cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utah 2011: Crisis - Don't Go Home Without It?

DOI 10.1515/cjpp-2012-0037 Calif. J. Politics Policy 2012; 4(3): 213–243 Research Article Robert Paul Huefner* Utah 2011: Crisis – Don’t Go Home Without It? Abstract: The 2011 Utah Legislature faced a still difficult economy, but one not as severe as that of most states. Its politics remained strongly conservative and Republican, and continued to suffer education, giving public schools far and away the nation’s lowest appropriation per child. But in a shift of very recent years, the legislature has embraced bonding, moving almost to the constitutional limit for general obligation bonds, to support highway construction. Keywords: economy; politics; Utah budget; western state budget report *Corresponding author: Robert Paul Huefner, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, 260 Central Campus Dr Rm 252, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, e-mail: robert.huefner@poli-sci.utah.edu 1 The Session Utah suffers from the Great Recession, but not as severely as most states. The crises faced by the legislative sessions of 2009, 2010, and 2011 were not wasted in Utah, although not always used well. They were the means to further cement Utah’s last place nationally in per-pupil expenditures for public education, done with real and crocodile tears, amid celebrations of fiscal virtue. The state was not above invoking fiscal stimulus through bonding and, in a dance of reluc- tant courtship, consenting to most federal funds – but with warnings not to be seduced by temporary stimulus. This year, the legislature aggravated, with an additional sales tax earmark, the pressures that transportation expenditures place on operational budgets for other programs. With concerns about limited resources, even with evidence of a reviving economy, the legislature saved half the rainy day funds for future needs and gave no serious attention to possible one-time tax receipt enhancements or to reducing tax preferences, even when present provisions are arguably outdated and/or mostly benefit interests outside the state.
Healing by Second Intention Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Healing by second intention is a reconstructive option that is underused by many surgeons who treat skin cancers of the head and neck. Deutsch and Becker's 1 article in the May issue of theArchivesis a welcome addition to the sparse literature on the subject.
Prediction of the Temperature in a Fin Cooled by Natural Convection and Radiation

Abstract Predictions and measurements of the temperature along a fin cooled by natural convection and radiation are reported. The physical situation considered is a horizontal fin with a cylindrical cross-section. One end of the fin is maintained at a constant elevated temperature, and the fin is sufficiently long so that heat loss from the tip is negligible. Heat is transferred by conduction along the fin and dissipated from the surface via natural convection and radiation. The effect of natural convection is described with a published correlation for a horizontal cylinder, and a simple model is used for the radiative heat transfer. A finite difference formulation that allows for variable fluid property effects is used to determine the temperature distribution along the fin. A comparison is made to experimental results, and the agreement between the model and experiment is very good. Results show that the heat loss due to radiation is typically 15–20% of the total.
The macrophage-mediated regulation of hepatocyte synthesis of antithrombin III and α1-proteinase inhibitor

Abstract Antithrombin III (ATIII) is an anticoagulant protein which binds and inactivates thrombin and other serine proteinases. Little is known about regulation of its synthesis. We confirm that ATIII is synthesized by isolated rat hepatocytes, and that its synthesis is not altered by direct feedback of its complexes with proteinases. Neither is hepatocyte synthesis of ATIII altered by supernatants from macrophages cultured in the presence of ATIII-proteinase complexes. However, culture of macrophages with fibrinogen fragment D results in production of a factor(s) in the macrophage supernatants which stimulates hepatic fibrinogen synthesis, as previously described, and also stimulates the synthesis of ATIII and al-proteinase inhibitor ( α 1 PI). Synthesis of albumin and rat α 2 -macroglobulin ( α 2 M) is not altered. Culture of macrophages in the presence of bacterial endotoxin also results in release of a factor(s) into the medium which stimulates the same changes in hepatocyte protein synthesis. These results show for the first time a mechanism by which synthesis of ATIII can be regulated during coagulation and fibrinolysis.
CXCR2 Mediates the Recruitment of Endothelial Progenitor Cells During Allergic Airways Remodeling

