cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrete element modeling of extensional fault-related monocline formation

Abstract The interplay of faulting and folding has long been recognized in extensional systems and numerous investigations have documented the importance of mechanical layering on development of normal-fault related monoclines. In this study we use discrete element modeling to explore the impact of mechanical layering and fault geometry on normal-fault related folding for a well-exposed field example in southwestern Iceland. The model honors the mechanically stratified character of the deformed sequence and replicates the monocline geometry by simulating displacement and upward propagation of a buried fault. A close match between model geometry and field observations was obtained using a refracted fault geometry and a cover sequence with alternating 40-m-thick relatively strong and 10-m-thick relatively weak layers. Initial deformation is accommodated by folding of mechanically weaker intervals and fracturing of mechanically stronger layers, and maximum monocline width is developed early. As overall fault displacement increases, throughgoing fracture connections along the footwall side of the monocline develop, leaving the monocline limb attached to the hanging wall. Consistent with field observations, model results suggest that significant near-surface and subsurface fracture porosity is developed in strong layers. Reproducing the complexity of the natural normal fault-related monocline in Iceland requires incorporating strongly contrasting mechanical properties within a layered cover sequence.
Salicylic acid-induced freezing tolerance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves explored through metabolite profiling

Abstract Freezing tolerance and metabolome changes were investigated for spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. ‘Reflect’) seedlings treated with 0.5 mM salicylic acid by sub-fertigation. Experiments included seedlings treated with salicylic acid at both the ambient (non-acclimation; NA) and cold acclimation (CA) temperatures, i.e. NASA and CASA. Except for slight reduction in the leaf size, salicylic acid-fed plants exhibited, in general, similar growth performance as non-treated controls based on the dry weight/fresh weight ratio, percent water content, and dry weight/leaf area. Temperature-controlled in situ freeze-thaw of seedlings revealed NASA plants were more freeze-tolerant (visual estimates and ion-leakage test) and had higher salicylic acid content than NA control. Metabolite profiling revealed NASA had higher trehalose, ascorbic acid, γ-tocopherol, proline, and leucine, whereas lower mannose and aconitic acid than NA tissues. Excised leaf freeze-thaw tests revealed CASA leaves to be the most freeze-tolerant of the four conditions followed, respectively, by CA, NASA, and NA. Principal component analysis distinctly separated metabolic phenotypes for NA, NASA, CA, and CASA, indicating salicylic acid differentially affected metabolism at warm vs. cold. CASA leaves had higher compatible solutes (osmolytes), antioxidants, and salicylic acid than CA control. Our data suggests that altered accumulation of trehalose, ascorbic acid, and aconitic acid was a salicylic acid-specific response. Additionally, 7 metabolites (5-oxoproline, fructose, glucose, maltose, proline, sucrose, and tartaric acid) were quantitatively associated with the freezing tolerance levels across four conditions.
Risky sexual behavior among adolescents: The role of decision-making, problems from cannabis use and externalizing disorder symptoms

INTRODUCTION Previous research has demonstrated that externalizing symptoms, cannabis use problems, and poor decision-making abilities are each independently related to risky sexual behavior (RSB). However, few studies have examined the joint effect of these factors on RSB among a sample of adolescents. METHODS The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining how externalizing disorder symptoms, cannabis use, and decision-making abilities interact to predict RSB among a sample of adolescents (n = 204; Mage = 15.5) at-risk for escalation in cannabis use. Poisson regression was used for all analyses, and simple slope difference tests were used for all post-hoc analyses. RESULTS A greater number of externalizing symptoms, more problems from cannabis use, and more risk disadvantageous choices on the Cups Task (CT) total trials and more risk disadvantageous choices on the CT-gain trials predicted greater RSB endorsement. Findings also highlight significant interactions between cannabis use problems and CT-total and -gain trial performance, as well as between cannabis use problems and externalizing symptoms in predicting RSB. CONCLUSION Current treatment and prevention approaches to reduce RSB among adolescents may benefit from incorporating techniques that improve decision-making skills.
Exploring Crowdsourced Work in Low-Resource Settings

While researchers have studied the benefits and hazards of crowdsourcing for diverse classes of workers, most work has focused on those having high familiarity with both computers and English. We explore whether paid crowdsourcing can be inclusive of individuals in rural India, who are relatively new to digital devices and literate mainly in local languages. We built an Android application to measure the accuracy with which participants can digitize handwritten Marathi/Hindi words. The tasks were based on the real-world need for digitizing handwritten Devanagari script documents. Results from a two-week, mixed-methods study show that participants achieved 96.7% accuracy in digitizing handwritten words on low-end smartphones. A crowdsourcing platform that employs these users performs comparably to a professional transcription firm. Participants showed overwhelming enthusiasm for completing tasks, so much so that we recommend imposing limits to prevent overuse of the application. We discuss the implications of these results for crowdsourcing in low-resource areas.
Multiabsorber transition-edge sensors for x-ray astronomy

