cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modernity, Public Administration, and the Disappearance of the American States: A Necessary Development?

American states disappeared from the public administration research agenda during the Progressive Era. This article explores how this disappearance was related to the field's need to consolidate its claim of scientific knowledge and expertise. Progressive Era concerns over modernity and authority led to a misreading of state capacity. Two common state governance practices, courts-based administration and state boards and commissions, are evaluated. Results suggest that a reevaluation of this period of state governance can help public administration gain valuable insights about state governments and American political development during this critical period in American state development.
Complement-fixing antibodies to the AD-169 strain of cytomegalovirus in banked blood.

One thousand consecutive units of blood, on which donor data could be obtained, were titered for the presence of complement-fixing (CF) antibodies to the AD-169 strain of cytomegalovirus. Twenty-one per cent of the units had a positive titer at a significant level. Blood obtained through commercial sources had a distinctly higher incidence of specific antibody than that obtained from a predominantly student population. Because of the high incidence of CF antibodies to the cytomegaloviruses, a decision to exclude blood from use in transfusion would seriously affect the already critical blood shortage. However, the fact that use of such blood for transfusion is associated with significant danger (especially in certain critical patient populations) makes it important that further studies be carried out to provide the data necessary for a wise decision.
Technological creativity: Japan and the United States

Japan's reputation for technological superiority may be deserved, but it is only true in some industries and for particular types of innovations.
Verbal mediating chains and response availability as a function of the acquisition paradigm

Summary Eight mediation paradigms were evaluated by comparing test-trial responses following mediation presentation with test-trial responses following control presentation. CCCs of low association value were used as the learning materials in one experiment, and CVCs of 100% association value in a second experiment. Response-equivalence paradigms and one stimulus-equivalence paradigm yielded mediated facilitation with both types of learning materials. When CVCs were used, two chaining models also showed mediated facilitation. Forward associations and minimal temporal separation of the A and C items, as they probably existed implicitly and explicitly during the second acquisition stage, led to mediated facilitation only when CCCs were the learning materials. With more meaningful materials these two variables were considerably less potent. Two additional experiments were performed to replicate the results of Paradigm II, which yielded negative results in Exp. I and positive results in Exp. II. The data corroborated the earlier conclusions that mediated facilitation was more likely to be observed with learning materials of higher meaningfulness. Selections of C as the test-trial alternative which made the “best pair” with the stimulus were reliably above an a priori chance level for all paradigms. In addition, the eight paradigms showed significant differences in this factor (response availability) which seemed to be predictable from the temporal interval separating presentation of C in the acquisition stages and its appearance of a test-trial alternative.
Cross-sections for electron impact ionization of O2

Using a crossed electron beam-molecular beam collision geometry and the relative flow technique measurements have been made to generate a uniform set of electron impact ionization cross-section data for O2 for electron impact energies from threshold to 1000 eV. Present values of total, partial and dissociative ionization cross-sections are compared with previously published data. Cross-sections for the formation of O2(+) from O2 have been measured for the first time.
ATP22, a nuclear gene required for expression of the F0 sector of mitochondrial ATPase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Expression of the mitochondrial proton-translocating ATPase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to depend on chaperones that target the F1 and F0 sectors of this inner membrane complex. Here we report a new gene, designated ATP22 (reading frame YDR350C on chromosome IV), that provides an essential function in the assembly of F0. ATP22 was cloned by transformation of C208/L2, a strain previously assigned to complementation group G99 of a collection of respiration-defective nuclear pet mutants. C208/L2 and the other atp22 mutants have oligomycin-insensitive F1-ATPase, suggesting that the lesion is confined to F0. This is supported by the sedimentation properties of the mutant ATPase and results of immunochemical analysis of F0 subunit polypeptides. Northern analysis of ATPase transcripts and in vivo pulse labeling of the mitochondrial translation products in the mutant indicate normal expression of subunits 6, 8, and 9, the three mitochondrial gene products of F0. Atp22p therefore functions at a post-translational stage in assembly of F0. Localization studies indicate Atp22p to be a component of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Protease protection experiments further indicate that Atp22p faces the matrix side of the membrane where most of the ATPase proteins are located and assembled.
Optimality conditions for maximizations of set-valued functions

The maximization with respect to a cone of a set-valued function into possibly infinite dimensions is defined, and necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are established. In particular, an analogue of the Fritz John necessary optimality conditions is proved using a notion of derivative defined in terms of tangent cones.
Radiology Procedural Documentation

