cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 12 – Restorative Justice

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the idea of restorative justice as a means of address­ing the needs of youthful offenders, victims, and the community. Restorative justice is a major shift from existing practices. The chapter discusses the philosophical and practical differences between restorative justice and most juvenile justice system activity. Restorative justice seeks to repair the harm done to both the victim and the community, while simultaneously changing the behavior of the offender. A primary argument used to explain restorative justice is the idea of reintegrative shaming, which argues that shame can be used in a positive fashion to bring offenders back into society. Restorative justice takes four primary forms: victim-offender mediation, family group counseling, neighborhood reparative boards, and sentencing/peacemaking circles. Evaluations of restorative justice reveal a great deal of satisfaction among participants and some reduced recidivism, although a great deal of additional research is needed. It also examines precursors to restorative justice that attempt to shift some prob­lems out of the formal justice system as well as historical practices used by different cultural groups to handle social problems. These various efforts include victim–offender mediation, family-group conferencing, and circle sentencing. This chapter examines the emergence of these and other restora­tive justice alternatives for addressing the needs of offenders, victims, and the community.
Linkage between Proximal and Distal Movements of P450cam Induced by Putidaredoxin

Putidaredoxin (Pdx) is the exclusive reductase and a structural effector for P450cam (CYP101A1). However, the mechanism of how Pdx modulates the conformational states of P450cam remains elusive. Here we report a putative communication pathway for the Pdx-induced conformational change in P450cam using results of double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Use of solution state DEER measurements allows us to observe subtle conformational changes in the internal helices in P450cam among closed, open, and P450cam-Pdx complex states. Molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic network analysis suggest that Pdx binding is coupled to small coordinated movements of several regions of P450cam, including helices C, B', I, G, and F. These changes provide a linkage between the Pdx binding site on the proximal side of the enzyme and helices F/G on the distal side and the site of the largest movement resulting from the Pdx-induced closed-to-open transition. This study provides a detailed rationale for how Pdx exerts its long-recognized effector function at the active site from its binding site on the opposite face of the enzyme.
Lebenslagen Älterer in der EU, Deutschland und den Bundesländern – ein Vergleich

Betrachtet werden die finanziellen Verhaltnisse von Personen im Alter von 65 und mehr Jahren in Europa, Deutschland, den Bundeslandern sowie – vertiefend – in Bayern und Augsburg. Die Analyse zeigt u. a., dass die Aussage, Alteren gehe es besser als vielen Jungeren und so gut wie nie zuvor, falsch ist: So sank z. B. das mediane Nettoaquivalenzeinkommen Alterer im Verhaltnis zu den Jungeren (unter 65 Jahren) im Zeitraum 2010–2017 in Deutschland um 4 %-Punkte, sodass die Alteren einen mittleren Lebensstandard nur noch von 85 % von dem der Jungeren in 2017 hatten (2010 waren es noch 89 %). Zudem ist z. B. die Mietbelastung der Alteren in Deutschland hoher als die der Jungeren und zugleich die Armuts(gefahrdungs)quote der Alteren hoher als die der Jungeren – mit steigender Tendenz. Auffallig sind z. B. auch die im EU-Vergleich relativ geringen mittleren Haushaltsnettovermogen privater Haushalte in Deutschland (auch der Alteren), die im unteren EU-Drittel liegen und keineswegs durch hohere Rentenanspruche ausgeglichen werden, verbunden mit einer absolut zunehmenden Vermogensungleichheit. In Bayern hatten Altere z. B. einen medianen Lebensstandard von 16 % unter dem bayerischen Mittelwert (in 2015) und z. B. sogar 10 % weniger als die Gruppe der bis zu 25-Jahrigen sowie 26 %-Punkte weniger als Erwerbstatige.
Prompting retrieval during monitoring and self-regulated learning in older and younger adults

We evaluated age differences in the relationship between judgments of learning (JOLs) and the choice to restudy a subset of items under two conditions: 1) when a retrieval attempt was explicitly prompted during monitoring; 2) when a retrieval attempt was not explicitly prompted. Young and older adults studied unrelated word pairs. Item-by-item cue-only judgments followed, where participants either attempted to recall the target before providing a JOL or only provided a JOL. After the monitoring phase, participants reported how many total items they wanted to restudy. However, during the selection phase, participants selected half of the presented items to restudy. After restudying selected items, participants received a final cued recall test. Requiring individuals to attempt retrieval increased monitoring reaction times (RT) and decreased JOL magnitude, but did not affect self-regulated learning. For both monitoring groups, individuals were more likely to select items they rated with lower JOLs and items that they spent more time monitoring (i.e., greater RTs). In addition, older adults demonstrated a weaker negative relationship between JOLs and restudy selections, but no difference in the relationship between RTs and restudy selections, compared to young adults. Older adults also indicated wanting to restudy more total items than younger adults. Explicitly prompting retrieval during monitoring did not impact these observed age effects, or interestingly, final test performance. Overall, the results of this study suggest that prompting explicit retrieval prior to monitoring may have little direct effect on self-regulated learning or final test performance.
A Way of Motivating Patient in Rehabilitation – Case Study of a Motion Tracking Wearable Device

