cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Ecological Restoration Effects on Ponderosa Pine Forest Structure

FIRESUM, an ecological process model incorporating surface fire disturbance, was modified for use in southwestern ponderosa pine ecosystems. The model was used to determine changes in forest structure over time and then applied to simulate changes in aboveground biomass and nitrogen storage since exclusion of the natural frequent fire regime in an unharvested Arizona forest. Dendroecological reconstruction of forest structure in 1876, prior to Euro-American settlement, was used to initialize the model; projections were validated with forest measurements in 1992. Biomass allocations shifted from herbaceous plants to trees, and nitrogen was increasingly retained in living and dead tree biomass over the 116-year period (1876‐1992). Forest conditions in 1992 were substantially degraded compared to reference presettlement conditions: old-growth trees were dying at accelerated rates, herbaceous production was reduced nearly 90%, and the entire stand was highly susceptible to high-intensity wildfire. Following an experiment initiated in 1993 to test ecological restoration treatments, future changes were modeled for the next century. Future forest structure remained within the natural presettlement range of variability under the full restoration treatment, in which forest biomass structure was thinned to emulate presettlement conditions and repeated low-intensity fire was reintroduced. Simulation of the control treatment indicated continuation of exceptionally high tree density, probably culminating in stand-replacing ecosystem change through high-intensity wildfire or tree mortality from pathogens. Intermediate results were observed in the partial restoration treatment (tree thinning only); the open forest structure and high herbaceous productivity found immediately after treatment were gradually degraded as dense tree cover reestablished in the absence of fire. Modeling results support comprehensive restorative management as a long-term approach to conservation of key indigenous ecosystem characteristics.
An Experimental Investigation of Clamshell Heat Exchangers in Residential Gas Furnaces

An experimental investigation was carried out to obtain benchmark data for clamshell heat exchangers in residential gas furnaces. Detailed flue-gas and surface temperature distributions were obtained from the furnace tests. It was found that flue-gas temperatures were non-uniform at the same cross-section. The highest surface temperature was found near the middle of the first U-bend. The surface temperatures were not uniform on the perimeter of the same cross-section. In contrast to general expectations, the surface temperatures did not decrease monotonously along the direction of gas flow, which may be explained by the complex flow field in the furnace cabinet.
Anhedonia in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Beyond comorbid depression

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been linked to reward dysfunctions, highlighting a possible role of anhedonia in OCD. Surprisingly, anhedonia in OCD has never been evaluated. Moreover, although nicotine typically has anti-anhedonic effects, anecdotal reports suggest low prevalence rates of smoking in OCD. To address these two phenomena, 113 individuals with OCD completed a battery of questionnaires assessing symptom severity, anhedonia, and smoking. 28.3% of the sample met criteria for clinically significant anhedonia, which correlated with Y-BOCS scores (r=0.44), even when controlling for depressive symptoms. 13.3% of the sample endorsed current smoking, a lower rate than seen in psychiatric disorders (40-90%) and the general adult population (19%). Results highlight high rates of anhedonia and yet reduced prevalence of smoking in OCD. In contrast to the known positive association between anhedonia and smoking, a negative association emerged. Future research is needed to address the unique interface between anhedonia and reward responsiveness in OCD. Potential clinical implications are discussed.
A packaged micromachined switched tunable inductor

A new implementation of micromachined switched tunable inductors using transformer action and electrostatically- actuated switches is presented. The inductors and the micromachined ohmic switches are made of silver (Ag) to minimize the resistive loading on the effective inductance and achieve large tuning and high quality factor (Q). The presented tunable inductor is packaged using a low-cost wafer-level polymer packaging technique and shows no degradation in quality factor after packaging.
Substance-Abusing Parents in the Criminal Justice System: Does Substance Abuse Treatment Improve Their Children's Outcomes?

The expansion of the criminal justice system over the last several decades helped to focus attention on children of incarcerated parents, many of whom have parents with substance abuse problems. Since the 1990's, a national grassroots campaign has been underway to make substance abuse treatment an alternative to incarceration for parents who commit non-violent crimes. The question of interest in this article is what evidence there is, if any, that treating parental substance abuse changes children's outcomes. To answer this question, a systematic search was conducted for evidence that parental substance abuse treatment either (1) prevents children from developing serious problems (e.g., substance abuse, emotional/behavioral problems, and delinquency) or (2) ameliorates problems if children have already developed them. The key finding is that existing research is limited to studies primarily of the birth outcomes of children born to pregnant and perinatal substance-abusing mothers. Little is known about ho...
Decentralization and Conflict in Africa: The Stability Implications of Federal and Unitary Designs

