cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid evolutionary optimal MEMS design

A hybrid evolutionary design synthesis and optimization process for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices has been developed. The process integrates a MEMS design component library with multiple simulation modules and two levels of design optimization: global multi-objective genetic algorithms (MOGA) and local gradient-based refinement. During the hybrid evolutionary design process, MOGA randomly searches the design space and approaches the desirable design solutions using probabilistic transition rules, and gradient-based local optimization refines promising design candidates with computational efficiency. To efficiently apply hybrid evolutionary optimization techniques on MEMS designs, a hierarchical tree-structured component-based genotype representation has been developed, which incorporates specific engineering knowledge into the design synthesis and optimization process. The MEMS design component library serves as a source of practical and efficient genotypes for the evolutionary process, with each component associated with its instructions and restrictions on genetic operations. The component-based genotype incorporated with engineering knowledge constrains evolutionary searching in appropriate and promising regions of the search space, allowing a deeper search in a given amount of time. Hybrid evolutionary MEMS design synthesis and optimization are demonstrated with surface-micromachined resonator and accelerometer designs.
The Puzzling Case of Christianity and Republicanism: A Comment on Black

A ntony Black argues that Christian republicanism was one of the discourses at work in framing the history of Western republican thought. But he neglects to confront the theoretically unique character of the Christian approach to republican institutions. First, Christian republicanism derived from more general beliefs about the divinely ordained organic structure of the universe. Second, it evinced no necessary hostility toward monarchic rule; indeed, quite to the contrary, its cosmological premise of organic hierarchy supported the office of the king (whether papal or secular). Once these elements of Christian republicanism are supplied, the medieval contribution to the history of republican ideas takes on a complexion very different from that described by Black.
3D change detection using low cost aerial imagery

We present a method to register point clouds obtained from aerial images through Structure from motion (SFM) techniques with data from airborne LiDAR systems. The data was obtained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) over a 800 sq km stretch in California using airborne LiDAR. The images were obtained by a downward looking camera on an autonomous helicopter along the San Andreas fault [9]. A 3D point cloud is built by fusing GPS information with the aerial images. Our approach to detect changes is to compare the LiDAR data with 3D point cloud derived from aerial images. This comparison necessitates the two point clouds to be in the same co-ordinate frame. We adopt a registration approach to bring the point clouds to the same co-ordinate frame. We highlight the challenges involved in registering aerial point clouds and propose a semi automated way for registration. We also present a simulation of a change detection scenario by introducing displacement fields in the source point cloud and obtaining a target point cloud by additionally simulating the GPS offsets. We recover the displacement vectors in two steps (1) globally registering the source and target point clouds using the method described in this paper (2) using our change detection module [5] for computing the displacement fields. We present results for global registration and change detection.
The likelihood ratio and its applications in sequential analysis

Abstract The likelihood ratio is treated as a generalized Radon-Nikodym derivative for measures which need not be absolutely continuous. It is shown that a wide variety of identities and inequalities in sequential analysis follow directly from simple properties of likelihood ratios.
A novel photo-assisted annulation reaction for the synthesis of 6,7-dichloroimidazo[4,5-b]quinolin-2-one

Abstract A novel photo-assisted annulation was developed for the synthesis of 6,7-dichloroimidazo[4,5-b]quinolin-2-one. This mild ring closure method has circumvented problems associated with the previous methods and should tolerate a variety of functional groups.
ON THE PARTIAL SUMS OF RESIDUALS IN AUTOREGRESSIVE AND MOVING AVERAGE MODELS

The limiting process of partial sums of residuals in stationary and invertible autoregressive moving-average models is studied. It is shown that the partial sums converge to a standard Brownian motion under the assumptions that estimators of unknown parameters are root-n consistent and that innovations are independent and identically distributed random variables with zero mean and finite variance or. more generally, are martingale differences with moment restrictions specified in Theorem 1. Applications for goodness-of-fit and change-point problems are considered. The use of residuals for constructing nonparametric density estimation is discussed.
Structure of positive decompositions of exponential operators.

