cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Election Administration Reform and the New Institutionalism

One of the hallmarks of a mature democracy is professionalized, centralized, and nonpartisan election administration. It is hardly news that the United States does not fit this model, and that since the 2000 election meltdown culminating with the Supreme Court’s decision in Bush v. Gore, the country has faced biannual anxiety over whether the next meltdown is imminent. Some observers at first hoped the courts or Congress would spur election administration reform, but that has not happened. Now, some election law scholars have turned to institutional design, considering new institutions or mechanisms, such as amicus courts and electoral advisory commissions, to prod existing institutions into election reform. Heather Gerken’s significant new book, The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System is Failing and How To Fix It, represents the most sustained effort in this New Institutionalist vein. It makes the case for the creation of a ranking of states (“the Democracy Index”) along a number of election administration criteria, such as how well the system counts votes and how long it takes voters to cast a ballot. Gerken argues that the ranking system will create the right incentives for jurisdictions to move toward professionalized and non-partisan election administration.Part I of this review sets forth Gerken’s proposal for a Democracy Index. Part II situates the book within the New Institutionalist approach to election administration reform. It argues that Gerken’s work is significant not only for its specific proposal but also because it advances the New Institutionalism. It catalogs the various ways in which the addition of information may spark both rational and emotional reactions by election administrators, legislators, judges, the public, and political parties.Part III turns from the theory of causal mechanisms of the New Institutionalism to a look at the available evidence. Based upon what we know, it appears that the Democracy Index could well increase the professionalism of election administration in the United States, and thereby decrease the risk of electoral meltdown. But the Index likely will not be enough to overcome the twin pathologies of partisanship and localism that have thus far blocked comprehensive election administration reform. This Review concludes by noting that Old Institutionalism - hardball politics backed by one party or the use in states of an initiative bypass - rather than the soft politics of the New Institutionalism, may present the best hope to fully revamp our system of election administration.
Down stream [appalachia]

Down Stream [Appalachia] is an immersive, interactive art installation that addresses themes of ecological preservation, conservation and connectedness, illuminating the precarity of imperiled freshwater species in the Appalachian region. The exhibition is composed of three reflective, refractive sculptural forms; each form is made from stacked acrylic and mirrored surfaces projected on from within to create glowing objects that appear to float in the darkness. The installation is surrounded by spatialized sound consisting of music and field recorded audio. Each object contains video footage of a different imperiled animal native to southwest Virginia: the candy darter (Etheostoma osburni); the Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens) and other freshwater mussels; and the Eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis).
Type and frequency of wheelchair repairs and resulting adverse consequences among veteran wheelchair users.

Purpose Investigate the type and frequency of wheelchair repairs and resulting adverse consequences in a Veteran population. Design Convenience cross-sectional sample survey. Setting Data were collected at the 2017 National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Participants Veterans who use a wheelchair ≥ 40 h/wk (n = 60). Intervention Not applicable. Main outcome measures Repairs and associated adverse consequences, wheelchair age and usage, type of repairs completed, time elapsed between breakdowns and repairs, and who completed repairs. Results 60 participants reported 124 repairs in the previous 6 months with 88.3% of participants requiring at least one repair. Consequences were reported by 43.5% of those experiencing repairs and were most commonly secondary to repairs in the electrical system, wheelchair frame, power/control system, and wheels and casters. Travelling greater distances during the week and on weekends was associated with increased rates of repairs (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and consequences (p = 0.03 and p = 0.03, respectively). Power wheelchairs were more likely to require repairs than manual wheelchairs (p = 0.007). The median time to repair was 7 [0.8,30] days. Vendors completed 82.1% of the repairs. Those experiencing longer repair times were more likely to experience adverse consequences (p Conclusion A high number of repairs and resulting adverse consequences occur for wheelchair users, particularly power wheelchair users, in a sample of Veterans. Interventions to prevent breakdowns and to address repairs and adverse consequences in a time-efficient manner are needed. Implications for rehabilitation In a sample of Veterans, a high number of repairs and resulting adverse consequences occur for wheelchair users, particularly power wheelchair users. There is an important clinical opportunity to help wheelchair users avoid repairs in the first place and reduce adverse consequences after breakdowns occur by improving wheelchair quality, providing preventative chair maintenance, and repairing breakdowns in a timely and efficient manner. These interventions may prove impactful in reducing the adverse medical, functional, and social consequences of wheelchair breakdowns.
Re-purposing heterogeneous generative ensembles with evolutionary computation

