cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural Law in Jurisprudence and Politics: Natural Law Jurisprudence Defended

Three Routes to the Weak Natural Law Thesis The strong natural law thesis holds that law unbacked by decisive reasons for compliance is no law at all. The weak natural law thesis holds that law unbacked by decisive reasons for compliance is defective precisely as law. I have two central aims in this chapter – first, to defend the truth of the weak natural law thesis; second, to show that the success of this defense of the weak natural law thesis is not merely a way station to the defense of the strong natural law thesis but provides the premises to call the strong natural law thesis into question. So while the standard criticisms of natural law jurisprudence (1.1) fall short of providing serious reasons to reject the strong natural law thesis, reasons to reject the strong thesis emerge in prosecuting the task of defending the natural law view. I will consider three initially plausible routes to the weak natural law thesis. What makes each of these an initially plausible route to that thesis is that each exhibits on its face a technique for distinguishing between law's existence conditions and its non-defectiveness conditions, and provides some clue to identifying what law's non-defectiveness conditions are. One route, the ‘legal point of view’ route endorsed by Finnis, appeals to the notion that there is a distinctively legal point of view, and it is law as characterized from this point of view that is paradigmatically law (2.2).
Fracture Testing With Arc Bend Specimens

Abstract : A limited review of existing stress, stress intensity factor, and displacement analyses is compared with new work in order to select arc bend geometries appropriate for fracture testing. Results from the literature for rectangular and arc bend specimens are compared with finite element and boundary collocation results from the present work. Two series of comparative tests were performed, one with arc specimens cut from a steel forging with outer-to-inner radius ratio of 2.5, the other from an aluminum cylinder with outer-to-inner radius ratio of 1.3. Fracture toughness tests KIc and JIc, when appropriate, were performed with standard arc tension specimens and with three-point arc bend specimens both arc and chord support. Conclusions were drawn regarding the appropriate stress intensity factor, crack mouth displacement, and load-line displacement solutions for arc bend fracture specimens. Recommendations were offered for practical ranges of specimen geometry and for reliable test procedures.
Dynamical Symmetry and truncation of the spherical shell model

Abstract The Fermion Dynamical Symmetry Model is used to introduce the idea of solving the shell model problem by means of a symmetry-dictated truncation. Several calculations are presented suggesting that such truncations can lead to a model space in which a variety of nuclear structure phenomena are described economically using a simple effective interaction.
A scaling law for angular distributions for chemical reactions

The direct interaction with product repulsion model reproduces many features of reactions such as O + H2 → OH + H at high collision energy. The model predicts that the differential cross section I(θ) sin θ depends only on the reduced energy Eθ = (cot2β)E, where E is the relative energy, cot2β is a mass factor, and β is the skew angle. In this Letter we test this scaling law for O + H2 → OH + H and O + HD → OH + D and OD + H using the quasiclassical trajectory method on a reasonable potential energy surface. The scaling law works well.
Defending polar empire: opposition to India's proposal to raise the ‘Antarctic Question’ at the United Nations in 1956

This paper examines the international response to India's 1956 proposal to raise the ‘Antarctic Question’ at the United Nations. It focuses in particular on the uneasy alliance that developed between the British Commonwealth and Latin America in opposition to the Indian proposal. Although Great Britain, Argentina, and Chile were bitterly disputing the sovereignty of the Antarctic Peninsula region, they shared a common desire to keep the southern continent off the agenda of the United Nations. This ability to work together for common goals, despite their differences, set an important precedent for the Antarctic Treaty that would be signed in 1959. In this way, opposition to the Indian proposal, more than the proposal itself, played an important role in the history of Antarctica in the 1950s. Latin American opposition to the proposal helped to fragment any ‘anti-imperial’ coalition that might have developed in Antarctica. This fragmentation helps us to place the Antarctic Treaty System into the framework of post-colonial studies.
Increasing Acres to Decrease Inches: Comparing the Agricultural Land Requirements of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diet with a MyPyramid Diet

ABSTRACT In low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LCHP) diets, the proportion of calories from animal products is high relative to plant food intake. To better understand some of the natural resource implications of LCHP diets, this analysis compared the agricultural land requirements of a popular LCHP diet (the Atkins diet) with a diet based on USDA MyPyramid (MP) recommendations. The LCHP diet required nearly twice as much (80% more) land than the MP diet, but feeding the people who currently follow LCHP diets would only require a modest increase in the total area of land harvested for food.
Steric Effects in Ionic Pairing and Polyelectrolyte Interdiffusion within Multilayered Films: A Neutron Reflectometry Study

Using a series of polycations synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), we investigate the effects of the polymer charge density and hydrophobicity on salt-induced interdiffusion ...
Silicate melt removal and sulfide liquid retention in ultramafic rocks of the Duke Island Complex, Southeastern Alaska

Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide mineralization occurs within olivine clinopyroxenite, hornblende-bearing clinopyroxenite, and magnetite-hornblende-rich rocks in the Ural-Alaskan-Type Duke Island Complex in Southeast Alaska. The addition of large amounts of sulfur from country rocks occurred during fractional crystallization of the parental magma when clinopyroxene was becoming a liquidus mineral. Textural interfaces between sulfide and silicate minerals are strongly interlobate, and differ significantly from net-textures that are developed in many Ni-Cu-PGE deposits. Sulfide-free olivine clinopyroxenite is an adcumulate; residual liquid was efficiently expelled from the accumulating crystal pile. A significant interstitial liquid component is observable only in the form of interstitial sulfide in the S-rich rocks. Rounded sulfide inclusions and blebby to vermicular sulfide-silicate intergrowths indicate that silicate crystallization occurred under conditions of sulfide saturation. The presence of dense sulfide liquid inhibited the growth of silicate minerals and led to the development of interlobate grain boundaries. Strong, localized wetting of sulfide liquids on crystallizing silicates, and downward percolation of sulfide liquid through a crystallizing mush may have contributed to the evolution of these textures. Residual silicate liquid was removed from the system due to a combination of buoyant advection and compaction, but dense sulfide liquid remained.
Prevention of peritonitis in children receiving peritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis and catheter-related (exit-site/tunnel) infections are major causes of morbidity in children receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a combination of prophylactic measures on the rate of peritonitis and catheter-related infections subsequent to their implementation in 2001. This is a single center review of incident patients who received automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) from 1997 to 2004. The causal microorganisms, annualized peritonitis and catheter-related infections rates and the time to infection were reviewed using pooled data from 1997 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2004. Fifty-four patients received PD over 1099 patient months (pm). Twenty-eight peritonitis episodes occurred in 15 patients over 599 pm from 1997 to 2000 (annualized rate (AR): 0.56 infections/patient year). Eight episodes of peritonitis occurred in five patients over 500 pm from 2001 to 2004 (AR: 0.19 infections/patient year) (P = 0.01). Prior to 2001, the median time from dialysis initiation to the first peritonitis episode was 500 days (95% CI, 400–660 days), compared to 1137 days (95% CI, 1050 to +Infinity) from 2001 to 2004 (P = 0.008). The rate of catheter-related infections and time to initial infection during the two periods was not different. We conclude that measures to decrease the frequency of peritonitis can be successfully applied to children and should be incorporated as part of standard care.
Conjugative plasmids in Bordetella avium

Abstract Three of five antibiotic-resistant plasmids isolated from virulent strains of Bordetella avium were found to be conjugative. A physical and genetic map of one of these plasmids, the 51.5-kb plasmid p4093, revealed that the area of p4093 responsible for streptomycin and tetracycline resistance was located in a region consisting of a cluster of restriction enzyme recognition sites, whereas the remainder of p4093 contained relatively few restriction sites. Additionally, the genes involved in the conjugative ability of p4093 were clustered in at least two widely separated regions of the plasmid.
Atlanto‐occipital fusion and spondylolisthesis in an Anasazi skeleton from bright angel ruin, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The skeleton of a middle-aged female showing an unusual pattern of congenital, traumatic, and degenerative pathology was recovered from a small Kayenta Anasazi site located near the confluence of Bright Angel Creek with the Colorado River in the Inner Gorge of Grand Canyon. The atlas is fused with the base of the skull and C2 is fused with C3. The cervical region was subjected to hyperextension, perhaps through use of a tumpline, with resultant reduction of the neural canal to 8 mm, a condition that quite likely led to neurological problems. The skeleton also includes a depression fracture of the lateral condyle of the left tibia. Complete, bilateral spondylolysis of L5 led to an olisthesis of approximately 15 mm. The disc between L5 and S1 then ossified, most likely from staphylococcus bacteremia, making the olisthesis permanent and thereby creating a unique arachaeological specimen. Although spondylolysis is usually viewed as a stress fracture, the general pattern of pathology in this individual makes it necessary to consider an etiology of acute trauma.
Effects of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin-A on mammalian epidermal cells.

Abstract Effects of membrane activation by lectins on undifferentiated and differentiated epidermal cells of newborn rats were investigated after intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin-A. Between 4 to 6 hr DNA synthesis decreased in the basal cells, the spinous cells enlarged, and protein synthesis was suppressed. By 24 hr, a decrease in the number of granular cells was observed because the superficial granular cells became cornified normally but new granular cells were not formed. Also at 24 hr, the number of cells synthesizing DNA increased and the spinous layer thickened. Glycogen deposition appeared in the basal, spinous, and granular cells between 8 hr and 24 hr. New granular cells were formed by 48 hr and both protein and DNA synthesis recovered by 72 hr. These results suggested that membrane bound lectins affect epidermal cells in a manner that resembles various types of epidermal injury.
The Value of Judicial Independence: Evidence from Eighteenth Century England

