cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elite capture risk and mitigation in decentralized forest governance regimes

Abstract Recent scholarship focuses on elite capture as a driver of social inequality and a source of policy failure across a wide range of governance initiatives. In the context of environmental governance, concerns center on perceived links between elite capture and decentralization, particularly in developing countries where decentralized natural resource governance has been widely implemented. But, there is limited empirical knowledge regarding if, and the conditions under which, decentralization might promote elite capture, or whether institutional design factors can militate against it. We examine how local institutional arrangements under forest sector decentralization affect the risk of elite capture of forest benefits, as well as the potential for a key institutional design factor (linkages to external organizations as an accountability-building mechanism) to mitigate this risk. We analyze forest product harvesting data as well as social, ecological, and institutional data from pre- and post-decentralization across 56 forests and 174 community groups in four countries. We employ hierarchical linear modeling to test the extent to which decentralization is associated with inequities in the distribution of forest harvest benefits within communities, and to characterize the institutional arrangements that affect elite capture outcomes. We find not only strong evidence for increased local rule-making under decentralization, but also significantly higher risk of elite capture of forest harvest benefits. This risk increases with increasing time since decentralization, but it is also substantially moderated in cases where an external organization was involved in organizing the local forest institution. Our findings highlight ways in which decentralization reforms are filtered by institutional arrangements to produce different outcomes, and generate new knowledge on micro-institutional factors that can reduce the risk of elite capture in decentralized environmental governance regimes.
Heritability of Glyphosate Resistance in Indiana Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) Populations

Abstract Horseweed has rapidly become a major weed in soybean and cotton production fields of the United States, and Indiana farmers ranked horseweed as one of the five worst weeds in their fields during a mail survey in 2003. Glyphosate resistance in horseweed is conferred by a single, incompletely dominant gene. Horseweed populations possess a high level of variability in their response to glyphosate. Horseweed has also evolved resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, and biotypes resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides and glyphosate are in many of the same areas. An experiment was designed to determine whether glyphosate resistance can be transferred by pollen. We found glyphosate-resistant plants in 1.1 to 3.8% of the progeny. Segregation ratios fit the expected 3 : 1 resistant : sensitive ratios confirming that glyphosate resistance in horseweed can transfer to closely located glyphosate-susceptible biotypes under open-pollinated conditions at low frequencies. The hypothesis of a foll...
The English-Only Movement in the US and the World in the Twenty-First Century

AbstractIn this article, I examine the English-only movement in the United States and other countries in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Elaborating on research on the hegemony of English, this examination demonstrates English-only ideology, both linguistic and visual, as a primary means of restricting language and ethnic minorities’ access not only in the US, but also globally. First, I will present English as a social construction of the Anglo-Saxon elites in the process of the subordination of other language groups throughout American history up to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Second, I will briefly introduce the legislation of the Civil Rights Movement to show that language access increased the political presence of language minorities. Third, I will discuss the reemergence of the English-only movement appealing to nationalist sentiments in order to diminish language and ethnic minorities’ rising political presence in the US in the twenty-first century. Fourth, I will examine the spread of English-only ideology within the context of global capitalism, led by the US, in order to show forced compliance to the superiority of English by various diverse social groups on the global level.
Technical Communication and Clinical Health Care: Improving Rural Emergency Trauma Care through Synchronous Videoconferencing

While debates continue over the effectiveness of innovative communication technologies to bring information and services to populations that have been underserved by such new technologies, a federa...
A neural network for computing eigenvectors and eigenvalues

A dynamic method which produces estimates of real eigenvectors and eigenvalues is presented. More generally, the technique can be applied to estimate eigenspectra of real n-dimensional k-forms. The proposed approach is based on a spectral splicing property of the line manifolds often found in solutions of polynomial differential equations. As such, it defines an artificial continuous time neural network with stored memories determined by the eigenspectra locations. This paradigm provides a good insight into an analog behavior of large scale neural structures which provide auto- or hetero-associative memories. Consequently, it has applications not only in computational sciences but also as an information processor.
New functional integral approach to strongly correlated Fermi systems: The Gutzwiller approximation as a saddle point.

