cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Process variation impact on FPGA configuration memory

The impact of process local variation on FPGA configuration memory is studied in this paper. Memory cell stability is examined by simulations and experiments on 65nm and 45nm processes. A statistical simulation method, which correlates closely with product silicon, has been developed. The results show that the trend of process local variation and memory density scaling adversely impact FPGA configuration memory stability. It is found that the cell stability is greatly affected by cell layout.
Noise-induced tinnitus using individualized gap detection analysis and its relationship with hyperacusis, anxiety, and spatial cognition

Tinnitus has a complex etiology that involves auditory and non-auditory factors and may be accompanied by hyperacusis, anxiety and cognitive changes. Thus far, investigations of the interrelationship between tinnitus and auditory and non-auditory impairment have yielded conflicting results. To further address this issue, we noise exposed rats and assessed them for tinnitus using a gap detection behavioral paradigm combined with statistically-driven analysis to diagnose tinnitus in individual rats. We also tested rats for hearing detection, responsivity, and loss using prepulse inhibition and auditory brainstem response, and for spatial cognition and anxiety using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. We found that our tinnitus diagnosis method reliably separated noise-exposed rats into tinnitus(+) and tinnitus(−) groups and detected no evidence of tinnitus in tinnitus(−) and control rats. In addition, the tinnitus(+) group demonstrated enhanced startle amplitude, indicating hyperacusis-like behavior. Despite these results, neither tinnitus, hyperacusis nor hearing loss yielded any significant effects on spatial learning and memory or anxiety, though a majority of rats with the highest anxiety levels had tinnitus. These findings showed that we were able to develop a clinically relevant tinnitus(+) group and that our diagnosis method is sound. At the same time, like clinical studies, we found that tinnitus does not always result in cognitive-emotional dysfunction, although tinnitus may predispose subjects to certain impairment like anxiety. Other behavioral assessments may be needed to further define the relationship between tinnitus and anxiety, cognitive deficits, and other impairments.
Sympathomimetic Drug Use in Adolescents Presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department with Chest Pain

AbstractBackground; Drug use has been associated with chest pain in adults presenting for emergency care. The association of drug use and chest pain in adolescents presenting to a pediatric emergency department has not been evaluated. Methods: Urine drug testing was conducted in a convenience sample of healthy adolescents with chest pain (cases) and compared to a control group of adolescents presenting with other complaints to a pediatric emergency department. Exclusion criteria were known diagnoses associated with chest pain (e.g., cardiac disease, sickle cell disease) and major trauma (due to its association with drug use). Urine drug testing consisted of 2 screening tests and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmation of all positive or indeterminate results. All patients completed a questionnaire regarding recently prescribed, over-the-counter, and illicit drug use. Results: Twenty-eight cases and 26 controls completed the study over an 11-month study period. No cases or controls were positive ...
The route to the top in the Ottoman ilmiye hierarchy of the sixteenth century

In this essay, I look into the growth in the Ottoman ilmiye hierarchy, and its emergence as a distinct career path, through an analysis of the backgrounds and careers of forty-nine officials who reached the highest four ilmiye positions. The analysis reveals that towards the middle of the sixteenth century new teaching and kadilik offices absorbed the growing number of ilmiye officials. After 1570, limitation of tenure periods and rules for promotion and removal were introduced to facilitate the employment of more officials. Meanwhile, greater emphasis was placed on receiving one's education and obtaining teaching positions in the central cities, especially Istanbul. Those scholars educated and taught in areas distant from the centre lost the opportunity to reach the highest ilmiye posts. In addition, after 1550, the sons of government officials were increasingly favoured in the ilmiye hierarchy.
Small-Bowel Arteriovenous Shunting Due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Vasculitis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease of the connective tissue characterized by the presence of numerous antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and deposition of immune complexes in multiple organ systems. In addition, a disturbance in the regulation of immunoglobulins occurs, with a defect in suppressor T lymphocytes associated with polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes and the uncontrolled production of autoantibodies and immune complexes. Gastrointestinal vasculitis in SLE is rare and almost always is associated with evidence of active disease in other organs. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen in patients with SLE who have abdominal vasculitis shows ascites and thickening of the bowel walls, with a double-halo or target sign. Ascertaining whether abdominal pain is due to SLE or is a surgical problem is difficult in patients with SLE. We report a case of a patient with a relapse of SLE who had abdominal signs and symptoms mimicking those of an acute abdomen and bizarre-looking findings on angiograms of the superior mesenteric vessels.
Platelet-Activating Factor: Mechanisms of Cellular Activation

