cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
11 Demography of Inequality

In this chapter, we focus on the intersection between demography and inequality. We start by providing a framework for studying the demography of inequality. How do the three components of population change, namely, fertility, mortality, and migration, and their effects on population growth and composition, influence patterns of income inequality? Next, we describe some of the key methodological issues and challenges in measuring inequality. The remaining sections of our chapter focus on patterns and trends in inequality globally and within the United States, and we also examine the social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to, or are influenced by, those patterns and trends. We look specifically at the key patterns of inequality observed across different population subgroups and geographic areas. Finally, we touch briefly on the consequences of inequality, policy interventions that may address the persistent disparities between population subgroups, and future directions for research.
Stacked Lateral Thigh Perforator Flap as a Novel Option for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background Autologous breast reconstruction using perforator flaps offers excellent outcomes, minimizes donor-site morbidity, and allows for precise donor-site selection. The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator, profunda artery perforator, and gluteal artery perforator flaps along with the stacked flap technique are the most common options. This study reports the first series of the stacked lateral thigh perforator flap. Methods A retrospective review of all stacked lateral thigh perforator flaps done by a single group of surgeons was performed. Demographics, flap weights, complications, indications, and surgical technique were tabulated for each patient. Results Eight female patients with a history of breast cancer underwent delayed unilateral breast reconstruction with stacked lateral thigh perforator flaps for a total of 16 flaps. Mean patient age, body mass index, flap weight, and stacked flap weight were 47.3 years, 26.2 kg/m, 333.1 g, and 666.1 g, respectively. Microsurgical revascularization was completed in anterograde and retrograde fashion to the internal mammary vasculature. Flap survival was 100 percent and one subsequent flap revision was performed. Two patients developed a seroma at the donor site. Indications included insufficient abdominal tissue, prominent lateral thigh lipodystrophy, prior abdominal surgery, and failed prior abdominally based autologous reconstruction. Conclusions This series demonstrates that the lateral thigh perforator flap is a reliable and effective option for a stacked breast reconstruction. Its ease of harvest (stemming from reliable anatomy), straightforward dissection, and intraoperative positioning make it an appealing flap option. The stacked lateral thigh perforator flap allows the reconstructive surgeon to tailor breast reconstruction to the patient, focusing on body habitus and minimizing morbidity. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.
PAI-1 contributes to homocysteine-induced cellular senescence

Cellular Senescence is associated with organismal aging and related pathologies. Previously, we reported that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an essential mediator of senescence and a potential therapeutic target for preventing aging-related pathologies. In this study, we investigate the efficacies of PAI-1 inhibitors in both in vitro and in vivo models of homocysteine (Hcy)-induced cardiovascular aging. Elevated Hcy, a known risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, induces endothelial senescence as evidenced by increased senescence-associated β-Gal positivity (SA-β-Gal), flattened cellular morphology, and cylindrical appearance of cellular nuclei. Importantly, inhibition of PAI-1 by small molecule inhibitors reduces the number of SA-β-Gal positive cells, normalizes cellular morphology and nuclear shape. Furthermore, while Hcy induces the levels of senescence regulators PAI-1, p16, p53 and integrin β3, and suppresses catalase expression, treatment with PAI-1 inhibitors blocks the Hcy-induced stimulation of senescence cadres, and reverses the Hcy-induced suppression of catalase, indicating that PAI-1 specific small molecule inhibitors are efficient to prevent Hcy-induced cellular senescence. Our in vivo study shows that the levels of integrin β3, a recently identified potential regulator of cellular senescence, and its interaction with PAI-1 are significantly elevated in Hcy-treated heart tissues. In contrast, Hcy suppresses antioxidant gene regulator Nrf2 expression in hearts. However, co-treatment with PAI-1 inhibitor completely blocks the stimulation of Hcy-induced induction of integrin β3 and reverses Nrf2 expression. Collectively these in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that pharmacological inhibition of PAI-1 improves endothelial and cardiac health by suppressing the pro-senescence effects of hyperhomocysteinemia through suppression of Hcy-induced master regulators of cellular senescence PAI-1 and integrin β3. Therefore, PAI-1 inhibitors are promising drugs for amelioration of hyperhomocysteinemia-induced vascular aging and aging-related disease.
Eliminating flow-induced microphonics in a superfluid helium cryogenic system

Abstract Superconducting radio frequency cavities are the devices of choice when it comes to accelerating charged particle beams in modern particle accelerators. They are held in a bath of liquid helium, to maintain their operating temperature at 2.0 K. The dimensions of these cavities are controlled within microns to facilitate operation at design conditions. During operation however, these cavities experience microphonic disturbances i.e., small mechanical deformations, that cause an undesired response in the electrical performance of the cavity. This paper proposes solutions to mitigate microphonics caused by fluid flow, particularly by the fill line into the helium bath in a 2.0 K cryogenic system. Three different systems designs are proposed, two of which dramatically reduce vapor generation and thereby its contribution to microphonics. The third design is found to completely suppress vapor generation and is explored in further detail.
Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Containing Crosslinked Poly(Acrylic Acid) Fibers

