cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geodetic Evidence for a Near-Fault Compliant Zone along the San Andreas Fault in the San Francisco Bay Area

Global Positioning System measurements in 1996 and 1997 and Electronic Distance Measuring data from the 1970s and 1980s at sites in five small-aperture geodetic networks along the San Andreas fault in northern California were used to determine the near-fault strain rate. The tensor shear strain rate \({\dot{{\varepsilon}}}_{12}\) (referred to a coordinate system with the 1 axis parallel to the fault and the 2 axis normal to the fault) in the Bodega–Tomales, Lake San Andreas, and Black Mountain–Radio Facility networks (from north to south) are 0.339 ± 0.025, 0.366 ± 0.095, and 0.316 ± 0.060 μstrain/yr, respectively. The shear strain rate near the fault in the Black Mountain–Radio Facility and Lake San Andreas networks can be explained either by a 2D inhomogeneous model in which a low-rigidity compliant zone concentrates strain near the fault or by a very shallow locking depth of 8 km. Other evidence points to a locking depth greater than 10 km, so we prefer the first explanation. The contrast in rigidity between the fault zone and the surrounding rock appears to become stronger to the south, starting at approximately the northern extent of the Salinian block at Bodega Bay, suggesting that both the materials on either side of the fault and the cumulative fault offset play a role in the development of a compliant fault zone. Estimates of fault slip rates from far field geodetic data are only weakly sensitive to the presence of a compliant zone, but estimates of locking depths can be biased by approximately 10% toward shallower values if a compliant zone is present and unmodeled.
Editorial: Who Is Afraid to Give Freedom of Speech to Marketing Folks?

Despite the invaluable contribution of marketing folks (e.g., making markets work), they fail to enjoy the same freedom of speech as others. This fact is particularly egregious because unlike other groups that can use threats, force, or coercion, marketing folks rely only on speech. Although the U.S. Constitution never mentions commercial speech, the courts invented the concept to censor marketing folks. The cloudy rational was that consumers need special protection from marketing folks (e.g., advertising). Naturally, censorship leads to abuse. Powerful incumbents use censorship covertly against new entrants. Politicians use censorship surreptitiously to promote their own political goals. If consumers need protection, it is certainly from the misleading statements of those with freedom of speech---politicians, attorneys, the news media, and the censors.
THE SIGNIFICANCE AND RELATIONSHIP OF CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS FOR STEPWISE FORMATION CONSTANTS (K) AND CUMULATIVE FORMATION CONSTANTS (β)

Abstract The relationship between the correlation coefficients for stepwise formation constants (K) and cumulative formation constants (β) is derived and discussed. The correlation between paris of cumulative formation constants in a non-linear least-squares fit does not generally reflect the correlation between the underlying stepwise formation constants. The consequences of these results are discussed.
Comparison of optimization algorithms for piecewise linear discriminant analysis: application to Fourier transform infrared remote sensing measurements

Simplex optimization, simulated annealing, generalized simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, and a Simplex-genetic algorithm hybrid are compared for their ability to optimize piecewise linear discriminants. Nonparametric piecewise linear discriminant analysis (PLDA) is employed here to develop an automated detection scheme for Fourier transform infrared remote sensing interferogram data. Piecewise linear discriminants are computed and optimized for interferograms collected when sulfur hexafluoride, acetone, and methanol were present in the optical path of the spectrometer. The success of this methodology is based on the proper positioning of the discriminant. Discriminant optimization is a challenging problem due to the tendency for local optima to occur on the response surface and the large number of variables being optimized. Among the methods compared in the context of the remote sensing application, Simplex optimization is found to be the best method for discriminant optimization. Discriminants positioned using Simplex optimization are observed to consistently outperform discriminants positioned using algorithms based on simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. The justification for this result is based on three arguments. First, a good starting point for the optimization is available in the PLDA application and only a limited number of response function evaluations are possible due to the requirement of the remote sensing application. These features create an optimization problem that favors Simplex optimization. Second, the response surface is smooth near the starting point and becomes increasingly rugged as the optimal region is approached. Simplex could move quickly at first and then move from local optima through the use of a kick operator. Third, the variables being optimized are highly correlated with each other. The effect of a variable on the response function score is highly dependent on the current values of the other variables. Epistatic optimization problems such as this are very difficult for genetic algorithms but do not impact the performance of Simplex optimization.
Discounting The Debtors Will Not Make Medical Bankruptcy Disappear