The solution of many physical evolution equations can be expressed as an exponential of two or more operators acting on initial data. Accurate solutions can be systematically derived by decomposing the exponential in a product form. For time-reversible equations, such as the Hamilton or the Schr\"odinger equation, it is immaterial whether or not the decomposition coefficients are positive. In fact, most symplectic algorithms for solving classical dynamics contain some negative coefficients. For time-irreversible systems, such as the Fokker-Planck equation or the quantum statistical propagator, only positive-coefficient decompositions, which respect the time-irreversibility of the diffusion kernel, can yield practical algorithms. These positive time steps only, forward decompositions, are a highly effective class of factorization algorithms. This work presents a framework for understanding the structure of these algorithms. By a suitable representation of the factorization coefficients, we show that specific error terms and order conditions can be solved analytically. Using this framework, we can go beyond the Sheng-Suzuki theorem and derive a lower bound for the error coefficient ${e}_{VTV}$. By generalizing the framework perturbatively, we can further prove that it is not possible to have a sixth-order forward algorithm by including only the commutator $[VTV]\ensuremath{\equiv}\mathbf{[}V,[T,V]\mathbf{]}$. The pattern of these higher-order forward algorithms is that in going from the $(2n)\mathrm{th}$ to the $(2n+2)\mathrm{th}$ order, one must include a different commutator $[V{T}^{2n\ensuremath{-}1}V]$ in the decomposition process.
Orientation of p-dithiin in a lyotropic liquid crystal

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance experiments on p-dithiin (H4C4S2) in a lyotropic mesophase permit the measurement of the distance ratio r 14 r 12 of 1.825 ± 0.008. The alignment in the liquid crystal solvent is such that an axis through the sulfur atoms is parallel to the liquid crystal optical axis and perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. A comparison between the structural information in the solid state and information obtained from NMR results is presented.
Toward a political theory of leadership

Abstract Leadership has been an active area of scientific investigation for over half a century, with scholars developing different perspectives on antecedents, processes, and outcomes. Conspicuous in its absence has been a conceptualization of leadership from a political perspective, despite appeals for such a theory and the widely acknowledged view of political processes in organizations. In this article, we develop a model of a political theory of leadership in an effort to address this need, and to demonstrate the versatility of such a conceptualization for understanding both leadership and social influence processes in organizations. Because we define politics in organizational leadership as the constructive management of shared meaning, we demonstrate how a political perspective does not necessarily cast leaders in a personally ambitious, manipulative role. We proceed to show how this political perspective can contribute to effectiveness through both enhanced leader outcomes and the constituencies' consequences to which leaders are directing their efforts. The implications for a political theory of leadership are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Role of NK1.1+ T Cells in a TH2 Response and in Immunoglobulin E Production

Immune responses dominated by interleukin-4 (IL-4)-producing T helper type 2 (TH2) cells or by interferon γ (IFN-γ)-producing T helper type 1 (TH1) cells express distinctive protection against infection with different pathogens. Interleukin-4 promotes the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into IL-4 producers and suppresses their development into IFN-γ producers. CD1-specific splenic CD4+NK1.1+ T cells, a numerically minor population, produced IL-4 promptly on in vivo stimulation. This T cell population was essential for the induction of IL-4-producing cells and for switching to immunoglobulin E, an IL-4-dependent event, in response to injection of antibodies to immunoglobulin D.
Design and Control Of Dual Condensers in Distillation Columns

Abstract Most distillation columns use water-cooled condensers cooling water that is inexpensive. With cooling water supplied at 305 K, a reflux-drum temperature of 322 K is normally used for column design. This temperature and the distillate composition set the require column pressure. This paper demonstrates that the use of refrigeration in a second condenser in series with the primary water-cooled condenser has economical advantages in some separations. The dual-condenser process can be less expensive than the single-condenser process in cases in which a lighter-than-light-key component is present in the feed and in which the separation between the key components is difficult (low relative volatility systems). Using a small refrigerated condenser permits the column to operate at a lower pressure, which reduces reboiler duty enough to compensate for the small amount of refrigeration required. The dynamic control of the dual-condenser process is also studied, and an effective control structure is developed.
The reactions of selenium tetrachloride and tellurium tetrachloride with some trivalent aryl organometallic halides

Abstract The reactions of several trivalent organometallic aryl compounds with TeCl4 and SeCl4 were investigated. When diphenylboron bromide was treated with an equimolar quantity of tellurium tetrachloride in toluene, the phenyltellurium trihalide C6H5TeBr1.3Cl1.7 was obtained. The presence of the mixed halogens on tellurium can be explained in terms of a Lewis acid-base reaction between the boron and tellurium compounds. The rection of diphenylboron bromide with selenium tetrachloride in toluene, produced mixed triarylselenonium chlorides. The presence of substituted toluene molecules in the product is attributed to the reaction of selenium tetrachloride with toluene in the presence of the Lewis acid, boron trihalide. The reaction of triphenylaluminum with tellurium tetrachloride was found to produce triphenyl telluronium chloride. Both diphenyl-chloroarsine and diphenylchlorophosphine were oxidized from MIII to MV by either selenium or tellurium tetrachloride. The products were isolated as diphenylarsinic acid and diphenylphosphinic acid, respectively.
Associative learning in Aplysia: cellular correlates supporting a conditioned fear hypothesis