This paper examines the linkage between federalism, decentralization, and conflict reduction in six countries, using a structured qualitative comparison and a process-tracing comparative historical approach. Among the countries examined, three are federal (Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa) and three are unitary (Mali, Kenya, and Mozambique). Africa's variant of federalism appears to have had some effect in mitigating inter-ethnic conflict, though its effects are muddied by the emergence of other forms of violence (including sectarian conflict and even violent crime). It does so despite African federalism retaining several centripetal features, including dominant parties, limited own-source revenues for subnational governments, and centralized bureaucracies. Meanwhile, unitary decentralized designs generate mixed results regarding their impact in reducing or reshaping conflict, in particular with regard to variations over time. Reduced conflict in Mozambique appears to be attributable largely to factors other than decentralization, while Mali (1990s and 2012-present) and Kenya (2007-08 - present) have illustrated that continued unitary governance can be detrimental to stability in certain circumstances and beneficial at other historical moments. The implication is that decentralization's impact on conflict mitigation depends upon the substantive autonomy of subnational governments in practice, and not only issues of institutional design
The Founding of American Local Communities: A Study of Covenantal and Other Forms of Association

The political application of the covenant idea is most clearly apparent in the process of founding and refounding political associations. As a political act, covenanting suggests a voluntary agreement among parties, who are equal before and enjoined by some moral force, to enter into a lasting political association that is both morally and legally binding on its members. In this sense, a political covenant serves the function of setting out and subscribing to the "first principles" of association through some explicit agreement, which normally represents the first stage in the political founding or refounding process. As a form of political association, covenantal polities and relationships suggest a species of commonwealth association, in which commonwealth principles of sharing and equality are defined in moral as well as legal terms. In this sense, it is possible to distinguish covenantal forms of political association from (1) other morally-bound political associations, which are founded and sustained by grant and decree; and (2) other commonwealth associations, which are founded by compact and sustained more by legal than by moral ties.' Various political manifestations of the covenantal idea can be found throughout American history. The most incontrovertible example is the continuous and widespread use of "church covenants," in the generic sense of that term, to establish and maintain congregational and denominational bodies. Perhaps the most dramatic political manifestation of the covenantal idea, in an unadulterated form, was the seventeenth
RELATION OF HEART RATE RECOVERY AFTER EXERCISE TO INSULIN RESISTANCE AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN HEALTHY ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY (NHANES) 1999-2004

Impaired heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise, a marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction, predicts mortality in healthy adults. Although there is an inverse relation of both inflammation (IF) and insulin resistance (IR) to HRR, little is known about the combined effect of IR and IF on HRR. The
Implications of Redesigned, High-Radiative-Efficiency GaInP Junctions on III-V Multijunction Concentrator Solar Cells

Nonradiative recombination in inverted GaInP junctions is dramatically reduced using a rear-heterojunction design rather than the more traditional thin-emitter homojunction design. When this GaInP junction design is included in inverted multijunction solar cells, the high radiative efficiency translates into both higher subcell voltage and high luminescence coupling to underlying subcells, both of which contribute to improved performance. Subcell voltages within two and four junction devices are measured by electroluminescence and the internal radiative efficiency is quantified as a function of recombination current using optical modeling. The performance of these concentrator multijunction devices is compared with the Shockley–Queisser detailed-balance radiative limit, as well as an internal radiative limit, which considers the effects of the actual optical environment in which a perfect junction may exist.
Baltomyces, a new genus of gut-inhabiting fungus in an isopod

AbstractA new monotypic genus, Baltomyces, is described for a species found in the hindgut of aquatic isopods from a Louisiana swamp. The type species, B. styrax, is characterized by chains of long...
Angiotensin II regulation of angiotensin-converting enzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rat primary astrocyte cultures.

