cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uganda’s Tax on Social Media: Financial Burdens as a Means of Suppressing Dissent

In response to political upheaval, African states have restricted access to social media platforms. In what appears to be the start of a regional trend, several East African nations have imposed taxes and fees on social media. Uganda has levied the world’s first tax on social media users, imposing in 2018 a daily tax on the use of fifty-eight websites and applications, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Skype. To access these platforms, one must pay a daily fee of 200 Ugandan Shillings ($.054 USD). This Note will use the Ugandan social media tax as a case study through which to examine the legality, under international law, of financial burdens designed to suppress political dissent. While the analysis will focus solely on Uganda’s law, much of it will apply beyond Uganda’s borders to countries pursuing similar legislation. Part I provides important background with respect to the Ugandan scheme. Part II explores freedom of expression over the Internet under international law and determines what types of restrictions on expression are legally permissible. Part III analyzes whether a tax that affects speech would be considered a restriction of expression. Finally, Part IV examines the social media tax through the lens of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and analyzes the consequences of a determination that the social media tax violates international norms, both within Uganda and more broadly across East Africa.
Blockchain technology – recent research and future trend

Blockchain, as a decentralized platform and distributed ledger database, will promote the centralized system to form a comprehensive ecosystem. A systematic review of blockchain research on informa...
Exploring phenotypic variation and associations in root nodulation, morphological, and growth character traits among 50 guar genotypes

Abstract Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is a legume grown worldwide, tolerant of hot, dry, and saline conditions. Phenotyping is a key bottleneck in guar improvement, with belowground root nodule phenes being largely overlooked. To address this bottleneck, a greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate phenotypic variability and associations in 14 nodule and plant growth parameters in 50 guar genotypes over 48 days. Nodule mass per plant differed among genotypes and had moderate heritability (P = 0.011, H2 = 0.40), while nodule number did not differ and had low heritability (P = 0.247, H2 = 0.14), and the parameters were not correlated. Nodule mass was correlated with total plant N (r = 0.56), plus most biomass parameters, indicating phenotypic links between plant capacity to support nodulation, N2 accumulation, and plant biomass production. Stem diameter may be useful as an indirect, high-throughput selection trait for increased nodulation in guar, as there was a positive association between stem diameter and nodule mass. Branch number and stem diameter, which have great agronomic significance, had wide phenotypic variability and were highly heritable. Reproductive development was delayed in branched genotypes, which may have implications in breeding guar for environments that differ in growing season length. Despite low heritability, there was a wide range in specific leaf area (SLA) that may be exploited by breeders to optimize drought tolerance and N use efficiency traits. These analyses give novel and confirmatory insights on the nature and associations of phenotypic character traits in guar, particularly nodule traits, providing added tools for breeders in developing desired and beneficial plant ideotypes.
Desorption Driven High Spatial Frequency LIPSS Formation in GaAs

A new mechanism of High Spatial Frequency Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (HSFL) formation is presented, where desorption of atomic constituents from 390 nm light irradiation leads to HSFL with a period of 65 nm.
Circumstances of Suicide Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals.

ABSTRACT Introduction Suicide rates for sexual minorities are higher than the heterosexual population. The purpose of this study is to explore circumstances surrounding suicide completion to inform future intervention strategies for suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Materials and Methods We completed a retrospective analysis of data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) from 2013-2017. Victims identified as transgender were considered separately. We stratified analysis by identified sex of the victim for the LGB population. Results Of the 16,831 victims whose sexual orientation or transgender status was known: 3886 (23.1%) were identified as female, 12,945 (76.9%) were identified as male. 479 (2.8%) were identified as LGBT; of these, 53 (11%) were transgender. LGBT victims were younger than non-LGBT victims. Male LGB victims were more likely to have a history of prior suicide attempts, past or current mental illness diagnosis, and were less likely to use firearms than male heterosexual victims. Female LGB victims were more likely to have problems in an intimate partner relationship than heterosexual women, while LGB men were more likely to have problems in family or other relationships. Transgender victims were again more likely to have mental health problems and a history of prior attempts, but less likely to have intimate partner problems and more likely to have a history of child abuse. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of promoting suicide interventions that recognize the complex intersection between stated gender, sex, and sexuality and the different cultural impacts these identities can have.
Reducing HIV Risks in the Places Where People Drink: Prevention Interventions in Alcohol Venues

