cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical Resistivity of Dilute Chromium‐Rich Chromium‐Iron Alloys below 30 °K

Electrical resistivity ϱ of chromium-iron alloys containing 0.04, 0.08, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, and 3.3 at% iron has been measured as a function of temperature T below 30 °K. There are no anomalies in the ϱ vs. T curves for pure chromium and the alloys with 0.04 and 0.08 at% iron. The sample of 0.9 at% iron exhibits a small resistivity minimum at 10 °K. Higher iron contents cause a disappearance of this minimum. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity for 1.3, 1.8, and 3.3 at% iron solid solutions is anomalous. The transverse electrical magnetoresistivity of alloys containing 0.9, 2.3, and 3.3 at% iron has been studied at 4.2 °K in magnetic fields up to 12 kOe. The change in the magnetic component of the total magnetoresistivity has been found to be negative for all these samples. The above results have been interpreted as resulting from the localized magnetic moments on the iron atoms which couple weakly with the antiferromagnetic lattice of chromium. Die reziproke elektrische Leitfahigkeit ϱ von Chrom—Eisen-Legierungen mit 0,04, 0,08; 0,9; 1,1; 1,3; 1,6; 1,8 und 3,3 At% Eisen wurden unterhalb 30 °K in Abhangigkeit von der Temperatur T gemessen. In den ϱ—T-Kurven wurden fur reines Chrom und fur Legierungen mit 0,04 und 0,08 At% Eisen keine Anomalien gefunden. Die Probe mit 0,9 At% zeigt ein kleines Widerstandsminimum bei 10 °K. Hoherer Eisengehalt bringt dieses Minimum zum Verschwinden. Die Temperaturabhangigkeit des elektrischen Widerstands fur 1,3; 1,8 und 3,3 At% Eisenmischkristalle ist anomal. Die transversale magnetische Widerstandsanderung von Legierungen mit 0,9; 2,3 und 3,3 At% Eisen wurden bei 4,2 °K in Magnetfeldern bis zu 12 kOe untersucht. Es wurde gefunden, das die Anderungen in der magnetischen Komponente der gesamten magnetischen Widerstandsanderung negativ fur alle diese Proben sind. Die Ergebnisse werden als Folge lokalisierter magnetischer Momente an den Eisenatomen, die schwach mit dem antiferromagnetischen Gitter des Chroms koppeln, interpretiert.
Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide suppresses retinoic acid receptor-β2 expression by recruiting DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3A

Tobacco smoke is an important risk factor for various human cancers, including esophageal cancer. How benzo [a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE), a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke as well as in environmental pollution, induces esophageal carcinogenesis has yet to be defined. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for BPDE-suppressed expression of retinoic acid receptor-beta2 (RAR-β2) in esophageal cancer cells. We treated esophageal cancer cells with BPDE before performing methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) to find that BPDE induced methylation of the RAR-β2 gene promoter. We then performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to find that BPDE recruited genes of the methylation machinery into the RAR-β2 gene promoter. We found that BPDE recruited DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), but not beta (DNMT3B), in a time-dependent manner to methylate the RAR-β2 gene promoter, which we confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the reduced RAR-β2 expression in these BPDE-treated esophageal cancer cell lines. However, BPDE did not significantly change DNMT3A expression, but it slightly reduced DNMT3B expression. DNA methylase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) and DNMT3A small hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector antagonized the effects of BPDE on RAR-β2 expressions. Transient transfection of the DNMT3A shRNA vector also antagonized BPDE's effects on expression of RAR-β2, c-Jun, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting a possible therapeutic effect. The results of this study form the link between the esophageal cancer risk factor BPDE and the reduced RAR-β2 expression.
Reduced dynamic hyperinflation after LVRS is associated with improved exercise tolerance.

Summary Introduction Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) after lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has not been well studied. It is not known if reductions in DH correlate with improvements in exercise performance post-LVRS. Methods Forty-two upper-lobe predominant emphysema patients who underwent LVRS were analyzed. Inspiratory capacity was measured every 2 min during symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and end-expiratory lung volumes (EELV) were calculated. The main measure of DH was EELV/TLC ratio matched at metabolic isotimes (based on the post-rehabilitation VCO 2 max). Results Patients had very severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 28.3 ± 7.0% predicted), were hyperinflated (TLC 125 ± 17% predicted) and gas trapped (RV 198 ± 39% predicted). Compared to the post-rehab baseline, dynamic hyperinflation (EELV/TLC) was significantly reduced after LVRS at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. There were also increases in inspiratory reserve volume at matched isotimes after surgery. Patients adopted a slower, deeper breathing pattern during exercise after LVRS, which strongly correlated to reductions in DH. There were significant correlations between reductions in DH (EELV/TLC @50% VCO 2 max) and improvements in 6 min walk distance (Pearson r = −0.411, p = 0.02, n = 33) and maximal watts on CPET (Spearman r = −0.536, p = 0.001, n = 33) when comparing post-rehabilitation and 6 month post-LVRS values. Conclusion Dynamic hyperinflation during exercise was reduced after LVRS (up to 3 years) and there was a strong association between alterations in breathing pattern and reduced DH after LVRS. This is the first study to demonstrate that reductions in DH correlated with improved exercise performance following LVRS.
Synthesis of 14C-labeled eschenmoser's salt: Dimethyl([14C]methylene)ammonium iodide