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phosphatidylcholine containing a long-chain alkyl ether at position 1 and an acetate ester at position 2 (Blank et al., 1979; Demopoulos et al., 1979; Polonsky et al., 1980): Open image in new window Various cell types form and secrete this product when stimulated. PAF is found in the blood of animals undergoing experimentally induced toxic reactions such as anaphylaxis, serum sickness, and endotoxemia. It can mimic these reactions when injected intravenously into healthy animals. In particular, PAF infusion produces the activation of intravascular leukocytes and platelets, contraction of pulmonary airways, vascular instability, enhanced capillary permeability, and cardiac abnormalities. Deposited locally into tissues, PAF promotes edema and leukocyte accumulation. These results implicate PAF as a mediator of allergic and inflammatory reactions. However, even the most complex, systemic effects of PAF must result from fundamental interactions with target cells. Some understanding of these interactions has been obtained using in vitro studies on tissues containing one or only a few cell types.
Intraconfigurational absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of Os4+ in Cs2ZrCl6 and in Cs2ZrBr6

Electronic d-d transitions within the t 2g 4 configuration of Os4+ doped into cubic crystals of Cs2ZrCl6 and Cs2ZrBr6 were studied by means of low temperature absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy. The direct observation of the complete manifold of states in both host systems is reported and leads to a reinterpretation of earlier work. Vibronic analysis and MCD allow assignment of all the electronic origins of this configuration. Their energies are compared to results of a ligand field calculation.
Los derechos humanos y los estados de excepción

Este trabajo examina los estados de excepcion constitucional en el ordenamiento juridico chileno y en el derecho comparado, y su incidencia en los derechos fundamentales, con especial mencion a los medios de defensa judicial de los derechos humanos en tales estados, detectando una perturbadora ausencia del principio de responsabilidad por danos personales.
Turbulent Entrainment in Buoyant Jets and Plumes

The behavior of turbulent buoyant jets in uniform density environments is found to be governed by an entrainment function and buoyancy function, both of which are functions of the local jet densimetric Froude number and the local jet spreading angle. For plumes, Batchelor's analysis is used to show that the local Froude number and jet angle are constant. These two facts are then used to show that the buoyancy and entrainment functions in plumes are also constant and that their values can be deduced from an experimental velocity profile alone. Experimental results are also used to show that the axisymmetric buoyant jet is virtually independent of elevation and this result leads to the conclusion that the entrainment function is linearly dependent on the inverse of the local jet Froude number, thus confirming the result obtained by Priestly and Ball (1955). The buoyancy function is found to be constant with the value 1.16 for axisymmetric buoyant jets.
Cultural differences between East Asian and North American in temporal orientation.

Based on East Asian and North American differences in holistic versus analytical cognitive processing style and the tendency to predict cyclical versus linear trends, this review proposes cultural ...
The Point-Slope Formula Leads to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

(1995). The Point-Slope Formula Leads to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 135-139.
A five-step synthesis of (S)-macrostomine from (S)-nicotine.

A concise synthesis of (S)-macrostomine has been accomplished in five steps from natural nicotine in 19% overall yield via a pyridyne Diels−Alder cycloaddition reaction as the key step. A Kumada cross-coupling reaction on a 1-chloroisoquinoline intermediate provided the natural product.
Genistelloides Hibernus: A New Trichomycete from a Winter-Emerging Stonefly

Genistelloides hibernus is described as a new taxon of Trichomycetes (Harpellales, Legeriomycetaceae) discovered in the hindgut of Allocapnia vivipara (Plecoptera) nymphs from northeastern Kansas. ...
Nonsurgical treatment of male infertility. An update

As has been shown, when well-defined pathophysiology such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism exists in subfertile men, reasonably successful treatment options are available. When subfertility is unexplained or idiopathic, treatment is less successful. At present, numerous conditions of varying pathophysiology are lumped together as "idiopathic subfertility" and treated with the same nonspecific therapeutic modalities with minimal success. As further research elucidates the biochemical abnormalities causing these conditions, rational and specific therapies may be developed. In addition, advances in assisted reproductive technologies will allow treatment for many patients for whom no therapy currently exists.
A Critical Race Case Analysis of Black Undergraduate Student Success at an Urban University

Presented in this article is a case study of Black students’ enrollment, persistence, and graduation at Cityville University, an urban commuter institution. We combine quantitative data from the Un...
Best Clinical Practice: Controversies in Outpatient Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common condition managed in the emergency department (ED), with a wide range of morbidity and mortality. Patients are classically admitted for treatment and monitoring of anticoagulation. Objective We sought to evaluate the controversy concerning outpatient therapy for patients with acute PE and investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient management. Discussion Patients with venous thromboembolism have historically been admitted for treatment and monitoring for concern of worsening disease or side effects of anticoagulation (bleeding). More than 90% of EDs admit patients with PE in the United States. However, close to 50% of patients may be appropriate for discharge and outpatient therapy. The published literature suggests that outpatient treatment is safe, feasible, and efficacious, with similar rates of recurrent venous thromboembolism and all-cause mortality, especially with novel oral anticoagulants. Multiple scoring criteria can be used, including the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), simplified PESI, Hestia criteria, Geneva Prognostic Score, European Society of Cardiology guidelines, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events, and Aujesky score. Simplified PESI and the European Society of Cardiology guidelines have high-quality evidence, sufficient sensitivity, and ease of use for the ED. Patients considered for outpatient therapy should possess low hemorrhage risk, adequate social situation, negative biomarkers, ability to comply, and no alternate need for admission. Conclusions Patients with acute PE are often admitted in the United States, but a significant proportion may be appropriate for discharge. Patients with low risk for adverse events according to clinical scoring criteria, adequate follow-up, ability to comply, and no other need for admission can be discharged with novel oral anticoagulant therapy.
Factorization of boosted multijet processes for threshold resummation