Apart from individual alcohol drinking behavior, the context or places where people drink play a significant role in HIV transmission risk. In this paper, we review the research that has been conducted on alcohol venues to identify the social and structural factors (e.g., social norms, sexual behavior) that are associated with HIV risk in these places, to review HIV prevention interventions based in alcohol venues, and to discuss appropriate methodologies for alcohol venue research. Alcohol venues are defined here as places that sell or serve alcohol for onsite consumption, including bars, bottle stores, nightclubs, wine shops, and informal shebeens. Despite the many established HIV risk factors at play in alcohol venues, limited prevention strategies have been implemented in such places. A total of 11 HIV prevention interventions or programs were identified. HIV prevention interventions in alcohol venues may be conducted at the individual, social, or structural level. However, multilevel interventions that target more than one level appear to lead to the most sustainable behavior change. Strategies to incorporate alcohol venues in biomedical prevention strategies including antiretroviral therapy for alcohol users are also discussed.
High coverage detection of input-related security facults

Improperly bounded program inputs present a major class of program defects. In secure applications, these bugs can be exploited by malicious users, allowing them to overwrite buffers and execute harmful code. In this paper, we present a high coverage dynamic technique for detecting software faults caused by improperly bounded program inputs. Our approach is novel in that it retains the advantages of dynamic bug detection, scope and precision; while at the same time, relaxing the requirement that the user specify the input that exposes the bug. To implement our approach, inputs are shadowed by additional state that characterize the allowed bounds of input-derived variables. Program operations and decision points may alter the shadowed state associated with input variables. Potentially hazardous program sites, such as an array references and string functions, are checked against the entire range of values that the user might specify. The approach found several bugs including two high-risk security bugs in a recent version of OpenSSH.
A processor allocation strategy for database machine under timing constraints

A processor allocation strategy for a database machine under timing constraints is presented. Both static and dynamic processor allocation algorithms are proposed to maximize the guarantee ratio. The simulation results are encouraging. With both static and dynamic strategy applied, the guarantee ratio remains around 85%. This ratio drops to 63% without these two strategies. >
Noise-Driven Informatics: Secure Classical Communications via Wire and Noise-Based Computing

In this paper, we show recent results indicating that using electrical noise as information carrier offers outstanding potentials reminding of quantum informatics. One example is noise-based computing and logic that shows certain similarities to quantum logic. However, due to the lack of the collapse of wavefunction and due to the immediate accessibility of superposition components, the use of noise-based and quantum computers will probably be different. Another example is secure communications where, out of the unconditional security at idealistic situations, a practical security beyond known quantum solutions can be achieved and has been demonstrated. Here, the keys to security are the robustness of the classical information, which results in the avoidance of using error statistics, and the second law of thermodynamics.
Is monumentality in the eye of the beholder? Lessons from constructed spaces in Africa

Archaeological investigations in Africa have revealed numerous structures and other architectural features whose purposes transcended daily domestic activities. Compared to prototypical instances of monumental architecture (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, the Andes), many public structures in Africa appear in unusual economic circumstances (herding without farming) or amidst less extreme social differentiation. Although often smaller in scale and employing different structural elements, African constructions combine open and restricted spaces to shape human experience. Examining these public structures and spaces is leading Africanist archaeologists, like those on other continents, to reconsider definitions of monumentality, the causes for its inception and the purposes that it served.
A practitioner's guide to meta-analysis

Meta-analysis can be a powerful and useful technique. In the short term, the results of meta-analysis can increase understanding and influence the future endeavors of researchers interested in a particular field. Over the long term, meta-analysis provides a vehicle by which large bodies of research can be integrated and focused on public policy issues. Administrative structures currently exist to foster the relationship between research findings and public policy. As one example, Saxe (1986) has described the activities of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) established by Congress to provide lawmakers with scientific information in such a way as to be useful for policy decision-making. OTA is commissioned by Congress to provide assessments of scientific findings, and meta-analyses are an ideal resource in this regard. Saxe (1986) notes “In almost all cases, the emphasis is on making sense of already collected data, thus literature reviews and methods for synthesizing research results are relied upon” (pp. 61–62). Whether meta-analysis actually plays an important role in public policy depends on many factors, not the least of which is the care with which meta-analyses are conducted. Hopefully, our comments here will help investigators conduct methodologically rigorous meta-analyses of research relevant to the field of community psychology.
An apprenticeship-based multimedia courseware for computer graphics studies provided on the World Wide Web

Abstract Apprenticeship is an educational practice that focuses on students actively engaged in activities with a variety of supports, or scaffolding. Different kinds of scaffolding are appropriate for different kinds of activities, and different levels of scaffolding are appropriate for different levels of student knowledge. We have designed and implemented a system for learning computer graphics, Graphica, which combines a variety of kinds of scaffolding and activities, at different levels: From highly-structured and well-supported exercises, to less-structured support appropriate for less-structured learning activities such as studying for a quiz or working on a programming assignment. Graphica relies heavily on multimedia materials to provide models and appropriate supports for learning computer graphics. We believe that a variety of scaffolding is most appropriate for intermediate level students, who may still need the high level of support appropriate for a novice and who are learning to use the low level of support appropriate for a more expert learner. Our formative evaluation results suggest that students do use our system at the different levels, meeting our design hypotheses.
The extended aperture method for the determination of the shadow region radiation of parabolic reflectors