Airway remodeling is a central feature of asthma and includes the formation of new peribronchial blood vessels, which is termed angiogenesis. In a number of disease models, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to contribute to the angiogenic response. In this study we set out to determine whether EPCs were recruited into the lungs in a model of allergic airways disease and to identify the factors regulating EPC trafficking in this model. We observed a significant increase in the number of peribronchial blood vessels at day 24, during the acute inflammatory phase of the model. This angiogenic response was associated with an increase in the quantity of EPCs recoverable from the lung. These EPCs formed colonies after 21 days in culture and were shown to express CD31, von Willebrand factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2, but were negative for CD45 and CD14. The influx in EPCs was associated with a significant increase in the proangiogenic factors VEGF-A and the CXCR2 ligands, CXCL1 and CXCL2. However, we show directly that, while the CXCL1 and CXCL2 chemokines can recruit EPCs into the lungs of allergen-sensitized mice, VEGF-A was ineffective in this respect. Further, the blockade of CXCR2 significantly reduced EPC numbers in the lungs after allergen exposure and led to a decrease in the numbers of peribronchial blood vessels after allergen challenge with no effect on inflammation. The data presented here provide in vivo evidence that CXCR2 is critical for both EPC recruitment and the angiogenic response in this model of allergic inflammation of the airways.
Triggered Seismic Events along the Eastern Denali Fault in Northwest Canada Following the 2012 M w 7.8 Haida Gwaii, 2013 M w 7.5 Craig, and Two M w >8.5 Teleseismic Earthquakes

We conduct a systematic search for remotely triggered seismic activity along the eastern Denali fault (EDF) in northwest Canada, an intraplate strike‐slip region. We examine 19 distant earthquakes recorded by nine broadband stations in the Canadian National Seismograph Network and find that the 2012 M w 7.8 Haida Gwaii and 2013 M w 7.5 Craig, Alaska, earthquakes triggered long duration (>10 s), emergent tremor‐like signals near the southeastern portion of the EDF. In both cases, tremor coincides with the peak transverse velocities, consistent with Love‐wave triggering on right‐lateral strike‐slip faults. The 2011 M w 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki and 2012 M w 8.6 Indian Ocean earthquakes possibly triggered tremor signals, although we were unable to locate those sources. In addition, we also identify many short‐duration (<5 s) bursts that were repeatedly triggered by the Rayleigh waves of the 2012 M w 7.8 Haida Gwaii earthquake. Although we were unable to precisely locate the short‐duration (<5 s) events, they appear to be radiating from the direction of the Klutlan Glacier and from a belt of shallow historical seismicity at the eastern flank of the Wrangell–St. Elias mountain range. The fact that these events were triggered solely by the Rayleigh waves suggests a different source mechanism as compared with triggered tremor observed along the EDF and other plate boundary regions. Online Material: Description of Rayleigh‐wave polarization detection; figures of spectograms, S ‐wave amplitudes, polarization analysis, and static stress changes; tables of earthquake catalogs and velocity model; and animations of tremors and bursts.
Fast neutron emission in (α, 2n) reactions: A neutron skin effect?

Abstract The cross section for the emission of neutrons with En > 8 MeV in (α, 2n) reactions on heavy (A = 86 − 208) targets is found to depend strongly on the incident impact parameter and on the target neutron excess. Together these results suggest that the reaction mechanism is strongly influenced by the presence of a neutron skin around the target nucleus.
The journal of financial economics

Data for the 516 papers published in volumes 1–30 of the Journal of Financial Economics in the period 1974–91 are analyzed. 477 authors from 136 institutions contributed papers, and these papers received 16,231 citations according to the Social Science Citation Index. Lists of authors and institutions who have contributed the most papers to the JFE and a list of the mostly highly-cited JFE papers show why the Journal has been successful in influencing the finance and economics literature during its first 18 years.
Upper Limits for Exceedance Probabilities Under the One-Way Random Effects Model

In this article, we propose statistical methods for setting upper limits on (i) the probability that the mean exposure of an individual worker exceeds the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and (ii) the probability that the exposure of a worker exceeds the OEL. The proposed method for (i) is obtained using the generalized variable approach, and the one for (ii) is based on an approximate method for constructing one-sided tolerance limits in the one-way random effects model. Even though tolerance limits can be used to assess the proportion of exposure measurements exceeding the OEL, the upper limits on these probabilities are more informative than tolerance limits. The methods are conceptually as well as computationally simple. Two data sets involving industrial exposure data are used to illustrate the methods.
Asexual reproduction and regeneration properties of a nonbudding mutant of Hydra viridis

A nonbudding mutant of Hydra viridis reproduced asexually in an atypical but unique manner in terms of morphogenesis and rate of hydranth formation. It sprouted tentacles randomly along the body column at a distinct distance from the head end of the animal. These tentacles then clustered and a hypostome formed at the center of the cluster. Asexual reproduction by the mutant was disorganized and slow. A single mutant was able to produce an average of only 10 hydranths in two months as compared to the wild type which can produce as many as 1010 hydra during that same period. Both the apical and basal portions of a bisected nonbudding mutant regenerated atypically. Unlike wild type hydra, the cut apical portion formed a second head at the regenerating end if the transection was made at least 2 mm away from the original head. The basal portion of a transected mutant regenerated a head and formed supernumerary tentacles along its body column. Bipolar mutants with both heads decapitated sprouted supernumerary tentacles along their midbody column. Tentacle sprouting in these bipolar mutants did not develop within 1.7 ± 0.4 mm of the newly regenerated heads. This distance is similar to that (1.9 ± 0.1 mm) existing between the head and the budding region in wild type hydra. The number of supernumerary tentacles sprouted was proportional to the original length of the bipolar mutant.
Hysteresis in quartz resonators-a review