We are developing arrays of position-sensitive microcalorimeters for future x-ray astronomy applications. These position-sensitive devices commonly referred to as hydras consist of multiple x-ray absorbers, each with a different thermal coupling to a single-transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter. Their development is motivated by a desire to achieve very large pixel arrays with some modest compromise in performance. We report on the design, optimization, and first results from devices with small pitch pixels (<75 μm) being developed for a high-angular and energy resolution imaging spectrometer for Lynx. The Lynx x-ray space telescope is a flagship mission concept under study for the National Academy of Science 2020 decadal survey. Broadband full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) resolution measurements on a 9-pixel hydra have demonstrated ΔEFWHM = 2.23 ± 0.14 eV at Al-Kα, ΔEFWHM = 2.44 ± 0.29 eV at Mn-Kα, and ΔEFWHM = 3.39 ± 0.23 eV at Cu-Kα. Position discrimination is demonstrated to energies below <1 keV and the device performance is well-described by a finite-element model. Results from a prototype 20-pixel hydra with absorbers on a 50-μm pitch have shown ΔEFWHM = 3.38 ± 0.20 eV at Cr-Kα1. We are now optimizing designs specifically for Lynx and extending the number of absorbers up to 25/hydra. Numerical simulation suggests optimized designs could achieve ∼3 eV while being compatible with the bandwidth requirements of the state-of-the art multiplexed readout schemes, thus making a 100,000 pixel microcalorimeter instrument a realistic goal.
Public sector financial support for late stage discovery of new drugs in the United States: cohort study

Abstract Objective To determine the extent to which late stage development of new drugs relies on support from public funding. Design Cohort study. Setting All new drugs containing one or more new molecular entities approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between January 2008 and December 2017 via the new drug application pathway. Main outcome measures Patents or drug development histories documenting late stage research contributions by a public sector research institution or a spin-off company, as well as each drug’s regulatory approval pathway and first-in-class designation. Results Over the 10 year study period, the FDA approved 248 drugs containing one or more new molecular entities. Of these drugs, 48 (19%) had origins in publicly supported research and development and 14 (6%) originated in companies spun off from a publicly supported research program. Drugs in these groups were more likely to receive expedited FDA approval (68% v 47%, P=0.005) or be designated first in class (45% v 26%, P=0.007), indicating therapeutic importance. Conclusions A review of the patents associated with new drugs approved over the past decade indicates that publicly supported research had a major role in the late stage development of at least one in four new drugs, either through direct funding of late stage research or through spin-off companies created from public sector research institutions. These findings could have implications for policy makers in determining fair prices and revenue flows for these products.
An optimization approach for deployment of intelligent transportation systems wrong-way driving countermeasures

The nature of wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes on limited access facilities makes it difficult for agencies to combat them effectively. WWD countermeasures equipped with Intelligent Transportation S...
DeepChannel: Wireless Channel Quality Prediction Using Deep Learning

Accurately modeling and predicting wireless channelquality variations is essential for a number of networking applications such as scheduling and improved video streaming over 4G LTE networks and bit rate adaptation for improved performance in WiFi networks. In this paper, we design DeepChannel, an encoder-decoder based sequence-to-sequence deep learning model that is capable of predicting future wireless signal strength variations based on past signal strength data. We consider two different versions of DeepChannel; the first and second versions use LSTM and GRU as their basic cell structure, respectively. In contrast to prior work that is primarily focused on designing models for particular network settings, DeepChannel is highly adaptable and can predict future channel conditions for different networks, sampling rates, mobility patterns, and communication standards. We compare the performance (i.e., the root mean squared error, mean absolute error and relative error of future predictions) of DeepChannel with respect to two baselines— i) linear regression, and ii) ARIMA for multiple networks and communication standards. In particular, we consider 4G LTE, WiFi, WiMAX, an industrial network operating in the 5.8 GHz range, and Zigbee networks operating under varying levels of user mobility and observe that DeepChannel provides significantly superior performance. Finally, we provide a detailed discussion of the key design decisions including insights into hyper-parameter tuning and the applicability of our model in other networking scenarios.
Measurement of natural variation of neurotransmitter tissue content in red harvester ant brains among different colonies.