Stiffness in body joints is one of the most challenging and disabling complications after a traumatic injury. Early mobilization is the essential component in helping to regain full mobility but also aids in decreasing edema and inflammation. Active gentle stretching is one of the safest methods of treating joint stiffness as the aim of treatment is to regain full pain-free mobility with stability. SENS is a motion-tracking wearable device that promotes a gentle active range of motion with audio feedback. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the SENS device in terms of its’ functional performance and usability during the clients’ rehabilitation process. The test showed SENS provides instantaneous feedback regarding how much “active stretch” the subjects were able to obtain. The study was performed on 60 uninjured/typically developing adults and 3 injured patients. Results showed that the SENS device activated 100% of the time with active stretch. Two of the three patients showed a clear improvement in range of motion while using the device for treatment. All subjects showed a positive attitude in performing exercises on their own while wearing SENS.
Performance of suspension bridge hangers exposed to hazardous material fires considering wind effects

Traffic accidents involving vehicles transporting hazardous materials (HazMat) can cause serious fire hazards, threatening the safety of bridge infrastructure as well as nearby traffic. For critical bridges such as long-span cable-stayed and suspension bridges, fire hazards can not only cause severe structural damage, but also serious traffic disruption, congestion, and accidents. Unlike short-span bridges, long-span cable-supported bridges often experience considerable wind effects at the height of the bridge deck which can significantly influence fire hazards. As the critical components of cable-supported bridges, the failure of cables or hangers due to fire may trigger progressive failure of the bridge structure. Existing studies on fire simulation of long-span bridges, however, are very limited. Typical fire hazard scenarios from vehicles transporting hazardous material (HazMat) are simulated with fire dynamics simulation (FDS) software on a suspension bridge with a focus on the threats to hangers. To more realistically consider the potential fire hazards to bridge hangers of long-span bridges, appropriate fuel size, transverse offset distance, and wind effects are considered. The study of a baseline scenario is carried out first and followed by parametric studies to investigate the effects of wind speeds, longitudinal offsets, hazardous material types and spill sizes on the fire simulation results.
The unlikely role of dinosaurs in the diversity discourse

Where does our appreciation of diversity come from? In his new book, Catastrophic Thinking, historian of paleontology David Sepkoski argues that the increase in diversity discourse that began in the 1980s was linked to the discovery that sudden extinction events could drastically reduce the number of species on Earth. In such a scenario, the normal rules of natural selection do not apply. Entire taxa could disappear within a short period of time through no fault of their own. Paleontologists thus reimagined life on Earth as precarious, and they recognized mass extinctions in the fossil record as the cause of sudden drops in diversity.
COVID-19 Specific skin changes related to SARS-CoV-2 Visualizing a Monumental Public Health Challenge

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused coronavirus disease-2019, known as COVID-19, now a pandemic stressing millions of individuals worldwide. COVID-19 is a systemic respiratory infection that may have dermatologic signs and systemic sequelae, a devastating public health challenge with parallels to the two great influenza pandemics of the last century. Skin lesions linked with COVID-19 have been grouped into six categories, with three distinct indicative patterns: vesicular (varicella-like), vasculopathic, and chilblains-like (including "COVID toes" and "COVID fingers") plus the following three less suggestive patterns: dermatitic, maculopapular, and urticarial morphologies. Vasculopathic changes are the most concerning, in some patients, reflecting a devastating blood clotting dysfunction. We discuss the ways to detect, prevent, and treat COVID-19, keeping in mind the context of possible cutaneous markers of COVID-19 to enhance detection.
Partisan Determinants of Federal Highway Grants

Using data from the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, we examine whether political ideology and political alignment affect how much a state receives in per-capita highway funding. For the period 1994 - 2008, we find evidence that Republican-dominated House of Representatives delegations received more highway funding per capita compared with Democratic delegations, especially in states with below average urban population shares. Overall, the distribution of highway spending during this time period appears to have been determined by political, rather than deterministic, considerations. In a way, it is consistent with how the Interstate Highway Sy
Investigation of Interfacial Losses in Concrete with Laser Ultrasonics

Laser ultrasonic techniques are used to investigate interfacial losses in concrete. The experimental methodology uses a pulse ruby laser for optical generation and a heterodyne interferometer for laser detection. Concrete is a heterogeneous material made up of both fine and coarse aggregate. The presence of this aggregate, in addition to voids and flaws, causes elastic wave scattering in concrete. This study examines the propagation of ultrasonic waves in both “plain” mortar and concrete. In addition, it develops a one-dimensional model for the losses due to the interface between the mortar and the aggregate. Laser ultrasonic techniques are essential for this study because they allow for the broad band generation and detection of ultrasonic waves without influencing their frequency content.
Rapid multicomponent relaxometry in steady state with correction of magnetization transfer effects.