The literature on the frequency versus temperature characteristics of quartz crystal resonators is reviewed. Three papers that deal with frequency versus pressure hysteresis are included, as these may possibly have relevance to frequency versus temperature hysteresis. It is seen that the causes of hysteresis are not well understood. The evidence to date is inconclusive. The mechanisms that can cause hysteresis include: strain changes changes in the quartz, contamination redistribution, oscillator circuitry hysteresis, and apparent hysteresis due to thermal gradients. The results to date seem to indicate that lattice defects are somehow related to thermal hysteresis. Stress relief in the mounting structure can also produce significant hysteresis. As crystal processing techniques have improved. contamination has become less of a problem. >
Enhanced isotope enrichment by time-delayed laser-pulse pumping of ultrafast ablation plumes

Summary from only given. The present work experimentally examines dynamics through optical pumping in order to enhance the separation effect. We studied ablation plumes initiated by one laser pulse and subsequently driven by a second time-delayed pulse. The second pulse is delayed in order to allow the plasma to expand from its original over-dense condition and reach critical-density where more efficient absorption of the second pulse can occur. As a motivation for this work, we observed in previous experiments an interesting charge-state dependence to the enrichment effect, for all elements and laser pulses studied.
Arrested development: The effects of incarceration on the development of psychosocial maturity

Improvements in temperance, perspective, and responsibility are a part of typical development of psychosocial maturity during adolescence. The existing literature suggests that the developmental course of psychosocial maturity is influenced by normative variations in social context, but little is known about how atypical contexts, such as incarceration, influence its development. The study investigates how the development of psychosocial maturity is affected by incarceration, using data from a 7-year longitudinal study of 1,171 adolescent males. We compared the effects of confinement in juvenile facilities with varying degrees of focus on incarceration versus rehabilitation (i.e., secure vs. residential treatment facilities) and tested whether facility quality and age at incarceration moderate the effect of incarceration on psychosocial maturity. The results indicate that incarceration in a secure setting, but not a residential treatment facility, is associated with a short-term decline in temperance and responsibility. The total amount of time incarcerated in a residential treatment facility, but not a secure setting, had a negative effect on the developmental trajectory of psychosocial maturity. Age at incarceration, but not the facility quality, moderated the effect of recent incarceration: older youths were more susceptible to short-term negative effects of recent incarceration in a secure setting, but they also benefited more than younger participants from short-term positive effects of incarceration in a residential treatment setting. Furthermore, youths who perceived their incarceration setting as unsafe evinced a decline in temperance. Future research and policy implications are discussed.
Efficient computation of resonant frequencies and quality factors of cavities via a combination of the finite-difference time-domain technique and the Pade approximation

An efficient method for analyzing cavity structures by using the fast Fourier transform (FFT)/Pade technique, in combination with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, is presented. Without sacrificing the accuracy of the results, this new method significantly reduces the computational time compared to that needed where the conventional FFT algorithm is used. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated by modeling a lossy cavity and computing its resonant frequencies as well as Q.
Laboratory Experimentation of Multiple Spacecraft Autonomous Assembly

AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, 10 - 13 August 2009, Chicago, Illinois, AIAA 2009-6290
Effects of morphine and aminophylline on the severity of obstruction to left ventricular outflow in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: potential adverse effects in treatment of pulmonary edema.

Although morphine sulfate and aminophylline are commonly employed in the management of acute pulmonary edema of diverse etiologies including idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), the effects of morphine and aminophylline on left ventricular (LV) outflow obstruction in IHSS are unknown. Thus to determine the actions of morphine and aminophylline in IHSS, seven patients with IHSS (mean peak resting systolic gradient 16 mmHg, mean Valsalva provoked gradient 87 mmHg) received 5 mg morphine intravenously and simultaneous LV and brachial arterial pressures were continously monitored and cardiac outputs obtained. On return to control hemodynamics, 250 mg aminophylline was infused in three patients and hemodynamics repeated. Peak increase in gradient with morphine occurred in 5 min in each patient and average maximal gradient was 48 mmHg (p 0.05). Aminophylline increased peak gradient to 57 mmHg; lowered LV end-diastolic pressure by 2 mmHg; decreased total systemic vascular resistance 1610 to 1120 dyne s · cm−5; while cardiac index was unchanged. Therefore morphine and aminophylline can rapidly increase LV outflow obstruction to marked extents in IHSS. These data indicate morphine worsens subaortic stenosis by decrease in LV preload through systemic venodilation, whereas aminophylline increases intraventricular gradient predominantly by peripheral arterial dilation. Thus morphine and aminophylline should be avoided, or used cautiously in low doses, in management of acute pulmonary edema in IHSS.
Enhanced Apoptosis in Metallothionein Null Cells