A six step synthesis of dimethyl([14C]methylene)ammonium iodide (Eschenmoser's salt) is described. Sodium [2-14C]acetate was used as the starting material. The overall yield of the final product was 30% with specific activity 8 mCi/mol.
Institutions vs. Policies: A Tale of Two Islands

Recent work emphasizes the primacy of differences in countries' colonially-bequeathed property rights and legal systems for explaining differences in their subsequent economic development. Barbados and Jamaica provide a striking counter example to this long-run view of income determination. Both countries inherited property rights and legal institutions from their English colonial masters yet experienced starkly different growth trajectories in the aftermath of independence. From 1960 to 2002, Barbados' GDP per capita grew roughly three times as fast as Jamaica's. Consequently, the income gap between Barbados and Jamaica is now almost five times larger than at the time of independence. Since their property rights and legal systems are virtually identical, recent theories of development cannot explain the divergence between Barbados and Jamaica. Differences in macroeconomic policy choices, not differences in institutions, account for the heterogeneous growth experiences of these two Caribbean nations.
Normal cognition in transgenic BRI2-Aβ mice.

Recent research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) field has been focused on the potential role of the amyloid-β protein that is derived from the transmembrane amyloid precursor protein (APP) in directly mediating cognitive impairment in AD. Transgenic mouse models overexpressing APP develop robust AD-like amyloid pathology in the brain and show various levels of cognitive decline. In the present study, we examined the cognition of the BRI2-Aβ transgenic mouse model in which secreted extracellular Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42 or both Aβ1-40/Aβ1-42 peptides are generated from the BRI-Aβ fusion proteins encoded by the transgenes. BRI2-Aβ mice produce high levels of Aβ peptides and BRI2-Aβ1-42 mice develop amyloid pathology that is similar to the pathology observed in mutant human APP transgenic models. Using established behavioral tests that reveal deficits in APP transgenic models, BRI2-Aβ1-42 mice showed completely intact cognitive performance at ages both pre and post amyloid plaque formation. BRI2-Aβ mice producing Aβ1-40 or both peptides were also cognitively intact. These data indicate that high levels of Aβ1-40 or Aβ1-42, or both produced in the absence of APP overexpression do not reproduce memory deficits observed in APP transgenic mouse models. This outcome is supportive of recent data suggesting that APP processing derivatives or the overexpression of full length APP may contribute to cognitive decline in APP transgenic mouse models. Alternatively, Aβ aggregates may impact cognition by a mechanism that is not fully recapitulated in these BRI2-Aβ mouse models.
The relationship of information usage characteristics to planning system sophistication: An empirical examination

The relationship between corporate-level planning and information systems was examined empirically. A continuum of planning system sophistication was constructed based on the level of openness to outside influences combined with the planning horizon. Futureoriented, external and environmental types of information were found to be strongly correlated with increased planning sophistication. The impact of environmental turbulence (complexity-volatility) on planning systems also was examined. Complexity was strongly correlated with planning sophistication, whereas no relationship was found between volatility and planning sophistication.
Brain-Death Criteria Currently Used by Pediatric Intensivists

A survey was done to identify how pediatric intensivists determine brain death in children. Forty-nine pediatric intensive-care units (PICUs) were surveyed. The questionnaire explored the following areas: 1) clinical and confirmatory studies performed, 2) types of physicians involved, and 3) reevaluation intervals. Thirty-four centers responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-nine percent were children's hospitals, and 94% were university affiliates. The mean number of PICU beds was 17, with a mean admission rate of 890 patients per year, and the mean mortality rate for these units was 6%. There was general agreement on the sufficiency of clinical examination to determine cortical and brain-stem function. All the pediatric intensivists noted that a positive apnea test, absent cephalic reflexes, fixed and dilated pupils, and no motor response to pain were reliable signs of brain death. Radionuclide cerebral-flow scan and EEG were the confirmatory tests routinely used. Most physicians (77%) felt a second clinical examination was required within 12 to 24 hours. The opinion of more than one physician, one of whom was a neurospecialist, was required in 80% of the surveyed institutions.
Acute effect of endotoxin on nucleic acid content of the mammary gland.

Abstract Intramammary inoculation of endotoxin or physiological saline (0.85% NaCl) had little effect on the mammary deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) concentration of lactating guinea pigs killed three or six hours post-inoculation. Mammary DNA increased (P
The cellular RNA-binding protein EAP recognizes a conserved stem-loop in the Epstein-Barr virus small RNA EBER 1.

