cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Listen to Peter: Embrace the TBORs

A TBOR is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights and 43 states, and the federal government all have one. Unfortunately, most practitioners either don’t know that TBORs exist, or, if they do, they think TBORs are of little, if any, practical importance—toothless tonics designed to make taxpayers feel better about the unpleasantness of paying taxes but offering no enforceable rights. Nevertheless, as no less an authority than Peter Faber urged in an “In the Trenches” article published in State Tax Notes on September 4, 2017, for tax advisors to ignore the “more general taxpayer protection rules of the sort that are embodied in bill of rights legislation . . . [is] a mistake. There are times when these rules may be helpful in controversy situations.” We think that not only is Peter correct, but that TBORs can do even more. TBORs can transform both tax practice and the relationship between taxpayers and taxing authorities, and their provisions can be enforced by courts even in the absence of legislative language providing for such enforcement. There are at least three arguments in support of that proposition, and we developed them in a Special Report we wrote on the Federal TBOR, and recently published in Tax Notes: Embracing the TBOR. We think each of those arguments could also be made with respect to state TBORs. As we explain in that Article, the first argument is that construing the codification of the TBOR as a meaningless gesture ignores the well-established canon of statutory construction against surplusage. The second is that the TBOR significantly enhances the taxpayer’s normative basis for demanding legal remedies for violations of taxpayer rights because it invokes procedural justice, using the language of rights where only government duties existed before. And the third is that the TBOR may have actually created taxpayer rights. Our Article on the Federal TBOR does not argue that all taxpayer rights should be enforced either all the time or to the same extent, as that could be disruptive or even catastrophic for tax administration and may not be necessary to fulfill the objectives of the TBOR. But it does maintain that the adoption and particularly the codification of the TBOR can transform the legal environment so that demands for enforcement can be weighed by the courts on a case by case basis, in light of all the facts and circumstances, which include the identity and attributes of the taxpayer. Language in many of the state TBORs to the effect that failure to comply with the provisions of the TBOR will not invalidate particular government actions should not preclude redress that takes other forms.
Asymmetry between deuterium and tritium turbulent particle flows

The asymmetry between deuterium (D) and tritium (T) turbulent particle fluxes in mixed D–T plasmas is studied with numerical simulations of nonlinear gyrokinetic turbulence in ion temperature gradient-dominated and trapped electron mode-dominated regimes. At 50–50 D–T concentration, the asymmetry, or flow separation, between D and T fluxes is such that the tritium is better confined than the deuterium in both regimes. To supplement the nonlinear simulations, an analytic quasilinear theory of the particle flux symmetry breaking is developed and is valid for general electron dynamics. This theory correctly predicts the numerically computed deviation in the ion density fraction (from 50–50), or ion density gradient (from the electron gradient), required to restore equal deuterium and tritium fluxes.
Factors That Affect the Success of Ethnically Diverse Nursing Students: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

AIM The purpose of this research was to review nursing student retention literature to better understand how to help ethnically diverse undergraduate nursing students succeed. BACKGROUND Nursing student retention continues to be a major challenge. Additional research is needed to improve the retention of students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. METHOD An integrative literature review was conducted. Qualitative analysis of 10 studies was used to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Analyses of the studies reveal the magnitude, complexity, and distinctiveness of the challenges ethnically diverse nursing students face. CONCLUSION The findings have implications for developing strategies for helping this important at-risk population of students complete their nursing degrees.
Tranexamic acid use is associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss during spine surgery for Marfan syndrome.

The utility of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) is uncertain given associated aberrations within the vasculature and clotting cascade. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of TXA use with intraoperative blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusions in patients with MFS who underwent spinal arthrodesis. We queried our institutional database for MFS patients who underwent spinal arthrodesis for scoliosis between 2000 and 2020 by one surgeon. We excluded procedures spanning < 4 vertebral levels, those using anterior or combined anterior/posterior approaches, and those involving growing rods, postoperative infection, or spondylolisthesis. Fifty-two patients met our criteria, of whom 22 were treated with TXA and 30 were not. Mean differences in blood loss, transfusion volume, and proportions receiving transfusion were compared between TXA and the control groups using Student t, chi-squared, or Fisher exact tests. Alpha = 0.05. MFS patients treated with TXA experienced less mean (± standard deviation) intraoperative blood loss (1023 ± 534 mL) compared to the control group (1436 ± 1022 mL) (p = 0.01). The TXA group had estimated blood volume loss of 27% ± 16% compared to 36% ± 21% for controls (p = 0.05). No differences were found in allogeneic transfusion rate (p = 0.66) or transfusion volume (p = 0.15). We found an association between TXA use and reduced blood loss during surgical treatment of MFS-associated scoliosis, suggesting that the connective tissue deficiency in MFS does not interfere with TXA’s mechanism of action. III.
Additional Lens Types