SUMMARY Metallothioneins (MTs) are major intracellular, zinc-binding proteins with antioxidant properties. Mouse embryonic cells null for MT due to loss of functional MT I and II genes (MT2/2) were more susceptible to apoptotic death after exposure to tert-butyl hydroperoxide or the anti-cancer agents cytosine arabinoside, bleomycin, melphalan, and cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) compared with wild-type mouse embryonic cells (MT1/1). We measured basal levels of the tumor suppressor protein p53 and the death effector protein Bax and found the basal levels of both proteins were higher in MT null cells compared with MT1/1 cells. After treatment with the DNA-damaging agent cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II), p53 protein levels were induced in both MT1/1 and MT2/2 cells with MT null cells always maintaining the highest p53 levels. The elevated sensitivity to apoptosis was not restricted to embryonic cells. Primary pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from distinct litters of MT null, heterozygous, and wild-type mice, and all had undetectable basal MT levels. Zinc exposure increased MT levels in the wild-type and heterozygous fibroblasts but not in the MT null fibroblasts. Consistent with the induced MT levels, we found MT1/1 and MT1/2 embryonic cells were less sensitive to cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II)-induced apoptosis compared with MT2/2 cells. Our results implicate MT as a stressresponsive factor that can regulate apoptotic engagement.
The Structure of Adult Friendship Choices

This paper examines bias toward status-similarity in adult friendships in Detroit and a West German city. Principles of meeting and "mating," by which strangers are converted to acquaintances and acquaintances to friends, are stated. One of these, the proximity principle, claims that the more similar people are, the more likely they will meet and become friends. This principle is tested in matrices of friendship choice for twelve social characteristics. Two statistical measures of bias are used (odds ratio and marginal ratio) and their properties discussed. Compared to a random-choice model, adult friendships show strong bias toward status similarity for all social characteristics. Bias is strongest for "edge" categories of ranked statuses and for "best" friends. The less similar two people are in social characteristics, the less likely they are to be close friends. Demographic characteristics tend to show more bias toward homogeneous choices than other characteristics. These findings are explained and further analyses of adult friendship structure and dynamics are discussed. Urban research has shown that friendship ties among adults are pervasive and active, particularly when compared to neighbor and coworker ties (Axelrod; Bell and Boat; Bell and Force; Jitodai; Tomeh, a, b). These friendships are sources of social contact, intimacy, and assistance. They are considered primary ties, because of their emphasis on face-to-face contact and positive affect (Cooley; K. Davis; Parsons and Shils). Despite friendship's prevalence and assumed importance, little is known about the social structure of adult friendships. Who is chosen? What goods and services are exchanged? How large and heterogeneous are friendship networks? In this paper, one feature of these primary ties is examined: the structure of friendship choice. Most studies of friendship choice involve children or young adults, often college students (Lindzey and Byrne). There are relatively few reports of friendship choice by adults (Barnes; Berkun and Meeland; Curtis; Ellis; Gans, a, b; Greer; Kahl and Davis; Laumann, a, b; Lazarsfeld and *I thank E. 0. Laumann and F. U. Pappi for use of the Detroit and Altneustadt data sets. Laumann was principal investigator of the Detroit study; Laumann and Pappi, of the Altneustadt study.
PHILOPATRY IN PRAIRIE VOLES: AN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT SATURATION HYPOTHESIS

Natal philopatry, or delayed dispersal of sexually mature offspring, may be due to ecological constraints on dispersal. In this study, we manipulated the population density of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in experimental outdoor enclosures to test a prediction from the habitat saturation hypothesis that philopatry and subsequent group formation in this cooperatively breeding mammal is affected by the availability of suitable territories. We detected a significant, positive relationship between the proportion of offspring remaining philopatric and density, with females being more philopatric than males at all densities. This increase in philopatry led to a significant increase in the proportion of social units that were groups as well as a significant increase in group size. These results provide the strongest evidence of a causal effect of density on dispersal and group formation in a mammal. Our findings suggest that habitat saturation is at least a partial explanation for philopatry in prairie voles. However, we cannot eliminate the possibility that other variables, such as benefits accrued from remaining philopatric, may also be factors contributing to philopatry. Nonetheless, these results show that changes in ecological conditions can influence social structure within a population, leading to group formation and a social milieu conducive to the evolution of cooperative breeding.
Release of Erysiphe necator Ascospores and Impact of Early Season Disease Pressure on Vitis vinifera Fruit Infection