Colonies of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, regulate foraging activity based on food availability and local conditions. Colony variation in foraging behavior is thought to be linked to biogenic amine signaling and metabolism. Measurements of differences in neurotransmitters have not been made among ant colonies in a natural environment. Here, for the first time, we quantified tissue content of 4 biogenic amines (dopamine, serotonin, octopamine, and tyramine) in single forager brains from 9 red harvester ant colonies collected in the field. Capillary electrophoresis coupled with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (CE-FSCV) was used to separate and detect the amines in individual ant brains. Low levels of biogenic amines were detected using field-amplified sample stacking by preparing a single brain tissue sample in acetonitrile and perchloric acid. The method provides low detection limits: 1 nM for dopamine, 2 nM for serotonin, 5 nM for octopamine, and 4 nM for tyramine. Overall, the content of dopamine (47 ± 9 pg/brain) was highest, followed by octopamine (36 ± 10 pg/brain), serotonin (20 ± 4 pg/brain), and tyramine (14 ± 3 pg/brain). Relative standard deviations were high, but there was less variation within a colony than among colonies, so the neurotransmitter content of each colony might change with environmental conditions. This study demonstrates that CE-FSCV is a useful method for investigating natural variation in neurotransmitter content in single ant brains and could be useful for future studies correlating tissue content with colony behavior such as foraging.
An Investigation into the Role of Dislocation Climb During Intermediate Temperature Flow of Mg Alloys

Textured Mg alloy sheet samples were tensile tested parallel to the transverse direction, at Zener–Hollomon parameter values ranging from Z ~ 50 at room temperature and 10−3 s−1 down to Z ~ 18 at 350 °C and 10−5 s−1. At high Z, the samples exhibit strong texture evolution indicative of significant prismatic slip of dislocations with Burgers vectors. Correspondingly, the plastic anisotropy is high, r ~ 4. At low Z, the texture evolution is minimal and the response is nearly isotropic, r ~ 1. Previously, it has been asserted that the high ductility and low plastic anisotropy observed at low Z conditions is due to enhanced activity of non-basal slip modes, including prismatic slip of dislocations and pyramidal slip of and dislocations. The present results call this understanding into question and suggest that the enhanced ductility is more closely associated with the climb of dislocations.
The Elliptic Case: Two Complex Characteristics

Elliptic partial differential equations of the second order are relatively common in engineering practice. Examples include irrotational and divergence-free fluid flow, groundwater flow, and linear elasticity.
Linking Central Valley of California with Mountain Valleys of Nepal: Environmental Implications of Waste Management Practices in Different Social and Cultural Setting

The aim of this paper is to examine solid waste generation and management practices in the mountain regions of Nepal, including Ghandruk, Marpha, and Kathmandu and use the experience interchangeably to examine life cycle assessment (LCA) of green waste in the San Joaquin Valley of California. As a major agricultural hub of the world, San Joaquin Valley adds large quantity of yard waste into its waste stream, similar to what Nepal contributes organic wastes to its municipal solid waste (MSW). About 524 m. tons day-1 or 0.66 kg capita-1 day-1 of MSW is generated in Kathmandu city. Whereas waste generated in Ghandruk and Marpha may not be noticeable, they equally present difficulty to the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas and can adversely impact ecotourism. Fresno city, financial capital of the Central San Joaquin Valley, generates about 102000 tons of green waste per annum or 279.45 tons day-1. Out of this, 55000 tons is composted and 47000 tons is utilized at an incinerator. Also, use of fossil fuels by heavy machineries (tub grinder, trommel screens, front end loaders, transfer vehicles, and mobile aerators) and unpaved waste processing facilities without leachate treatment seem to intensify environmental and operational budgets. Preliminary results hint that compost produced from green waste in Fresno may be inappropriate for crop production. Use of LCA to understand trade-offs among different processes of green waste in Fresno could be useful to investigate waste management in Kathmandu and other Himalayan towns, muck like the methods derived in Kathmandu have been very handy to study the waste in Fresno.
The influence of otitis media with effusion on middle-ear impedance estimated from wideband acoustic immittance measurements

The goal of this work was to estimate the middle-ear input impedance ( Zme) from wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) measures and determine whether Zme improves the clinical utility of WAI. The data used in this study were from a previously reported set of WAI measurements in ears with otitis media with effusion [OME; Merchant, Al-Salim, Tempero, Fitzpatrick, and Neely (2021). Ear Hear., published online]. Ears with OME were grouped based on effusion volume, which was confirmed during tube surgery. Zme was estimated from the measured ear-canal impedance. An electrical-analog model of ear-canal acoustics and middle-ear mechanics was used to model the ear canal and Zme. The model results fit the measured responses well for all conditions. A regression approach was used to classify the responses of different variable types to effusion volume groups and determine the specificity and sensitivity of the binary classifications. The Zme magnitude increased with increasing effusion volume. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was compared for binary decisions of the OME categories. The Zme estimate resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in the AUC for distinguishing healthy ears from ears with OME. Overall, these results suggest that Zme estimation may provide useful information of potential clinical value to improve the diagnostic utility of WAI measurements for OME.
A functional identification of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor - type kappa (PTPRK) gene that restores replicative senescence in breast tumor cells