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) sets forth new standards for all subscribing institutions to follow. The JCAHO is not an organization that publishes documents that institutions must use; however, it sets forth goals and guidelines that each institution must adopt, adapt, and adhere to. This presentation allowed the class to understand the standards of the Joint Commission and adapt those standards to each varying institution. The presenters were shown the standards for leadership, standards for moderate sedation, and examples of the paperwork that some institutions have devised to meet their interpretation of the goals and standards at their institution. This presentation was an overview of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, which is a 500-bed regional trauma center and one of the top hospitals in the country according to US News and World Report . The presenter discussed the department of radiology at UPMC (HUP), which performs over 275,000 diagnostic and procedural studies each year; the JCAHO standards and national patient safety goals for 2004 and 2005; and, finally, the strategies for developing paperwork to suit each individual's hospital's needs for meeting the goals of the JCAHO in the radiology department.
Evolving Institutional Arrangements, Scaling Up, and Sustainability: Emerging Issues in Participatory Slum Upgrading in Ahmedabad, India

Urban development and poverty alleviation efforts in the Global South, such as slum upgrading, have been transformed by policy shifts toward more decentralization, reduced state control, and greater civil society and community participation in local governance. The Slum Networking Project (SNP) in Ahmedabad, India, is an internationally recognized “best practice” in participatory slum upgrading. We illustrate how changing the nature of multi-stakeholder participation in the SNP affected its potentials for sustainability and scaling up. Stakeholder ability to alter the institutional arrangement resulted in a significant transfer of project implementation responsibility and authority from the state to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Although these stakeholder-initiated institutional innovations initially expedited and expanded SNP and made it more sustainable, we argue that the enlarged role for NGOs in the current institutional arrangement can limit the program’s potential for further scaling up.
Precision, accuracy, uncertainty and traceability and their application to submicrometer dimensional metrology

Abstract The terms in the title of this paper are often used to characterize the quality of any measurement result. However, these terms (particularly accuracy and traceability) are very often confused (and abused) in practice. They often do not have the same meaning to the seller, buyer, and user of metrology instruments. Each of these terms has a very specific meaning and definition and each should be fully understood and quantified properly before being used to convey metrological information for any purpose. This paper summarizes the generally-accepted generic metrological meaning and significance of these terms for the purpose of clarifying any misunderstanding that might otherwise arise between the metrologist and the user of metrological data. These meanings are illustrated by discussing their application to dimensional standards presently available to the semiconductor industry from NIST.
Severe Aortic Stenosis Should Not Be Operated on Before Symptom Onset

> “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” > > —Thomas Bertram Lance in Nation's Business , May 1977 Aortic valve stenosis resulting from calcific thickening of a previously normal 3-cusp aortic valve or a congenitally bicuspid aortic valve is a common clinical condition in developed countries, and its prevalence is continuing to increase with aging of the population.1,2 In the Cardiovascular Health Study, which involved 5201 men and women >65 years of age, the prevalence of aortic stenosis was 1.3% in subjects 65 to 75 years of age, 2.4% in subjects 75 to 85 years of age, and 4% in subjects >85 years of age.3 The precise mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of aortic stenosis and its progression are incompletely understood, but advancing age and atherosclerosis-related risk factors have been implicated in the process.4 In fact, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is present in nearly 50% of patients with aortic stenosis.5 Studies of valve pathology have suggested a potential role for dyslipidemia, inflammation, and angiogenesis in the process, but pharmacological therapies using statins to reduce dyslipidemia and associated inflammatory processes have yielded inconsistent but largely negative results in terms of reducing the rate of progression of aortic stenosis.6–10 Thus, in the absence of specific and effective disease-modifying medical therapies, surgical aortic valve replacement has been and continues to be the cornerstone of management of severe aortic stenosis. There is general agreement among physicians and surgeons that when severe aortic stenosis is accompanied by 1 or more symptoms, such as chest pain, syncope or near syncope, resuscitated sudden death, shortness of breath, fatigue, effort intolerance, or left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, aortic valve replacement is recommended because of well-established dismal outcome (≈50% mortality within 3 years) in unoperated symptomatic cases and overall excellent surgical outcomes with relatively low perioperative mortality and morbidity even among octogenarians …
Paleomagnetism and geochronology of the Ecstall pluton in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia: Evidence for local deformation rather than large‐scale transport

[1] Samples for geochronologic, geobarometric, and paleomagnetic analyses were collected across the northern portion of the Ecstall pluton southeast of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Al-in-hornblende geobarometry indicates pressures from 740 ± 10 to 840 ± 30 MPa corresponding to crystallization depths of ∼25 to ∼30 km. U/Pb analyses of zircons from western, central, and eastern localities within the pluton yield crystallization ages of 91.5 ± 1.0 Ma, 90.8 ± 1.0 Ma, and 90.5 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Rock magnetic experiments, reflected light microscopy, and thermal demagnetization behavior suggest that natural remanent magnetism is carried by low-Ti titanohematite. Unblocking temperatures of the characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) are dominantly in the 560°C to 630°C range, with age of magnetization approximated by the 40Ar/39Ar hornblende ages of 84.2 ± 0.10 Ma on the western margin and 76.4 ± 0.6 Ma in the center of the pluton. Site-mean ChRM directions were isolated for paleomagnetic samples from 23 sites and are distributed along a small circle with subhorizontal axis at ∼340° azimuth. ChRM directions from the central portion of the pluton are concordant with the expected Cretaceous magnetic field direction, while ChRM directions from the western margin are discordant by >70°. Folding of the Ecstall pluton, either during Late Cretaceous west directed thrust transport above the convex upward Prince Rupert Shear Zone or during younger deformation of the pluton and underlying shear zone, can account for the paleomagnetic data and is consistent with the geochronologic, geobarometric, and structural geologic observations.
A 32-year experience with the surgical treatment of selected brachial plexus lesions with emphasis on its reconstruction