In this paper the problem of the shadow region radiation of reflectors with circular apertures is examined. The approach is based on an extension of the aperture method of calculating antenna patterns. Using this extended aperture method and assuming that the reflector is an absorbing screen, the shadow region pattern within small angles from the axis of the reflector is determined. These methods are applicable only to cases where the wavelength is small with respect to the dimensions of the reflector. The main conclusions are the following: the shadow region field is primarily dependent on the illuminating field which is present on the outer edges of the reflector. For a uniform illumination the front to back ratio is of the order of [(2\pi/\lambda)\rho]^{2} (where \lambda is the wavelength and \rho the radius of the aperture).
WATERFOWL WASTE AS A SOURCE OF NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT IN TWO URBAN HYPEREUTROPHIC LAKES

ABSTRACT A study to determine the influence of waterfowl waste on the nutrient budget of two small, urban, hypereutrophic lakes has been conducted on the University Lakes System in Baton Rouge, La. Campus Lake (3.7 ha surface area, 1.1 m mean depth), which supports a resident flock of 57 ducks and 5 geese, receives about 7 percent of its total annual phosphorus loading from the waterfowl. College Lake (1.4 ha surface area, 1.3 m mean depth) has a resident flock of 14 ducks and 17 geese and receives about 8 percent of its annual phosphorus budget in waterfowl waste. This loading is slightly high considering the other loading sources to the lakes. The management implications of including waterfowl populations in lake plans are discussed.
Futures: Imagining Socioecological Transformation—An Introduction

Action cannot be delayed because time does not flow from the present to the future—as if we had to choose between scenarios, hoping for the best—but as if time flowed from what is coming (“l’avenir...
Clinical complications in severe pediatric sickle cell disease and the impact of hydroxyurea.

Background More evidence of the safety and effectiveness of hydroxyurea (HU) in community-based cohorts of pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are needed. The association of HU with organ-specific clinical complications and adverse events is examined herein. Methods Medicaid medical and pharmacy claims for the calendar years January 1996 through December 2006 were used to identify a cohort of children and adolescent patients (ages 17 and under) with a diagnosis of SCD (homozygous) who were treated with HU and developed disparate complications or adverse side effects. Of the 2,194 pediatric SCD patients identified, 175 (8%) were treated with HU. Incidence density matching (1 case: 2 controls) was used to select the control group on age, gender, ethnicity, time in the Medicaid data set, and baseline severity resulting in a total study cohort of 523 cases. Results Organ-specific complications were more likely in the HU-treated group compared to non-HU-treated group: cardiovascular complications (odds ratio [OR] = 3.15; confidence interval [CI] = 1.97–5.03); hepatic complications (OR 5.41; CI = 3.54–8.27); renal complications (OR 5.09; CI 3.37–7.67); and pulmonary complications (OR 4.07; CI 1.88–8.79). Many of these conditions began developing before HU was prescribed. Developing three or more complications was also more likely in the HU group (27.4% vs. 7.0%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Extending previous findings to routine practice settings, HU is being administered to the most severely ill children with SCD, many of whom had already started to develop organ-specific complications, but it is not associated with development of serious adverse events. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:90–94. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Form is easy, meaning is hard: resolving a paradox in early child language

A developmental paradox is discussed: studies of infant processing of language and language-like stimuli indicate considerable ability to abstract patterns over specific items and to distinguish natural from unnatural English sentences. In contrast, studies of toddler language production find little ability to generalize patterns over specific English words or constructions. Thus, infants appear to be abstract auditory or language processors whereas toddlers appear to be non-abstract, item-specific language users. Three resolutions are offered to this paradox. The first, that no resolution is necessary because only the toddler findings come from language use in a communicative context and so only the toddler findings are relevant to linguistic knowledge, is rejected. The second, that the contradictions are rooted in the differing methodologies of the two sets of studies (comprehension vs. production), is found to explain important aspects of the contradictory findings. The third, that the contractions come from the differing content of the stimuli in the studies, is also found to be explanatory and is argued to carry greater weight. Resolution 3 suggests that the patterns that infants extract from their linguistic input are not yet tied to meaning; thus, toddlers do not lose these earlier-abstracted forms but their use of them is limited until they have been integrated with meaning. It is argued that in language acquisition, learning form is easy but learning meaning, and especially linking meanings and forms, is hard.
A reliable prognosis for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome should reflect a patient's genetic profile and management history.