David Dranove and Michael Millenson seem determined to deny that financial fallout from illness pushes middle-class families into bankruptcy. Anxious to erase the headline that three-quarters of U.S. medical bankrupts had health insurance at the onset of their illnesses and the resulting spotlight on inadequate coverage and insurance cancellation practices, they ignore most of our data and misrepresent the rest. They dismiss families’ explanations of their difficulties and blame those ruined by illness for their own problems. However, the data from the bankruptcy courts are undeniable. Bankruptcies affect mainly middle-class, privately insured families, and about half are triggered, at least in part, by illnesses.
Orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles at sea off artificially lighted and dark beaches

Abstract 42 hatchling loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta L. were released at lighted and dark beach sites on the east coast of Florida, USA, and tracked as they swam offshore during daytime and nighttime trials at each site (four groups). Hatchlings from each group swam in straight paths in generally seaward directions. Hatchlings from both NNE-facing (dark beach) and SSE-facing (lighted beach) beaches swam approximately perpendicular to the shore. No differences were found among groups in path straightness or in orientation direction relative to the shoreline surrounding the release point. Hatchlings swimming from the lighted beach at night, however, swam more slowly and had a larger angle of dispersion than did hatchlings from the dark beach at night. Beach lighting was among other site characteristics that may have influenced these behaviors.
Studies in nuclear magnetic resonance—XII: Complete analysis of the proton spectra of tert-butylcyohexane-3,3,4,4,5,5-d6 and -3,3,5,5-d4

Accurate parameters for the two title compounds have been obtained by the aid of a spectral subtraction technique in conjunction with analysis by LAOCN3. It is observed that J1eq, 6eq and J1ax, 2ax are abnormally large and small, respectively, and the significance of these and other coupling constants are discussed in terms of the probable geometry of tert-butylcyclohexane. The tert-butyl group affects the chemical shifts of the 4-protons, indicating that tert-butylcyclohexyl derivatives are poor models for fixed conformers of monosubstituted cyclohexanes. The deuterium isotope effects on proton chemical shifts appear to be influenced by the same factors as proton-proton coupling constants.
Slow potential concomitants of the retrieval process

Abstract Electrophysiological activity was studied during a retrieval task. A significant difference in wave form was found over the temporal lobe between responses where the subjects thought they recognized the word as appearing on a list compared to when the subject did not recognize the word.
Activated protein C action in inflammation

Activated protein C (APC) is a natural anticoagulant that plays an important role in coagulation homeostasis by inactivating the procoagulation factor Va and VIIIa. In addition to its anticoagulation functions, APC also has cytoprotective effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and endothelial barrier protection. Recently, a recombinant form of human APC (rhAPC or drotrecogin alfa activated; known commercially as 'Xigris') was approved by the US Federal Drug Administration for treatment of severe sepsis associated with a high risk of mortality. Sepsis, also known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) resulting from infection, is a serious medical condition in critical care patients. In sepsis, hyperactive and dysregulated inflammatory responses lead to secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, activation and migration of leucocytes, activation of coagulation, inhibition of fibrinolysis, and increased apoptosis. Although initial hypotheses focused on antithrombotic and profibrinolytic functions of APC in sepsis, other agents with more potent anticoagulation functions were not effective in treating severe sepsis. Furthermore, APC therapy is also associated with the risk of severe bleeding in treated patients. Therefore, the cytoprotective effects, rather than the anticoagulant effect of APC are postulated to be responsible for the therapeutic benefit of APC in the treatment of severe sepsis.
Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV in the Setting of TB Treatment

The convergent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) pandemics continue to collectively exact significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a critical component in combating the scourge of these two conditions as both a preemptive and therapeutic modality. However, concomitant administration of antiretroviral and antituberculous therapies poses significant challenges, including cumulative drug toxicities, drug-drug interactions, high pill burden, and the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), thus complicating the management of coinfected individuals. This paper will review data from recent studies regarding the optimal timing of HAART initiation relative to TB treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving coinfection-related morbidity and mortality while mitigating toxicity resulting from concurrent treatment of both infections.
Research Intelligence: A Social Networking Toolset Supporting Multidiscipliary E-Science

The California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) at the University of California, San Diego has developed a variety of Web 2.0 tools to help ?socialize? research with the goal of helping support the creation of large multi-disciplinary teams, identify new funding opportunities, track the interest of corporate partners, and present a data-driven representation of our research to the public.
Multivariate aspects of the varient/waba approach: A discussion and leadership illustration

A discussion and illustration of multivariate aspects of the Varient/WABA approach for multi-level theory testing are presented. After a consideration of univariate and bivariate conceptual and empirical issues, multiple variable analysis (MVA) and multiple relationship analysis (MRA) are examined from theoretical, methodological, and illustrative perspectives. A brief review of multivariate WABA using hierarchical linear multiple regression, and a general discussion of the Varient/WABA approach in comparison to other multi-level approaches, also are presented.
Excess low-frequency flux noise in dc SQUIDS incorporating Nb/AIOXIDE/Nb Josephson junctions