We propose a new functional integral representation of the Hubbarda and Anderson models of lattice fermions. The simplest saddle-point approximation leads, at zero temperature, to the results derived from the Gutzwiller variational wave function. This approach uncovers the limitations of the Gutzwiller approximation and clarifies its connection to the "auxiliary-boson" mean-field theory of the Anderson model. This formulation leads to a novel strong-coupling mean-field theory which allows for a unified treatment of antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism, metal-to-insulator transition, and Kondo compensation effects.
Psychotherapy with religious and spiritual clients: an introduction

This invited issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session is devoted to psychotherapy with religious and spiritual clients. After offering definitions of religion and spirituality, noting areas of potential convergence and differentiating nuances, the authors highlight the prevalence and types of spirituality among both clients and mental health professionals. They describe the historical and current context for examining approaches to psychotherapy with clients who endorse religion, experience spirituality within their religion, or define themselves as spiritual even if not religious. They then summarize the subsequent articles in this issue, which offer practical guidance for practitioners.
Maximum length of integral bridges supported on steel H-piles driven in sand

Abstract This paper presents design recommendations for the maximum length of integral bridges built on sand. The maximum length limits for integral bridges is determined as a function of the ability of steel H-piles supporting the abutments to sustain thermal-induced cyclic lateral displacements and the flexural capacity of the abutment. First, steel H-pile sections that are capable of sustaining large inelastic deformations under monotonic loading are determined. Then, a low-cycle fatigue damage model is employed to determine the maximum cyclic deformations that such piles can sustain. Next, the nonlinear behavior of the piles and soil–bridge interaction effects are implemented in nonlinear structural models of two typical integral bridges. Static pushover analyses of these bridges are conducted to study the effect of various geometric, structural and geotechnical parameters on the performance of integral bridges subjected to uniform temperature variations. Using the pushover analyses results, design guidelines are developed to enhance and determine the maximum length of integral bridges. It is recommended that the maximum lengths of concrete integral bridges be limited to 190 m in cold climates and 240 m in moderate climates and that of steel integral bridges are limited to 100 m in cold climates and 160 m in moderate climates.
Radio spectrum of two active regions

Radio spectrum analysis of two active regions based on Laplace transform and brightness temperatures from Nov. 12, 1966 solar eclipse data
Cultural differences in disclosiveness as a function of locus of control

This study focuses upon disclosiveness of persons of American and non‐Western cultural origins as a function of locus of control. The hypothesis and questions posed focused on potential American and non‐Western differences in disclosiveness that might be mediated by internal and/or external loci of control. The 360 respondents were American and international students studying in the USA. Analyses detected generally low‐level differences in disclosiveness (and locus of control) between persons of American and non‐Western cultural origins. However, when separate analyses were conducted for internals and externals, the persons with external loci of control displayed substantially more disclosiveness differences based upon their cultural origins. Locus of control appeared to be a meaningful construct that can help explain the reason (s) for normative cultural differences in disclosiveness.
Errors in performance and interpretation of echocardiograms

Diagnostic ultrasound affords important information about cardiac structure and motion. However, because of the unique manner in which data are acquired and displayed during echocardiography, diagnostic errors and misinterpretations are not uncommon. This paper discusses the characteristic echocardiographic patterns of a variety of important cardiac conditions: mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation, aortic regrugitation, idio-pathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, left atrial myxoma, pericardial effusion and right ventricular volume overload. Potential pitfalls in achieving the correct diagnosis in each of these conditions are emphasized, with illustrative examples of correct and incorrect interpretations. Good technique and appropriate clinical correlation are important in the performance of accurate ultrasound cardiac examinations.
Effect of threshold stress processes on ductility

When a threshold stress process influences the creep behaviour, the mechanical deformation of the material is not driven by the total applied stress but rather by an effective stress. The effect of the operation of such a process on ductility is examined using the concept of plastic instability. Also, this effect is compared with that caused by the operation of two sequential processes (slower process controls). Based on this comparison, it is suggested that a distinction between the operation of a threshold stress process and the operation of two sequential processes on the basis of ductility tests may be difficult, especially when cavitation occurs at low stresses or when an independent interaction exists between a threshold stress process and a low-stress deformation mechanism.
Strategic Change among U.S. Business Schools: A Strategic Group Analysis

Abstract This study cluster analyzed U.S. business schools along strategic dimensions related to program offerings, student body diversity, and administrative approach. The resultant strategic groups and significant movements among them between 1988 and 1993 were evaluated in light of the critical transitions that have taken place in the business school environment.
Ethylene glycol ingestion treated only with fomepizole.

Introduction Ethylene glycol is a widely used chemical that is capable of causing significant injury if ingested. Treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning typically includes basic supportive care, alcohol dehydrogenase inhibition, and hemodialysis. Recent data have suggested that hemodialysis may not be necessary for cases of ethylene glycol poisoning that can be treated with fomepizole as blocking therapy before acidosis or renal dysfunction develops.
Meta-analysis comparing same-day versus delayed vitrectomy clinical outcomes for intravitreal retained lens fragments after age-related cataract surgery.