At the time of purchase, many basic cameras come with a standard lens. Cameras that do not have a removable lens are the most common types of cameras sold and represent principally amateur and some prosumer camera models. Many special camera types may also have an attached lens. Single-use and some point-and-shoot cameras are examples of cameras with a fixed lens. Lenses that are attached at manufacture will vary in their focal length from wide angle to normal view. Many of these cameras might also have a zoom lens instead of a fixed focal lens, which is not removable. The standard lens for such cameras would be calculated by the angle of view requirement that is needed for the illumination to cover the film/ sensor diagonal, which is a view similar to that of the human eye or 53 degrees. For more about lenses, please refer to the Photographic Optics essay. In the professional and advanced amateur markets, interchangeable lenses are desirable and off er a wide choice of alternative focal lengths. Many specialized lens types were designed and sold during the 20th century. Their features were influenced by the application/purpose of their design.
Factors influencing alpha-crystallin association with phospholipid vesicles.

PURPOSE Lens lipids undergo a number of changes with age, including an overall increase in phospholipid acyl chain saturation and a decrease in length. In addition, the amount of membrane bound alpha-crystallin increases dramatically with age and with the onset of cataract. The aim of this study was to determine if a link exists between age and cataract associated changes in lens lipids and the changes in alpha-crystallin membrane association. METHODS Protein-free lipid vesicles composed of a wide variety of synthetic and lens-derived lipid vesicles were formed by sonication. These vesicles were used with fluorescent native and recombinant alpha-crystallin conjugates in vesicle binding assays. Vesicles were collected by centrifugation and bound alpha-crystallin was quantified with fluorescence intensity measurements. RESULTS alpha-Crystallin complexes showed remarkably similar binding profiles for all lipid vesicles tested, regardless of lipid origin, phospholipid head group, acyl chain length or saturation, and inclusion of cholesterol. In addition, recombinant alpha-crystallin complexes bind to these vesicles in a manner that is essentially indistinguishable from that of native human and bovine alpha-crystallins. Unlike alpha-crystallin binding to lens membranes containing intrinsic proteins, binding of alpha-crystallin to protein-free vesicles was very high capacity and unsaturable. CONCLUSIONS We conclude from these data that the binding of alpha-crystallin to lens membranes is not lipid-specific. Furthermore, protein post-translational changes, such as phosphorylation, do not appear to alter alpha-crystallin binding to these vesicles. Given the linearity of the binding curves, we propose that the only limiting factor for normal alpha-crystallin membrane binding is available surface area on the bilayer. Finally, the present data suggests that increased in vivo membrane association of alpha-crystallin is not a result of lipid changes, but more likely a result of non-lipid factors such as the accumulation of high molecular weight forms of alpha-crystallin.
Iterative feature weighting for identification of relevant features with radial basis function networks

This paper reports on advances in identification of relevant features through iterative feature weighting with radial basis function networks. It proceeds with a set of feature weights to scale the data which are used to train a radial basis function network model. Then from the learned model, the feature weights are updated via one-step gradient descent. The updated feature weights are then fed back to build a new model. The procedure continues until we find a satisfactory model and the feature weights converge. Experimental results for some benchmark datasets show that the approach is efficient and effective for selecting relevant features for data modeling and classification tasks.
Thermal phases of the interstellar medium in galaxies

This review deals with the theory of multiphase media in astrophysical systems. I discuss the basic reasons for the existence of multiple thermal phases, and the fundamental connection between multiphase media and thermal instability. After describing important examples of multiphase media, I examine the interactions among phases, i.e., mass exchange driven by thermal conduction and hydrodynamic ablation. Mass exchange may compete with radiative heating and cooling for control of the thermal state of the hot phase, and may alter the thermal stability properties of the system.
Adaptive Cartesian Control of Redundant Manipulators

Adaptve control of robotic manipulators can effectively utilize the ever improving capabilities of computers and mechanical systems. It combines high-speed and high-precision and provides consistent performance in the face of large variations in loads and tasks. Previously, a simple, globally tracking-convergent, direct adaptive controller has been developed and experimentally verified. This paper points out some recent findings regarding the effective implementation directly in the cartesian work-space of the end-effector. These include a filter-like procedure to avoid differentiation of the Jacobian pseudo-inverse. A passivity interpretation of the controller and its application to constrained motion is also provided and finally some experimental results of cartesian control are shown.
Positive valence reduces susceptibility to return of fear and enhances approach behavior.