Aversive associative learning in Aplysia california survives restraint of the animal and surgical exposure of the central nervous system. The learning is expressed in the intracellularly recorded activity of identified motor neurons mediating three different defensive behaviors: escape locomotion, inking, and siphon withdrawal. In each case, animals that had previously received paired training showed significant facilitation of synaptic input to motor neurons during test stimulation in the presence of the conditioned stimulus. Animals without such training showed no facilitation of input to the motor neurons. Resting potential and input resistance appeared unaffected by conditioning and were not altered by application of the conditioned stimulus. These results show that the conditioned facilitation of defensive responses cannot be explained by subthreshold actions of the conditioned stimulus on the motor neurons and support the hypothesis that Aplysia learn to associate the conditioned stimulus with a fearlike central state.
Epileptic Spasms in Older Children: Persistence Beyond Infancy

Summary Although infantile spasms (IS) constitute a well-recognized epileptic syndrome, only recently did investigators propose that spasms be classified as a distinct seizure type, characterized by axial flexionlextension jerks in clusters. Five older children (aged 4.5–14.2 years) who underwent video-EEG monitoring in 1992 in our epilepsy program for intractable mixed seizure disorder (cryptogenic 1, symptomatic 4) demonstrated flexor and extensor spasms in clusters. Seizure onset was from birth to 1.33 years. All 5 had spasms during infancy that continued as the children aged. Ictal EEG during spasms showed a brief high-amplitude delta burst followed by diffuse background attenuation or diffuse background decrease with superimposed rhythmic beta or alpha activity. Multiple other seizure types were present. Interictal EEGs were markedly abnormal and demonstrated slowing, multifocal spikes, generalized slow spike-wave, and polyspike-wave. Two children with spasms were unsuccessfully treated with ACTH, and 3 underwent corpus callosotomy. We conclude that spasms occur in older children with intractable mixed seizure disorders and may persist beyond infancy.
Discovery and structure-activity relationship of 2,6-disubstituted pyrazines, potent and selective inhibitors of protein kinase CK2.

Abstract We report the discovery and structure–activity relationship of 2,6-disubstituted pyrazines, which are potent and selective CK2 inhibitors. Lead compound 1 was identified, and derivatives were prepared to develop potent inhibitory activity. As a result, we obtained compound 7 , which was the smallest unit that retained potency. Then, introducing an aminoalkyl group at the 6-position of the indazole ring resulted in improved efficacy in both enzymatic and cell-based CK2 inhibition assays. Moreover, compound 13 showed selectivity against other kinases and in vivo efficacy in a rat nephritis model. These results show that 2,6-disubstituted pyrazines have potential as therapeutic agents for nephritis.
Leveraging Prior Information to Detect Causal Variants via Multi-Variant Regression

Although many methods are available to test sequence variants for association with complex diseases and traits, methods that specifically seek to identify causal variants are less developed. Here we develop and evaluate a Bayesian hierarchical regression method that incorporates prior information on the likelihood of variant causality through weighting of variant effects. By simulation studies using both simulated and real sequence variants, we compared a standard single variant test for analyzing variant-disease association with the proposed method using different weighting schemes. We found that by leveraging linkage disequilibrium of variants with known GWAS signals and sequence conservation (phastCons), the proposed method provides a powerful approach for detecting causal variants while controlling false positives.
Fabrication of Magnetic Core@Shell Fe Oxide@Au Nanoparticles for Interfacial Bioactivity and Bio-separation

The immobilization of proteins on gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles and the subsequent recognition of the targeted proteins provide an effective means for the separation of proteins via application of a magnetic filed. A key challenge is the ability to fabricate such nanoparticles with the desired core-shell nanostructure. In this article, we report findings of the fabrication and characterization of gold-coated iron oxide (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) core@shell nanoparticles (Fe oxide@Au) toward novel functional biomaterials. A hetero-interparticle coalescence strategy has been demonstrated for fabricating Fe oxide@Au nanoparticles that exhibit controllable sizes ranging from 5 to 100 nm and high monodispersity. Composition and surface analyses have proven that the resulting nanoparticles consist of the Fe2O3 core and the Au shell. The magnetically active Fe oxide core and thiolate-active Au shell were shown to be viable for exploiting the Au surface protein-binding reactivity for bioassay and the Fe oxide core magnetism for magnetic bioseparation. These findings are entirely new and could form the basis for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles as biomaterials with tunable size, magnetism, and surface binding properties.
Transplantation of tectal tissue in rats. IV. Maturation of transplants and development of host retinal projection