PURPOSE/DESIGN We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the risk difference of clinical outcomes for same-day (SD) vs delayed (DEL) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS We searched MEDLINE (English; January 1, 1985 to July 16, 2013) and article reference lists, for patients with crystalline retained lens fragments and discussion of SD-PPV vs DEL-PPV. For the meta-analysis, articles needed the number of patients receiving SD-PPV and DEL-PPV, and the number, in each group, who experienced one or more of the outcomes: not good visual acuity (VA) (<20/40), bad VA (≤20/200), retinal detachment, increased intraocular pressure/glaucoma, intraocular infection/inflammation, cystoid macular edema, and corneal edema. RESULTS Of 304 articles identified, 23 provided data for the meta-analysis. Results were mixed, indicating 1) neither vitrectomy time produced better outcomes in all studies (not good VA risk difference =10.3% [positive numbers favored SD-PPV; negative numbers favored DEL-PPV], 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-0.4% to 21.0%], P=0.059; and bad VA risk difference =-0.3%, 95% CI = [-10.7% to 10.1%], P=0.953); 2) better outcomes with immediate SD-PPV compared with all DEL-PPV (not good VA risk difference =16.2%, 95% CI = [0.8% to 31.5%], P=0.039; and bad VA risk difference =8.5%; 95% CI = [0.8% to 16.2%], P=0.030); and 3) immediate SD-PPV and prompt DEL-PPV (3 to 14 days after cataract surgery) had no significant differences and so may produce similar outcomes (not good VA risk differences range = [-19.9% to 6.5%], 95% CI = [-59.9% to 36.4%]; and bad VA risk differences range = [-6.9% to 7.4%], 95% CI = [-33.1% to 31.8%]). CONCLUSION Perhaps SD-PPV should be limited to facilities at which a vitreoretinal surgeon is immediately available. Otherwise, these results support referring a patient with retained lens fragments promptly to a vitreoretinal surgeon but do not support interfacility transport for SD-PPV.
Using FACETS to model rater training effects

This article describes a study conducted to explore differences in rater severity and consistency among inexperienced and experienced raters both before and after rater training. Sixteen raters (eight experienced and eight inexperienced) rated overlapping subsets of essays from a total sample of 60 essays before and after rater training in the context of an operational administration of UCLA’s English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). A three-part scale was used, comprising content, rhetorical control, and language. Ratings were analysed using FACETS, a multi-faceted Rasch analysis program that provides estimates of rater severity on a linear scale as well as fit statistics, which are indicators of rater consistency. The analysis showed that the inexperienced raters tended to be both more severe and less consistent in their ratings than the experienced raters before training. After training, the differences between the two groups of raters were less pronounced; however, significant diffe...
An immobilized cell reactor with simultaneous product separation. I. Reactor design and analysis

A four-phase reactor-separator(gas, liquid, solid, and immobilized catalyst) is proposed for fermentations characterized by a volatile product and nonvolatile substrate. In this reactor, the biological catalyst is immobilized onto a solid column packing and contacted by the liquid containing the substrate. A gas phase is also moved through the column to strip the volatile product into the gas phase. The Immobilized Cell Reactor-Separator (ICRS) consists of two basic gas-liquid flow sections: a cocurrent enricher followed by a countercurrent-stripper. In this article, an equilibrium stage model of the reactor is developed to determine the feasibility and important operational variables of such a reactor-separator. The ICRS concept is applied to the ethanol from whey lactose fermentation using some preliminary immobilized cell reactor performance data. A mathematical model for a steady-state population based on an adsorbed monolayer of cells is also developed for the reactor. The ICRS model demonstrated that the ICRS should give a significant increase in reactor productivity as compared to an identically sized immobilized cell reactor (ICR) with no separation. The gas-phase separation of the product also allows fermentation of high inlet substrate concentrations. The model is used to determine the effects of reactor parameters on ICRS performance including temperature,more » pressure, gas flow rates, inlet substrate concentration, and degree of microbial product inhibition.« less
Thin <= 1 mm level III and IV melanomas are higher risk lesions for regional failure and warrant sentinel lymph node biopsy

Background: Thin melanomas have become increasingly prevalent, and lesions 1 mm or less in thickness are frequently diagnosed. They are considered highly curable when treated with wide local excision alone with reported 5-year disease free survivals of 95% to 98%. However, thin Clark level III and IV melanomas may have an increased potential for metastasizing and late recurrence because of dermal lymphatics located at the interface of the papillary and reticular dermis. We have addressed this controversial area by reviewing the outcomes of patients with invasive thin (# 1.0 mm thick) melanomas. Methods: We reviewed 415 invasive melanomas from 1983–1995 in the Rhode Island tumor registries which kept records of both tumor thickness and Clark levels. Sixty-eight (16.4%) of the 415 invasive melanomas were thin (# 1.0 mm in thickness) and were treated by wide local excision only. In situ lesions were excluded. Thirty-eight (56%) of the 68 thin melanomas were either Clark level III or IV. Results: Seven (18.4%) of the 38 level III and IV thin melanomas had a recurrence at a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Median time to recurrence was 52 months, and the average measured depth of tumor thickness was 0.84 mm. Only one (3.3%) of 30 level II melanomas recurred (P < .05). Conclusions: Thin level III and IV melanomas are at increased risk for late recurrence when compared with all thin melanomas. Because there is effective adjuvant therapy with alpha interferon for patients with stage III melanoma to treat regional and systemic disease, and because sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers minimal morbidity, we suggest using SLNB to accurately stage and treat all patients with thin melanoma that are high Clark levels that are at increased risk for metastases.
Effects of Heating Season on Residential Indoor and Outdoor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Black Carbon, and Particulate Matter in an Urban Birth Cohort.

