cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of ethyl alcohol on rat liver tryptophan oxygenase

Abstract The activity of liver tryptophan oxygenase was determined in rats administered intoxicating dose of ethanol. Following intraperitoneal injection of ethanol there was a rise in the enzyme activity reaching levels considerably above those of the control animals. Maximum enzyme activity was reached 5 hours after ethanol administration and then returned to within control levels in about 9 hours. It is suggested that the observed increase in tryptophan oxygenase in the liver may be the result of increased plasma adrenocortical hormone level following ethanol intoxication, or may be secondary to the induction of ALA (delta-aminolevulinic acid) synthetase and consequent enhanced heme production.
Civil Unrest and the Poaching of Rhinos in the Kaziranga National Park, India

Civil unrest and political instability have been associated with endangered species poaching. This paper accounts for a period of civil unrest in Assam, India, which saw a marked increase in rhino poaching. Census data on the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam are used to estimate a population growth function. In calibrating the growth function's parameters the census data are used in conjunction with rhino poaching data. The rhino population and poaching data are used to econometrically estimate a harvest function. The relationship between civil unrest and rhino poaching is identified as positive and significant. The analysis factors in the probable relationships between poaching and several additional variables � including black market rhino horn prices, potential size of black markets, and anti-poaching efforts. These variables are seen to have the predicted associations with poaching, and help isolate the latter's relationship with civil unrest in the regression models. The goodness of fit between the data on rhino population and poaching and the estimates from regression models are studied.
The role of height-associated loci identified in genome wide association studies in the determination of pediatric stature

Human height is considered highly heritable and correlated with certain disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Despite environmental influences, genetic factors are known to play an important role in stature determination. A number of genetic determinants of adult height have already been established through genome wide association studies. To examine 51 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to the 46 previously reported genomic loci for height in 8,184 European American children with height measurements. We leveraged genotyping data from our ongoing GWA study of height variation in children in order to query the 51 SNPs in this pediatric cohort. Sixteen of these SNPs yielded at least nominally significant association to height, representing fifteen different loci including EFEMP1-PNPT1, GPR126, C6orf173, SPAG17, Histone class 1, HLA class III and GDF5-UQCC. Other loci revealed no evidence for association, including HMGA1 and HMGA2. For the 16 associated variants, the genotype score explained 1.64% of the total variation for height z-score. Among 46 loci that have been reported to associate with adult height to date, at least 15 also contribute to the determination of height in childhood.
Method and context perspectives on learning and knowledge creation in quality management

Abstract This research develops a framework of learning and knowledge-based quality improvement by integrating the two perspectives of learning and knowledge creation. One perspective focuses on adhering to a prescribed methodology while the other emphasizes managing the context. By conceptualizing a comprehensive quality program as comprising basic contextual and methodological elements, we develop theoretically how a comprehensive quality program such as Six Sigma can produce dissimilar types of learning and knowledge, and how a quality advantage can become more sustainable.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF EARLY NEUROSURGERY FOR LIPOMYELOMENINGOCELE

AbstractPurpose: Our previous experience with early neurosurgery for lipomyelomeningocele revealed that patients undergoing repair before age 1.5 years were more likely to have normal bladder function. We evaluate the durability of the urological benefits in patients with lipomyelomeningocele with longer followup.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent urodynamic testing before and after primary neurosurgical repair of lipomyelomeningocele. A total of 43 patients presented between 1983 and 1995 with at least 12 months of followup (median 68, range 15 to 167).Results: Of the 43 patients 36 (84%) maintained stable clinical and urodynamic function, and 7 (16%) had late deterioration, which occurred between 9 months and 8 years postoperatively. Of 19 patients with normal urodynamic studies preoperatively 14 (74%) maintained normal function. Overall, 14 of 43 patients (33%) with lipomyelomeningocele had normal bladder and sphincter function during followu...
Heuristic scheduling strategies for multihop radio networks with regular structure

The performance of scheduling strategies for a Manhattan-mesh-type network is examined. Efficient routing of packets in this class of networks makes scheduling the links an important criteria for the design of such communication networks and protocols. Graph theory is used to obtain bounds on link activation in the network. An optimal technique for the determination of 'schedule delay' is presented. >
An Alternative Approach for MBA Mentor Programs: Empower the Protégé

A new approach is proposed to maximize the benefits of mentor relationships between master of business administration (MBA) students and executives by empowering students to select and recruit their own mentors, and then be responsible for managing those relationships. This mentor program is designed to be short but intensive. First-year MBA students spend 8 weeks developing their career and life goals, and then spend another 8 weeks working with mentors. A pilot study is used to test this approach and provide recommendations to other graduate faculty and staff members interested in implementing a mentor program that empowers the protege.
Importance sampling for polarization-mode dispersion: techniques and applications