Abstract We have examined the time course of maturation of embryonic tectal tissue transplanted to the midbrain region of newborn rats and studied the development of the host retinal projection to the grafts. Transplants were examined 2–19 days after transplantation. The morphology of developing transplants was studied using Holmes silver and neutral red stained material. Tectal transplants attained their mature morphology about 17 days after transplantation. The time course of tectal transplant maturation appeared to be similar to that of normal superior colliculus in situ. The development of the host retinal projection into the transplants was examined by injecting the host eyes with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at various times after transplantation. Retinal fibers anterogradely labeled with HRP were first seen growing into the transplants 3–4 days after transplantation. Ingrowing fibers were always located close to the surface of the transplants. The rate of growth of optic axons into the grafts was estimated to be about 250 to 300 μm per day. Patch-like arborizations of retinal afferents were formed soon after innervation and the mature pattern of optic innervation was established by about two weeks. There was no evidence for an initial transitory phase in which the axons invaded the whole transplant. The development of the host retinal projection preceded morphological maturation of the transplants. The mode of ingrowth of retinal axons into tectal grafts was in many respects similar to the way optic fibers grow into the superior colliculus during normal in situ development. The transplant technique thus provides an opportunity to manipulate and analyze the factors which guide optic fiber growth in intact brains.
Long-term ageing influence on rheological characteristics of asphalt binders containing carbon nanoparticles

Nano-sized particles have been used in numerous applications to improve properties of various materials. The utilisation of nanotechnology in civil engineering area is relatively new and its use and applications are expected to increase rapidly. The objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the rheological properties of binders containing various percentages of carbon nanoparticles after a long-term ageing process. The experimental design for this study included the utilisations of five binder sources (three grades of PG 64-22, PG 64-16 and PG 52-28) and four nano percentages (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% by weight of the virgin binder). The rheological characteristics of these pressurised aged vessel (PAV) binders were tested including G* value, creep and creep recovery, and frequency and amplitude sweep at an intermediate temperature and deflection, stiffness and m-value at a low temperature as well. The results of the experiments indicated that the addition of nanoparticles does not increase th...
A modification to Kruithof's double-factor method

Abstract A modification of Kruithof's double-factor algorithm (sometimes called the Furness iterative method) that takes into account zones which lie outside the boundary of a traffic network is examined analytically. Basically the revised algorithm allows certain rows and columns of the base traffic matrix to be only proportionally scaled while the remaining rows and columns which have pre-specified row and column totals are scaled in the usual biproportional way. This paper shows that all the properties (such as uniqueness, reversibility, existence) which hold for the traditional biproportional transformation also hold for the modified transformation under certain positivity assumptions.
Cardiopulmonary bypass for bilateral sequential lung transplantation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without adverse effect on lung function or clinical outcome.

Abstract Objective: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass in lung transplantation remains controversial. Previous studies have concluded that cardiopulmonary bypass is deleterious, but these studies were confounded by the inclusion of patients with different diagnoses undergoing single- and double-lung transplantation with elective or emergency use of bypass. The goal of this study was to determine whether cardiopulmonary bypass has deleterious effects on lung function or clinical outcome by analyzing the cases of patients with a single disease entity and elective use of bypass for bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Methods: A retrospective review of 50 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation was performed. Fourteen patients who underwent elective cardiopulmonary bypass for 218.3 ± 75.4 minutes were compared to 36 control patients. Results: After the operation, the bypass and nonbypass groups were not significantly different with respect to median duration of mechanical ventilation (1 day vs 1 day, P =.76), median stay in the intensive care unit (4 days vs 4 days, P =.44), median hospital stay (15.5 days vs 16 days, P =.74), mean increase in serum creatinine level (1.4 ± 1.9 mg/dL vs 0.9 ± 1.0 mg/dL, P =.33), and mean ratio of Pao 2 to fraction of inspired oxygen at 1 hour (376.6 ± 123 vs 357.0 ± 218, P =.75), at 24 hours (309.9 ± 92 vs 350.6 ± 122, P =.26), and at 48 hours (335.0 ± 144 vs 316.2 ± 120, P =.64). Late outcome markers compared between the bypass and nonbypass groups were the following: 1-year percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (76.1% ± 17.0% vs 85.3% ± 21.7%, P =.24), 30-day mortality (7.1% vs 8.3%, P >.999), 1-year survival (85.7% vs 80.1%, P =.66), 3-year survival (64.3% vs 58.3%, P =.70), and the prevalence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (0% vs 36.1%, P =.01). Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary bypass appears to have no deleterious effect on early lung function or clinical outcome. We hope that this pilot study removes some of the unwarranted fear of the use of bypass in lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;124:241-9
Fatigue Behavior of Titanium Castings

The Air Force Materials Laboratory has conducted an internal test program to obtain design information on titanium alloy castings to facilitate a wider usage of this material where its application will benefit Air Force Systems. Emphasis was on obtaining room and elevated temperature fatigue data on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the annealed and heat-treated conditions. Limited fracture toughness, stress rupture and creep data were also obtained. The results showed generally favorable properties compared to forgings, plate and extrusions of the same alloy; however, existing production and inspection techniques do not always insure a flaw-free product.Copyright © 1969 by ASME
The connection between low-energy leptonic CP-violation and leptogenesis