Abstract Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with adverse health effects. However, analyses of the effects of season and ambient parameters such as ozone have not been fully conducted. Residential indoor and outdoor air levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), black carbon (measured as absorption coefficient [Abs]), and fine particulate matter
Zen and the art of sex: examining associations among mindfulness, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships

The purpose of the present study was to examine the links among the five facets of trait mindfulness, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships. Three hundred and twenty-two individuals in a current dating relationship completed measures of trait mindfulness, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Results of path analyses indicated that sexual satisfaction fully mediated the associations between the Observing (PE = .08, CI = [.02, .15]) and Nonjudging of Inner Experience (PE = .11, CI = [.03, .19]) facets of mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. In contrast, the three remaining facets of mindfulness (Describing, Acting with Awareness, and Nonreactivity to Inner Experience) were not related to sexual satisfaction or relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that attending to and noticing (but refraining from evaluating) internal and external stimuli may contribute to greater relationship satisfaction specifically by increasing sexual satisfaction wi...
THREE HOMOTOPY THEORIES FOR CYCLIC MODULES

1.1. The main result. Let R be a ring with 1 +O and let C denote the category of the cyclic R-modules of Connes, i.e., [3, 61 simplicial R-modules X with, in each dimension n LO, an extra degeneracy map s,+, : X,+X,,+, satisfying the usual identities, except that the identities des,+, = ,, ,, s d : X,-X,, (n LO) are replaced by (dos,+,)“+‘= id :X,-X, (n10). Such a cyclic R-module has not only its underlying simplicial R-module, which we will denote by j *X, but also an underlying cosimplicial R-module k*X (with di=s,_i: X,,_i+Xn and s’=d,_i: Xn+XnPi). As a result, there are three obvious homotopy theories which one can associate with C; these correspond to three possible criteria for calling a map f: X-+X’ in C a ‘weak equivalence’ [6, Q 71. First there is the one-sided homotopy theory in which the weak equivalences are the maps f which induce isomorphisms xi j *X= n, j *X (ilO) on the homotopy groups of the underlying simplicial modules. Next, there is a dual one-sided theory in which the weak equivalences are the maps f which induce isomorphisms ?k*Xn’k*X’ (ir0) on the cohomotopy groups of the underlying cosimplicial modules. Finally, there is a strong or two-sided theory in which the weak equivalences are the maps f which induce isomorphisms on both the homotopy groups of the underlying simplicial modules and the cohomotopy groups of the underlying cosimplicial modules. The main aim of this paper is to show that each of these three homotopy theories is equivalent to a corresponding homotopy theory of differential graded modules over a graded exterior R-algebra. This implies that from any of the above three points of view the study of cyclic R-modules is equivalent to the study of the classical homological algebra of certain chain complexes. In more detail:
The challenge of providing infertility services to a low-income immigrant Latino population

Objective To provide insight into the experience of low-income immigrant Latino couples seeking infertility treatment. Design Qualitative interview study. Setting Infertility clinic at a university-affiliated urban public teaching hospital. Patient(s) Infertile low-income immigrant Latino couples (105 women and 40 men). Intervention(s) In-depth, tape-recorded interviews. Main Outcome Measure(s) After transcription and translation, the interviews were coded and analyzed for thematic content. Result(s) Four major challenges to providing infertility services to this population were identified: [1] communication: language and cultural barriers resulted in patients having difficulty both in understanding diagnoses and treatments and in communicating their questions, concerns, and experiences to physicians; [2] continuity: because medical students and residents rotated frequently, patients usually saw a different physician at each visit; [3] bureaucracy: patients reported having difficulty with appointment scheduling, follow-up visits, and timed laboratory procedures; and [4] accessibility: patients faced issues of limited availability and affordability of treatment. Conclusion(s) At a large, urban, university-affiliated infertility clinic, challenges related to communication, comprehension, continuity, bureaucracy, accessibility, availability, and affordability impeded the delivery of optimal infertility care to many low-income immigrant Latino patients. A greater availability of translators and both patient and physician cultural orientations to address these health care barriers is recommended.
Behavioral model of integrated qubit gates for quantum reversible logic design