Bacterial and fungal pathogens have caused serious problems to the human health. This is particularly true for untreatable infectious diseases and clinical situations where there is no reliable treatment for infected patients. To increase the antimicrobial activity of materials, we introduce silver nanoparticle (NP) patches in which the NPs are incorporated to the surface of smooth and uniform poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanofibers. The PAA nanofibers were thermally crosslinked with ethylene glycol via heat treatment through a mild method. The characterization of the resulting PAA-silver NP patches was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of PAA, we incorporated the patches containing the silver NPs into strains of fungi such as Candida albicans (C. albican) and bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The PAA-silver fibers achieved zones of inhibition against C. albicans and MRSA indicating their antimicrobial activity against both fungi and bacteria. We conclude that silver NP patches exhibited multiple inhibitory actions for the interruption and blockage of activity fungal and bacterial strains, which has the potential as an antimicrobial agent in infectious diseases. Moreover, the proposed material has the potential to be used in antimicrobial textile fabrics, food packaging films, and wound dressings.
Projecting the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 through the post-pandemic period

There is an urgent need to project how transmission of the novel betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will unfold in coming years. These dynamics will depend on seasonality, the duration of immunity, and the strength of cross-immunity to/from the other human coronaviruses. Using data from the United States, we measured how these factors affect transmission of human betacoronaviruses HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1. We then built a mathematical model to simulate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the year 2025. We project that recurrent wintertime outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 will probably occur after an initial pandemic wave. We summarize the full range of plausible transmission scenarios and identify key data still needed to distinguish between them, most importantly longitudinal serological studies to determine the duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Chapter 1 – Montague Grammar

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the historical development of Montague grammar as both narrowly and broadly construed, with particular attention to the key ideas that led Montague's work to have such a great impact on subsequent developments. It outlines the historical context of Montague’'s work, describing earlier traditions in semantics in logic and philosophy that laid some of the foundations for Montague's work and the contrasting traditions in linguistics against which Montague's work represented a fundamental and controversial change. The chapter provides a selective overview of the basic principles and methodology of Montague grammar as laid out in “Universal Grammar.” It discusses the influence of Montague's work and Montague grammar on subsequent developments and theoretical innovations in linguistics and philosophy. The chapter illustrates the evolution from Montague grammar to a more heterogeneous but an interrelated family of theoretical approaches by tracing progress in several key problem areas and ventures an assessment of some of the main achievements and controversies that make up Montague's legacy.
DECODING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PROBLEMATIC DEPOSITS IN THE MAYA LOWLANDS

The term “problematical deposits” was coined decades ago at Tikal to refer to special deposits that were neither burials nor caches. Since that time, the term has been expanded to refer to a range of deposits that have puzzled archaeologists. In this paper we review the various interpretations that have been offered for these deposits including de facto refuse, squatter deposits, and the remains of dedication or termination ritual, feasting, or pilgrimage. We argue that the superficial similarity of these deposits can make it difficult to identify the range of activities that they represent and that detailed contextual analysis is required to distinguish them. We offer some of the archaeological correlates that have been associated with different types of problematic deposits.
Impact of extended release naltrexone on health-related quality of life in individuals with legal involvement and opioid use disorders.

Understanding the impact of medications for opioid use disorder on health related quality of life (QOL) may help to explain why few individuals with legal involvement remain in treatment, specifica...
Elite family politics in Laos before 1975

Major General Phasouk S. Rajphakd and Brigadier General Soutchay Vongsavanh were important right-wing military officers in the Royal Lao Army in southern Laos before 1975. However, elite family rel...
Power Scaling of Graded-Channel GaN HEMTs With Mini-Field-Plate T-gate and 156 GHz f T

We report 60-nm gate-length graded-channel AlGaN/GaN HEMTs fabricated with a mini-field-plate T-gate. The devices exhibit an extrinsic fT and $\text{f}_{\text {MAX}}$ of 156 GHz and 308 GHz, respectively. At 60-nm gate length, the fT*Lg of 9.4 GHz $\ast \mu \text{m}$ is comparable to that of conventional scaled short gate-length AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Due to minimal current collapse, the graded-channel GaN HEMTs demonstrated linear RF power scaling up to 5.5 W/mm at 30 GHz. This results in a record $\text{f}_{\text {T}}~\ast $ power density product of 858 GHz $\ast \text{W}$ /mm for Ga-polar GaN devices, indicating the promise of this device architecture for mmW amplifiers.
Historical Dictionary of Panama by Thomas M. Leonard

Leonard, Thomas M. Historical Dictionary of Panama. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015. Review by Robert C. Harding.
Race, psychosocial characteristics, and treatment outcomes among individuals undergoing treatment for cannabis use disorder: A latent profile analysis based on preferred method of using cannabis.