The basic theory of importance sampling (IS) as relevant to polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fibers is discussed, and its application to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of PMD-induced transmission impairments is demonstrated. The use of IS allows rare PMD events to be simulated much more efficiently than with standard MC methods. As a consequence, methods employing IS provide natural and effective tools to assess PMD-induced impairments and outages in optical transmission systems at realistic probability levels.
Inpatient Treatment after Multi-Dose Racemic Epinephrine for Croup in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Emergency department (ED) discharge is safe when croup-related stridor has resolved after corticosteroids and a single dose of racemic epinephrine (RE). Little evidence supports the traditional practice of hospital admission after ≥ 2 doses of RE. Objective Our aim was to describe the frequency and timing of clinically important inpatient interventions after ≥ 2 ED RE doses. Methods We identified patients hospitalized for croup after ED treatment with corticosteroids and ≥2 doses of RE. We compared asymptomatic (admitted solely on the number of RE doses) and symptomatic (admitted due to disease severity) groups with regard to inpatient RE administration, supplemental oxygen, helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) therapy, intubation, or transfer to a higher level of care, time to hospital discharge, and revisit and readmission rates within 48 h of discharge. Results Of 200 subjects admitted after ≥ 2 ED RE doses, 72 (36%) received clinically important inpatient interventions: RE (n = 68 [34%]), heliox (n = 9 [5%]), and supplemental oxygen (n = 4 [2%]). Of patients who received inpatient RE, 53% received only 1 dose. No patients underwent intubation or transfer to higher level of care. The 112 asymptomatic patients had fewer interventions (14% vs. 63%; p p Conclusions Inpatient interventions after ≥ 2 ED doses of RE for croup were infrequent, most commonly RE administration. Most patients asymptomatic upon admission require 0–1 inpatient RE doses and may be candidates for outpatient management.
Influence of Intersection Geometrics on the Operation of Triple Left-Turn Lanes

Triple left-turn lanes have been used to reduce vehicle delays, queue lengths, and left-turn storage bays at signalized intersections with relatively higher left-turn demand. Limited research has been conducted to study capacity issues and how they relate to various geometric configurations of triple left-turn lanes. This study analyzed the influence of a number of geometric factors found at 15 triple left-turn lane sites in Florida on saturation flow, lane usage, and lane utilization. A total of 2,395 lane cycles and 38,023 vehicles were observed. The observed saturation flows yielded a mean saturation flow of 1,859 vehicles per hour of green per lane (vphgpl) with the 95% confidence interval of 1,810–1,907 vphgpl. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to determine statistical significance of the variables’ influence on saturation flows. In addition, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to determine the influence of interaction of variables. The results showed that triple lef...
Proposed pathogenesis of Paget-Schroetter disease: impingement of the subclavian vein by a congenitally malformed bony tubercle on the first rib.

Aim To study and compare the anatomical and clinical pathology of first ribs in patients with Paget–Schroetter Disease (PSD) with first ribs in patients without the disease. Methods In a case–control study, normal human cadaver first ribs were compared with first ribs from patients with PSD. Ribs, intraoperative videos of transthoracic en bloc surgical resection of the first rib, and preoperative and postoperative dynamic upper extremity venograms were reviewed. Results Fifteen first ribs were from patients with PSD and seven normal first ribs were from human cadavers. In all patients (100%) with PSD there was a bony tubercle that corresponded to the area of the subclavian vein groove in the normal ribs. In all controls (100%), there was a normal subclavian groove without the presence of a tubercle. On preoperative venograms in patients with PSD, the tubercle accounted for an extrinsic protuberance that compressed the subclavian vein (100%). Intraoperatively, the abnormal bony tubercle accounted for the extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein in all (100%) patients with PSD. Venograms of the upper extremity obtained after first rib resection showed the disappearance of the extrinsic compression on the subclavian vein (100%) and a patent subclavian vein with elevation of the arm in all patients. Conclusions A bony tubercle at the site of the subclavian vein groove in patients with PSD causes extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein at rest.
Socialization of new graduate nurses in critical care

