cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Political competition and de facto judicial independence in non‐democracies

This article investigates the role of political competition in explaining de facto judicial independence in non-democratic regimes. It argues that the electoral, political insurance explanation popular in the study of courts in democracies also offers explanatory power in the autocratic context, despite popular wisdom otherwise: due to the relatively greater risks of losing power in non-democracies, electoral competition is highly salient when present. This is examined via hierarchical and fixed effects models that show competition strongly associated with increased levels of independence. This relationship is robust to alternative model and data specification, and has strong out-of-sample predictive accuracy.
Interband cascade (IC) mode-locked lasers

We demonstrate a mode-locked interband cascade semiconductor laser operating in the 3 μm wavelength range. Such broadband optical sources are relevant for spectroscopic applications in the mid infrared range where the fundamental rotational-vibrational bands of most light molecules are found.
The Central Role of Relationships With Trauma-Informed Integrated Care for Children and Youth

Abstract Objective Primary care plays an essential role in the primary and secondary prevention of children's mental health problems. A growing series of trials have shown the capacity of primary care providers to deliver care that specifically addresses risks to healthy social and emotional development by incorporating mental health services into their routines and integrating their work with the mental health care system. In this article elements common to various integration schemes that seem essential to their success are described. Methods Narrative review, combining conclusions from 3 previous systematic reviews. Results Trusting, personal relationships between patients and providers, and among collaborating providers, are a critical element of successful trauma-informed integrated care. Patient-provider relationships are essential to disclosure of sensitive concerns, to engaging patients in care, and to designing care that is responsive to individual patient needs. Studies of patient-centered care and psychotherapy suggest ways that these relationships can be built and maintained. Provider-provider relationships are, in turn, essential to coordinating the work of the range of providers and services needed to address trauma prevention and treatment. These relationships can form within a variety of organizational structures but building them might require staff training, redesign of work flows, and support from organizational structures and goals. Conclusions A variety of interventions at the patient-provider, clinical site, system, and policy levels can foster relationships and provide the foundation for care capable of addressing promotion of social and emotional well-being in general and trauma prevention and treatment in particular.
The Affordable Care Act, Insurance Coverage, and Health Care Utilization of Previously Incarcerated Young Men: 2008-2015.

Objectives. To estimate health insurance and health care utilization patterns among previously incarcerated men following implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Medicaid expansion and Marketplace plans in 2014.Methods. We performed serial cross-sectional analyses using data from the National Survey of Family Growth between 2008 and 2015. Our sample included men aged 18 to 44 years with (n = 3476) and without (n = 8702) a history of incarceration.Results. Uninsurance declined significantly among previously incarcerated men after ACA implementation (–5.9 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −11.5, –0.4), primarily because of an increase in private insurance (6.8 percentage points; 95% CI = 0.1, 13.3). Previously incarcerated men accounted for a large proportion of the remaining uninsured (38.6%) in 2014 to 2015. Following ACA implementation, previously incarcerated men continued to be significantly less likely to report a regular source of primary care and more likely to report eme...
Abstract 19709: Lower Ankle-Brachial Index Within the Normal Range is Associated With Reduced Mitochondrial Energy Production, Explaining the Accompanying Poor Walking Endurance

Introduction: Reduced walking endurance in peripheral arterial disease, defined as ABI <0.9, has been attributed to impaired muscle mitochondrial energetics. Individuals with borderline ABI between 0.9 and 1.0, or low normal ABI between 1.0 and 1.1 also have been found to have worse walking endurance than those with higher ABI. Hypothesis: Poor walking endurance in individuals with lower ABI in borderline and normal ranges is mediated by impaired mitochondrial energy production. Methods: We examined 382 men and women participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, who were free of PAD. Walking endurance was assessed by 400 meter rapid gate speed (RGS-400). Muscle mitochondrial energy production was assessed by post-exercise phosphocreatine recovery rate constant ( K PCr) measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) of the left thigh; reduced K PCr reflects decreased mitochondria energy production. Ipsilateral ABI was measured by the Colin system. Multivariate models were adjusted for age, sex, glucose, and smoking status. Results: The sample mean age was 71 ± 12 years; about 18% of the participants had diabetes; 4% were current and 40% were former smokers. There were significant associations between K PCr and each of ABI and RGS-400 (Figure 1); these remained significant after adjustment. Lower ABI was independently associated with slower RGS-400 (β=-0.60, P=0.0339). Adding K PCr to the model weakened the association between RGS-400 and ABI by 15%, rendering it statistically insignificant (β=-0.51, P=0.09.) Conclusion: The association between lower ABI in the normal range and poorer walking endurance is mediated by lower mitochondrial energy production. Hence, even within the normal range, lower ABI could represent a preclinical reduction in lower extremity perfusion negatively affecting energy production. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these association and their long terms effects. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Formation energies of native point defects in strained-layer superlattices