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays a critical role in cardiovascular and blood pressure regulation. Ang II is produced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and it interacts with the Ang AT1 receptor to cause much of its well-known cardiovascular effects. Ang-(1-7) is another active peptide produced by the rennin-angiotensin system. This peptide is produced from Ang I or Ang II by the catalytic activity of ACE2. Ang-(1-7) interacts with the Mas receptor to counteract many of the effects of Ang II. Thus, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis acts opposite of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis. In this study we investigated how Ang II regulates the key enzymes of these axes, ACE and its homolog ACE2, and determined whether they are dysregulated in the hypertensive condition. Brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were used in these studies. Ang II effect on the enzymes' mRNA and protein levels was measured using quantitative PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Results from this study showed that Ang II up-regulated ACE protein levels, but down-regulated ACE mRNA levels in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes in both models. Ang II also reduced ACE2 mRNA expression in SHR and Wistar astrocytes isolated from both brain regions. Ang II effects on ACE2 protein were biphasic. In SHR astrocytes, Ang II-mediated ACE2 protein initially increased then decreased at later time points. In contrast, in Wistar astrocytes, Ang II initially decreased ACE2 protein expression, but up-regulated the protein at later time points. The findings of these studies suggest that Ang II has a differential effect on ACE and ACE2 expression. Furthermore, in the SHR model there may be alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance in a manner that favors increased Ang II generation and decreased Ang-(1-7) production contributing to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this model. The levels of angiotensin (Ang) II depend on the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2. We showed in astrocytes isolated from the SHRs that Ang II differentially affects ACE and ACE2 expression. There may be an alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance favoring Ang II generation. This imbalance may contribute to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this SHR model.
Analysis on peripheral blood cells of radiation workers in Wenzhou

Objective:To know the health conditions of radiation workers to effectively prevent the harm of occupational diseases,strengthen the health management,and provide scientific basis for further improving radiation protection.Methods:The special occupational health examination has been carried out in 923 radiation workers from Wenzhou.And the laboratory mainly examines white blood cell count,chromosome aberration rate and micronucleus rate of peripheral blood lymphocytes.The SAS statistical software has been used to implement the analysis.Results:Among the radiation workers,the abnormal rate of white blood cell count was 5.20%,7.77% for female.The chromosome aberration rate of lymphocytes was 2.49%.The industrial X-ray detection rate was 10.00%,remarkably higher than that of the radiation therapy which was 2.30%.The chromosome aberration rate of lymphocytes was related to age,occupation and classification of unit.The rate for≥40-year olds was higher than that for 40-year olds.The industrial X-ray detection rate was higher than that of the radiation therapy.The rate in provincial and municipal-level medical organizations was higher than that in private hospitals as well as county-level and below-county-level medical organizations.The micronucleus and abnormity rate of lymphocytes was 1.19%.The micronucleus rate of lymphocytes was linked with the classification of unit,occupation,age of work.The rate in county-level and below-county-level medical organizations(the rate for age of work≥15 years was higher than that for age of work15 years) was higher than provincial and municipal-level medical organizations as well as private hospitals.The rate for industrial x-ray detection was higher than that for radiation therapy,and the harm will increase with the age.Conclusion:The health conditions of radiation workers in Wenzhou city has been affected to some extent by the radiation.The health management should be intensified over those radiation workers at their advanced age and with long working age.The working condition should be improved,especially;the prevention and safeguarding efforts must be stepped up for workers exposed to industrial radiations.
Accelerated ageing of SR‐562 pyrotechnic composition and investigation of its thermo kinetic parameters

Summary Pyrotechnics are used to produce some special effects in various military and civilian applications. High temperatures and elevated humidity levels influence the thermal decomposition and kinetic behaviour of pyrotechnics. The present work describes the effect of ageing on SR-562 military pyrotechnic composition. The composition contains magnesium, sodium nitrate and calcium oxalate and it is used as a flare. The composition was aged for 30 days at a temperature of 70 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 70%. The experimental results show noteworthy variations in the thermal cum kinetic behaviour as well as in the morphology of the aged composition. Activation energy of the aged composition decreased to 189 kJ mol−1 from 239 kJ mol−1 for the fresh composition. Thermal decomposition temperature was found to increase by 51 °C after the ageing. X-ray diffraction results confirm the presence of magnesium hydroxide in the aged composition showing that some of the magnesium reacted with water vapours at high temperatures. Some micro sized cracks have been seen in the scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the aged composition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Task allocation and redistribution in distributed real-time systems