Objective To examine the modified contingency theory of role socialization with new graduate nurses in critical care. Design Descriptive comparative. Setting Six midwestern hospitals with 12 types of critical care units. Sample Fifty new graduate nurses and 89 experienced registered nurses in critical care. Outcome Measurements The socialization variables of precepting, support systems, assignment congruence, role conception, self-confidence, affective responses, commitment, job satisfaction, confronting reality, mutual influence, resolution of outside life conflicts, and resolution ofconflicting demands at work were measured. New graduates responded to questionnaires about socialization at 1 to 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of employment. Experienced nurses completed a questionnaire about socialization once, simultaneously with the 1- to 2-week data collection for new graduates. Results At initial employment new graduates differed from experienced nurses in role conception, self-confidence, and commitment to profession. After 6 months of employment new graduates differed from experienced nurses in self-confidence and mutual influence. For new graduates, positive precepting experiences, support systems, and assignment congruence were related to high self-confidence, low anxiety, high commitment, high job satisfaction, and low role conflict and ambiguity. These variables were also associated with the development of role conception. Conclusions The study results lend considerable support to the modified contingency theory of role socialization. Positive precepting experiences, support systems, and assignment congruence contributed to successful socialization for the new graduates in this study.
Minimal changes in heart rate of incubating American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in response to human activity

ABSTRACT An organism's heart rate is commonly used as an indicator of physiological stress due to environmental stimuli. We used heart rate to monitor the physiological response of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) to human activity in their nesting environment. We placed artificial eggs with embedded microphones in 42 oystercatcher nests to record the heart rate of incubating oystercatchers continuously for up to 27 days. We used continuous video and audio recordings collected simultaneously at the nests to relate physiological response of birds (heart rate) to various types of human activity. We observed military and civilian aircraft, off-road vehicles, and pedestrians around nests. With the exception of high-speed, low-altitude military overflights, we found little evidence that oystercatcher heart rates were influenced by most types of human activity. The low-altitude flights were the only human activity to significantly increase average heart rates of incubating oystercatchers (12% abov...
The ADDIE for ACTIONS Model Matrix: A Tool for Decision-Makers in Distance Education

Distance education, which may once have been thought of as insignificant to the survival of an academic institution, can no longer be ignored as vital to an institution’s success and reputation, and possibly even its existence in the new millennium. The student market which was once reserved for traditional institutions is now being preyed upon by competition from both public and private non-traditional, educational providers [Olcott 97]. Therefore, key decision-makers at both small and large traditional institutions are being forced to implement distance education programs to be more competitive in the marketplace. The authors will present The ADDIE for ACTIONS Model, which combines The ACTIONS Model [Bates 95] and The ADDIE Model [Rossett 87], that decision-makers can use when implementing a distance education program.
Diagramming Objections To Independent Premises

Arguments with what are called "independent" or "convergent" premises are typically diagrammed by using an arrow between each premise and the conclusion. This makes diagramming objections to the reasoning difficult. It also obscures differences in argument structure. I suggest that a single arrow should be used for such arguments and that this is so even in the extreme form of independent premises when the argument is entirely unstructured. I then discuss the diagramming of objections.
An Explanation for Various Rectus Femoris Strain Injuries Using Previously Undescribed Muscle Architecture

We performed cadaveric dissection of the rectus femoris muscle to correlate the various lesions of strain injury seen with imaging studies to the muscular anatomy. The proximal tendon is composed of a superficial, anterior portion from the direct head, and a deep intramuscular portion from the indirect head. The muscle fibers arising from the anterior superficial tendon of the direct head travel in a posterior and distal direction to insert on the posterior tendon of insertion, giving the proximal muscle a unipennate architecture. Muscle fibers from the intramuscular tendon of the indirect head originate on both the medial and lateral sides of the tendon and insert on the distal posterior tendon to create its bipennate structure. Three chronic strain injuries involving the midmuscle belly substance were explored grossly and microscopically. It appears that one type of acute strain injury occurs in the midmuscle belly with disruption of the muscle-tendon junction of the intramuscular tendon resulting in local hemorrhage and edema. More chronically, this hematoma organizes into a fatty, loose connective tissue encasement of the deep intramuscular proximal tendon. Serous fluid from the hematoma may remain within the connective tissue sheath, creating a pseudocyst with the deep intramuscular tendon of the indirect head at its center. The muscle's anatomy helps to explain a different rectus femoris strain injury.
Categorical perception and conceptual judgments by nonhuman primates: the paleological monkey and the analogical ape