The two most desired properties for photo-detection using a strained-layer superlattice (SLS) are high native point defect (NPD) formation energies and absence of mid-gap levels. In this Letter we use first-principles calculations to study the formation energies of NPDs. First we validate the numerical method by comparing the calculated defect formation energies with measured values reported in the literature. Then we calculate the formation energy of various NPDs in a number of InAs-GaSb SLS systems. From the calculated defect formation energies in SLS relative to that in constituent bulk material, the probability of defect presence in SLS can be inferred if we know the growth conditions of SLS with respect to those of the bulk material. Since the defects with much higher formation energy in SLS will be difficult to form, their energy levels in the SLS mini-gap will have little effect on device performance, even if the defect states lie in mid-gap. Together with our calculated defect energy level results...
Future Trends and Issues in Physical Education and Athletics

(1980). Future Trends and Issues in Physical Education and Athletics. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 20-21.
Roles of strain and domain boundaries on the phase transition stability of VO2 thin films

The fundamental phase transition mechanism and the stability of the semiconductor-to-metal phase transition properties during multiple thermal cycles have been investigated on epitaxial vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films via both ex situ heating and in situ heating by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). VO2 thin films were deposited on c-cut sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Ex situ studies show the broadening of transition sharpness (ΔT) and the width of thermal hysteresis (ΔH) after 60 cycles. In situ TEM heating studies reveal that during thermal cycles, large strain was accumulated around the domain boundaries, which was correlated with the phase transition induced lattice constant change and the thermal expansion. It suggests that the degradation of domain boundary structures in the VO2 films not only caused the transition property reduction (e.g., the decrease in ΔT and ΔH) but also played an important role in preventing the film from fracture during thermal cycles.
Three-dimensional simulation of obstacle-mediated chemotaxis

Amoeboid cells exhibit a highly dynamic motion that can be directed by external chemical signals, through the process of chemotaxis. Here, we propose a three-dimensional model for chemotactic motion of amoeboid cells. We account for the interactions between the extracellular substances, the membrane-bound proteins, and the cytosolic components involved in the signaling pathway that originates cell motility. We show two- and three-dimensional simulations of cell migration on planar substrates, flat surfaces with obstacles, and fibrous networks. The results show that our model reproduces the main features of chemotactic amoeboid motion. Our simulations unveil a complicated interplay between the geometry of the cell's environment and the chemoattractant dynamics that tightly regulates cell motion. The model opens new opportunities to simulate the interactions between extra- and intra-cellular compounds mediated by the matrix geometry.
Modeling time domain multiphysics of reverse saturable absorption

In this work, a time domain model that can accurately describe the dynamics of materials exhibiting reverse saturable absorption is proposed and validated. A set of rate equations is used to describe the atomic transitions between different singlet ant triplet states which is then coupled to the finite difference time domain method through a Lorentzian equation. The results of our model match the experimental measurements and we believe it will enable accurate design and optimization of optical limiting devices.
Family adaptation model for spousal caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis: Testing the stress-processing theory

Caregivers provide assistance for their family member with multiple sclerosis (MS) for an indefinite amount of time. Using Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress process theory as a theoretical framework, this study investigated the relationship of gender, current health problems, perceived stress, ways of coping, social support, control of internal states, and family adaptation to develop an adjustment model for caregivers of people with MS. Ninety caregivers participated in this study. Path analysis was used to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The test of this model showed fit indices that indicated an excellent fit for the model (χ 2 = 18.373, p = 0.366; NFI = 0.892; CFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.03). The finding shows that positive coping strategies enhanced caregiver's control of internal states and subsequently led caregivers to seek social support and in turn, caregivers perceived family function positively. control of internal states, positive coping strategies, and social support buffered the negative effect from caregiver's stressors on family adjustment.
Variety Membership Problem for Two Classes of Non-Finitely Based Semigroups

The variety membership problem for two classes of non-finitely based semigroups is considered. It is shown that a finite semigroup S belongs to the variety generated by one of these non-finitely based semigroups if and only if S satisfies four certain equations that involve at most 2│S│+1 distinct variables.
Designing for Complexity: The Challenge to Spatial Design from Sustainable Human Development in Cities

Never in history have we built so much, in so many different places. Population growth, urbanization, and technological change are all pushing us to conceive and design spaces in human societies in...
Growth of ErAs:GaAs nanocomposite by liquid phase epitaxy

Abstract Semiconductor nanocomposites have shown unique opto-electronic and thermal properties that could challenge state-of-the-art materials in various fields. Unfortunately, the high cost, slow growth, and material inflexibility exhibited by molecular beam epitaxy, the commonly used nanocomposite growth technique, limit applications in which these materials can be used, especially when thick films are needed. Here, we propose a 2-step growth process, which uses inert gas condensation to synthesize nanoparticles and liquid phase epitaxy to incorporate them into a thin film. Through these experiments, we have added to the understanding of the Ga-Er-As ternary phase diagram at high temperatures, and found criteria required for the growth of these nanocomposites. In summary, the nanoparticles must exhibit thermal stability, as well as thermodynamic compatibility in the growth solution, at the growth temperature to be compatible with liquid phase epitaxy growth. We have found bulk phase diagrams to be insufficient for these purposes.
Lung Cancer Screening Utilization: A Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Analysis.