This dissertation addresses the problems of task/module allocation (MA) and load sharing (LS) in distributed real-time systems. Our primary objectives are to meet the requirement in hard real-time systems that the execution of both periodic and aperiodic tasks must be not only logically correct but also completed before their deadline. To accomplish these objectives, we (1) partition periodic tasks into a set of communicating modules, (2) statically allocate modules of periodic tasks to processing nodes (PNs) in a distributed real-time system subject to their precedence and timing constraints, and (3) dynamically redistribute aperiodic tasks as they arrive according to the load state and task attributes on each PN. We give a comprehensive coverage of (2) and (3), formulate several problems related to MA and LS, and propose new and effective solutions to them: (1) Design of a MA algorithm to allocate task modules to PNs using the branch-and-bound technique and then subsequently schedule all modules assigned to each PN with respect to their precedence and timing requirements so that all periodic tasks may be completed in time. (2) Design of a LS mechanism to enable underloaded/capable nodes in a distributed real-time system to share the loads of overloaded/incapable ones so as to minimize the probability of failing to complete a real-time task in time. (3) Consideration of future task arrivals in LS decisions to minimize not only the probability of transferring an overflow task to an incapable node, but also the probability of a remote receiver node failing to complete the transferred task in time because of future arrivals of tight-laxity tasks. (4) Incorporation of optimal timeouts into LS to maximize the probability of detecting node failures (and hence the possibility to avoid sending overflow tasks to failed nodes) subject to a prespecified probability of falsely diagnosing a healthy node as faulty. (5) Integration of LS into an experimental distributed system called HARTS to study the interplay between the LS mechanism and the communication subsystem, and to evaluate the overall LS performance with all communications activities considered. We also develop an analytical model to capture both the fundamental design features and the computation/communication overheads associated with different LS schemes, and to assess their absolute performance. Using the Condor software package, we have also partially implemented the proposed LS mechanism as a prototype software layer that sits on top of the OS and provides the transparent LS service to application programs.
A Method to the Madness: Producing the Neonatal Ventral Hippocampal Lesion Rat Model of Schizophrenia

The neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) rat model of schizophrenia has demonstrated broad heuristic utility as an investigative platform encompassing many of the behavioral, neurobiological, and developmental aspects of this devastating neuropsychiatric illness affecting 1% of all human beings. This chapter serves as an essential description of materials and methods for generating and verifying the NVHL model in rats, which continues to hold significant potential in helping us understand schizophrenia, comorbid disorders, and their neurodevelopmental dynamics. Many of the approaches described here can be modified or adapted for producing other types of neurodevelopmental models of behavioral disorders.
Emergence of Transdiagnostic Treatments for PTSD and Posttraumatic Distress

Both theoretical and empirical findings have demonstrated similarities across diagnoses, leading to a growing interest in transdiagnostic interventions. Most of the evidence supporting transdiagnostic treatment has accumulated for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, with minimal attention given to posttraumatic stress disorder and other reactions to traumatic stressors. Although single-diagnosis protocols are effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders, in principle, transdiagnostic approaches may have beneficial applications within a traumatized population. This paper defines different types of transdiagnostic treatments, reviews transdiagnostic approaches used in related disorders, and discusses their applicability to PTSD. Examples are drawn from existing transdiagnostic treatments in order to provide a framework for the application of such interventions to the field of traumatic stress. Implications for implementation and dissemination are also discussed.
Determinants of financial policy in the hospitality sector in the United States

This article investigates the circumstances surrounding large investments by firms in the hospitality sector in the United States. The authors identify 400 large-scale investment events for firms in the restaurant, hotel, and recreation industries. During these events, firms increase their size substantially through building or acquiring assets. The authors determine that a combination of market and firm-specific factors lead to such events. Firms are more likely to engage in large investments when they have experienced strong recent sales growth and when they have lower existing leverage. These investments are more likely when the market is less volatile and when general economic conditions indicate strong consumer demand. Finally, the authors show that firms are more likely to rely on a combination of cash flow and debt financing to complete such investments, though firms experiencing higher sales growth are prone to use more equity financing.
Factors impacting the diagnosis of stage IV colorectal cancer: A National Cancer Database (NCDB) analysis.

e17605 Background: Studies have shown that ethnicity, insurance status and socioeconomic status all play a role in the stage at presentation of colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to us...
Developing and Conducting International School Counseling Survey Research

This chapter was designed to provide the reader with an overview of survey research and to provide school counseling researchers, practitioners, and policy makers with practical steps for developing and implementing international school counseling surveys. The chapter describes the basic components of high-quality surveys and provides some guidance on how to develop school counseling surveys through international collaborations. The chapter also offers a set of potential standards for developing and evaluating survey research. The chapter describes the standards and evaluates a single survey from the literature using the standards as a metric. Finally, the chapter makes recommendations for the use of an implementation of international survey research to expand the knowledge base of school counseling research and to establish a shared international understanding of school counseling practices. The development and implementation of rigorous school counseling survey research have the capacity to eliminate national borders which stifle the capacity to share and discuss the multiple perspectives of school counseling thereby embracing different cultural and linguistic viewpoints.
The Rationale and Evidence for Use of Inhaled Antibiotics to Control Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.