Populations of Erysiphe necator cleistothecia can dehisce and release ascospores over an extended period ranging from fall through late spring and are an important source of primary inoculum for grapevine powdery mildew epidemics. The temporal distribution of ascospore maturity was monitored and measured as ascospore release from field-stored samples in a controlled environment assay. Assays were conducted over multiple seasons, in multiple locations, using multiple source populations. The influence of primary inoculum quantity and how that influences subsequent fruit disease severity was assessed. Cumulative ascospore release was positively correlated with accumulated wetting events and heat units; however, in most situations, >50% of the season-total ascospores were released before the date of local budbreak of Vitis vinifera . Both abbreviated and season-long fungicide programs suppressed mildew on fruit across a 100-fold gradient of inoculum dose when seasonal weather was relatively unfavorable for epidemic development. Suppression was degraded with progressive 10-fold increases of ascosporic inoculum dose when seasonal weather was more conducive to epidemic development. Combined, these findings suggest that differences between severe and mild years in grape powdery mildew can relate to the amount of primary inoculum present in the vineyard, that the levels of primary inoculum can be influenced by pre-budbreak weather conditions, and that effectiveness of spray programs at controlling primary infection events is related to the favorability of in-season weather conditions.
ABB Industries: Implementing SAP's ABC

ABB Industries was told to implement activity‐based costing (ABC) for costing in their consolidated reports sent to ABB Group, their parent firm. To meet this need, they chose to implement ABC using SAP's R/3. For two of nine product lines, parallel ABC was developed. Unfortunately, the version of ABC needed to generate financial statements, operational ABC, would not be available until a later release of the software. While ABB Industries waits for the next release, key personnel associated with the implementation are being offered alternative internal and external opportunities. Further, in order for ABB Industries to implement the operational ABC, the entire firm must implement a new version of SAP's R/3.
Assessment of myocardial infarct size by means of T2-weighted 1H nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

Proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is thought to depict zones of recent myocardial infarction in contrast to noninfarcted myocardium. This is related to T2 increases in infarct zones that have been verified previously by relaxometry measurements in excised myocardial samples. Accordingly the present study was undertaken to evaluate a 1H NMR imaging method to optimize T2 contrast and measure infarct size in a high-field imaging system (1.5 T). To accomplish this, NMR images were acquired every other R wave with echo times of 30 and 100 msec. The first echo image was used for myocardial border definition and the second echo image, which highlighted the myocardial infarction, for infarct border definition. This T2-weighted approach yielded a significant correlation between infarct size by NMR and pathologic methods. However, NMR imaging tended to overestimate infarct size, and the NMR image depicted abnormal signal well beyond the extent of the pathology-determined infarct. There was a significant relationship between NMR-imaged infarct size and myocardial mass with microsphere-determined reduction in blood flow of 25% or more. These data suggest that T2-weighted NMR imaging depicts not only infarct but also some reversibly injured myocardium.
Effect of Head and Body Position on Intraocular Pressure

Objective To investigate the effect of different head and body positions on intraocular pressure (IOP) in a randomized study. Design Prospective, comparative case series. Participants Twenty-four healthy volunteers. Methods Subjects had 2 sets of IOP measurements performed, sitting and recumbent, with the order of these sets of measurements randomized. In the sitting position, IOP was measured in neutral neck position, neck extension, and neck flexion, with the order of measurements randomized. In the recumbent positions, IOP was measured in the supine position, and right and left lateral decubitus positions, with the order of measurements also randomized. All IOP measurements were performed with pneumatonometry. Results Mean IOP of right and left eyes while sitting with the neck in neutral position was 14.8±2.0 mmHg, which was significantly lower than IOP measured with neck flexion or extension or in the recumbent positions. As well, IOP in neck flexion was significantly higher than IOP in neck extension (all P P = 0.016), but did not attain significance in the left lateral decubitus position ( P = 0.076). Conclusions In normal subjects, IOP is lowest when measured while sitting with the neck in the neutral position. All other head and body positions result in an elevation of IOP compared with the position used for typical clinical measurements. Lateral decubitus positions may result in a small increase in the IOP in the lower eye. Further research is required to determine whether similar elevations of IOP occur in glaucoma patients, and elucidate the clinical significance of these elevations. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article
Examining the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Police Responses to Domestic Violence

The purpose of this study was to investigate the New Orleans Police Department's (NOPD) responses to domestic violence both pre— and post—Hurricane Katrina. This study employed a secondary analysis of data collected by the NOPD in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2002 through 2006. Analysis indicated that the NOPD actively responded to domestic violence calls following Hurricane Katrina and that domestic violence did not get relegated to secondary status as a consequence of rising demand for police intervention in the city following the crisis precipitated by the hurricane. This article concludes with a discussion of the NOPD's response to the community need for more intensive policing following the storm, particularly to the increase in domestic violence calls, and of the rate of domestic violence occurring in New Orleans following the hurricane.
Image reconstruction in higher dimensions: myocardial perfusion imaging of tracer dynamics with cardiac motion due to deformation and respiration

