cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excessive Stand-Up, the Culture Wars, and ’90s TV

This chapter revisits three instances of controversial stand-up comedy on US network television in the 1990s: Andrew Dice Clay and Martin Lawrence’s Saturday Night Live hosting gigs (1990 and 1993, respectively) and Bill Hicks’s 1993 Late Show with David Letterman appearance, all of which were censored or regulated in some fashion. Two historical contexts, one cultural and the other industrial, help to frame the cultural significance of these moments. The first: the political and social battles over art, free speech, and political correctness usually characterized as the ‘culture wars’. The second: US network television during the ‘multichannel transition’. These performances characterize the uneasy presence of stand-up on US TV during a moment that shaped public discourses about comedy and offense. They also reveal a deeper history of debates over humor and political correctness—a history worth examining at a time when these topics are so central to discourse about American comedy.
On-demand, heatless ejection of sub-MM-sized liquid droplets

This paper reports a nozzle-less, heatless droplet ejector capable of ejecting large liquid droplets of 285 μm in diameter with a volume of 12.1 nL. The ejector is built on a 1 mm thick lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sheet covered by Fresnel acoustic lens formed with annular rings of air cavities. With 450 V pp pulsed 2.2 MHz sinusoidal drive, the ejector produces a focused high-intensity acoustic beam at the top surface of liquid contained in a reservoir, and is able to eject liquid droplets from the liquid surface located 5 mm away from the ejector. The ejector consistently ejects one droplet per pulse with a driving pulse width of 18.18 μs, and the highest ejection rate is estimated to be 222 Hz. When the ejector is driven with a pulse of 81.81 μs width, the ejected droplet travels 30 cm upwards before falling down due to gravity and the corresponding initial velocity of the ejected droplet is calculated to be 2.42 m/s.
Candidate ideology and electoral success in congressional elections

In examining the factors that contribute to electoral success in congressional elections, legislative scholars often consider the actions of elected representatives; however, other research suggests that one must consider what challengers are (or are not) doing as well. For instance, inexperience and poor funding can significantly inhibit challenger success. We expand this list of potential shortcomings by arguing that ideological congruence with a constituency may be another factor in explaining challenger defeat. Using ideology measures derived from campaign contributions, we find that unsuccessful challengers in the U.S. House are generally more extreme than those who win, but ideological extremity is not a disadvantage to those seeking to represent an extreme constituency. More importantly, our existing political institutions may actually serve to mitigate the already high levels of partisan polarization in Congress.
Summary and Implications: Understanding Depression in Families at Risk

Nearly 1000 interviews of mothers and their children were conducted in this study: for each youngster, countless questionnaires, reports by teachers and therapists, observations, and school records were obtained over a 1- to 3-year period. It is safe to say, therefore, that all of us who were connected with this study have a perspective on the family context of depression and a new sense of what it means that “depression runs in families.”
Immunopharmacology of Anticancer Agents

The initial attempts to alter the progression of neoplastic diseases in patients with certain types of cancer through the application of maximally tolerated doses of cytotoxic agents took place 40 to 50 years ago. Since that time impressive successes have been achieved in a number of malignancies. Nevertheless, there remain frequently occurring neoplasms for which there is no curative treatment. The failures are related mainly to the fact that the agents available to date are not sufficiently selective in their antitumor action; therefore, even a relatively small degree of natural or acquired resistance cannot be overcome by dose escalation without incurring unacceptable toxicity. Although the search for new cytotoxic agents with improved antitumor selectivity is continuing, alternative therapeutic approaches are also being aggressively sought in several different directions. As an example, the increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms regulating the cancer cell provides new sites for which it should be possible to rationally design new agents with unique anticancer specificities. Likewise, based on information about the interactions between tumor and host, approaches that exploit both the immunological and the nonimmunological phenomena involved in these interactions are being tested. This chapter is concerned with the possibility of exploiting antitumor host defenses of the immunological type through the action of anticancer agents capable of inducting therapeutically favorable immunomodulation.
Mit Siliconen Probleme lösen

Wasser ist auf unserem Planeten allgegenwartig. Es bedeckt drei Viertel der Erdoberflache, es ist in der Atmosphare (bis es als Regen oder Schnee ausgeschieden wird), es durchdringt Felsen und Boden und ist der wichtigste Bestandteil lebender Wesen. Wir konnten nicht ohne Wasser leben, aber es gibt Situationen wo wir uns das Wasser wegwunschen. Wir wollen, das der Regen drausen bleibt; wir wollen nicht, das er durch die Wande unserer Hauser sickert. Ebenso wunschen wir, das unsere Kleidung trocken bleibt, wenn wir von einem Regengus uberrascht werden, aber wir sind nicht bereit, undurchlassige Gummi- oder Plastikkleidung zu tragen, weil Wasserdampf ungehindert von der Haut in die Luft gelangen mus, damit wir uns wohlfuhlen. Kurz gesagt brauchen wir gewebte porose Kleidung und porose Lederschuhe fur unsere Gesundheit und unser Wohlbefinden, und wir mussen unsere Hauser aus porosem Beton, porosen Ziegeln oder porosem Holz bauen, weil alles andere zu teuer ist. Wie konnen wir also das allgegenwartige Wasser bandigen?
Anticipated Patterns of Response