Abstract Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by irreversible dilation of the bronchi, symptoms of persistent cough and expectoration, and recurrent infective exacerbations. The prevalence of NCFBE is on the increase in the United States and Europe, but no licensed therapies are currently available for its treatment. Although there are many similarities between NCFBE and cystic fibrosis (CF) in terms of respiratory symptoms, airway microbiology, and disease progression, there are key differences, for example, in response to treatment, suggesting differences in pathogenesis. This review discusses possible reasons underlying differences in response to inhaled antibiotics in people with CF and NCFBE. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are associated with the most severe forms of bronchiectasis. Suboptimal levels of antibiotics in the lung increase the mutation frequency of P. aeruginosa and lead to the development of mucoid strains characterized by fo...
Seismic evidence for water transport out of the mantle transition zone beneath the European Alps

Abstract The mantle transition zone has been considered a major water reservoir in the deep Earth. Mass transfer across the transition-zone boundaries may transport water-rich minerals from the transition zone into the water-poor upper or lower mantle. Water release in the mantle surrounding the transition zone could cause dehydration melting and produce seismic low-velocity anomalies if some conditions are met. Therefore, seismic observations of low-velocity layers surrounding the transition zone could provide clues of water circulation at mid-mantle depths. Below the Alpine orogen, a depressed 660-km discontinuity has been imaged clearly using seismic tomography and receiver functions, suggesting downwellings of materials from the transition zone. Multitaper-correlation receiver functions show prominent ∼0.5–1.5% velocity reductions at ∼750–800-km depths, possibly caused by partial melting in the upper part of lower mantle. The gap between the depressed 660-km discontinuity and the low-velocity layers is consistent with metallic iron as a minor phase in the topmost lower mantle reported by laboratory studies. Velocity drops atop the 410-km discontinuity are observed surrounding the Alpine orogeny, suggesting upwelling of water-rich rock from the transition zone in response to the downwelled materials below the orogeny. Our results provide evidence that convective penetration of the mantle transition zone pushes hydrated minerals both upward and downward to add hydrogen to the surrounding mantle.
Impatient for Inpatient Sleep: Treating Sleep Disturbances in the Hospital Setting

Disturbed sleep and sleep deprivation are common complaints among inpatients; however, limited research has targeted this population to investigate primary causes and solutions, and no comprehensive guidelines address this widespread problem. Many factors contribute to inpatient sleep difficulty. Key environmental sources are excess noise and light. The use of earplugs and eye masks are supported by some studies. Attempts to reduce disturbing light and noise on hospital units have been helpful. Schedule modifications that limit awakenings for measurements and medications also have been shown to be beneficial. Patients with inpatient sleep complaints are prescribed a wide range of medications, though little guidance is available to direct therapy with regard to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features, adverse event risks, and potential interactions. A combination of environmental modifications and altered schedules for routine assessments, procedures, and treatments; individualized non-pharmacological interventions; and strategically chosen medications for selected patients should help minimize nighttime sleep disruption in hospitalized patients.
Site-1 protease regulates skeletal stem cell population and osteogenic differentiation in mice.

Site-1 protease (S1P) is a proprotein convertase with essential functions in the conversion of precursor proteins to their active form. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that S1P ablation in the chondrocyte lineage results in a drastic reduction in endochondral bone formation. To investigate the mechanistic contribution of S1P to bone development we ablated S1P in the osterix lineage in mice. S1P ablation in this lineage results in osteochondrodysplasia and variable degrees of early postnatal scoliosis. Embryonically, even though Runx2 and osterix expression are normal, S1P ablation results in a delay in vascular invasion and endochondral bone development. Mice appear normal when born, but by day 7 display pronounced dwarfism with fragile bones that exhibit significantly reduced mineral density, mineral apposition rate, bone formation rate and reduced osteoblasts indicating severe osteopenia. Mice suffer from a drastic reduction in bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors as analyzed by colony-forming unit-fibroblast assay. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of the skeletal mesenchyme harvested from bone marrow and collagenase-digested bone show a drastic reduction in hematopoietic lineage-negative, endothelial-negative, CD105 + skeletal stem cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal progenitors are unable to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro, with no effect on adipogenic differentiation. Postnatal mice have smaller growth plates with reduced hypertrophic zone. Thus, S1P controls bone development directly by regulating the skeletal progenitor population and their differentiation into osteoblasts.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Applications of the Framing Principles

This chapter continues our exploration of decision framing. The ability to transform an objective function, engage in local searches, and emphasize component searches are critical techniques in constructing a decision analysis.
Organizational Requirements for the Innovation of Complex Technologies

Networks, alliances, and partnerships are essential to the innovation of complex technologies.As used here, networks refer to organizational systems that exist to carry out the innovation of technologies. Networks are composed of multiple organizations that, at a minimum, range from the holders of core capabilities, to the suppliers of complimentary assets, to user organizations (see Figure 1). Alliances and partnerships are organizational relationships (of varying structure) commonly used to establish critical linkages in the networks that carry out the innovation of complex technologies.
Direct Observation of the Mechanism of Glacier Sliding over Bedrock