Explicit applications of factorization theorems for processes at hadron colliders near the hadronic end point have largely focused on simple final states with either no jets (e.g., Drell-Yan) or one inclusive jet (e.g., deep-inelastic scattering and prompt photon production). Factorization for the former type of process gives rise to a soft function that depends on timelike momenta, whereas the soft function for the latter type depends on null momenta. We derive in soft-collinear effective theory a factorization theorem that allows for an arbitrary number of jets, where the jets are defined with respect to a jet algorithm, together with any number of nonstrongly interacting particles. We find the soft function in general depends on the null components of the soft momenta inside the jets and on a timelike component of the soft momentum outside of the jets. This generalizes and interpolates between the soft functions for the cases of no jets and one inclusive jet. We verify consistency of our factorization theorem to $\mathcal{O}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s})$ for any number of jets. While in this paper we demonstrate consistency only near the hadronic end point, we keep the kinematics general enough (in particular allowing for nonzero boost) to allow for an extension to partonic threshold resummation away from the hadronic end point.
Opioid Use Initiation, Progression, and Motivations Among OEF/OIF/OND-Era Veterans in New York City: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis

This study examines the temporal relationship between prescription opioid (PO) and heroin use among veterans in New York City. Drawing on survey data from a convenience sample of 214 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND)-era opioid-using military veterans, analyses demonstrate substantial cohort-level variation. Most notably, heroin use prior to PO initiation and prior to military enlistment was reported more frequently among the cohorts born prior to 1970 and after 1984. Across all cohorts, high percentages of participants reported alleviation of emotional/psychological pain as a reason for both PO and heroin use. Cohort-level variation highlights the need for tailored interventions and targeted prevention efforts.
22 Gang Membership in Developmental Perspective

This review provides an opportunity to assess the current state of knowledge on gang membership in developmental perspective and suggest directions for future research in this area. There has been a proliferation in the number of panel data sources including gang members and nongang involved youth since the early 1990s, which has allowed for a more thorough understanding of the causes and consequences of gang membership. This review draws heavily upon these more recent developments and explicates what these studies have revealed about the implications of gang membership in human development. By and large, developmental and life course researchers have not focused on the role of gang membership in human development, and thus much is still to be learned in this area. Further theoretical and empirical research on the implications of gang membership in longitudinal perspective is necessary.
The Mediating Role of Mindfulness in the Relationship between Media Multitasking and Mind Wandering

Commonly regarded as a marketable skill in the modern, technology-rich world, the-now-ubiquitous behavior of media multitasking (i.e., engaging in more than one medium at the same time) usually comes with various costs, including lowered task performance, prolonged task completion time, and frequent attentional lapses. This correlational study examined the mediating effect of self-reported trait mindfulness in the relationship between self-reported media multitasking frequency and mind wandering tendency. The mediation analysis revealed that trait mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between media multitasking frequency and mind wandering tendency. This partial mediation model suggests that habitual media multitasking is associated with an increased proclivity for mind wandering and that media multitasking is associated with lower levels of mindfulness, which is in turn associated with greater propensity for mind wandering. It is plausible that habitual media multitaskers may find it difficult to prevent their minds from wandering because their top-down attentional control is compromised by frequently and consistently switching attention between multiple forms of media, diminishing their ability to stay focused on a single task. The findings from the current study emphasize the importance of taking a step back and reconsidering our relationship with technology. Through chronic media multitasking, we might be training our brains to easily get distracted by both internal and external interruptions, depriving ourselves of our innate ability to stay present and deteriorating our ability to stay focused.
Comments by P. H. Cootner, E. Parzen, and W. S. Morris (1960s) and responses

While teaching economics at harvard, I spent part of the 1962 Christmas vacation in Pittsburgh PA, where the Econometric Society held its Annual Meeting. M 1962i, which was to provide the substance of M 1963b{E14} and 1967b{E15}, was honored by being made the sole topic of a session. Instead of three talks, each followed by a brief discussion, this session included my talk followed by several discussions. The two that were written down were thoughtful, but demanded a response. Sections 1 and 2 reproduce some telling points of those comments, in italics and between quote marks, and followed by my responses. Two other discussants, Lawrence Fisher and George Hadley of the University of Chicago, left no record. The source of the quite separate contribution by W. S. Morris will be mentioned in Section 3.
Molecular dynamics simulations of shock-induced chemistry: application to chemically sustained shock waves