Abstract Introduction There are a wide variety of methods for using combustible cannabis which may impact an individual's pattern of use as well as their response to cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment. Previous research has noted racial/ethnic differences in cannabis users' preferred method of use. Method The current study examined data from a randomized placebo-controlled trial of a pharmacological intervention for adults with CUD. Latent profile analysis classified participants (N = 302) based on their primary method of combustible cannabis use. Results A four profile solution emerged which identified participants who demonstrated 1) Primarily Joint (n = 50), 2) Primarily Blunt (n = 106), 3) Mixed MoU (n = 30), and 4) Primarily Pipe (i.e., pipe or bong; n = 116) use. Profiles were compared on socio-demographic characteristics and racial differences were found among the four latent profiles as well as differences in their level of use. Cannabis users with a preference for joints were more likely to be White as compared to other racial groups. In contrast, a greater proportion of participants with a preference for blunts were African American. The Primarily Joint profile was found to have the highest cannabis relapse rate at 1-month follow-up (94%) which was significantly greater than the Mixed MoU (74%, x2 = 5.06, p .05). Conclusions Findings suggest that treatment-seeking individuals who primarily use joints or blunts may face unique challenges that may impact cannabis abstinence. Along with other cannabis-related characteristics, an individual's preferred method of use may represent an important factor to consider in the treatment of CUD.
Approaches to Immunologic Monitoring of Clinical Trials

Performance of thoughtful immunologic monitoring is critical to the conduct of an immune-based clinical trial. In the absence of high frequencies of significant clinical responses, immunologic responses may be the primary basis for understanding the outcomes of the intervention tested. In addition, important immunologic changes may occur from non-immunologic interventions like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These standard-of-care treatments may promote or inhibit anti-tumor immunity. Measurement of these changes can yield important insights into the mechanism of clinical responses in patients.
Michael K. Sain [Obituary]

Michael K. Sain passed away on September 22, 2009 of natural causes at his home in South Bend, Indiana, at the age of 72. Mike earned his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1965. After graduation, he sought out an engineering program with Christian values, which he found at the University of Notre Dame.
Tornado Risk Evaluation Using Wind Speed Profiles

This paper deals with an approximate form for the wind speed decay from the peak velocity out to the gale intensity boundary is introduced. This is combined with Wen and Chu’s model to provide an improved procedure for estimating damaging tornado wind likelihoods.
Improving software size estimates by using probabilistic pairwise comparison matrices

The pairwise comparison technique is a general purpose estimation approach for capturing expert judgment. This approach can be generalized to a probabilistic version using Monte Carlo methods to produce estimates of size distributions. The probabilistic pairwise comparison technique enables the estimator to systematically incorporate both estimation uncertainty as well as any uncertainty that arises from using multiple historical analogies as reference modules. In addition to describing the methodology, the results of the case study are also included. This paper is an extension of the work presented in [Lum, K et al., (2003)] and shows how the original software size estimates compared to the actual delivery size. It also describes the techniques used to modify the approach based on lessons learned. The results because they are based on only one case do not validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach but are suggestive that the technique can be effective and support the conclusion that further research is worth pursuing.
Thallium(I) Cyclopentadienide

[34822-90-9] C5H5Tl (MW 269.48) InChI = 1S/C5H5.Tl/c1-2-4-5-3-1;/h1-5H; InChIKey = RKLJDPOVAWGBSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N (cyclopentadienyl ligand) Physical Data: mp >300 °C. Solubility: sol organic solvents. Form Supplied in: light yellow solid readily prepared from thallium hydroxide and dicyclopentadiene;2 commercially available. Drying: purified by sublimation. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: stable for several months if stored under nitrogen in a Schlenk flask kept in the dark. All thallium compounds are extremely toxic to inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Toxicity is cumulative. Extreme caution should be used when handling these materials. Use in a fume hood.
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-3 mediates the regulation of adipose and hepatic murine lipid metabolism (605.1)

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a critical enzyme involved in de novo lipogenesis and catalyzes the Δ9 desaturation of saturated fatty acids. Four SCD isoforms have been identified in mouse (SCD1-...
Administrative Assumptions in Top‐Down Selection: A Test in Graduate School Admission Decisions

Although top-down selection is the gold standard for making personnel decisions, several administrative assumptions must be met for it to be effective. We discuss three of these assumptions and test two of them: (1) top applicants will accept an offer, and (2) the time organisations give applicants to consider an offer will not influence the availability of next-tier applicants. We also examine the effectiveness of top-down selection by comparing it to an administratively simpler procedure, random selection above a threshold. Using archival admissions data from three university graduate psychology programs, we found that top applicants were less likely to accept an offer; however, waiting time did not influence applicant availability. In comparing the quality of applicants actually selected (with a top-down procedure) with the quality of applicants selected at random (from above five progressively stringent thresholds), we found that at higher admission thresholds, random selection resulted in better or equal quality applicants as top-down selection, depending on the criteria. We discuss implications for future research and practice.
Coupled hepatic pulsations in tricuspid incompetence; a new physical sign.