Abstract EAP (EBER-associated protein) is an abundant, 15-kDa cellular RNA-binding protein which associates with certain herpesvirus small RNAs. We have raised polyclonal anti-EAP antibodies against a glutathione S-transferase-EAP fusion protein. Analysis of the RNA precipitated by these antibodies from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- or herpesvirus papio (HVP)-infected cells shows that > 95% of EBER 1 (EBV-encoded RNA 1) and the majority of HVP 1 (an HVP small RNA homologous to EBER 1) are associated with EAP. RNase protection experiments performed on native EBER 1 particles with affinity-purified anti-EAP antibodies demonstrate that EAP binds a stem-loop structure (stem-loop 3) of EBER 1. Since bacterially expressed glutathione S-transferase-EAP fusion protein binds EBER 1, we conclude that EAP binding is independent of any other cellular or viral protein. Detailed mutational analyses of stem-loop 3 suggest that EAP recognizes the majority of the nucleotides in this hairpin, interacting with both single-stranded and double-stranded regions in a sequence-specific manner. Binding studies utilizing EBER 1 deletion mutants suggest that there may also be a second, weaker EAP-binding site on stem-loop 4 of EBER 1. These data and the fact that stem-loop 3 represents the most highly conserved region between EBER 1 and HVP 1 suggest that EAP binding is a critical aspect of EBER 1 and HVP 1 function.
The role of green economics in achieving realistic policies and programmes for sustainability

The notion of a sustainable society is a radical one, and therefore, the ideas presented in this paper are arguably novel. We have become complacent with the notion of sustainability in recent years, but it is a concept that needs to be managed, planned, and administered, and inevitably will require significant institutional and cultural changes in order to achieve. The ideas set forth in this paper attempt to redress this complacency and envision a new revolutionary approach utilising the principles within the multidisciplinary field of green economics in order to achieve sustainability. This paper proposes pragmatic solutions for the incorporation of humanitarian and environmental considerations beyond traditional economic mechanisms. These green economic alternatives are essential to achieving the significant institutional and cultural changes necessary in order to attain a sustainable society.
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequencing of the 3'-terminal genomic RNA of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

The genomic RNA of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) isolate from the U.S.A., VR 2385 (ATCC), was copied into cDNA after priming with oligo(dT) and cloned into phage lambda. The cDNA clones representing the 3′-terminal genomic RNA of the virus were isolated and sequenced. The genome is a positive-stranded, polyadenylated RNA with an estimated size of 15 kb. Analysis of the resulting sequence identified three complete open reading frames (ORFs) with the potential to encode polypeptides with predicted M rs of 22.2K (ORF 5), 19.1K (ORF 6) and 13.6K (ORF 7). ORF 7, which is closest to the 3′ end, is predicted to encode a highly basic nucleocapsid protein displaying 58% amino acid identity to the corresponding protein of the Lelystad virus (LV), a European PRRSV isolate. ORFs 6 and 5, preceding ORF 7, are each predicted to encode proteins containing several hydrophobic domains that are thought to be membrane-associated. The VR 2385 ORF 6 protein is the most conserved structural protein. It has 78% amino acid identity to the equivalent LV protein, and ORF 5 shares only 54% of its amino acid sequence. Northern blot analysis revealed a 3′-coterminal nested set of six subgenomic RNAs in VR 2385 virus-infected CRL 11171 cells. Our results indicate that VR 2385, like LV, is a member of the newly proposed arterivirus group. However, the striking genetic variation and the difference in pathogenicity between LV and VR 2385 suggest that the viruses causing PRRS in the U.S.A. and Europe are highly variable and they may represent different genotypes.
Effects of Progesterone Receptor Blockers on Human Granulosa-Luteal Cell Culture Secretion of Progesterone, Estradiol, and Relaxin

We have developed culture methods for human luteinizing granulosa cells (GLC) that support the timely and dynamic secretion of estrogen (estradiol-17beta; E(2)), progesterone (P(4)), and relaxin (Rlx) in patterns that mimic serum hormone concentrations during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Additional hCG, to simulate rescue of the corpus luteum, prevented the normal decline in GLC hormone production. To test the importance of the P(4) receptor in P(4) production, GLC were treated in vitro with two P(4) receptor antagonists. Human GLC received one of two hCG support protocols: a Baseline group simulating the normal luteal phase or a Rescue group simulating early pregnancy. Baseline and Rescue groups were treated with either RU-486 or HRP2000 either early or late in the cell culture period. The effects of treatments or control on ovarian steroid and peptide hormone production were determined (significant difference was P < 0.05). In the Rescue group, late treatment resulted in an immediate and dramatic decline in E(2), P(4), and Rlx secretion to nearly nondetectable levels within 1 day after treatment, and hormones remained depressed for the remaining 10 days of culture. In contrast, early treatment resulted in a decline in steroid hormone secretion that returned to control levels within 5 days of cessation of treatment, and Rlx secretion was delayed for approximately 5 days more than in controls. The data support the hypothesis that P(4) may be a required autocrine factor, not only for its own production but also for the maintenance of full endocrine function of the corpus luteum.
The chemical composition of algal cell walls.