Design sensitivity is used to quantify the effectiveness of devices discussed in Chapter 5. Several of those devices anticipate a particular pattern of results, perhaps coherence among several outcomes, or a dose-response relationship. To what extent do these considerations reduce sensitivity to unmeasured biases?
Middle School Years

At Shōnan Gakuen, the entrepreneurial head of school Ms. Miyashita had founded the middle school after the grade school, and in 1950 my class became the third to enter middle school there. The classroom building was next to a rice paddy, a school building no longer in use that had been minimally restored. There was an area we called the “haunted house” which was dangerous and off limits. Contrary to its outward appearance, in reality the school offered a meaningful experience. The family backgrounds of the students were diverse, ranging from former major industrialists, former lords, leaders in the economic world to ordinary company employees, shopkeepers, single parents; and the students’ abilities were all over the map in terms of talents, strengths, academics, IQ, and athletics. It was a positive time for postwar democracy that overcame the status consciousness of the old order, and boys and girls played together in a friendly manner. Recently I attended a class reunion which brought back vivid memories of classmates from decades ago.
Agent-based modeling approach in MATAB and simulink for autonomous driving scenarios

Using different new features in MATLAB and Simulink, we will show how to model autonomous driving scenarios with an agent based modeling approach. ABM is a popular simulation approach for autonomous driving scenarios, e.g. in developing driving policies and safety verification. The conventional motion planning and control methods, e.g. PID control, feedback linearization or model predictive control, expect a prediction over the future trajectories of other traffic participants to avoid collisions. However, actual traffic scenarios involve complicated interactions between drivers. To conquer this challenge, the emerging trends are the behavior-aware motion planning and learning-based approaches. ABM could then be exploited to handle the complex environments, while modeling the uncertain interactions with each other.
Topological quantum field theory, symmetry breaking, and finite gauge theory in 3 + 1D

We derive a canonical form for 2-group gauge theory in $3+\text{1D}$ which shows that it is equivalent either to Dijkgraaf-Witten theory or to the so-called ``EF1'' topological order of Lan and Wen. According to that classification, recently argued from a different point of view by Johnson-Freyd, this amounts to a very large class of all $3+\text{1D}$ topological quantum field theories (TQFTs). We use this canonical form to compute all possible anomalies of 2-group gauge theory which may occur without spontaneous symmetry breaking, providing a converse of the recent symmetry-enforced-gaplessness constraints of C\'ordova and Ohmori and also uncovering some possible new examples. On the other hand, in cases where the anomaly is matched by a TQFT, we try to provide the simplest possible such TQFT. For example, with anomalies involving time reversal, ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge theory almost always works.
Preliminary Psychometric Analysis of a Neurobehavioural Screening Tool for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Background: Neurobehavioural screening measures specific to foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are warranted to inform treatment and care. This study determined basic psychometric properties ...
Managing in a unionized setting. Part II: The grievance process.

This is the second article on managing the discipline and grievance processes. Part one appeared in the November 1988 issue of the Journal.
Analysis of the molecular biologic characterization of Shigella flexneri 4c isolates

Objective To analysis the molecular biological characteristics of Shigella flexneri 4c isolates from patients of shigellosis outbreak and sporadic diaxrbea in Hangzhou during 2003-2007. Method 24 S. flexneri 4c isolates were identified by biochemical tests and serotyping. Among these isolates, invasive plasmid antigen H gene (ipaH) was examined by PCR, and molecular typing was performed by Pulse-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE). Results All 24 isolates were serotyped as S. flexneri 4c and were positive for ipaH gene. A total of 17 different PFGE patterns were identified among these 24 isolates with Dice coefficient varying from 0.71 to 1.00. On the basis of PFGE patterns, S. flexneri 4c isolates from each of three shigellesis outbreaks were closely related. Some isolates from three outbreaks (outbreak in 2005,2006 and 2003 year which named as outbreak 1,2,3 respectively) were possibly related (Dice coefficient > 0.8). The sporadic isolates were demonstrated to be distinct from the isolates from two outbreaks (outbreak 1,3) ( Dice coefficient 0.8). Conclusions All S. flexneri 4c in Hangzhou possess ipaH. The S. flexneri 4c isolates from three recent outbreaks in Hangzhou may belong to the same clone. Key words: Shigella; 4c subtype; ipaH; Pulse-field gel electrophoresis; Typing
Study on the Influence of mixed burning Sludge on slagging characteristics of easily slagging Coal

In this paper, combined with experiments and theoretical calculations, the effect of urban low-calorific value sludge on the slagging characteristics of easy-slagging coals is studied. The results show that when the melting point of sludge ash is lower than that of coal ash, the ash melting point of the mixture after the two blends will be lower than the melting point of raw coal ash. When SiO2 and Al2 O3 , which are relatively high in sludge, are used as single additives, the ash melting point of coal will first decrease and then increase. As the mixing ratio of sludge increases, coal ash slagging characteristics show a trend of gradual relief. For coals that are prone to slagging and rich in alkali metals, they can be appropriately mixed with sludge rich in silicon and aluminum compounds or additives to improve Slagging characteristics.
State Preemption of Local Immigration "Sanctuary" Policies: Legal Considerations.