Twenty-five patients with brachial plexus injury were treated by anastomosis, neurolysis, and calvicular decompression. The patients treated by anastomosis are described in detail because evidence of regrowth of axons across the anastomosis can be documented, whereas the effects of neurolysis are difficult to judge. The techniques of brachial plexus reconstruction are illustrated. Clinical improvement occurred in 93% of patients treated with anastomosis, 89% of those treated with neurolysis, and 100% of those treated with decompression. Electromyographic studies provided valuable information in assessment before and after surgery. The benefits of surgical therapy of brachial plexus injuries outweigh the risks in carefully selected patients.
Automatic Reclosing High-Speed Circuit Breaker Feeder Equipment for D-C. Railway Service

High-speed circuit breakers have been used in both feeder and machine circuits of railway substations. It is the purpose of this paper to point out some of the advantages gained by placing this type of breaker in the feeder circuit and also to describe some of the more common types of feeder equipment using a well known form of high-speed circuit breaker. A brief summary of the breaker characteristics is given, together with the results of short circuit tests made on 600-volt reclosing feeders employing this type of breaker. The reclosing action is ordinarily obtained by means of a relay which, in conjunction with a load indicating resistor, measures the resistance of the external circuit. The action of this relay is purposely delayed, after the opening of the breaker, in order to permit feeder conditions to reach a stable value and particularly to enable all transient and counter e. m. f. effects to disappear before the reclosing devices are given control. The latter effects usually disappear within a few seconds of opening the breaker on the usual type of railway circuits. In a majority of cases a time delay of 10 to 30 seconds (after the opening of the breaker) elapses before the reclosing devices are given the control of the breaker. After this time delay has expired and load conditions have reached the desired value the circuit breaker is reclosed.
Managing and querying gene expression data using Curray

Background In principle, gene expression data can be viewed as providing just the three-valued expression profiles of target biological elements relative to an experiment at hand. Although complicated, gathering expression profiles does not pose much of a challenge from a query language standpoint. What is interesting is how these expression profiles are used to tease out information from the vast array of information repositories that ascribe meaning to the expression profiles. Since such annotations are inherently experiment specific functions, much the same way as queries in databases, developing a querying system for gene expression data appears to be pointless. Instead, developing tools and techniques to support individual assignment has been considered prudent in contemporary research.
Kith and kin: how social networks make us smart

My research shows that the attitudes and actions of peers, rather than logic or argument, usually dominates people's beliefs and actions. The mechanism appears to be based on learning by example from kithmates (a set of peers relevant to the problem at hand) rather than being based on information, friendship ties, or social influence. The prevalence of this type of learning-from-example has important implications for the interpretation of social network phenomena, and may demand a rethink of much of the conventional wisdom about how social networks function.
Selectivity comparison of neutral carrier-based ion-selective optical and potentiometric sensing schemes

The selectivities of analogous carrier-based potentiometric and optical sensors are directly compared. This is done on the basis of recent developments in both fields that allow for a thermodynamically founded description of selectivity. Extended equations are shown that allow for the interconversion of selectivity values obtained with different definitions. The response of optodes toward different ions should generally be reported with the overall ion-exchange constants, Kexch, together with the assumed stoichiometry of the formed complexes in the optical film. In addition, the selectivities for both sensing schemes can principally be reported with two sets of selectivity coefficients, KIJpot and kIJPsel for ion-selective electrodes and KIJopt and kIJOsel for optodes. While KIJpot and KIJopt values refer to the Nicolskii and Nicolskii-like selectivity coefficients, kIJPsel and kIJOsel values are obtained graphically as the horizontal distance of the separately measured calibration curves on a logarithmic activity scale. With ion-selective electrodes, the reporting of Nicolskii coefficient is generally preferred since such data are sample independent for Nernstian response slopes to all measured ions. In contrast, ion optode selectivities are preferably reported as kIJOsel values since the continuous concentration changes within the optical film during measurement make Nicolskii-like selectivity coefficients generally sample-dependent. Nonetheless, the reporting of Nicolskii-like selectivities is recommended to compare optode and ISE selectivities. Care must be taken to choose equivalent equilibrium concentration ratios of complex and free ionophore in the sensing film for such comparative experiments. The clear distinction in symbols and formalisms allows one to avoid confusion in future reports on carrier-based ion sensors. Possible reasons why experimental selectivities may still deviate significantly from each other are discussed, as well as why one type of sensor may in some cases be a superior choice over the other.
Cyber-physical systems based modeling of adaptation intelligence in network systems