AbstractApproximately 90% of all photosynthetic CO2 fixation is attributed to algae.1 From planktonic microcells to the massive 30-meter kelps, algal cell wall polymers comprise nearly half of the total nonaqueous biomass; between one tenth to one half of all the solar energy converted into chemical bond energy on our planet is stored in the cell walls of algae.
Numerical Investigation of 3-D Open Cavity with & without Cover Plates

In the present study an effort is made to numerically investigate an open cavity and the effects of cover plates existing on the edges of this rectangular open cavity. The simulation are performed with detached eddy simulation (DES) approach based on the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) model. For this purpose, CFD calculations are performed on the M219 cavity at Mach 0.85 using DES. Two cavity configurations are modeled. Three dimensional open cavities with and without cover plates with turbulent boundary layer upstream are simulated by using the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The results obtained are compared with experimental sound pressure levels (SPL) and root mean square (rms) of pressures. Furthermore, comparisons are made with the predicted frequencies by using semi- emperical Rossiter formula. The main focus of this investigation is to obtain a further understanding of the cavity flow physics and cavity resonance phenomenon over the 3-D open cavity with cover plates.
Preventive Health Care And Screening Of Latin American Immigrants In The United States

BACKGROUND The Central and South American immigrant population in the United States is large and growing. A review of the preventive health care needs of this population has not previously been done but would be helpful to clinicians caring for immigrants in this country. METHODS Using MEDLINE, the literature related to immigrants and their health status was searched, using the key words "immigrant," "refugee," "South/Central/Latin America," "health status," "screening," "nutrition," "parasites," "stomach/gastric cancer," "children," and "psychological." The American Statistics Index and Index to International Statistics were also resources. The available literature was reviewed and led to the recommendations in this article. RESULTS Screening strategies for Latin American immigrants are discussed for intestinal parasites, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, schistosomiasis, leprosy, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, cervical and gastric cancer, sickle cell trait, malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, incomplete immunizations, dental problems, psychological problems, impairment in the elderly, alcohol use, smoking, physical inactivity, and hypertension. There are not enough data to evaluate fully the screening strategies for most of these conditions, but recommendations are offered based on current knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Screening is recommended for intestinal parasites and schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B in prenatal patients, leprosy in immigrants from high-risk areas, yearly Papanicolaou smears, malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, incomplete immunizations, dental problems, history of violence, and depression. Screening for sickle cell trait in prenatal patients from South America and universal hepatitis B screening are less clearly indicated but could be appropriate. Screening for American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), malaria, and gastric cancer is not recommended. Screening for HIV infection, functional impairment in the elderly, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and hypertension should be the same as for the general population.
Energy density and variability in abundance of pigeon guillemot prey: support for the quality-variability trade-off hypothesis

Summary 1. The quality‐variability trade-off hypothesis predicts that (i) energy density (kJ g − 1 ) and spatial‐temporal variability in abundance are positively correlated in nearshore marine fishes; and (ii) prey selection by a nearshore piscivore, the pigeon guillemot ( Cepphus columba Pallas), is negatively affected by variability in abundance. 2. We tested these predictions with data from a 4-year study that measured fish abundance with beach seines and pigeon guillemot prey utilization with visual identification of chick meals. 3. The first prediction was supported. Pearson’s correlation showed that fishes with higher energy density were more variable on seasonal ( r = 0·71) and annual ( r = 0·66) time scales. Higher energy density fishes were also more abundant overall ( r = 0·85) and more patchy at a scale of 10s of km ( r = 0·77). 4. Prey utilization by pigeon guillemots was strongly non-random. Relative preference, defined as the difference between log-ratio transformed proportions of individual prey taxa in chick diets and beach seine catches, was significantly different from zero for seven of the eight main prey categories. 5. The second prediction was also supported. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to summarize variability in correlated prey characteristics (energy density, availability and variability in abundance). Two PCA scores explained 32% of observed variability in pigeon guillemot prey utilization. Seasonal variability in abundance was negatively weighted by these PCA scores, providing evidence of risk-averse selection. Prey availability, energy density and km-scale variability in abundance were positively weighted. 6. Trophic interactions are known to create variability in resource distribution in other systems. We propose that links between resource quality and the strength of trophic interactions may produce resource quality‐variability trade-offs.
Conversion of protein farnesyltransferase to a geranylgeranyltransferase.