Detonations travel through solid explosives as shock waves accompanied by rapid rises in temperature and pressure that cause the exothermic chemical reactions which sustain them. Because of the short time and length scales involved, molecular dynamics simulations can potentially probe their initiation and subsequent interplay with chemistry at the shock front. Such simulations may also clarify how this discrete shock induced chemistry relates to those properties of detonations that are understood by continuum (hydrodynamic) theories. To be at all convincing, however, these simulations require a model that is sufficiently simple to treat condensed phase systems containing several thousand atoms while incorporating traditional chemical concepts such as concerted reactions and energy release via the formation of product molecules. We have developed such a model for a two-dimensional diatomic energetic molecular solid using empirical bond order potentials. Simulations using this model possess characteristics expected of a detonation while displaying such rich behavior as shock wave splitting caused by a loss of molecular identity at high pressures.
Abating Climate Change and Feeding the World Through Soil Carbon Sequestration

Two degrees Celsius was accepted by the Copenhagen Accord and the G-8 Summit as an acceptable upper limit of increase in global temperature. This requires identification and implementation of viable options to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases and sequester carbon from the atmosphere: business as usual will mean a drastic increase in atmospheric CO2 with dire consequences for the environment, ecosystem services and human well-being. However, net emissions can be reduced by enhancing terrestrial C pools: the soil (4,000 Pg to 3 m depth) and the biotic (620 Pg). The soil C pool is ~5 times the atmospheric pool (780 Pg) and 6.5 times the biotic pool. Most agroecosystems have severely depleted their soil organic carbon (SOC). The magnitude of depletion (30–40 MgC/ha, i.e. 25–75 % of the antecedent) depends on climate, soil type, land use history, farming systems and management.
Ultra-fast laser-patterning computation for advanced manufacturing of powdered materials exploiting knowledge-based heat-kernels

Abstract The processing of powdered materials by laser processing has become quite widespread. One approach is to deposit a powder bed of material and to “flash” a pattern onto the bed in order to sufficiently heat up the material to sinter and/or fully melt the desired targeted pattern. This avoids rastering a single beam back and forth to produce the pattern. In order to adequately control the thermal fields that are induced by the laser pattern,simulation tools are needed to quickly ascertain the parameter setting needed, such as • powder porosity, • powder conductivity, • beam spatial distribution and • beam temporal duration. The focus of this work is to develop a rapid computational tool that can be used in conjunction with manufacturing systems. The approach is to develop precomputed solutions for point-source “beamlets” and then to create patterns by arranging the point-sources in the proper configuration. The entire thermal field is then created by superposing the solutions. A series of three-dimensional problems are solved to illustrate the approach, which is geared to rapidly solving the response to complex patterns.
Factors Affecting Travel Demand by Bus: An Empirical Analysis at U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Area Level:

Understanding the nature of transit travel demand is at the heart of transportation policy making and the success of transit systems. Unfortunately, most existing studies focus narrowly on a single...
Understanding Food Labels

Have you ever made a purchase based on a food label? Everyone gives food labels a cursory glance, but for the many consumers who wish to make purchasing decisions that reflect their personal and social values, food labels are critical. How do you decipher the myriad of new symbols, logos, certifi­cation claims, and sometimes meaningless informa­tion presented in today’s marketplace? How do you know which labels contain statements that are not regulated by governmental agencies? Can you differentiate third-party certifications from private company claims? In this commentary, we categorize and review a broad array of new label varieties, claims, certifications, and regulations. We then describe a new online, interactive resource for con­sumers to help them improve their understanding of food labels. Finally, we inventory additional teaching tools and resources that may provide educators with other food label curricula for consumers. See the press release for this article.
The interaction of crime & place: an exploratory study of crime & policing in non-metropolitan areas

The importance of crime and place and the diversity inherent in crime problems and policing styles have been recognized for decades. However, less is known about the types of issues and challenges that must be confronted by agencies located in rural communities. This exploratory research presents preliminary findings from a study of six non-metropolitan law enforcement agencies nested within rural areas in Oklahoma. Qualitative interviews and field visits were conducted with a purposive sample of departmental officials. Data collection efforts focused on understanding the types of issues the departments face and the current state of the drug and crime problems in these areas. Key themes include law enforcement challenges, crime, drugs, and gang activity. Unanticipated findings that emerged during the course of the research are also discussed.
Leyes de Reforma y espiritualidad ignaciana en la obra del P. Antonio Labrador (1837-1915)