This article assesses the impact of changes in judicial independence on equity markets. North and Weingast (1989) argue that judicial independence and other institutional changes inaugurated by the Glorious Revolution of 1688--89 improved public and private finance in England by putting restraints on the government. We calculate abnormal equity returns at critical points in the passage of statutes giving judges greater security of tenure and higher salaries. Early-eighteenth-century legislation granting tenure during good behavior is associated with large and statistically significant positive abnormal returns. Other statutes had positive but generally insignificant effects. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.
A 600°C wireless multimorph-based capacitive MEMS temperature sensor for component health monitoring

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a new packaged MEMS capacitive temperature sensor for engine component health-monitoring applications and measurement results above 500–600°C. The multimorphs employed are thermal-SiO 2 /LPCVD-Si 3 N 4 /sputtered-Au beams designed for deflection at these temperatures. The mean initial capacitance of the sensors is 6.441 pF; with a standard deviation of 0.197 pF. The robust fabrication process and packaging yield consistent capacitance-temperature profiles from device-to-device. Similarly, the devices exhibit a consistently-high measured average quality factor of 1,727 with a standard deviation of 54 for 5 packaged devices. Also presented are laser confocal microscope profiles from the thermal-annealing process, detailing the break-in period, after which no additional creep is observed, even after over 24 hours at 650°C. This is a first-of-its-kind MEMS sensor with unparalleled performance for harsh-environment wireless temperature sensing.
Non-condon effects on radiationless triplet decay in benzene and naphthalene

Model calculations that avoid the Condon approximation are reported for T1\ar S0 intersystem crossing in normal and perdeuterated benzene and naphthalene. In both benzenes and in naphthalene-d8, skeletal bending vibrations coupling T1 to T2 are found to be more efficient as accepting modes than CH-stretching vibrations.
Sudden illumination change detection using order consistency

Abstract Effective change detection under dynamic illumination conditions is an active research topic. Most research has concentrated on adaptive statistical representations for the appearance of the background scene. There is limited work that develops the statistical models for background representation by taking into account an explicit model for the camera response function, the camera noise model, and illumination priors. Assuming a monotone but non-linear camera response function, a Phong shading model for the surface material, and a locally constant but spatially varying illumination, we show that the sign of the difference between two pixel measurements is maintained across global illumination changes. We use this result along with a statistical model for the camera noise to develop a change detection algorithm that deals with sudden changes in illumination. The performance evaluation of the algorithm is done through simulations and on real data.
Singlet oxygen generation and dark toxicity of a nido- and a closo-carboranylporphyrin

The dark toxicity and singlet oxygen quantum yields of the zinc(II) complexes of the nido- and closo-carboranylporphyrins 4 and 5 are reported. Both carboranylporphyrins show very low toxicity towards V79 hamster lung fibroblast cells (IC 50 > 500 μM), display similar absorption and fluorescence emission spectra, and are efficient producers of singlet oxygen (quantum uilds of 0.72 in CD 3 OD and 0.45 in CHCl 3 were determined for 4 and 5, respectively). Our results indicate that the presence of nido- or closo-carborane cages bound via methylene linkages to the meso-phenyl groups, do not substantially alter the photosensitizing properties of porphyrin macrocycles. It is suggested that carboanylporphyrins could have dual application in the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of malignant brain tumors.
Frictional drag between two dilute two-dimensional hole layers.

We report drag measurements on dilute double layer two-dimensional hole systems in the regime of ${r}_{s}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}19--39$. We observed a strong enhancement of the drag over the simple Boltzmann calculations of Coulomb interaction, and deviations from the ${T}^{2}$ dependence which cannot be explained by phonon-mediated, plasmon-enhanced, or disorder-related processes. We suggest that this deviation results from interaction effects in the dilute regime.
Three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationships of quorum-sensing and biofilm inhibitors in gram-negative bacteria.

Thirty N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) analogs with variable antibacterial activity and displaying inhibition of biofilm formation were selected to develop models for establishing three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR). Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were carried out to determine the optimum structural requirements for selectivity and potency of quorum-sensing and bacterial biofilm inhibition. The best CoMFA model predicted a q2 value of 0.519 and an r2 value of 0.984 and revealed that electrostatic and steric properties play a significant role in potency and selectivity. The CoMSIA model predicted a q2 value of 0.411 and an r2 value of 0.938 based on a combination of steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic effects. The analysis of the contour maps from each model provide insight into the structural requirements for increasing the activity of a compound. Consequently, manipulating the chemical and physical...
Mechanism of interactions of α-naphthoflavone with cytochrome P450 3A4 explored with an engineered enzyme bearing a fluorescent probe