Posttranslational modifications are essential for the proper function of a number of proteins in the cell. One such modification, the covalent attachment of a single isoprenoid lipid (prenylation), is carried out by the CaaX prenyltransferases, protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) and protein geranylgeranyltransferase type-I (GGTase-I). Substrate proteins of these two enzymes are involved in a variety of cellular functions but are largely associated with signal transduction. These modified proteins include members of the Ras superfamily, heterotrimeric G-proteins, centromeric proteins, and a number of proteins involved in nuclear integrity. Although FTase and GGTase-I are highly homologous, they are quite selective for their substrates, particularly for their isoprenoid diphosphate substrates, FPP and GGPP, respectively. Here, we present both crystallographic and kinetic analyses of mutants designed to explore this isoprenoid specificity and demonstrate that this specificity is dependent upon two enzyme residues in the subunits of the enzymes, W102{beta} and Y365{beta} in FTase (T49{beta} and F324{beta}, respectively, in GGTase-I).
Impact of Al 2 O 3 Passivation on AlGaN/GaN Nanoribbon High-Electron-Mobility Transistors

Passivation films are used in III-nitride (III-N) based devices to suppress current collapse and improve frequency performance. Several passivation films and deposition methods have the added effects of increasing the dc ON- and OFF-state currents in devices. In this paper, the physical mechanisms behind this current increase have been studied in both nanoribbon and planar devices with atomic-layer deposited Al2O3 passivation. Increased tensile stress in the AlGaN layer due to passivation leads to an increase in the charge density in nanoribbon devices. Simultaneously, the mobility in nanoribbons increases after Al2O3 passivation. These effects lead to a large ( $\sim 118$ %) increase in the saturation drain current in nanoribbon devices. In contrast, fixed positive charge at the Al2O3-AlGaN interface leads to a small ( $\sim 6$ %) saturation drain current increase in planar devices. In addition, the mechanisms behind the increase in the OFF-state drain current in the passivated devices are investigated. Schottky barrier lowering and the increase in surface and buffer conduction are found to be the major causes for the OFF-state current increase with passivation.
Expression of mouse CD47 on human cancer cells profoundly increases tumor metastasis in murine models

Many commonly used xenograft tumor models do not spontaneously metastasize to distant organs following subcutaneous or orthotopic implantation, limiting their usefulness in preclinical studies. It is generally believed that natural killer cells are the key component of the innate immune system in determining tumor metastatic potential in xenograft models. However, recent studies suggest that macrophages may play an important role, as resident macrophages can eliminate the invading tumor cells if they do not express adequate levels of the CD47 molecule. We investigated the effect of overexpressing murine CD47 (mCD47) in PC-3 cells, a commonly used human prostate cancer line, on the metastatic potential in three mouse strains with different genetic background and varying degrees of immunodeficiency. We implanted the tumor cells either subcutaneously or orthotopically and then examined their local and distant metastases. Our results show that mCD47-expressing PC-3 cells subcutaneously implanted in NSG and CB17. Scid mice metastasized to the sentinel lymph node, lung and liver significantly more efficiently than the control cells. When implanted orthotopically to NOD. Scid mice, these cells spontaneously metastasized to lung and liver. Our data demonstrate that mCD47 can facilitate human tumor cell metastasis in murine models, and that these mCD47-expressing tumor cells may be useful for in vivo studies where spontaneous metastases are desirable.
What are the Sexual Offences

Our law criminalizes a broad array of sexual, and sex-related, conduct. Among the offences that do this (or did until recently) are rape, sexual assault, coercion, human sex trafficking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, sexual humiliation, voyeurism, public nudity and public indecency, sexual transmission of disease, selling and buying sexual services (prostitution), pimping and pandering, statutory rape and child molestation, abuse of position of trust, child grooming, creating and possessing child pornography, revenge porn, failure to register as a sex offender, fornication, sodomy, adultery, assault by sadomasochism, adult and child incest, bigamy, polygamy, miscegenation, bestiality, necrophilia, and sale of sex toys. While many of these offences, taken separately, have generated a significant body of analysis, there have been relatively few attempts to look at the category of sexual offences systematically, across the board. In this chapter (from The New Philosophy of Criminal Law, edited by Chad Flanders and Zach Hoskins), I intend to take a first step in considering the sexual offences as a whole by seeking to define the category itself. Specifically, I will address two basic issues:First, given the wide range of conduct that is covered, what exactly is to be gained by looking at the sexual offences as a whole? I will argue, among other things, that many of these offences, whether consensual, nonconsensual, or aconsensual, make use of, or rely on, the same set of basic concepts (including “sexual conduct,” “consent,” and “autonomy”) and ultimately reflect an interlocking set of common legal interests, rights, duties, harms, and wrongs. Looking at how the concepts are used in one context may yield insights about its application in a different, related context. Second, what, if anything, distinguishes the sexual offences from other kinds of criminal offences? I will argue that there is no one set of necessary and sufficient conditions that defines the category and thereby distinguishes sex crimes from other kinds of crime. Rather, we need to look to several overlapping forms of prohibitions: on one or more kinds of socially disfavoured sexual acts; on conduct that is presumed to be preparatory of, or conducive to, future (illicit) sexual acts; and on conduct that, though it does not involve sex as such, nevertheless infringes on some aspect of another’s right to sexual autonomy. Part of the challenge here will be to say what it means for conduct to be “sexual” and what distinguishes sexual autonomy from other forms of autonomy.
A zwitterionic macro-crosslinker for durable non-fouling coatings