Abstract Background and objectives Although exposure therapy is highly efficacious for anxiety disorders, many individuals do not respond. Drawing from the science of fear extinction and reinstatement, the current study evaluated whether a training designed to increase valence of the feared stimulus improved the longevity of treatment outcomes. Methods Participants were 61 undergraduate students with fear of spiders (>10 on Spider Phobia Questionnaire, M = 20.45 , SD = 3.98) who were randomized to receive positive valence training or control training. Participants completed exposure over two days, with training conditions at the end of the first day. Tests of spontaneous recovery and reinstatement were conducted one week later. Results Compared to control, the Positive Valence Training group demonstrated significantly less subjective fear at test of spontaneous recovery and less behavioral avoidance after reinstatement. Change in valence predicted subjective fear at spontaneous recovery and after reinstatement but did not predict behavioral avoidance after reinstatement. Limitations Due to the relatively small size and homogeneity of the sample, as well as the limited methods of training (i.e., film clips only) and outcome measurement (i.e., self-report and behavioral measures), current results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions Adjunct positive valence training may enhance the longevity of exposure treatment.
Using height sensors for biometric identification in multi-resident homes

In this study, we evaluate the use of height for biometric identification of residents, by mounting ultrasonic distance sensors above the doorways in a home. Height sensors are cheap, are convenient for the residents, are simple to install in an existing home, and are perceived to be less invasive than cameras or microphones. Height is typically only a weak biometric, but we show that it is well suited for identifying among a few residents in the home, and can potentially be improved by using the history of height measurements at multiple doorways in a tracking approach. We evaluate this approach using 20 people in a controlled laboratory environment and by installing in 3 natural, home environments. We combine these results with public anthropometric data sets that contain the heights of residents in 2077 elderly multi-resident homes to conclude that height sensors could potentially achieve at least 95% identification accuracy in 95% of elderly homes in the US.
Finding the Rate-Determining Step in a Mechanism: Comparing DeDonder Relations with the “Degree of Rate Control”

Abstract In a recent paper (J. A. Dumesic, J. Catal. 185 , 496 (1999)), Dumesic argued that “DeDonder relations offer a rigorous approach for assessing whether a reaction scheme contains a rate determining step.” Here, we argue that, while analysis with DeDonder relations is a very powerful approach that has many advantages, it has a limitation with respect to finding the rate determining step, and another method, previously proposed by this author (C. T. Campbell, Topics Catal. 1 , 353 (1994)) involving the “degree of rate control,” is preferable in that particular respect. An approach for extending this latter method to transient kinetic conditions is also suggested.
Aspects of Subsurface Bahamian Dolomites and Insights into Their Origin: ABSTRACT

A continuous 168-m core was collected on San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Dolomite is present in the interval between 35 and 147 m. The dolomite is of 2 basic lithologic types. Those dolomites which are probably supratidal mudstones and show laminations, a poorly developed fauna, a few intraformational clasts, and in places a capping red crust, are termed "stratal" dolomites. These stratal sequences are less than 10 cm thick. Those dolomites which are replacements of grain-supported carbonate sediments or rocks, probably of backreef or lagoonal facies, are termed "massive" dolomites. Stable isotope analyses show both types of dolomite to have ^dgrC13 values within the range of Holocene sediments, but to be higher in ^dgrO18 than either Holocene sediments or Pleistocene limestones. These data indicate the dolomites formed by reaction of host carbonate sediments or rock with Mg-rich hypersaline brines. The stratal sequences were probably dolomitized by upward capillary movement of the fluids, whereas the massive sequences were dolomitized by seepage refluxion. Stratal dolomites seem to be relatively lower in ^dgrO18 and mol % MgCO3 and more poorly ordered than massive dolomites. This may reflect different efficiencies of the 2 dolomitization processes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 366------------
Is anything really new in mechatronics education

Yes, there is something new in the way mechanical engineers are expected to design and in the way professors must now teach design. To illustrate how one institution is helping mechanical engineers to become mechatronics engineers, the article describes the undergraduate program in mechatronics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and in particular, the integration of the theory covered in lectures with the laboratory exercises. The hardware systems used in both courses are described. Also discussed are observations from conducting professional training in mechatronics both in industry and for the ASME Professional Development Program.
Potential uses for cuphea oil processing byproducts and processed oils.

Abstract Cuphea spp. have seeds that contain high levels of medium chain fatty acids and have the potential to be commercially cultivated. In the course of processing and refining cuphea oil a number of byproducts are generated. Developing commercial uses for these byproducts would improve the economics of growing cuphea. Oil fractions and byproducts were obtained from processed seeds of cuphea germplasm line PSR 23 (Cuphea viscosissima × Cuphea lanceolata). We investigated the employment of oil byproducts as growth regulators and solid residues as organic soil amendments on Calabrese broccoli (Brassica oleracea L, family Brassicaceae) seedling growth. Seed processing solid residue fractions, included presscake, bin trash, stem trash and seed trash. These fractions were ground and mixed into soil to obtain concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 10% (w/w). Ground presscake and bin trash could be employed as an organic soil amendment up to 1% without detrimental effects on broccoli. Ground seed meal (seed trash) was detrimental to seedling growth at all concentrations tested. Stem trash employed at 1% caused fresh and dry weights to increase 26.8 and 29.8%, respectively, compared to untreated broccoli seedlings. Stem trash could be employed up to 10% without a detrimental effect on broccoli seedlings. Solvent extraction to remove residual oils from residue fractions was also conducted to generate improved soil amendments. Generally, solvent extraction of seed-processing residue fractions improved the broccoli seedling growth responses. Administration of processed oils and their byproduct fractions as foliar sprays on broccoli seedlings was conducted at rates of 0, 10, 30, and 50 g L−1. Plants were evaluated 72 h after spraying. Refined and crude oils had no effect on broccoli seedlings; gums and soapstock sprays had no effect at 10 or 30 g L−1 concentrations but at 50 g L−1 it killed seedlings. Distilled fatty acid fraction sprays killed broccoli seedlings at all tested concentrations. Certain oil byproduct fractions from cuphea oil processing can be employed as “environmentally-friendly” herbicidal sprays. Calorific evaluation of cuphea ag-wastes were conducted and found to compare well to other biomass energy sources.
Structure of C20: Bicyclic ring versus cage.