A reliable prognosis for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome should reflect a patient's genetic profile and management history
Light microscopic autoradiographic visualization of [3H]-arginine vasopressin binding sites in rat brain

Specific [3H]-arginine vasopressin ([3H]-AVP) binding sites were identified in the rat brain by light microscopic autoradiography. Discrete intrahypothalamic nuclei were densely labelled by [3H]-AVP. High specific binding was observed in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. These binding sites may represent specific receptors for AVP, postulated to exist in the mammalian central nervous system.
Boundary Layer Transition Under High Free-Stream Turbulence and Strong Acceleration Conditions: Part 2—Turbulent Transport Results

Measurements from heated boundary layers along a concave-curved test wall subject to high (initially 8 percent) free-stream turbulence intensity and strong (K = ν/U 2 ∞ dU∞/dx, as high as 9 X 10 -6 ) acceleration are presented and discussed. Conditions for the experiments were chosen to simulate those present on the downstream half of the pressure side of gas turbine airfoil. Turbulence statistics, including the turbulent shear stress, the turbulent heat flux, and the turbulent Prandtl number are presented. The transition zone is of extended length in spite of the high free-stream turbulence level. Turbulence quantities are strongly suppressed below values in unaccelerated turbulent boundary layers. Turbulent transport quantities rise with the intermittency, as the boundary layer proceeds through transition. Octant analysis shows a similar eddy structure in the present flow as was observed in transitional flows under low free-stream turbulence conditions. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first detailed documentation ofa high-free-stream-turbulence boundary layer flow in such a strong acceleration field.
Changes in the number and timing of days of ice-affected flow on Northern New England rivers, 1930-2000

Historical dates of ice-affected flows for 16 rural, unregulated rivers in northern New England, USA were analyzed. The total annual days of ice-affected flow decreased significantly (p < 0.1) over the 20th century at 12 of the 16 rivers. On average, for the nine longest-record rivers, the total annual days of ice-affected flow decreased by 20 days from 1936 to 2000, with most of the decrease occurring from the 1960s to 2000. Four of the 16 rivers had significantly later first dates of ice-affected flow in the fall. Twelve of the 16 rivers had significantly earlier last dates of ice-affected flow in the spring. On average, the last dates became earlier by 11 days from 1936 to 2000 with most of the change occurring from the 1960s to 2000. The total annual days of ice-affected flow were significantly correlated with November through April air temperatures (r = −0.70) and with November through April precipitation (r = −0.52). The last spring dates were significantly correlated with March through April air temperatures (r = −0.73) and with January through April precipitation (r = −0.37). March mean river flows increased significantly at 13 of the 16 rivers in this study.
A single MSI programmable chip controller for stepper motors

Abstract This paper describes the implementation of a stepper motor controller using a single off-the-shelf MSI programmable logic integrated circuit chip. The controller is field-programmable and enables the user to quickly generate custom patterns for the simultaneous control of speed, full/half step, and direction of two stepper motors. More than 90% of the chip factional capability is utilized. This allows smaller hardware size, less power consumption, improved reliability, and reduction in cost compared to other similar reported controllers.
Data Mashups & Their Applications in Enterprises

Mashups are composite applications that combine views and data from two or more data sources. Mashups have grown to be popular for dynamic social networks on the web. The objective of this paper is to display that mashups are useful in enterprise settings as well, since mashups can be used to organize information presented to the user according to relevance priority, and personalized, if necessary, according to the user's choices. Mashups in enterprises have better interpretation value and lesser navigation cost to the user than an individual application that is not a mashup. This paper discusses these benefits of mashups through an implementation with the aid of Microsoft Popfly.
Nonlinear Energy Harvesting Using Coupled Micro-Scale Oscillator Arrays

Vibration energy harvesting paradigms that seek to exploit the unique characteristics of nonlinear and stochastic systems are currently emerging as an important aspect of frontier research in energy sustainability. In particular, the ubiquitous nature of ambient mechanical vibrations and recent results obtained in the dynamics of micro and nano scale oscillatory systems together suggest the potential efficacy of vibration energy harvesting for the powering of small scale electronic mobile devices. In this context, the inherent advantages of using nonlinear systems over linear ones for energy harvesting are currently well established. In addition, the inherently random nature of ambient vibrations as well as the emergence of phenomena such as stochastic resonance indicates the imperativeness of a stochastic approach. Computational and experimental studies of energy harvesting involving individual nonlinear oscillators that take into account some of the above mentioned features have recently been reported in the literature. In this article, the authors present a new approach to the problem by introducing an analytical framework based on the Fokker-Planck formalism. In particular, the framework is applied to a nonlinearly coupled array of micro-scale oscillators in order to investigate the potential advantages of stochastic effects in coupled arrays for energy harvesting. The influence of varying coupling strengths as well as noise intensity on harvestable energy is studied for the case of a nonlinearly coupled micro-cantilever array. It is noted that the micro-scale arrays of the type under consideration have already been employed in experimental investigations of energy localization effects and hence are currently available for technological applications. In conclusion, the analytical framework introduced and the results obtained in this article are expected to contribute to a fundamental understanding of how the synergistic effects of nonlinear and stochastic phenomena could contribute to the development of novel methods for efficient vibration energy harvesting.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Extraterrestrial magnetic spherules: their association with meteor showers and rainfall frequency