Abstract Studies of the conceptual abilities of nonhuman primates demonstrate the substantial range of these abilities as well as their limitations. Such abilities range from categorization on the basis of shared physical attributes, associative relations and functions to abstract concepts as reflected in analogical reasoning about relations between relations. The pattern of results from these studies point to a fundamental distinction between monkeys and apes in both their implicit and explicit conceptual capacities. Monkeys, but not apes, might be best regarded as “paleo-logicans” in the sense that they form common class concepts of identity on the basis of identical predicates (i.e., shared features). The discrimination of presumably more abstract relations commonly involves relatively simple procedural strategies mediated by associative processes likely shared by all mammals. There is no evidence that monkeys can perceive, let alone judge, relations-between-relations. This analogical conceptual capacity is found only in chimpanzees and humans. Interestingly, the “analogical ape,” like the child, can make its analogical knowledge explicit only if it is first provided with a symbol system by which propositional representations can be encoded and manipulated
Metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma of the lung: Importance of immunohistochemical staining, clinical history and imaging studies

Proper evaluation of lung nodules is a difficult issue for clinical management of patients. Discriminating metastatic endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) from other primary spindle cell neoplasms of the lung using histological analysis can be challenging. This is particularly true when an adequate clinical history is lacking, because ESS metastasis can be delayed by a couple of decades. To emphasize the importance of the correlation of pathological findings with clinical history and imaging studies, we investigated 11 cases of ESS (seven low grade and four high grade) metastatic to the lung. All cases presented with one to multiple unilateral or bilateral lung nodules that were detected by chest computed tomography. Primary ESS was diagnosed from hysterectomy specimens except for one by endometrial biopsy, 0.5 to 23 years prior to metastasis. Immunohistochemical studies showed that all ESS cases were moderately to strongly positive for Bcl-2 and CD10 with >50% of tumor cells stained, except for one high grade ESS that was negative for CD10. Eight (72.7%) and seven (63.6) of the 11 cases showed positive estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively, with a majority of positive cases showing diffuse and moderate to strong staining. Strong but patchy staining for CD34 was detected in one (9.1%) case with smooth muscle differentiation. CK7 and TTF-1 were negative in all cases. Two (18.2%) cases exhibited patchy and strong positivity for caldesmon. Two (18.2%) low grade ESS cases showed moderate to strong AE1/AE3 positivity in >50% of tumor cells, one of which also showed moderate CK19 and Cam 5.2 staining in >30% of tumor cells. One should be cautious when assessing spindle cell neoplasms of the lung in women with a history of hysterectomy. Correlation of clinical history and imaging studies with histological and immunohistochemical findings is essential to diagnosis of metastatic ESS to the lung.
Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by targeting Notch signaling

Recent studies have shown that aberrant Notch signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the potential therapeutic benefits of Notch pathway inhibitors, including gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) on colon carcinogenesis are still unclear. In this study, the effects of the GSI, N-[N-3,5-difluorophenacetyl]-L-alanyl-S-phenylglycine methyl ester (DAPM) on colon carcinogenesis were investigated. In vitro, DAPM suppressed cell proliferation and induced the expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and p21 in human colon cancer cells. Interestingly, p21-null HCT 116 cells were largely resistant to the suppressive effects of DAPM on cell proliferation compared with the parental cells. To investigate the effects of DAPM in vivo, colonoscopy was performed to establish the presence of colon tumors 9 weeks after azoxymethane treatment. After tumors were identified, mice were injected intraperitoneally every other day with either DAPM or vehicle for 4 weeks. The frequency of both large (>4mm) and small (<1mm) colon tumors was significantly reduced by DAPM treatment. Colon tumors in the DAPM-treated mice displayed increased levels of KLF4 and p21, accompanied by reduced Ki-67 staining compared with controls. Notably, in human colon tumor biopsies, KLF4 and p21 expressions were present within hyperplastic polyps, but the levels of both proteins were markedly reduced in tubular adenomas. Our results suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPM provides a potential chemopreventive strategy for patients with tubular adenomas, in part via activation of the KLF4-p21 axis.
Metamaterial-inspired magnetic-based UHF and VHF antennas

We have demonstrated that the magnetic-based, metamaterial-inspired electrically small antennas that incorporate a lumped element capacitor can to be scaled to lower frequencies without changing their accepted power performance. This occurs without the intervention of any external matching circuit. On the other hand, the overall efficiency decreases significantly because of conductive losses arising from increasing current densities in the copper structures. We are continuing our investigations to determine if other variations of these structures can mitigate some of the copper losses at the lower VHF frequencies.
Human Fc receptors for IgG.