Abstract We have fabricated thin-film do SQUIDs (Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices) incorporating Nb/AlOxide/Nb tunnel junctions. The spectral density of the voltage noise, Sv, of stripline SQUIDs is characterized between 1 Hz and 2000 Hz. In this frequency range, Sv is proportional to the square of the responsivity (ϖV/ϖΦ) over a significant range of bias conditions with an unusual frequency dependence. In a 7 pH SQZIK the spectral density of the flux noise, SΦ, at 1 Hz is less than 10−11Φ02/Hz, where Φ0 ≡ h/2e. The observed noise does not appear to be environmental; also, it is independent of the value of the junction shunt resistance and whether the stripline material is a Pbln alloy or Nb. Subject to the constraint of a constant product of the junction area, critical current density, and SQUID self-inductance in the SQUIDs studied, SΦ is inversely proportional to the junction area.
New equalities for the critical indices

Abstract A simple argument based on the liquid-droplet model is used to derive a new equation for the critical indices. From this and the scaling laws, we can derive other equalities. These are found to be in good agreement with systems of dimensionality higher than two.
Washing cryopreserved blood products using hollow fibres

As the demand for pathogen-free blood products grows, the use of cryopreserved autologous blood is increasing. However, freezing cellular blood components is complex, requiring the use of a cryoprotectant. Here, two blood products that are growing in popularity, peripheral blood haematopoietic progenitor cells (PBHPCs) and platelets are considered. These cells are frozen in dimethylsulphoxide. Currently, the cells are thawed and reinfused without removing the cryoprotectant, however, recent studies show that the viability of the reinfused cells is greatly improved if the cryoprotectant is removed before reinfusion. A hollow fibre system for removing the cryoprotectant from PBHPCs and platelets has been designed and the experimental data for both PBHPCs and platelets show that such a system is feasible and could be a practical method for removing the cryoprotectant from small volume blood products.
The Shifting Balance of Adolescent Time Use

In this study, time diary data from 1977 to 1978 and 2003 to 2005 are used to investigate time use in middle adolescence with the goals of ascertaining (a) changes in time use, (b) how socioeconomic and familial factors influence adolescent time allocation, and (c) the extent to which the mix of leisure undertaken by today’s adolescents reflect a choice set that favors positive developmental experiences. The results suggest that over the past few decades, adolescents have substantially reduced their paid employment time while increasing the time they spend in leisure. Adolescents’ declining real wage rates appear to have contributed to this shift. In 2003-2005, adolescents averaged more than 6 hours per day in leisure activities with approximately two thirds of their leisure time spent in passive activities and less than one third spent in leisure pursuits that have a high probability of promoting personal growth.
Amplifiers of developmental and negative experiences in organized activities: Dosage, motivation, lead roles, and adult-youth ratios ☆

This study evaluated four sets of factors hypothesized to amplify adolescents' developmental and negative experience in organized youth activities. A representative sample of 1,822 eleventh grade students from 19 high schools completed the computer-administered Youth Experience Survey. Findings indicated that amount of time, motivation, holding a lead role, and the ratio of adults-to-youth were independently related to students' reports of developmental experience in an organized activity. These variables accounted for substantially more variance (23%) in reported developmental experiences than type of activity (3%); and they had only modest relationships with youths' negative experiences (2% of total variance). The findings suggest that developmental benefits of programs might be higher if youth were motivated by enjoyment and had lead roles more often. Further, they raise an important policy issue regarding how to make best use of staff to maximize developmental benefits.
Empire, Labor, and Environment: Coal Mining and Anticapitalist Environmentalism in the Americas

Latin American political movements linking traditional peasant values of subsistence with a leftist critique of imperialism are contributing to new forms of environmentalism there. While in the United States labor and environmental movements tend to operate within mainstream political and economic models based on privileging high levels of consumption and economic growth, Latin American voices are challenging both the global economic order and traditional concepts of economic development. From indigenous and peasant movements to leftist labor unions to political leaders, Latin Americans are calling for economic development that privileges the rights of rural peoples and their environments, and redistribution of resources domestically and globally. Yet they remain imbedded in an international economy based on extractivism and economic growth, which poses significant challenges to any alternative paths.
The prolonged burner syndrome