Introduction Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. The National Lung Screening Trial found that low-dose computed tomography reduced lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals. As a result, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force began recommending low-dose computed tomography screening for those at a high risk in 2013. Therefore, it is imperative to continually monitor lung cancer screening uptake. The objective of this study was to determine computed tomography screening uptake across ten states using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data. Methods In fall 2018, a cross-sectional analysis was performed on survey data from 4,374 low-dose computed tomography–eligible participants, as determined by Task Force recommendations. Weighted percentages were calculated to assess computed tomography screening utilization overall and by state, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics; Wald chi-squared tests evaluated group differences. Results Within the study sample, 14.4% of eligible individuals had a computed tomography scan to test for lung cancer within the past 12 months. Significant state-to-state variation was identified (6.5% utilization in Nevada to 18.1% in Florida, p=0.03). Screening utilization was higher among individuals with insurance than among the uninsured (15.2% vs 4.0%, p Conclusions Computed tomography screening utilization was higher than in earlier estimates. However, further research is needed to elucidate geographic variation in screening.
Low-Gravity Capabilities of Life Support System Components and Processes

Life support system low gravity tests, discussing liquid droplet release, heat exchanger passage plugging and liquid film stability
The social organization of sexual assault

In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on sexual assault. First, we define sexual assault, noting its multiple dimensions and the consequences for operationalization—including rev...
Neck dissection does not add to morbidity or mortality of laryngectomy

Objectives: To examine the national rates of complications, readmission, reoperation, death and length of hospital stay after laryngectomy. To explore the risks of neck dissection with laryngectomy using outcomes. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was reviewed retrospectively. The database was analyzed for patients undergoing laryngectomy with and without neck dissection. Demographic, perioperative complication, reoperation, readmission, and death variables were analyzed. Results: 754 patients who underwent total laryngectomy during this time were found. Demographic analysis showed average age was 63 years old, 566 (75.1%) were white, and 598 (79.3%) were male. Of these patients, 520 (69.0%) included a neck dissection while 234 (31.0%) did not. When comparing patients who received a neck dissection to those who did not, there were no significant differences in median length of hospital stay (12.5 days w/vs. 13.3 days w/o, P ＝0.99), rates of complication (40% w/vs. 35% w/o, P ＝0.23), reoperation (13.5% w/vs. 14% w/o, P ＝0.81), readmission (14% w/vs. 18% w/o, P ＝0.27), and death (1.3% w/vs. 1.3% w/o, P > 0.99). Furthermore, neck dissection did not increase the risk of complication (P ＝0.23), readmission (P ＝0.27), reoperation (P ＝0.81), death (P ＝0.94), or lengthened hospital stay (P ＝0.38). Conclusions: Concurrent neck dissection does not increase postoperative morbidity or mortality in patients undergoing total laryngectomies. These results may help physicians make decisions regarding concurrent neck dissection with total laryngectomy. Key words: Laryngectomy; Neck dissection; Total laryngectomy; Complication rates; Outcomes
Feline Atopic Syndrome: Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation

Although very well defined and characterized in the dog, feline atopic syndrome remains less well understood with regard to disease pathogenesis and clinical presentations. While many similarities exist, questions remain whether atopic dermatitis is the same disease entity in dogs and cats. Atopic dermatitis in the cat is often referred to as “feline atopic syndrome” or “non-flea, non-food hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFNFHD).” Although the diagnostic process is similar for dogs and cats, with both being a diagnosis of exclusion, demonstration of immunoglobulin-E (IgE) involvement in feline atopic syndrome has been inconclusive. As with canine atopic dermatitis, pruritus remains a feature of the disease in cats; however, the distribution of pattern of pruritus and lesions is more variable in feline patients. Cats with feline atopic syndrome will typically present with at least one of four common cutaneous reaction patterns (head/neck/pinnal pruritus with excoriations, self-induced alopecia, miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic skin lesions). Additionally, non-cutaneous clinical signs may also be observed.
A 137 GHz gyrotron scattering diagnostic for instability studies in a tandem mirror

A 1 kW, 137 GHz Gyrotron and TE 03 to TE 11 mode converters have been built and tested for a plasma scattering diagnostic on the TARA tandem mirror. The heterodyne receiver for this diagnostic has been installed. Plasma emission levels corresponding to a noise temperature of up to 173 eV double side band have been measured during ECRH in the TARA plug.
Do Americans Really Support Black Athletes Who Kneel During the National Anthem? Estimating the True Prevalence and Strength of Sensitive Racial Attitudes in the Context of Sport:

Professional athletes in the United States have protested racism in various ways for decades. Kneeling during the national anthem became a prominent form of such activism, ever since American footb...
Judging a book by its cover: investigating consumer responses towards social cue in social media influencer marketing

The main goal of this research is to examine how social cues embedded in social media may influence people’s perceptions and behavioural intentions towards influencer messages. Findings from an exp...
The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How It Has Undermined All Women

CONTENTS Introduction The New Momism One Revolt Against the MRS Two Mouthing Off to Dr. Spock Three Threats from Without: Satanism, Abduction, and Other Media Panics Four Attack of the Celebrity Moms Five Threats from Within: Maternal Delinquents Six The War Against Welfare Mothers Seven The "Mommy Wars" Eight Dumb Men, Stupid Choices -- or Why We Have No Childcare Nine Moms "R" Us Ten Dr. Laura's Neighborhood: Baby Wearing, Nanny Cams, and the Triumph of the New Momism Epilogue Exorcising the New Momism Notes Acknowledgments Index Questions and Topics for Discussion
Application of Survival Model to Understand Open Source Software Release

One of the recurrent themes in open source software research is to understand the impacts of various project characteristics on its success. Open source software (OSS) projects rely on voluntary participation of developers and tend to be continually in development. Hence, an important measure of success is the time it takes for an OSS project to release a stable version to its users. However, there is little research on this success measure and how the OSS characteristics enable or delay the progress towards stable release. In this study, we use survival analysis technique on open source project data to explore the impacts of OSS characteristics on the time it takes to release stable software versions. We find that when compared to the interest of developers in the project, interest of end-users has a greater positive effect on an OSS project progress towards stable release. Our findings also suggest that the use of C and C-like programming languages or a Weak-Copyleft license for the open source project negatively impact the project’s time to reach stable status. In OSS projects less than 8 months since becoming public, the use of a Strong-Copyleft license positively affects the project’s progress. One of the implications of our findings is that OSS project administrators should control software change requests or form smaller developer groups to better control the delays due to higher developer interest in their projects.
Seamount morphology in the Bowie and Cobb hot spot trails, Gulf of Alaska

Full-coverage multibeam bathymetric mapping of twelve seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska reveals that they are characterized by flat-topped summits (rarely with summit craters) and by terraced, or step-bench, flanks. These summit plateaus contain relict volcanic features (e.g., flow levees, late-stage cones, and collapse craters) and as such must have been constructed by volcanic processes such as lava ponding above a central vent, rather than by erosion above sea level. The terraced flanks are composed of a sequence of stacked lava deltas and cones, probably tube-fed from a central lava pond, a morphology which is suggestive of long-lived, stable central lava sources and low to moderate eruption rates, indicative of significant time spent above a hot spot outlet. Most of these seamounts have summit plateaus surrounded, and cut into, by amphitheater headwall scarps, and flanks that are scarred by debris chutes, but lack visible debris accumulations at their base. We interpret the lack of blocky debris fields as evidence that the slope failures are mainly small-scale debris flows, rather than large-scale flank collapses. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that large flank-collapse blocks from early in the histories of these seamounts are now hidden beneath the thick glacio-fluvial fan deposits that cover the Gulf of Alaska seafloor. These slope failure features become smoother and longer and increase in size and abundance with increasing age of a seamount, suggesting that slope failure processes continue long after volcanic activity ceases.
Bilinear recurrent neural network

A recurrent neural network and its training algorithm are proposed in this paper. Since the proposed algorithm is based on the bilinear polynomial, it can model many nonlinear systems with much more parsimony than the higher order neural networks based on Volterra series. The proposed bilinear recurrent neural network (BLRNN) is compared with multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) for time series prediction problems. The results show that the BLRNN is robust and outperforms the MLPNN in terms of prediction accuracy. >
Assimilating earnings and split information

Abstract Recent studies have implied that the capital market has become more efficient with respect to the announcements of stock splits and corporate earnings. This study calculated residual returns associated with these announcements and then tested, by time period (early and late years), for a between period difference. The results suggest that for certain earnings and split announcements the market is no more efficient than it has been in the past.
Glycolytic and non-glycolytic functions of GAPDH in cellular response to genotoxic drugs