Reversible logic is gaining significant consideration as the potential logic design style for implementation in modern nanotechnology and quantum computing with minimal impact on physical entropy. Recent advances in reversible logic allow schemes for computer architectures using improved quantum computer algorithms. We present a VHDL behavioral model for the design and simulation of the quantum interactions of qubits in theoretical reversible logic structures. Modeling IQ gates, as opposed to only Control-V gates or Toffoli gates, allows for a more robust model that more accurately reflects a theoretical reversible computing structure. This method is an extension to existing programming language and modeling method that allows for reversible logic structures to be designed, simulated, and verified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work in the behavioral model of integrated qubit gates.
Genome integrity: linking pluripotency and tumorgenicity

Genome integrity is a fundamental issue in both cancer and stem cell biology. A series of recent studies revealed that a tumor suppressor p53, which is required for genome integrity, is critical also for stem cell pluripotency and reprogramming, further strengthening the fundamental link between cancer and pluripotency. p53 and other tumor suppressors might be barriers to reprogramming somatic cells for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and simultaneously and systematically destroying these barriers would improve reprogramming efficiency. Therefore, it is also crucial to determine the tumorgenicity of the cells derived from iPSCs for any future therapeutic use.
Sjögren-Larsson Syndrome Is Caused by a Common Mutation in Northern European and Swedish Patients

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital ichthyosis, mental retardation, and spastic diplegia or tetraplegia. Patients with SLS have deficient activity of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH), an enzyme involved in long-chain fatty alcohol oxidation. The cDNA encoding FALDH has recently been cloned and several different mutations have been found in SLS patients. We have now identified a point mutation (C943 --> T) in 7 of 19 kindreds of European descent, accounting for 24% of the SLS alleles. The C943T mutation was only found in patients of northern European ancestry from Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Haplotype analysis suggested that the patients carrying the C943T allele were distantly related. All four Swedish patients were homozygous for C943T, indicating that this mutation is probably the major cause of SLS in the inbred Swedish families. The mutation leads to the substitution of serine for the highly conserved proline 315 in the FALDH protein, and expression studies confirm that it destroys enzymatic activity. The mutation was readily detected with an MnlI restriction enzyme digestion test. The finding that C943T is a common SLS mutation in northern European and Swedish patients affords a rapid simple method for diagnosing SLS by screening patients for this mutation with DNA-based methods.
Interleukin-6 stimulates prostaglandin production by human amnion and decidual cells

The effects of interleukin-6 on prostaglandin production by cells from two key sources on intrauterine prostaglandin, i.e. amnion and decidua, have been evaluated. Interleukin-6 induced a concentration-related increase in prostaglandin production by amnion and decidual cells. The concentrations of interleukin-6 required for this stimulatory action are within the range measured in amniotic fluid of women with intrauterine infections and preterm labor. Hence, interleukin-6 may contribute to the mechanism of preterm labor under these conditions.
Ongoing EEG oscillatory dynamics suggesting evolution of mental fatigue in a color-word matching stroop task

Mental fatigue would develop when performing a tedious cognitive task for a long time. The present study evaluated the evolution of mental fatigue in a Stroop task using electroencephalography (EEG) with independent component analysis (ICA) method. Specifically, two aspects of mental fatigue, i.e., mental effort and mental engagement, were tracked by the ongoing oscillatory dynamics from frontal independent component (IC) related to cognitive control and posterior ICs related to attention. While behavioral data, i.e., number of errors and response times, indicated complicated patterns along the time, increasing patterns were consistently observed in the theta band activity of the frontal IC and in the alpha band activity of the posterior ICs as the time on task. These patterns are indicative of a gradual impairment of mental effort and mental engagement (or sustained attention), which can be explained by the evolution of mental fatigue. The present results demonstrate that ongoing EEG obtained from ICA is a sensitive and reliable mean to measure mental fatigue.
Straight-chain alcohols exhibit a cutoff in potency for the inhibition of recombinant glutamate receptor subunits.

The effects of n-alcohols (methanol to 1-decanol) on kainate-activated AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 and GluR3 ion currents were studied in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode voltage-clamp recording technique. For short-chain alcohols from methanol to 1-hexanol, potency for inhibition of GluR1 and GluR3 receptor-mediated current increased in proportion to the chain length or hydrophobicity of the alcohol. The IC50 values of these alcohols for GluR1 were: methanol, 702 mM; ethanol, 170 mM; 1-propanol, 69 mM; 1-butanol, 20 mM; 1-pentanol, 17 mM; and 1-hexanol, 10 mM. For GluR3, IC50 values were: methanol, 712 mM; ethanol, 238 mM; 1-propanol, 50 mM; 1-butanol, 32 mM; 1-pentanol, 13 mM; and 1-hexanol, 7 mM. For long-chain alcohols, 1-heptanol was less potent than 1-hexanol (estimated IC50: 19 mM for GluR1 and 18 mM for GluR3), 1-octanol had little effect only on GluR3, and 1-nonanol and 1-decanol did not significantly inhibit both GluR1 and GluR3 responses. The observations indicate that straight-chain n-alcohols exhibit a cutoff in their potency for inhibition of the function of non-NMDA glutamate receptor subunits, GluR1 and GluR3. The cutoff in potency of n-alcohols for inhibition of non-NMDA glutamate receptor function is consistent with the interpretation that alcohols affect the function of these receptor-channels by interacting with an alcohol binding site of specific dimensions on the receptor protein. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 133, 651–658; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704112
CHARGE STRUCTURE OF THE CALCIUM ISOTOPES.