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are popular tools for generative modeling. The dynamics of their adversarial learning give rise to convergence pathologies during training such as mode and discriminator collapse. In machine learning, ensembles of predictors demonstrate better results than a single predictor for many tasks. In this study, we apply two evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to create ensembles to re-purpose generative models, i.e., given a set of heterogeneous generators that were optimized for one objective (e.g., minimize Frechet Inception Distance), create ensembles of them for optimizing a different objective (e.g., maximize the diversity of the generated samples). The first method is restricted by the exact size of the ensemble and the second method only restricts the upper bound of the ensemble size. Experimental analysis on the MNIST image benchmark demonstrates that both EA ensembles creation methods can re-purpose the models, without reducing their original functionality. The EA-based demonstrate significantly better performance compared to other heuristic-based methods. When comparing both evolutionary, the one with only an upper size bound on the ensemble size is the best.
Social Representations in the Study of Disaster Risk in the Municipality of Piedecuesta, Santander (Colombia): The Social Cognitive Dimension

This study has been developed around the characterization of the processes of the social construction of risk and the daily relationship “to know-to do”. It presents part of the final results of the research titled: “Social constructions of disaster risk from social representations in the municipality of Piedecuesta, Santander (Colombia)”. Social representations (SR) of the Piedecuestana population have been analysed in the development of three dimensions: Social Cognitive, Social Structural and Social Territorial. The document has been structured in six sections: introduction, theoretical-conceptual review, the methodology and sample of the study, the presentation of results, analytical categories, and final conclusions.
“Make Sure You See This”: Counternarratives of Multilingual Black Girls’ Language and Literacy Practices:

Critical scholarship in bilingualism and bilingual education has documented multiple ways that the rich language and literacy practices of Black children participating in bilingual education progra...
Minimizing Root-Mean-Square Linear Distortion in Common Conformal Map Projections

AbstractThe upcoming State Plane Coordinate System of 2022 has spurred considerable interest in design, development, and implementation of large-scale conformal map projections designed at Earth’s ...
ASSIST: Assistive Sensor Solutions for Independent and Safe Travel of Blind and Visually Impaired People

This paper describes the interface and testing of an indoor navigation app - ASSIST - that guides blind & visually impaired (BVI) individuals through an indoor environment with high accuracy while augmenting their understanding of the surrounding environment. ASSIST features personalized inter-faces by considering the unique experiences that BVI individuals have in indoor wayfinding and offers multiple levels of multimodal feedback. After an overview of the technical approach and implementation of the first prototype of the ASSIST system, the results of two pilot studies performed with BVI individuals are presented. Our studies show that ASSIST is useful in providing users with navigational guidance, improving their efficiency and (more significantly) their safety and accuracy in wayfinding indoors.
Torch Song (Prose Is a Prose Is a Prose)

It Speaks: A failure of belief is often figured as a problem of incor poration: No one would swallow that, we say, or, "it just doesn't smell right." It stinks. Sometimes that's as close as we can get to it. To "burn" is also to deceive. Given the distance and the wind direction... this scent of smoke (clinging to cloth and skin, tangled in hair) vanishes into the air we insist is "thin." As any excuse.
Use of Climate Information in Water Resources Management

Failures in water resources management, evolving societal objectives, and advances in the scientific understanding of hydroclimatic systems have led to reassessment of techniques traditionally used in support of water resources management policies and practices. Climate information, encompassing a variety of timescales, is clearly useful for water resources management, yet remains underutilized. This article examines historical climate information provided by instrumental records and paleoclimatological indicators, and prognostications of future climate conditions provided by climate forecasts and assessments of climate change, and issues related to their use in water resources management. Two issues are of central importance: nonstationarity and uncertainty. The water resources community must accept that in many cases one of the fundamental assumptions underlying classical hydrology is simply incorrect. However, the water resources management community need not assess climate information and its use in isolation. Networks of researchers, including hydroclimatic and social scientists, are actively seeking more integrated involvement with the water resources management community, are adapting their research agenda and activities to address the needs of decision makers and stakeholders, and are committed to developing practical products and decision-support tools. Keywords: climate; water management; hydroclimatology; climate forecasts; climate change; paleoclimatology
Systems thinking's challenge to research in spirituality and religion at work

Empirical research in spirituality and religion in work (SRW) offers special challenges in construct conceptualization, operationalization, and data analysis. For this special research methods issue, accomplished researcher and SRW champion Ian I. Mitroff shares his thoughts, criticisms, and models for current research as well as his hopes for SRW's empirical future. Mitroff, co‐author of the most prominent empirical SRW study to date (Mitroff, I.I. and Denton, E.A., A Spiritual Audit of Corporate America: A Hard Look at Spirituality, Religion, and Values in the Workplace, Jossey‐Bass, San Francisco, CA, 1999), holds trans‐disciplinarily grounded views of how SRW researchers need to overcome methodological impasses to stay interesting and relevant. This article contains excerpts from three recent interviews with Mitroff about the current and future states of SRW research, and how such research can move forward with integrity and respect for SRW's special subject matter.
The physical and practical implications of a CO2 gas transfer coefficient that varies as the cube of the wind speed