It has been demonstrated by direct observation in tunnels and by measurements of ice deformation in boreholes that an important mechanism in the flow of temperate glaciers is sliding of the ice over the bedrock at its base. Basal sliding or slip (R. P. Sharp, 1954, p. 826) normally accounts for the order of 50 per cent of the total surface velocity of typical valley glaciers in their thicker parts, the remainder being due to internal deformation within the ice (J. A. F. Gerrard, M. F. Perutz and A. Roch, 1952; J. G. McCall, 1952; W. H. Mathews, 1959; R. L. Shreve, 1961; J. C. Savage and W. S. B. Paterson, 1963).
Depressive Symptomology as a Moderator of Friend Selection and Influence on Substance Use Involvement: Estimates from Grades 6 to 12 in Six Longitudinal School-Based Social Networks

Although the contributions of friend selection and friend influence to adolescent homophily on substance use behaviors has been of enduring research interest, moderators of these processes have received relatively little research attention. Identification of factors that dampen or amplify selection and influence on substance use behaviors is important for informing prevention efforts. Whereas prior research has examined adolescent drinking, smoking, and marijuana use, the current study examined whether friend selection and friend influence operated on substance use involvement, an indicator of problematic use, and whether depressive symptomology moderated these processes. In addition, it examined whether these relationships varied from grade 6 to 12. The study used a cohort-sequential design in which three cohorts of youth (first surveyed in grades, 6, 7, and 8) in six school-based longitudinal social networks were surveyed up to seven times, yielding N = 6817 adolescents (49% female). Stochastic actor-oriented models were applied to test hypothesized relationships in the six networks, then results were synthesized in a meta-analysis. Depressive symptoms did not moderate selection or influence on substance use involvement at any grade level, but indirectly contributed to diffusion of substance use involvement through school networks via patterns of network ties. Research is needed on contextual factors, particularly in schools, that might account for when, if at all, depressive symptoms condition friend selection and influence on substance use.
Screen Smashing: Iconoclasty in an Age of Illusionary Intelligence (Sheridan See C&C'19 id# cckn07dis for correct DOI & pdf)

"Late twentieth-century machines have made thoroughly ambiguous the difference between natural and artificial, mind and body, self-developing and externally designed, and many other distinctions that used to apply to organisms and machines. Our machines are disturbingly lively, and we ourselves are frighteningly inert."" - Donna Haraway. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. The boundaries that Haraway lamented in 1990 were further eroded by the World Wide Web, wireless networks, smartphones, and today by social media, fake news, claims about Artificial Intelligence and an impending "Singularity". Are all boundaries truly illusionary? Or can we question illusions of illusion by actively asserting boundaries between ourselves and our machines? Artistic collaborators Shlain and Goldberg will describe how their art projects and experiences with technology are leading them to rediscover old barricades.
Balancing Coils for 10 MHz Susceptibility Signals

The de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect is the low temperature oscillatory magnetization of a metal in a high magnetic field. Analysis of the oscillations yields such information as the cross sectional area of the Fermi surface extrema, the effective electron masses for extremal areas, and the electron scattering rates (or mean free paths) for the electron orbits of these areas. In the early fifties, Shoenberg1 pioneered the use of a pair of balanced pick-up coils, with a sample in one coil, in pulsed magnetic fields to measure the dHvA effect in the highest possible magnetic fields. The oscillations in these approximately 10 Tesla (T) fields were detected at a frequency of order 105 Hz. Recent work2 to measure the Fermi surface parameters of YBa2Cu3O6.97, a high temperature superconductor in fields to about 100 T produced oscillations of order 107 Hz. At these frequencies, we found that new ways had to be developed to balance coils because the capacitive reactance dominates. In this paper we describe the problems, our solutions, and the experimental results from our coils designed to operate at these higher frequencies in a system where it must work the first time.
Surgical automation reduces operating time while maintaining accuracy for direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract Objective Investigate the efficiency/accuracy of surgical automation versus manual component implantation in DA THA. Methods Retrospective review of 111 hips: 51 hips via automation and 60 hips via manual technique for DA THA. Results OR time averaged 8 min faster in the Automated group, compared to Manual group (p = 0.0009). Average femoral size was one size larger in the Automated group compared to Manual group (p = 0.007). No clinically significant differences were found between Manual and Automated groups for cup position or limb-length discrepancy. One calcar fracture occurred in the Automated group. Conclusion Surgical automation is efficient and accurate for DA THA.
The ineffectiveness of effective tax rates on business investment: A critique of Feldstein's Fisher-Schultz lecture