3341 Cancer cells obtain about 50% of their energy by metabolizing glucose to lactic acid even in aerobic condition (Warburg effect). Unrelated to its glycolytic functions, GAPDH is involved in critical pathways including export of nuclear RNA, DNA replication and repair, regulation of transcription, and apoptosis. Therefore, a pivotal glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is likely to be an essential element of cancer cell survival. We used human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and renal carcinoma UO31 cells to elucidate relationship between the level and activity of GAPDH, and cellular response to genotoxic drugs (cytarabine, araC, and mercaptopurine, MP). Treatment with araC induced apoptosis in A549 and UO31, as evidenced by accumulation of γ-H2AX, activation of caspase 3, and accumulation of cleaved PARP. Using RNA interference technology, we knocked down GAPDH in A549 and UO31 cells. After siGAPDH treatment, intracellular GAPDH level was decreased 4-5-fold in A549 and 2-3-fold in UO31. A549 and UO31 cells with decreased GAPDH level were less sensitive to genotoxic effects of araC; phosphorylation of H2AX (the marker of DNA fragmentation) was reduced by 60%. In parallel, both cell lines challenged by araC demonstrated intranuclear accumulation of GAPDH (up to 5-6-fold), as evidenced by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescent microscopy, and confocal microscopy using GFP-GAPDH fusion protein. To assess intranuclear functions of GAPDH, we determined the content and glycolytic activity of GAPDH in nuclei and cytosol of the cells after genotoxic stress. Specific activity of nuclear GAPDH was decreased after araC treatment suggesting post-translational modification of the enzyme. Unexpectedly, we observed reversible intranuclear accumulation of GAPDH in A549 cells treated with MP even though MP was not cytotoxic for this cell line. In contrast to the effect of araC, nuclear GAPDH retained its enzymatic activity after MP treatment. Our results indicate that the intranuclear accumulation of GAPDH and the inhibition of intranuclear GAPDH are two separable events. We conclude that two distinct mechanisms govern intranuclear accumulation of GAPDH: one mechanism is related to induction of apoptosis following genotoxic stress which is accompanied by modification of GAPDH and inhibition of nuclear GAPDH activity; the second mechanism is a reversible translocation of GAPDH after stress.
The mechanism of action of malt β-glucanases: VI. Hydrolysis of barley β-d-glucan by endo-β-glucanases from germinated barley

Abstract Barley β- d -glucan was extensively hydrolyzed by individual and by combinations of purified β-glucanases from germinated barley. Both A I -endo-β-glucanase and A II -endo-β-glucanase produced predominantly trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide plus smaller amounts of higher oligosaccharides. Multiple chromatography and partial acid hydrolysis indicated that the trisaccharides and tetrasaccharides produced by the action of the two enzymes contained both (1 → 3) and (1 → 4) β-glucosidic linkages. Combinations of the two enzymes alone or with endo-carboxymethyl cellulase and laminarinase yielded similar trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, and higher oligosaccharide spots when the enzyme hydrolyzates were separated on paper chromatograms.
Fluid intake in Mexican adults; a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: An adequate hydration is critical for a series of body functions, including proper regulation of core body temperature, elimination of waste metabolites by the kidney and maintenance of normal physical and cognitive functions. Some institutions have set recommendations for adequate intake of water, but these recommendations vary widely. Objective: To estimate the usual daily consumption of fluids (water and all other beverages) by a selective sample of Mexican population. Methods: Cross-sectional sample of 1,492 male and female adults between 18-65 years of age, drawn from 16 cities throughout Mexico. Self-reported fluid intake data collected over a 7-day consecutive period, recording intake of water, milk and derivatives, hot beverages, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), alcoholic beverages and others. Results: We found that 87.5% of adult males and 65.4% of adult females reported drinking below their recommended daily fluid intake (3 L for males and 2 L for females), and in 80% of the population SSB, not including hot beverages or milk and derivatives, accounted for a larger amount and proportion of fluid intake than plain water. Sixty-five percent of adult males and 66% of adult females consumed more than 10% of their estimated daily caloric intake from fluids. Fluid intake did not differ significantly by gender, but showed a declining trend with age. Conclusion: Our findings may have important implications for policy recommendations, as part of comprehensive strategies to promote the adoption of healthy life styles, in this case, promoting consumption of plain water while discouraging excessive consumption of caloric beverages.
27.12MHz GaN Bi-directional resonant power converter

Resonant dc-dc converter regularly use Schottky diodes for high frequency rectification. Si Schottky diodes have relatively low voltage ratings and present reverse-recovery type losses when driven hard enough. SiC Schottky diodes can operate at high frequencies, but incur higher conduction losses. This paper presents a bidirectional dc-dc resonant converter having two ground referenced switches. The prototype converter delivers 400 W between a source of 170 V and a load of 50 V while delivering 250 W in the opposite direction. The converter presented herein can potentially be used in applications such as wireless power transfer, fuel cell and battery applications, bus converters, etc.
A lim inf result for the Brownian motion

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes a lim inf result for the Brownian motion with derivations of associated theorems in detail.
Contributions of organic alkalinity to total alkalinity in coastal waters: A spectrophotometric approach