Purpose To study the effects of magnetization transfer (MT) on multicomponent T2 parameters obtained using mcDESPOT in macromolecule-rich tissues and to propose a new method called mcRISE to correct MT-induced biases. Methods The two-pool mcDESPOT model was modified by the addition of an exchanging macromolecule proton pool to model the MT effect in cartilage. The mcRISE acquisition scheme was developed to provide sensitivity to all pools. An incremental fitting was applied to estimate MT and relaxometry parameters with minimized coupling. The interaction between MT and relaxometry parameters, efficacy of MT correction, and feasibility of mcRISE in vivo were investigated in simulations and in healthy volunteers. Results The MT effect caused significant errors in multicomponent T1/T2 values and in fast-relaxing water fraction fF, which is consistent with previous experimental observations. fF increased significantly with macromolecule content if MT was ignored. mcRISE resulted in a multifold reduction of MT biases and yielded decoupled multicomponent T1/T2 relaxometry and quantitative MT parameters. Conclusion mcRISE is an efficient approach for correcting MT biases in multicomponent relaxometry based on steady state sequences. Improved specificity of mcRISE may help to elucidate the sources of the previously described high sensitivity of noncorrected mcDESPOT parameters to disease-related changes in cartilage and the brain. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case Studies of Asphalt Pavement Analysis/Design with Application of the Genetic Algorithm

The primary purpose of this study is to demonstrate the applicability of the genetic algorithm (GA) to solve nonlinear optimization problems encountered in asphalt pavement design. The fundamentals of the GA are briefly discussed, and four case studies are presented. The first case study is an example showing the backcalculation of layer moduli with deflection data from a falling weight deflectometer and a layered-elastic program. The second case study demonstrates how to construct the master curve, either from a mix flexural frequency sweep test or from a binder rheometer test, and how to apply that master curve in pavement design. The third case shows how to apply the GA to characterize the binder discrete relaxation spectrum with a generalized Maxwell solid model. The last case study illustrates how to apply the GA to define the mix fatigue damage process of a flexural controlled-deformation beam fatigue test and the permanent shear strain accumulation process of a controlled-load repetitive simple shear test with constant height using a three-stage Weibull approach, and how to apply the three-stage Weibull approach in predicting pavement performance. The results indicate that the GA is promising and successful in resolving the nonlinear optimization problem although the GA presents some difficulty in terms of computing efficiency in the case study of backcalulation of layer moduli.
The Challenge in Creating Games for Education: Aligning Mental Models With Game Models

— Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in the use of video games for education because of the high level of engagement of players. This article blends research on game engagement from the media flow perspective with current pedagogical theory to advance 2 core design principles for a model educational game design: model matching and layering.
Thermodynamics of solution of non-mesomorphic solutes at infinite dilution in the smectic-A, nematic and isotropic phases of p-n-octyl-p′-cyanobiphenyl : A gas—liquid chromatographic study

Abstract From specific retention volumes measured at four temperatures in each of the three fluid phases of p-n-octyl-p′-cyanobiphenyl (8CB), infinite-dilution solute activity coefficients, partial molar excess enthalpies and entropies, and enthalpies and entropies of solution were determined for 21 solutes varying in molecular size, shape and flexibility. The reported results and their trends are discussed in terms of a previously proposed solution model. The results for 8CB are compared with those for the lower alkyl homologs in this liquid-crystalline solvent series, 5CB, 6CB and 7CB. The thermodynamic behavior within each of five solute groups is interpreted.
IUE observations of the broad continuum feature at 1400 Å in the silicon and related stars

The upper main sequence chemically peculiar stars have previously been studied spectrophotometrically using low-resolution TD-1 spectra. These show that the broad continuum feature at 1400 A is a useful indicator of Si anomaly. In this paper the observations are extended to IUE low-resolution spectra and it is shown that this feature is indeed well correlated with Si and also with optical chemical peculiarity indices. Its utility in selecting silicon stars is further demonstrated. This feature is likely due to autoionization of Si II and is the best available discriminator of the overabundance of a key element in the Ap stars.
l-Malate Oxidation by the Electron Transport Fraction of Azotobacter vinelandii

The membrane-bound l-malate oxidoreductase of Azotobacter vinelandii strain O was found to be a flavoprotein-dependent enzyme associated with the electron transport system (R(3)) of this organism. The particulate R(3) fraction, which possessed the l-malate oxidoreductase, carried out the cyanide-sensitive oxidation of l-malate, d-lactate, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, succinate, cytochrome c, tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine, and p-phenylenediamine, with molecular O(2) as the terminal electron acceptor. d-Malate was not oxidized, but l-malate was oxidized to oxalacetate. Phenazine methosulfate (PMS), vitamin K(3), K(3)Fe(CN)(6), nitro blue tetrazolium, and dichloroindophenol all served as good terminal electron acceptors for the l-malate oxidoreductase. Cytochrome c was a poor electron acceptor. Extensive studies on the l-malate oxidase and PMS and K(3) reductases revealed that all were stimulated specifically by flavine adenine dinucleotide and nonspecifically by di- or trivalent cations, i.e., Ca(++), Ba(++), Mn(++), Mg(++), Fe(+++), Ni(++), and Al(+++). All these activities were markedly sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). The V(max) values for the l-malate oxidase, PMS, and vitamin K(3) reductases were, respectively, 3.4, 15.1, and 45.5 mumoles of substrate oxidized per min per mg of protein at 37 C. Spectral studies revealed that the Azotobacter R(3) flavoprotein and cytochromes (a(2), a(1), b(1), c(4), and c(5)) were reduced by l-malate. l-Malate oxidase activity was sensitive to various inhibitors of the electron transport system, namely, p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, chlorpromazine, 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, antimycin A, and KCN. Minor inhibitory effects were noted with the inhibitors 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione, rotenone, and Amytal.
Experimental ulceration of rabbit antral mucosa.