1838 Applying a functional strategy, we identified PTPRK gene that plays a role in cell senscence. Ectopic expression of PTPRK gene restores normal growth pattern and senescence in breast and ovarian tumor cells. In numerous studies, three regions on chromosome 6q, 6q16-21, 6q22.3-23.1 and 6q25-27, have been described to carry tumor suppressor, genes for breast and ovarian cancers. Microcell transfer of a normal chromosome 6 or 6q inhibits tumorigenicity, metastasis, cell growth or restores normal cell growth pattern and senescence in a variety tumor cell lines (Sandhu et al. 1994, PNAS 91: 5498-5502; Sandhu et al. 1996, Oncogene 12: 247-252). These studies provided functional evidence for the presence of cell senescence/tumor suppressor genes on 6q. Applying a deletion strategy, following microcell mediated transfer of a normal human chromosome 6 or 6q into immortal breast tumor and SV40 immortalized cells, we mapped a candidate cell senescence locus, within 1cM genetic interval, at 6q22.3. Human genome database search, for cDNAs mapped within this locus, identified PTPRK (Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type K) as candidate cell senescence/tumor suppressor gene. Following initial identification, a 5.6 Kb full length cDNA for PTPRK gene was recovered by RT-PCR, and characterized for genomic structure and regulatory region. These studies revealed the expression of two different transcript variants for PTPRK gene in tumor v/s normal cells. Open reading frame for PTPRK gene was cloned in a retroviral expression vector, in frame with EGFP tag, where EGFP is added after the signal peptide. In this vector, PTPRK-EGFP gene is expressed by a CMV promoter along with puromycin gene for selection, as a single transcript. Ectopic expression of PTPRK induced complete growth arrest and senescence in breast and ovarian tumor cells. Gene transfer clones that multiplied indefinitely contained a truncated form of introduced PTPRK gene, confirming that intact gene indeed induces senescence in tumor cells. These results suggest that PTPRK may be a cell senescence/tumor suppressor gene that plays a role in the etiology of breast cancer. PTPRK is a member of a large family of genes for Protein Tyrosine Phosphates (PTPs). The interplay of Protein Tyrosine Kinases (PTKs) and PTPs in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins, involved in the cascade of signaling circuitry, governs physiological functions involved in cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesize that PTPRK gene is either mutated or abnormally expressed in tumor cells and loss or abnormal expression of PTPRK gene contributes to the neoplastic growth of cells in breast cancer. Future studies are designed to delineate the signaling pathways responsive to the expression of PTPRK gene. PTPRK gene, cloned in an Adeno viral vector, will be tested for effect on tumors formation in an animal model.
Misconception-Based Learning To Cement Learning

