Death Penalty Exceptionalism and Administrative Law

In the world of capital punishment, the oft-repeated refrain “death is different” stands for the notion that when the state exercises its most awesome power—the power to take human life—every procedural protection should be provided. Every safeguard should be met. Granted, doing so makes the death penalty cumbersome. And granted, it slows what Justice Blackmun famously called “the machinery of death.” But when the stakes are literally life and death, the idea is that we ought to make sure that whatever the state does, it does right. Scholars have lamented the way that this idea of death penalty exceptionalism has played out in the capital punishment context, but in the administrative law context, “death is different” takes on a new meaning altogether. In the administrative law context, “death is different” means suspension of the rules that ordinarily apply to administrative decisionmaking. It means that when the state is carrying out its most solemn of duties, those subject to its reach receive not more protection, but less. [..

Propagation front of correlations in an interacting Bose gas

We analyze the quench dynamics of a one-dimensional bosonic Mott insulator and focus on the time evolution of density correlations. For these we identify a pronounced propagation front, the velocity of which, once correctly extrapolated at large distances, can serve as a quantitative characteristic of the many-body Hamiltonian. In particular, the velocity allows the weakly interacting regime, which is qualitatively well described by free bosons, to be distinguished from the strongly interacting one, in which pairs of distinct quasiparticles dominate the dynamics. In order to describe the latter case analytically, we introduce a general approximation to solve the Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian based on the Jordan-Wigner fermionization of auxiliary particles. This approach can also be used to determine the ground-state properties. As a complement to the fermionization approach, we derive explicitly the time-dependent many-body state in the noninteracting limit and compare our results to numerical simulations in the whole range of interactions of the Bose-Hubbard model.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figure

Partitioning the primary ice formation modes in large eddy simulations of mixed-phase clouds

State-of-the-art aerosol-dependent parameterisations describing each heterogeneous ice nucleation mode (contact, immersion, and deposition ice nucleation), as well as homogeneous nucleation, were incorporated into a large eddy simulation model. Several cases representing commonly occurring cloud types were simulated in an effort to understand which ice nucleation modes contribute the most to total concentrations of ice crystals. The cases include a completely idealised warm bubble, semi-idealised deep convection, an orographic cloud, and a stratiform case. Despite clear differences in thermodynamic conditions between the cases, the results are remarkably consistent between the different cloud types. In all the investigated cloud types and under normal aerosol conditions, immersion freezing dominates and contact freezing also contributes significantly. At colder temperatures, deposition nucleation plays only a small role, and homogeneous freezing is important. To some extent, the temporal evolution of the cloud determines the dominant freezing mechanism and hence the subsequent microphysical processes. Precipitation is not correlated with any one ice nucleation mode, instead occurring simultaneously when several nucleation modes are active. Furthermore, large variations in the aerosol concentration do affect the dominant ice nucleation mode; however, they have only a minor influence on the precipitation amount

Aging research using the common marmoset: Focus on aging interventions

Traditional animal models have been used to make seminal discoveries in biomedical research including a better understanding of the biology of the aging process. However, translation of these findings from laboratory to clinical populations has likely been hindered due to fundamental biological and physiological differences between common laboratory animals and humans. Non-human primates (NHP) may serve as an effective bridge towards translation, and short-lived NHP like the common marmoset offer many advantages as models for aging research. Here, we address these advantages and discuss what is currently understood about the changes in physiology and pathology that occur with age in the marmoset. In addition, we discuss how aging research might best utilize this model resource, and outline an ongoing study to address whether pharmaceutical intervention can slow aging in the marmoset. With this manuscript, we clarify how common marmosets might assist researchers in geroscience as a potential model for pre-clinical translation

Online prevention of disordered eating in at-risk young-adult women: A two-country pragmatic randomized controlled trial

This article has been published in a revised form in Psychological Medicine. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Cambridge University Press 2017. This author accepted manuscript is made available following 6 month embargo from date of publication (Dec 2017) in accordance with the publisher’s copyright policyDisordered eating (DE) is a widespread, serious problem. Efficacious prevention programs that can be delivered at-scale are needed. A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of two online programs was conducted. Participants were young-adult women from Australia and New Zealand seeking to improve their body image. Media Smart-Targeted (MS-T) and Student Bodies (SB) were both 9-module interventions released weekly, whilst control participants received positive body image information. Primary [Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global], secondary (DE risk factors) and tertiary (DE) outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-program, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Baseline was completed by 608 women (M age = 20.71 years); 33 were excluded leaving 575 randomized to: MS-T (N = 191); SB (N = 190) or control (N = 194). Only 66% of those randomized to MS-T or SB accessed the intervention and were included in analyses with controls; 78% of this sample completed measures subsequent to baseline. Primary intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses revealed no differences between groups, while measure completer analyses found MS-T had significantly lower EDE-Q Global than controls at 12-month follow-up. Secondary ITT analyses found MS-T participants reported significantly higher quality of life–mental relative to both SB and controls (6-month follow-up), while MS-T and controls had lower clinical impairment relative to SB (post-program). Amongst measure completers, MS-T scored significantly lower than controls and SB on 5 variables. Of those with baseline DE, MS-T participants were significantly less likely than controls to have DE at 12-month follow-up. Given both programs were not therapist-moderated, MS-T has potential to achieve reductions in DE risk at low implementation costs