Abstract The mechanism of acute ulceration and the nature of mucosal protective mechanisms were investigated in rabbit antrum, which is more resistant to injury than fundus of the same species, with particular reference to the relationship between H+ back diffusion, tissue acidification, and occurrence of ulceration. Exposure of antral pouches to increasing luminal [H+] during short-term hemorrhagic shock caused progressive acidification of the mucosa as measured by a microelectrode in the lamina propria, but ulceration of the mucosa did not occur unless an unphysiologically high [H+] (225 mM) was used. Addition of exogenous pepsin to a luminal [H+] of 80 mM increased the rate of H+ back diffusion and the degree of mucosal acidification, but ulcerations did not develop, suggesting that endogenous pepsin does not account for the ulceration of fundic mucosa under the same experimental situation. In contrast, addition of sodium taurocholate (5 mM) to the same luminal [H+] (80 mM) produced ulcerations and increased the rate of H+ back diffusion. Systemic administration of acetazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, enhanced the development of ulceration without increasing the rate of back diffusion or the degree of tissue acidification. The results suggest that rabbit antral mucosa is protected from excessive acidification and ulceration by its relative impermeability to H+. When the rate of H+ back diffusion is artificially augmented to a level encountered in the fundus in an ulcerogenic situation, profound acidification with ulceration also occurs in the antral mucosa. The data also suggest that carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme abundantly present in gastric mucosa, may have a protective function in the mucosa, possibly by contributing to the regulation of intracellular pH and/or to the maintenance of mucosal HCO3− secretion.
Histone gene switching in murine erythroleukemia cells is differentiation specific and occurs without loss of cell cycle regulation.

Abstract We investigated the expression characteristics of the fully replication-dependent (FRD) and the partially replication-dependent (PRD) histone gene variants by measuring changes in steady-state mRNA levels during hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA)-induced differentiation of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. Between 24 and 60 h after induction, there was a dramatic switch in histone gene expression, such that the ratio of PRD to FRD transcripts increased severalfold over that found in uninduced MEL cells. We demonstrated that this gene switching was not simply a partial or complete uncoupling of PRD gene expression from DNA synthesis. PRD and FRD transcript levels were regulated coordinately upon treatment of uninduced or induced MEL cells with inhibitors of DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, or both. Using several criteria, we were unable to detect any difference in PRD and FRD gene expression under any conditions except in cells undergoing differentiation. MEL cells were arrested at a precommitment stage of differentiation by induction with HMBA in the presence of dexamethasone (DEX). If DEX was subsequently removed, DNA synthesis resumed, the cells underwent commitment, and histone gene switching was observed. In contrast, if both DEX and HMBA were removed, DNA synthesis still resumed, but commitment did not occur and no gene switching was observed. These results imply that histone gene switching is intimately related to the differentiation process.
Editorial: Migration costs

Much has been written about the costs—and benefits--of migration--in terms of the costs to the US (or receiving regions) and of the benefits to migrants. Massey (2005) concludes that because (Mexican) immigrants pay taxes, they are not a drain on public services. In fact, migrants are less likely to use public services, and pay taxes for services they don’t use. Almost two-thirds have Social Security taxes withheld, only 10% have sent a child to public schools, and under 5% or have used food stamps, welfare, or unemployment compensation. They also pay sales taxes. In terms of criminality, Rumbaut and Ewing (2007) refute the myth that migrants bring crime. They find that Mexican immigrant men have a lower rate of incarceration (0.7%) than US born Latinos (5.9%) or for US born males (3.5%).
Kinetic studies of the δ-opioid antagonist [3H]DPN induced receptor binding on suspensions of mouse spleenocytes

Abstract Kinetic studies of binding of the δ-opioid antagonist [ 3 H]DPN with receptors of mouse spleenocytes are performed. Kinetic analysis of experimental data has shown that receptors of these cells possess activity toward the δ-opioid ligands. Presence of compounds that inhibit the conjugation of receptors with G-proteins, reduces receptor binding. Experimental data are computer simulated, and numerical values for various equilibrium as well as kinetic parameters of receptor binding and the G-protein cycle are obtained.
Polarized luminescence spectra of kunzite

