cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluations of the Irwin βIc adjustment for small specimen fracture toughness data

When small specimens are used to measure the cleavage fracture toughness of pressure vessel steels in the transition range of temperature, specimen thickness size effects and large amounts of data scatter are often observed. The size effects are manifested by an increase in the average value of fracture toughness with decreasing specimen thickness, eventually resulting in a change in fracture mode from cleavage to ductile tearing. It has been shown that a semiempirical adjustment for the interacting effects of specimen thickness, yield stress and toughness originally proposed by Irwin is capable of reducing the calculated values of toughness and data scatter to levels consistent with large specimen test data. This is true for dynamic as well as for static initiation toughness values. The nature of the size effect described by the Irwin ..beta../sub Ic/ equation is illustrated and specific cases are shown in which ..beta../sub Ic/ adjustment has eliminated size effects, for both static and dynamic fracture toughness data.
How To Mind Your Own Business: Thoreau on Political Indifference

Critics have long been unable to square Henry D. Thoreau's individualist philosophy with his intermittent political participation. In order to clarify Thoreau's intentions, this essay offers an explication of Thoreau's defense of political indifference as a unique and challenging response to the United States' political problems during the mid-nineteenth-century.
Empowerment-Based Positive Youth Development: A New Understanding of Healthy Development for African American Youth

A shift occurred in research about adolescents in the general population. Research is moving away from deficits toward a resilience paradigm and understanding trajectories of positive youth development. This shift has been less consistent in research and practice with African American youth. A gap also exists in understanding whether individual youth development dimensions generate potential in other dimensions. This study presents an empowerment-based positive youth development model. It builds upon existing research to present a new vision of healthy development for African American youth that is strengths-based, developmental, culture-bound, and action-oriented. It emphasizes the relationship between person and environment, the reinforcing nature of developmental assets, and the necessity of a sense of community and community engagement for youth.
Calorie restriction increases light-dependent photoreceptor cell loss in the neural retina of fischer 344 rats.

We investigated the effect of ≥8 months of 40% caloric restriction (CR) on photoreceptor cell loss in 12, 18, and 24 month-old Fischer 344 rats (N = 154). Rats were reared at the NIA Biomarkers Program, National Center for Toxicological Research. Photoreceptor cell density, assessed histologically, declined with age in both the CR-fed and ad lib (AL)-fed cohorts (P < 0.000), but declines were more pronounced in the CR cohort (P < 0.0005). The deleterious effect of CR was most pronounced in the central as opposed to the peripheral retina (P = 0.008), suggesting a light-dependent mechanism. Photoreceptor cell density was inversely associated with rearing under bright light (300–750 lux) as compared with rearing under lower illuminance (≤200 lux) (P < 0.0005). However, the deleterious effect of bright light on photoreceptor cell density was more pronounced in the CR cohort (P = 0.04). Effects of CR on circadian activity are likely to increase the actual light exposure of the CR cohort and may explain the apparent inability of CR to delay retinal aging in albino rats.
The Effect of Minimum Wage Rates on High School Completion

Does increasing the minimum wage reduce the high school completion rate? Previous research has suffered from (1. narrow time horizons, (2. potentially inadequate measures of states’ high school completion rates, and (3. potentially inadequate measures of minimum wage rates. Overcoming each of these limitations, we analyze the impact of changes in state and federal minimum wage rates on state high school completion rates for the graduating classes of 1982 through 2005. Our state-level analyses, which consist of a series of state and year fixed-effects models with controls for state-year time-varying covariates, provide no support for the argument that increasing the minimum wage reduces rates of high school completion.
Effect of O-Side-Chain-Lipopolysaccharide Chemistry on Metal Binding