Abstract The relationship between meteoric activity and extraterrestrial particle concentration in the troposphere is examined experimentally using magnetic spherules as an indicator of the larger flux. Spherules were collected by high volume air fiitration at 0.5°S, 19.5, 40, 47.5 and 65°N latitudes from August through October 1967; the simultaneous occurrence of concentration peaks at all stations precludes the likelihood of a terrestrial origin of these particles. The sizes and densities of spherules were used to calculate probable falling times and thus to identify parent meteor streams. Various influences altering theoretical falling times were evaluated to establish limits of validity for the calculations. The chemical analyses suggest that meteor streams vary in the amounts of stony and iron fragments they introduce into the atmosphere, or may consist wholly of one or the other. Concentration peaks of 7–8 μ, dia. spherules were found on days preceding periods of rainfall frequency anomalies. Frequency of rainfall and periods of maximum meteor shower activity correlate over a 52-yr period where synoptic conditions favor rain initiation through particle flux into high cirrus levels. The study concludes that the experimental evidence, together with proposed revisions in the Bowen hypothesis, restore credibility to the concept of meteoric influences on rainfall.
Investigation of mechanical activation on Li–N–H systems using 6Li magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance at ultra-high field

Abstract The significantly enhanced spectral resolution in the 6 Li MAS NMR spectra of Li–N–H systems at ultra-high field of 21.1 T (corresponding to a proton Larmor frequency of 900 MHz) is exploited, for the first time, to study the detailed electronic and chemical environmental changes associated with mechanical activation (MA) of the Li–N–H system using high-energy balling milling. Complementary to ultra-high field studies, the hydrogen discharge dynamics are investigated using variable temperature in situ 1 H MAS NMR at 7.05 T field. It is shown that the changes in the 6 Li MAS spectra of LiH and LiNH 2 induced by MA can be separated from those of the LiOH and LiOH H 2 O impurities in the samples, and a new 6 Li peak induced by MA, which has never been reported before, is identified with the aid of the ultra-high field. The formation of this new peak and its associated upfield shift are attributed to the increased lattice defects induced by ball milling, which in turn enhances hydrogen release of the LiH + LiNH 2 mixture observed in the in situ study of the hydrogen discharge dynamics. The study also clearly indicates that ball milling at liquid nitrogen temperature produces more mechanical activation than ball milling at room temperature.
Reproductive endocrinology: Predictive biomarkers of pre-eclampsia in women with T1DM.

An imbalance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in pregnancy has been suggested as a risk factor for the subsequent development of pre-eclampsia. A new study in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus indicates that these factors may be used as predictive biomarkers for pre-eclampsia.
On the Mechanisms of OH Radical Induced DNA-Base Damage: A Comparative Quantum Chemical and Car−Parrinello Molecular Dynamics Study†

Understanding the basic chemistry of the interaction of radicals with DNA bases is imperative when trying to predict the potential effects of radiation on DNA. Experimental evidence points to guanine as having the highest affinity of all the DNA bases for undergoing damage. However, radiation-induced damage to other bases may also have important health effects, and therefore the reactions of other DNA bases are also of interest. To this end, numerous studies have been performed on thymine to elucidate its role in the initial phases of DNA damage. To date, the theoretical studies on this topic have only dealt with reaction energetics in the gas phase or within a continuum solvent model. We present a detailed Car−Parrinello molecular dynamics study of DNA bases in explicit water interacting with an OH radical. Our findings indicate that the specific mechanisms of the initial phase of DNA damage are different in thymine and guanine, which is consistent with experiment-based conjectures on this subject. We al...
Mutations in the Human Biotinidase Gene That Cause Profound Biotinidase Deficiency in Symptomatic Children: Molecular, Biochemical, and Clinical Analysis