Abstract The coupling of the heart beats in digitalis intoxication may be used to demonstrate the expansile nature of the hepatic pulsation of tricuspid incompetence, since ventricular extrasystoles produce pulsations of the liver without corresponding arterial pulsation, with the result that two hepatic pulsations may be felt for each arterial pulsation.
Cavities, domes and spikes

A general formulation for surface deformation generated by a initial localized free surface disturbance is established in double integral form. The initial condition characterizing the localized disturbances can be 1) a movement of the free surface characterized by a velocity distribution, 2) a static departure of the free surface from the still water level, or 3) an impulse on the free surface. Solutions are obtained for a number of cases in which the initial disturbances are mathematically defined, allowing a first integration by Hankel transform. Closed form solutions are obtained in the nondispersive mode, while numerical solutions are obtained in the general cases. It is found that the initial disturbances result in nonoscillatory movements at the origin. Also, the wave motions are little affected by dispersion. The oscillations which are known to exist at a distance are only the results of linear dispersion in deep and intermediate water depth. Also the vertical rebound following the collapse of cav...
Stability results involving time-averaged Lyapunov function derivatives

Abstract The stability results which comprise the Direct Method of Lyapunov involve the existence of auxiliary functions (Lyapunov functions) endowed with certain definiteness properties. Although the Direct Method is very general and powerful, it has some limitations: there are dynamical systems with known stability properties for which there do not exist Lyapunov functions which satisfy the hypotheses of a Lyapunov stability theorem. In the present paper we identify a scalar switched dynamical system whose equilibrium (at the origin) has known stability properties (e.g., uniform asymptotic stability) and we prove that there does not exist a Lyapunov function which satisfies any one of the Lyapunov stability theorems (e.g., the Lyapunov theorem for uniform asymptotic stability). Using this example as motivation, we establish stability results which eliminated some of the limitations of the Direct Method alluded to. These results involve time-averaged Lyapunov function derivatives (TALFD’s). We show that these results are amenable to the analysis of the same dynamical systems for which the Direct Method fails. Furthermore, and more importantly, we prove that the stability results involving TALFD’s are less conservative than the results which comprise the Direct Method (which henceforth, we refer to as the classical Lyapunov stability results ). While we confine our presentation to continuous finite-dimensional dynamical systems, the results presented herein can readily be extended to arbitrary continuous dynamical systems defined on metric spaces. Furthermore, with appropriate modifications, stability results involving TALFD’s can be generalized to discontinuous dynamical systems (DDS).
The Use of Industrial Hygiene Samplers for Soil-Gas Surveying

Soil-gas surveying by the use of a passive sampler which allows quantitative determination of concentrations of volatile organic compounds and remote analysis of samples is described. The results of a survey using the sampler above a chloroform ground water plume are compared to ground water analysis results and to results from a previous soil-gas study above the same plume. Chloroform concentrations measured with passive samplers correlate well (r = 0.79, n = 6; r = 0.93, n = 7) with the other two techniques. The short-range variability of the technique is characterized by a coefficiet of variation of 12 percent over a 27-foot distance for nine samplers, and compares favorably with grab-sample results at the same location.
Selective civility, apolitical politics, limited democracy, and mainstream psychology.

There is much merit in the proposals of Johnson and Johnson (this issue), especially in their explicit depiction of ways to raise the level of discourse in the nation and thereby improve democratic processes. However, unless fundamental flaws in the social- economic-political system are corrected, those most in need will not participate in the discourse.
Electroejaculation increased vocalization and plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone, but not substance P, in beef bulls

Electroejaculation is a reliable method of obtaining a semen sample for a bull breeding soundness examination, but is sometimes regarded as painful. Substance P is a neuropeptide involved in the integration of pain, stress, and anxiety. We hypothesized that substance P is a measure of pain in bulls following electroejaculation. The specific objective was to compare vocalization and plasma concentrations of cortisol, progesterone, and substance P immunoreactivity in bulls following electroejaculation. Nine Angus bulls (501.9 ± 14.3 kg) were used. Blood samples were collected at -60, -30, 0, 2, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120 min relative to treatment. At Time 0, bulls were subject to electroejaculation, rectal probe insertion without electroejaculation, or no manipulation. Treatments were administered contemporaneously to three bulls. Treatments were repeated weekly until each bull had received each treatment in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. More bulls (P = 0.0147) in the electroejaculation group vocalized (5 of 9 bulls; 55.6%) when compared to controls (0 of 9 bulls; 0%). Mean plasma cortisol and progesterone concentration following electroejaculation in bulls were higher (P < 0.05) than concentrations in probed and control bulls through the 45 min sample. However, mean plasma substance P concentration following electroejaculation in bulls (77.2 ± 17.2 pg/mL) was not different (P = 0.6264) from probed (79.1 ± 17.2 pg/mL) or control bulls (93.4 ± 17.2 pg/mL). A significant increase in vocalization and plasma cortisol and progesterone concentrations in bulls following electroejaculation was likely owing to acute stress. However, the lack of a difference in plasma concentrations of substance P after electroejaculation was interpreted as a lack of pain associated with nociception.
Azidothymidine (AZT) leads to arterial stiffening and intima-media thickening in mice

HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have shown elevated incidence of a number of non-AIDS defining co-morbidities, including cardiovascular disease. Given that HAART regimens contain a combination of at least three drugs, that disease management often requires adjustment of these regimens, and HIV, independent of HAART, also plays a role in development of co-morbidities, determining the role of specific HAART drugs and HIV infection itself from clinical data remains challenging. To characterize specific mediators and underlying mechanisms of disease, in vitro and in vivo animal models are required, in parallel with clinical data. Given its low cost azidothymidine (AZT) contributes to the backbone of a large proportion of HAART treated patients in the developing world where much of the global burden of HIV resides. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that AZT can lead to proatherogenic changes including the subclinical markers of arterial stiffening and intima-media thickening in mice. AZT (100mg/kg) or vehicle was administered to wild-type FVB/N mice via oral gavage for 35 days. Cylindrical biaxial biomechanical tests on the common carotid arteries and suprarenal aortas exhibited arterial stiffening in AZT mice compared to controls. Multiphoton microscopy and histology demonstrated that AZT led to increased intima-media thickness. These data correlated with decreased elastin content and increased protease activity as measured by cathepsin zymography; no differences were observed in collagen content or organization, in vivo axial stretch, or opening angle. Thus, this study suggests the drug AZT has significant effects on the development of subclinical markers of atherosclerosis.
MANAGING ACADEMIC INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROJECTS

This field study provides variables that can be used by practitioners as action levers and by future researchers as the basis for theoretical development. Conclusions from relevant literature and findings from interviews with interdisciplinary research management identified forty variables that were viewed as important to interdisciplinary research project success. After adjusting the data for reliability attenuation, these variables were further analyzed to identify the best prediction equation. The findings suggested that project age or the longevity of the project and open discussion of disagreements were the best predictors of performance.
Lipid Droplets Purified from Drosophila Embryos as an Endogenous Handle for Precise Single Molecule Measurements

Single molecule studies of molecular motors are typically carried out by attaching a motor to a plastic bead and manipulating it via an optical trap. While this method had phenomenal success in investigating the mechanochemical properties of motors, it suffers from shortcomings that limit its suitability for studies of motor regulation: the motor-cargo attachment as well as the number and distribution of similar and dissimilar motors and motor co-factors on the cargo can be crucial for cargo transport. Here, we present a method for isolating lipid droplets from Drosophila embryos and using them in an “ex vivo” motility assay. We show that the isolated droplets have excellent optical properties and can be used in high-precision and high temporal resolution optical trapping experiments on par with plastic beads used in in vitro assays. Using a Photonic Force Microscope (PFM), we determine their size precisely in situ. Moreover, using the high bandwidth (MHz) provided by the PFM, we are able to detect single lipid-droplet-bound motors attaching to the microtubule before they start moving. Analysis of the Brownian motion of the tethered droplet provides the mechanical properties of the tether. Given the disparate structures of the different motors, this in situ measurement of tether properties will allow us to identify the motor type and subsequently to study multiple motor dynamics with high temporal resolution.
The expression and regulation of hsdK genes after conjugative transfer.

The type I restriction and modification genes of Escherichia coli can be transferred to other non-modified strains by conjugation without killing the recipient, implying that the restriction function must be regulated. In this study, two isogenic F′ plasmids (r K + and (r K − served as donors in quantitative conjugation experiments with various restriction-deficient strains of E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Conjugation studies with hsd::lacZ operon fusions in F′ plasmids indicate that both of the hsd K promoters, p res, and p mod, express simultaneously following conjugative transfer. Thus these genes do not appear to be regulated at the transcriptional level. A spontaneous mutant of E. coli C was discovered that is presumably killed upon conjugative transfer of the hsd K genes (defined as a Crc− phenotype). The gene that is defective in the mutant was tentatively designated hsdC (control). Hfr gene replacement studies led to the localization of the putative hsdC gene between 6 and 16 min on the E. coli genetic map.
Narratives and Narrative Structure in Plea Bargaining

Recent interest in oral language and law (Atkinson & Drew, 1979; Danet, 1980; Levi, 1985; O’Barr, 1982; Pomerantz & Atkinson, 1984), repeating a characteristic of earlier research on criminal justice (cf. Newman, 1966:xiv, Rosett & Cressey, 1976), gives disproportionate attention to trials and formal proceedings rather than informal processes such as plea bargaining, even though it is in the give-and-take of the more casual setting that practitioners settle the bulk of cases coming before the courts. To be specific, the “explosion” of ethnographic research on plea bargaining during the last 15 years (Maynard, 1984:1) makes it abundantly clear that attorneys often present “facts” by telling stories about “what happened.” However, although investigators have explored various dimensions of storytelling in the courtroom (Bennett & Feldman, 1981; O’Barr & Conley, 1985), narratives in the negotiational arena are unstudied and unexplicated.
The confidence of Latina mothers in the care of their low birth weight infants.