The relative stabilities of various geometries of 20-atom carbon cluters are investigated to determine the ground state, using a generalized tight-binding molecular dynamics technique. The 20-atom fullerene cage (relaxing to ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathit{s}}$ symmetry due to Jahn-Teller distortion) is found to be the most stable structure even when compared to the recently proposed bicyclic ring structure.
Host genetics influence tumour metastasis

Recent evidence implies that germline polymorphisms might significantly influence the metastatic capacity of tumours. This article discusses whether, in the future, inherited, prospective metastatic biomarkers might be in common use for cancer prognosis and the selection of tailored tumour treatment.
Combined effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism (G894T) and insulin resistance status on blood pressure and familial risk of hypertension in young adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study*

Impaired endothelial function with decreased nitric oxide production is shared by insulin resistance and essential hypertension. Although there are limited data on the association between the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphism and hypertension, information is absent on the combined effects of eNOS G894T genotype and insulin resistance status on blood pressure (BP) levels and the familial risk of hypertension. This aspect was examined in a community-based sample of 1021 unrelated African American and white young adults aged 19 to 38 years. African Americans displayed a lower frequency of the T894 allele than whites (0.105 v 0.324, P < .001). After adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), noncarriers versus carriers of the T894 allele had significantly higher systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) BP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) levels (111.7 v 109.2 mm Hg for SBP; 73.6 v 72.3 mm Hg for DBP; 86.3 v 84.6 mm Hg for MAP), with both African Americans and whites showing similar trends. This association was modulated by insulin resistance status, measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) using fasting insulin and glucose. Subjects with high insulin resistance (above the median HOMA IR) showed significantly greater differences in BP levels between noncarriers and carriers of the T894 allele. Furthermore, the G894T genotype and insulin resistance also showed a combined effect on the prevalence of parental hypertension, a measure of familial risk, with noncarriers versus carriers in the high insulin resistance group showing higher prevalence (70.5% v 51.3%, P = .006, adjusted for race). Thus, the allelic variation (G894T) in the eNOS gene locus in conjunction with insulin resistance may be one factor contributing to the predisposition to hypertension.
Precipitation of calcium phosphates from solutions at near physiological concentrations

Abstract Precipitation of calcium phosphate was induced at 21 °C and ionic strength 0.08 by adjusting solutions containing between 2 and 24 moles/l. of calcium and phosphate to various pH values between 6 and 8 with sodium hydroxide. At alkali additions below 1.40–1.45 equiv./mole of total phosphorus, the precipitate was dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. At additions of alkali above 1.40–1.45 equiv. mole P. precipitation occurred in two distinct steps: an immediate formation of gelatinous precipitate was followed, after an induction period, by precipitation of a granular salt. The granular precipitate could be obtained alone after removal of the gelatinous phase or in a mixture with gelatinous precipitate (“total” precipitate). The gelatinous, granular, and total precipitates gave (after washing) a diffuse x-ray diffraction pattern of hydroxylapatite, but equilibrated with the supernatant as octacalcium phosphate [ p k t = 1 1 3 p ( Ca ++ ) + p ( PO 4 −− ) + 1 3 p (H + ) ]. The Ca P ratio of the gelatinous preipitate increased from approximately 1.33 to 1.67 as the CaOH+ ion concentration of the supernatant increased. Granular precipitate ( Ca P = 1.1.10−1.40 ) apparently formed by rapid conversion of dicalcium phosphate into a more alkaline salt. Solubility of gelatinous precipitate [pkf = 12.61 ± 0.05] was higher than that of either granular [pkf = 13.64 ± 0.02] or “total” [pkf = 13.69 ± 0.02] precipitate.
Using qualitative methods to manage risk

Abstract Managing risk in the chemical process industry requires a concerted effort throughout the design and operation of a facility to identify, evaluate and safeguard against the risks inherent to the facility. By systematically performing risk evaluations on their processes, companies can substantially improve their safety performance while cost-effectively reducing their incident-related outages. This paper describes Olin Corporation's approach to risk management.
Mesh generation program for highway excavation cuts