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 produces two chemically distinct types of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), termed A-band LPS and B-band LPS. The A-band O-side chain is electroneutral at physiological pH, while the B-band O-side chain contains numerous negatively charged sites due to the presence of uronic acid residues in the repeat unit structure. Strain PAO1 (A+ B+) and three isogenic LPS mutants (A+ B-, A- B+, and A- B-) were studied to determine the contribution of the O-side-chain portion of LPS to metal binding by the surfaces of gram-negative cells. Transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to locate and analyze sites of metal deposition, while atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to perform bulk quantitation of bound metal. The results indicated that cells of all of the strains caused the precipitation of gold as intracellular, elemental crystals with a d-spacing of 2.43 A. This type of precipitation has not been reported previously for gram-negative cells and suggests that in the organisms studied gold binding is not a surface-mediated event. All four strains bound similar amounts of copper (0.213 to 0.222 micromol/mg [dry weight] of cells) at the cell surface, suggesting that the major surface metal-binding sites reside in portions of the LPS which are common to all strains (perhaps the phosphoryl groups in the core-lipid A region). However, significant differences were observed in the abilities of strains dps89 (A- B+) and AK1401 (A+ B-) to bind iron and lanthanum, respectively. Strain dps89 caused the precipitation of iron (1.623 micromol/mg [dry weight] of cells) as an amorphous mineral phase (possibly iron hydroxide) on the cell surface, while strain AK1401 nucleated precipitation of lanthanum (0.229 micromol/mg [dry weight] of cells) as apiculate, surface-associated crystals. Neither iron nor lanthanum precipitates were observed on the cells of other strains, which suggests that the combination of A-band LPS and B-band LPS produced by a cell may result in a cell surface which promotes the formation of metal-rich precipitates. We therefore propose that the negatively charged sites located in the O-side chains are not directly responsible for the binding of metallic ions; however, the B-band LPS molecule as a whole may contribute to overall cell surface properties which favor the precipitation of distinct metal-rich mineral phases.
Growth and Image Inequality: Global Evidence

This study will use Kuznets' inverted U hypothesis and the two-sector labor surplus model to try and find the true relationship between growth and income inequality around the globe. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol11/iss1/16
Angiotensin II-Stimulated Nitric Oxide Release from Porcine Pulmonary Endothelium Is Mediated by Angiotensin IV

Abstract . In this study, a nitric oxide (NO) sensor was used to examine the ability of angiotensin II (AngII), AngIV, and bradykinin (Bk) to stimulate NO release from porcine pulmonary artery (PPAE) and porcine aortic endothelial (PAE) cells and to explore the mechanism of the AngII-stimulated NO release. Physiologic concentrations of AngII, but not Bk, caused release of NO from PPAE cells. In contrast, Bk, but not AngII, stimulated NO release from PAE cells. AngII-stimulated NO release from PPAE cells required extracellular L-arginine and was inhibited by L-nitro-arginine methyl ester. AT 1 and AT 2 receptor inhibition had no affect on AngII-mediated NO release or activation of NO synthase (NOS). AngIV, and AngII metabolite with binding sites that are pharmacologically distinct from the classic AngII receptors, stimulated considerably greater NO release and greater endothelial-type constitutive NOS activity than the same amount of AngII. The AngIV receptor antagonist, divalinal AngIV, blocked both AngII- and AngIV-mediated NO release as well as NOS activation. The results demonstrate that AngIV and the AngIV receptor are responsible, at least in part, for AngII-stimulated NO release and the associated endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Furthermore, these results suggest that differences exist in both AngII- and Bk-mediated NO release between PPAE and PAE cells, which may reflect important differences in response to these hormones between vascular beds.
Development and testing of a flash analog-to-digital converter based system for pulse shape discrimination of nuclear radiation pulses

A digital signal processor (DSP) based system is under development for analyzing and processing pulses produced by radiation detectors. The system is designed to replace conventional pulse-type, analog-to-digital converters. It is capable of capturing the complete radiation induced pulse in digital form. Subsequently, all the pulse features can be analyzed digitally (e.g., pulse validation, energy information, dynamic threshold determination, pulse duration, pulse shape analysis, and noise reduction). A prototype system has been built and performance parameters have been evaluated. >
Costs and benefits of home range shifts among vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya

A decline in the density of trees and the deterioration of the habitat of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, have been accompanied by movement of vervet groups into unfamiliar areas. These home range shifts were documented over a period of 26 months. The largest group moved into the home ranges of neighboring groups and acquired more trees, a resource that had become more limited. The groups whose home ranges were encroached upon did not share their home ranges with the intruders, but instead moved into areas that were unoccupied and had a lower density of trees. The largest group was thus more successful than smaller groups in competition for limited resources. For all but one group, movement into new areas was directly associated with the disappearances of female and immature monkeys. Most of the disappearances were attributable to predation. These results suggest that the cost of predation in unfamiliar areas may contribute to the evolution of philopatry in vervets. However, under unstable conditions, resource competition forces these animals to disperse (in groups) despite the high risk of predation.
MS1, MS2, and SQT—three unified, compact, and easily parsed file formats for the storage of shotgun proteomic spectra and identifications

As the speed with which proteomic labs generate data increases along with the scale of projects they are undertaking, the resulting data storage and data processing problems will continue to challenge computational resources. This is especially true for shotgun proteomic techniques that can generate tens of thousands of spectra per instrument each day. One design factor leading to many of these problems is caused by storing spectra and the database identifications for a given spectrum as individual files. While these problems can be addressed by storing all of the spectra and search results in large relational databases, the infrastructure to implement such a strategy can be beyond the means of academic labs. We report here a series of unified text file formats for storing spectral data (MS1 and MS2) and search results (SQT) that are compact, easily parsed by both machine and humans, and yet flexible enough to be coupled with new algorithms and data-mining strategies.
Es gibt nichts Praktischeres als eine gute Theorie! Ein Plädoyer für mehr Theorie in der Bibliotheksarbeit