States have enacted a wave of statutes over the past several years preempting local government law and policies that potentially promote public health in various ways. Among these local preemption ...
Cognitive Processes and the Impact of Stress upon Doctoral Students: Practical Applications for Doctoral Programs

Doctoral-level graduate training is, by definition, very demanding from a cognitive perspective. As graduate students adjust to the significant academic demands of doctoral education, they are ofte...
Architected implant designs for long bones: Advantages of minimal surface-based topologies

Abstract Large bone fractures often require porous implants for complete healing. In this work, we numerically investigate the suitability of three topologically very different architected materials for long bone implants: the octet truss-based lattice, the Schwartz P minimal surface-based lattice and the spinodal stochastic surface-based lattice. Each implant topology (reinforcement) and its surrounding tissue (soft matrix) are modeled as a composite system via finite element analysis. Performance metrics are defined based on the Young’s modulus, the peak stress under service conditions, the interfacial surface area per unit volume and the relative bone growth rate (estimated based on the strain transferred to the soft matrix). We show that surface-based topologies are less prone to fatigue failure and may promote superior bone growth than conventional truss-based designs. Spinodal surface-based architected materials have the best performance, and can be fabricated via self-assembly approaches followed by material conversion, potentially allowing scalable fabrication of implants with unit cell sizes at the micro-scale, thus dramatically amplifying surface area per unit volume and bone growth efficiency.
The Complex Interior-Boundary Method for Linear and Nonlinear Programming with Linear Constraints

In this paper we develop the Complex method; an algorithm for solving linear programming (LP) problems with interior search directions. The Complex Interior-Boundary method (as the name suggests) moves in the interior of the feasible region from one boundary point to another of the feasible region bypassing several extreme points at a time. These directions of movement are guaranteed to improve the objective function. As a result, the Complex method aims to reach the optimal point faster than the Simplex method on large LP programs. The method also extends to nonlinear programming (NLP) with linear constraints as compared to the generalized-reduced gradient. The Complex method is based on a pivoting operation which is computationally efficient operation compared to some interior-point methods. In addition, our algorithm offers more flexibility in choosing the search direction than other pivoting methods (such as reduced gradient methods). The interior direction of movement aims at reducing the number of iterations and running time to obtain the optimal solution of the LP problem compared to the Simplex method. Furthermore, this method is advantageous to Simplex and other convex programs in regard to starting at a Basic Feasible Solution (BFS); i.e. the method has the ability to start at any given feasible solution. Preliminary testing shows that the reduction in the computational effort is promising compared to the Simplex method.
The effects of shear deformation on planetesimal core segregation: Results from in-situ X-ray micro-tomography

It is well accepted that the Earth formed by the accretion and collision of small (10–100 km), rocky bodies called planetesimals. W-Hf isotopic evidence from meteorites suggest that the cores of many planetesimals formed within a relatively short time frame of ~3 My. While a very hot, deep magma ocean is generally thought to have been the driving mechanism for core formation in large planetary bodies, it inadequately explains differentiation and core formation in small planetesimals due to temperatures potentially being insufficient for wide-scale silicate melting to occur. In order for these planetesimals to differentiate within such a relatively short time without a magma ocean, a critical melt volume of the metallic (core-forming) phase and sufficient melt connectivity and grain size must have existed to attain the required permeability and lead to efficient core formation. Shear deformation may increase the connectedness of melt and the permeability, and thus could have been a major contributing factor in the formation of planetesimal cores. This deformation may have been caused by large impacts and collisions experienced by the planetesimals in the early solar system. The purpose of this work is to test the hypothesis that shear deformation enhances the connectivity and permeability of Fe-S melt within a solid silicate (olivine) matrix, such that rapid core formation is plausible. A rotational Drickamer apparatus (RDA) was used to heat and torsionally deform a sample of solid olivine + FeS liquid through six steps of large-strain shear deformation. After each deformation step, X-ray microtomographs were collected in the RDA to obtain in situ three-dimensional images of the sample. The resulting digital volumes were processed and permeability simulations utilizing the lattice Boltzmann method were performed to determine the effect of shear deformation on connectivity and permeability within the sample. The resulting permeabilities of the sample at various steps of deformation are the same within uncertainty and do not exhibit a change with increasing deformation. Additionally, the migration velocity calculated from the permeability of the sample is not high enough for segregation to take place within the time frame of ~3 My. In addition to further constraining the mechanism of core formation in planetesimals, the image processing techniques developed in this study will be of great benefit to future studies utilizing similar methods.
The effect of interfacial tension on hydrocarbon entrapment and mobilization near a dynamic water table