Wanninkhof and McGillis [1999] recently presented further observational evidence supporting the contention that there is a cubic relationship between wind speed and the air-sea gas transfer (piston) velocity for CO 2 . They acknowledged that Monahan and Spillane [1984] were the first to propose that the gas transfer coefficient is proportional to whitecap coverage and that whitecap coverage scales approximately as u 3 . While Wanninkhof and McGillis' findings give further support to the contention that at moderate and high wind speeds it is the fraction of the sea surface covered by Stage-A whitecaps (spilling wave crests) that determines the magnitude of the air-sea gas transfer coefficient, it should be noted that a cubic expression is only an approximation of the true dependence of whitecap coverage on wind speed [Monahan and O'Muircheartaigh, 1980], and that other factors such as wind duration need to be taken into account [Monahan and O'Muircheartaigh, 1986]. Since global maps of fractional oceanic whitecap coverage can now be generated using satellite-borne microwave radiometers, it follows that the potential exists for routinely producing similar global maps of CO 2 gas transfer coefficient (piston velocity).
Novel Reforming Catalysts

Aqueous phase reforming is useful for processing oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrogen and other more useful products. Current processing is hampered by the fact that oxide based catalysts are not stable under high temperature hydrothermal conditions. Silica in the form of structured MCM-41 is thermally a more stable support for Co and Ni than conventional high surface area amorphous silica but hydrothermal stability is not demonstrated. Carbon nanotube supports, in contrast, are highly stable under hydrothermal reaction conditions. In this project we show that carbon nanotubes are stable high activity/selectivity supports for the conversion of ethylene glycol to hydrogen.
Electrocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial enlargement: Role of the P terminal force in lead V1

The ability of the electrocardiographic criterion, P terminal force in lead V1 (PTF-V1), to diagnosis left atrial enlargement (LAE) is evaluated in a group of 317 men. A left atrial index greater than 2.2 cm/m2, determined by echocardiography, is used as the standard for LAE. The value for this criterion of 0.04 mm-sec performs best, although there is no significant difference in percent correct diagnosis for values of PTF-V1 ranging from 0.03 to 0.09 mm-sec.
Radiographic configuration and healing of 121 fractures of the proximal phalanx in 120 Thoroughbred racehorses (2007-2011).

Summary Reasons for performing study Although fractures of the proximal phalanx are one of the most common long bone fractures of Thoroughbred horses in training, limited details on variations in morphology and radiological progression have been published. Objectives To describe in detail the configuration of parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in a group of Thoroughbred racehorses, to report fracture distribution within this group of horses and to document radiological progression of fracture healing in cases treated by internal fixation. Study design Restrospective case series. Methods Case records and radiographs of Thoroughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx admitted to Newmarket Equine Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were analysed. Results One hundred and twenty-one fractures were identified in 120 Thoroughbred racehorses. Fractures were frequently more complex than was appreciated immediately following injury; a feature that has not been reported previously. There was seasonality of fractures in 2- and 3-year-old horses, but not in older horses. Conclusions and potential relevance Fractures of the proximal phalanx may be more complex than recognised previously, although often their complexity cannot be identified radiographically immediately following injury. The seasonality observed in 2- and 3-year-old horses is most likely to be a consequence of the timing of the turf-racing season in the UK. The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Towards a General Theory of Identifiability

What is identifiability, anyway, and what does it have to do with definitions and definability? The basic intuitive idea is clear. A concept (say, a one-place predicate P) occurring in a theory T[P] is definable on the basis of this theory iff the theory determines the interpretation of P as soon as the interpretations of the other concepts occurring in T[P] are fixed. More explicit, this is what, the definability of P on the basis of T[P] means.
Transposable elements as the key to a 21st century view of evolution

Cells are capable of sophisticated information processing. Cellular signal transduction networks serve to compute data from multiple inputs and make decisions about cellular behavior. Genomes are organized like integrated computer programs as systems of routines and subroutines, not as a collection of independent genetic ‘units’. DNA sequences which do not code for protein structure determine the system architecture of the genome. Repetititve DNA elements serve as tags to mark and integrate different protein coding sequences into coordinately functioning groups, to build up systems for genome replication and distribution to daughter cells, and to organize chromatin. Genomes can be reorganized through the action of cellular systems for cutting, splicing and rearranging DNA molecules. Natural genetic engineering systems (including transposable elements) are capable of acting genome-wide and not just one site at a time. Transposable elements are subject to regulation by cellular signal transduction/computing networks. This regulation acts on both the timing and extent of DNA rearrangements and (in a few documented cases so far) on the location of changes in the genomes. By connecting transcriptional regulatory circuits to the action of natural genetic engineering systems, there is a plausible molecular basis for coordinated changes in the genome subject to biologically meaningful feedback.
Bioenergetic and kinematic consequences of limblessness in larval Diptera