Der Beitrag beruht auf einem Kongressbeitrag im Rahmen des 104. Deutschen Bibliothekartags in Nurnberg 2015. Die Autorin beschreibt aus ihrer berufsbiografischen Perspektive das Verhaltnis von Theorie, Forschung und Praxis als Generatoren fur Innovationen im Bibliothekswesen. Sie pladiert fur die Starkung der theoretischen Reflexion im Bibliothekswesen und behandelt dabei Fragen wie das Verhaltnis von Praxisgestaltung vs. Reflexion uber gangige Praxis, von Grundlagenforschung vs. „Best Practice“ und von Praxisorientierung vs. Innovation. This paper is based on a talk given at the 104th German “Bibliothekartag” in Nuremberg, 2015. Based on her professional background as a librarian, consultant and recently as a researcher, the author describes, from a personal point of view, the relationship and value of theory, research and practice when creating innovation in libraries and in library and information science. She argues for a stronger use of theory and research in library practice and touches on subjects such as fitness for practice vs. key skills, best practice vs. basic research, support of current practices vs. innovation.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3Targets PKC-βII but Not PKC-α to the Basolateral Plasma Membranes of Rat Colonocytes

Abstract Prior studies by our laboratory have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3activated PKC-α, but not PKC-δ, -ϵ, or -ζ, in normal rat colonocytes. In the present studies we demonstrate for the first time that this secosteroid also activated PKC-βII, another DAG- and Ca2+-dependent PKC isoform recently shown to be present in these cells. Moreover, this activation of PKC-βII by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3treatment of isolated colonocytes was shown to be lost in cells from vitamin D-deficient rats and, at least partially, restored by repleting these animals with this secosteroid for 7 days. Under basal conditions, the expression of PKC-α and -βII in brush-border membranes was comparable to their respective expression in basolateral plasma membranes of rat colonocytes. In contrast, the expression of PKC-δ was significantly greater in brush-border membranes, whereas PKC-ϵ and -ζ were enriched in the basolateral plasma membranes. Furthermore, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3specifically induced the translocation of PKC-βII, but not PKC-α, to the basolateral, but not brush-border plasma membranes of rat colonocytes, via a pp60c-src-dependent mechanism.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ANIONS ON THE PERMEABILITY OF PLANT CELLS.

Studies on the effect of certain anions upon permeability were reported in a previous paper (i). The present paper extends the list of anions, including both organic and inorganic. The field is very limited because of the restrictions of solubility, osmotic pressure, acidity, etc., which were mentioned in a previous paper. The sodium salts which seemed to offer the fewest possible difficulties were chlorate, dichromate, molybdate, sulphite, acid arsenate, ferrocyanide, formate, propionate, lactate, butyrate, and salicylate. The following table shows the acidity and concentrations of the solutions:
Illuminating Evil: Hannah Arendt and Moral History

Hannah Arendt's well-known examinations of the problem of evil are not contradictory and they are central to her corpus. Evil can be banal in some cases (Adolf Eichmann) and radical (the phenomenon of totalitarianism) in others. But behind all expressions of evil, in Arendt's formulations, is the imperative that it be confronted by thinking subjects and thoroughly historicized. This led her away from a view of evil as radical to one of evil as banal. Arendt's ruminations on evil are illuminated, in part, by concerns that she shared with her fellow New York intellectuals about the withering effects of mass culture upon individual volition and understanding. In confronting the challenges of evil, Arendt functioned as a “moral historian,” suggesting profitable ways that historians might look at history from a moral perspective. Indeed, her work may be viewed as anticipating a “moral turn” currently afoot in the historical profession.
Politics and Constitutional Rights