A novel zwitterionic macro-crosslinker was developed and applied to fabricate durable non-fouling coatings on a polyurethane substrate. The zwitterionic macro-crosslinker coating exhibited superior durability over the traditional brush polymer coating and was able to retain its non-fouling property even after weeks of shearing in flowing liquid.
Erkrankungen des Gefäßsystems

Ischamische Erkrankungen des Dickdarms konnen in solche unterteilt werden, die vom Verschlus eines grosen Gefases herruhren, und solche, die ohne diesen auftreten. Was auch immer die Ursache ist, die Reaktion des Darmes und damit das klinische Erscheinungsbild und sein Verlauf sind die gleichen [1–5, 7, 16, 17].
Essence, History, and Narrative: T. S. Eliot on the Definition of Poetry and Criticism

Eliot's was a mind passionately longing for unity but penetratingly perceptive to plurality and difference. His literary theory, no less than his poetry, is greatly motivated by this productive but often very taxing tension. In this paper we shall study it as a tension between historicist pluralism and essentialism on the nature of poetry and criticism. Recognition of the very different and changing forms of poetry and criticism is balanced against the equally recognized need for some sort of unity or structuring order and focus in these fields. The significant historicist dimension of Eliot's theory here shows it to be far more complex and subtle than the crude founda tionalist objectivism with which it is frequently identified. The problems of defining poetry (or more generally literature) and criticism did not depart with Eliot. They are still with us and increasingly more troubling. Scepticism about finding a common and peculiar object or essence for precisely defining literature and criticism and clearly demar cating them from each other and from other textual practices has led some deconstructionist and Marxist critics to a more radical scepticism which challenges the integrity and proper existence of these disciplines. A study of Eliot's earlier treatment of these very same problems should shed helpful light for their possible solution. The fundamental tension in Eliot's theory between a pluralistic and some kind of essentialistic or monistic view of poetry is best exemplified in The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism.1 There is no doubt that the book's main thrust is towards critical pluralism.2 Eliot contends that there have been (and will be) changes in the form and function of poetry as a result of social changes, since literature cannot be isolated "from the cir cumstances of life." "Such change as that from the epic poem composed to be recited to the epic poem composed to be read, or those which put an end to the popular ballad are inseparable from social changes on a vast scale, such changes as have always taken place and always will" (TUP, 21). More generally, as "the development of poetry is itself a symptom of social change," we should therefore also expect "changes in the function of poetry, as society alters" (TUP, 22, 23). Furthermore, since "[e]ach age demands different things from its poetry . . . our criticism from age to age,
A statistical approach to the heat treatment optimization of Al-Al2O3 particulate composites

The effects of three heat treatment variables—solutionizing time, aging time, and aging temperature—on the yield and ultimate tensile strength of alumina/aluminum metal matrix composites were studied using a statistical technique known as the Taguchi Method. Composites consisting of 10,15, and 20 volume percent alumina particulate reinforcements in a 6061 alloy matrix were investigated. Fractional factorial experimentation was performed using three levels for volume percentage of reinforcement and the three heat treatment parameters. Based on the Taguchi analysis, the optimal combination of heat treatment variables for each reinforcement volume percentage of these alumina/aluminum composites consists of 6 hours (instead of the standard 2 hours) of solutionizing at 985 °F (529 °C) followed by aging at 320 °F (160 °C). The predicted optimal strength correlated very closely to actual results obtained during experimentation. SEM micrographs illustrate the microstructural differences that occur as a result of the various combinations of heat treatment.
Influence of Relative Humidity and Temperature on Egg Production and Hatch from Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Adult boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman were held in two ambient air temperatures (31.1 and 28.9°C) at four different relative humidities (RHs) (35, 45, 55, and 65%) during the oviposition period to determine the influence of these environmental parameters on egg production and hatch in mass rearing size groups and cages. At 31. 1°C the egg production decreased with each increase in RH, but at 28.9°C egg production decreased only above the 45% RH level. Egg hatch decreased above the 45% RH level at 31.1°C and above the 55% level at 28.9°C. Egg production or hatch were not different at 31.1°C and 45% RH and at 28.9°C and 45% RH. Hatched egg production decreased only above 45% RH at both 31.1°C and 28.9°C.
Promoting Healthy Aging by Confronting Ageism

Negative stereotypes about older people are discussed with specific regard to their negative influence on the mental and physical health of older people. Much research has demonstrated a clear, direct threat to the cognition of older persons when older individuals believe in the truth of these negative stereotypes. For example, the will to live is decreased, memory is impaired, and the individual is less interested in engaging in healthy preventive behaviors. Negative age stereotypes also have significant negative effects on the physical well-being of older persons. Recovery from illness is impaired, cardiovascular reactivity to stress is increased, and longevity is decreased. Impediments to addressing this issue are presented, along with several specific and evidence-based recommendations for solutions to this problem. The healthy aging of older adults can be greatly enhanced with the concerted efforts of politicians, educators, physicians, mental health professionals, and other health care workers working to implement these recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record
The Carbon Ask: effects of climate policy on the value of fossil fuel resources and the implications for technological innovation