The growing numbers of Latina mothers with low birth weight (LBW) infants in U. S. hospitals prompted an investigation of maternal confidence and caretaking ability in this group. A sample of 54 Mexican-born, Latina mothers with LBW infants was compared with a group of 25 who had full-term infants. Unexpectedly, there was no significant difference in the perceived maternal confidence of the two groups. Behaviors indicative of sensitivity and competence in caretaking, assessed in mothers with LBW infants, did not correlate with maternal confidence. Factors correlated with maternal confidence and caretaking behavior were the mother's age, education, and parity, as well as the infant's birthweight, weight at discharge, and medical complications. Weight at discharge correlated with caretaking behaviors. The strongest predictor of maternal confidence was parity, followed by infant health (fewer medical complications). These factors together accounted for 25% of the variance in confidence, suggesting that other factors that contribute to maternal confidence of Latina mothers need to be identified. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Polished trays reduce backside wear independent of post location in posterior-stabilized TKAs

Background Backside damage of the polyethylene in TKA is a potential source of debris. The location of the tibial post in posterior-stabilized implants may influence micromotion, and thus affect backside damage, as may surface roughness.
Mathematical models of bacterial growth, inhibition and death under combined stress conditions

In this report we review the history of growth theories. We show how classical growth models may be derived as special cases of a generic growth rate equation. We show how growth models may be modified to represent survival data. We use linear combinations of growth and survival models to represent complex growth/survival curves and give practical examples utilizing nonlinear regression analysis. We show that traditional methods of estimating D values are inappropriate for complex, multiphasic growth/survival data. We show how such data may be modeled mathematically and illustrate methods for estimating true D values from such data.
Pulse sequence design for volume selective excitation in magnetic resonance

The design of a pulse sequence for volume localization in magnetic resonance spectroscopy is described in detail. The sequence is based on the volume selective excitation technique (VSE) proposed by Aue e t a l. [J. Magn. Reson. 5 6, 350 (1984)] and overcomes the high rf power requirements of VSE. The implications of various design stages are demonstrated experimentally and by computer simulations.
Communication in intimate relationships: A research challenge

This review focuses on the structuring of research models to investigate communication in intimate relationships. Two major issues addressed are: (1) the nature of outcome variables isolated for study; and (2) the need to integrate multiple theoretical perspectives to understand communication context. Suggestions are offered for defining and measuring dyadic level, instrumental, time‐bound, and evaluative communication effects. A dialectic view of communication context is presented which integrates varied perspectives for organizing and analyzing the antecedents and consequences of intimates’ communication.
Male-Female Differences in Economic Education: a Survey

Many researchers have found that males and females perform differently on economics tests, with the females often achieving lower scores. This phenomenon has puzzled and troubled economic education specialists for well over a decade. In this article Siegfried summarizes many studies that have included student gender as a variable. This in itself would be a valuable contribution to the literature, but Siegfired goes further and deals with questions of the adequacy of research designs and other factors that must be taken into account. Thus, this piece should provide useful guidance to researchers who wish to include the gender variable in their designs.
Measuring Connectedness of input-output Models: 1. Survey of the Measures

The concept of scalar measures of the degree of internal connectedness in input – output models is considered. These measures are believed to be important structural indicators, helpful in model estimation. They allow for a summary description and comparative analysis of various linear flow systems. Several measures drawn from the economic and ecological input – output literatures are examined. It is shown that none of the measures represent connectedness adequately.
The effect of chlorpromazine on survival motivated escape response

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the escape response in a survival situation might not be modified in some way by moderate dosages of CPZ. The procedure used provided two measures, swimming time and success or failure in escaping from a submerged linear runway whose exit was blocked by an oncoming opponent. Three drug levels were selected: 1.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mg/kg CPZ. Measured on the variable of success in the escape situation, the escape response was altered by the administration of CPZ. Measured on the variable of swimming time, the escape response was not altered by the administration of CPZ.
Chinese Rings and recursion

The Chinese Rings puzzle is used as a vehicle to convey the power and subtlety of recursion in a way understandable by students in a second programming course. An elegant algorithm incorporating two mutually recursive subroutines is presented and analyzed.
The influence of the San Gregorio fault on the morphology of Monterey Canyon