Human lymphocytes bear at least three different classes of FcγR, which are different in cellular distribution, structure, and function. This review deals with recent advances in understanding the complexity of huFcγR. In particular, studies demonstrating the presence of alternate phosphatidyl inositol glycan-anchored and (ransmembrane-anchored forms of huFcγRIII (CD16) are discussed.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Intra-Atrial Reentrant Tachycardia After Surgical Palliation of Congenital Heart Disease

Background Intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART), also called atrial flutter, is a common and potentially lethal complication of surgical correction of congenital heart disease. Medical management of IART is often problematic, which prompts an investigation of the utility of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for management of these arrhythmias. Methods and Results Ten consecutive patients referred for treatment of recurrent IART after surgery for congenital heart disease were studied. Median age was 18.4 years, and median duration of arrhythmia was 6.4 years; a median of three antiarrhythmic drugs had been tried. Surgical procedures used were Fontan (6), Mustard/Senning (2), and biventricular repair (2). Intracardiac electrophysiological study demonstrated 30 distinct IART circuits, defined by activation sequence and cycle length. Mean IART cycle length was 323±114 ms. Cycle length was significantly longer in IART circuits that were successfully ablated compared with those that were not (381 versus 248 ms,...
Fabric in Film and Film as Fabric: Maya Deren's Meshes of the Afternoon

AbstractMaya Deren's films employ still and moving fabric in order to articulate the changing relationships among viewer, actor, and director. Deren's use of fiber-based material is an overlooked aspect of her cinematic work. In this essay I explore the parallel between the medium of film—the screen, as well as the representation of fabric on film—and fabric in several of Deren's films, primarily her well-known 1943 film Meshes of the Afternoon. This is a generative parallel because a comparison with fabric introduces the idea that film could be conceived of as, simultaneously, a tactile material and a legitimate art form to mid-century film audiences. Film's relation to the body is traditionally distanced: the audience sits far from the screen in order to view it; the actors’ bodies exist only as intangible arrangements of light and shadow. Reading film with an awareness of the characteristics and connotations of moving fabric recasts cinema in light of the screen's status as fabric, a potentially tactil...
Compliance Monitoring of Crack Growth in Concrete

The method of compliance measurement is sometimes used to determine the length of cracks in fatigued metal specimens. This paper considers an application of this method to plain, concrete beams subjected to sinusoidal loading in three point bending. Three beams, prenotched by cutting with a concrete saw, were used to determine a compliance calibration curve. This curve was then used to determine the extent of cracking in eight beams that were fatigue loaded. Of the beams precracked by fatigue loading, six were subsequently statically loaded to failure. A method for estimating the effective fracture toughness based on a test procedure for metal specimens was used to obtain experimental data as input to a finite element model. Results, including fracture surface appearance, indicate that the compliance method is a convenient and suitable testing technique for monitoring crack growth in concrete beams due to fatigue.
The Retirement Housing Setting: Site Permeability, Service Availability, and Perceived Community Support in Crises

The paper describes and analyzes selected environmental aspects of six widely varying retirement housing facilities, in particular, the ecological variable of site boundaries. The analysis tests a model predicting thar perceived community support in crises will be a joint function of site permeability and service availability. Data collected from interviews with 600 residents fit the model and showed that in settings with good service availability (five sires), the lower the site permeability, the greater the perceived community support; the one site with poor service availability, as well as lowest permeability, evidenced the lowest perceived community support in crises.
Essay #4: On Being Unjustified

This essay investigates the concept of being unjustified. In particular it examines the concept in light of a square of opposition for justification. It employs the distinction between internal and external negation to clarify the distinction between being justified, unjustified and two senses of being completely unjustified. It also assumes a distinction between strong and weak justification, where the former is taken as a necessary condition of knowledge, and the latter amounts to having some lesser amount of evidence in favor of a proposition. Strong and weak justification yield different squares of opposition – the former traditional and the latter Boolean, and when combined they yield “The Cube of Justification” which exhibits 24 distinct conceptual interconnections. The analysis of these connections yields a set of eight distinct epistemic categories, i.e. five unique categories for p, and three more “duals” for ~p. These eight are represented on the Cube of Justification in different ways. Three of the eight are represented by faces of the Cube, and a fourth by a plane cutting through it. The other four are each represented by a pair of triangles, called either the Butterflies of Justification, or the Moths of Weak Justification. These eight categories constitute a set of five unique levels or strengths of justification, two for propositions that are completely justified and three for propositions that are completely unjustified. These levels are the main theoretical result of this investigation, beyond the work of conceptual clarification concerning being unjustified. The Cube of Justification also has eight planes (including three faces) that can only represent “Two Agent” Cases, because of the fact that ‘Jp’ and “J~p” are contraries. It is shown that these “Two Agent” Cases form a somewhat different set of levels of justification. The chief differences are in the emergence of mixed strength cases, and the lack of any uniquely “Two Agent” forms at the bottom level.
Turning the Tide on Poverty: The role of the Cooperative Extension Service in the initiative