The paper uses the cyber-physical systems (CPS) framework to model the intelligent adaptation behaviors in complex network systems. The CPS framework is anchored on intelligent physical worlds (IPW) around which complex adaptation behaviors are built. An IPW is an embodiment of control software functions wrapped around the raw physical processes (such as routers, links, hosts, and protocols), performing the core communication activities while adapting its behavior to the changing network conditions and user inputs. The IPW exhibits an intelligent behavior over a limited operating region of the network system, which is in contrast with the traditional models where the physical world is basically dumb. To perform over a wider range of network operating conditions, the IPW interacts with an intelligent computational world (ICW) to patch itself with suitable control parameters and rules & procedures relevant in those changed conditions. The modular decomposition of a network application into IPW and ICW lowers the design complexity of network systems, and simplifies the system verification/testing. The paper illuminates our CPS-based approach with a case study of adaptive video transport over a bandwidth-limited network.
Dose-response model of murine typhus ( Rickettsia typhi ): time post inoculation and host age dependency analysis

Background: Rickettsia typhi (R. mooseri) is the causative agent of murine typhus. It is one of the most widely distributed flea-borne diseases with a relatively mild febrile initial illness with six to 14 days of incubation period. The bacterium is gram negative and an obligate intracellular pathogen. The disease is transmitted to humans and vertebrate host through fleabites or via contact with infected feces. This paper develops dose-response models of different routes of exposure for typhus in rodents. Methods: Data from published articles were analyzed using parametric dose-response relationship models. Doseresponse relationships were fit to data using the method of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Results: Dose-response models quantifying the effects of different ages of rats and time post inoculation in BALB/c mice were analyzed in the study. Both the adult rats (inoculated intradermally) and newborn rats (inoculated subcutaneously) were best fit by exponential models and both distributions could be described by a single doseresponse relationship. The BALB/C mice inoculated subcutaneously were best fit by Beta-Poisson models. The time post inoculation analysis showed that there was a definite time and response relationship existed in this case. Conclusions: Intradermally or subcutaneously inoculated rats (adult and newborn) models suggest that less than 1 plaque-forming unit (PFU) (1.33 to 0.38 in 95% confidence limits) of the pathogen is enough to seroconvert 50% of the exposed population on average. For the BALB/c mouse time post inoculation model, an average dose of 0.28 plaque-forming units (PFU) (0.75 to 0.11 in 95% confidence limits) will seroconvert 50% of the exposed mice.
The Effects of Chronic Right Hemispheric Damage on the Allocation of Spatial Attention: Alterations of Accuracy and Reliability.

Right hemispheric damage (RHD) caused by strokes often induce attentional disorders such as hemispatial neglect. Most patients with neglect over time have a reduction in their ipsilesional spatial attentional bias. Despite this improvement in spatial bias, many patients remain disabled. The cause of this chronic disability is not fully known, but even in the absence of a directional spatial attentional bias, patients with RHD may have an impaired ability to accurately and precisely allocate their spatial attention. This inaccuracy and variable directional allocation of spatial attention may be revealed by repeated performance on a spatial attentional task, such as line bisection (LBT). Participants with strokes of their right versus left (LHD) hemisphere along with healthy controls (HC) performed 24 consecutive trials of 24 cm horizontal line bisections. A vector analysis of the magnitude and direction of deviations from midline, as well as their standard deviations (SD), were calculated. The results demonstrated no significant difference between the LHD, RHD and HC groups in overall spatial bias (mean bisection including magnitude and direction); however, the RHD group had a significantly larger variability of their spatial errors (SD), and made larger errors (from midline) than did the LHD and HC groups. There was a curvilinear relationship between the RHD participants’ performance variability and their severity of their inaccuracy. Therefore, when compared to HC and LHD, the RHD subjects’ performance on the LBT is more variable and inaccurate. (JINS, 2015, 21, 373–377)
In Vitro Activity of DX-619, a Novel Des-Fluoro(6) Quinolone, against a Panel of Streptococcus pneumoniae Mutants with Characterized Resistance Mechanisms

The in vitro activities of DX-619 and four other quinolones were compared against Streptococcus pneumoniae mutants that contained a variety of alterations within the quinolone resistance-determining regions. DX-619 was the most potent quinolone and was least affected by the mutations.
Nitrogen cycling in coffee agroecosystems: net N mineralization and nitrification in the presence and absence of shade trees