Abstract The entrapment of residual hydrocarbon ganglia during water table fluctuations can produce a long‐term contamination threat to groundwater supplies that is difficult to remove. The mobilization of entrapped hydrocarbon ganglia depends on the balance between capillary and gravitational forces represented by the Bond number. The present work focuses on the influence of the interfacial tension between the hydrocarbon and the surrounding water on the entrapment and mobilization of the residual ganglia. Laboratory column tests using glass beads as the porous medium have been conducted to determine the residual saturation of a hydrocarbon (Soltrol 170) trapped during vertical displacements due to a rising water table and the necessary decrease in interfacial tension to mobilize these trapped ganglia. The interfacial tension was decreased by the addition of isopropyl alcohol to the water phase. Saturations of the three phases (water, hydrocarbon, and air) were measured with a dual‐beam y‐densitometer. T...
Signaling for cytotoxicity.

Once natural killer cells identify their targets they engage their lysis machinery. Spontaneous, unlike antibody-dependent, cytotoxicity predominantly uses a Ras-independent pathway to accomplish this activation.
The Law: An Art or a Science?

I. MY INITIATION INTO THE ART OF NOT THINKING AND THE SCIENCE OF MEMORIZATION 355 II. THE BODY OF LAW AND OTHER INJURIES TO THE BODY 358 III. REVEALING THE SECRETS FOR A NEW PARADIGM 361 A. Step 1 362 B. Step 2 364 C. Step 3 366 D. Step 4 367 E. Step 5 368 1. The Cultural Component 369 2. The Structural Component 370 3. The Formal/Normative Component 371 F. Step 6 371
Effects of dietary calcium compared with calcium supplements on estrogen metabolism and bone mineral density

Background: High calcium intake has been associated with both high bone mineral density (BMD) and high urinary estrogen metabolites. However, the role of dietary calcium and calcium supplements on estrogen metabolism and BMD remains unknown. Objective: The objective was to investigate the importance of the source of calcium intake on estrogen metabolism and BMD. Design: The average total daily calcium intake from supplements and diet, urinary estrogen metabolites, and spine and proximal femur BMD were studied in 168 healthy postmenopausal white women. Results: Women who obtained calcium primarily from the diet or from both the diet and supplements had significantly (P = 0.03) lower ratios of nonestrogenic to estrogenic metabolites (2-hydroxyestrone 1/16α -hydroxyestrone) than did those who obtained calcium primarily from supplements. Adjusted BMD z scores were significantly greater in the subjects who obtained calcium primarily from the diet or from both the diet and supplements than in those who obtained calcium primarily from calcium supplements at the spine (P = 0.012), femoral neck (P = 0.02), total femur (P = 0.003), and intertrochanter (P = 0.005). This difference was evident especially in those who obtained calcium primarily from the diet, whose total calcium intake was lower than that in those who obtained calcium primarily from supplements. Conclusion: Calcium from dietary sources is associated with a shift in estrogen metabolism toward the active 16α-hydroxyl metabolic pathway and with greater BMD and thus may produce more favorable effects in bone health in postmenopausal women than will calcium from supplements.
Characterization of a chitin synthase from the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)

Abstract A chitin synthase was isolated in 10,000 g pellets from homogenates of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) pupae. The pH optimum was 6.5. Divalent cations such as Mg2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Ca2+ were found not to be required for activity. The reaction is linear with respect to time and protein concentration. The UDP-GlcNac-supported reaction product was characterized as chitin by its insolubility in hot alkali, its resistance to trypsin and protease, the release of GlcN on its hydrolysis by acid, the liberation of GlcNac on its digestion by chitinase, and its inability to migrate into SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The apparent K m and V max for UDP-GlcNac were determined to be 31.7 ± 0.7 μM and 135 ± 10.3 pmol hr−1 mg−1, respectively. GlcNac N,N′- diacetyl chitobiose, UTP, UDP and glycerine inhibit the reaction, whereas glucose and ATP were slightly stimulatory. The chitin synthase probably exists as a zymogen since trypsin was found to activate it. Polyoxin D inhibited the reaction only at high concentrations (1 mM). The insect growth regulator, diflubenzuron, which inhibits chitin synthesis in insects, had no effect on the reaction.
A growth promoting effect of cytoplasmic granules.