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using slow rotating large field of view cameras requires spatiotemporal reconstruction of dynamically acquired data to capture the time variation of the radiotracer concentration. In vivo, MPI contains additional degrees of freedom involving unavoidable motion of the heart due to quasiperiodic beating and the effects of respiration, which can severely degrade the quality of the images. This work develops a technique for a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) that reconstructs the distribution of the radiotracer concentration in the myocardium using a tensor product of different sets of basis functions that approximately describe the spatiotemporal variation of the radiotracer concentration and the motion of the heart. In this study the temporal B-spline basis functions are chosen to reflect the dynamics of the radiotracer, while the intrinsic deformation and the extrinsic motion of the heart are described by a product of a discrete set of Gaussian basis functions. Reconstruction results are presented showing the dynamics of the tracer in the myocardium as it deforms due to cardiac beating, and is displaced due to respiratory motion. These results are compared with the conventional 4D-spatiotemporal reconstruction method that models only the temporal changes of the tracer activity. The higher dimensional reconstruction method proposed here improves bias, yet the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decreases slightly due to redistribution of the counts over the cardiac-respiratory gates. Additionally, there is a trade-off between the number of gates and the number of projections per gate to achieve high contrast images.
View Points: Using visual languages in management

Recent great advances of information visualization and visual languages have not been utilized in the management field. This View point article advocates the use of appropriate visual languages in general and visualization in particular to maximize human's visual perceptual power for rapid and effective communication in management.
Investigation of Reagent Delivery Formats in a Multivalent Malaria Sandwich Immunoassay and Implications for Assay Performance.

Conventional lateral flow tests (LFTs), the current standard bioassay format used in low-resource point-of-care (POC) settings, have limitations that have held back their application in the testing of low concentration analytes requiring high sensitivity and low limits of detection. LFTs use a premix format for a rapid one-step delivery of premixed sample and labeled antibody to the detection region. We have compared the signal characteristics of two types of reagent delivery formats in a model system of a sandwich immunoassay for malarial protein detection. The premix format produced a uniform binding profile within the detection region. In contrast, decoupling the delivery of sample and labeled antibody to the detection region in a sequential format produced a nonuniform binding profile in which the majority of the signal was localized to the upstream edge of the detection region. The assay response was characterized in both the sequential and premix formats. The sequential format had a 4- to 10-fold lo...
The Bid-Ask Spreads of Nasdaq Stocks That Quote on Even Eighths

This paper studies the bid-ask spreads of actively traded Nasdaq stocks whose quotes lie almost exclusively on even eighths of a dollar. It has recently been hypothesized that the avoidance of odd eighth quotes is an implicitly collusive mechanism that results in larger spreads. This hypothesis is tested by comparing the spreads of these stocks to other Nasdaq stocks that do not use this mechanism. The tests are carried out using econometric methods appropriate for evaluating endogenously-delineated groups of this type. The percentage spreads of the stocks that tend to quote on even eighths are not systematically different than those of other stocks, once observable stock characteristics known to be economically related to competitive levels of the spread are taken into account. Thus, this research does not support the implicit collusion hypothesis.
Ground-motion variability at the Highway 14 and I-5 interchange in the northern San Fernando Valley

Abstract The purpose of this article is to analyze possible causes for failure of the structures at the Highway 14 and I-5 interchange in the northern San Fernando Valley following the magnitude M 6.7 San Fernando earthquake on 9 February 1971 and the M 6.7 Northridge earthquake on 17 January 1994. This interchange consisted of a series of structures up to 600-m long; during the 1971 and 1994 earthquakes, several of these structures separated along expansion joints and collapsed. To analyze the possible causes of failure, we recorded aftershocks at and near the interchange for 2 weeks following the 1994 earthquake. The aftershock recordings reveal a substantial relative spectral amplification (in the 1- to 10-Hz range) of a factor of 3 to 6 for sites located at the interchange (which is situated on sandstone) relative to a nearby rock (gneiss) outcrop site. Sites within the interchange area have a variation in amplification of a factor of 2 to 4 in the 1- to 10-Hz range. Also, substantial secondary arrivals were generated at two locations in the interchange area. We attribute variations in ground motion at the interchange to be due to variations in the composition of the sandstone and to topographic effects. We computed the linear-response strong ground motion for three sites at the interchange from the 1971 and 1994 main events using aftershock recordings of the Northridge earthquake from three sites (the south and north abutments of the southbound connector of Hwy 14 to I-5 and a central location to the interchange) as empirical Green9s functions. The same source events are used for all three sites for a particular synthesis so that differences between synthesized strong ground motion are due to differences in location, geology, and topography of the three sites. Source rupture models are obtained from independent studies. We estimate (1) peak acceleration to have been near 1 g for both earthquakes, due to the topographic and geologic conditions and the geometry of the fault rupture; (2) differential displacement across the north and south extremes of the area from the Northridge earthquake to have been about 70 cm longitudinal and 40 cm transverse to the Hwy 14 to I-5 connector; (3) differential displacement across the north and south extremes of the area from the San Fernando earthquake to have been about 25 cm longitudinal and 20 cm transverse; and (4) relative motion to be fairly incoherent for frequencies above 0.5 Hz. These observations are attributed to local geologic and topographic conditions and to wave passage effects and could have contributed to collapse of structures during these earthquakes.
Angiotensin II increases gene expression after selective intra-arterial adenovirus delivery in a rabbit model assessed using in vivo SSTR2-based reporter imaging.