Abstract : Phenomenological models of the ground state charge densities of the calcium isotopes Ca40,44,48 exhibit both an increase in the half-radius which is less than one would expect from a simple A exp. 1/3 estimate and an uneven variation in the skin thickness. A simple shell model of the nucleus with a Woods-Saxon potential is presented which can produce charge densities leading to electron scattering cross sections which agree with experiment as well as the phenomenological analyses. Strong closed shell effects are found in the parameters describing the potential half-radius and skin thickness. (Author)
Crosslinking mechanism of an anhydride‐cured epoxy resin as studied by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared spectra, including absorbance difference spectra, are presented which indicate that the accepted mechanism of tertiary amine-catalyzed copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxy resins requires modification. Results also show that the kinetic model is complicated by the lack of steady-state concentrations of the active species. The effect of silica filler and silane coupling agents on the reaction are also examined.
Teaching rounds and change

Some things change and other things stay the same. As I was filling out evaluations for two young trainees I had just worked with, it dawned on me that residents never seem to age, and their eagerness to learn is a constant. My mind kept drifting back to the patients we had seen together. So much has changed in the way we deliver health care over the four decades since I began my medical education. The topics I discuss on rounds these days have changed as well. Every year I seem to focus more on the ambiguity of disease and human behavior and less on the explosion of medical discovery I emphasized earlier in my career. Why? Because experience has taught me that there is a lot that residents and students need to understand in caring for patients that they cannot find in textbooks. I remember when Jeffrey, a new neurology resident, presented the story of Michael Jones on rounds. He was eager to expand on the differential diagnosis of this aging man's degenerative basal ganglia disorder. Mr. Jones had undergone countless tests in our movement disorder clinic, but his precise diagnosis remained unclear. Jeffrey had completed a quick literature search in a matter of minutes with a few key strokes of a computer. Of course, we spent time reviewing the conditions Jeffrey indicated could lead to this man's severe disability. But since there are voluminous textbook details readily available to residents, I did not have to belabor that conversation. My resident's computer search failed, however, to include any practical discussion of the increasing confusion that led to Mr. Jones' admission. He was too bewildered to verify the host of medications the clinic notes reported that he was taking; his wife was uncertain as well. She had reported that neither …
Monolayer-ferromagnetism, critical behavior and anisotropies of Fe(100)/Au(100), Fe(100)/Ag(100) and Tb/Fe(100)/Ag(100) films

Abstract Using electron capture spectroscopy, we studied the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the electron spin polarization (ESP) of uncoated, ultra-thin (d = 1–10 monolayers (ML)) Fe(100) films on Au(100) and Ag(100). Between 173 and 303 K, we find in-plane, remanent ESP and in-plane, d-dependent magnetic anisotropies. Large T-dependent, perpendicular magnetic anisotropies exist for Tb-coated Fe/Ag films. For 2 ML Fe/Au, near the surface Curie temperature TCs, we find a critical exponent β = 0.25, in disagreement with available theoretical predictions.
Effect of Initial Particle Size and Densification on AFEX-Pretreated Biomass for Ethanol Production

Switchgrass (SG), corn stover (CS), and prairie cordgrass (PCG) pretreated with ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) were densified using a novel low-temperature, low-pressure densification method. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) were performed with loose and densified AFEX-treated biomass to determine the effect of post-AFEX densification. Biomass particle size reduction before pretreatment increased 144-h SSF ethanol yields from densified material by 8–9 % although no significant differences were seen in the first 72 h. Grinding material after densification had no impact on final ethanol yields but increased production rates in the first 24–48 h. Low-pressure, post-AFEX densification had no adverse effects on SSF ethanol yields from SG or CS but reduced yields from densified PCG by 16 %. Glucose concentrations after hydrolysis (SHF) showed similar trends. Ethanol yields after SHF, however, showed that densification had no significant impact on CS or PCG but reduced final ethanol yields from SG.
Crystal structure of barstowite (3PbCl2·PbCO3·H2O)