The mesh generation program described here generates the nodes and the elements for excavated highway slopes,applies boundary conditions, searches for the nodes and the elements in each layer excavated and plots the mesh with the numbering of nodes, elements and material types. This computer program has been written to give error-free finite element mesh data which can be stored and used directly by the stress-displacement generating program with a minimum of manual labor. For studies of different excavation configurations, only minor changes to the input are needed.
A class of q-nary recurrent codes for burst-error correction†

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to show a new technique for constructing a class of q-nary type B1 codes by combining any number of q-nary type B1 codes which are constructed by Hsu's method (Hsu 1969 a, b). If there are x distinct q-nary type B1 codes, each is of rate (k − 1)/k, then the x type B1 codes can be combined to give a rate (xk − 1 )/xk type B1 recurrent codes. The use of the q-nary type B1 codes is very simple. If q = 2 f , then the q-nary type B1codes presented can be used for binary burst-error correction. When the q-nary type B1codes are used for binary burst-error correction, a detailed discussion about implementation will be given. A comparison with the two classes of Iwadare's type B1codes (Iwadare 1968) has also been made. The advantage of the q-nary type B1codes presented is high-speed implementation.
Carotid stenting for severe radiation-induced extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease.

PURPOSE To present our experience with carotid artery stenting as an alternative treatment to endarterectomy in patients with radiation-induced carotid artery occlusive disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Fourteen patients (10 males; mean age 61 years, range 52 to 79) underwent percutaneous stenting of 15 carotid arteries for severe radiation-induced extracranial stenoses. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with reduction of the mean stenosis from 77% +/- 6% to 8% +/- 2%. In 2 patients, ipsilateral vertebral artery lesions were stented concomitantly. One patient had a minor stroke after the procedure but recovered fully in 2 days. No other complications were encountered. Nine (64%) patients had 6-month follow-up imaging (angiography or duplex scanning) that showed no evidence of restenoses (obstruction > or = 50%). At 18 +/- 2 months, 3 (21%) patients had died from unrelated causes. No neurological events occurred, and no repeat carotid artery interventions were required in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS Carotid stenting is an effective treatment option for severe radiation-induced carotid artery occlusive disease.
Transferrin polymorphism in Herdwick sheep

Summary The transferrin system in Herdwick sheep, bred at Compton, was investigated with special reference to the susceptibility of the flock to experimentally produced scrapie. No significant correlations were observed between susceptibility and transferrin phenotypes.
"Paradise Actually Exists": Biopolitics and Utopian Praxis in William S. Burroughs's The Place of Dead Roads

This essay argues that William S. Burroughs's The Place of Dead Roads (1983) produces a concrete utopia in response to the political reaction of the 1980s and the rise of neoliberalism. Against Margaret Thatcher's claim that “there is no such thing as society,” Burroughs articulates a biopolitical poetics defying the conceptual oppositions between collective and individual, public and private, socialist and liberal. I contend that, with its combination of tropes from the genres of science fiction, utopia, and the western, The Place of Dead Roads functions as a pedagogy of utopian desire, illuminating the persistence of the social beyond neoliberal privatization and constructing a horizon in which the United States is irreducible to capitalist and statist imaginaries. More specifically, I show how Burroughs elaborates and complicates the concept of the common as proposed by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri by emphasizing the common as a process of reeducation, or a biopolitical struggle to produce new kinds of political subjects.
A treatment of impact breakage of particles

Abstract Particles of a given size and material have a distribution of strengths so that some fractions break at low specific strain energies, more at higher strain energies, and all break at sufficient strain energy. Those fragments from breakage at a low specific strain energy produced during a higher specific energy impact will have relaxed their stored strain energy but will be recompressed and rebroken by the remaining impact energy. Thus, a size/mass/energy balance must be performed where the remaining specific impact energy of fragments is their original specific impact energy minus that required for fracture. An algorithm for this balance is presented and a computed example given. It is shown that the apparent primary breakage distribution from impact at a given specific impact energy will become finer as the energy is higher. These so-called “energy-dependent” primary breakage distributions (B values) can be computed using a known distribution of strengths as a function of particle size and specific energy and a true primary breakage distribution.
Combined low-dose-rate brachytherapy and external beam radiation for cervical cancer: experience over ten years.