Over the course of a single football season, six players evaluated by the medical staff had burners that dis played a prolonged neurologic recovery. These players were examined and subsequently evaluated with iso kinetic testing and electrodiagnostic studies to eluci date better the short-term natural history of the pro longed burner syndrome. Evidence of muscular weak ness at 72 hours postinjury best correlated with positive electrodiagnostic findings. No correlation was found between the initial physical examination findings and the results of electrodiagnostic testing. Isokinetic strength evaluation demonstrated many relative strength differences that were difficult to discern with manual muscle testing. The return of a player to athletic competition following this injury should largely be based on the clinical examination.
Guarded Borders: Adolescent Interracial Romance and Peer Trouble at School

Assimilation theorists have long viewed inter-group romantic partnerships as indicators of racial equality. Although the past half-century has witnessed the erosion of anti-miscegenation laws and subsequent increases in the frequency of interracial marriages, these unions remain relatively infrequent. Low intermarriage rates may be partially explained by the informal sanctions leveled at young interracial romances. This study tests whether adolescents who interracially date are at greater risks of peer difficulties than intra-racially dating youth. Results demonstrate a positive relationship between adolescent interracial dating and peer trouble at school. As hypothesized from ethnographic research and theories of inter-group relations, results suggest that interracial romances activate peer sanctions and that these reactions are strongest when romances involve black students.
Advanced power conditioning system technologies for high-megawatt fuel cell power plants

High-megawatt power conditioning systems (PCSs) are required to convert the low-voltage produced by fuel cell modules in central station scale plants to the very much higher voltage levels required for delivery to the grid. As part of a NIST/DOE Interagency Agreement, advanced PCS architectures, circuit topologies, and component technologies are being evaluated to identify technologies requiring development to meet the fuel cell power plant PCS cost goals of $40-$100/kW. In addition, several industry, government, and university programs are being initiated to in part support these fuel cell power plant PCS goals.
Mechanism of T-oligo-induced cell cycle arrest in Mia-Paca pancreatic cancer cells

DNA oligonucleotides with sequence homology to human telomeric DNA (T-oligo) induce cell cycle arrest, followed by apoptosis, senescence, or autophagy in a human cancer cell type-specific manner. T-oligo has potential as a new therapeutic strategy in oncology because of its ability to target certain types of tumor cells while sparing normal ones. In the present study, we demonstrate the T-oligo-induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in four pancreatic cancer cell lines. To further contribute to the mechanistic understanding of T-oligo, we also identify cyclin dependent kinase 2 (cdk2) as a functional mediator in the T-oligo-induced cell cycle arrest of pancreatic cancer cells. Ectopic expression of a constitutively active cdk2 mutant abrogates T-oligo-induced cell cycle arrest in these tumor cells while knockdown of cdk2 expression alone recapitulates the T-oligo effect. Finally, we demonstrate the dispensability of T-oligo-induced ATM/ATR-mediated DNA damage response-signaling pathways, which have long been considered functional in the T-oligo signaling mechanism.
Variation in glyphosate efficacy in commercial loblolly-pine release operations in Virginia

Abstract Factors affecting the operational efficacy of glyphosate on five southeastern tree species were investigated on 16 tracts in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Virginia. Xylem water-potential, leaf sugar and starch content, plant size, and weather variables were measured to assess their contribution to efficacy variation. Operational application of glyphosate successfully released loblolly pine from (in order of glyphosate susceptibility) sweetgum, white oaks, yellow poplar, and red maple. Average foliar sugar concentration was directly related to control of white oaks among tracts. Injury of loblolly pine was inversely related to both crown size at the time of spraying and relative completion of terminal growth. Use of individual-tree measures of pre-dawn xylem water-potential and foliar sugar and starch content was not successful in predicting response to glyphosate. Relationships between weather variables and glyphosate efficacy suggest that post-spraying weather is a more important efficacy factor than pre-spraying weather.
Patterns of Intracellular Calcium Oscillations in Horse Oocytes Fertilized by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Possible Explanations for the Low Success of This Assisted Reproduction Technique in the Horse

In all species studied, fertilization induces intracellular Ca21 ([Ca21]i) oscillations required for oocyte activation and embryonic development. This species-specific pattern has not been studied in the equine, partly due to the difficulties linked to in vitro fertilization in this species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to investigate fertilization-induced [Ca21]i signaling and, possibly, ascertain problems linked to the success of this technology in the horse. In vivo- and in vitro-matured mare oocytes were injected with a single motile stallion sperm. Few oocytes displayed [Ca21]i responses regardless of oocyte source and we hypothesized that this may result from insufficient release of the sperm-borne active molecule (sperm factor) into the oocyte. However, permeabilization of sperm membranes with Triton-X or by sonication did not alleviate the deficient [Ca21]i responses in mare oocytes. Thus, we hypothesized that a step downstream of release, possibly required for sperm factor function, is not appropriately accomplished in horse oocytes. To test this, ICSI-fertilized horse oocytes were fused to unfertilized mouse oocytes, which are known to respond with [Ca21]i oscillations to injection of stallion sperm, and [Ca21]i monitoring was performed. Such pairs consistently displayed [Ca21]i responses demonstrating that the sperm factor is appropriately released into the ooplasm of horse oocytes, but that these are unable to activate and/or provide the appropriate substrate that is required for the sperm factor delivered by ICSI to initiate oscillations. These findings may have implications to improve the success of ICSI in the equine and other livestock species. assisted reproductive technology, calcium, fertilization, gamete biology
Dopamine and Morphine Stimulate Nitric Oxide Release in Human Endometrial Glandular Epithelial Cells