We report the cost of transport and kinematics of terrestrial locomotion by larval blowflies (Protophormia terraenovae, Diptera: Calliphoridae). We contrast inter- and intra-individual methods for estimating minimum cost of transport (MCOT) and the relationship between speed, contraction frequency and distance traveled per contraction. The minimum cost of transport calculated from intra-individual data is 2297 +/− 317 J kg-1 m-1 (S.E.M.) and the MCOT calculated from inter-individual comparisons is statistically indistinguishable at 1910 +/− 327 J kg-1 m-1. These values are almost ten times higher than the predicted value for a similar-sized limbed arthropod. Fly larvae travel by repeated peristaltic contractions and individual contractions cost about the same amount as individual strides in limbed insects. Both contraction frequency and distance traveled per contraction increase linearly with speed. Doubling the contraction frequency or the distance traveled per contraction approximately doubles speed. The cost of transport in fly larvae is among the highest recorded for terrestrial locomotion, confirming the suggestion that biomechanical and kinematic properties of limbless organisms with hydraulic skeletons lead to very high costs of transport.
Hypertension prevention trial: Do 24-h food records capture usual eating behavior in a dietary change study

The Hypertension Prevention Trial (HPT) was a randomized unmasked multicenter trial designed to address questions concerning the feasibility and efficacy of dietary intervention in the primary prevention of hypertension. Participants in the diet treatments were given counseling to achieve and sustain changes in calorie, sodium, and/or potassium intake. Diet composition, sodium and potassium excretion, and body weight were assessed for all participants at 6-mo intervals over 3 y. This paper provides information about extent and possible sources of bias in the dietary assessment methodology used in the HPT. Estimates of nutrient intake were derived from food records, urinalysis, and measurement of body weight. Reported potassium intake increased and sodium intake declined to a greater degree during the study than did potassium and sodium excretion. Our results indicate that repeated assessments of diet, which depend upon participant recording, may not accurately represent usual diet in a dietary trial.
A peptidomimetic inhibitor of ras functionality markedly suppresses growth of human prostate tumor xenografts in mice. Prospects for long-term clinical utility.

Purpose: These studies sought to evaluate the antitumor properties of an inhibitor of ras functionality, L-744,832, which acts at the level of its associated protein farnesyltransferase. Methods: Studies were carried out to measure the effects of L-744,832 alone and in combination with paclitaxel (PTXL) against TSU-PR1, DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate tumors xenografted to NCR-nu1 (AT) mice. Tumor-bearing mice were treated on a schedule of daily for 5 days ×2 or 3 with the MTD of L-744,832 and every 3–4 days ×4 with the MTD of PTXL starting 3–5 days after tumor implantation. Tumor volume in millimeters (4/3πr3) was measured 3–5 days after cessation of treatment and the increase in tumor volume in treated and control groups compared. Statistical analysis was carried out by the Chi-squared test. Results: L-744,832 at its MTD markedly inhibited the growth of all three tumors (T/C for increase in tumor mass varied from 11% to 15% and inhibition of growth had a rapid onset (within 1–2 days) and was independent of ras gene status. Estimated tumor doubling times were 8–12-fold greater in treated animals than in control animals. Treatment with L-744,832 for as long as 3 weeks had no untoward effects on the mice as determined by gross examination or necropsy. Administration of L-744,832 with this same dose and schedule potentiated the growth-inhibitory effect of PTXL at its MTD and induced some regression of TSU-PR1 with no obvious deleterious effects on the mice. Conclusions: L-744,832 could be safely administered over a protracted period of time to mice at doses which were markedly inhibitory to the growth of three human prostate tumor xenografts and in combination with PTXL was also well tolerated and brought about some regression of the TSU-PR1 tumor. Overall, these results suggest that L-744,832 could be clinically useful for long-term treatment of early-stage prostate cancer in patients and as an adjunct to cytotoxic therapy for late stages of this disease.
The influence of exploration mode, orientation, and configuration on the haptic Müller-Lyer illusion.

We studied the impact of manner of exploration, orientation, spatial position, and configuration on the haptic Muller-Lyer illusion. Blindfolded sighted subjects felt raised-line Muller-Lyer and control stimuli. The stimuli were felt by tracing with the index finger, free exploration, grasping with the index finger and thumb, or by measuring with the use of any two or more fingers. For haptic judgments of extent a sliding tangible ruler was used. The illusion was present in all exploration conditions, with overestimation of the wings-out compared to wings-in stimuli. Tracing with the index finger reduced the magnitude of the illusion. However, tracing and grasping induced an overall underestimation of size. The illusion was greatly attenuated when stimuli were felt with the index fingers of both hands. Illusory misperception was not altered by the position in space of the Muller-Lyer stimuli. No effects of changes in the thickness of the line shaft were found, but there were effects of the length of the wing endings for the smaller, 5.1 cm stimuli. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
FUNCTION OF AC-GLOBULIN AND LIPID IN BLOOD CLOTTING.