Cooperative Extension Services (CES) played a critical role in the Turning the Tide on Poverty (Tide) project in the southern US. In an effort to explore how CES professionals perceived their role ...
Commemorating sojourner truth: Negotiating the politics of race and gender in the spaces of public memory

Three recent public campaigns to commemorate nineteenth century activist Sojourner Truth raise significant questions about the objects and processes of public memory and the shaping of cultural values. Sojourner Truth's history and works already are rhetorical constructions, such that any attempt to commemorate her must choose among various meanings she embodies as both African American and female. Framed within the recent literature on the rhetoric of public memory, this essay examines the three commemoration campaigns to explore how the difficult questions of race and gender were negotiated in these memorializing processes.
VPP - a Verilog HDL simulation and generation library for C++

VPP, a Verilog hardware description language (HDL) simulation and generation library for C++, was developed and used by the authors for the firmware design of very large field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) with equivalent gate counts of up to 4.4 million for CERN and Fermilab high-energy physics experiments. A C++ program based on the VPP library has the ability to perform behavioral simulation of firmware logic, and is written in syntax very similar to Verilog HDL. Such program can run on any operating system where a C++ compiler is available, and can be easily incorporated into larger system-wide software models. Once the analysis of the firmware model performance is finished, the same unmodified C++ source code is used to automatically generate valid Verilog HDL source code, which then can be converted into FPGA logic by a Verilog HDL synthesis tool. The behavior of that logic will match the initial C++ model exactly.
Is Virginia’s Judicial System Too Elitist? Political Culture, Judicial Appointment, and Reform Measures

This article raises and answers several important questions about Virginia’s method of appointing her judges: Why does Virginia use the appointment method? How is this method different from other states’ methods? Is Virginia’s judicial appointment process corrupt? And, perhaps most importantly: are reforms needed? The answers lie in understanding Virginia’s traditionalistic political culture, which emphasizes maintaining the status quo and government as the role for elites. Virginia has used the appointment method almost exclusively since her founding. A survey of historical and contemporary trends in Virginia’s judiciary reveals a low level of reported corruption of her judges, but a significant lack of transparency in the legislative selection and election of judicial candidates. The solution is not to switch to a different judicial selection method, because the benefits of other methods do not outweigh the benefits of the appointment method in the context of Virginia’s political culture. Rather, a more durable and comprehensive solution is to amend Virginia’s constitution to require the legislature to maintain a record of the judicial candidate vetting process in order to hold them accountable to their constituents for the integrity and impartiality (or lack thereof) of the judicial selection process.
Militarization and police violence: The case of the 1033 program:

Does increased militarization of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) lead to an increase in violent behavior among officers? We theorize that the receipt of military equipment increases multiple dimensions of LEA militarization (material, cultural, organizational, and operational) and that such increases lead to more violent behavior. The US Department of Defense 1033 program makes excess military equipment, including weapons and vehicles, available to local LEAs. The variation in the amount of transferred equipment allows us to probe the relationship between military transfers and police violence. We estimate a series of regressions that test the effect of 1033 transfers on three dependent variables meant to capture police violence: the number of civilian casualties; the change in the number of civilian casualties; and the number of dogs killed by police. We find a positive and statistically significant relationship between 1033 transfers and fatalities from officer-involved shootings across all models.
Studying everyday security politics: a note on methods of access

Everyday security politics are now increasingly a focus of study. This research centres on the experiences of ostensibly ‘ordinary’ women and men, with a particular focus on the various ways these ...
Implementation of a laboratory batching procedure with a correction for fines and moisture

The selection of an appropriate aggregate structure is a key step during mix design since this directly affects mix performance and the amount of asphalt in the mix. During conventional batching procedures, the aggregates are dried and sieved into different sizes only to be recombined later into the appropriate proportions to reproduce the design gradation. This type of procedure can produce gradations with substantially larger percent passing the sieve No.200 relative to the target gradation. This paper explores the effects that fines adhered to larger particles have on the batch gradation, the resulting optimum binder content and dust proportion. An improved batching procedure that corrects for fines adhered to larger particles and trapped moisture is presented in detail and shown to replicate the target design gradation more closely. The optimum asphalt content was determined by means of the Superpave® design method for both, a gradation batched conventionally and a gradation batched with the suggested corrected procedure. The results show that the optimum asphalt content and volumetrics obtained in both cases are substantially different. The procedure developed for the fines correction is recommended for routine batching in order to minimize the inclusion of additional fines that can potentially affect the performance characteristics of the mix.
Teaching Media Critique Through the Colbert Report

According to a recent news consumption survey conducted by the Pew Research Center (2012), a majority of younger Americans (ages 18–29) continue to cite comedy newscasts such as The Colbert Report and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as their primary sources of news (p. 15). As others have argued, the growing popularity of parody news among millennials is partially fueled by an ongoing disdain for the rampant sensationalism and ideological partisanship within mainstream media and politics (Baym, 2009; Moraes, 2011).
State helmet laws and helmet use among fatally injured moped riders in the United States, 2011-2015.