Abstract A side-scan sonar survey was conducted of Monterey Canyon and the San Gregorio fault zone, off shore of Monterey Bay. The acoustic character and morphology of the sonar images, enhanced by SeaBeam bathymetry, show the path of the San Gregorio fault zone across the shelf, upper slope, and Monterey Canyon. High backscatter linear features a few kilometers long and 100 to 200 m wide delineate the sea-floor expression of the fault zone on the shelf. Previous studies have shown that brachiopod pavements and carbonate crusts are the source of the lineations backscatter. In Monterey Canyon, the fault zone occurs where the path of the canyon makes a sharp bend from WNW to SSW (1800 m). Here, the fault is marked by NW–SE-trending, high reflectivity lineations that cross the canyon floor between 1850 m and 1900 m. The lineations can be traced to ridges on the northwestern canyon wall where they have ∼15 m of relief. Above the low-relief ridges, bowl-shaped features have been excavated on the canyon wall contributing to the widening of the canyon. We suggest that shear along the San Gregorio fault has led to the formation of the low-relief ridges near the canyon wall and that carbonate crusts, as along the shelf, may be the source of the high backscatter features on the canyon floor. The path of the fault zone across the upper slope is marked by elongated tributary canyons with high backscatter floors and `U'-shaped cross-sectional profiles. Linear features and stepped scarps suggestive of recent crustal movement and mass-wasting, occur on the walls and floors of these canyons. Three magnitude-4 earthquakes have occurred within the last 30 years in the vicinity of the canyons that may have contributed to the observed features. As shown by others, motion along the fault zone has juxtaposed diverse lithologies that outcrop on the canyon walls. Gully morphology and the canyon's drainage patterns have been influenced by the substrate into which the gullies have formed.
Promoter for the regulatory type I beta subunit of the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase directs transgene expression in the central nervous system.

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) modulates synaptic transmission and influences memory and learning. Among the various isoforms of regulatory and catalytic subunits that comprise mammalian cAPK, only the regulatory type I beta (RI beta) subunit is unique to nervous tissue. The requirement for RI beta in neurons is presently unknown. Previous studies demonstrate that holoenzyme containing RI beta activates at lower concentrations of cAMP compared to other forms of cAPK. Thus, neurons that induce RI beta expression may become more sensitive to subsequent hormonal signals and maintain more long-term phosphorylation events. To further elucidate the function of this novel protein, we have begun to investigate its gene. Here we report the isolation of the mouse RI beta promoter as determined by S1 nuclease analysis and transgenic mouse expression. A beta-galactosidase fusion gene containing 1.5 kilobases of 5'-nontranscribed RI beta DNA and 2 kilobases of intron 1 was expressed preferentially in the c...
Misspelling analysis in dyslexia: Observation of developmental strategy shifts

Poor spelling is an inevitable concomitant of dyslexia (Critchley 1975; Naidoo 1972; Rutter 1978). Poor spelling is difficult to remediate even in those dyslexic persons who are able to profit from intensive instruction in reading. However, in spite of the common observation that low spelling achievement is a hallmark of dyslexia, the phenomenon has been studied little, and our knowledge of both the disability and how to remediate it remains extremely limited. Although there is little well designed spelling research in the literature, it has been commonplace for clinicians and educators to characterize dyslexia by reference to aspects of spelling performance. Not only is poor spelling achievement cited, but a higher frequency of several types of spelling errors are attributed to the dyslexic population. Those most often described are: (a) letter order reversals or confusions (Boder 1973; Critchley 1975; Johnson and Myklebust 1967; Orton 1937); (b) "bizarre" misspellings resulting from poor audiophonic analysis of words and poor ability to learn and apply phonic correspondences (Boder 1973; Ingram, Mason, and Blackburn 1970; Nelson and Warrington 1974; Sweeney and Rourke 1978); and (c) failure to remember sight words in reading and spelling because of poor visual memory for language (Boder 1973; Ingram et. al. 1970; Johnson and Myklebust 1967). While letter order errors have generally not been associated with a specific subgroup of dyslexies, both the audiophonic difficulties and the verbo-visual memory difficulties have been attributed to specific subgroups of dyslexies defined on the basis of their reading and spelling patterns (Boder 1973; Camp and Dolcourt 1977; Ingram et. al. 1970). Evidence based on neuropsycholog ical assessment in favor of these subgroup classifications has come from the work of Denckla (1978) and Mattis, French, and Rapin (1975).
Measurement of manganese amelioration of cadmium toxicity in Chlorella pyrenoidosa using turbidostat culture