In this kinetic study of prothrombin activation prothrombin, thrombin, autoprothrombin C, autoprothrombin I, and Ac-globulin were used in purified form. The lipids used were protein-free sedimentab...
Sporogony of isospora rivolta oocysts from the dog.

SYNOPSIS. Sporogony of oocysts of Isospora rivolta from the dog was studied by observation of individual oocysts in hanging drop preparations. Oocysts were passed with the feces in the unsporulated sporont stage. Division of the sporont gave rise to 2 spherical sporoblasts. Each sporoblast elongated and developed into a transient double pyramid stage. This stage changed into the sporocyst, which then differentiated into the sporulated oocyst. Sporulation time was determined for 4 temperatures. At 20 C, 100% of the sporulating oocysts (Sz 100) had formed sporozoites by 48 hr. At 25 C, Sz 100 was 24 hr, at 30 C it was 16 hr, and at 38 C 8 hr. The percentages of sporulation at 20, 25, 30, and 38 C were 94, 97, 96, and 93, respectively. Oocysts incubated at 50 C for 4 hr did not develop or survive, since they failed to sporulate when reincubated at 30 C.
Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription Activation by Juvenile Hormone: A Critical Role for bHLH-PAS and Nuclear Receptor Proteins

Juvenile hormone (JH) is responsible for controlling many biological processes. In several insect species JH has been implicated as a key regulator of developmental timing, preventing the premature onset of metamorphosis during larval growth periods. However, the molecular basis of JH action is not well-understood. In this review, we highlight recent advances which demonstrate the importance of transcription factors from the bHLH-PAS and nuclear receptor families in mediating the response to JH.
Carbohydrate and protein immobilization onto solid surfaces by sequential Diels-Alder and azide-alkyne cycloadditions.

We demonstrate the applicability of sequential Diels−Alder and azide−alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions (click chemistry) for the immobilization of carbohydrates and proteins onto a solid surface. An α,ω-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker carrying alkyne and cyclodiene terminal groups was synthesized and immobilized onto an N-(e-maleimidocaproyl) (EMC)-functionalized glass slide via an aqueous Diels−Alder reaction. In the process, an alkyne-terminated PEGylated surface was provided for the conjugation of azide-containing biomolecules via click chemistry, which proceeded to completion at low temperature and in aqueous solvent. As anticipated, alkyne, azide, cyclodiene, and EMC are independently stable and do not react with common organic reagents nor functional groups in biomolecules. Given an appropriate PEG linker, sequential Diels−Alder and azide−alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions provide an effective strategy for the immobilization of a wide range of functionally complex substances onto solid s...
End-to-end rate allocation in multi-radio wireless mesh networks: cross-layer schemes

In this paper, we study rate allocation for a set of end-to-end communication sessions in multi-radio wireless mesh networks. We propose cross-layer schemes which can jointly solve rate allocation, channel assignment, routing, scheduling and power control problems in multiple layers. Specifically, a Linear Programming (LP) based scheme is presented to compute end-to-end rate allocation with the goal of maximizing network throughput. As simple throughput maximization may lead to a severe bias on rate allocation, we take fairness into consideration based on a parameter named Demand Satisfaction Factor (DSF), and two fairness models, a simplified max-min fairness model and the well-known proportional fairness model. We propose LP-based and Convex Programming (CP) based schemes to compute fair end-to-end rate allocation. Our schemes can provide upper bounds on achievable network throughput and max-min DSF values. Numerical results show that our proportional fair rate allocation scheme achieves a good tradeoff between throughput and fairness.
Negatively charged phosphopeptides of nucleolar nonhistone proteins from Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells.

Abstract To characterize the sites phosphorylated by endogenous kinases, phosphopeptides of isolated nucleolar nonhistone proteins were analyzed. Major phosphoprotein bands C23 and B23 were 32 P labeled in vitro and electrophoretically isolated. Tryptic phosphopeptides were resolved by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography into fractions A, B and C for band C23 and α and β for band B23. Each of these fractions contained phosphoserine, had a distinct amino acid composition of 49–65% glx + asx and 4–11% lys, and had molecular weights of 7–11,000 determined on Sephadex G50. These data indicate that two nucleolar nonhistone proteins have similar phosphorylated regions of high negative charge density.
Mesophases of Alkylammonium Salts II. Disorder and Motion in the Low Homologs: [CH3(CH2) n-1]NX, n = 1, 2, 3 and X = Br and I Analyzed by Solid State 13C NMR