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that human endometrial glandular epithelial cells contain endothelial nitric oxide synthase indicating that the endometrium might produce nitric oxide (NO). We conducted this study to identify stimuli that can activate a transient NO release from endometrial glandular epithelial cells because NO is an important intracellular and intercellular signal transduction pathway in reproductive cycle. METHODS: Endometrial glandular epithelial cells, free of endothelial cells, were isolated from human endometrial specimens and maintained viable in RPMI 1640 medium with 2% fetal bovine serum for 2- 4 days. Nitric oxide release from the glandular cells in response to stimuli was monitored continuously amperometrically. RESULTS: Among the substances examined, we found that dopamine and morphine stimulated a transient surge of NO production that was dose-dependent, whereas estrogen, progesterone, or relaxin (RLX) had no short-term effect on NO release. Cells treated with RLX or dopamine for 4 days enhanced the dopamine-induced NO release fourfold to sixfold, with the peak of the NO surge shifting from 35 to 15 seconds. CONCLUSION: Endometrial glandular cells were capable of producing NO. Dopamine and morphine were potent stimuli for a transient surge of NO release from endometrial glandular cells. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to dopamine or RLX enhanced the sensitivity of NO release in endometrial glands.
Physical mechanism of NBTI relaxation by RF and noise performance of RF CMOS devices

For the first time the RF performance and flicker noise degradation and relaxation as a function of time of RF CMOS devices after negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) stress was reported. By comparing the dc, RF and flicker noise performance, we were able to probe the physical mechanism of NBTI. The relaxation of the degradation involves both fixed charge and interface charge. The magnitudes, time constants and post-stress results all indicate fixed charge leaving the oxide and recombining with interface states play a dominate role in the interface state relaxation.
Will International Investment Rules Obstruct Climate Protection Policies? An Examination of the Clean Development Mechanism

Rules governing the global environment and the international economy are currently decided in separate arenas. Yet, environmental agreements can have strong economic implications, particularly with the growing use of market mechanisms. Economic liberalization rules, meanwhile, may limit the effectiveness of environmental agreements. This paper assesses the potential interaction between one important market-based environmental mechanism – the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change – and the framework of international investment law.
A Prospective Study of Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: Vascular risk factors, including alcohol intake, have been hypothesized to play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We examined the relationship of alcohol intake with AMD in the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS). METHODS: The PHS was a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene among 22,071 U.S. male physicians age 40 to 84 years at entry. A total of 21,041 physicians with complete data on alcohol consumption and no AMD at baseline were included in this analysis. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: During an average follow-up period of 12.5 years, 278 physicians were confirmed by medical record review to have incident AMD resulting in vision loss ( acuity 20/30 or worse). After adjusting for age, randomized treatment assignment, and other potential risk factors, the RR for ⩾ 1 drink/week versus < 1 drink/week was 0.97 (CI: 0.78–1.21). For categories of alcohol intake, the RRs for those reporting alcohol consumption of < 1 drink/week, 1 drink/week, 2–4 drinks/week, 5–6 drinks/week, and ⩾ 1 drink/day were 1.00 (referent), 1.00 (0.65–1.55), 0.68 (0.44–1.04), 1.32 (0.89–1.95), and 1.27 (0.93–1.73), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These prospective data indicate that alcohol intake is not appreciably associated with the risk of incident AMD. However, the width of the confidence intervals are compatible with a possible small effect (reduction or increase) in risk for low to moderate levels of alcohol intake, which warrant further investigation.
Maximum Isometric Strength and Relative Muscular Endurance Gains and Their Relationships

Abstract The relationship between maximum isometric strength and relative muscular endurance, as well as the relationship between maximum isometric strength and strength gains, and relative muscular endurance and endurance gains following a progressive resistance isotonic training program were investigated. Subjects were 40 male volunteers enrolled in required physical education classes at the University of Maryland. Prior to the initial test period, the volunteers were randomly divided into a control (N = 20) and an experimental (N = 20) group. All subjects were tested for maximum isometric strength on four successive days, using the flexor muscles of the forearm, before and after six weeks of high-intensity, low-repetition strength training. Relative muscular endurance was also tested on four successive days by all subjects, using a modified arm-lever ergometer, with the relative load for each test determined from the maximum isometric strength test for that particular day. Relative loads used in the pr...
On the Efficiency of Hole and Electron Transfer from the Hydration Layer to DNA: An EPR Study of Crystalline DNA X-Irradiated at 4 K