Des membranes chorioallantoidiennes d'embryons de poule traitees par 0,1 ou 0,2 cm3 d'une suspension de «gros granules» (mitochondries) provenants d'un homogenat de foie de grenouille, augmentent en poids sec de 20% environ (valeur rapportee a la croissance normale, ainsi qu'a l'effet du tampon phosphate/salin). D'autre part, le liquide surnageant, contenant ses microsomes, produit une augmentation de 30%, dans les memes conditions. Dans les deux cas, cette croissance s'accompagne d'une proliferation cellulaire et d'un accroissement de la basophilie cytoplasmique et nucleolaire, effets bien differents de ceux produits par une suspension de fines particules de charbon animal, utilisee comme temoin. Ces resultats sont discutes au point de vue du role que jouent les particules cytoplasmiques dans la synthese des proteines et la croissance cellulaire.
Construct validation of the ProMIS simulator using a novel laparoscopic suturing task.

The use of simulation for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills training has many advantages over current traditional methods. One advantage of simulation is that it enables an objective assessment of technical performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ProMIS augmented reality simulator could objectively distinguish between levels of performance skills on a complex laparoscopic suturing task. Ten subjects — five laparoscopic experts and five laparoscopic novices — were assessed for baseline perceptual, visio-spatial, and psychomotor abilities using validated tests. After three trials of a novel laparoscopic suturing task were performed on the simulator, measures for time, smoothness of movement, and path distance were analyzed for each trial. Accuracy and errors were evaluated separately by two blinded reviewers to an interrater reliability of >0.8. Comparisons of mean performance measures were made between the two groups using a Mann-Whitney U test. Internal consistency of ProMIS measures was assessed with coefficient α. The psychomotor performance of the experts was superior at baseline assessment (p < 0.001). On the laparoscopic suturing task, the experts performed significantly better than the novices across all three trials (p < 0.001). They performed the tasks between three and four times faster (p < 0.0001), had three times shorter instrument path length (p < 0.0001), and had four times greater smoothness of instrument movement (p < 0.009). Experts also showed greater consistency in their performance, as demonstrated by SDs across all measures, which were four times smaller than the novice group. Observed internal consistency of ProMIS measures was high (α = 0.95, p < 0.00001). Preliminary results of construct validation efforts of the ProMIS simulator show that it can distinguish between experts and novices and has promising psychometric properties. The attractive feature of ProMIS is that a wide variety of MIS tasks can be used to train and assess technical skills.
Tandem regions of yeast DNA topoisomerase II share homology with different subunits of bacterial gyrase

The nucleotide sequence for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene TOP2, which encodes DNA topoisomerase II, was compared with the sequence for bacterial DNA gyrase. The amino and carboxyl terminal halves of the single-subunit yeast enzyme showed homologies with the B and A subunits of bacterial gyrase, respectively, at corresponding positions along the polypeptide chains. Although the two enzymes differ in both quaternary structure and activity, the homology between the two proteins indicates mechanistic as well as structural similarities, and a probable evolutionary relationship.
Interactions Between Lipid Bilayer And Protein Skeleton In Erythrocyte Deformations

We study mechanics of a red blood cell in large deformations by using a multi-scale modeling approach, in which the interactions between the lipid bilayer and the protein skeleton are considered as two parts: vertical contact and lateral sliding. The sliding is caused by the mobility of the transmembrane proteins (e.g. band 3 and glycophorin C). Our model consists of a complete-cell model which depicts the cell membrane as two continuous shells, and a molecular-detailed model of a junctional complex (JC) that provides the constitutive properties of the inner layer (the skeleton). The folding/unfolding reactions of the spectrin are also considered and incorporated into the JC model. This multi-scale model is validated by comparisons with other modeling approaches and experiments about micropipette aspirations and optical tweezer stretching. Applying this method, we numerically duplicated the boundary-value problem associated with cell deformation in a flow channel. The critical contact force, i.e. the maximum contact force that can exist between the bilayer and the skeleton without inducing skeleton-bilayer disassociation, is extracted. This critical force is then applied to predict conditions of vesiculation in other mechanically-induced cell deformations.
The international arms market: A structural analysis

The conflicting analytical and empirical claims evident in debates about the evolving structure of the international system are also apparent in discussions of the structure of the international arms market. Traditional descriptions of the supply side structure of the international arms market depict it as highly concentrated. Challengers, however, have noted indications of the emergence of a less concentrated, more diffuse market structure. These divergent characterizations of market structure are here subjected to empirical analysis. Examination of the global and Third World markets for arms, and of four sectors of the amis market, reveals that (1) the number of suppliers (including, most importantly, the number of “core” suppliers) has increased; (2) the market remains relatively concentrated, though it is becoming less concentrated and more diffuse; and (3) market structure varies significantly across sectors of the market. Linkages between structural and behavioral changes are explored and suggestion...
Intravesical glycosaminoglycans for obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis: a pilot study

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a common condition, often resulting in repeated episodes of life-threatening urethral obstruction. Defective urinary bladder glycosaminoglycans have been implicated as a causal factor. In this report, a commercially available glycosaminoglycan product was infused into the urinary bladders of cats with urethral obstruction from idiopathic cystitis to study the effect on repeated obstruction. In this randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the therapeutic protocol was well tolerated with no adverse effects. Whereas no glycosaminoglycan-treated cats (n = 9) developed repeated urethral obstruction during the 7 day follow-up period, 3/7 placebo-treated cats developed repeated obstructions. Approaching statistical significance (P = 0.06), these data suggest that further investigation of this new treatment option is warranted.
Procedural Sedation for Diagnostic Imaging in Children by Pediatric Hospitalists using Propofol: Analysis of the Nature, Frequency, and Predictors of Adverse Events and Interventions