Starting in 1873, the Jesuits were re-admitted into the Church of Mexico, and started a series of rural missions. Encouraged by initiatives like the «Apostolado de la cruz», the Jesuits made a concerted effort to establish a series of groups and initiatives destined to fight the liberalism of the Reform Laws. This paper studies the contribution of Antonio Labrador S. J., from when he joined the Rural Missions in 1885, until his return to Spain in 1910.
Health, migration and human rights

Doctors, nurses and midwifes from developing countries migrate to affluent countries in large numbers, often leaving behind severely understaffed healthcare systems. One way to limit this ‘brain dr...
A semi-automated multi-endpoint reactive oxygen species activity analyzer (SAMERA) for measuring the oxidative potential of ambient PM2.5 aqueous extracts

Many acellular assays have been developed for assessing the oxidative potential (OP) of ambient PM2.5, yet no consensus has been reached on the most appropriate method. Most of these methods are hi...
60-OR: OGTT Glucose Response Curves (GRC), Insulin Sensitivity (IS), and ß-Cell Function (ßCF) in RISE: Youth–Adult Contrast at Randomization and in Response to Interventions to Preserve ßCF

In adults and youth without diabetes, the shape of the OGTT-GRC [Biphasic (BPh), Monophasic (MPh), Incessant Increase (IIn)], identifies individuals with impairment in IS and βCF, worst in IIn, and least in BPh. Youth in the TODAY Study with IIn OGTT-GRC had higher glycemic failure rates and accelerated decline in βCF. In RISE we examined: 1) the shape of the OGTT-GRC in youth (n=85) vs. adults (n=353) at randomization; 2) the association between OGTT-GRCs and hyperglycemic clamp-measured IS and C-peptide-derived βCF; and 3) the change in OGTT-GRC [improvement: change from IIn to MPh or BPh, or MPh to BPh; deterioration: the opposite; and no change] at month 12 (M12) in each intervention arm [Metformin (M), and Glargine followed by M (G-M)]. At randomization, more youth had a BPh curve than adults (18.8% vs. 8.2%, p=0.022), with no difference in prevalence of MPh (70.6% vs. 77.3%) or IIn (10.6% vs. 14.5%) curves. IS did not differ across OGTT-GRCs in youth or adults. However, irrespective of curve type, youth had lower IS than adults (p In summary, despite a 2-fold higher prevalence of the most favorable BPh OGTT-GRC in youth at randomization, it did not translate to better response to interventions in youth. Moreover, OGTT-GRCs reveal that the typical β-cell hypersecretion in youth is not present with the IIn GRC, emphasizing the severity of β-cell dysfunction in youth with this least favorable OGTT curve shape. Disclosure S.A. Arslanian: Research Support; Self; National Institutes of Health. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc. L. El Ghormli: None. J. Kim: None. T.S. Hannon: None. K.J. Mather: Research Support; Self; Abbott, Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. S. Caprio: None. E. Barengolts: None. K.J. Nadeau: None. K. Utzschneider: Other Relationship; Self; Medtronic. S.E. Kahn: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, Intarcia Therapeutics, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Pfizer Inc. T. Consortium: None. Funding American Diabetes Association (1-14-RISE-01 to S.E.K.); National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Laboratory Utilization.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was formally characterized as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since that time, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand for healthcare resources. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in laboratory test utilization in the setting of increasing local incidence of COVID-19. Methods We performed a retrospective assessment of laboratory test order and specimen container utilization at a single, urban tertiary care medical center. Data were extracted from the laboratory information system database over a 10-week period, spanning the primordial inflection of COVID-19 incidence in our region. Total testing volumes were calculated during the first 2 and last 2 weeks of the observation period and used as reference points to examine the absolute and relative differences in test order volume between the prepandemic and COVID-19 surge periods. Results Between February 2, 2020, and April 11, 2020, there were 873 397 tests ordered and final verified. The in-house SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate for admitted patients in the last week of the observation period was 30.8%. Significant increases in workload were observed in the send-out laboratory section and for COVID-19 diagnosis (PCR) and management-related testing. Otherwise, there was a net decrease in overall demand across nearly all laboratory sections. Increases in testing were noted for tests related to COVID-19 management. Viral transport media and citrated blue top containers demonstrated increases in utilization. Conclusion Increasing local incidence of COVID-19 had a profound impact on laboratory operations. While volume increases were seen for laboratory tests related to COVID-19 diagnostics and management, including some with limited evidence to support their use, overall testing volumes decreased substantially. During events such as COVID-19, monitoring of such patterns can help inform laboratory management, staffing, and test stewardship recommendations for managing resource and supply availability.
Public-Sector Unions and Government Policy: The Effects of Political Contributions and Collective Bargaining Rights