Gene therapy has been hampered by low expression upon in vivo delivery. Using a somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2)-based reporter, we assessed whether angiotensin II (AII) can improve gene expression by adenovirus upon intra-arterial (IA) delivery in a large animal model. A SSTR2-based reporter that can be imaged by a clinically approved radiopharmaceutical was used to assess gene expression. Eight rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in each thigh were randomly injected IA with adenovirus containing a human SSTR2 (Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2) gene chimera ± AII or control adenovirus containing green fluorescent protein (Ad-CMV-GFP). Three days later, 111In-octreotide was given IV after computed tomography (CT) imaging using a clinical CT scanner and intravenous contrast. Tumor uptake of 111In-octreotide was evaluated the next day using a clinical gamma camera. Gene expression was normalized to tumor weight and morphology from CT to obtain in vivo biodistribution. SSTR2-based expression was readily visualized. VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon intra-arterial delivery with AII had greater in vivo biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those without AII (p < 0.01, n = 6). VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon IA delivery had greater biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those with the negative control Ad-CMV-GFP (p < 0.02). Similarly, VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon IA delivery with AII had greater biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those with the negative control Ad-CMV-GFP (p < 0.01). Angiotensin II improves in vivo gene expression by adenovirus upon intra-arterial delivery and thus may improve gene therapy efficacy. In vivo SSTR2-based reporter imaging can be used to compare methodologies for improving gene expression.
Why Do Enolate Anions Favor O-Alkylation over C-Alkylation in the Gas Phase? The Roles of Resonance and Inductive Effects in the Gas-Phase SN2 Reaction between the Acetaldehyde Enolate Anion and Methyl Fluoride

Contributions by resonance and inductive effects toward the net activation barrier were determined computationally for the gas-phase SN2 reaction between the acetaldehyde enolate anion and methyl fluoride, for both O-methylation and C-methylation, in order to understand why this reaction favors O-methylation. With the use of the vinylogue extrapolation methodology, resonance effects were determined to contribute toward increasing the size of the barrier by about 9.5 kcal/mol for O-methylation and by about 21.2 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Inductive effects were determined to contribute toward increasing the size of the barrier by about 1.7 kcal/mol for O-methylation and 4.2 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Employing our block-localized wave function methodology, we determined the contributions by resonance to be 12.8 kcal/mol for O-methylation and 22.3 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Thus, whereas inductive effects have significant contributions, resonance is the dominant factor that leads to O-methylation being fa...
Can the Economy Explain the Explosion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Caseload? An Assessment of the Local-level Approach

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has grown rapidly in recent years—by about 50% in the seven years between 2000 and 2007, and by another 70% in the four years between 2007 and 2011—such that in 2011, SNAP served 14% of the U.S. population. Contributing to our understanding of the causes of this very rapid increase in the caseload, this article extends the time period of analysis through and past the official end of the Great Recession, analyzes more geographically disaggregated caseloads and the impact of substate economic conditions, and considers the impact of recent major, state-level SNAP policy changes. In models that exploit substate-level data, we find consistent evidence of significant impacts of both the substate level and statewide economy on local area SNAP caseloads. Surprisingly, while one might have expected more geographically disaggregated data to improve the alignment of the measurement with the concept of interest (i.e., the labor market opportunities of an individual), and therefore lead to larger estimates of the impact of the economy, in fact estimates fall—perhaps due to measurement error. We find at best mixed evidence of policy impacts. Simulations indicate that the economy can account for most of the 2007 to 2011 increase in the caseload, although relatively less of the 2000 to 2007 increase. Nonetheless, the role of the economy in driving caseloads appears to be substantial in both periods.
Colonial ‘gimmicks’ of French cultural education