Abstract Disorder and motion in crystals of tetra-n-alkylammonium halides of short chain length alkyl groups, [CH3(CH2) n-1]4NX, where n = 1, 2, 3 and X = Br and I, have been analyzed based on solid state NMR. The solid-mesophase phase transitions involve orientational motion and disorder of the cation as a whole, so that the mesophases must be identified as plastic crystals. Except for the methyl rotation, the conformational motion, i.e., the rotation about single-bonds, is limited to small-angle librations that do not reach other conformational isomers. The analyzed salts show, thus, a plastic-crystal me-sophase without conformational disorder. The information on the disorder and motion, obtained initially by thermal analysis of the transition, agrees well with the more detailed NMR results.
Vitamin E reduces peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and indicators of oxidative stress in untrained, exercised rats treated with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Abstract The protective effect of vitamin E (Vit E) on oxidative stress induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment in untrained, exercised, male Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. Thirty-two rats were treated with DHEA (0 or 100 mg/kg body weight/d i.p) and/or Vit E (0 or 1 g/kg diet) for 5 weeks. Untrained rats were exercised for 1 hr on a motorized rodent treadmill immediately prior to being killed. DHEA treatment decreased (P
Pollution prevention technologies: A review and classification

Abstract Waste minimization practices, reported in the literature for major industries using or generating hazardous materials, were reviewed. Technologies are summarized briefly in this paper. The information was reorganized according to the function served by the material industrially, and the gene- ral chemical nature of the material. Ten basic functions were identified, as binding, pigmentation, reactants, reaction inhibition, catalysis, bleaching, mass deposition, mass removal, by-products, and end-products. The resulting perspective of this review is general with respect to industry, and with respect to waste phase, and considers productivity benefits along with prevention of risks associated with pollution. Simi- larities in waste reduction opportunities are evident between processes where hazardous materials perform similar functions, suggesting general approaches to industrial hazardous waste reduction.
Trends in negative thermal expansion behavior for AMO2 (A=Cu or Ag; M=Al, Sc, In, or La) compounds with the delafossite structure

Powder neutron diffraction data were obtained from 30 to 600K for CuAlO{sub 2}, CuInO{sub 2}, CuLaO{sub 2}, 2H CuScO{sub 2}, 3R CuScO{sub 2}, and AgInO{sub 2}. Rietveld refinements of these data showed negative thermal expansion (NTE) of the O-Cu-O linkage in all cases. This behavior was especially strong for CuLaO{sub 2} and CuScO{sub 2}, where it persisted up to our maximum measuring temperature of 600K. This NTE in turn caused NTE of the c cell edge, which was moderated by the positive thermal expansion of the M-O bonds. The NTE behavior increases in the CuMO{sub 2} series as the size of M increases. No NTE behavior was found for the O-Ag-O linkage in AgInO{sub 2}; nonetheless, this compound did exhibit NTE for the c cell edge at low temperatures. For CuLaO{sub 2} there is NTE for both the a and c cell edges at low temperatures. Structural trends for compounds with the delafossite structure are discussed with respect to both composition and temperature.
Inflationary trispectrum for models with large non-Gaussianities

We compute the leading order contribution to the four-point function of the primordial curvature perturbation in a class of single field models where the inflationary Lagrangian is a general function of the inflaton and its first derivative. This class of models includes string motivated inflationary models such as DBI inflation. We find that the trispectrum for some range of parameters could potentially be observed in future experiments. Moreover, the trispectrum can distinguish DBI inflation from other inflation models with large non-Gaussianities which typically have a similar bispectrum. We also derive a set of consistency conditions for n-point functions of the primordial curvature perturbation in single field inflation, generalizing Maldacena's result for 3-point functions.
The texture of cross-micas in rocks affected by schistosity-parallel displacements

Abstract Cross-micas are described in a rock for which relative displacements from sliding on schistosity planes have previously been demonstrated. Individual cross-micas in these rocks have incurred similar displacements along (001) surfaces. Shear strain on planes parallel to (001) in each cross-mica is determined and plotted on a map of the surface being investigated. The distribution illustrates that higher shear strains are found in cross-micas that are close to translation surfaces along which garnet porphyroblasts have been sliced into tabular sections. The study illustrated in this paper could be extended to other types of cross-micas and may prove to be a useful method for the investigation of strain history in foliated rocks.
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Ability of Adeno-Associated Virus–Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor to Enhance Spiral Ganglion Cell Survival Following Ototoxic Insult†