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder that results in the inability to recycle the vitamin biotin. The disorder can cause neurologic and cutaneous abnormalities that can be treated effectively with pharmacologic doses of biotin. We identified 21 mutations that cause profound biotinidase deficiency in 37 symptomatic children (30 different probands and 7 siblings), as well as provide relevant biochemical and clinical information for each child. The two most common mutations (G98:d7i3 and R538C) were found in 31 of 60 alleles (52%), whereas the remainder of the alleles are accounted for by the 19 other unique mutations. Serum samples were available from 18 children, of these 11 had no detectable cross-reacting material (CRM) to antibody prepared against normal human serum biotinidase, three had reduced quantities of CRM and four had normal quantities of CRM in serum. All of these mutations result in complete absence of biotinyl-transferase activity in serum. Two polymorphisms were also identified in normal individuals. It is apparent that a child who inherits any of these mutations, either in the homozygous state or in combination, can develop the clinical features of the disorder if untreated. There are, however, no clear genotype/phenotype correlations that would allow for the prediction of the type, severity, or age of onset of symptoms.
Porosity-Cement-Depth Relation for Minnelusa Sandstones, Powder River Basin, Wyoming: ABSTRACT

Upper Minnelusa reservoir sandstones of Wolfcampian (Permian) age show a linear reduction of porosity with depth. However, porosity is not a simple function of compaction, but is related also to composition and maximum depth of burial. Wolfcampian sandstones are fine-grained orthoquartzites that have calcite (and dolomite), anhydrite, and silica cements. From grain-packing studies in thin section, 3 stages of compaction are evident. The first stage is characterized by a linear decrease of effective porosity to 26% at 6,000 ft of maximum depth of burial, during which quartz grains and calcite clasts were compacted. The second stage is characterized by decrease in effective porosity to 10% or less by change of calcite clasts to calcite cement. The third stage of compaction is characterized by a linear decrease of intergranular porosity to 26% at 16,000 ft maximum burial during which quartz grains were compacted and calcite and anhydrite cements were dissolved and replaced by secondary silica. Intergranular porosity in ludes both voids and cement, as distinct from total and effective porosity. It appears that permeability is greatly reduced at less than 10% effective porosity at a maximum burial of 12,000 ft and present drilling depths of 10,000 ft. Therefore, this depth may represent economic limits for Minnelusa exploration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 354------------
Reducing Side Effects of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) side effects are common, but not well understood. Many ideas have surfaced on how to reduce these side effects, even though there is little scientific evidence to support some of the advice. One recommendation involves switching drugs when patients are intolerant of a particular CAI agent. This study included 44 glaucoma patients who needed a CAI drug. All patients were placed on acetazolamide tablets 250 mg qid. Of those who could not tolerate this drug (26 patients), 22 were switched to methazolamide. Half of these 22 (50%) were considered to have "severe" side effects to methazolamide, while 88% of them had "severe" side effects to acetazolamide. Reduction of intraocular pressure was similar on the two drugs. Other than switching drugs to reduce CAI side effects, one can try reduced dosages, a gradual dosage increase, and patience. Administering sodium bicarbonate or potassium, or taking the CAI drug with meals are unproven remedies.
Choroidal nonperfusion in giant cell arteritis

A 68-year-old man had visual loss secondary to isolated choroidal nonperfusion as a clinical manifestation of giant cell arteritis. Ophthalmoscopy disclosed scattered yellow-white lesions at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium in the posterior pole of the right eye. Intravenous fluorescein angiography demonstrated marked delay in choroidal filling of the macula in the right eye. There was no ophthalmoscopic or angiographic evidence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or central retinal artery occlusion. After approximately 72 hours of intravenous corticosteroid therapy, the patient's visual acuity improved and repeat intravenous fluorescein angiography showed normal choroidal circulation. Isolated choroidal ischemia is a potential cause of reversible visual loss in patients with giant cell arteritis.
Metronidazole and spiramycin in abscesses caused by Bacteroides spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in mice

The activity of metronidazole and spiramycin, singly or in combination, was tested in vitro and also in vivo, in the eradication of infection caused by Bacteroides spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, alone or in combination. The MICs of metronidazole for the B. melaninogenicus and B. fragilis strains were significantly reduced by the addition of spiramycin (from 0.25 and 0.5 mg/l, to 0.062 and 0.125 mg/l, respectively). Antimicrobial synergy between metronidazole and spiramycin was noted against Bacteroides spp. in abscesses caused in mice by subcutaneous injection of Bacteroides spp. alone or in combination with S. aureus. Furthermore, an additional reduction in the number of S. aureus was noted in mixed infections with bacteroides that were treated with metronidazole alone. The antimicrobial synergy in vitro and in vivo between metronidazole and spiramycin may have clinical implications that deserve to be further investigated.
Transmuting Common Substances: The Cold Fusion Controversy and the Rhetoric of Science.