Kunzite, the pink, manganese-bearing variety of spodumene, is strongly luminescent under UV or electron beam excitation. Laser excitation of an oriented kunzite single crystal has been used to determine the polarization dependence of the luminescence. The emission spectrum, assigned to an Mn2+ center, can be fitted by two Gaussian bands with maxima at 16 568 and 15 679 cm−1. Analysis of the temperature dependence of emission intensity and band width give estimates of the frequency of the phonons assisting the luminescence transitions. These appear to be bond stretching modes of the octahedral site. Analysis of the polarization dependence of emission intensity allows determination of the orientation of the emission dipole. Comparison of the polarization dependence of excitation and emission radiation shows that coupling between absorption dipole and emission dipole is incoherent.
The effect of autocorrelation on the retrospective X-chart

Quality control chart interpretation is usually based on the assumption that successive observations are independent over time. In this article we show the effect of autocorrelation on the retrospective Shewhart chart for individuals, often referred to as the X-chart, with the control limits based on moving ranges. It is shown that the presence of positive first lag autocorrelation results in an increased number of false alarms from the control chart. Negative first lag autocorrelation can result in unnecessarily wide control limits such that significant shifts in the process mean may go undetected. We use first-order autoregressive and first-order moving average models in our simulation of small samples of autocorrelated data.
A Review of Explicit Friction Factor Equations

A review of the explicit friction factor equations developed to replace the Colebrook equation is presented. Explicit friction factor equations are developed which yield a very high degree of precision compared to the Colebrook equation. A new explicit equation, which offers a reasonable compromise between complexity and accuracy, is presented and recommended for the calculation of all turbulent pipe flow friction factors for all roughness ratios and Reynold's numbers.
Vibrational spectroscopy of perfluorocarboxylic acids from the infrared to the visible regions.

We report here the gas-phase mid-IR, near-IR, and visible vibrational spectra of perfluoropropionic, perfluorooctanoic, and perfluorononanoic acids using Fourier transform and cavity ring-down spec...
A Novel Human Radixin Peptide Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Infection at the Level of Cell Entry

Hepatitis C virus infection of hepatocytes is a multistep process involving the interaction between viral and host cell molecules. Recently, we identified ezrin–moesin–radixin proteins and spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) as important host therapeutic targets for HCV treatment development. Previously, an ezrin hinge region peptide (Hep1) has been shown to exert anti-HCV properties in vivo, though its mechanism of action remains limited. In search of potential novel inhibitors of HCV infection and their functional mechanism we analyzed the anti-HCV properties of different human derived radixin peptides. Sixteen different radixin peptides were derived, synthesized and tested. Real-time quantitative PCR, cell toxicity assay, immuno-precipitation/western blot analysis and computational resource for drug discovery software were used for experimental analysis. We found that a human radixin hinge region peptide (Peptide1) can specifically block HCV J6/JFH-1 infection of Huh7.5 cells. Peptide 1 had no cell toxicity or intracellular uptake into Huh7.5 cells. Mechanistically, the anti-HCV activity of Peptide 1 extended to disruption of HCV engagement of CD81 thereby blocking downstream SYK activation, which we have recently demonstrated to be important for effective HCV infection of target hepatocytes. Our findings highlight a novel functional class of anti-HCV agents that can inhibit HCV infection, most likely by disrupting vital viral-host signaling interactions at the level of virus entry.
Activation of dioxygen electron-transfer reduction in the presence of protons of transition metal complexes

Electrochemical studies of molecular oxygen in aprotic and aqueous media confirm that the primary electron-transfer step for the reduction of O2 is a one-electron process, which is followed by chemical disproportionation reactions to yield H2O2 under acidic conditions (an overall two-electron process) and OH− under basic conditions (an overall four-electron process) [1]. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic measurements have been used to characterize the reactions of O2−, HO2·, H2O2, and HO2− in aprotic solvents. Superoxide ion (O2−) is a strong Bronsted base (e.g., deprotonates butanol and water), an effective nucleophile (e.g., reacts rapidly with alkyl halides and esters by an SN2 mechanism), and a moderate one-electron reducing agent [2]. It rapidly degrades polyhalogenated hydrocarbons (CCl4, HCCl3, and DDT) to oxygenated products [3]. For substrates with oxidizable hydrogen atoms (hydrazines, hydroxylamines, and reduced flavins), O2− is an effective one-electron oxidizing agent [4]. Superoxide also readily oxygenates benzyl and dehydroascorbic acid [5], and couples with reduced paraquat to yield an oxygenating reagent [6]. Hence, a primary route for the biochemical activation of 3O2 to an effective electron acceptor, oxidase, monooxygenase, and dioxygenase is an initial reduction to superoxide ion. Reduction of O2 in the presence of protons and transition metal ions yields highly reactive perhydroxyl and peroxide intermediates [7, 8]. Likewise, reduction of dioxygen in the presence of activating substrates (transition metal complexes, esters, and methyl viologen (MV2+)) results in a concerted two-electron process to yield reactive oxygenating agents and reaction mimics for oxygenases [6]. The interactions of O2 and its reduction products with iron-porphyrin, copper-bipyridine, and manganese-catechol complexes [9] yield a variety of reactive intermediates; the O2 adducts are further activated by reduction. Several examples will be discussed of the oxidation of organic and inorganic substrates via reductive activation of O2.
Comment on "Calculation of Rotor Impedance for Articulated-Rotor Helicopters in Forward Flight"