Coffee (Coffea arabica L. ) agroecosystems in Costa Rica receive relatively large inputs of N through fertilization (approximately 30 g N m -2 year- 1 ). However, little is known regarding the rate at which N is mineralization from organic matter and its subsequent transformation within the soil. We studied the seasonal and spatial variation of N transformations in coffee plantations with and without shade trees in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Net N mineralization and net nitrification, assayed using an in situ incubation procedure, were measured at monthly intervals for 1 year. Both net N mineralization and net nitrification displayed marked seasonal variation; the significantly lowest rates occurred during the dry season (January - March). The mean annual rate of net N mineralization was 14.8 g N m -2 year -1 in shaded and 11.1 g N m -2 year -l in unshaded plantations; 95% of mineralized N was oxidized to NO j- in both plantation types. Even though N availability was greater in unshaded plantations, related studies indicate that leaching losses are less than those from unshaded plantations. In combination, these results suggest that N is cycled more conservatively in shaded plantations than in unshaded plantations.
The verification basis of the ESPROSE.m code

An overall verification approach for the ESPROSE.m code is presented and implemented. The approach consists of a stepwise testing procedure from wave dynamics aspects to explosion coupling at the local level, and culminates with the consideration of propagating explosive events. Each step in turn consists of an array of analytical and experimental tests. The results indicate that, given the premixture composition, the prediction of energetics of large scale explosions in multidimensional geometries is within reach. The main need identified is for constitutive laws for microinteractions with reactor materials; however, reasonably conservative assessments are presently possible.
Body Mass Index and Quality of Life: Examining Blacks and Whites With Chronic Pain

Obesity contributes to several chronic pain conditions, negatively affecting quality of life (QOL). However, obesity's relationship with chronic pain is poorly understood. This prospective survey study examines obesity's role in chronic pain and subsequent impact on QOL. Black and white patients with chronic pain (N 183, 18 -50 years of age, 64% women, 50% black) were studied to determine predictors for the presence of body mass index (BMI) information in medical records, group BMI differences, and how BMI and pain contribute to mental/physical outcomes. BMI was calculated by using medical records nearest the enrollment date. Sociodemographic data, sleep, pain, function- ing, disability, and depression were measured. BMI data were available for 143 subjects (78%), with blacks having a higher BMI (P.002). Black (P.08), people with higher pain (P < .01), affective distress (P < .01), and post-traumatic stress disorder scores (P.07) were less likely to have their BMI recorded. Path analysis tested relationships between sociodemographics, BMI and pain with func- tioning, depression, and disability. BMI was positively associated with black race and age and predicted poorer physical functioning and greater disability. Pain was not predicted by race or age but was associated with all outcomes. These findings support assessing BMI when managing chronic pain and its negative impact on QOL, especially for minority patients. Perspective: This study examines the relationships among sociodemographic factors, BMI, and QOL in chronic pain. Our results demonstrate significant racial disparity among chronic pain patients in assessing BMI and quality of pain care. These findings support obesity's negative impact on overall health and the importance of measuring BMI in patients with chronic pain, especially racial and ethnic minorities.
Law's Halo

Like many people these days, I believe there is no general moral obligation to obey the law. I shall explain why there is no such moral obligation – and I shall clarify what I mean when I say there is no moral obligation to obey the law – as we proceed. But also like many people, I am unhappy with a position that would say there was no moral obligation to obey the law and then say no more about the law's moral significance. In our thinking about law in a resonably just society, we have a strong inclination to invest law with a sort of moral halo. It does not feel right to suggest that law is a morally neutral social fact, nor to suggest that law is merely a useful social technique.In this essay, I shall try to account in part for law's moral halo. (Let me emphasize “in part”; I do not purport to say everything that could be said.) Because I share the widespread inclination to invest law with this halo, I shall not be interested in a merely historical account of how we come to see law with a halo – a pure “error theory” of law's halo, if you will. I want to justify the halo. On the other hand, the main way to justify the halo is to get clear just what law's moral significance is. It is unlikely that at the end of the process of clarification the halo will have exactly the shape or luminance that it had at the beginning.
Silicon cantilever functionalization for cellulose-specific chemical force imaging of switchgrass

A method for direct functionalization of silicon and silicon nitride cantilevers with bifunctional silanes was tested with model surfaces to determine adhesive forces for different hydrogen-bonding chemistries. Application for biomass surface characterization was tested by mapping switchgrass and isolated switchgrass cellulose in topographic and force-volume mode using a cellulose-specific cantilever.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Upper Respiratory Epithelium