The crystal structure of barstowite (3PbCl2·PbCO3·H2O, P21/m, a = 4.2023(5), b = 9.2020(7), c = 16.6608(6)(A), β = 91.829(9)°) from Bounds Cliff, St Endellion, Cornwall, has been determined to an R = 0.036. The structure can be described in terms of three layers stacked along [001] in the sequence …CACBCACBC… to give a 16.7 A repeat. Layer A consists of face-sharing PbCl8 distorted square antiprisms. Layer B is composed of Pb coordinated to 5 Cl and 2 O each with two H to form H2O groups. Layer C is formed by Pb coordinated to 5 Cl and 3 O which are from CO3 groups. The H positions are deduced and are H-bonded to O from carbonates. The structural details were in agreement with previous deductions based on infrared spectra.
Radiating Vaidya metric imbedded in de Sitter space

An exact solution of the Einstein field equations is presented for the radiating Vaidya metric imbedded in a de Sitter background.
Viscous coalescence of expanding low-viscosity drops; the dueling drops experiment.

Abstract A new experimental device was designed and developed for the systematic study of the interaction of two, very small low viscosity expanding drops that were pushed out of the ends of two aligned opposing capillaries into a polymeric liquid. The idea of this experiment is to mimic the interactions of two expanding bubbles during the formation of polymeric foams; for convenience, we call this device the dueling drops experiment . In the current setup, we are able to grow drops (50–200 μm maximum diameter) at a controlled flow rate (down to 0.1 μl/day). Optical observation of the pair of growing drops was achieved by the use of an optical zoom lens system for a side view, and a “long-range” microscope for a top view, thus ensuring complete alignment of the capillaries and partial observation of the thin-film. Measurements are reported for the drainage time between the apparent initial contact of the drops and film rupture. A simple scaling theory was developed based on the drainage of two approaching flat disk-like interfaces, the radius of which expands throughout the interaction as the volume of the drop increases.
Effects of in vitro supplementation of bovine mammary gland macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes with alpha-tocopherol and sodium selenite: implications for udder defences.

Abstract Vitamin E and selenium have been observed to enhance the functions of bovine mammary gland macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes. In vitro supplementation with these compounds enhanced the production of neutrophil chemotaxins by macrophages stimulated with opsonised Staphylococcus aureus. Supplementation also enhanced the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to stimulation with concanavalin A but not to phytohaemagglutinin or pokeweed mitogen. There was no evidence of additive or synergistic effects of vitamin E and selenium. Results suggest that supplementation of cattle may optimise resistance to mastitis by enhancing the functions of resident macrophage and lymphocyte populations.
Postnatal development- and age-related changes in DNA-methylation patterns in the human genome

Alterations in DNA methylation have been reported to occur during development and aging; however, much remains to be learned regarding post-natal and age-associated epigenome dynamics, and few if any investigations have compared human methylome patterns on a whole genome basis in cells from newborns and adults. The aim of this study was to reveal genomic regions with distinct structure and sequence characteristics that render them subject to dynamic post-natal developmental remodeling or age-related dysregulation of epigenome structure. DNA samples derived from peripheral blood monocytes and in vitro differentiated dendritic cells were analyzed by methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) or, for selected loci, bisulfite modification, followed by next generation sequencing. Regions of interest that emerged from the analysis included tandem or interspersed-tandem gene sequence repeats (PCDHG, FAM90A, HRNR, ECEL1P2), and genes with strong homology to other family members elsewhere in the genome (FZD1, FZD7 and FGF17). Our results raise the possibility that selected gene sequences with highly homologous copies may serve to facilitate, perhaps even provide a clock-like function for, developmental and age-related epigenome remodeling. If so, this would represent a fundamental feature of genome architecture in higher eukaryotic organisms.
Monitoring high-ozone events in the US Intermountain West using TEMPO geostationary satellite observations

Abstract. High-ozone events, approaching or exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), are frequently observed in the US Intermountain West in association with subsiding air from the free troposphere. Monitoring and attribution of these events is problematic because of the sparsity of the current network of surface measurements and lack of vertical information. We present an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) to evaluate the ability of the future geostationary satellite instrument Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), scheduled for launch in 2018–2019, to monitor and attribute high-ozone events in the Intermountain West through data assimilation. TEMPO will observe ozone in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) bands to provide sensitivity in the lower troposphere. Our OSSE uses ozone data from the GFDL AM3 chemistry-climate model (CCM) as the "true" atmosphere and samples it for April–June 2010 with the current surface network (CASTNet –Clean Air Status and Trends Network– sites), a configuration designed to represent TEMPO, and a low Earth orbit (LEO) IR (infrared) satellite instrument. These synthetic data are then assimilated into the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM) using a Kalman filter. Error correlation length scales (500 km in horizontal, 1.7 km in vertical) extend the range of influence of observations. We show that assimilation of surface data alone does not adequately detect high-ozone events in the Intermountain West. Assimilation of TEMPO data greatly improves the monitoring capability, with little information added from the LEO instrument. The vertical information from TEMPO further enables the attribution of NAAQS exceedances to background ozone. This is illustrated with the case of a stratospheric intrusion.
Video content classification based on 3-D Eigen analysis