Abstract Contributions of organic alkalinity (Org-Alk) to total alkalinity (TA) were investigated in surface waters from three different coastal environments (estuary, urban, mangrove) and offshore sites in the Gulf of Mexico. ∆ TA was calculated as the difference between directly measured TA, and TA calculated from total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH. In low nutrient surface waters, ∆ TA should be dominated by Org-Alk with minor contributions from inorganic nutrients (e.g., HPO42 − and SiO(OH)3−). Average values of ∆ TA were 0.1 ± 5.0 μmol kg− 1 at coastal sites outside the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River Estuary (n = 17), 33.6 ± 18.0 μmol kg− 1 in the Suwannee River Estuary (n = 17), 16.0 ± 25.4 μmol kg− 1 in the Tampa Bay, Caloosahatchee River, and Ten Thousand Islands area (n = 55), and − 1.0 ± 4.9 μmol kg− 1 in offshore waters (n = 14) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In addition to Org-Alk assessments based on ∆ TA, procedures were developed for direct spectrophotometric measurements of Org-Alk via titrations of samples that were purged of CO2. Two-step titrations of these DIC-free samples consisted of a first titration from pH 4.5 to 6.0 performed using bromocresol purple (BCP), and a second titration, from pH 6.0 to about 8, using cresol red (CR) as the indicator. By diluting all samples, including the offshore reference sample, to a common salinity (the lowest salinity of the coastal samples), borate alkalinity was presumed to be identical for all samples. Org-Alk values were calculated as differences between titration results obtained for coastal samples and the offshore reference sample and, through ancillary nutrient measurements, accounted for alkalinity contributions from silicate and phosphate. The direct titrations confirmed the existence of substantial Org-Alk in coastal samples. Spectrophotometric titration data were also used for model fitting in order to assess the dissociation constants (pKi) of the organic acids. The pKi of the organic acids were within the previously reported range for riverine fulvic acids.
Intraneuronal Aggregate Formation and Cell Death after Viral Expression of Expanded Polyglutamine Tracts in the Adult Rat Brain

Expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts have been linked to a new class of human disease characterized by psychiatric/motor syndromes associated with specific patterns of neurodegeneration. We have used a direct viral approach to locally express expanded polyglutamine tracts fused to the green fluorescent protein (97Q-GFP) in the adult rat brain. We show that intrastriatal expression of 97Q-GFP causes the rapid formation of fibrillar, cytoplasmic, and ubiquitinated nuclear aggregates in neurons. 97Q-GFP expression also results in a specific temporal pattern of cell death in the striatum. Co-infection studies suggest that high level 97Q-GFP-expressing cells die during the first month, whereas low level 97Q-GFP-expressing neurons persist for up to 6 months after infection. These data indicate that cumulative expression of polyQ repeats throughout the life of the animal is not required to induce neuronal death, but rather acute overexpression of polyQ is toxic to adult neurons in vivo.
What Frege's Theory of Identity is Not

The analysis of identity as coreference is strongly associated with Frege; it is the view in Begriffsschrift, and, some have argued, henceforth throughout his work. This thesis is incorrect: Frege never held that identity is coreference. The case is made not by interpretation of “proof-quotes”, but rather by exploring how Frege actually deploys the concept. Two cases are considered. The first, from Grundgesetze, are the definitions of the core concepts, zero and truth; the second, from Begriffsschrift, is the validity of Leibniz's Law. In both cases, if identity is coreference, results ensue that would be unacceptable to Frege.
Communication Profiles of Adolescents with Down Syndrome.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if male adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) have a communication pattern which differs from males in three control groups matched for chronologica...
Dangerousness and violence in hospitalized mentally ill offenders.

Clinical judgments of dangerousness depend not only on patient characteristics, but are greatly influenced by the perspective of the rater and the context for which the assessments are made. Similarly, institutional violence is determined not only by patient characteristics, but is also a function of contextual variables such as physical milieu, important clinical events not under the control of the patient, etc. To increase the predictive validity of assessments of dangerousness it is essential to specify 1) the vulnerabilities and strengths of the patient, 2) the current life stressors, and 3) the contextual triggers to which the patient is likely to react violently. The momentary contextual triggers may be useful to predict the type and severity of violence and perhaps the most likely victims as well. Analyses of previous violent incidents may provide markers for contextual triggers, e.g., type of weapon, victim, severity of violence, etc.
Genome variation of human papillomavirus types: Phylogenetic and medical implications

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are described as "types" based on their genome sequences and identified by a number. For example, HPV-6 is associated with genital warts, and HPV-16 with anogenital cancers. The genomes of many HPV types have been reisolated, sequenced and compared to reference "prototypes" countless times by laboratories throughout the world. It was found that each HPV type occurs in the form of "variants", identified by about 2% nucleotide differences in most genes and 5% in less conserved regions. Less than 100 variants of any HPV type have been detected, a scenario that is very different from the quasi-species formed by many RNA viruses. The variants of each HPV type form phylogenetic trees, and variants from specific branches are often unique to specific ethnic groups. Immigrant populations contain, depending on their respective ethnic origins, mixtures of variants. The absence of HPV genomes intermediate to specific types show that all HPV types existed already when humans became a species. Consequently, humans had always suffered from lesions like anogenital cancer, genital warts and common warts. A growing number of epidemiological, etiological and molecular data suggest that variants of the same HPV type are biologically distinct and may confer differential pathogenic risks. Since the distribution of some variants of HPV-16 and 18 correlates with the distribution of human populations that have an increased risk to develop anogenital cancer, the study of HPV type variation may point to one of the reasons for the higher incidence rates of these lesions in specific cohorts.
Calix[4]arenes bearing a tropylium substituent as hosts for organic cations