Location: JC Room G Every class has purpose but CLIM 102, Introduction to Global Climate Change Science, in particular because it serves to combat rife misinformation and misconceptions concerning climate change and provide America, and the world, with climate literate citizens. CLIM 102 is a 100-level Mason CORE class typically attended by students from a range of backgrounds, including non-science majors, interested in understanding global climate change, climate modeling, and meeting their natural science lab requirements. In order to cement the students understanding of the physical processes taught to them throughout the semester, we have introduced a climate change myth-busting theme and the culmination of the class with group myth-busting presentations. Students need to use the physical concepts they have been taught to effectively debunk a given climate change myth afflicting societal discourse. This activity is a misconception-based learning activity, an educational approach that teaches scientific concepts through the refutation of scientific misconceptions. This teaching approach has been tested across a range of disciplines and is regarded as one of the most powerful methods of teaching science, resulting in stronger student engagement, longer-lasting learning gains, and increased critical thinking skills. We will present this CLIM 102 myth-busting approach as a template that those from other disciplines could adapt within their classes. To further investigate the effectiveness of this approach we have begun evaluating it this semester (Spring 2019) with an IRB approved research study led by Dr. Cook. Our research will enable us to add to the body of knowledge on misconception-based learning, as well as explore different ways of introducing students to misconceptions. Our plan is to yield further theoretical insights, raise awareness of this approach in the education community, and develop best-practices recommendations. Participants will be able to use the example of its application to a climate change class as a template/starting point/inspiration for developing a similar activity in their own science class.
Abstract 15241: Cardiac Troponin T, Natriuretic Peptide, and Long-term Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in the Community: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical and public health issue, with a high rate of adverse outcomes. A few small studies demonstrate that cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) before surgery or revascularization predict incident AKI after those procedures. However, whether this association holds in a long term among the general population is unknown. Hypothesis: High-sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) are associated with incident AKI in the general population, even among those without cardiovascular disease (CVD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline. Methods: We studied 10,733 ARIC participants aged 53-75 years, without kidney failure at baseline. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of incident AKI (hospitalizations or deaths with ICD codes of AKI) by five categories of plasma hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP (divided at 32th, 57th, 77th, and 91th percentile based on clinical thresholds of hs-cTnT for fair comparison of two markers). Results: During a median follow-up of 13 years, there were 796 AKI events. hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with AKI risk, independently of each other and potential confounders including kidney function and albuminuria (Model 3 in Table). Even categories 2-4 of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP below their clinical cutpoints reached statistical significance. The associations were consistent among individuals without CVD (HR for category 5 vs. 1, 3.17 [2.28-4.40] for hs-cTnT and 2.60 [1.89-3.56] for NT-proBNP) or those without CKD at baseline (3.25 [2.34-4.52] and 3.52 [2.60-4.77], respectively). Conclusions: hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were independently associated with long-term risk of AKI in the community. These cardiac markers attract attention for cardiovascular prediction in the general population and may also provide useful information on the risk of AKI, which can also occur in the outpatient setting.
Public Sociology and its Publics

Now that public sociology is beginning to move into mainstream sociology, it is necessary to understand the vital if indirect part the general public plays in the creation of public sociology. Although that sociology requires sociological work which is relevant and useful to sectors of the general public and is written in non-technical language, presenters are needed to propose that the work is eligible to become public sociology. Still, the public makes the final decision about whether it will literally become public sociology. This article hypothesizes about the process by which socio- logical works are transformed into public sociology, focusing particularly on the journalists, publishers, social media participants and other presenters. Empirical studies are needed to test these hypotheses, for a better understanding of the production of public sociology is needed so that it can contribute to the vitality of the discipline in the years to come.
Determination of intramitochondrial pH and intramitochondrial-extramitochondrial pH gradient of isolated heart mitochondria by the use of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione. I. Changes during respiration and adenosine triphosphate-dependent transport of Ca++, Mg++, and Zn++.

Abstract 1. A newly developed method is described for calculating the intramitochondrial pH of isolated bovine heart mitochondria based on the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione between mitochondrial compartments, pKa of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione, and pH of the extramitochondrial medium. The measurement of intramitochondrial pH also permitted calculation of the intra- and extramitochondrial pH gradient. 2. Intramitochondrial pH and pH gradient values were calculated for respiration and in ATP-dependent Ca++-, Mg++-, and Zn++-activated bovine heart mitochondria. 3. The intramitochondrial pH of succinate-supported State 4 mitochondria ranged from 7.40 to 7.51 while the extramitochondrial pH ranged from 6.96 to 7.00. The pH gradient ranged from 0.40 to 0.51, depending upon the pH of the extramitochondrial medium. The addition of either 0.565 mm or 6.237 mm Ca++ gave rise to an intramitochondrial pH ranging from 8.31 to 8.58 while the extramitochondrial pH was between 6.70 and 7.00. The pH gradient ranged from 1.51 to 1.75 pH units. Under these conditions the stoichiometry of H+ ejected from and OH- accumulated within the mitochondria was 1.00. 4. When either 20 µm 2,4-dinitrophenol or 1.7 mm phosphate was added to mitochondria activated with 0.565 mm Ca++, the intramitochondrial alkalinization and high pH gradient were neutralized. Acetate (8.3 mm) partially neutralized these effects. 5. No intramitochondrial alkalinization was observed in ATP-supported mitochondria supplemented with 80 nmoles of Ca++ per mg of protein (0.436 mm). 6. The pH gradient of State 3 mitochondria, in the presence of 20 mm Mg++ and permeant anions, was 0.20 pH unit. In the absence of permeant anions, the addition of 10 mm Mg++ to State 4 mitochondria gave rise to a slight intramitochondrial alkalinization. Supplementing succinate-oxidizing (State 4) mitochondria containing 10 mm Mg++ with either 100 or 300 µm Zn++ did not induce any further alkalinization. Ten millimolar Mg++-induced ascorbate oxidation (State 4) gave rise to a slight alkalinization. 7. The pH gradients of State 4 and uncoupled mitochondria were the same. 8. The pH gradients of State 4 mitochondria, in the absence of permeant anions and oxidizing 30 mm succinate, were not different from those oxidizing 5 mm ascorbate in the presence of 100 µm N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl phenylenediamine. 9. The reliability, sensitivity, and limitations of this method for calculating intramitochondrial pH as well as the significance of the findings are discussed.
Information Systems Implementation: Testing a Structural Model