This study explores the relationship between forensic, deliberative, and epideictic modes of rhetoric in the cold fusion controversy. The purpose of this exploration is threefold: (a) to show the interactions between these three modes of rhetoric more comprehensively than they have been shown in previous case studies of scientific controversies; (b) to examine the ways in which all three modes have shaped the emerging scientific consensus and, further, through a close analysis of key experimental reports, to reveal how forensic rhetoric in the cold fusion controversy has come to occupy pride of place; and (c) to suggest how the events in this controversy support Robert Sanders's contention that rhetorical practices interact with scientific practices to allow diverse researchers to arrive at constructive agreements—not merely political ones—on both research findings and ways to resolve competing interpretations.
Transport and consumption of oxygen in capillary-tissue structures

Abstract A model for the flow transport and chemical kinetics of hemoglobin-oxygen along a blood capillary coupled with the diffusion and Michaelis-Menten consumption of oxygen in the surrounding tissue is studied. Steady-state conditions are assumed. The system is described by a nonlinear ordinary and a quasilinear partial differential equation coupled by an interface boundary condition. A discrete representation is discussed and the resulting finite nonlinear operator is formulated. An iterative procedure based on Newton's method and a perturbation of the nonlinear operator is presented. The method is illustrated by using experimental data on several situations of physiological interest.
Potential Radioprotective Agents. 2. Substituted Anilines

□ A series of substituted anilines was examined for radioprotective activity by injecting them ip into mice subjected to a near-lethal dose of 6 mV photons. Electronegative groups such as Br, NO 2 , CN, and acyl in the meta or para position gave rise to highly active compounds (80-100 % protection), while p-amino, methyl, amide, hydroxy, and fluoro groups decrease activity. No general correlations could be developed, however, between biological activity and a wide variety of calculated molecular parameters. The highest activity was found with p-amlnobenzophenone (1), p-aminopropiophenone (2), its ethylene ketal (3), 2-amino-5-chloropyridlne (35), and 5-amino-2- chloropyrldine (36).
Witchcraft Fears and Psychosocial Factors in Disease

Historians, anthropologists, and psychologists have tended to discount the role of “psychosomatic” disease in witchcraft beliefs because they have misunderstood, and therefore underestimated, the connection between interpersonal relations, psychological well-being, and physical health. Current medical knowledge about the relationship between psychological distress, the physiological stress reaction, and somatic disorders, however, gives grounds for a more positive assessment of the traditional notion that ill will can cause illness and accidents. Disturbed interpersonal relations can cause, or contribute to, an extremely wide range of physical maladies, with or without any accompanying fear of witchcraft or magic. Evidence of this effect can be found in reports from a wide range of cultures. It is a significant element in a systematic sample of witch cases from early modern Wurttemberg.
A synthesis technique for grounded theory data analysis

A synthesis technique for grounded theory data analysis Aims. The purposes of this paper are to examine the issues surrounding current changes in grounded theory (GT) research methods and to explicate an innovative synthesis technique to GT data analysis. Background. In recent years there has been a steady rise in the number of published research reports that use the GT method. However, this growing body of GT literature has been criticized for its lack of adherence to the method as explicated by its originators, Glaser and Strauss. Methods. Recent and past literature that explicates, describes, and discusses GT methods is reviewed. A synthesis technique for grounded theory data analysis was developed to analyse qualitative data collected for a grounded theory study on caregiving. This synthesis technique was derived from the works of four grounded theorists (Kathy Charmaz, Mark Chesler, Juliet Corbin and Anselm Strauss). Results. The lack of clarity and the inconsistencies surrounding GT analysis, as reported in the literature, resulted in the development of a synthesis technique based on the works of the aforementioned-grounded theorists. The product was a synthesis approach that included analytical steps from each of these authors. Conclusions. This synthesis approach increased understanding and enhanced clarity of GT data analysis techniques. This paper illustrates how integration of works by noted qualitative scholars is an appropriate and effective means to advance the discourse on data analysis for GT research studies.
Decision-Making Under Conditions of Sleep Deprivation: Cognitive and Neural Consequences

Previous research has presented a mixed picture of the cognitive and neural consequences of sleep deprivation on decision-making. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine th...
Dispositions, conditionals and auspicious circumstances

A number of authors have suggested that a conditional analysis of dispositions must take roughly the following form: Thing X is disposed to produce response R to stimulus S just in case, if X were exposed to S and surrounding circumstances were auspicious, then X would produce R. The great challenge is cashing out the relevant notion of ‘auspicious circumstances’. I give a general argument which entails that all existing conditional analyses fail, and that there is no satisfactory way to define ‘auspicious circumstances’ just in terms of S, R, and X. Instead, I argue that the auspicious circumstances C for the manifestation of a disposition constitute a third irreducible element of that disposition, and that to pick out (or to ‘individuate’) that disposition one must specify C along with S and R. This enables a new conditional analysis of dispositions that gives intuitively satisfying answers in cases that pose problems for other approaches.
Fabrication and characterization of sub-micron In0.53Ga0.47As p-i-n diodes