Strong policies to address climate change will almost certainly require that large quantities of oil, natural gas, and coal remain underground. Because these resources have economic value, action to reduce carbon emissions means that fossil fuel owners and producers, and other entities in the fossil fuel supply chain, will experience a reduction in wealth. They will be on the receiving end of what we call the “Carbon Ask.” We compile disparate data sources, make some simplifying assumptions, and approximate the value of the Carbon Ask for the world as a whole. We find that the value of the world’s fossil fuel enterprise in a business-as-usual case, unconstrained by climate policy, is about $295 trillion. In a world with a strong climate policy, the value of these resources drops to about $110 trillion, a decrease of $185 trillion, or 63 %. The Carbon Ask is equivalent to 2.4 years of global GDP. After reviewing the literature on resistance to technological innovation during the past two centuries and examining legal challenges to recent US greenhouse gas regulations, we find it unsurprising that the Carbon Ask creates powerful incentives for many stakeholders—who may be firms, workers, consumers, and governments—to resist policies to speed the development and diffusion of new, more environmentally benign technologies. We also find few precedents for policy-driven, rather than market-driven, technological transformations with a scale and scope similar to decarbonization of the global economy.
Comparison of the Costs and Morbidity of Percutaneous and Open Flank Procedures

AbstractA series of 47 percutaneous procedures for renal calculi was matched by description of calculi and previous flank exploration to 47 open flank procedures for comparison of relative morbidity and cost-efficiency. A retrospective analysis of paired data demonstrated that patients undergoing percutaneous procedures experienced significantly decreased duration of anesthesia, number of transfusions, postoperative disability, and duration and cost of hospitalization. These findings support the cost-effectiveness of the percutaneous approach to removal of renal calculi.
Mobile Projects for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Problems and Best Practices

With the release of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for 2015-2030, mHealth holds the potential to continue operating as a tool for influencing the sexual and reproductive health of all peoples (SDG 3). However, given its past struggles with implementation and measurable outcomes, mHealth requires improvements to its design, incentive structures, social awareness, and technological components. This paper examines three sexual and reproductive mHealth projects to better understand how projects can be improved and how mHealth can be more effectively deployed. To do so, four frameworks will be applied to this review, and recommendations for moving forward will be aligned with these models of behavior change.
An energy-based sparse representation of ultrasonic guided-waves for online damage detection of pipelines under varying environmental and operational conditions

Abstract This work addresses the main challenges in real-world application of guided-waves for damage detection of pipelines, namely their complex nature and sensitivity to environmental and operational conditions (EOCs). Different propagation characteristics of the wave modes, their distinctive sensitivities to different types and ranges of EOCs, and to different damage scenarios, make the interpretation of diffuse-field guided-wave signals a challenging task. This paper proposes an unsupervised feature-extraction method for online damage detection of pipelines under varying EOCs. The objective is to simplify diffuse-field guided-wave signals to a sparse subset of the arrivals that contains the majority of the energy carried by the signal. We show that such a subset is less affected by EOCs compared to the complete time-traces of the signals. Moreover, it is shown that the effects of damage on the energy of this subset suppress those of EOCs. A set of signals from the undamaged state of a pipe are used as reference records. The reference dataset is used to extract the aforementioned sparse representation. During the monitoring stage, the sparse subset, representing the undamaged pipe, will not accurately reconstruct the energy of a signal from a damaged pipe. In other words, such a sparse representation of guided-waves is sensitive to occurrence of damage. Therefore, the energy estimation errors are used as damage-sensitive features for damage detection purposes. A diverse set of experimental analyses are conducted to verify the hypotheses of the proposed feature-extraction approach, and to validate the detection performance of the damage-sensitive features. The empirical validation of the proposed method includes (1) detecting a structural abnormality in an aluminum pipe, under varying temperature at different ranges, (2) detecting multiple small damages of different types, at different locations, in a steel pipe, under varying temperature, (3) detecting a structural abnormality in an operating hot-water piping system, under multiple varying EOCs, such as temperature, water flow rate, and inner pressure; and (4) detecting a structural abnormality as the ratio of the damaged pipe's signals in the reference dataset increases.
Osteo-onychodystrophy with nephropathy and renal osteodystrophy. A case report.