This book presents a structural model of information system implementation and tests using data from several independent system implementation efforts. The model is based on the results of 15 years of implementation research and integrates the two primary streams of that research: factor studies and process studies. Testing the model involved three studies in diverse implementation contexts. The tests provide strong support for some aspects of the model and identify areas where the model is in need of further development and testing. The book includes a detailed review of past implementation research, a thorough explanation of the basis for the structural model's mathematical properties, descriptions of two field tests of the model including details about the research instruments employed, and a discussion of the utility of these studies for implementation research and practice.
Skin Color as a Variable in Racial Attitudes of Black Urbanites

Of the several criteria by which Americans are stratified, none bears greater significance than skin color. The rigidity of norms separating blacks and whites still approaches that of a caste system. One obvious reason for the significance of skin color as a basis of social stratification is the ease with which it may be applied. Where color has been used extensively as a basis of discrimination, it becomes an appropriate surrogate for other, more functional criteria of stratification such as education, occupation, and income. A number of empirical sociological studies have demonstrated the fact that within both groups created by application of the color criterion is further social stratification. As is true for the white population, so within the black population there has developed a system of stratification based on such criteria as family, occupation, income, and education. Drake and Cayton (1962), among others, describe distinctly different life styles within these segments of the black population. Frazier (1932), Duncan and Duncan (1957), Schnore (1965), and Edwards (1970) are among those who have provided empirical evidence of residential
Harry F. Tiersten memorial session [In Memoriam Harry F. Tiersten, Professor and Ph.D., 1930-2006]

A brief biography of Harry F. Tiersten (1930-2006) is given highlighting his professional achievements.
Electrical Conduction in Metals and Alloys

The first observations involving electrical phenomena probably began with the study of static electricity. Thales of Miletus, a Greek philosopher, discovered around 600 BC that a piece of amber, having been rubbed with a piece of cloth, attracted feathers and other light particles. Very appropriately, the word electricity was later coined by incorporating the Greek word elektron, which means amber.
Does Labor Supply Respond to a Flat Tax? Evidence from the Russian Tax Reform *

We exploit the exogenous change in marginal tax rates created by the Russian flat tax reform of 2001 to identify the effect of taxes on labor supply of males and females. We apply the weighted difference-in-difference regression approach and instrumental variables to the labor supply function estimated on individual panel data. The mean regression results indicate that the tax reform led to a statistically significant increase in male hours of work but had no effect on that of females. However, we find a positive response to tax changes at both tails of the female hour distribution. We also find that the reform increased the probability of finding a job among both males and females. Despite significant variation in individual responses, the aggregate labor supply elasticities are trivial and suggest that reform-induced changes in labor supply were an unlikely explanation for the amplified personal income tax revenues that followed the reform.
Effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on rat duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Correlation of calcium active transport with tissue levels of vitamin D3 metabolites.

Abstract Jejunum and ileum from vitamin D-deficient rats actively secreted calcium when studied in vitro, while duodenum from these animals actively absorbed calcium. Acute repletion with a single physiologic dose of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D3) (15 i.u.) increased calcium absorption in duodenum and ileum but had no effect on jejunum. Studies of the distribution of 25-OH D3 and its metabolites in these tissues demonstrated that levels of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 per cell were highest in duodenum, much lower in ileum and lower still in jejunum. The increased calcium absorption in duodenum and ileum was proportional to the levels of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 in these tissues. This was not the case for jejunum however, because while 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was present, calcium transport rates were unchanged. Another finding was a much higher percentage of water-soluble metabolites of 25-OH D3 in jejunum and ileum than in duodenum. This observation may relate to an enterohepatic circulation of these compounds. These experiments suggest that previous reports of decreased calcium absorptive responses by lower small bowel (relative to proximal duodenum) to either treatment with vitamin D or prolonged dietary calcium deprivation, can be explained by the differential cellular localization of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 (duodenum g ileum g jejunum).
Human Spaceflight in Social Media: Promoting Space Exploration Through Twitter

Abstract While space-based technologies for Earth applications are flourishing, space exploration activities suffer from a lack of public awareness as well as decreasing budgets. However, space exploration benefits are numerous and include significant science, technological development, socioeconomic benefits, education, and leadership contributions. Recent robotic exploration missions have positively influenced public perception by utilizing video and social media communication. How can these new communication technologies be used to better serve human spaceflight? How can space agencies and astronauts inspire tax-paying citizens, and thus politicians, to commit to an ambitious, global human spaceflight program based on international collaboration? This article analyzes how the Twitter network related to human spaceflight is organized, measuring how influence and relationships are linked, to better capture the best practices and enhance the promotion of space exploration. We outline the Twitter network a...
EFFECTS OF THERMAL RADIATION ON THE ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF SOLID PROPELLANTS.