It is widely known that French cultural policies in the colonies were designed to make the natives pass as French. The truth of the matter is that those policies hampered their cultural emancipation. As much as there was a desire for assimilation, there was also much apprehension that the educated natives might turn the knowledge acquired in schools against their tutors. To prevent the inevitable, policies in favour of indigenising the curricula were incepted, allegedly to amend the failure of the policy of direct assimilation, when in fact their inception represented the means by which, it was hoped, the cultural emancipation of the natives and their claims for equal rights – and eventually for self-determination – would be halted. Thus, two cultural experiments characterise the cultural policies adopted in French colonies; none of them was perfectly executed nor managed to avert the cultural alienation of the colonised.
Isolated sigmoid tuberculosis : report of a case

PURPOSE: To heighten awareness of colonic tuberculosis (TB) as a once rare disease that is undergoing a resurgence in the United States. METHODS: Report of a case of isolated sigmoid tuberculosis with a brief literature review of the topic. RESULTS: TB can no longer be considered a rare disease in the United States because, in part, of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic and because, in part, of increased immigration and lack of containment. The signs and symptoms of colonic TB are nonspecific; therefore, a high index of suspicion must be maintained. Only 20 percent of patients will have associated active pulmonary TB. Colonoscopy with multiple biopsies at ulcer margins should be performed for diagnosis. Tissue should be sent for routine histology and culture and smeared for direct visualization of acid-fast bacilli. If colonic TB is suspected, empiric treatment is warranted, despite negative histology, smear, and culture results. Patients will usually show a dramatic response in one to two weeks. Treatment is solely medical, and all patients should receive a full course of antituberculous chemotherapy. Exploratory laparotomy is necessary if diagnosis is in doubt, when there is concern about a neoplasm, or for complications including perforation, obstruction, hemorrhage, or fistulization. CONCLUSION: An increased awareness of intestinal TB coupled with familiarity of the pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment should increase the number of cases correctly diagnosed preoperatively and, therefore, improve the outcome of patients with this disease.
Abstract 1561: An evaluation of the use of genetically modified mouse models in human cancer risk assessment.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The development of short-term or accelerated cancer bioassays using genetically modified (GM) animals that exhibit high sensitivity to chemically induced cancers and that act through mode(s) of action relevant to humans continues to be an important focus of research. However, to date only a few GM mouse models such as the Trp53+/−, the Tg.AC and the rasH2 models have effectively been evaluated to substitute for the two-year rodent cancer bioassays. Whether these models provide an acceptable replacement for the conventional rodent cancer bioassay for assessing human cancer risks is the subject of ongoing debate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current status of the use of GM mice for accelerated cancer bioassays in assessing the potential human health risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic agents. We compared the published data from the GM bioassays with results obtained using the National Toxicology Program's conventional 2-year mouse cancer bioassay presently used in human cancer risk assessment. The results demonstrate a moderate success for these GM models to distinguish carcinogens from non-carcinogens. Although the GM models are less efficient in detecting rodent carcinogens, they are more consistent in identifying non-carcinogens. Our analysis also shows that there continue to be concerns about the assay design and protocols used for the GM models, including issues related to sample size, study duration, genetic instability, and reproducibility. Additional issues of concern include specific toxicity pathway-dependent effects, and differences in the potential carcinogenic mechanisms operating in GM and non-GM animals, topics that still need to be investigated. In addition, the dose-responses of the GM models can vary substantially from those seen in conventional cancer bioassays. Overall, we conclude that the existing GM mouse models are of value for hazard identification, but are of limited use for dose-response analysis with currently used study designs. Hence, until these models are thoroughly validated using more robust study designs and the dose-response issues adequately addressed, caution should be exercised when using the current GM models to assess the carcinogenic risks of chemicals to humans. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Citation Format: David A. Eastmond, Suryanarayana V. Vulimiri, John E. French, Babasaheb Sonawane. An evaluation of the use of genetically modified mouse models in human cancer risk assessment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1561. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1561
On the Nuclear Pore Complex and Its Roles in Nucleo-Cytoskeletal Coupling and Mechanobiology

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is primarily recognized for its function as the gateway for nucleocytoplasmic traffic, regulating biochemical exchange between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm. On the other hand, the LINC complex, comprised of SUN-domain and KASH-domain proteins, is typically credited as the main physical bridge across the nuclear envelope. However, recent evidence suggests that the NPC is also directly engaged with the cytoskeletal elements and the nucleoskeleton, and as such provides a direct physical association between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. Moreover, by controlling the transport of inner nuclear membrane proteins, including components of the LINC complex, the NPC plays additional roles in physically connecting the cytoskeleton and the nucleus. This review examines the NPC’s direct and indirect contributions to nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling and mechanobiology.