Abstract Debije, M. G., Strickler, M. T. and Bernhard, W. A. On the Efficiency of Hole and Electron Transfer from the Hydration Layer to DNA: An EPR Study of Crystalline DNA X-Irradiated at 4 K. The aim of this project was to gain an improved understanding of how the efficiency of hole and electron transfer from the solvation layer to DNA decreases as a function of distance from DNA. The packing of DNA in crystals of known structure makes it possible to calculate the degree of DNA hydration with a precision that is significantly greater than that achievable for amorphous samples. Previous work on oligodeoxynucleotide crystals has demonstrated that the efficiency of free radical trapping by DNA exposed to ionizing radiation at 4 K is relatively insensitive to base sequence, conformation, counterion, or base stacking continuity. Having eliminated these confounding variables, it is now possible to ascertain the degree of radical transfer that occurs from ionized water as a function of DNA hydration (Γ, in mo...
Poisson homotopy algebra: An idiosyncratic survey of homotopy algebraic topics related to Alan’s interests

Homotopy algebra is playing an increasing role in mathematical physics. Especially in the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian settings, it is intimately related to some of Alan’s interests, e.g., Courant and Lie algebroids. There is a comparatively long history of such structure in cohomological physics in terms of equations that hold mod exact terms (typically, divergences) or only “on shell,” meaning modulo the Euler—Lagrange equations of “motion”; more recently, higher homotopies have come into prominence. Higher homotopies were developed first within algebraic topology and may not yet be commonly available tools for symplectic geometers and mathematical physicists.
A Qualitative Study on Best Practices in Technology Affordances, ICT and Good Governance in Managing Higher Education Institutions in Zimbabwe

The emergence and growth of unethical leadership in the corporate world in Zimbabwe militate against competitiveness of the nation. Governance issues of higher education institutions in Zimbabwe have affected their strategic response to new technological innovations and programmes associated with open educational resources (OERs), massive open online courses (MOOCS), e-learning and mobile learning in an increasingly networked environment. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the corporate governance issues that affect technology affordances and IT governance in an increasingly networked environment and the impact on strategic response to the new technologies in teaching and learning. The research methodology used was qualitative where focus group discussions were held with various groups involved in the management of higher education institutions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on selected levels of university management on technology affordances, IT governance and business-IT alignment. Stratified sampling technique was used as the target population was stratified according to levels of management in higher education institutions, starting from the level of University Council going down to IT Managers and key users. The results show that there are corporate governance problems between the Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of the University Council, and the critical success factors were determined. However, all the higher education institutions involved in the study indicated the common problem of poor alignment between the business strategy and IT. Corporate governance and IT governance facilitate a conductive environment for technological progress and responsiveness to technological innovations such as e-learning, m-learning, MOOCs and OERs.
Flexible Wind Dispatch, System Reliability and EPA's Clean Power Plan

Forty percent of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel, in the United States, are generated by the electric power sector. In June 2014, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued the Clean Power Plan under the Clean Air Act Section 111(d), intended to reduce CO2 emissions caused by electricity generation. Reducing CO2 emissions is one of the main motivations for increasing wind power and other renewable energy use, and this option is included in EPA's Clean Power Plan. This paper applies a Monte Carlo framework with a two-stage OPF analysis to simulate the implementation of EPA's proposal. Potential CO2 emission reduction along with possible cost and reliability concerns from increased use of wind power and energy efficiency measures are quantified. The results show that EPA's proposal does achieve significant emission reduction, but also potentially increases the cost of electricity and could force load curtailment if significant wind is installed. Allowing for recourse to flexible dispatch of wind power and to real-time demand response along with EPA's Clean Power Plan eliminates these concerns.
An Approach to Immunomicroscopy of Renal Disease with Immunoperoxidase and Periodic Acid-Schiff Counterstain (IMPAS Stain)