Abstract : Theoretical calculations are given for the propellant response function when thermal radiation of the burnt gases is taken into account. Under the assumption that the gas radiates as a gray body, it is found that radiation effects may significantly alter the response function at low frequencies for the low propellant burning rates which are commonly found at low pressures. Thus, this mechanism may offer a partial explanation of the fact that experimental values for the response function at low frequencies and low burning rates tend to be larger than is expected from existing theories. The method of calculation is based on a second order perturbation scheme where the perturbation parameter is a measure of the ratio of energy transfer by radiation to convective energy transfer. (Author)
Impact of Surgical and Pathologic Variables in Rectal Cancer: A United States Community and Cooperative Group Report

PURPOSE: Substantial and successful effort has been focused on decreasing the risk of local failure after rectal cancer surgery through the use of adjuvant therapies. Our study examined data from studies conducted by United States cooperative groups to investigate the impact of surgical and pathologic variables in rectal cancer outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical and pathologic reports from 673 patients with stage II/III rectal cancer enrolled onto three adjuvant clinical trials were reviewed for tumor and surgical variables. Additional information on individual institutions and operating surgeon was collected. Variables were tested for association with 5-year local recurrence and survival after adjustment for adjuvant treatments and other important prognostic factors. RESULTS: Five-year local recurrence and survival rates were 16% and 59%, respectively. Surgeons treating more than 10 study cases had lower local recurrence rates than those treating ≤ 10 (11% v 17%, P = .02). Free radial margins also ...
Organic Peroxyl Radical Photolysis in the Near-Infrared: Effects on Tropospheric Chemistry

We investigate the effects of near-infrared photolysis of organic peroxyl radicals (RO2) on tropospheric chemistry. We propose that the excitation of an RO2 to its lowest excited electronic state with near-infrared (near-IR) light is followed by intramolecular reactions that produce hydroxyl (OH) or hydroperoxyl (HO2) radicals. Spectra to this low-lying state have recently been obtained, but absorption cross sections for this electronic transition and yields of the resulting photoproducts have not been directly measured. We suggest a limiting range of cross sections from estimates for the same transition in HO2 and by comparison to other allowed electronic transitions. On the basis of a thermochemical assessment, we propose that OH and an aldehyde are the principal photoproducts of near-IR photolysis of RO2. These photolysis reactions are included in a model of the troposphere with a standard photochemical mechanism and conditions appropriate to remote, rural, and urban locations. Inclusion of RO2 photoly...
Technical note: Modeling primate occlusal topography using geographic information systems technology

Most functional analyses of primate tooth form have been limited to linear or area measurements. Such studies have offered but a limited glimpse at differences in occlusal relief among taxa. Such differences in dental topography may relate to tooth function and, so, have considerable implications for the inference of diet from fossil teeth. In this article, we describe a technique to model and compare primate molars in three dimensions using Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) software. We examine unworn lower second molars of three extant hominoids with known differences in diet (Gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, and Pongo pygmaeus), and two fossil forms, (Afropithecus turkanesis and Dryopithecus laietanus). First, we obtained approximately 400 landmarks on the occlusal surfaces of each tooth using an electromagnetic digitizer. Raster "terrain models" of occlusal surfaces were then created by interpolation of the coordinate data. We used GRASS terrain analysis automated techniques to quantify the volumes and slopes of individual cusps. We also used the GRASS watershed technique to identify the volume of liquid that would accumulate in each tooth's basin (a measure of basin area), and the directions and intensity of drainage over the occlusal surface. In sum, GRASS shows considerable potential for the characterization and comparison of tooth surfaces. Furthermore, techniques described here are not limited to the study of teeth, but may be broadly applicable to studies of skulls, joints, and other biological structures.
The effect of unequal priors and unequal misclassification costs on MDA

Multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) is a frequently used statistical technique. Although the dependence of this technique on the underlying assumptions concerning population priors and misclassification costs is well known, the assumption most often made by researchers is that both population priors and misclassification costs are equal. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the magnitude of the effect of these assumptions on statistical results. In the savings and loan case used here, the population priors are known:however, the relative misclassification costs are not. To test the sensitivity of the results to the unknown misclassification costs several different misclassification cost assumptions are used.
Pentose cycle activity in muscle from fetal, neonatal and infant rhesus monkeys