Abstract The impact of scaling on off-state current of p-i-n diodes is studied. A sub-micron p-i-n diode exhibits a dominating surface component of leakage current. Variation in i-layer thickness has an impact on bulk leakage. Bulk leakage scales with cross-sectional area of the diode and surface leakage has been controlled using surface treatments to give ultra low leakage currents of 210 fA for a device of cross sectional area of 0.44 μ m2. Devices of 100 nm i-layer thickness show an average bulk and surface current densities of 100 mA/cm2 and 150 fA/ μ m, respectively.
Home environment and second‐language acquisition: the importance of family capital

Framed within Coleman’s theory of family capital, this article examines how different home variables such as family physical, human and social capital affect immigrant children’s second‐language acquisition in the homes of four Chinese immigrant families in Canada. Specifically, the study analyzes the relationships between family physical capital and family investment in second language learning, between parental human capital and levels of parental involvement, and between family social capital and access to familial and community resources. The analysis demonstrates that parental educational backgrounds, their occupational choices and chances, and their adaptation and integration into Canadian society had a significant impact on the families’ accumulation and activation of family capital to support their children’s second‐language learning.
CLASSIFICATION OF WINES BY APPLYING PATTERN RECOGNITION TO CHEMICAL COMPOSITION DATA

Pattern recognition techniques are applied to the classification of wines by their chemical compositions. A study has been completed on 49 samples of 1970 and 1971 vintage Rhine and Moselle German white wines. The previously published data include atomic absorption analysis for elemental compositions, gas chromatographic analysis for alcohols, and the determination of total acids, solids and ash. Visual examination of the data showed no apparent separation. Several classification procedures were used and Least Squares Multilinear Classifier (LEAST) proved to be the best method for this study. Separations by vintage years and wine regions are made possible by these methods. The best chemical features used for each separation are different, which reflects the wide variations between regions and between years within the same region. Ratios of chemical features are found to be more useful for classification than values of individual measurements.
Patterns of opiate use in a heroin maintenance programme

Rationale: Little is known about patterns of opiate use by heroin addicts. Objectives: To describe opiate use over time among heroin addicts who had access to legally prescribed intravenous heroin and oral opiates. Methods: Analysis of daily drug administration records of 37 patients enrolled in the Geneva heroin maintenance programme for 4–29 months (total 23 136 patient-days). Results: The average dose of intravenous heroin was 466 mg/day; the total opiate dose, after conversion of oral opiates to heroin-equivalents, was 543 mg/day. Patients received intravenous heroin only on 39% of days, oral opiates only on 7% of days, and mixed regimens on 49% of days; the remaining 4% of days were spent outside the programme, usually on oral opiates. The daily dose of heroin-equivalents increased during the first trimester in the programme, by 30 mg/day per month (95% confidence interval 12–46 mg/day per month), but decreased gradually thereafter, by 12 mg/day per month (95% confidence interval, 8–17 mg/day per month). In patients who alternated between heroin and methadone, 1 mg methadone typically replaced 4.1 mg heroin. During follow-up, five patients switched to methadone maintenance, five underwent detoxification, and three were discharged for non-compliance with regulations. Conclusions: Heroin users who have facilitated access to legally prescribed drugs consume about 0.5 g heroin per day. Consumption patterns vary, but the daily amount of opiates remains stable or decreases over time. A substantial minority of patients elect for alternative treatments after several months of heroin maintenance.
Properties of the interaction between ketamine and opiate binding sites in vivo and in vitro.

Analgesia induced by ketamine appears to be partially mediated by opiate mechanisms. Not only is its action attenuated by the narcotic antagonist naloxone, but the drug has a weak affinity for, and interacts stereoselectively at, opiate receptors. It also produces a classical narcotic action on the guinea-pig ileum. The present study showed that analgesic doses of the drug in rats yielded concentrations sufficient to interact effectively at opiate binding sites in vivo. A dose-dependent (80-120 mg/kg i.p.) inhibition of the binding of [3H]naloxone was observed in both brain and spinal cord. All regions of the brain (except the cerebellum) were affected, but the reduction was significant in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and striatum. Thus, a component of ketamine-induced analgesia could be related to a functional interaction with opiate receptors. Additionally, ketamine may be similar to morphine in its preference for the mu, rather than the delta sub-type of opiate receptors, and thus may promote mu-mediated pharmacological effects. For example, in vitro studies of radioligand binding showed that ketamine and morphine were four times more effective in inhibiting the binding of [3H]dihydromorphine than that of [3H] [D-Ala2, D-Leu5] enkephalin. On the other hand, ketamine also effectively interacted at a component of the sigma opiate/phencyclidine binding sites that appears to be relatively insensitive to morphine. This component may be involved in dysphoria induced by ketamine.