Recent events, including the failed recall of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and the Chicago teachers strike, have shed light on the relationship between state fiscal policy and public-sector union power. While a literature has developed focusing on various aspects of the link between public-sector unions and government policy, scholars have yet to reach consensus. In most cases, public-sector unions have multiple tools they can use to influence policy. To the extent that different tools function as substitutes, their relative importance may be weakened due to diminishing returns. If, instead, they serve as complements, they may only be effective when used in concert. Furthermore, their effectiveness may be affected by the government's support of union interests. We find that union political contributions and collective bargaining are associated with higher incomes for state and local employees and with higher public employment, both across state and local government overall as well as within the education sector. We also find little to no evidence that union activity influences total spending.
Infected intracranial dermal sinus tract in a child

Abstract Dermal sinus tracts (DSTs) are rare congenital defects occurring along the cranial spinal axis. They may extend from the skin into the deeper structures of the central nervous system. While most DSTs remain clinically occult, they can provide a route of entry for skin pathogens to cause intracranial infection. We report a child with a recent history of fever of unknown etiology who presented to our emergency department with a subcutaneous occipital mass. She was ultimately diagnosed with an infected intracranial dermal sinus tract. In this report, we provide a review of the literature on the diagnosis and management of this unique entity.
Voicing contrasts and prosody in Majhi

This project examines the understudied phonetic inventory of Majhi Panjabi, particularly the factors that contribute to the perception of a three-way voicing contrast in stops and affricates: falling pitch contour and de-aspiration of following consonants. I further explore the possible impact of contact with the non-tonal qualities of Urdu in this change.
Adsorption Of Phenoxyacetic Acid And Trans-Cinnamic Acid On Hydroxyapatite

Adsorption characteristics of phenoxyacetic acid and trans-cinnamic acid were studied for two purposes: (i) to explore whether polymerization is initiated, like that of N- phenylglycine (NPG), in a system containing a monomeric resin with an adsorbate-treated synthetic hydroxyapatite, and (ii) to investigate their role in a bonding procedure of restorative resin to dentin and enamel.
Totally laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy in a donor with trifurcation of bile duct

Summary Donor operation in adult living donor liver transplantation is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. To avoid laparotomy wound complications and shorten postoperative recovery, laparoscopic liver graft harvest has been developed recently. However, to determine the cut point of bile duct is challenging. Herein, we report the application of totally laparoscopic approach for right liver graft harvest in a donor with trifurcation of the bile duct. A19-year-old man volunteered for living donation to his father who suffered from hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The graft was 880 mL with a single right hepatic artery and portal vein. The graft to recipient weight ratio was 1.06. The middle hepatic vein was preserved for the donor and the liver remnant was 42.3%. Two branches of middle hepatic veins were > 5 mm in diameter and needed reconstruction with cryopreserved allograft. Ductoplasty using laparoscopic intracorporeal suture technique was done to achieve single orifice of the graft bile duct. The postoperative course was uneventful for the donor. This report adds evidence of the feasibility of pure laparoscopic right donor hepatectomy and describes the necessary steps for bile duct division in donors with trifurcation of bile duct.
Will Your Religion Allow You…to Live? The Mature Minor Doctrine, Religious Exemptions, and a Look into Louisiana Law

Imagine being fifteen years old and diagnosed with a rare disease that will kill you if you do not undergo certain medical procedures. Further imagine that the treatment the doctors say will save your life is a treatment that is utterly against your religion. Would you follow your religious beliefs, or would you follow the doctor’s highly recommended procedures? Would you weigh your parent’s beliefs, or are you mature enough to make the decision for yourself? Even if you think you are mature enough, will your home state allow your “mature” decisions to be considered in court? The 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act originally required states to adopt religious exemptions to child neglect in order to keep federal funding for child-protection programs. Despite the lifting of this requirement, many states still have the exemptions in force. Due to these exemptions, many children have died because their parents believe that they are not required to give their children proper medical treatment if it is against their religion. The mature-minor doctrine makes these issues even stickier. While some states use this doctrine in a very limited sense, others have adopted a broad interpretation that would allow a mature minor to refuse medical treatment while not holding the parents responsible. Each state has its own unique interpretation of religious exemptions and the mature-minor doctrine. Thus, both should be interpreted with particular caution. This article uses a 2013 Wisconsin Supreme Court case, Dane County v. Sheila W., as a factual backdrop to discuss the issues of religious exemptions and the mature-minor doctrine. These issues have not been heavily discussed in Louisiana, and this article seeks to provide an overview and a guide for when Louisiana is faced with a similar situation.
ASC inflammasome mediates host protection against rickettsiae via a NLRP3-independent signaling pathway (INC7P.403)

