program. It is in line with the proposals of the new governmental economic strategy, particularly with boosting the share of natural resources in generating revenue and reducing income tax rates. The extra advantage to rent taxation and revenue recycling is that it would allow the government to lower the tax burden without leading to a budget deficit.
Fiscal stabilizations: When do they work and why

Abstract This paper studies the determinants and channels through which fiscal contractions influence the dynamics of the debt-to-GDP ratio and GDP growth. Using data from a panel of OECD countries, the paper shows that the success of fiscal adjustments in decreasing the debt-to-GDP ratio depends on the size of the fiscal contraction and less on its composition. The rate of growth of output matters too, but higher GDP growth does not drive the success of a fiscal stabilization. In contrast, whether a fiscal adjustment is expansionary depends largely on the composition of the fiscal maneuvre. In particular, stabilizations implemented by cutting public spending lead to higher GDP growth rates. The effects of the composition on growth work mostly through the labor market rather than through agents’ expectations of future fiscal policy. Finally, the evidence suggests that successful and expansionary fiscal contractions are not the result of accompanying expansionary monetary policy or exchange rate devaluations.