Objective To evaluate the nature, frequency, and predictors of adverse events during the use of propofol by pediatric hospitalists. Study design We reviewed 1649 charts of patients sedated with propofol by pediatric hospitalists at St Louis Children's Hospital between January 2005 and September 2009. Results Hospitalists were able to complete 1633 of the 1649 sedations reviewed (99%). Major complications included 2 patients with aspiration and 1 patient intubated to complete the study. We observed a 74% reduction in the number of patients with respiratory events and airway interventions from 2005 to 2009. Predictors of respiratory events were history of snoring (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.52-3.80), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of ASA 3 (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.22-4.33), age >12 years (OR, 4.01; 95% CI, 2.02-7.98), premedication with midazolam (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.15-2.98), and use of adjuvant glycopyrrolate (OR, 4.70; 95% CI, 2.35-9.40). All except ASA 3 status were also predictors for airway intervention. There was a decline in the prevalence of all of these predictors over the study years ( P Conclusion Our pediatric hospitalists implemented a successful propofol sedation program that realized a 74% reduction in respiratory events and airway interventions between 2005 and 2009. Decreased prevalence of the predictors of adverse events that we identified likely contributed to this reduction.
Reward or punishment? Class size and teacher quality

Abstract The high stakes testing and school accountability components of our K-12 education system create an incentive for principals to behave strategically to maximize school performance. One possible approach is the adjustment of class sizes based on observed teacher effectiveness. Conceptually, this relationship may be positive or negative. On one hand, performance-maximizing principals may place more students in the classrooms of more effective teachers. But because administrators may have compensation constraints, it is also plausible that they may reward more effective teachers with fewer students in the classroom. This paper examines whether principals reward effective teachers by decreasing their class size or whether they increase the size of classes of more effective teachers as a means of enhancing the school outcome. Results overall indicate that more effective teachers do have larger classes. This result holds implications for prior policy studies of class size as well as for education policy more generally.
IMPACTS OF ARYL-ETHER CLEAVAGES IN ALKALINE DELIGNIFICATION OF SOFTWOOD

The cleavage of aryl ether linkages has been shown having a direct impact on the alkaline delignification of Norway Spruce up to approximately 90–95% level, and has little influence on further delignification reactions. Interestingly, such impacts were very comparable for both soda and kraft cooks, and were substantially reduced by lowering pulping temperatures. Thus, the lignin degradation and dissolution process were also affected by other chemical factors than aryl ether cleavages. The results also suggest that aryl ether units present in wood lignin vary significantly in reactivity.
Development of adrenergic nerve terminals: the effects of decentralization.

Abstract The effect of decentralization (deafferentation) on the ontogeny of adrenergic nerve terminals was studied in the rat iris. Transection of the cholinergic trunk, which innervates the superior cervial ganglion (SCG), in 2–3-day-old rats, inhibited the developmental increase in iris nerve terminal density, as indicated by fluorescence microscopy. However, terminal varicosities, containing the norepinephrine (NE) storage vesicles, appeared larger and more brightly fluorescent in decentralized irides. Tyrosine hydroxylase, localized to nerve terminal cytoplasm, developed to only 40% of normal in decentralized irides. In contrast, dopamine-s-hydroxylase, which is localized to NE storage vesicles in varicosities, developed normally. The ability to accumulate and store [3H]NE was examined in control and decentralized terminals in the presence or absence of reserpine. This drug inhibits NE storage capacity without primarily affecting accumulation itself. Decentralization reduced thein vitro uptake of NE to 54%, measured after reserpine pretreatment; in contrast,apparent uptake of transmitter was reduced to only 76% in vehicle-treated rats. These results suggest that decentralization prevents the normal development of nerve terminal membrane without markedly interfering with vesicular storage capacity. This contention was supported by the observation that in vitro retention of [3H]NE over time was actually increased in decentralized irides. Our results suggest that the ontogeny of different subcellular structures is affected differently by deafferentation. The transsynaptic regulation of nerve terminal maturation appears to be most critical in younger rats, since decentralization exerts most marked effects when performed during the perinatal period.
Wildlife decline and social conflict

U.S. President Obama's recent creation of an interagency task force on wildlife trafficking reflects growing political awareness of linkages between wildlife conservation and national security (1). However, this and similar new initiatives in Europe and Asia promote a “war on poachers” that overlooks the ecological, social, and economic complexity of wildlife-related conflict. Input from multiple disciplines is essential to formulate policies that address drivers of wildlife decline and contexts from which associated conflicts ignite. This article further discusses the similarities and differences to human trafficking prevention. Language: en
Unstable Intermediates in X-Irradiated Clathrate Hydrates: ESR and ENDOR of Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide Pentahydrate (TMNOH)