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity and amelioration of Cd toxicity by Mn were measured inChlorella pyrenoidosa, using turbidostat culture. The responses were measured in terms of the maximum specific growth rate, μmax, of the populations. In turbidostat culture μmax is a dependent variable that can be measured continuously. Cd (as CdCl2· 2.5 H2O) was added to control populations at a concentration of 1.8 μM Cd. Toxicity was expressed after a 5 generation lag and resulted in a μmax steady state 62% lower than the initial control after 2 generations. With continued Cd exposure, Mn (as MnCl2 · 6H2O) was then added stepwise to a concentration of 10.4 μM Mn which caused a rapid, immediate increase in μmax followed by linear increase until a steady-state plateau was reached at a μmax 90% of control. The ameliorative response spanned 20 culture generations. After addition of Mn (10.4 μM), cellular Cd concentration did not change and cellular Mn concentration increased. Increase in mean cell size accompanied Cd exposure and was significantly decreased when supplemented with 10.4 μM Mn. Possible mechanisms of the amelioration are discussed.
What is the potential role of antifibrotic agents for the treatment of liver disease

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and results from chronic liver disease. The most important goal of antifibrotic therapy is to remove the fibrogenic stimulus by treating the underlying etiology of liver disease. The authors of this Viewpoint article discuss the promising targets for antifibrotic therapy that have been identified using animal models of liver fibrosis.
Near‐diploidy: A new prognostic factor for clinically localized prostate cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy

BACKGROUND DNA ploidy is a significant prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer. Using DNA/nuclear protein flow cytometry, a subpopulation of tumors with near-diploid DNA is identifiable. The prognostic significance of near-diploidy was examined. METHODS Paraffin-embedded formalin fixed prostate tumor tissue from patients treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with external beam radiation therapy was processed for DNA/nuclear protein flow cytometry. All patients had pretreatment and follow-up serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. Seventy-six specimens were suitable for flow cytometric analysis. Tumors were classified as either diploid (n = 30), near-diploid (n = 24), or nondiploid (n = 22, tetraploid and aneuploid). Median follow-up time was 36 months. RESULTS Diploid tumors were associated with a significantly better actuarial outcome at 4 years, compared with near-diploid tumors, using either biochemical relapse (rising PSA) or a composite end point of a rising PSA or clinical relapse (16% versus 52% relapse, P < 0.05, log-rank). Moreover, patients who had nondiploid tumors had the worst prognosis (77% relapse, composite end point). No significant difference was observed between diploid and near-diploid neoplasms regarding actuarial local control, freedom from metastasis, freedom from clinical relapse, or overall survival time. A Cox proportional hazards model, using the composite end point of a rising PSA or relapse, was performed with ploidy categorized as diploid, near-diploid, and nondiploid; pretreatment PSA, DNA ploidy, and tumor grade were found to be independent prognostic factors. When ploidy was categorized as diploid or near-diploid (nondiploid tumors excluded), pretreatment serum PSA and DNA ploidy were independent predictors of outcome. Ploidy remained an independent prognostic factor even when nondiploid tumors were excluded. CONCLUSIONS These data show that patients who have near-diploid tumors have an intermediate prognosis between the more favorable diploid tumors and the less favorable nondiploid tumors.
Developmental programming: Prenatal BPA treatment disrupts timing of LH surge and ovarian follicular wave dynamics in adult sheep

Developmental exposure to BPA adversely affects reproductive function. In sheep, prenatal BPA treatment induces reproductive neuroendocrine defects, manifested as LH excess and dampened LH surge and perturbs early ovarian gene expression. In this study we hypothesized that prenatal BPA treatment will also disrupt ovarian follicular dynamics. Pregnant sheep were treated from days 30 to 90 of gestation with 3 different BPA doses (0.05, 0.5, or 5mg/kgBW/day). All female offspring were estrus synchronized and transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily for 22days to monitor ovarian follicular and corpora lutea dynamics. Blood samples were collected to assess preovulatory hormonal changes and luteal progesterone dynamics. Statistical analysis revealed that the time interval between the estradiol rise and the preovulatory LH surge was shortened in the BPA-treated females. None of the three BPA doses had an effect on corpora lutea, progestogenic cycles, and mean number or duration of ovulatory and non-ovulatory follicles. However, differences in follicular count trajectories were evident in all three follicular size classes (2-3mm, 4-5mm, and ≥6mm) of prenatal BPA-treated animals compared to controls. Number of follicular waves tended also to be more variable in the prenatal BPA-treated groups ranging from 2 to 5 follicular waves per cycle, while this was restricted to 3 to 4 waves in control females. These changes in ovarian follicular dynamics coupled with defects in time interval between estradiol rise and preovulatory LH release are likely to lead to subfertility in prenatal BPA-treated females.
Nonpeptide αvβ3 antagonists. Part 2: constrained glycyl amides derived from the RGD tripeptide

Abstract Mimetics of the RGD tripeptide are described that are potent, selective antagonists of the integrin receptor, αvβ3. The use of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridine group as a potency-enhancing N-terminus is demonstrated. Two 3-substituted-3-amino-propionic acids previously contained in αIIbβ3 antagonists were utilized to enhance binding affinity and functional activity for the targeted receptor. Further affinity increases were then achieved through the use of cyclic glycyl amide bond constraints.