Cervical cancer was treated with a combination of external beam and intracavitary radiation during a 10-year period at Wayne State University. Data were collected for 216 patients treated radically with external beam radiation (EBRT) and low-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer between 1980 and 1991 at Wayne State University. Patient distribution by stage was IB, 20.8%; IIA, 7.4%; IIB, 26.9%; IIIA, 1.8%; IIIB, 40.7%; and IVA, 2.3%. Survival curves were constructed using Kaplan-Meier methods and differences between groups were tested for significance using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was done using the Cox proportional hazards model. With a median follow-up of 114 months, actuarial disease-free survival for all patients was 60% at 5 years and 55% at 10 years. Actuarial 5-year survival for Stage IB was 79%; for Stage II, 59%; and for Stage III, 53%. There were 14/216 (6%) of patients with severe late complications. On univariate analysis, race was found to be statistically significant, with Caucasian patients having better survival than African American (P = 0.03). The survival for patients treated in shorter overall times was significantly higher (P < 0.001), especially with treatment completion in under 58 days. The stepwise Cox multivariate analysis provided the following significant results: race (African American vs. Caucasian; P = 0.04, RR = 1.6), Stage (II vs. I, P = 0.004, RR = 2.6), Stage (III vs. I; P = 0.004, RR = 2.5), and overall treatment time (P = 0.006, RR = 1.62). Rates of local control, survival, and complications among women treated with combined external beam and intracavitary radiation for cervix cancer were similar to those of prior retrospective studies. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 7:289–296, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development and evaluation of continuously weighing mini-lysimeters

Grimmond, C.S.B., Isard, S.A. and Belding, M.J., 1992. Development and evaluation of continuously weighing mini-lysimeters. Agric. For. Meteorol., 62: 205-218. Micrometeorological methods for measuring evapotranspiration are based on the assumption that the water vapor flux is constant with respect to height within the first few meters above the ground, and consequently are not applicable where an area is not extensively homogeneous. An increasing emphasis on energy and water flux studies in heterogeneous terrain (e.g. urban and hilly environments) has created a need to develop alternative approaches to quantify the latent heat flux. Lysimetry is an established alternative that permits the direct measurement of evapotranspiration from the ground surface and thus can provide accurate point estimates of the latent heat flux in heterogeneous environments. To date, the continuously weighing lysimeters that have been developed and extensively tested are large (surface area generally greater than 2 m 2), stationary and expensive to construct and maintain. These instruments are also inappropriate for most geographic studies of energy and water budgets in heterogeneous environments because knowledge of the spatial variability of evapotranspiration and quantification of the horizontal transport of moisture and heat require multiple, simultaneous flux determinations. This research tests two continuously weighing, portable mini-lysimeters ( < 0.2 m 2) designed for practical application in heterogeneous environments. The performance of the lysimeters are compared with evaporative flux measurements obtained using eddy correlation instrumentation from an extensive homogeneous surface. The soil moisture status of the monolith and the stomatal resistance of the plants within the lysimeter are compared with simultaneous measurements from the surrounding grass field. The results show that the evaporative flux, soil moisture and stomatal resistance measurements from both lysimeters compare favorably with measurements that are representative of their surroundings.
Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of larval and adult Taenia taeniaeformis. II. Hexose leakage and absorption; tissue glucose and polysaccharides

Abstract Larval Taenia taeniaeformis leak both aerobically and anaerobically considerably larger amounts of glucose than adults. In larvae, the transition from glucose leakage to absorption takes place only when the concentration in external glucose concentration reaches a level of 100–200 mg%, while adult worms can extract large amounts of glucose from media containing initially only 12.5 mg% glucose. Comparison of determinations made by means of the glucose oxidase and the Hagedorn-Jensen techniques showed satisfactory agreement, proving that glucose, from a quantitative standpoint, is the most important carbohydrate leaked, although smaller amounts of nonglucose carbohydrates also are eliminated. The presence of galactose, mannose, or fructose in the medium does not prevent the glucose leakage, but can modify it. Hypotonie media do not induce increased glucose leakage, but maintaining adult worms in a sodium-free Tyrode solution increases the leakage to very high levels. However, there was no indication that, under the experimental conditions chosen, a glucose leakage against a concentration gradient occurred. Glucose absorption of adult worms is independent of the glucose concentration within the range of concentrations tested (initial concentrations: 12.5–200 mg%). Galactose absorption, however, is correlated with the concentration provided in the medium. Larval worms consume, in addition to large amounts of glucose and galactose, small amounts of mannose and probably fructose. There was no indication that adult worms absorb fructose, while the observations concerning mannose absorption were equivocal. Glucose consumption by adult worms is fairly independent of the osmolarity of the medium but is completely inhibited in a Na-free Tyrode solution. Phloridzin inhibits glucose absorption almost completely. Glucose absorption takes place against a concentration gradient. All observations are in accord with the assumption that glucose absorption by adult worms involves active transport mechanisms. It is not known whether the same situation prevails in larvae. Adult worms contain somewhat more free glucose in their tissues than the larvae. The glucose content of the adults increased during incubation in glucose-free medium, but much more during maintenance in glucose-containing media. No corresponding increase occurred in a Na-free solution, or when the medium contained phloridzin. The alkali-stable polysaccharides of both adult and larval worms are essentially glucose polymers with a small admixture of a substance that yields glucosamine and N -acetyl-glucosamine upon hydrolysis. Little indication of large scale glycogen synthesis was observed in adult worms incubated in various media, but glucose in the medium definitely has a sparing action on the polysaccharide stores.
Characterization of the process of 5-aminolevulinic acid formation from glutamate via the C5 pathway in Clostridium thermoaceticum