References Kuhlman, J.M. and Warcup, R.W., "Experimental Investigation of Jet-Induced Loads on a Flat Plate in Hover Out-of-Ground Effect," NASA CR-159004, Feb. 1979. Margason, R.J., "Review of Propulsion-Induced Effects on Aerodynamics of Jet/STOL Aircraft," NASATN D-5617, Feb. 1970. Gentry, G.L. and Margason, R.J., "Jet Induced Lift Losses on VTOL Configurations Hovering In and Out of Ground Effect," NASA TN D-3166, Feb. 1966. Kuhlman, J.M. and Warcup R.W., "Effects of Jet Decay Rate on Jet-Induced Loads on a Flat Plate," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 15, May 1978. pp. 293-297. Kuhlman, J.M., Ousterhout, D.S., and Warcup, R.W., "Experimental Investigation of Effect of Jet Decay Rate on Jet-Induced Pressures on a Flat Plate," NASA CR-2979, April 1978. Kuhlman, J.M., Ousterhout, D.S., and Warcup, R.W., "Experimental Investigation of Effects of Jet Decay Rate on Jet-Induced Pressures on a Flat Plate: Tabulated Data," NASA CR-158990, Nov. 1978. Keffer, J.F. and Baines, W.D., "The Round Turbulent Jet in a Cross-Wind," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 15, Pt. 4, April 1963, pp. 481-497. Kamotani, Y. and Greber, I., "Experiments on a Turbulent Jet in a Cross Flow," NASA CR-72893, June 1971. Fearn, R.L. and Weston, R.P., "The Induced Pressure Distribution of a Jet in a Crossflow," NASA TN D-7916, July 1975. Fearn, R.L., and Weston, R.P., "Vorticity Associated with a Jet in a Cross Flow," AIAA Journal, Vol. 12, Dec. 1974, pp. 1666-1671. 11 Ousterhout, D.S., "An Experimental Investigation of a Cold Jet Emitting from a Body of Revolution into a Subsonic Free Stream," NASA CR-2089, Aug. 1972. Ziegler, H. and Wooler, P.T., "Analysis of Stratified and Closely Spaced Jets Exhausting into a Crossflow," NASA CR132297, Nov. 1973. Moller, P.S. and Elliott, R.L., "Base Drag of a Thick Annular Jet," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 9, July 1972, pp. 451-455.
Teaching and Learning About Universal Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law: Digital Resources and Global Expectations

Abstract Today's education for civic engagement requires a global dimension. To live responsibly in their own communities, young people need to situate their personal and local interests in the context of their global interconnections. Bridging the personal, local, and global begins with an awareness of the universal aspirations for dignity and human rights widely shared across the human family. Increasingly, social educators recognize the need for American students to encounter the fundamental principles of human rights and humanitarian law as part of their own history and civic preparation. This article highlights pedagogically well designed human rights curricula that are available to educators online and typically without cost.
Correlates of screening sigmoidoscopy use among men in a large nonprofit health plan

BACKGROUND. As the majority of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no known risk factors, regular screening is strongly recommended. The authors examined factors associated with screening sigmoidoscopy use among participants in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS). METHODS. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study over a 5-year period nested within a prospective cohort study. The CMHS enrolled a large multiethnic cohort (n = 84,170) of men from 2 major California health plans. Because screening sigmoidoscopy was the preferred and most commonly used test for patients at average risk of colorectal cancer in the health plans, the authors excluded from the analysis men who completed a barium enema colonoscopy or a fecal occult blood test. RESULTS. Eligible subjects included 39,559 men at average risk for colorectal cancer. Prevalence of screening sigmoidoscopy use decreased with older age and increased with higher education and household income over the 5-year study period. Compared with whites, Asians (adjusted OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.30–1.56) and African Americans (adjusted OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08–1.29) were more likely to undergo screening sigmoidoscopy. Screening increased with the number of outpatient visits and with having a primary care provider in internal medicine. Men who did not undergo prostate-specific antigen testing were also less likely to undergo sigmoidoscopy screening. Only 24.5% of current smokers had a screening sigmoidoscopy examination and were 25% less likely to undergo this procedure compared with nonsmokers (adjusted OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69–0.82). CONCLUSIONS. In this insured population for whom financial barriers are minimized, screening sigmoidoscopy use was as low as reported in the general population. However, minority patients were not less likely to be screened. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Stimulus-dependent form discrimination deficits in cats with superior colliculus lesions

Previous studies have shown that cats with damaged superior colliculi are slower than normal in learning new visual discriminations based upon shape but show no losses in retention of discriminations learned prior to the tectal lesion. To elucidate the possible mechanisms producing this deficit, the rate at which cats with superior colliculus lesions learned to discriminate between targets differing either in (1) global features, or (2) a single, uniquely localized, feature was measured. Cats were first tested with problems shown in earlier studies to produce acquisition deficits and those with superior colliculus lesions showed the expected deficits. The rate of acquisition of form discriminations based on global stimulus features in these cats was, however, comparable to normals and sham-operated controls. When tested with targets differing only in a single, localized feature, acquisition of the discrimination was severely impaired compared to controls. The observed deficits did not depend upon damage to pretectum or total ablation of the superior colliculus. The results support the view that the superior colliculus is a major contributor to visuomotor integration (e.g. foveation of salient stimulus features), and that such visuomotor behavior is an important determinant in form discrimination learning.
A Selenide-Based Approach to Photochemical Cleavage of Peptide and Protein Backbones at Engineered Backbone Esters