To achieve video understanding, it is of utmost practical importance to classify videos according to its spatial and temporal features in an efficient and effective manner. It still remains, however, largely an elusive task. In still-image analysis, thanks to the great efforts made by many researchers, a broad spectrum of methods have been developed with great success, especially the ones based on eigen analysis due to its efficacy. In this paper, inspired by the impressive performance achieved by this framework, we will develop a content-based video classification method based on three-dimensional (3-D) eigen analysis. Unlike most other video understanding schemes where the spatial and temporal contents play different roles in the processing, this new method treats a video as a solid within a 3-D Euclidean space and can, thus, naturally take advantage of the spatial and temporal contents existing in videos. After computing the eigen values and corresponding eigen vectors of the autocorrelation matrix for each small 3-D macroblock, different labels are assigned regarding its spatial/temporal natures based on the behavioral properties of the eigen values and eigen vectors. Extensive empirical studies have suggested encouraging performance for the use of this eigen analysis-based video classification method.
Is copper an antioxidant nutrient

Reactions radicalaires, effet du cuivre sur ces reactions. Proprietes antioxydantes du cuivre : fonctions physiologiques, distribution dans l'organisme, intervention du cuivre dans la superoxyde dismutase, ceruleoplasmine, fer et glutathion, glutathion peroxydase. Implications du cuivre dans la sante et les desequilibres physiologiques : systeme ardiovasculaire, cancer, vieillissement, poumons, globules rouges, tissu neural, foie et reins
Ten Common Questions (and Their Answers) on Medical Futility

The term medical futility is frequently used when discussing complex clinical scenarios and throughout the medical, legal, and ethics literature. However, we propose that health care professionals and others often use this term inaccurately and imprecisely, without fully appreciating the powerful, often visceral, response that the term can evoke. This article introduces and answers 10 common questions regarding medical futility in an effort to define, clarify, and explore the implications of the term. We discuss multiple domains related to futility, including the biological, ethical, legal, societal, and financial considerations that have a bearing on definitions and actions. Finally, we encourage empathetic communication among clinicians, patients, and families and emphasize how dialogue that seeks an understanding of multiple points of view is critically important in preventing or attenuating conflict among the involved parties.
Production of Hollow Lightweight Aggregate by Controlled Preheating

A study was made of the bloating mechanism in two clays which contained large amounts of organic carbon, alkalis, and sulfates. Controlled preheating of spherical pellets at about 550o to 600° C. for relatively short times caused the loss of organic carbon and other gas-forming constituents from the outer rim of the specimens. A second flash firing at about 1250o C. produced a partly liquefied rim, which trapped gas formed in the central portion. The pellets thus formed were characterized by a large central cavity and a strong porous wall. Variation of firing times, temperature, pellet sizes, and composition allowed considerable control of the nature of the final bloated pellets. It was concluded that bloating was caused by the formation of SO2 and CO. The specific gravity of such pellets was between 0.45 and 0.60. They could be produced in all sizes and fell within the A.S.T.M. specifications C 130-42 (Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete).
The Creation of the Catholic School Leadership Program at Seton Hall University

This article summarizes the development and implementation of a Catholic school leadership program at a diocesan university. Supported by university faculty as well as seminary faculty, this program offers a unique response to the training of future school leaders. The course work blends leadership theory, theology, and educational administration and is delivered via a cohort model.
The Devil as Ironist

Irony is generally characterized by three related traits: it is born of doubt, it is marked by a spirit of skeptical inquiry into all things, high or low, and it is governed by an attitude, usually defiant, of negation. If that is a valid definition, then the Devil surely best exemplifies the dialectics of irony. Small wonder that Anatole France, the thoroughgoing ironist who doubted everything and ended “by doubting even doubt itself,”1 identified himself with the character of Satan. The Promethean hero, be he Manfred or Maldoror, desires to be autonomous, self-sufficient, responsible to himself alone, master of his own destiny, but this desire, as he soon realizes, represents an act of rebellion against the human condition. Rejecting the help of God, even going so far as denying the existence of God, the metaphysical rebel directs his fit of rage, like Ahab, against everything in the universe which imprisons him in the finite. His despair turns demoniacal. In his upsurge of despair, he revolts against the whole of existence. As Kierkegaard says, and he knew whereof he spoke, the rebellious despairer “wills to be himself, himself with all his torment, in order with this torment to protest against the whole of existence.”2 The Devil is the persona of the tragic hero, the element in his being which revolts against authority, conformity, law, limitation, the kingdom of necessity.