Within the context of the seesaw mechanism, we review the possible connection between the CP-violating phases which appear in the lepton unitary mixing matrix and are measurable in neutrino oscillations and other low-energy processes, with the ones which play a role in the generation of the baryon asymmetry of the universe through the leptogenesis mechanism.
Obtaining, Maintaining, and Advancing Your Fitness Certification

Abstract Certification lends credibility to a fitness professional, but what does it require and how does one choose among 50 organizations offering 400 certifications?
Factors affecting nurses' decisions to join and maintain membership in professional associations.

Large organized associations are the most effective tools for the nursing profession for influencing policies that protect the members and continues to provide the highest quality nursing care to the public. Although nursing comprises the largest number of health care workers in the country, fewer and fewer nurses are joining the professional associations that represent them. This study explores factors affecting the membership decisions of nurses practicing in the perianesthesia setting. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of current and former members of ASPAN. All participants identified variables that affected their decision to join their professional association. Nonmembers were asked to identify reasons for not renewing membership. The variables most strongly influencing members and nonmembers to join ASPAN were self-improvement, education, new ideas, programs, professionalism, validation of ideas, improvement of my profession, improvement of my work, and maintenance of professional standards. The only variable that was rated statistically significantly higher by current members was "improvement of my work." All other 28 variables rated in the study were scored similarly by both groups, indicating that members and nonmembers continue to possess the same professional values. Former members indicated that major deterrents to membership were cost and lack of time. In an economic and cultural environment that requires balancing multiple demands, professional associations need to consider the limited time available to nurses and examine ways to provide professional development opportunities that are more easily accessible.
A method of hydrologic analysis in watershed‐management

This paper presents an outline of a method of hydrologic analysis in watershed-management. The procedure described entails the detailed accounting and evaluation of the effects of present and predicted watershed-conditions on the course of precipitation from its occurrence to its final disposition in the watershed. The approach requires not only determination of character and extend of effects of watershed-conditions on floods, water-conservation, and stream-flow, but also knowledge of physical elements and processes controlling these effects.
Damage functions and estimates of fratricide and collateral damage

There are multiple damage functions in the literature to estimate the probability that a single weapon detonation destroys a point target. This paper addresses differences in the tails of four of the more popular damage functions. These four cover the asymptotic tail behaviors of all monotonically decreasing damage functions with well-behaved hazard functions. The differences in estimates of probability of kill are quite dramatic for large aim-point offsets. This is particularly important when balancing the number of threats that can be engaged with the chances of fratricide and collateral damage. In general, analysts substituting one damage function for another may badly estimate kill probabilities in offset-aiming, which could result in poor doctrine. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 306–321, 2003.
The role of investigation in program and policy development

Investigative methods can play a role in the development of programs and policies as well as in their evaluation.
Epinastine: topical ophthalmic second generation antihistamine without significant systemic side effects.

Background: Epinastine is a topical ophthalmic antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer indicated for treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Objective: The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety of epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution. Methods: Medline literature review from 1950 to 2008. Conclusions: Epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution was found to be a safe and effective medication for the relief of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Epinastine demonstrates very low CNS and cardiac toxicity.
Zero point effects in uniaxial ferromagnets

Abstract We suggest possible direct observation of the effects of zero point spin deviation in a uniaxial ferromagnet with a large magnetic field perpendicular to the unique axis. Both the zero point deviation and the frequency dependent longitudinal susceptibility are calculated, and CrBr 3 or CrI 3 are suggested as possible candidates for experimental analysis.
Added value of a resting ECG neural network that predicts cardiovascular mortality.

Background: The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) remains the most commonly used test in evaluating patients with suspected cardiovascular disease. Prognostic values of individual findings on the ECG have been reported but may be of limited use. Methods: The characteristics of 45,855 ECGs ordered by physician's discretion were first recorded and analyzed using a computerized system. Ninety percent of these ECGs were used to train an artifical neural network (ANN) to predict cardiovascular mortality (CVM) based on 132 ECG and four demographic characteristics. The ANN generated a Resting ECG Neural Network (RENN) score that was then tested in the remaining ECGs. The RENN score was finally assessed in a cohort of 2189 patients who underwent exercise treadmill testing and were followed for CVM. Results: The RENN score was able to better predict CVM compared to individual ECG markers or a traditional Cox regression model in the testing cohort. Over a mean of 8.6 years, there were 156 cardiovascular deaths in the treadmill cohort. Among the patients who were classified as intermediate risk by Duke Treadmill Scoring (DTS), the third tertile of the RENN score demonstrated an adjusted Cox hazard ratio of 5.4 (95% CI 2.0–15.2) compared to the first RENN tertile. The 10-year CVM was 2.8%, 8.6% and 22% in the first, second and third RENN tertiles, respectively. Conclusions: An ANN that uses the resting ECG and demographic variables to predict CVM was created. The RENN score can further risk stratify patients deemed at moderate risk on exercise treadmill testing.
In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy as a Tool for Investigating Interactions and Assembly Dynamics in Biomolecular and Biomineral Systems