ABSTRACTObjective: Research has found that mandatory motorcycle helmet laws increase helmet use and reduce motorcycle-related fatalities. However, the association between state moped helmet laws and helmet use in the United States has not been examined. This study investigated this association among a census of fatally injured moped riders in the United States.Methods: A logistic regression model was constructed to analyze data extracted from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to examine risk factors for helmet nonuse among 572 moped riders fatally injured between 2011 and 2015.Results: Fatally injured moped riders in states with universal helmet laws had 69 times the odds of wearing a helmet (P < .001).Conclusions: Findings suggest that universal moped helmet laws increase helmet use. However, additional research is needed to examine helmet laws and use among nonfatally injured moped riders.
Serum Transthyretin: Predictor of Amyloidosis Outcomes?

See Article by Hanson et al > The future depends on what you do today. > > ―Mahatma Gandhi A biomarker is defined by the National Institutes of Health Biomarkers Definitions Working Group as “a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention.”1 Several biomarkers have been studied in recent years; however, few are used in clinical practice. According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, the potential impact of a novel risk factor is based on the following: (1) its predictive ability, (2) its prevalence in the target population, (3) the number of intermediate-risk individuals who are reclassified as high risk when the risk factor is applied, and (4) the net benefit (benefits minus harms) that would accrue to these high-risk individuals if they were managed according to guidelines for high-risk patients.2 Amyloidosis involves the transformation of a precursor protein into an insoluble extracellular fibril that interferes with the function of the organs affected (Figure). The most common precursors include immunoglobulin light chains (AL amyloidosis), wild-type transthyretins (ATTRwt), and genetically mutated transthyretins (ATTRm). The field of amyloidosis continues to develop, and biomarkers have been used to estimate prognosis, guide management, and assess response to treatment. In AL amyloidosis, serum cTn (cardiac troponins) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) are the most studied biomarkers. In combination with other hematologic markers, they are used to classify patients into prognostic stages and to determine eligibility for stem cell transplantation, resulting in …
A case series of primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis after a record-breaking rainy season.

Author(s): Shiu, Jessica; Thai, Megan; Elsensohn, Ashley N; Nguyen, Nathalie Q; Lin, Kelly Y; Cassarino, David S
US Tax Reform: Potential Impact on Europe and EU Corporations (Presentation Slides)

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) signed into law by President Trump on 22 December 2017 contains multiple provisions that significantly impact Europe and the way European corporations are being taxed by the US. The US corporate tax rate is set to be 21% (reduced from 35%). Most importantly, the shift towards participation exemption and the adoption of the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) and the foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) changed the delicate balance of US-EU taxation. Nonetheless, TCJA should not be considered as a ‘tax war’: it is a long-overdue response to the BEPS by US and a correct application of the single tax principle to prevent double non-taxation.
Mobile Technology, Crowdsourcing and Peace Mapping: New Theory and Applications for Conflict Management

This chapter develops a conceptual framework to highlight how mobile technologies can play a role in preventing, resolving and containing conflict. The rapid and worldwide proliferation of mobile phones means that access to mobile communication is far higher than access to the Internet. We draw on The Third Side (3S) framework for conflict management to demonstrate how mobile technology, crowdsourcing and crisis mapping can be leveraged to promote peace. The 3S framework was developed by Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation (PON) to democratize conflict management. The approach is designed to empower community stakeholders to prevent, resolve and/or contain potentially violent conflict. In both low intensity and high intensity conflict situations, the ability to respond quickly and effectively can significantly improve outcomes and reduce risks of escalating violence. We apply the 3S to Ushahidi’s crisis mapping platform and suggest Peace Mapping as a powerful tool to engage and empower individuals to manage conflict in their communities. Ushahidi is a free and open source platform used for crowdsourcing crisis information and crisis mapping. The purpose of Ushahidi is to democratize the collection and documentation of crisis information. The chapter articulates a theoretical approach for the use of mobile technologies in grassroots peace building.
All-Ferrous Iron–Sulfur Clusters