1. In vitro formation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) from glutamate required two enzyme fractions, separable on Blue Sepharose affinity chromatography, and a tRNA fraction, which can be replaced by Escherichia coli tRNA(Glu) in the reconstituted assay. 2. Gabaculine was shown to inhibit ALA formation in the complete assay as well as in a defined system consisting of only glutamate-1-semialdehyde and the enzyme fraction not retained on Blue Sepharose. 3. The results indicate that the enzyme system supporting ALA formation in Clostridium thermoaceticum is very similar to the tRNA(Glu)-dependent C5 pathway in plant plastids.
‘The tales of tomorrow’: towards a futurist vision of Wolof tradition

Boubacar Boris Diop's novel Doomi Golo (2003)/Les Petits de la guenon (2009) elaborates a specifically futurist aesthetic of traditionality. Drawing on the shift in anthropology towards understanding traditionality as a construct rather than an intrinsic trait, I show how this novel strongly thematizes the inventedness of Senegalese oral traditions and calls for their reinvention in order to help imagine a more democratic society in the future. Oral traditions serve here to critique forms of domination based on gender and age, which have been identified by some scholars as ‘traditional’ power structures. Diop's novel, which I read both in its Wolof original and in the French adaptation made by the author, thus imagines a liberation from tradition-as-power through tradition-as-genre: because the category of tradition always depends to a certain extent on an act of invention, it can be reinvented to justify liberation rather than patriarchal domination, thereby serving the needs of the future rather than th...
Ultrastructure and Cell-Cell Coupling of Cardiac Myocytes Differentiating in Embryonic Stem Cell Cultures

Differentiation cultures of embryonic stem (ES) cells can be a useful in vitro system for understanding cardiac myocyte development. However, cell morphometry, sarcomere development, and functional cell-cell junction formation have not been examined in detail to determine whether ES cell-derived cardiac myocytes exhibit structural and functional characteristics similar to cardiac myocytes within the developing heart. Therefore, we examined cellular dimensions, sarcomere formation, and cell-cell contacts in differentiating cardiac myocytes derived from mouse D3-ES cell cultures. Cells exhibited rod-shaped morphology and had single centrally located nuclei, typical of maturing cardiac myocytes. The cellular dimensions of 59 individual cardiac myocytes within contracting foci of ES cell cultures were analyzed (length = 42.2 +/- 2.1 microns, area = 197 +/- 19 microns2, and diameter = 5.5 +/- 0.3 microns) and found to be similar to myocytes in vivo. Transmission electron micrographs of ES cell-derived cardiac myocytes indicated myofibrillar architecture ranged from sparse and disorganized to densely packed, parallel arrays of myofibrils organized into mature sarcomeres. This pattern of myofibrillar assembly in maturing sarcomeres was similar to that observed during in vivo myocyte differentiation. Another hallmark of cardiac development is the formation of intercalated discs, which functionally couple adjacent cardiac myocytes. Electron micrographs indicated nascent intercalated discs were forming in foci of ES cell-derived cardiac myocytes. In addition, indirect immunostaining with anti-connexin 43 antibody (Ab), a monoclonal Ab to the gap junction component of the intercalated disc, indicated that gap junctions were present in contracting ES cell foci. Furthermore, microinjection of single cardiac myocytes with Lucifer yellow (2.5 microM) resulted in the spread of fluorescence to adjacent cells within a contracting focus, an indication of functional cell-cell coupling across these gap junctions. Together, these results indicate ES cell-derived cardiac myocytes exhibit cell morphology, sarcomere formation, and cell-cell junctions similar to those observed in cardiac myocytes developing in vivo.
On the Mechanism of RecA-Mediated Repair of Double-Strand Breaks: No Role for Four-Strand DNA Pairing Intermediates

RecA protein will bind to a gapped duplex DNA molecule and promote a DNA strand exchange with a second homologous linear duplex. A double-strand break in the second duplex is efficiently bypassed in the course of these reactions. We demonstrate that the bypass of double-strand breaks is not explained by a mechanism involving homologous interactions between two duplex DNA molecules, but instead requires the ATP-mediated generation of DNA torsional stress brought about by the action of RecA. The results suggest new pathways for the repair of double-strand breaks and underline the need for new paradigms to explain the alignment of homologous DNAs during genetic recombination.
Where are we with biofilms now? Where are we going?