A strategy for photochemical cleavage of peptide and protein backbones is described, which is based on a selenide-mediated cleavage of a backbone ester moiety. Studies in model systems establish the viability of the chemistry and suggest the method could be a valuable tool for chemical biology studies of proteins.
A note on rotational components of earthquake motions on ground surface for incident body waves

Abstract This paper shows that the Fourier amplitude spectra of rocking and torsional components of strong shaking on ground surface can be derived exactly in terms of (1) wavelength of incident waves, (2) Fourier amplitude spectra of vertical (for incident P and SV waves) or horizontal (for incident SH waves) ground motion, and (3) the angle of incidence of plane body waves, θ 0 . Application of these results in earthquake engineering is discussed.
Moderately large deflection of asymmetrically layered elastic plate

Abstract A parametric expansion technique is used for extracting systems of two-dimensional equations governing the moderately large deflection of an elastic asymmetrically layered transversely isotropic plate from a three-dimensional partially nonlinear theory of elasticity in terms of a reference state of the Lagrangain description. of a suitable scaling of the stresses and displacements involving the expansion parameter. Successive systems of differential equations are then obtained by equating corresponding powers of the latter after all the variables are expanded parametrically. The first such system yields a first-approximation von Karman-type nonlinear layered plate theory when all continuity conditions at the bonding interface between layers are taken into account. For a plate made of two dissimilar layers, the corresponding differential equations in terms of teh displacements defined at the middle plane of one of the layers are presented. Systematic higher-order approximation can be obtained from the next systems of equations. The first such system would exshibit the effects of transverse shear and normal stresses on the deformation.
Energy consumption profile of public housing for lower-mid income families in a fast growing city of Argentina

Abstract A large variety of construction patterns can be found in public-housing programs for lower-mid income families in Santa Rosa, a fast growing city located in a temperate area of central Argentina. Very little attention has been paid to the energy assessment of different patterns that are needed to prescribe energy-saving guidelines for improving the energy performance of housing plans. The objective of this work was to describe the energy profile and understand the energy behaviour of public housing programs which differ in their construction patterns. The annual and seasonal energy behaviour of public and non-public residential dwellings was compared in terms of electricity and gas consumption. A similar comparison between remodelled and non-remodelled dwellings was performed within the public-dwellings sample. Results showed that public and non-public dwellings did not differ in terms of electricity consumption, but they differed greatly in terms of gas consumption. Non-public dwellings, which are larger and heterogeneous, demand more gas for heating during the winter. No difference in annual energy consumption was found in the comparison of remodelled and non-remodelled public dwellings. However, they differ in electricity consumption patterns during the critical winter season: the lower winter consumption of remodelled dwellings could be partially explained by a construction change aimed at lowering the expensive consumption of electricity. In spite of the fact that the energy behaviour of public dwellings seems to be seasonal, dependent upon more than design factors alone, a significant energy saving can be obtained by introducing well-known design technologies.
Solid solution partitioning of Sr2+, Ba2+, and Cd2+ to calcite

Although solid solutions play important roles in controlling the concentrations of minor metal ions in natural waters, uncertainties regarding their compositions, thermodynamics, and kinetics usually prevent them from being considered. A range of precipitation rates was used here to study the nonequilibrium and equilibrium partitioning behaviors of Sr2+, Ba2+, and Cd2+ to calcite (CaCO3(s)). The distribution coefficient of a divalent metal ion Me2+ for partitioning from an aqueous solution into calcite is given by DMe = (XMeCO3(s)/[Me2+])/(XCaCO3(s)/[Ca2+]). The X values are solid-phase mole fractions; the bracketed values are the aqueous molal concentrations. In agreement with prior work, at intermediate to high precipitation rates R (nmol/mg-min), DSr, DBa, and DCd were found to depend strongly on R. At low R, the values of DSr, DBa, and DCd became constant with R. At 25 °C, the equilibrium values for DSr, DBa, and DCd for dilute solid solutions were estimated to be 0.021 ± 0.003, 0.012 ± 0.005, and 1240 ± 300, respectively. Calculations using these values were made to illustrate the likely importance of partitioning of these ions to calcite in groundwater systems. Due to its large equilibrium DMe value, movement of Cd2+ will be strongly retarded in aquifers containing calcite; Sr2+ and Ba2+ will not be retarded nearly as much.
Intervening processes between adolescent drug use and psychological distress: An examination of the self-medication hypothesis