Iron–sulfur clusters are important biological cofactors that are used for electron transfer and also for reactivity. Though the iron atoms in these clusters are typically a mixture of ferrous iron(II) and ferric iron(III), there have been reports of biological iron–sulfur clusters in which all the iron atoms are reduced to the iron(II) oxidation state. These reports have inspired synthetic studies on all-ferrous iron–sulfur clusters. This chapter describes both the biological and synthetic work on all-iron(II) clusters, drawing comparisons and noting promising avenues for future research.
SULFHYDRYL OXIDATION AND MULTIPLE FORMS OF HUMAN ERYTHROCYTE PYRUVATE KINASE

ABSTRACT. Human erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate-phosphotransfease, E.C. 2.7.1.40) has been partially purified from outdated erythrocytes and some of its kinetic and physical properties have been studied.
Factors influencing users' adoption of mobile computing

This chapter introduces a model that identifies factors influencing users' adoption of mobile computing. It extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by identifying system and user characteristics that affect the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of mobile computing, which are two key antecedents in TAM. Furthermore, it incorporates two additional constructs, trust and enjoyment, as determinants in the model, and proposes specific factors that influence these two constructs. The long-term goals of this work are to gain an increased understanding of adoption issues in mobile computing, and to explain how specific HCI design issues may affect adoption by users.
Cosmetic Surgery: When Fifty Doesn't Feel Fabulous

U.S. attitudes toward aging drive patient demands for elective medical and surgical services. Ethical physicians must make sure patients have realistic expectations. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Evidence Base Update of Psychosocial Treatments for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Evaluating, Improving, and Transporting What Works.

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic and impairing condition that often persists into adulthood. This review refreshes the state of support for psychosocial treatments and the predi...
Retrieving Snow Water Equivalence using Signals of Opportunity Bistatic Radar

The Signals of Opportunity (SoOp) concept using only passive receivers across the available microwave spectrum (P-band for example) may complement or become a cost effective alternate to active radar and passive radiometer technologies. In this paper, we are focusing on utilizing P-band from the communication satellite Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) to retrieve snow water equivalence. We reviewed the theoretical model, which shows that the phase change of reflected signal from snowpack has a quasi-linear dependence on SWE. The retrieval algorithm is developed based on the linear regression of the model simulation. We will also demonstrate the proof of concept experiments that carried out in Fraser, CO.
Using agent-based modeling to evaluate the effects of Hurricane Sandy's recovery timeline on the ability to work

Abstract Hurricane Sandy greatly disrupted the New York City (NYC) region’s transportation systems, electric power systems, work locations, and schools in 2012. This study uses survey responses from NYC Metropolitan Area residents to develop an agent-based model that depicts commuter travel behavior and adaptation after the disruption. Six scenarios were tested to quantify which systems were more critical to recover for an earlier return to productivity - defined as the ability to work for one’s employer. The recommended system restoration order depends on the pattern of normal commuting behavior. In the NYC Metropolitan Area, a larger share of commuters use transit to commute than in any other US metropolitan area. This resulted in the model indicating the subway/rail system recovery as the most important factor for returning the most people to productivity. The second most important factor is widespread power restoration itself, which allows residents to telework while waiting for the transportation system to recover. The next most important factor is the reopening of schools and daycares (with associated infrastructure systems), freeing parents to commute. The remaining expedited system recovery scenarios tested using the agent-based model resulted in a faster return to productivity than the baseline, but to a lesser degree than the subway/rail, power, and childcare systems scenarios. Additional analysis of recovery shows that households with higher annual income benefit more from power recovery compared to those with lower incomes. Moreover, the effectiveness of recovery scenarios can differ based on residential location and the extent of disruption in that location.
Comparison of interventions to treat prompt dependence for children with developmental disabilities

Prior research has examined interventions to prevent prompt dependence from occurring during the training of novel skills. Nevertheless, the relative efficacy and efficiency of different intervention procedures may be idiosyncratic across learners, suggesting the potential benefit of an individualized assessment. The purpose of the current study was to extend the literature on prompt dependence by comparing interventions for 3 participants with developmental disabilities who consistently engaged in correct responses following prompts but did not perform tasks independently. We compared the efficacy and efficiency of 3 interventions including differential reinforcement, prompt fading, and extended response interval. Intervention results differed across participants, indicating that the most efficacious and efficient intervention for prompt dependence should be individualized via assessment.
Future Directions in Severe Childhood Asthma

Prior chapters in this book have covered in detail different aspects of the diagnosis, management, and research in severe pediatric asthma. In this chapter, we will review some of the lessons learned, knowledge gaps, areas of opportunity, and future directions that may help us better take care of our patients.