Objectives/Hypothesis Auditory dysfunction following ototoxic insult results from loss of cochlear hair cells. Secondary degeneration of auditory neurons ensues from withdrawal of neurotrophic support from hair cells and can be prevented with administration of neurotrophins. Administration of adeno-associated virus containing the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor will promote spiral ganglion neuron survival after the destruction of hair cells. Methods Prevention of aminoglycoside-induced spiral ganglion neuron loss through the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mediated by means of the adeno-associated virus was tested in vitro in cochlear explants and in vivo in mammalian cochlea. Results Neuronal survival was significantly enhanced in adeno-associated virus–brain-derived neurotrophic factor transfected rat cochlear explants compared with control samples (30% vs. 19%, P <.05) following exposure to aminoglycoside. Following deafening with aminoglycoside and loop diuretic and introduction of adeno-associated virus–brain-derived neurotrophic factor through osmotic minipump, the experimental group of animals infused with adeno-associated virus–brain-derived neurotrophic factor displayed enhanced spiral ganglion neuron survival in the basal turn of the cochlea when compared with the control group infused with adeno-associated virus containing green fluorescent protein reporter gene. Conclusions Administration of adeno-associated virus–brain-derived neurotrophic factor enhances spiral ganglion neuron survival following ototoxic exposure in vitro and in vivo. These studies lay the groundwork for further exploration of its application as an adjunct therapy for patients undergoing cochlear implantation because the success of implantation depends directly on the population of neurons available for electrical stimulation.
Shear band formation in heavily cold rolled 70-30 brass

Blocks of 70 μm grain size 70-30 brass have been cold rolled up to a strain of 2.4. Polished parallelepiped samples have been prepared from the cold rolled strips and deformed in plane strain in a well-lubricated channel die. Three specimen orientations have been studied. Optical metallography has been used to determine the critical strain for the onset of shear banding and the angle which the shear bands make with the compression plane in the channel die. The strain at which shear bands form and the angle which they make with the compression plane depend upon the specimen orientation. The stress-strain curves show two distinct work hardening stages. Shear bands form under a positive rate of work hardening.
An equipartition property for high-dimensional log-concave distributions

A new effective equipartition property for log-concave distributions on high-dimensional Euclidean spaces is described, and some applications are sketched.
Pilot-scale biotreatment of refinery spent sulfidic caustics

Caustics are used in petroleum refining to remove hydrogen sulfide from various hydrocarbon streams. It was previously demonstrated that spent sulfidic caustics from two Conoco refineries could be successfully biotreated at the bench scale, resulting in neutralization and removal of active sulfides. Sulfides were completely oxidized to sulfate toThiobacillus denitrificans. Microbial oxidation of sulfide produced acid, which at least partially neutralized the caustic. Biotreatment of a Conoco spent sulfidic caustic has now been demonstrated at pilot scale (1000 gal or 3875 L). Results were comparable to those obtained at the bench scale. The economics and design of a commercial system to treat 1 gpm (3.8 L/min) of spent caustic are presented.
Indwelling Cecal Catheters for Fluid Administration in Ponies

Two different fluid solutions were infused through percutaneous cecal catheters in 6 healthy ponies to determine the effects on body weight; CBC; packed cell volume (PCV); total plasma protein concentration; plasma fibrinogen concentration; abdominal fluid analysis; concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, Ca, total CO2 (TCO2), Na, CI, K, and P; and fractional clearance (FC) of Na, CI, K, and P. During intracecal administration of solution 1, FCNa and FCCI were significantly increased, whereas FCK and BUN were significantly decreased. During administration of solution 2, FCNa and serum P were significantly increased, while PCV was significantly decreased. All ponies developed peritonitis during the study. Complications included catheter-related problems, diarrhea, laminitis, and hypocalcemia. We concluded that hydration and electrolyte balance could be maintained by administration of crystalloid solutions intracecally, but that complications were associated with the procedure.
Forced convection heat transfer correlations for flow in pipes, past flat plates, single cylinders, single spheres, and for flow in packed beds and tube bundles

Previously obtained experimental heat transfer data have been collected and are illustrated along with minor variations of the standard correlations. Analysis of data for heat transfer in randomly packed beds and compact (void fraction less than 0.65) staggered tube bundles indicates that the Nusselt number for a wide range of packing materials and tube arrangements is given by provided NRe ≥ 50. The correlations presented in this paper are not necessarily the most accurate available; however, they have wide application, are easy to use, and are quite satisfactory for most design calculations.
Chromatin regulation and genome maintenance by mammalian SIRT6

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sir2 is an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that links chromatin silencing to genomic stability, cellular metabolism and lifespan regulation. In mice, deficiency for the Sir2 family member SIRT6 leads to genomic instability, metabolic defects and degenerative pathologies associated with aging. Until recently, SIRT6 was an orphan enzyme whose catalytic activity and substrates were unclear. However, new mechanistic insights have come from the discovery that SIRT6 is a highly substrate-specific histone deacetylase that promotes proper chromatin function in several physiologic contexts, including telomere and genome stabilization, gene expression and DNA repair. By maintaining both the integrity and the expression of the mammalian genome, SIRT6 thus serves several roles that parallel Sir2 function. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of SIRT6 action and their implications for human biology and disease.
Sensitivity of Roberts syndrome cells to gamma radiation, mitomycin C, and protein synthesis inhibitors