The IWA9s BiofilmVI conference presented a wide range of research on biofilm systems. Particularly popular themes were nitrogen removal, mathematical modelling and microbial ecology. Emerging themes included biofilms with membranes, pathogens in biofilms, biofouling and detachment. Within microbial ecology and mathematical modelling, emphasis was given to N-removal systems, particularly involving nitrifiers and Anammox bacteria. Both themes also recognised the importance of biofilm detachment. Although biofilms on membranes gained attention, little interest was exhibited towards linking biofilms with other advanced materials, such as ceramics, conductors, semi-conductors or nano-materials. Research presented at BiofilmVI marked major advances in improving water sustainability towards removing BOD and N, but did not address many emerging contaminants, such as oxidised contaminants and endocrine disruptors. Attention to energy sustainability, such as with bio-hydrogen or microbial fuel cells, was minimal. Thus, research reported at BiofilmVI was strong towards “improving the expected” with regard to BOD and N removal, but not yet focused on “exploiting the unexpected” to deal with emerging pollutants and bio-energy.
Soviet perceptions of the Iranian revolution

Since the Iranian Revolution, Soviet writers have evidenced two general perceptions of that phenomenon. On the one hand, they percei've it as an anti-imperialist movement motivated by desires for socioeconomic development free of capitalist fetters. On the other hand, they cannot easily fit this revolution into the general theory of social change that is to be found in writings dating from Lenin and Stalin to more contemporary doctrines of the National Democratic State and the Revolutionary Democratic State.
Nuclear overhauser enhancement demonstration of the type II β-turn in repeat peptides of tropoelastin

Abstract Nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) experiments have been performed with the elastin peptides, namely; HCO-Val1-Pro2-Gly3-Gly4-OMe, t-Boc-Val1-Pro2-Gly3-Val4-Gly5-OMe and t-Boc-Val6-Ala1-Pro2-Gly3-Val4-Gly5-OMe in DMSO-d6. An NOE of approximately 10% was observed between the αCH of Pro2 and the NH of Gly3 involved in the β-turn of all three peptides. This finding shows the close proximity of two aforementioned protons and thus shows the occurrence of Type II β-turn in the repeat elastin peptides. The intermolecular distances are calculated and compared with the distances obtained from other model systems.
Electoral Accountability and the Variety of Democratic Regimes

Do voters reward or punish incumbents in different democratic regimes similarly for retrospective performance? Despite debates on the merits of different regimes, little research has investigated the implications of constitutional design on voters’ ability to hold politicians to accounts. This article shows that regime type determines the way and extent to which elections enable voters to reward or sanction incumbents. These regime effects are separate from and conceptually prior to factors previously identified in the literature on comparative economic voting. Analysis of elections from seventy-five countries reveals that, all else equal, voters have greater potential to hold incumbents to accounts under the separation of powers than under parliamentarism. Moreover, variables particular to separation of powers systems – the electoral cycle in pure presidential systems and instances of cohabitation in semi-presidential systems – affect the relative impact of the attribution of responsibility. The results contribute to ongoing debates about the relative advantages of different constitutional formats for democratic performance. The degree to which voters can hold elected officials to account is a central concern for democratic theory. Most empirical research on electoral accountability has explored a relatively limited set of established democracies, nearly all of which have parliamentary forms of government. However, the ‘Third Wave’ of democratization has dramatically increased the variety among the world’s democratic systems. 1 As of 2002, of the seventy-five democracies with a population greater than one million, thirty-one were parliamentary, while twenty-five were presidential and nineteen were semi-presidential. This relatively new institutional diversity pushes us to re-examine enduring questions about democratic performance: how and to what extent does this variety affect voters’ ability to hold governments accountable at the polls? Do particular institutional dynamics reduce or enhance the prospects for electoral accountability? More specifically, do voters reward or punish incumbent governments, presidents and legislators in parliamentary, presidential and semi-presidential systems similarly for retrospective performance, and to the same degree? Little research has explored this question across the world’s democracies. This is surprising, for two reasons. First, controversy persists about the relative merits of different democratic regimes. Some of our most prominent scholars disparage presidentialism: for example, Lijphart argues that parliamentarism is superior in terms of the ‘quality of
Blinded Assessment of Operative Performance After Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecology Training

Abstract Study Objective To determine the pass rate for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) examination among senior gynecology residents and fellows and to find whether there is an association between FLS scores and previous laparoscopic experience as well as laparoscopic intraoperative (OR) skills assessment. Design Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Three gynecology residency training programs. Participants Third- and fourth-year gynecology residents and urogynecology fellows. Interventions All participants participated in the FLS curriculum, written and manual skills examination, and completed a survey reporting baseline characteristics and opinions. Fourth-year residents and fellows underwent unblinded and blinded pre- and post-FLS OR assessments. Objective OR assessments of fourth-year residents after FLS were compared with those of fourth-year resident controls who were not FLS trained. Measurements and Main Results Twenty-nine participants were included. The overall pass rate was 76%. The pass rate for third- and fourth-year residents and fellows were 62%, 85%, and 100%, respectively. A trend toward improvement in OR assessments was observed for fourth-year residents and fellows for pre-FLS curriculum compared with post-FLS testing, and FLS-trained fourth-year residents compared with fourth-year resident controls; however, this did not reach statistical significance. Self-report of laparoscopic case load experience of >20 cases was the only baseline factor significantly associated with passing the FLS examination (p = .03). Conclusion The FLS pass rate for senior residents and fellows was 76%, with higher pass rates associated with increasing levels of training and laparoscopic case experience.