Parameterizing cloud condensation nuclei concentrations during HOPE

An aerosol model was used to simulate the generation and transport of aerosols over Germany during the HD(CP)2 Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) field campaign of 2013. The aerosol number concentrations and size distributions were evaluated against observations, which shows satisfactory agreement in the magnitude and temporal variability of the main aerosol contributors to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations. From the modelled aerosol number concentrations, number concentrations of CCN were calculated as a function of vertical velocity using a comprehensive aerosol activation scheme which takes into account the influence of aerosol chemical and physical properties on CCN formation. There is a large amount of spatial variability in aerosol concentrations; however the resulting CCN concentrations vary significantly less over the domain. Temporal variability is large in both aerosols and CCN. A parameterization of the CCN number concentrations is developed for use in models. The technique involves defining a number of best fit functions to capture the dependence of CCN on vertical velocity at different pressure levels. In this way, aerosol chemical and physical properties as well as thermodynamic conditions are taken into account in the new CCN parameterization. A comparison between the parameterization and the CCN estimates from the model data shows excellent agreement. This parameterization may be used in other regions and time periods with a similar aerosol load; furthermore, the technique demonstrated here may be employed in regions dominated by different aerosol species

Population structure and connectivity in Indo-Pacific deep-sea mussels of the Bathymodiolus septemdierum complex

Current pressures to mine polymetallic sulfide deposits pose threats to the animal communities found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Management plans aimed at preserving these unusual communities require knowledge of historical and contemporary forces that shaped the distributions and connectivity of associated species. As most vent research has focused on the eastern Pacific and mid-Atlantic ridge systems less is known about Indo-Pacific vents, where mineral extraction activities are imminent. Deep-sea mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) of the genus Bathymodiolus include the morphotypic species B. septemdierum, B. brevior, B. marisindicus, and B. elongatus which are among the dominant vent taxa in western Pacific back-arc basins and the Central Indian Ridge. To assess their interpopulational relationships, we examined multilocus genotypes based on DNA sequences from four nuclear and four mitochondrial genes, and allozyme variation encoded by eleven genes. Bayesian assignment methods grouped mussels from seven widespread western Pacific localities into a single cluster, whereas the Indian Ocean mussels were clearly divergent. Thus, we designate two regional metapopulations. Notably, contemporary migration rates among all sites appeared to be low despite limited population differentiation, which highlights the necessity of obtaining realistic data on recovery times and fine-scale population structure to develop and manage conservation units effectively. Future studies using population genomic methods to address these issues in a range of species will help to inform management plans aimed at mitigating potential impacts of deep-sea mining in the Indo-Pacific region

Pharmaceutical Inhibition of mTOR in the Common Marmoset: Effect of Rapamycin on Regulators of Proteostasis in a Non-Human Primate

Background: Inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a viable means to lengthen lifespan and healthspan in mice, although it is still unclear whether these benefits will extend to other mammalian species. We previously reported results from a pilot experiment wherein common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were treated orally with rapamycin to reduce mTOR signaling in vivo in line with previous reports in mice and humans. Further, long-term treatment did not significantly alter body weight, daily activity, blood lipid concentrations, or glucose metabolism in this cohort. Methods: In this study, we report on the molecular consequences of rapamycin treatment in marmosets on mechanisms that regulate protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in vivo. There is growing appreciation for the role of proteostasis in longevity and for the role that mTOR plays in regulating this process. Tissue samples of liver and skeletal muscle from marmosets in our pilot cohort were assessed for expression and activity of components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, macroautophagy, and protein chaperones. Results: Rapamycin treatment was associated with increased expression of PSMB5, a core subunit of the 20S proteasome, but not PSMB8 which is involved in the formation of the immunoproteasome, in the skeletal muscle and liver. Surprisingly, proteasome activity measured in these tissues was not affected by rapamycin. Rapamycin treatment was associated with an increased expression of mitochondria-targeted protein chaperones in skeletal muscle, but not liver. Finally, autophagy was increased in skeletal muscle and adipose, but not liver, from rapamycin-treated marmosets. Conclusions: Overall, these data show tissue-specific upregulation of some, but not all, components of the proteostasis network in common marmosets treated with a pharmaceutical inhibitor of mTOR

Interrupted Carbonyl‐Alkyne Metathesis

Carbonyl‐olefin metathesis and carbonyl‐alkyne metathesis represent established reactivity modes between carbonyls, alkenes, and alkynes under Lewis and Brønsted acid catalysis. Recently, an interrupted carbonyl‐olefin metathesis reaction has been reported that results in tetrahydrofluorenes via a distinct fragmentation of the reactive intermediate. We herein report the development of an analogous transformation interrupting the carbonyl‐alkyne metathesis reaction path resulting in dihydrofluorene products relying on Lewis acidic superelectrophiles as active catalytic species.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153682/1/adsc201901358.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153682/2/adsc201901358_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153682/3/adsc201901358-sup-0001-misc_information.pd