A series of 127 renal specimens reflecting a wide spectrum of renal pathology was evaluated with a direct immunoperoxidase technic in which frozen tissue was first reacted with anti-Ig(G,A,M) and anti-C3-peroxidase conjugates and subsequently counterstained with periodic acid-Schiff-hematoxylin (IMPAS). This technic permitted simultaneous evaluation of light-microscopic changes and yielded a permanent immunomicroscopic record. Frequently, a distinction could be made between epimembranous, intramembranous and subendothelial deposits, which was not possible using immunofluorescence. The findings were correlated with histologic, immunofluorescent and electron-microscopic results. General patterns of immune complex and autoantibody deposition were similar in 124 cases. In one case, there was poor correlation between results obtained by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence. In two other cases, deposits detected by electron microscopy were not identified by either immunoperoxidase or immunofluorescence. The IMPAS stain, combining immunomicroscopy with conventional light microscopy, may be a useful approach to the laboratory diagnosis of renal disease.
Key to the Nearctic Genera of Water Beetles of the Tribe Agabini, with Some Generic Synonymy (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Upon using the key to the genera of the tribe Agabini as given in Bradley's “A Manual of the Genera of Beetles of America, North of Mexico,” page 47, it becomes evident that there must have been some confusion in translating and rearranging Zimmerman's key (1919: 203-205). For example, the characters attributed in Bradley to Agabinus Crotch, are actually those of Agabus Leach (s. str.), while those for Agabus refer to the Gaurodytes Thomson of Zimmermann's paper. In addition, Carrhydnts Fall has been interpolated, although because of its unequal metatarsal claws it would have run to Colymbetini in the key to the subfamilies and tribes (page 45, couplet 10).
Labor outcomes with increasing number of prior vaginal births after cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the success rates and risks of an attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) according to the number of prior successful VBACs.METHODS:From a prospective multicenter registry collected at 19 clinical centers from 1999 to 2002, we selected women with one or more prio
Electromigration study of Al/low k dielectric line structures

Electromigration reliability is a key concern for implementation of low dielectric constant (k) materials for on-chip interconnects. To address this problem, we have carried out a comparative study of electromigration performance for Al(0.5 wt% Cu) line structures formed with TEOS-based SiO2 and a low k polymeric material, poly(arylene ether) (PAE). The test structures consist of 800 µm long single-level ines. Resistometric measurements were performed to determine electromigration lifetime. To supplement lifetime measurements, TEM was used to measure overall grain size and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) was employed to determine the local grain orientation and grain boundary characteristics in the line structure. In addition, SEM was used to examine void morphology. Microstructural analysis revealed a larger grain size and an enhanced (111) texture in PAE-passivated lines compared to TEOS-passivated lines. The differences can be attributed to a high-emperature process used to cure the PAE dielectric. The overall results obtained in this study show reasonably good electromigration performance for low k dielectric interconnects.
"Three-dimensional" ultramicrotomy.

A method is described for the routine production of ultrathin sections, cut alternately at right angles to each other. Two separate ribbons of sections are obtained, each being the right-angled complement of the other, and they share a common side along their entire length. Both ribbons can be placed on the same specimen grid for direct electron microscopic comparison of the same ultrastructural components cut in complementary planes. The thickness of the section determines the distance from the common side, which will show the same structures in both ribbons.
Real-time Polychromatic Parametric Processing

Recent advances in real-time polychromatic parametric processing are reviewed spanning applications from high speed OTDM data to photonic sampled ADC of broadband signals employing self-seeded parametric multicasting and polychromatic sampling.
Football Players' Head-Impact Exposure After Limiting of Full-Contact Practices

Context: Sporting organizations limit full-contact football practices to reduce concussion risk and based on speculation that repeated head impacts may result in long-term neurodegeneration. Object...
The Interactive Influence of Cannabis-Related Negative Expectancies and Coping Motives on Cannabis Use Behavior and Problems

ABSTRACTObjectives: The present study tested whether coping motives for cannabis use moderate the effect of negative expectancies on cannabis use. Methods: Participants were 149 (36.2% female, 61.59% non-Hispanic Caucasian) current cannabis users aged 18-36 (M = 21.01, SD = 3.09) who completed measures of cannabis-related expectancies and motives for use. Hierarchical multiple regressions were employed to investigate the predictive value of the interaction between negative expectancies and coping motives on cannabis use outcomes. Results: Results revealed interactions between negative expectancies and coping motives with respect to past 90 day cannabis use frequency and cannabis problems. Global negative effects expectancies were associated with less frequent cannabis use, particularly among those with fewer coping motives. However, negative expectancies were related to more cannabis problems, particularly among those with higher coping motives. Conclusions: These results suggest it may be advisable to ta...
Experimental Political Science

Abstract This chapter describes some of the historical developments in experimental political science. Some innovative new techniques provide contemporary illustrations of how to address old questions with new methods. An assessment of the field and a discussion of future challenges are provided.
Long-Term Flow Testing of the Phase II Reservoir