Design of a partially cysteine-depleted C98S/C239S/C377S/C468A cytochrome P450 3A4 mutant designated CYP3A4(C58,C64) allowed site-directed incorporation of thiol-reactive fluorescent probes into α-helix A. The site of modification was identified as Cys-64 with the help of CYP3A4(C58) and CYP3A4(C64), each bearing only one accessible cysteine. Changes in the fluorescence of CYP3A4(C58,C64) labeled with 6-(bromoacetyl)-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (BADAN), 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4‘-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPM), or monobromobimane (mBBr) were used to study the interactions with bromocriptine (BCT), 1-pyrenebutanol (1-PB), testosterone (TST), and α-naphthoflavone (ANF). Of these substrates only ANF has a specific effect, causing a considerable decrease in fluorescence intensity of BADAN and CPM and increasing the fluorescence of mBBr. This ANF-binding event in the case of the BADAN-modified enzyme is characterized by an S50 of 18.2 ± 0.7, compared with the value of 2.2 ± 0.3 for the ANF-induced spin ...
America's Reluctant Crusade: Truman's Commitment of Combat Troops in the Korean War

(1980). America's Reluctant Crusade: Truman's Commitment of Combat Troops in the Korean War. The Historian: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 437-455.
Diacridines, bifunctional intercalators--V. Inhibition of processing of precursor rRNA and inhibition of methylation of Escherichia coli tRNA.

Abstract The effect of a series of mono- and diacridines on the processing of precursor rRNA in HeLa cells and on the methylation of tRNA from Escherichia coli has been investigated. Some of these compounds are potent inhibitors of processing. In addition, at least one compound causes misprocessing of the precursor rRNA to incorrect molecular weight sizes, while another promotes the “non-conservative” processing of the rRNA. The methylation of tRNA is inhibited, to various degrees, by all of these compounds.
Transmyocardial laser revascularization: Results of a multicenter trial with transmyocardial laser revascularization used as sole therapy for end-stage coronary artery disease

Abstract Background: Transmyocardial laser revascularization was used as the sole therapy for patients with ischemic heart disease not amenable to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. This technique uses a carbon dioxide laser to create transmyocardial channels for direct perfusion of the ischemic heart. Methods: Since 1992, 200 patients, at eight hospitals in the United States, have undergone transmyocardial laser revascularization. The patients have a combined 1560 months of follow-up for an average of 10 ± 3 months per patient. Their age was 63 ± 10 years and their ejection fraction was 47% ± 12%. Eighty-two percent had at least one previous bypass graft operation and 38% had a prior angioplasty. Preoperatively, the patients underwent nuclear single photon emission computed tomography perfusion scans to identify the extent and severity of their ischemia. These scans were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months. Angina class, admissions for angina, and medications were recorded. Results: The perioperative mortality was 9%. Angina class decreased significantly from before treatment to 3, 6, and 12 months ( p Conclusion: These combined results indicate that transmyocardial laser revascularization provides angina relief, decreases hospital admissions, and improves perfusion in patients with severe coronary artery disease. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;113:645-54)
An Assessment of the Perceived Utility of Various College Majors

The ACT Alumni Survey was used to evaluate (a) the perceived utility of academic majors, (b) congruence between major and career, (c) the quality of educational preparation, and (d) the effects of gender upon the outcome measures for 55,000 college alumni. Statistical variations among college majors and between genders were observed. In particular, certain majors (e.g., computer science and health-related majors) received high marks on several measures, whereas others (e.g., social sciences, biology, and general studies) received uniformly poor ratings. Women reported a higher degree of college major and career consistency than did men.
On the impossibility of placebo effects in psychotherapy

Abstract Two inimical interpretations of psychotherapy look to many of the same features of empirical research. One camp infers that placebo effects are impossible in principle in psychotherapy; the other camp infers from the same research that psychotherapy is essentially placebo. I examine the crucial discussions and conclude that these opposing evaluations ensue because each group presumes a different baseline from which the significance of the research is gauged. I show how different baselines set different standards of significance and invite different comparisons between therapeutic and non‐therapeutic practices. Attention to this point about the baseline of significance puts the placebo debate in sharper relief and frames more clearly the merits and demerits of each position. It also leads to the conclusion that neither group really lays hold of in‐principle claims, since both interpretations rest on context‐dependent features of the empirical situation. Along the way, I discuss salient features of...
Nonlinear Dynamics of Hysteresis-Based Load Controls

Abstract Direct load control can be achieved by varying the hysteresis band of switchable loads, thereby changing their on/off durations. Such hysteresis-based control methods may, however, display complex dynamics that must be thoroughly understood in order to design safe control mechanisms. This paper explores the dynamical behavior of a group of hysteresis-based PEV chargers. Of interest is the change in the total power demand of the group as the hysteresis- band limits are varied. A detailed state-space model is used to capture the dynamics of the load aggregation. This model suggests that for certain control inputs, e.g. periodic ramp signals, the system may display rich dynamical behavior. It is observed that structural stability of the system may be disrupted as certain characteristics of the input signal are varied. The paper explores these phenomena through a bifurcation analysis of the load population dynamics. The results identify performance limitations that govern the responsiveness of fast-acting demand control.
CD3 expression, modulation and signalling in T-cell subpopulations from MRLMp-lprlpr mice