Roberts syndrome (RS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pre- and postnatal growth retardation, limb reduction abnormalities, and craniofacial anomalies. Mitotic chromosomes from RS individuals display repulsion of heterochromatin regions or centromere splitting, leading to a railroad-track appearance of mitotic chromosomes. Abnormalities in metaphase duration, anaphase progression, nuclear morphology, and increased frequency of micronucleation have been reported in RS cells. Cells from RS heterozygotes are normal in these respects, and in vitro complementation of the defects in somatic cell hybrids has been reported. Therefore, in preparation for the isolation of cDNAs that complement the RS defect, we investigated various drug treatments to identify an agent that specifically involves the growth of RS cells. Based on the cytogenetic and cell biologic findings, we chose agents that increase micronucleation or inhibit protein synthesis. We found that RS cells are hypersensitive to gamma radiation, mitomycin C, G418 and hygromycin B, but not to colcemid or streptonigrin when compared to normal cells. DNA content and cell viability analysis confirmed that the sensitivity to gamma irradiation was primarily due to increased cell death.
The Classroom Social Environment and Changes in Adolescents’ Motivation and Engagement During Middle School

The authors investigated how students’ (N = 233) perceptions of the social environment of their eighth-grade classroom related to changes in motivation and engagement when they moved from seventh to eighth grade. In general, prior motivation and engagement were strong predictors of subsequent motivation and engagement, whereas gender, race, and prior achievement were not related to changes in motivation or engagement. A higher-order classroom social environment factor accounted for significant changes in all motivation and engagement outcomes. Four distinct dimensions of the social environment were differentially important in explaining changes in various indices of motivation and engagement. In general, however, students’ perceptions of teacher support, and the teacher as promoting interaction and mutual respect were related to positive changes in their motivation and engagement. Students’ perceptions of the teacher as promoting performance goals were related to negative changes in student motivation and...
Difference limens for formant patterns of vowel sounds

Studies of thresholds for discrimination of formant frequency variation in synthetic vowel sounds have been predominantly limited to variations in a single formant. Here, differences limens (DLs) are presented for multiformant variations expressed in measures of ΔF and as distances in the auditory‐perceptual space (APS) proposed by J. D. Miller [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 85, 2114–2134 (1989)]. DLs for four subjects were estimated along 102 synthetic vowel continua representing five patterns of formant variation [(1) single variation in F1; (2) single variation in F2; (3) parallel simultaneous variation in F1 and F2; (4) opposing simultaneous variation in F1 and F2; and parallel simultaneous variation in F1, F2, and F3] and 17 within‐ or between‐category vowel sounds. Minimal uncertainty methodology was employed utilizing an adaptive up–down procedure with a cued, two‐interval forced‐choice (2IFC) task. The results of this experiment reflect smaller DLs for both single‐ and multiple‐formant changes than have bee...
Alternative Futures for the Study of Human Individuality

The future of personality psychology may be viewed from three different vantage points, each representing a relatively distinct level or domain within which human individuality may be described and explained. From the first vantage point ofdispositional traits,the significant conceptual and empirical advances of the 1980s should lead to continued consolidation of the trait concept in the years to come and the vigorous expansion of the application of trait schemes, especially the Big Five, to a wide range of fields and phenomena. It is possible, however, to envision a less optimistic alternative future for the trait concept, should trait researchers fall prey to the kind of parochialism that has sometimes characterized personality research in years past. Beyond traits,personal concernsencompass many motivational, developmental, and strategic constructs of personality that are contextualized in time, place, and/or social role. The recent upsurge of interest in such constructs as personal strivings, life tasks, and so on suggests that the study of human individuality from this second vantage point should witness considerable proliferation in construct development during the next few years as well as integrative attempts to map the geography of this vast and variegated personality domain. The third vantage point is that of identity as alife story,a perspective articulated in a number of relatively new personality theories. According to this perspective, most adults living in modern societies seek to provide their lives with unity and purpose by constructing internalized and evolving life narratives complete with settings, scenes, characters, plots, and themes. Personality psychologists have just begun to consider individuality from this third vantage point. It is hoped that future years will witness a significant research effort to collect, interpret, categorize, and analyze life stories and to explore their structure, function, and development in order to better understand their role and their position within the complexity of personality.
Structure and Dynamics of the Arizona Monsoon Boundary

The structure and dynamics of the Arizona monsoon boundary, defined as the boundary separating two distinctly different air masses over Mexico and the adjacent Pacific during the summer, are analyzed. The cross-sectional analysis was based on the following three data sources: a composite cross section through the boundary, constructed from the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center analysis for 1985; a time-height cross section, obtained using radiosonde observations at the time the boundary passed through Tucson in 1984; and a cross section through the boundary of July 22, 1985, using high-resolution fields of temperature, moisture, and geopotential height obtained from the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder. All three sources yielded similar structure, showing that the Arizona monsoon boundary resembles a midlatitude front forced almost entirely by confluence. The possible role this frontlike system may play in the development of disturbances in the southwestern United States during summer is discussed.