Nitric oxide (NO) production in the respiratory epithelium of the upper airways has recently been described. To better delineate the role of epithelial NO, the authors of this study attempted to identify the cell type responsible for the production of NO in rat tracheal epithelium and human nasal epithelium. They localized the activity of NO through immunohistochemical analysis with an antibody to L-citrulline, a marker for activity of the L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway. Using anti-inducible NOS (iNOS) and anti-constitutive NOS (cNOS) antibodies, they also attempted to identify the specific NO isotypes that were present. The tracheal and nasal epithelium demonstrated strong immunoreactivity to citrulline in ciliated cells. The ciliated cells of the nasal turbinates demonstrated strong iNOS positivity, but no significant cNOS immunoreactivity. The study findings that iNOS activity is present in ciliated epithelial cells of rat and human upper respiratory epithelium suggest that NO may play a role in epithelial homeostasis and could potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of mucociliary dysfunction.
No One at the Controls: The Legal Implications of Fully Autonomous Targeting

Abstract : The United States has increasingly relied on unmanned systems to help fight its wars, and these systems have steadily become more sophisticated. Science is now on the verge of many breakthroughs, particularly in artificial intelligence, which might well lead to the creation of fully autonomous unmanned systems. Autonomous systems could potentially attack enemies with lethal force without a human being in the loop. The possible deployment of lethal, autonomous robots (LARs) raises significant legal and ethical concerns. These profound concerns, including whether such systems would even comport with the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), have not yet been definitively resolved. The technology, however, continues to race forward, and many nations of the world are actively pursuing autonomous programs. To prevent being surpassed by rivals, the United States will likely exploit the potential of fully autonomous targeting. Therefore, operational commanders should begin examining the legal and the command and control implications of using such lethal, autonomous robots as they help steer the future development and doctrine of unmanned systems. While the use of such systems will arguably be deemed permissible under the Law of Armed Conflict, prudent operational commanders should still implement additional control measures to increase accountability over these new systems.
Evidence on Farm Use Value Assessment, Tax Shifts, and State School Aid

Forty-five states provide property tax relief to owners of farm and other open space land through preferential use value assessment programs (Dunford). This paper examines the statutory property tax shifts and state school aid implications attributable to use value farm assessments under the mandatory preferential program adopted in Illinois in 1979. The general conclusion of previous studies is that the cost of use value assessment programs to owners of ineligible or nonparticipating property is minimal.' The evidence presented in this paper supports Brigham's argument that preferential use value assessment laws codified de facto (previously existing but nonstatutory) farm property tax preferences granted by local assessing officials. Thus, the laws themselves had little effect on the property taxes paid by different classes of taxpayers. Part of the costs of the farm tax preferences, initially granted de facto and subsequently codified, are shown to be exported to state taxpayers because of increased state school aid. Both these factors may explain the general absence of strident opposition to farm use value assessment laws and their almost universal adoption by state governments.
Sex chromosome-to-autosome transposition events counter Y-chromosome gene loss in mammals

Although the mammalian X and Y chromosomes evolved from a single pair of autosomes, they are highly differentiated: the Y chromosome is dramatically smaller than the X and has lost most of its genes. The surviving genes are a specialized set with extraordinary evolutionary longevity. Most mammalian lineages have experienced delayed, or relatively recent, loss of at least one conserved Y-linked gene. An extreme example of this phenomenon is in the Japanese spiny rat, where the Y chromosome has disappeared altogether. In this species, many Y-linked genes were rescued by transposition to new genomic locations, but until our work presented here, this has been considered an isolated case. We describe eight cases of genes that have relocated to autosomes in mammalian lineages where the corresponding Y-linked gene has been lost. These gene transpositions originated from either the X or Y chromosomes, and are observed in diverse mammalian lineages: occurring at least once in marsupials, apes, and cattle, and at least twice in rodents and marmoset. For two genes - EIF1AX/Y and RPS4X/Y - transposition to autosomes occurred independently in three distinct lineages. Rescue of Y-linked gene loss through transposition to autosomes has previously been reported for a single isolated rodent species. However, our findings indicate that this compensatory mechanism is widespread among mammalian species. Thus, Y-linked gene loss emerges as an additional driver of gene transposition from the sex chromosomes, a phenomenon thought to be driven primarily by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation.
Evolution of Vegetation First Derivative Spectra over the Summer-to-Autumn Transition

We use derivative analysis to study changes in reflectance during the period of deciduous leaf senescence between summer and autumn. Temporal changes are caused by loss of light-absorbing chlorophyll, allowing scattering to dominate reflectance characteristics.
A high-Q reconfigurable planar EBG cavity resonator

A reconfigurable planar electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) cavity resonator has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The resonator, based on a microstrip-coupled cavity constructed with periodic metallic post side walls, resonates at 10.60 GHz or 8.63 GHz, depending on the state of two rows of switchable post elements. Fabricated on 0.031 inch 5880 Duroid, the resonator exhibits Qs of 348 and 274 for the 10.60 GHz and 8.63 GHz resonances, respectively. In addition to the reasonably high Qs achievable with this design, the circuit utilizes standard printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication techniques and is 100% compatible with commercial PCB processes, enabling low-cost mass production.
The Mating-Type Proteins of Fission Yeast Induce Meiosis by Directly Activating mei3 Transcription