Abstract In his Fisher-Schultz Lecture, Martin Feldstein (1982) examined the effects of non-neutral tax rules on business investment by estimating three econometric models, and he concluded that ‘the rising rate of inflation has, because of the structure of existing U.S. tax rules, substantially discouraged investment in the past 15 years’. In a detailed examination of Feldstein's Effective Tax Rate model and a less extensive review of his other formulations (neoclassical and return-over-cost), we advance a number of important and independent criticisms, and find that these three models fail to support Feldstein's conclusion that taxes have exerted a significantly depressing effect on net investment during the recent inflation episode.
Mentee and mentor perceptions of a mentoring court for high-risk probationers:

As part of an evaluation of the only known mentoring problem-solving court for adult moderate- and high-risk probationers in the United States, the current study investigated mentors and mentees’ p...
Relationship of structural root depth on the formation of stem encircling roots and stem girdling roots: Implications on tree condition

Abstract The relationships of structural root depth, stem girdling roots, stem diameter, and boulevard width were studied on the condition of four tree species (Acer saccharum L., Celtis occidentalis L., Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh, and Tilia cordata Mill.) grown as street trees. The relationship between depth from the soil surface to the structural roots and development of stem encircling roots and stem girdling roots was also determined. Stem girdling roots, boulevard width, and root depth were significant predictors of tree condition. Tree condition was greater as boulevard width increased, but stem girdling roots and structural root depth had a negative relationship on tree condition. Depth to structural roots was positively related to the percentage of the tree stem circumference with stem encircling roots and also for stem girdling roots. For every cm the structural roots were below the soil surface, 3.3 % of the stem was encircled. Thus, a 10 cm root depth translates to approximately 1/3 of the stem with encircling roots. With stem girdling roots, an approximate 1 % of the stem was girdled for each cm that structural roots were below the surface. Results from the measurement of 398 trees that were approximately 10–20 years post planting provide additional justification for maintaining structural roots at the soil surface. Results also demonstrate the importance for planning tree planting locations with adequate boulevard widths to foster tree health. Findings have implications with nursery production, tree planting, and arboricultural treatments to remove soil away from tree stems and expose structural roots at planting and subsequently with established trees.
A new wrinkle for skin dendritic cell migration

In this issue of Blood, Gallego et al reveal new complexity in the relationship between the chemokine receptor, CXCR4, and trafficking of dendritic cells (DCs) from the skin to regional lymph nodes (LNs).
SPITZER MAPPING OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON AND H2 FEATURES IN PHOTODISSOCIATION REGIONS

The mid-infrared spectra of dense photodissociation regions (PDRs) are typically dominated by emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the lowest pure rotational states of molecular hydrogen (H2), the two species which are probes of the physical properties of gas and dust in intense UV radiation fields. We utilize the high angular resolution of the Infrared Spectrograph on the Spitzer Space Telescope to construct spectral maps of the PAH and H2 features for three of the best-studied PDRs in the galaxy, NGC 7023, NGC 2023, and IC 63. We present spatially resolved maps of the physical properties, including the H2 ortho-to-para ratio, temperature, and G o /nH . We also present evidence for PAH dehydrogenation, which may support theories of H2 formation on PAH surfaces, and a detection of preferential self-shielding of ortho-H2. All PDRs studied exhibit average temperatures of ~500-800 K, warm H2 column densities of ~1020 cm–2, G o /nH ~ 0.1-0.8, and ortho-to-para ratios of ~1.8. We find that while the average of each of these properties is consistent with previous single value measurements of these PDRs, when available, the addition of spatial resolution yields a diversity of values with gas temperatures as high as 1500 K, column densities spanning ~2 orders of magnitude, and extreme ortho-to-para ratios (R OP) of R OP 3.
Field-Collected Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Perform More Xylella fastidiosa-Inoculating Behaviors on Susceptible Vitis vinifera cv. 'Chardonnay' Than on Resistant Vitis champinii Grapevines.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae), is an introduced vector of the xylem-dwelling bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae) in California. Once acquired, X. fastidiosa colonizes the functional foregut of the vector. Bacteria can be inoculated directly into grapevine xylem during the xylem cell acceptance process in sharpshooter stylet probing, represented by the X wave using electropenetrography (EPG). Since 2001, an effort has been underway to develop PD-resistant grapevines, Vitis vinifera L., through classical breeding of various species of resistant wild grapevines with more susceptible V. vinifera. The present study used EPG to compare H. vitripennis stylet probing behaviors in a factorial experiment between V. champinii (a V. candicans/V. rupestris natural hybrid with moderate trichomes) and V. vinifera cv. ‘Chardonnay’ (which lacks trichomes) that had been gently scraped to remove trichomes or was not scraped. Results showed that sharpshooters performed significantly more X waves/X. fastidiosa inoculation behaviors of overall longer duration on Chardonnay than on V. champinii, regardless of shaving or not-shaving to remove trichomes. In addition, trichomes caused more frequent standing/walking/test-probing behaviors on V. champinii, whose xylem was rapidly accepted for sharpshooter ingestion once probing began. Thus, EPG can detect a novel type of grapevine resistance to X. fastidiosa—to the vector’s probing process and inoculation of bacteria—in addition to the bacterial infection and symptom development processes that are the basis for most resistance breeding today. Future research could use EPG to screen grapevines for this novel type of resistance.
Debt and Taxes, and Tax Deferral