An eleven-year-old boy with the congenital nephropathy of the nail-patella syndrome was admitted to the hospital with end-stage renal disease. Renal osteodystrophy with spontaneous displacement of the distal radial and ulnar epiphyses developed. He was successfully treated with chronic hemodialysis, vitamin D, and a subsequent renal homotransplantation.
The compromised pragmatics of diversity

Abstract When languages or ethnic/racial identities are imagined as neoliberal objects in corporate, government, and educational discourses, their worth is imagined in terms of ‘added value.’ Yet they emerge from social formations embedded in inequalities, reflecting the interplay of markedness and unmarkedness. People experience them chronotopically, meaningful relative to specific times, places, and relationships. But once language and identity become quantifiable units of diversity , they become subject to rhetorical packaging that eliminates any experiential specificity. Disconnected from context, language and social identity become available for use in institutional promotion and branding. Yet, though marketed in relation to neoliberalized personal properties like skills , the marketing potential of linguistic or social diversity is always subject to compromise by the echo of lived experience.
Documenting the Aspiration Gap in Institutional Language About Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work

We conducted a content-analysis of the websites of 100 institutional members of the Council of Undergraduate Research in order to examine the relationship between messages communicated on websites as compared to messages expressed within institutional procedures and policies. Findings show that public research institutions were more likely than baccalaureate institutions to have an Office of Undergraduate Research. Further incentives and supports provided by such offices are predominantly directed to students. Lastly, our analysis of promotion and tenure policies reveals that only 14 institutions out of the 100 in our sample explicitly mentioned mentoring undergraduate researchers in the evaluation criteria for faculty members. We offer implications for research and practice.
A borehole tiltmeter for measurements at tidal sensitivity

Abstract A tiltmeter suitable for operation at tidal sensitivities in a shallow borehole has been designed. Construction is of stress-relieved aluminum and the design is so simple it can be fabricated in most machine shops. The electronic system is built around available modular circuits, both integrated and hybrid. The meter is sensitive, stable and inexpensive. Representative samples of record presented include a 200-hr period in which the instrument was operated adjacent to a 5-meter baselength liquid-level tiltmeter. Drift during this period amounts to no more than a few parts in 10 8 .
Prediction of Engine Demand with a Data-driven Approach

Models predicting volume of engine demand from historical data are developed. To accommodate seasonal effects, neural networks and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) approaches are considered. Previous research on the effectiveness of neural networks to model phenomena with seasonality and trend using raw data has been inconclusive. In this paper, four predictive models for a linear time series with seasonality are developed and their accuracy is studied. Performance of a dummy variable linear regression model, a seasonal ARIMA model, a neural network model using raw historical data, and a hybrid linear model is compared. The seasonal ARIMA and linear regression models are found to perform better than the neural network model. The hybrid linear model is found to outperform the three individual models.
Characterizing timber salvage operations on public forests in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA

ABSTRACTDespite the common management practice of salvage logging in recently naturally disturbed forests, little is known about the contribution salvage logging operations make to wood markets or their importance in the wood supply chain. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of salvage wood to the total volume of wood sold on state and county lands in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. Analyzing data collected from 2010 to 2014, salvage wood made up 10% of the 27.2 million m3 of wood sold by these ownerships during this period, a percentage similar to the total amount of forest area that was disturbed by insects, disease, weather damage, or some other natural agent across state and/or county lands over the same time period. Where a widespread forest disturbance was observed (e.g. a catastrophic windstorm that resulted in blowdown), salvage sales offered more volume per sale and were larger in size compared to non-salvage sales. We conclude that when large-scale disturbances occur, there ...
The Impact of Schwartz's Cultural Value Types on ICT Use: A Multi-National Individual-Level Analysis.

We introduce and examine the roles of Schwartz’s cultural value types in Information and communication technologies (ICT) use (PC and the Internet) at an individual level. Our study used the World Value Survey (WVS) data of 2009 from 49 nations with around 75,000 data points. For all nations, we find that 7 out of eight considered Schwartz’s value types matter. We also find that the use of ICT is predominant among highly educated, high-income, employed and young people. Males use PC and Internet significantly more. Overall, we also find remarkable similarities and differences in results across developed and developing nations. Broadly, for ICT use, impacts of some cultural values differ and some are same between the two groups, while impacts of demographics are somewhat similar across developing and developed nations.
Parents' concordant and discordant alcohol use and subsequent child behavioral outcomes.

Abstract Alcohol problems have variable outcomes for marital relationships depending on whether drinking patterns are concordant or discordant among the members of the dyad; however, it is unclear what impact these variations in drinking patterns have on children. The current study was designed to explore several gaps and limitations in the parent heavy drinking literature. In particular, the prospective associations over 3 years between parent heavy drinking, parenting, and child externalizing behavior were investigated in an integrated model to examine the influence of concordant and discordant drinking within couples on subsequent outcomes for their children. The study consisted of 180 couples recruited by mailings with children primarily between the ages of 4 and 11 years old (52% male children). Parent-report of marital conflict, parenting, alcohol use, and child externalizing behavior were measured in a longitudinal study. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analyses were conducted. Higher levels of maladaptive parenting were associated with higher externalizing for children of concordant drinking couples as opposed to discordant drinking couples. Implications for research and practice are discussed, including investigating mediators and moderators of the current findings such as quality of the parent-child relationship.