The expanded T-cell population of MRL/Mp-lpr2lpr mice is abnormal from a variety of standpoints. We have already shown that T-cell receptor expression and modulation are aberrant in the predominant CD4- CD8 (DN) T cell population. To investigate these abnormalities further, we examined CD3 expression and modulation in subpopulations of +/+ and lpr T cells and measured mitogen-induced Ca++ mobilization in DN lpr T cells. We found that expression and modulation of CD3 in CD4hi and CD8hi lpr single positive (SP) T cells are similar to that in +/+ T cells. We have, however, identified additional lpr cell subsets that are CD4lo or CD8lo. Their expression and modulation of CD3 are intermediate, between that of SP and DN lpr T cells. These subpopulations may thus represent a transitional stage between the SP and DN populations. The rapid modulation of CD3 in the DN population does not appear to be merely related to the lack of expression of CD4 or CD8, and may in fact cause (rather than result from) low CD3 expression. In addition, we observed impairment of CA++ mobilization in DN lpr T cells in response to concanavalin A or anti-CD3 antibody. These findings further define the abnormalities of T cells from lpr mice.
A martingale representation theorem for two independent semimartingales

Suppose that X 1and X 1 are independent semimartingales and both filtrations and have the martingale representation property, then the filtration also has the martingale representation property, wh...
Bicortical S1 Screw Fixation May Obviate the Need for Iliac Screws in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity

IntroductionMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) allows for the maintenance of the spine's soft-tissue envelope, preserving many of its stabilizing structures. Lumbosacral stability increases when S1 s...
Calorimetric acid-base titrations of aquatic and peat-derived fulvic and humic acids

Titration calorimetry was used to determine the protonation and ionization enthalpies of peat-derived and aquatic humic and fulvic acids from pH 3.6 to 10.4 and for 0.001-0.1 M ionic strength [NaCl and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl)]. Protonation and ionization enthalpies were not completely equivalent, and protonation enthalpies were concluded to more accurately reflect the enthalpies associated with proton binding and release. Below pH 7, protonation enthalpies were similar to simple carboxylic acids (6 to -5 kJ/mol), and no ionic strength effects were apparent. Above pH 9, enthalpies were similar to those of simple phenolic acids (-20 to -36 kJ/mol), and less exothermic values were observed at I=0.1 M.
Perspectives on healthcare reform: A year later, what more do we know?

PPACA or the Affordable Care Act(1) was signed into law on March 23, 2010.(2) To many, the Affordable Care Act offers the promise of far greater access to high-quality, affordable care. But to others, PPACA risks unsustainable cost increases, diminished freedoms, and irreparable harm to the world's finest healthcare delivery system. Which characterization will ultimately be proved correct? Or might the actual reforms surprise both proponents and skeptics? With a year of experience under our belts, it seems appropriate to ask: What more do we know about the new law, now?
Life goals and health decisions: what will people live (or die) for?

Objective. Quality of life may represent not just quality of health but also the degree to which an individual achieves personally meaningful extrinsic goals unrelated to life duration that are not...
Heart and lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Seventeen patients received combined heart and lung transplants at Stanford University between March 1981 and December 1983. All recipients were suffering from end-stage pulmonary hypertension. Five patients died within the first few postoperative weeks, but the remainder were well between 2 and 35 months after operation. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine with an initial course of rabbit antithymocyte globulin, and azathioprine was given for the first 2 postoperative weeks. Maintenance immunosuppression was achieved with cyclosporine and prednisone. Rejection, as diagnosed by cardiac biopsy, was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. The functional status of the survivors has been good, arid upon discharge from the hospital, all returned to normal activity. Our preliminary experience indicates that cardiopulmonary transplantation represents a realistic therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease.
Seed Variety Mix: An Indicator for GM Potato Identity Preservation

Seed potato certification programs include field inspections to measure variety mix during the growing season. The ability of seed potato growers to meet variety mix tolerances could be an indicator of the likelihood of future GM potato growers to meet similar tolerances. We collected variety mix data from eight states for the 2008 and 2009 crops. The portion of lots that had variety mix was 3.5% in 2008 and 3.3% in 2009. We estimate that on a tuber basis, variety mix was 0.04% in 2008 and 0.024% in 2009. Those levels of mix are well within Japan’s tolerance of 5% GM mix for imported non-GM products.
Cadmium disposition and metallothionein induction in mice: strain-, sex-, age- and dose-dependent differences.