Rickettsiae escape from the vacuole into the cytosol, where they replicate and inflammasomes recognize the cytosolic infectious pathogens via Nod-like receptors leading to secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. However, the interaction of rickettsiae with inflammasomes has never been investigated. In this study, we found that secretion of mature IL-1β and IL-18 from Rickettsia australis-infected macrophages is caspase-1 and ASC-dependent, suggesting that Rickettsia activates ASC inflammasome. All R. australis-infected ASC-/- mice succumbed to infection (100% mortality) while all infected wild type (WT) mice survived (0% mortality). Rickettsial loads in liver in infected ASC-/- mice were significantly increased with less cellular infiltration compared to infected WT mice. In vivo production of IL-18 was completely dependent on ASC in R. australis-infected mice as evidenced by abolished IL-18 production in infected ASC-/- mice compared to infected WT mice. R. australis-induced-IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations were only reduced, but not abolished in macrophages from NLRP3-/- mice compared to WT controls. Host survival and rickettsial loads in lung and liver of NLRP3-/- mice were comparable with those of WT mice, suggesting a negligible role of NLRP3 in host defense. Taken together, our results suggest that R. australis are recognized by ASC inflammasome in vitro and in vivo via a NLRP3-independent pathway. ASC inflammasome mediates host protection against this intracellular bacterium.
Electronic spectra in bulk water and at the water liquid/vapor interface.: Effect of solvent and solute polarizabilities

Abstract The role of solvent and solute many-body polarizabilities in influencing the electronic absorption line shapes for a model dipolar solute at the water liquid/vapor interface is investigated using molecular dynamics computer simulations. Several choices for the charge distribution in the solute excited state and for the solute atomic polarizability are considered. A comparison is made between the results using both polarizable and non-polarizable water models. Solvent polarizability is found to have a more substantial effect on the peak absorption spectrum than solute polarizability, especially for transitions to more polar excited states, and somewhat less so at the interface than in the bulk.
FLUID THERAPY IN SURGERY OF THE NEWBORN

AFTER reviewing recent monographs and articles on fluid therapy of infants undergoing surgery, the author is impressed with the confusion that must exist in the minds of pediatricians and surgeons as to appropriate therapy. Dosage of water and electrolyte is related to body weight, surface area or caloric turnover. Restriction of water intake is recommended or advised against. Administration of sodium is prohibited by some, but plasma is used liberally by the same authors. Potassium is used by some therapists even during surgery but is withheld by others for several days after surgery. It is not the purpose of this commentary to prescribe a specific therapeutic program, but rather to emphasize certain principles which have been neglected at times by all writers on tile subject (including the present one).
Immunodepletive anti-α/β-TCR antibody in transplantation of composite tissue allografts: Cleveland Clinic research experience

The immunologic characteristics of composite tissue allografts (CTA), which contain skin, lymphoid elements and bone with bone marrow, raise new challenges for transplant immunologists. Owing to the heterogeneity of transplanted tissues in limb or face transplant models, researchers are focusing on the new tolerance-inducing strategies facilitating CTA acceptance. A number of immunosuppressive protocols have been designed to develop tolerance in experimental models; however, only a few protocols have been introduced to clinical transplantation. In this review, based on own experiences, we discuss the major strategies for tolerance induction in limb and face allograft models in experimental studies. This review is focused on tolerance induction strategies by establishment of donor-specific chimerism using different immunomodulatory protocols, including nonselective T-cell depletion with polyclonal antibody antilymphocyte serum and selective inhibition of αβ-T-cell receptors on the alloreactive T cells.
Two-phase thermal management using a small-scale, heat transfer cell based on vibration-induced droplet atomization

A two-phase heat transfer module in which thin-film evaporation on the hot surface is achieved using surface droplet atomization is described and characterized. Surface atomization is achieved using a vibration-induced droplet atomization (VIDA) process in which small liquid droplets are produced within a sealed heat transfer cell and are propelled onto the heated surface. The VIDA technique involves the violent break-up of thin liquid layers on the vibrating surface of a piezoelectrically driven membrane that is operated at resonance. Liquid is supplied to the atomizer at a controlled rate using an integrated miniature piezoelectric pump thereby enabling orientation insensitive cell operation. The impact of the atomized droplets on the heated surface forms a thin film that evaporates continuously and the resulting vapor is condensed both on the internal surfaces of the heat transfer cell and on the surface of the atomized droplets. The condensate is collected and returned to the atomizer module by the integral diaphragm pump. The present paper describes the operation and characterization of a small-scale VIDA heat transfer module for cooling integrated circuits at the power level of desktop microprocessors. A unique element of the new cell is the addition of an internal synthetic jet that operates in the vapor space and regulates the droplet motion towards the heated surface and the transport of the vapor. Particular emphasis is placed on the cell's operating characteristics and cooling capabilities. Heat fluxes as high as 420 W/cm/sup 2/ have been realized at die temperature below 135/spl deg/C.
Effects of Additives on the Non-Premixed Ignition of Ethylene in Air