Cell type control of meiotic gene regulation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is mediated by a cascade of transcriptional repressors, a1-a2 and Rme1. Here, we investigate the analogous regulatory pathway in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by analyzing the promoter of mei3, the single gene whose expression is sufficient to trigger meiosis. The mei3 promoter does not appear to contain a negative regulatory element that represses transcription in haploid cells. Instead, correct regulation of mei3 transcription depends on a complex promoter that contains at least five positive elements upstream of the TATA sequence. These elements synergistically activate mei3 transcription, thereby constituting an on-off switch for the meiosis pathway. Element C is a large region containing multiple sequences that resemble binding sites for Mc ,a n HMG domain protein encoded by the mating-type locus. The function of element C is extremely sensitive to spacing changes but not to linker-scanning mutations, suggesting the possibility that Mc functions as an architectural transcription factor. Altered-specificity experiments indicate that element D interacts with Pm ,a homeodomain protein encoded by the mating-type locus. This indicates that Pm functions as a direct activator of the meiosis pathway, whereas the homologous mating-type protein in S. cerevisiae (a2) functions as a repressor. Thus, despite the strong similarities between the mating-type loci of S. cerevisiae and S. pombe, the regulatory logic that governs the tight control of the key meiosis-inducing genes in these organisms is completely different.
MINDful polypectomy: a quality improvement initiative to improve complete resection of colorectal polyps.

Incomplete resection of colon polyps is common, and the rate is significantly higher for 1to 2-cm polyps (17.3%) than for smaller, 5to 9-mm polyps (6.8%) [1]. We instituted a quality improvement measure to evaluate whether a “MINDful polypectomy” mnemonic summarizing a standardized approach for the resection of polyps ≥1cm in size would decrease the rates of incomplete resection among outpatients undergoing routine colonoscopy. This earlier version of themnemonic was: “Move polyp to 6-o’clock position; Inspect carefully, consider NBI (narrowband imaging); Note whether borders are completely removed; Due diligence with biopsies of polypectomy edges to ensure complete resection.” The mnemonic was presented to all endoscopists, with a reminder poster placed in each endoscopy room. We measured compliance with the mnemonic based on whether biopsy of the polypectomy edge was completed for polyps ≥1cm. Over 1 year, we found compliance with the mnemonic for 38 of 230 polyps ≥1cm in size. Among the endoscopists who followed the protocol, evidence of incomplete resection was found in 4 of the 38 patients (10.5%). Furthermore, of the 38 patients in whom post-polypectomy edge biopsy specimens were taken, 3 (7.9%) had bleeding due to biopsy of the resection site, with 2 requiring immediate endoscopic hemostasis and the third requiring hospitalization for a post-polypectomy bleed 72 hours after initial colonoscopy. Anecdotally, concern regarding bleeding was commonly cited as a reason for not following the original mnemonic. Based on this experience, we conclude that (i) the original mnemonic, promoted by education at baseline and posted reminders, was insufficient to result in consistent efforts to optimize complete polyp resection, and (ii) edge biopsies may not be a feasible way of measuring complete resection in usual practice. We propose that further research is required to identify practices for reducing and measuring incomplete resection. We present a modified polypectomy protocol, coupledwith a visual mnemonic to serve as a memory aid, as one potential approach to consider in future studies (●" Fig.1).
Black Church Giving: An Analysis of Ideological, Programmatic, and Denominational Effects

Church giving is an understudied phenomenon; queries on Black Church giving are even rarer. In response to the latter dynamic, levels of tithing, income, and mission donations are examined based on a national sample of 1,601 Black churches across seven denominations using linear and ordered logit modeling. Findings show minimal ideological and programmatic effects. However, denominational differences suggest that Black congregations affiliated with the Church of God in Christ have higher relative percentages of tithers and those associated with the Presbyterian and United Methodist faiths have the lowest rates as compared with their Baptist peers. Moreover, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Presbyterian, and United Methodist churches are more likely to have higher church incomes and mission giving than Baptists. Thus, although Baptists tend to generally have higher rates of church tithers, this pattern does not translate to higher church incomes or mission donations. As expected, church size and formally educated memberships positively influence giving patterns. Results provide important insights into the Black Church economic ethic.
Theoretical Aspects of Positronium Collisions