Four novel calix[4]arenes bearing one cycloheptatrienyl substituent and two calix[4]arenes with one tropylium substituent at the wider rim were synthesized. Cycloheptatrienyl- and tropylium-calixarenes represent two states of a potentially photoswitchable calixarene host. The complexation of selected hosts with organic cations such as quinolinium, ammonium and tropylium ions was studied. It was found that the complexation of organic cations by the tropylium-substituted host was much stronger in CDCl3 solution than by the related cycloheptatrienyl-host. Aryltropylium ions are bound by tropylium hosts. Accordingly, dimers of the host itself are formed both in CDCl3 solution and in the gas phase. Because of the intramolecular charge transfer tropyliumcalix[4]arenes are qualified as chromogenic hosts. These undergo two acid-base equilibriums depending on the concentration and the solvent.
Influence of calcium pretreatment on wheat germination on saline media

Wheat grains (Triticum vulgare L. var. Lemhi 53) were pretreated for about 6 hours with various solutions. They were then rinsed and planted on filter paper moistened with NaCl solution in petri dishes. Percent germination was measured after 3 days. Germination of water pretreated seeds on 1% NaCl was 8 per cent, while pretreatment with 1% CaCl2. 2H2O resulted in 90 per cent germination on 1% NaCl. Pretreatment with sodium and potassium chlorides enhanced germination only slightly. The beneficial effects of calcium pretreatment could be duplicated only partially by increments of CaCl2 to the NaCl germination medium. Preatreatment concentrations ranging from 1 to 5% CaCl2. 2H2O, and times ranging from 3 to 24 hours were about equally effective. The beneficial effect of pretreatment persisted even though the seeds were subsequently dried and planted several months later. Pretreatment with calcium resulted in about a 25 per cent reduction in Na22 uptake from the germination medium.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data for oncomodulin.

Abstract Oncomodulin, a parvalbumin-like calcium-binding protein isolated from rat tumours, has been crystallized from 33% polyethylene glycol 6000 at pH 5·2 in the presence of CaCl2 and dithiothreitol. The crystals belong to the space group P212121, with unit cell dimensions a = 39·59(1) A , b = 64·28(2) A and c = 33·07(1) A , and have one molecule of oncomodulin per asymmetric unit. Their solvent content is only 31% ( v v ) and they are remarkably stable. Three complete sets of data, one to 1·85 A resolution for the native protein and one to 2·0 A for each of two heavy-atom derivatives, have been collected. A three-dimensional structure analysis is in progress.
Local lattice distortions in La 1 − x Sr x MnO 3 studied by pulsed neutron scattering

Pulsed neutron-diffraction measurements were carried out on powder samples of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ $(0l~xl~0.5)$ in order to study the local atomic structure of this system known for its colossal magnetoresistance phenomenon. The results are analyzed in terms of the atomic pair-density function to elucidate the role of local lattice distortion in the magnetic and charge transport properties. It is shown that the Jahn-Teller (JT) distortions are locally present even when the crystallographic structure suggests otherwise, and indicate the formation of small lattice polarons in the insulating phase. Local JT distortions are observed even in the metallic phase up to $x=0.35,$ suggesting that the charge distribution in the metallic phase just above the metal-insulator transition may not be spatially uniform. It is possible that charges are partially confined by spin and lattice resulting in microscopic separation of the charge-rich and charge-poor regions.
Fluid-induced crossflow magnetically stabilized fluidized beds

Abstract A horizontal, closed-loop crossflow magnetically stabilized bed (MSB) has been operated in a continuous fashion using momentum supplied by the fluidizing gas to propel the solids. The distributor grid was constructed with holes angled in the direction of solids flow, providing fluidizing gas with an appreciable velocity component in the horizontal direction. Applications include particulates capture, chromatographic separations, and solids separation as well as general heat and mass transfer. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various operating parameters or the solids flow. While in other crossflow and countercurrent MSB operation the bed solids move essentially in plug flow, the solids profile in the fluid-induced crossflow bed was found to be parabolic, similar to Poiseuille flow. As has been reported previously, bed flowrate was found to increase with increasing gas velocity and decreasing magnetic field strength. A theoretical model for the solids flow was developed by equating the rate of change of gas momentum to the frictional forces. A three-dimensional solution to the Poisson equation was used to solve for the velocity profile and allowed the estimation of an apparent bed viscosity.
Optical and thermal performance of a remote phosphor plate