Atomic force imaging and spectroscopy provide unique tools for investigating molecular interactions and dynamics in biomolecular and biomineral systems in situ. Herein, three recent examples of methods used to gain mechanistic insights into the self-assembly of protein matrices and biomolecular controls over mineral formation are reviewed. Studies of S-layer protein assembly reveal the complex nature of the nucleation and growth pathway, demonstrate the importance of kinetic traps in determining that pathway and provide quantification of the energy barriers controlling formation rates. Investigations of citrate and polypeptide modification of calcium oxalate monohydrate growth combined with molecular dynamics simulations (MD) demonstrate the importance of stereochemical matching at atomic steps on the crystal surface and establish a direct relationship between the step edge binding energies and shape modification. Measurements of step kinetics lead to detailed atomic-scale models that include both thermodynamic and kinetic effects, including time-dependent phenomena related to the multi-stage binding dynamics of polypeptide chains. Dynamic force spectroscopy measurements of binding between amelogenin peptide segments and hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal faces, again combined with MD simulations, establish an energetic rationale for the observed c-axis elongation characteristic of HAP in tooth enamel, based on determinations of the peptide-HAP binding free energy. These examples demonstrate the deep level of understanding that can be obtained by applying in situ AFM imaging and force spectroscopy to biomolecular and biomineral systems.
Group Performance in Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Communication Media:

This study explores the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and face-to-face (FTF) media on group performance under four experimental conditions. There were CMC-only, FTF-only, FTF/CMC, and CMC/FTF groups. The study examined three variables: the number of unique ideas generated, the time to reach consensus, and the decision quality. Vigilant interaction theory was helpful in exploring the media effects on group performance. Results indicate that, in general, CMC groups generate a greater number of unique ideas than do FTF groups. However, the CMC effect was greater with CMC/FTF groups. This effect was attributed to CMC's showing a greater potential for preventing productivity loss when there is more likelihood for performance evaluation as group members anticipate future FTF interaction with their coparticipants in CMC. Results also indicate the CMC groups take longer to reach consensus than FTF groups. Decision quality was greater in both FTF/CMC and CMC/FTF groups than in either CMC- and FT...
Coefficient assignment by dynamic compensation for single input retarded delay systems

In the research reported on here, the task of Coefficient Assignment for Single Input Time Delay Systems was resolved using a Wolovich type compensator structure (frequency domain). Using some basic notions of polynomials in two variables, the set of compensators that will allow coefficient assignment can be completely characterized in a simple and explicit fashion. Both full order and reduced order compensators can be characterized. It is possible to reinterpret the results from a statespace point of view.
Neurocognitive Disorders in Aging: A Primer on DSM-5 Changes and Framework for Application to Practice

Cognitive screening and brief cognitive assessment is an important skill for practitioners across gerontology disciplines. Results of such screening can then point to possible referral points for additional assessment and treatment. The recently released DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for neurocognitive disorders provide a new context for interpreting screening and incorporate many changes from the previous edition—including an increased reliance on cognitive assessment. In this article we first describe these changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5. Next we link these changes to the practice of cognitive screening and brief cognitive assessment. We then describe how cognitive screening can be embedded in an assessment framework that includes attention to symptom expression, normal aging, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and base rates. It is increasingly likely that gerontology healthcare practitioners will encounter neurocognitive compromise in their practice. Thus, clinical care should incorporate services inclu...
Effects of glucose versus fructose ingestion on blood glucose concentration during rest and exercise

Abstract Ten healthy, nondiabetic male subjects (18–35 yrs.) ingested either fructose, glucose, or a sham solution in doseage of 0.75 gms/kg body weight, and were assigned to the rest or exercise group (80% VO 2 max for 30-min). Subjects participated in all six treatments which were: Fructose-Exercise (FE), Glucose-Exercise (GE), Control-Exercise (CE), Fructose-Rest (FR), Glucose-Rest (GR), and Control-Rest (CR). Blood samples were drawn immediately prior to ingestion, 30-min post ingestion (immediately prior to initiation of rest or exercise), and then at 10, 20, and 30 min into the rest or exercise bout. All samples were analyzed for glucose. Both GE and FE treatment initially elevated blood glucose levels (GE 57.0±9.8%, FE 25.0±6.5%). Once exercise was initiated following glucose ingestion, blood glucose declined very rapidly and ended below baseline (−5.1±6.5%). Following FE treatment, blood glucose declined initially in the first 10-min of exercise, but then increased significantly as exercise continued (25.3±13.3%). These results suggest, many of the frequently observed symptoms of fatigue related to hypoglycemia during endurance exercise events might be avoided with fructose ingestion prior to competition.
Methods to characterize crack growth under elastic-plastic conditions