From its former position as a mathematical curiosity, study of the positronium atom (Ps) has gradually evolved into a subject of quite active experimental and theoretical interest. Ps, especially in the ortho (triplet spin) state, is relatively long-lived and can be considered just like any ordinary atom in most of its interactions with other systems. The unique characteristic of Ps, its annihilation into gamma rays, can usually be treated as a small perturbation superimposed on the dominant Coulomb interaction which determines its static properties and the cross-sections for collisions with electrons, various atoms, molecules, and ions. Although Ps is an atom, in some sense an isotope of hydrogen, its mass is so much less than that of any other that the standard techniques of atomic scattering theory are not applicable, and those of electronic scattering theory may be more appropriate. Nevertheless, the internal structure of Ps, its extension, and the Pauli principle combine to complicate the theory. In this report I will try to summarize the calculations already performed on the scattering of Ps from the simplest atomic systems, describing some of the methods used to analyze the collisions. I will also discuss the long-range effective potential acting between Ps and these other systems; here the low mass of Ps brings about some interesting modifications of the conventional van der Waals force. Next, the interesting “poly-electrons” Ps- and Ps2 will be described. Finally, some astrophysical and exotic applications will be mentioned.
Potassium conductance activated during regulatory volume decrease by mudpuppy red blood cells

The cellular basis of regulatory volume decrease (RVD) by mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) red blood cells (RBCs) was examined. Volume regulation was inhibited by replacing extracellular Na+ with K+. In contrast, addition of gramicidin (5 microM) to the extracellular medium enhanced RVD. The K(+)-channel blocker quinine (1 mM) also inhibited RVD, and this inhibition was reversed by gramicidin (5 microM). In addition, a 0 Ca(2+)-EGTA Ringer blocked RVD, whereas the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 ( microM) enhanced recovery of cell volume. The stretch-activated ion channel antagonist gadolinium (10 microM) inhibited RVD, and this effect was reversed by A23187 (2 microM). Furthermore, the calmodulin inhibitors pimozide (10 microM) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-napthalene-sulfonamide (0.1 mM) blocked RVD, and this inhibition was reversed with gramicidin (5 microM). Consistent with these findings, a K(+)-selective membrane conductance was activated by exposing RBCs to a 0.5x Ringer solution (observed with the whole cell patch clamp technique). This conductance was inhibited by quinine (1 mM), gadolinium (10 microM), and pimozide (10 microM). These results indicate that cell swelling activates a K+ conductance by a Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent mechanism and that this channel mediates K+ loss during RVD.
Detectability of reflectance and fluorescent contrast agents for real-time in vivo confocal microscopy

Reflectance agents (liposomes, polystyrene microparticles, aluminum chloride salts, acetic acid) and fluorescent agents (polymerand cosmetic actives-tagged fluorescein and rhodamine compounds, green fluorescent protein) enhance contrast of real-time confocal images of skin and microcirculation in vivo. Quantitative analysis of signal detectability versus contrast agent properties, and experimental images are presented. These results provide a basis for optimizing confocal microscope design and imaging parameters for real-time in vivo applications. Introduction: Confocal microscopy is a non-invasive optical imaging modality with typical lateral resolution of 0.5-1.0 μm and axial resolution (section thickness) 2-5 μm within living tissues. This resolution allows histologic detail to be imaged and visualized in human and animal tissues in vivo. Nuclear and cellular detail, organelles, circulating blood cells, collagen, and connective tissues have been imaged to maximum depth of 200-500 μm in human skin [1-3] and human oral mucosa in vivo [4], and surgically exposed animal tissues in situ [5, 6]. However, the lack of structure-specific reflectance or fluorescent contrast limits the usefulness of confocal microscopy to morphologic investigations at the cellularand nuclear-level. Morphologic and functional imaging at specific organelleand ultrastructure-levels will be possible only if we develop contrast agents that may be used and detected in vivo. We carried out a preliminary quantitative analysis and imaging experiments of the detectability of reflectance and fluorescent contrast agents for visualizing human skin and animal microcirculation in vivo. The goal was to understand signal detectability and contrast as a function of the optical properties of contrast agents and instrumentation parameters that would be necessary for real-time confocal imaging in skin in vivo. Detectability of reflectance contrast agents: Based on Mie’s optical scattering theory, we expect strong back-scatter and high contrast from organelles and microstructures that have size (d) on the order of the illumination wavelength (λ), and refractive index (n) greater than that of the surrounding epidermis (n=1.34) or dermis (n=1.38). When imaging at the infrared wavelength of 1064 nm, we detect typically 100-10000 photons/pixel (experimentally measured) from the epidermis to dermis, relative to a background of 100 photons, which then gives a signal-to-noise ratio of about 3-40 and signal-to-background of 1-100 [3]. Liposomes (n=1.41, d=0.7 μm) could thus be detected and they strongly enhance the contrast of microcirculation in the dermis of Sprague-Dawley rats. Topically applied aluminum chloride salts and polystyrene microspheres (diameter 0.1-0.5 μm) were found to enhance the contrast of sweat ducts and hair follicles in human skin; brighter and deeper imaging is possible with these agents. Topically applied 5% acetic acid causes the intra-nuclear chromatin (which normally exists as 30-