The objective of this study was to understand how optical and thermal performances are impacted in a remote phosphor LED (light-emitting diode) system when the phosphor plate thickness and phosphor concentration change with a fixed amount of a commonly used YAG:Ce phosphor. In the first part of this two-part study, an optical raytracing analysis was carried out to quantify the optical power and the color properties as a function of remote phosphor plate thickness, and a laboratory experiment was conducted to verify the results obtained from the raytracing analysis and also to examine the phosphor temperature variation due to thickness change.
Differential thermal analysis studies of chemical systems in sealed cells

Many chemical systems illustrating major reaction types may be conveniently studied by differential thermal analysis. The problems of vaporization and sublimation have been avoided through the use of sealed glass vials. Sample sizes are in the range of 10 to 100 milligrams. This size though small is still more than adequate for chemical analysis by instrumental methods such as infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography.
Poster: Acceleration of the BLAST Hydro Code on GPU

The BLAST code implements a high-order numerical algorithm that solves the equations of compressible hydrodynamics using the Finite Element Method in a moving Lagrangian frame. BLAST is coded in C++ and parallelized by MPI. We accelerate the most computationally intensive parts (80%-95%) of BLAST on an NVIDIA GPU with the CUDA programming model. Several 2D and 3D problems were tested and a maximum speedup of 4.3x was delivered. Our results demonstrate the validity and capability of GPU computing.
Dislocation kinetics at high strain rates

Abstract Dislocation theory is applied to the superposition of thermal-activation kinetics and phonondrag control. The effect of the various parameters is analyzed in detail; in particular, reasonable dependencies of the mobile dislocation density on stress and structure are accounted for. It is concluded that the transition is generally quite sharp and commences at stresses not much less than 0.9 of the mechanical threshold (the flow stress in the absence of thermal activation, i.e. at zero temperature). At very high strain rates, the glide kinetics should be entirely controlled by drag under the applied stress, without any significant contribution from the obstacle strength. This theory should describe the actual transition between the two glide resistance mechanisms as a function of stress or strain-rate at constant structure. It is demonstrated that the observed transition to a linear relation between the strain-rate and the flow stress at constant strain, even if this were a comparison at constant structure, could not be due to viscous drag control; at most it could be an empirical description of the transition regime near its inflection point.
Sinusitis in adults

Sinusitis in adults is being increasingly recognized as a common clinical entity. To protect against infection of the paranasal sinuses, patent ostia, mucous of the proper viscosity, and actively beating cilia are necessary. The superior placement of the maxillary ostia predisposes to maxillary sinusitis. A number of surgical procedures are available to treat chronic sinusitis that does not respond to appropriate medical therapy. The recently introduced technique of endoscopic surgery of the sinuses shows great promise. The association of sinusitis and bronchial asthma is well recognized, but causality is more difficult to prove. There is suggestive evidence in both children and adults that medical or surgical treatment of underlying sinusitis frequently improves the asthmatic state, but well-designed prospective studies are needed that control or measure relevant variables.
Self-Regulation and Government Oversight

Self-regulation is a feature of a number of professions. For example, in the U.S. the government delegates aspects of financial market regulation to self-regulatory organizations (SROs) like the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers. We analyse one regulatory task of an SRO, enforcing antifraud rules so agents will not cheat customers. Specifically, we model contracting/enforcement as a two-tier problem. An SRO chooses its enforcement policy: the likelihood that an agent is investigated for fraud and a penalty schedule. Given an enforcement policy, agents compete by offering contracts that maximize customers' expected utility. We assume that the SRO's objective is to maximize the welfare of its members, the agents. We show that the SRO chooses a more lax enforcement policy—meaning less frequent investigations—than what customers would choose. A general conclusion is that control of the enforcement policy governing contracts confers substantial market power to a group of otherwise competitive agents. We also investigate government oversight of the self-regulatory process. The threat of government enforcement leads to more enforcement by the SRO, just enough to pre-empt any government enforcement. Copyright 2005, Wiley-Blackwell.
Failure of Cimetidine to Affect Calcium Homeostasis in Familial Primary Hyperparathyroidism (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 1)*

Recent reports that cimetidine, a blocker of histamine H2 receptors, lowered serum calcium and/or immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism prompted us to administer the drug (300 mg, orally, every 6 h) to two patients with hyperparathyroidism accompanying familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. The patients were hypercalcemic (10.9–11.2 mg/ dl), hypophosphatemic (2.0–2.4 mg/dl), and hypercalciuric (≥410 mg//24 h), with elevated urinary cAMP and phosphate clearance and inappropriately high serum immunoreactive PTH levels. Multiple observations of these variables over 5 weeks of cimetidine treatment showed no systematic changes; in particular, serum and urinary calcium did not change, and there was no evidence of a decreased PTH effect on the kidneys. The data offer no support for the treatment of familial hyperparathyroidism with cimetidine.