The self-medication hypothesis suggests that individuals who experience high levels of psychological distress use drugs to relieve their pain. The extent to which this is the case (and to which people do feel better after using drugs) has had mixed support in the literature. In the present analysis we used structural equation modeling of longitudinal data to explore how deviant disposition, deviant peers, and negative life events act as intervening variables in the hypothesized relationship between psychological distress and adolescent drug use. The results suggest that deviant disposition and association with deviant peers mediate the relationship between antecedent psychological distress and later drug use. Similarly, negative life events mediate the relationship between adolescent drug use and adult psychological distress.
Alternative approach for consistent yields of total genomic DNA from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A persistent limitation to molecular biological research on cotton (Gossypium spp.) has been the difficulty in isolation of total genomic DNA from the plant tissue. This report describes a reliable strategy for isolation of genomic DNA from cotton. The mini-preparation procedure involves use of lyophilized, etiolated cotyledons and an anion exchange column kit. The isolated DNA had a molecular weight in excess of 50 kb with minimal degradation or shearing. Routine yields ranged from 5 to 7 μg DNA per etiolated cotyledon pair (corresponding to 100 ng/mg dry weight), in contrast to little or no DNA from equivalent amounts of either green cotyledons or mature leaf tissue. The decreased yields from the latter tissues appeared to be correlated with increased afmounts of flavonoid. The DNA was amenable to routine molecular applications as demonstrated by: digestibility with a number of restriction enzymes (Eco RI,HindIII,Sau 3A), and hybridization of a tomato genomic clone containing the gene for S-adenosylmethionine synthetase to a 13.3-kbEco RI fragment of cotton. Using DNA from an isoline immune to root-knot nematodes, we observed no impediment to genomic cloning.
What change history tells us about thread synchronization

Multi-threaded programs are pervasive, yet difficult to write. Missing proper synchronization leads to correctness bugs and over synchronization leads to performance problems. To improve the correctness and efficiency of multi-threaded software, we need a better understanding of synchronization challenges faced by real-world developers. This paper studies the code repositories of open-source multi-threaded software projects to obtain a broad and in- depth view of how developers handle synchronizations. We first examine how critical sections are changed when software evolves by checking over 250,000 revisions of four representative open-source software projects. The findings help us answer questions like how often synchronization is an afterthought for developers; whether it is difficult for devel- opers to decide critical section boundaries and lock variables; and what are real-world over-synchronization problems. We then conduct case studies to better understand (1) how critical sections are changed to solve performance prob- lems (i.e. over-synchronization issues) and (2) how soft- ware changes lead to synchronization-related correctness problems (i.e. concurrency bugs). This in-depth study shows that tool support is needed to help developers tackle over-synchronization problems; it also shows that concur- rency bug avoidance, detection, and testing can be improved through better awareness of code revision history.
The effect of chronic amphetamine treatment on cocaine-induced facilitation of intracranial self-stimulation in rats.

Chronic amphetamine treatment reduces cocaine self-administration in pre-clinical and clinical settings, and amphetamine has been proposed as a candidate medication for treatment of cocaine abuse. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether chronic amphetamine treatment can decrease abuse-related cocaine effects in an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). Thirteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with intracranial electrodes targeting the medial forebrain bundle and trained to lever press for pulses of brain stimulation in a “frequency-rate” ICSS procedure. Cocaine (10 mg/kg) was administered before (day 0), during (days 7 and 14), and after (posttreatment days 1 and 3) 2 weeks of continuous treatment with either amphetamine (0.32 mg/kg/h, n = 7) or saline (n = 6) via osmotic pump. Prior to treatment, cocaine facilitated ICSS in all rats. Saline treatment had no effect on baseline ICSS or cocaine-induced facilitation of ICSS at any time. Conversely, amphetamine produced a sustained though submaximal facilitation of baseline ICSS, and cocaine produced little additional facilitation of ICSS during amphetamine treatment. Termination of amphetamine treatment produced a depression of baseline ICSS and recovery of cocaine-induced facilitation of ICSS. These data suggest that chronic amphetamine treatment blunts expression of abuse-related cocaine effects on ICSS in rats.
Characterization of the Substrate Interface of Excimer Laser Crystallized Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Films

Excimer laser crystallized Si thin films on fused silica substrates exhibit a peak in the average grain size as a function of laser energy density. The average grain size increases with increasing laser fluence until a maximum value, approximately 10 microns for a 100 nm thick Si film, is achieved. The peak in grain size is accompanied by a peak in the electron Hall mobility. Further increases in the laser fluence result in a decrease in the Si grain size and an increase in the intragranular defects. A small energy range of 40 mJ/cm2 exists in which this peak in grain size can be achieved. Cross section TEM has shown that when the peak laser fluence is exceeded, the fused silica substrate can be as rough as 17 nm. Atomic force microscopy. performed on the substrate surface after the Si has been etched off, also shows that the magnitude and spatial frequency of the roughness increases when the critical laser fluence is exceeded. This degradation of the interface may also produce sites for stacking faults to form during the solidification of the Si. This result and results of simulations of the temperature of the interface during crystallization suggests that the peak energy range exists after the complete melting of the Si thin film and before the silica substrate starts to soften.