Abstract This paper discusses different methods of analysis to characterize crack growth under elastic-plastic conditions. Limits to the applicability of experimental resistance curve data are identified for both the deformation and modified J approaches, i.e. J D and J M , respectively. The limit of the J M -R curve is shown to be consistent with an early analysis by Rice et al. Five methods of extrapolation allowing to extend the R-curves to large amounts of crack extension are presented and discussed in detail. The whole methodology is used to analyze experimental data obtained from seven welds, i.e. 61W-67W, in both the irradiated and unirradiated condition, with specimens of different size. The data from the small 0.5T CT specimens are extrapolated using the different methods and compared with those from the bigger 4T CT geometries. It is shown that the J M -R curves from the small specimens and adequate extrapolation methods can indeed be used to simulate the behavior of the larger pieces.
Surgimiento y proliferación de las empresas de seguridad privada en El Salvador

El Salvador has been impacted by political instability and socioeconomic turmoil in a perfect environment for organized crime amidst the pacification and democratization of the country after a bloody internal conflict. This essay focuses on private security through a descriptive analysis of the factors that influence its development and implications for governance and governability in the country. Analysis of security as a common good, factors that influence the use of private security, and inter-institutional relations of private security and police require appropriate regulation in accordance with the factors mentioned above. When considering security as a common good, observance of fundamental rights is mandatory and forms the basis of legitimacy of government action.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v4i2.1765
The effect of CO2 ventilation on kinetics and yields of cell-mass and ethanol in batch cultures ofZymomonas mobilis

The effect of CO2 removal by continuous sparging of N2 in batch cultures ofZymomonas mobilis (ATCC10988) was examined. N2 sparging considerably reduces lag times in batch cultures, possibly because of continuous removal of CO2 from the culture media. Ventilation of CO2 from culture media results in an increase of about 15% in the average specific growth rate and about 12% in the cell-mass yield with no noticeable trend in the average specific glucose uptake and ethanol production rates. The overall ethanol yield on glucose, however, decreases slightly by 5%. Analysis of ventilated experiments show that the CO2 production is directly coupled with the ethanol formation but not necessarily with the cell-mass production, indicating a decoupling of growth from ethanol production. Further, comparison of ventilated and non-ventilated experiments rules out the possibility of CO2 accumulation in the culture media as a factor responsible for increasing growth inhibition and decoupling of growth from ethanol fermentation at increasing initial glucose concentrations in batch cultures.
What Lies Ahead An Exploration of Future Orientation, Self-Control, and Delinquency

Self-control has been consistently linked to antisocial behavior and though low self-control makes delinquency more likely, neither the findings nor the theory suggests that low self-control necess...
Commentary: The Servant, the Parasite, and the Enigma: A Tale of Three Ownership Structures and Their Affiliate Directors1:

In private family firms, affiliate directors are largely resource–providing servants of the family. In nonfamily public firms with dispersed ownership, affiliates are, figuratively speaking, symbio...
Sample Size, Library Composition, and Genotypic Diversity among Natural Populations of Escherichia coli from Different Animals Influence Accuracy of Determining Sources of Fecal Pollution

A horizontal, fluorophore-enhanced, repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (rep-PCR) DNA fingerprinting technique (HFERP) was developed and evaluated as a means to differentiate human from animal sources of Escherichia coli. Box A1R primers and PCR were used to generate 2,466 rep-PCR and 1,531 HFERP DNA fingerprints from E. coli strains isolated from fecal material from known human and 12 animal sources: dogs, cats, horses, deer, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. HFERP DNA fingerprinting reduced within-gel grouping of DNA fingerprints and improved alignment of DNA fingerprints between gels, relative to that achieved using rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting. Jackknife analysis of the complete rep-PCR DNA fingerprint library, done using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, indicated that animal and human isolates were assigned to the correct source groups with an 82.2% average rate of correct classification. However, when only unique isolates were examined, isolates from a single animal having a unique DNA fingerprint, Jackknife analysis showed that isolates were assigned to the correct source groups with a 60.5% average rate of correct classification. The percentages of correctly classified isolates were about 15 and 17% greater for rep-PCR and HFERP, respectively, when analyses were done using the curve-based Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, rather than the band-based Jaccard algorithm. Rarefaction analysis indicated that, despite the relatively large size of the known-source database, genetic diversity in E. coli was very great and is most likely accounting for our inability to correctly classify many environmental E. coli isolates. Our data indicate that removal of duplicate genotypes within DNA fingerprint libraries, increased database size, proper methods of statistical analysis, and correct alignment of band data within and between gels improve the accuracy of microbial source tracking methods.
An Exploratory Study of Different Types of Violence Presented in Early Christian and Islamic Historical Documents

Source documents for Islam and Christianity were analyzed for violent themes. The two religions both condemned criminal violence, and neither supported random violence. Nonviolence was more common ...
Thermal energy-free laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: one-year potency outcomes.