In the wake of initial Phase II reservoir testing and the ICFT, fundamental questions about the commercial potential of HDR technology remained to be answered. How reliable is power production from an HDR reservoir? What might be the longevity of such a reservoir? To answer these questions, and to demonstrate that geothermal energy could be extracted on a sustained basis, more extensive testing would be required. The Long-Term Flow Test (LTFT) for the Fenton Hill Phase II reservoir was designed to simulate as closely as possible the conditions under which a commercial HDR power plant might operate.
Investment Professionals' Ability to Detect Deception: Accuracy, Bias and Metacognitive Realism

ABSTRACTIn the first empirical study on the topic, the authors examined the ability of investment professionals to distinguish between truthful and deceptive statements. A random sample of 154 investment professionals made judgments about a series of truthful and deceptive statements, some of which involved financial fraud. Investment professionals' lie detection accuracy was poor; participants performed no better than would be expected by chance. Accuracy in identifying lies about financial fraud was especially poor. Further, participants displayed poor metacognitive realism when assessing their own performance. The theoretical and practical implications for lie detection in the financial industry are discussed.
Alcohol Demand, Future Orientation, and Craving Mediate the Relation Between Depressive and Stress Symptoms and Alcohol Problems.

Background Elevated depression and stress have been linked to greater levels of alcohol problems among young adults even after taking into account drinking level. This study attempts to elucidate variables that might mediate the relation between symptoms of depression and stress and alcohol problems, including alcohol demand, future time orientation, and craving. Methods Participants were 393 undergraduates (60.8% female, 78.9% White/Caucasian) who reported at least 2 binge-drinking episodes (4/5+ drinks for women/men, respectively) in the previous month. Participants completed self-report measures of stress and depression, alcohol demand, future time orientation, craving, and alcohol problems. Results In separate mediation models that accounted for gender, race, and weekly alcohol consumption, future orientation and craving significantly mediated the relation between depressive symptoms and alcohol problems. Alcohol demand, future orientation, and craving significantly mediated the relation between stress symptoms and alcohol problems. Conclusions Heavy-drinking young adults who experience stress or depression are likely to experience alcohol problems, and this is due in part to elevations in craving and alcohol demand, and less sensitivity to future outcomes. Interventions targeting alcohol misuse in young adults with elevated levels of depression and stress should attempt to increase future orientation and decrease craving and alcohol reward value.
SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF: STRATEGIC SELECTION OF PENSION POLICIES USED TO DEFER REQUIRED CONTRIBUTIONS

The administrators of state-sponsored defined benefit public pension plans have considerable discretion to determine the accounting and actuarial parameters used to calculate the normal cost contributions and amortization payments that, together, comprise the sponsoring state's annual required contribution amount. Using longitudinal data from the Public Pension Database and a fixed effects approach, we find evidence that suggests plan administrators decisions about cost and amortization methods are influenced by the normal cost and amortization payments, respectively. When these costs increase, administrators tend to use less prudent methods that defer, or keep low, the pension contributions required from the state while, simultaneously, and perversely, improving the appearance of the plan's funded status and the state's funding discipline. (JEL H75)
Physician perceptions about living organ donation in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Abstract Objectives Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) have expressed desire to become living organ donors but are unable to do so with current organ donation policies. Our objective is to assess ALS patient’s interest in organ donation, and perceived concerns of this practice by ALS neurologists. Patients and methods An electronic survey was administered to ALS neurologists across the United States regarding living organ donation in ALS patients prior to respiratory failure. Results 52 complete responses were received from 121 invites. 67% (35/52) of neurologists expressed no concerns about living organ donation in ALS patients, and 33% had concerns. The concerns related to respiratory failure, anesthesia exposure and renal dysfunction. With their concerns addressed, 71% of neurologists reported that they would endorse living organ donation. 49% of neurologists reported being asked by a patient for information regarding living organ donation. ALS neurologists felt that 22.8% of ALS patients (median 19%) would be interested in learning more about organ donation, while only 6% of neurologists broach this subject with their patients. Conclusion Our results indicate that 1 in every 4 ALS patients may be interested in exploring options for living organ donation, and this topic is not routinely addressed by ALS clinics. These results indicate an unexplored area of patient interest. To honor a patient’s wishes to donate, the transplant community will have to accommodate living organ donation from terminally ill patients, and address neurologist concerns. Such a practice could benefit two groups of patients.
An Exploration of the Associations Among Hearing Loss, Physical Health, and Visual Memory in Adults From West Central Alabama

Purpose The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the associations among hearing loss, physical health, and visual memory in adults living in rural areas, urban clusters, and an urban ci...
Oral Health of Postbariatric Surgery Recipients

Introduction: A growing body of research has found implications for oral health postbariatric surgery. Purpose: To review the literature about the impact postbariatric surgery on oral health. Main ...