The strain- and sex-related differences in tissue cadmium (Cd) and metallothionein (MT) levels were examined in young adult (4-6 months old) C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, 129/J, CD-1 and A/J mice, 24 h after a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 5-30 mumol CdCl2/kg. In many cases the tissue Cd concentrations were inversely related to the tissue weights. Also, the strain and sex differences were more obvious at 20-30-mumol dose levels. At such doses the hepatosensitive C3H males had as much as 30% higher hepatic Cd concentrations as the resistant DBA males, but similar concentrations to the resistant A/J and CD-1 males. This observation suggests that tissue Cd level is not the only determinant of strain differences in hepatotoxicity in males. Among the females, the A/J had 30-47% higher hepatic Cd concentration than the other strains. Livers of male C3H, CD-1 and 129/J mice had 17-57% higher Cd concentrations than those of the females; the greatest difference was in the C3H strain in which only the males exhibited hepatotoxicity at the 30 mumol dose. In all animals the hepatic MT concentration increased with the increasing Cd concentration. However, the 129/J males and all the females reached a plateau in MT concentration at Cd concentrations of 20-30 micrograms/g liver. Even at the highest Cd concentration, the C3H males had MT concentrations similar to some of the hepatoresistant males, suggesting that their sensitivity to Cd was not due to compromised MT levels. The renal Cd concentration was similar in males of most strains but not in females. For example, at the 30-mumol dose 129/J females had a Cd concentration which was 70% higher than in the DBA females. Also, at this dose level the A/J, C3H and 129/J females had 30-50% more Cd than the males. The DBA and C3H males had approximately twice the MT concentration of the A/J and 129/J males at 10 micrograms Cd/g kidney. At similar Cd concentration, the DBA females also had 1.6-2.0 times the MT concentration of the other females. The renal MT levels in females were 1.4-2.9 times higher than in males. Strains susceptible to the testicular toxicity of Cd had up to three times greater testicular Cd accumulation than the resistant strains. However, there was no increase in testicular MT in any strain. The effect of age on Cd and MT levels was studied in 19-month-old A/J and DBA mice at the 25-mumol dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
College major peer effects and attrition from the sciences

This paper examines how peer quality within distinct college majors affects graduation rates and major persistence. To mitigate the selection problem, we control for school-specific fixed effects, as well as very flexible application-admissions pattern fixed effects. Non-science peer quality appears to have a positive effect on both the likelihood that a student chooses a science major and on his or her cumulative GPA. Conversely, students who attend campuses with stronger peers in the sciences are less likely to graduate with a science degree. Weaker, non-minority students typically react to stronger peers in the sciences by shifting majors. Under-represented minorities tend to persist in the sciences regardless of peer quality, but in more competitive programs they suffer – often substantially – in terms of college grades and the likelihood of graduating.
Sulfuric acid–methanol electrolytes as an alternative to sulfuric–hydrofluoric acid mixtures for electropolishing of niobium

Attainment of the greatest possible interior surface smoothness is critical to meeting the performance demands placed upon niobium superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) accelerator cavities by next generation projects. Electropolishing with HF–H2SO4 electrolytes yields cavities that meet SRF performance goals, but a less-hazardous, more environmentally-friendly process is desirable. Reported studies of EP on chemically-similar tantalum describe the use of sulfuric acid–methanol electrolytes as an HF-free alternative. Reported here are the results of experiments on niobium samples with this electrolyte. Voltammetry experiments indicate a current plateau whose voltage range expands with increasing acid concentration and decreasing temperature. Impedance spectroscopy indicates that a compact salt film is responsible for the current plateau. Equivalent findings in electropolishing chemically-similar tantalum with this electrolyte were interpreted due to as mass transfer limitation by diffusion of Ta ions away from the anode surface. We infer that a similar mechanism is at work here. Conditions were found that yield leveling and brightening comparable to that obtained with HF–H2SO4 mixtures.
A Semi-Markov Model of a Three-State Generating Unit

This paper shows how the theory of semi-Markov processes can be used to obtain some important figures of merit from non-exponential failure models of generating units. The approach is used to obtain the time dependent state probabilities, the distribution of the time to transit from one state to another and the distribution of the number of visits to a given state in a fixed amount of time for a three-state model in which the occupancy times of two of the states is not exponential.
Surface and interface states of GaSb: A photoemission study

Photoemission experiments at $h\ensuremath{\nu}l11.8$ eV indicate that there are no filled or empty surface states in the bandgap of GaSb. Small amounts of oxygen or alkali metals pin the Fermi level (${E}_{F}$) on $n$-type samples and move it down to near the valence band maximum, showing that Schottky barrier pinning is possible without intrinsic surface states in the band gap. When GaSb is cesiated to give maximum "white light" yield, the cesium coverage is unstable and partially desorbs. The electronic structure as seen in photoemission also appears to be different at this stage of cesiation. These and other results provide a new insight on the GaSb surface.
The characterization of human compact bone structure changes by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance

A technique of low-field pulsed proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin relaxation is described for characterizing the porosity and (effective) pore size distribution in vitro in human compact bone. The technique involves spin–spin relaxation measurement and inversion spin–spin relaxation spectral analysis methods. The spin–spin relaxation decay curve is converted into a T2 distribution spectrum by a sum of single exponential decays. The advantages of using low-field NMR for the spin–spin relaxation technique are illustrated. The results obtained from NMR methodology are compared with the results obtained from currently available but destructive histomorphometry and mercury porosimetry methods. The NMR porosities correlate well with the results obtained from the histomorphometry measurements of eight samples from donors of ages 21–89 years. The pore size distributions from T2 relaxation measurements are similar to the distributions obtained from the mercury porosimetry and histomorphometry measurements. This indicates that the age-related porosity and pore size changes in human compact bone can be detected using the low-field NMR technique.
Conditions of Oxygen Supply in l-Glutamic Acid Fermentation from Hydrocarbon

A small jar fermentor was developed in order to investigate the effect of oxygen supply on hydrocarbon fermentation. Several indices to oxygen transfer were examined with this small jar fermentor. Conditions for suitable oxygen supply were examined in l-glutamic acid fermentation from hydrocarbon by use of shaking flasks and these small jar fermentors. The data indicated that the rate of oxygen transfer ought to be more than 14.3 × 10−7 mole/ml·min in order to obtain satisfactory results. The coefficient of oxygen transfer rate (KLa/H) decreased as the fermentation went on, so the supply of oxygen enriched gas mixture was effective to increase the production of l-glutamic acid.
Electrically tunable infrared metamaterials based on depletion-type semiconductor devices

We present the theory and experimental demonstration of electrically tunable mid-infrared metamaterials based on depletion-type semiconductor devices. Planar metamaterials consisting of interconnected gold split-ring resonator arrays are fabricated on top of highly doped III–V semiconductors. These arrays work both as an optical metamaterial layer and electrical metal gate simultaneously. The depletion width in the n-doped semiconductor epilayer changes with the electric gate bias, inducing a change of the permittivity of the substrate and leading to frequency tuning of the metamaterial resonance. We first present our device structure and measurement data. Then we provide a detailed theoretical analysis of electrical tuning and we study how semiconductor materials and metamaterial designs affect electrical tunability. We also discuss possible ways to improve tunability even further. This active tuning is generally applicable to a variety of infrared metamaterials and plasmonic structures, which can lead to novel applications in chip-scale infrared optoelectronic devices.
Stereotyped behavior elicited by amphetamine in the rat: influences of the testes.

Abstract Castrating male rats in adulthood increased the duration of stereotyped behavior in response to 5 mg/kg injections of d-amphetamine sulfate; exogenous treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) reversed this effect. Ovariectomy in adulthood had no effect on stereotypy, but TP injections reduced stereotyped responding by ovariectomized females. Thus testosterone exerts comparable effects on stereotypy elicited by amphetamine in both sexes. Males castrated at 1, 6 or 10 days of age but not males castrated in adulthood displayed levels of stereotyped behavior comparable to those of ovariectomized females when all animals were given TP in adulthood. Control experiments indicated that age of castration rather than time since castration was the critical factor, implying that secretions of the testes early in life exert effects on systems that regulate the responses of adults to amphetamine.
Measurement of the Thermal Conductivity and Heat Capacity of Freestanding Shape Memory Thin Films Using the 3ω Method

An accurate measurement of the thermophysical properties of freestanding thin films is essential for modeling and predicting thermal performance of microsystems. This paper presents a method for simultaneous measurement of in-plane thermal conductivity and heat capacity of freestanding thin films based on the thermal response to a sinusoidal electric current. An analytical model for the temperature response of a freestanding thin film to a sinusoidal heating current passing through a metal heater patterned on top of the thin film is derived. Freestanding thin-film samples of silicon nitride and nickel titanium (NiTi), a shape memory alloy, are microfabricated and characterized. The thermal conductivity of thin-film NiTi, which increases linearly between 243 K and 313 K, is 40% lower than the bulk value at room temperature. The heat capacity of NiTi also increases linearly with temperature in the low temperature phase and is nearly constant above 280 K. The measurement technique developed in this work is expected to contribute to an accurate thermal property measurement of thin-film materials. Thermophysical measurements on NiTi presented in this work are expected to aid in an accurate thermal modeling of microdevices based on the shape memory effect. DOI: 10.1115/1.2945904
A Study of Board Certification in Child Psychiatry as a Valid Indicator of Clinical Competence

Abstract This report describes a research project carried out by the Child Psychiatry Board to improve the validity and reliability of its examination. Suggestions are made for changing a certification “event” to a certification “process,” which would begin in training, where certain competencies determined by the study of practice are best evaluated, and continue on throughout a child psychiatrist's career via the evaluation of his or her continuing education experience.
Interrill soil erosion as affected by tillage and residue cover