OBJECTIVES We recently described a novel, energy-free technique of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed with transrectal ultrasound guidance. We provide our current technique and updated experience with 169 patients and report the potency outcomes of this energy-free, clip-free, bioadhesive-free, nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. METHODS Our technique involves transient bulldog clamping of the lateral pedicle, cold-cut release of the neurovascular bundle, and delicate hemostatic suturing. One-year follow-up data were available for 110 patients, of whom 76 (69%) had paired preoperative and 1-year postoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men data. These 76 men included 22 patients undergoing the earlier thermal-energy based technique using an ultrasonic scalpel (group 1) and 54 patients undergoing the novel energy-free technique (group 2). RESULTS In the patients with complete potency preoperatively (Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of 22 or more), the 1-year intercourse rate in groups 1 and 2 was 71% and 88%, respectively (P = 0.4), and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men score in group 1 versus group 2 was 5.3 versus 10.9 at 3 months (P = 0.001) and 7.5 versus 14.1 at 6 months (P = 0.02), respectively. Within the entire study group, the overall 1-year intercourse rate was superior in group 2 (36% versus 70%; P = 0.04). Erectile function recovered faster in group 2 patients. Erectile function recovery correlated significantly with preserved pulsatile blood vessels within the neurovascular bundle (P = 0.0001) on power Doppler transrectal ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS The elimination of electrical and thermal energy during nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy achieved superior and quicker potency recovery. The energy-free nerve-sparing technique and power Doppler-confirmed preserved pulsatile blood vessels within the neurovascular bundle correlated with superior erectile function recovery, a novel observation.
A Mixed Exam Format Closes the Gap for Students with a Conflict between Their Religious Belief & the Theory of Evolution

Abstract We assessed the performance of students with a self-reported conflict between their religious belief and the theory of evolution in two sections of a large introductory biology course (N = 373 students). Student performance was measured through pretest and posttest evolution essays and multiple-choice (MC) questions (evolution-related and non-evolution-related questions) on the final exam and posttest. The two class sections differed only in exam format: MC with or without constructed-response (CR) questions. Although students with a reported conflict scored significantly lower on the final exam in the MC-only section, they scored equally well in the MC+CR section, and all students in the MC+CR section performed significantly better overall. As a result, (1) a religious conflict with evolution can be negatively associated with student achievement in introductory biology, but (2) assessment with constructed response was associated with a closed performance gap between students with and without a c...
Development and prospective application of quantitative 2-day stress-rest Tc-99m methoxy isobutyl isonitrile SPECT for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Abstract The clinical diagnostic accuracy of 2-day stress/rest quantitative Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (Tc-sestamibi) single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) was assessed in a validation population of 61 patients from two different sites using two different camera/computer systems. The study population was made up of 53 catheterized patients, 29 from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) and 24 from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSMC), and eight UTSMC patients with a
Measurement Matrix Design for Compressive Sensing–Based MIMO Radar

In colocated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar using compressive sensing (CS), a receive node compresses its received signal via a linear transformation, referred to as a measurement matrix. The samples are subsequently forwarded to a fusion center, where an l1-optimization problem is formulated and solved for target information. CS-based MIMO radar exploits target sparsity in the angle-Doppler-range space and thus achieves the high localization performance of traditional MIMO radar but with significantly fewer measurements. The measurement matrix affects the recovery performance. A random Gaussian measurement matrix, typically used in CS problems, does not necessarily result in the best possible detection performance for the basis matrix corresponding to the MIMO radar scenario. This paper considers optimal measurement matrix design with the optimality criterion depending on the coherence of the sensing matrix (CSM) and/or signal-to-interference ratio (SIR). Two approaches are proposed: the first one minimizes a linear combination of CSM and the inverse SIR, and the second one imposes a structure on the measurement matrix and determines the parameters involved so that the SIR is enhanced. Depending on the transmit waveforms, the second approach can significantly improve the SIR, while maintaining a CSM comparable to that of the Gaussian random measurement matrix (GRMM). Simulations indicate that the proposed measurement matrices can improve detection accuracy as compared to a GRMM.