X-irradiation of tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate (TMNOH) at 77 K produces trapped electrons, and CH3• and (CH3)3N+CH2• radicals. The trapped electrons were detected by bleaching with visible light and by subtraction of spectra from bleached and unbleached samples. The decay of the methyl radicals starts at ≈100 K and that of the (CH3)3N+CH2• radicals at ≈150 K. The ESR spectrum measured at 130 K has the best resolution and is a superposition of contributions from the methyl radicals (13%) and from the (CH3)3N+CH2• radical (87%). The reversibility of the line shapes with temperature variations suggested that the increased resolution observed at 130 K is due to dynamical effects involving the (CH3)3N+CH2• radicals. ESR spectra from these radicals can be simulated by assuming that the hyperfine tensor components for the two α protons are averaged by two types of motions: rotation of the CH2 group about the C2v symmetry axis and precession or wobbling of this axis. The parameters used in the simul...
Parasite infection, but not immune response, influences paternity in western bluebirds

Parasites can impose heavy costs on their hosts, and females may benefit from selecting mates that are parasite resistant and/or have a stronger immune response. Trade-offs between immune response and sexual signaling have been proposed as a mechanism to ensure signal honesty. Much of the work on sexual signaling and immune response does not consider parasites directly and thus cannot confirm whether a stronger immune response necessarily results in lower parasite burdens. Also, immunity is costly, and these costs can lower the overall fitness of individuals with too strong of an immune response. Males with immune responses of intermediate strength are therefore expected to be preferred by females and have the highest reproductive success. We tested whether immune response and blood parasite loads relate to sexual signaling and mating preferences in western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana). Immunity did not predict male reproductive success when considering either within- or extra-pair offspring, although a stronger immune response was correlated with lower parasite loads. However, uninfected males were more likely to sire extra-pair offspring than males infected with avian malaria. Thus, females were more likely to mate with uninfected males but not necessarily males with a stronger immune response. Our results may indicate that females select parasite-resistant males as mates to gain resistance genes for their offspring or that infected males are less likely to pursue extra-pair copulations.
Serpin-Protease Complexes Are Trapped as Stable Acyl-Enzyme Intermediates

The serine protease inhibitors of the serpin family are an unusual group of proteins thought to have metastable native structures. Functionally, they are unique among polypeptide protease inhibitors, although their precise mechanism of action remains controversial. Conflicting results from previous studies have suggested that the stable serpin-protease complex is trapped in either a tight Michaelis-like structure, a tetrahedral intermediate, or an acyl-enzyme. In this report we show that, upon association with a target protease, the serpin reactive-center loop (RCL) is cleaved resulting in formation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate. This cleavage is coupled to rapid movement of the RCL into the body of the protein bringing the inhibitor closer to its lowest free energy state. From these data we suggest a model for serpin action in which the drive toward the lowest free energy state results in trapping of the protease-inhibitor complex as an acyl-enzyme intermediate.
Variation in Institutional Review Board Responses to a Standard Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized, Controlled Surgical Trial

Purpose: The primary responsibility of institutional review boards is to protect human research subjects and, therefore, ensure that studies are performed in accordance with a standard set of ethical principles. A number of groups have compared the responses of institutional review boards in multicenter clinical trials involving medical therapies. To our knowledge no such studies have been performed to date of trials investigating surgical intervention. We investigated the consistency of the recommendations issued by various institutional review boards in the Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies study for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a multicenter trial with a uniform consent and study protocol.Materials and Methods: We obtained the institutional review board response from 6 of the 7 participating institutions after initial submission of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies study protocol and classified the responses. We then redistributed the approved protocols to an institutional review board at ...
Revised age estimates for the later Paleogene mammal faunas of Egypt and Oman

The Jebel Qatrani Formation of northern Egypt has produced Afro-Arabia’s primary record of Paleogene mammalian evolution, including the world’s most complete remains of early anthropoid primates. Recent studies of Fayum mammals have assumed that the Jebel Qatrani Formation contains a significant Eocene component (≈150 of 340 m), and that most taxa from that succession are between 35.4 and 33.3 million years old (Ma), i.e., latest Eocene to earliest Oligocene in age. Reanalysis of the chronological evidence shared by later Paleogene strata exposed in Egypt and Oman (Taqah and Thaytiniti areas, Dhofar Province) reveals that this hypothesis is no longer tenable. Revised correlation of the Fayum and Dhofar magnetostratigraphies indicates that (i) only the lowest 48 m of the Jebel Qatrani Formation are likely to be Eocene in age; (ii) the youngest Fayum anthropoids, including well known species such as Aegyptopithecus zeuxis and Apidium phiomense, are probably between 30.2 and 29.5 Ma, ≈3–4 Ma younger than previously thought; (iii) oligopithecid anthropoids did not go extinct at the Eocene–Oligocene boundary but rather persisted for at least another 2.5 Ma; (iv) propliopithecid anthropoids first appear in the Fayum area at ≈31.5 Ma, long after the Eocene–Oligocene boundary; and (v) the youngest Fayum mammals may be only ≈1 Ma older than the 28- to 27-Ma mammals from Chilga, Ethiopia, and not 4–5 Ma older, as previously thought. Whatever gap exists in the Oligocene record of Afro-Arabian mammal evolution is now limited primarily to a poorly sampled 27- to 23-Ma window in the latest Oligocene.
Characteristics of Domestic Violence Offenders: Associations with Childhood Exposure to Violence