Abstract No-till cropping systems are effective in reducing soil erosion. The objective of this study was to determine whether high infiltration rates and low runoff and soil loss under long-term, no-till conditions in loessial regions of the Midwest US result from both the well-structured, porous condition of the soil and the protective cover of crop residue or primarily from residue cover. Soil loss, runoff, and infiltration were measured using a rainfall simulator on interrill erosion plots with and without residue cover on a conventional and two no-till systems in central Illinois. For both conventional till and no-till conditions, removing surface residue significantly decreased infiltration rates and increased soil loss. Tilling the no-till surface while maintaining an equal surface cover as with the no-till system slightly increased interrill erosion. Removing residue on a no-till system, however, increased soil loss significantly. A no-till soil condition without adequate residue cover will seal, crust, and erode with extremely high soil losses following surface drying.
Quality of life after radical pleurectomy decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy in which radical surgical treatment appears to improve survival. It is unknown, however, if radical surgical treatment affects quality of life (QoL) adversely. Our objective was to assess patient-reported symptoms of health-related QoL after radical pleurectomy decortication (PD). Methods Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were prospectively enrolled between 2010 and 2011 to determine the effects of PD on baseline QoL. Health-related QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 tool (EORTC QLQ-C30) before operation and at 1, 5 to 6, and 8 to 9 months postoperatively. Patients were grouped based on World Health Organization baseline performance status (PS) and compared. Results Of the 28 patients enrolled, 16 (57.1%) and 12 (42.9%) were World Health Organization PS 0 and PS 1, respectively. At baseline, PS 1 patients had significantly worse global QoL functional and symptom scores at baseline. At 5 to 6 months' follow-up, PS 0 patients had no significant change in global QoL or functional domain scores. PS 1 patients had significant improvement in global QoL ( p = 0.038), symptoms of fatigue ( p = 0.05), and dyspnea ( p = 0.048). At 8 to 9 months' follow-up, PS 0 patients showed significant improvement in symptoms of fatigue ( p = 0.026) from baseline and PS 1 maintained the improvements in symptoms of fatigue ( p = 0.049) and dyspnea ( p = 0.048). Conclusions Radical PD does not negatively impact minimally symptomatic patients at intermediate follow-up. Patients who have symptoms at baseline can have significant improvement in their QoL after surgical treatment.
Can the North Korean regime survive Kim Jong Il

Abstract This paper analyzes several leadership scenarios that might unfold in the wake of Kim Jong Il's sudden death or removal from power. Over the past year, the North Korean leadership has undergone numerous changes as key figures in the regime passed away, were purged, or retired (actively or figuratively). Whether this constitutes a generational turnover inside the leadership is open to interpretation. In addition, key institutions, such as the National Defense Commission, have been reconfigured in what appears to some as a step toward preparing the regime for the eventual post-Kim succession. At the same time, the regime is fraught with competing individuals and institutions that might play a role in determining the new leadership configuration. Besides examining the most popular scenario, dynastic succession, this paper examines the possibility of other scenarios, such as the rise of a military strongman, warlordism, collective leadership, as well as the likelihood that the regime will collapse. T...
Using qualitative problem‐solving strategies to highlight the role of conceptual knowledge in solving problems

We report on the use of qualitative problem‐solving strategies in teaching an introductory, calculus‐based physics course as a means of highlighting the role played by conceptual knowledge in solving problems. We found that presenting strategies during lectures and in homework solutions provides an excellent opportunity to model for students the type of concept‐based, qualitative reasoning that is valued in our profession, and that student‐generated strategies serve a diagnostic function by providing instructors with insights on students’ conceptual understanding and reasoning. Finally, we found strategies to be effective pedagogical tools for helping students both to identify principles that could be applied to solve specific problems, as well as to recall the major principles covered in the course months after it was over.
Changes in kidney transamidinase activity during development in male and female rats

The developmental changes in the activity of kidney transamidinase in male and female rats were investigated. The activity in both sexes increased rapidly after birth, reaching adult levels at 4 days of age. After weaning, the activity in male rats remained constant, while in female rats i t declined to 60% ol that in males. Thus, transamidinase is in the neonatal cluster of enzyme differentiation.
The marriage moments program for couples transitioning to parenthood : Divergent conclusions from formative and outcome evaluation data

This article presents the results of a pilot study of the Marriage Moments program, designed to prevent relationship deterioration during the 1st year of parenthood. The self-guided, low-intensity program emphasizes strengthening marital virtues and partnership during this time of significant personal and family transition. One hundred fifty-five married couples participated in a randomized clinical trial with 2 psychoeducational treatment groups (a self-guided group and an instructor-encouraged group) and a comparable control group. Despite positive formative evaluation results from program participants, hierarchical linear modeling analyses failed to find significant Group x Time differences on spouses' reports of marital virtues and a set of relational outcome measures. This failure reinforces the need for psychoeducators to invest in outcome evaluation research before claiming program success.