Abstract The glucose-14C uptakes (mg/gm/hour wet weight) for muscle fiber groups from 90-, 120-, and 150–160-day rhesus fetuses were similar. However, the glucose uptakes of muscle fiber groups from 2- to 6-week-old rhesus monkeys were slightly higher than those of the fetal series. Incubation under anoxic conditions increased glucose uptake by muscle from both fetal and infant monkeys. From the data on glucose uptakes and specific yields of lactate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions it is concluded that the ability of the fetus and neonate to survive anoxia is not explained by a greater response of the glycolytic enzymes of fetal and neonatal as compared to adult muscle during anaerobiosis. In all 3 fetal series the average ratios of specific yields for 14CO2 from glucose-1- and glucose-6-14C were significantly greater than 1.0, under both aerobic (1.5–2.0) and anaerobic conditions (3.8–4.0). In muscle from infant monkeys the ratios of specific yields for 14CO2 for the 2 substrates were not significantly greater than 1.0 under aerobic conditions, but under anaerobic conditions this ratio rose to 10. This data indicate that pentose cycle activity is more important in muscle from the fetal as compared with muscle from the infant monkey. However, when pentose cycle activity was estimated in relation to the total amount of glucose metabolized, less than 0.4% of the total glucose uptake was metabolized via this route.
German oh: Marking an Emotional Change of State

Working within a conversation analytic framework, this article analyzes the use and function of oh in conversational German and compares it to ach in German and oh in English. The analysis shows that both ach and oh are change-of-state tokens like English oh, but while ach is typically used for cognitive changes of state, oh is typically used to mark affective changes of state. The emotions communicated by oh are varied, and both the phonetic realization and the sequential placement of the token contribute to its meaning. The article discusses the implications of the findings for the study of emotions and cross-cultural comparisons of tokens.
Tubulin binding of conformationally restricted bis-aryl compounds

Abstract A series of bis-aryl ring containing analogs of podophyllotoxin and combretastatin were assayed for their abilities to inhibit tubulin polymerization as part of a program to define the relationship between the aryl ring systems and tubulin binding.
Peripheral Modernities: National and Global in a Post‐Colonial Frame

Political repression, its incontestable might in one locale, forces the mind to think globally. —Wia Chee Dimock (“Literature for the Planet” 175) In 1832 the spread of a mysterious new epidemic of...
Training families to provide care: effects on people with dementia.

This paper addresses four questions concerning family training in dementia care: (1) What do we know about what works? (2) How do we know it? (3) What do we now need to know? (4) How should we go about trying to find this out? In addition, it provides some introductory information on the nature of family caregivers in dementia and the phenomenology of caregiver burden and behavioral problems in dementia, often the focus of family training. Training families to provide care to dementia patients has a long clinical history. In recent years, the amount and popularity of this kind of information has grown exponentially, as is evident in the proliferation of books, training materials and informational handouts. Even video and world wide web technology is now used to educate caregivers. Over a decade ago, reports showed that caregivers were able to learn specific behavioral techniques and successfully reduce problematic behaviors. More recently, controlled trials have suggested the effectiveness of caregiver training programs in reducing behavioral problems or delaying institutionalization in patients with dementia. There is much still unknown concerning family training in dementia care. Additional controlled clinical trials are needed, as are additional studies to understand the broader factors known to influence effective care, such as patient and caregiver physical health or family and social supports. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of low self-control on perceived police legitimacy

Abstract Objective The process-based model has influenced policing research for a number of years, but the role of individual differences on procedural justice judgments and perceived police legitimacy has received limited attention. The current study fills a void in the literature by examining the effect of low self-control on individuals’ procedural justice judgments and perceptions of police legitimacy. Materials and Methods The study uses a sample of young adults and estimates a series of OLS regression models to determine the effect of low self-control on the process-based model of policing. Results The findings demonstrate that low self-control is associated with unfavorable procedural justice judgments. In turn, procedural justice mediates the effect of low self-control on perceived police legitimacy. Low self-control, however, is also shown to condition the effect of procedural justice on legitimacy. Specifically, the effect of procedural justice on legitimacy becomes weaker with reduced levels of self-control. Conclusions These findings suggest that studies should account for self-control in process-based policing research and police policy should consider the impact of individual differences when implementing process-based strategies.
Treatment of severe sepsis secondary to mycobacterium avium-intracellulare with recombinant human activated protein C.

ABSTRACT Background: Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) is a well-described pathogen in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, peritonitis and severe sepsis as a c...