In this paper we examine the conventional wisdom that ten years of tax deferral is almost as good as exemption. Examining a corporation that invests in a single risk free bond we demonstrate that the conventional wisdom regarding tax deferral does not hold. We go on to demonstrate that deferral is not as good as exemption even when the deferral time is extended to 20 or 30 years. Based on these findings we argue that the equilibrium quantity of bonds outstanding in the economy will be higher than that suggested by Miller (1977). This work has important implications for personal and corporate investment decisions, capital structure analysis as well as empirical studies that rely on work of Miller (1977) to identify marginal tax rates.
Preliminary Aerodynamic Characteristics of Several Advanced VSTOL Fighter/Attack Aircraft Concepts

VSTOL attack aircraft to be developed in the mid- or late-1990's and research programs dealing with possible characteristics are discussed. Design studies of horizontal attitude takeoff and landing (HATOL) and vertical attitude takeoff and landing (VATOL) type aircraft were executed and wind tunnel models were built and tested. The configurations tested were a wing-canard HATOL concept with jet-diffuser ejectors as a vertical lift system and a variety of the same with nacelles which are closer together. Other proposals were a HATOL concept with wing-canard design and two vertical tails on twin afterbodies, and a VATOL concept which is tailless with an extended leading-edge wing to increase lift. Aerodynamic uncertainties were defined and wind tunnel tests were made. Special research concerning top-mounted air induction systems is also covered.
Supervised learning with potentials for neural network-based object recognition

Supervised learning techniques are widely used in object recognition based on neural networks. Presenting class-labelled samples to the neural network and employing certain learning criteria accomplish the supervised learning process. In this research we present a learning algorithm which uses the potential function between cluster centers and samples as the learning criterion. A learning process using Euclidean distance as the criterion is also performed. Results from both methods are compared. >
Suppression of lipopolysaccharide- and tumour necrosis factor-α-induced interleukin (IL)-8 expression by glucocorticoids involves changes in IL-8 promoter acetylation

There is accumulating evidence that the transrepressional effect of glucocorticoids in down-regulating proinflammatory gene expression might be regulated by an action on histone acetylation. To investigate this, we studied the effect of two glucocorticoids (dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide) on reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced interleukin (IL)-8 release in a monocytic cell line and two lymphocytic cell lines (HUT-78 and Jurkat). The effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on LPS- and TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release and its repression by glucocorticoids was also examined. LPS and TNF-alpha induced IL-8 release in all three cell lines and this induction was inhibited by both dexamethasone and triamcinolone. Pretreatment of cells with TSA enhanced basal and LPS- and TNFalpha-stimulated IL-8 release in all three cell lines. TSA also attenuated the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on stimulated IL-8 release. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that LPS and TNF-alpha enhanced histone acetylation at the IL-8 promoter and that this was inhibited by triamcinolone in all three cell types. Changes in histone acetylation at the IL-8 are important in its regulation by proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents, and modulation of this activity may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory conditions.
A Review of “Body and Character in Luke and Acts: The Subversion of Physiognomy in Early Christianity”

Mikeal Parsons' engaging and instructive new book argues that Luke draws on ancient physiognomy to present certain of his characters and that Luke does this to subvert ancient assumptions about the...
The systematic review of literature: Synthesizing evidence for practice

Purpose. With current emphasis on evidence-based practice, nurses are searching for answers to questions generated at the bedside. One method to identify and evaluate the existing evidence is to conduct or read a systematic review of the literature. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of conducting a systematic review of literature. Conclusion. Defining attributes, rationale for, and steps in conducting systematic reviews are presented. Examples from published reviews on pediatric nursing are included. Practice Implications. Pediatric nurses may consult professionally prepared systematic reviews, such as The Cochrane Collection, or conduct their own reviews with the help of electronic search engines.