The ignition characteristics of heated C_2H_4 counterflowing against heated air were numerically investigated in the presence of additives such as NO, F_2, and H_2. C_2H_4 and air temperatures were chosen to resemble conditions relevant to high-Mach number, air-breathing propulsion. The numerical simulations were conducted along the stagnation streamline of the counterflow and included detailed descriptions of chemical kinetics and molecular transport. It was found that addition of NO at concentrations of about 10,000 ppm (1%), results in a substantial increase of the ignition strain rate, from 300 /s to values up to 32,000/s. This ignition promotion is caused by enhanced radical production that is initiated through the interaction between NO and HO_2. A further increase in the NO amount leads to reduced improvements. Small additions of F_2 and H_2 were also found to promote ignition, but to lesser extent compared to NO. Results also show that with the addition of F_2 in the presence of NO, ignition promotion is further enhanced, and for F_2 and NO concentrations larger than 25,000 ppm, the system becomes hypergolic. The present investigations suggest that the use of C_2H_4, NO, and F_2 may permit ignition at conditions of relevance to SCRAMJET’s.
Board certification in health psychology

As professional practice in health psychology has matured, mechanisms for board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology have been developed. This article describes the American Board of Health Psychology and its role in the credentialing of practitioners who demonstrate advanced competence in the science and practice of psychology related to health, including the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of illness.
Electrochemistry and nitric oxide mass transport in cancer: why ingestion of sodium nitrite could be effective in treating vascularized tumors

Nitric oxide concentrations in tumors do not reach apoptosis inducing levels when their excess NO is rapidly depleted. The out-flux of NO from a tumor to air or blood scales with the contacting area and with the concentration gradient; the gradient scales with the tumor–air or tumor–blood concentration difference and scales inversely with the thickness of the boundary layer, i.e. the fluid’s flow rate. Air-contacting skin and lung cancers account for ~60% of all cancers in part because out-diffusion of NO from nascent tumors to air increases the likelihood of their survival. Out-diffusion of NO also explains their initially 2-D spreading at the air interface. Blood is an NO sink because its proteins are rapidly S-nitrosated; depletion of NO by the blood explains the dormancy of tumors until their vascularization and their virulence after vascularization. Erythrocytes store NO2- and their carbonic anhydrase converts it to NO and NO3−. Thus, NaNO2, a common additive in cured meats, may reduce NO out-diffusion by raising the blood NO concentration.
Relativistic correction of the Hooge parameter for Umklapp 1⨍ noise

Abstract If the 1 ⨍ noise in semiconductors is describable by the Umklapp 1 ⨍ noise process, a relativistic correction of the Hooge parameter is needed when the effective mass of the carriers is very small. This should apply to Hg1−xCdxTe resistors with x = 0.20 and low temperature when Umklapp 1 ⨍ noise is the predominant 1 ⨍ noise source.
Evolution of microstructure, macrotexture and microtexture during hot rolling of Ti-6A1-4V

Abstract The evolution of microstructure, macrotexture and microtexture during subtransus hot working of Ti-6A1-4V with two different types of transformed β starting microstructures (lamellar colony, acicular/martensitic α) was investigated. Globularization of the transformed microstructures required heavy rolling reductions or moderate reductions coupled with near transus post-rolling heat treatment. Despite the sluggish dynamic globularization kinetics, noticeable macrotexture changes were noted after low reductions, an effect ascribed to the rotations associated with kinking and bending of the lameilar/acicular plates. Noticeable microtextures, noted in samples with an initial lamellar colony microstructure, persisted through hot rolling suggesting that dynamic globularization does not involve recrystallization. In contrast, hot rolled material with a starting acicular α microstructure exhibited weak microtextures and strong macrotextures. The absence of microtexture in these latter cases was explained on the basis of multiple transformation variants within each colony/prior β grain following the β-annealing-and-water-quenching process used to obtain the microstructure.
Z pinch driven inertial confinement fusion target physics research at Sandia National Laboratories

Three hohlraum concepts are being pursued at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to investigate the possibility of using pulsed power driven magnetic implosions (Z pinches) to drive targets capable of fusion yields in the range 200-1000 MJ. This research is being conducted on SNL's Z facility, which is capable of driving peak currents of 20 MA in various Z pinch load configurations that produce implosion velocities as high as 7.5 × 107cm/s, X ray energies of 1-2 MJ and X ray powers of 100-250 TW. The first concept, denoted dynamic hohlraum, has achieved a temperature of 180 ± 14 eV in a configuration suitable for driving capsules. In addition, this concept has also achieved a temperature of 230 ± 18 eV in an arrangement suitable for driving an external hohlraum. The second concept, denoted static walled hohlraum, has achieved temperatures of ~80-100 eV. Experimental investigation of the third concept, denoted Z pinch driven hohlraum, has recently begun. The article discusses each of these hohlraum concepts and provides an overview of the experiments that have been conducted on these systems to date.