Many women are abused by intimate partners, millions of children witness such acts, and many of these children are physically abused. Children who are exposed to violence often evidence difficulties, including violent behavior, as adults. One hypothesized mode of intergenerational transmission is modeling. There is evidence that witnessing and/or experiencing violence are related to different patterns of abusive behavior and, perhaps, psychopathology, but the extent of the relationship is unclear. This study examined differences in generality, frequency, and severity of violent offenses, nonviolent criminal behavior, and psychopathology within a battering population of 1,099 adult males with varying levels of exposure to violence as children. Generality, frequency, and severity of violence and psychopathology all increased as level of childhood exposure to violence increased. Modeling theory was supported by the findings that men who witnessed domestic violence as children committed the most frequent domestic violence, and men who were abused as children were more likely to abuse children. Men who were abused also committed more general violence.
Magic wavelengths for optical cooling and trapping of lithium

Using first-principles calculations, we identify magic wavelengths ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{magic}}$ for the $2s$-$2p$ and $2s$-$3p$ transitions in lithium. The $ns$ and $np$ atomic levels have the same ac Stark shifts at the corresponding magic wavelength, which facilitates state-insensitive optical cooling and trapping. Tune-out wavelengths for which the ground-state frequency-dependent polarizability vanishes are also calculated. Differences of these wavelengths between ${}^{6}$Li and ${}^{7}$Li are reported. Our approach uses high-precision, relativistic all-order methods in which all single, double, and partial triple excitations of the Dirac-Fock wave functions are included to all orders of perturbation theory. Recommended values are provided for a large number of Li electric-dipole matrix elements. Static polarizabilities for the $2s$, $2p$, $3s$, $3p$, and $3d$ levels are compared with other theory and experiment where available. Uncertainties of all recommended values are estimated. The magic wavelengths for the uv $2s$-$3p$ transition are of particular interest for the production of a quantum gas of lithium [Duarte et al., Phys. Rev. A 84, 061406R (2011)].
Upper bound on the neutron-deuteron doublet scattering length

Abstract The method of obtaining upper bounds on scattering lengths is applied to the determination of the n-d doublet scattering length A D . A new calculation is unnecessary; an analysis of the trial function used by Efimov in a variational estimate of A D shows that that calculation effectively provides a bound. (The Efimov trial function has the ‘inappropriate’ normalization for present purposes, but it is exceedingly unlikely that this will alter the character of the present results. This question can be readily resolved in any case.) We find that the potentials assumed by Efimov imply A D −13 cm. If these potentials are accurate (this question is still an open one), it follows that of the two experimentally allowed sets, namely A D = 0.7×10 −13 cm and A Q = 6.4×10 −13 cm (Set I), or A D = 8.3×10 −13 cm and A Q = = 2.6×10 −13 cm (Set II), Set I is correct, a conclusion consistent with some recent variational estimates of about 6×10 −13 cm for the quartet scattering length A Q . It is also shown, for the general problem, that the exact numerically determined value of the ‘static’ scattering length lies above the true value if the number of bound state solutions for the static and true problems are the same.
Minimum power requirement for environmental control of aircraft

This paper addresses two basic issues in the thermodynamic optimization of environmental control systems (ECS) for aircraft: realistic limits for the minimal power requirement, and design features that facilitate operation at minimal power consumption. Four models are proposed and optimized. In the first, the ECS operates reversibly, the air stream in the cabin is mixed to one temperature, and the cabin experiences heat transfer with the ambient, across its insulation. The cabin temperature is fixed. In the second model, the fixed cabin temperature is assigned to the internal solid surfaces of the cabin, and a thermal resistance separates these surfaces from the air mixed in the cabin. In the third model, the ECS operates irreversibly, based on the bootstrap air cycle. The fourth model combines the ECS features of the third model with the cabin-environment interaction features of the second model. It is shown that in all models the temperature of the air stream that the ECS delivers to the cabin can be optimized for operation at minimal power. The effect of other design parameters and flying conditions is documented. The optimized air delivery temperature is relatively insensitive to the complexity of the model; for example, it is insensitive to the size of the heat exchanger used in the bootstrap air cycle. This study adds to the view that robustness is a characteristic of optimized complex flow systems, and that thermodynamic optimization results can be used for orientation in the pursuit of more complex and realistic designs.