I intend to explore today a few of the relations between politics and constitutional rights and to dig down to some of the theoretical foundations upon which a fuller understanding and sounder evaluation of these relations can, on another day, be built.
Contribution of OmpK36 to carbapenem susceptibility in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae harbouring the carbapenemase KPC may have carbapenem MICs that remain in the susceptible range, and may therefore go unrecognized. To understand the mechanisms contributing to the variability in carbapenem MICs, 20 clinical isolates, all belonging to either of two clonal groups of KPC-possessing K. pneumoniae endemic to New York City, were examined. Expression of genes encoding KPC, the porins OmpK35 and OmpK36, and the efflux pump AcrAB was examined by real-time RT-PCR. Outer-membrane profiles of selected KPC-producing isolates were examined by SDS-PAGE, and proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The identification of SHV and TEM β-lactamases and the genomic sequences of ompK35 and ompK36 were determined by PCR and DNA sequencing, respectively. For one clonal group, carbapenem MICs increased with decreasing expression of ompK36. A second clonal group also had carbapenem MICs that correlated with ompK36 expression. However, all of the isolates in this latter group continued to produce OmpK36, suggesting that porin configuration may affect entry of carbapenems. For isolates that had the greatest expression of ompK36, carbapenem MICs tended to be lower when determined by the broth microdilution technique, and scattered colonies were seen around the Etest zones of inhibition. All of the KPC-producing isolates were highly resistant to ertapenem, regardless of ompK36 expression. In conclusion, isolates of KPC-possessing K. pneumoniae that express ompK36 tend to have lower MICs to carbapenems and therefore may be more difficult to detect by clinical laboratories. Regardless of ompK36 expression, all of the KPC producers were consistently resistant to ertapenem.
Space and time aliasing structure in mean polar-orbiting satellite data

Monthly mean wind fields from the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) scatterometer are calculated and presented. A banded structure which resembles the satellite subtrack is clearly and consistently apparent in the isotachs as well as the u- and v-components of the wind with a typical variation (amplitude) of 4 ms/sup -1/. An experiment is designed to trace the cause of the banded structure; the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) surface wind analyses are used to form a control (synoptic) set and a simulated scatterometer wind set sampled with the ERS-1 temporal/spatial sampling pattern. Both sets are used to create monthly averages. The banded structures appear in the simulated scatterometer set but do not appear in the control set. It is concluded that the source of the banded structure is in the spatial and temporal sampling of the polar-orbiting satellite. The nature of the problem and some means to control it are discussed. The problem is rather complicated and involves multiple time and space scales, over and under sampling in space, aliasing of time to space domain, and intraseasonal variability which is preferentially sampled. Therefore, common means of controlling the undesirable effects of aliasing address only part of the problem. While some of these control methods produce visually pleasing results, they may bias the true mean. >
AC Losses in YBCO Coated Conductor With Inkjet Filaments

To achieve low ac losses in applied ac fields, YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO) filaments were created on a RABiTS buffered substrate through solution inkjet deposition. A metal organic decomposition (MOD) solution was placed into an inkjet dispenser and filaments of widths of 100 mum and 0.8 mm were deposited on the substrate at a spacing of 50 to 100 mum. Each sample, which had a width of 1 cm and a nominal length of 4 cm, was placed in a perpendicular ac field and the ac losses were measured thermally as a function of the field strengths up to 100 mT and at frequencies between 60 Hz and 120 Hz. Samples with inkjet filaments had a high coupling loss. This coupling between filaments may extend along the entire sample length because removal of the conductor ends did not reduce the coupling loss contribution. Reduction in ac loss was observed in samples with laser-scribed filaments that were made from the same MOD solution.
Biological effects of acoustic energy on the oral bacteria Wolinella recta

The oral bacteria, Wolinella recta, were exposed to sonic energy both aerobically and anaerobically for various durations. It was observed that a significantly greater number of bacteria were killed in an aerobic environment. The results indicate a previously unreported effect of acoustic energy on anaerobic bacteria. The effect has potential use in a home-based sonic dental instrument for controlling bacterial plaque formation. >
What Do We Know About Creativity

Creativity has been defined in many different ways by different authors. This article explores these different definitions of creativity; the relationship between creativity and intelligence, and those factors which affect creativity, such as convergent and divergent thinking. In addition, the article explores the importance of computer technology for testing ideas and the importance of reflective thinking and the evaluation of thoughts. It concludes with a synthesis of the basic attributes of highly creative students and present some ideas of what scholars have said about strategies we can use to enhance creativity in students. Although originality and creative imagination are private, guidance and training can substantially increase the learner’s output.
Nesting Behavior and the Evolution of Worker Tempo in Four Honey Bee Species

Three Asian honey bee species (Apis florea, A. cerana, and A. dorsata) were studied in Thailand, and compared with the European honey bee A. mellifera, to explore the energy implications of interspecific differences in worker body size and nesting behavior. From previous work on these four species, we know that several measures of the energy- related performance of foragers (body temperature, flight speed, wing loading, and mass- specific metabolic rate) deviate from predicted size-dependent patterns. Instead, workers in the two species intermediate in body size, A. cerana and A. mellifera, appear to be high- powered relative to those of the largest species (A. dorsata) and the smallest species (A. florea). Among the Asian species, A. cerana's colonies also show a disproportionately high mass-specific metabolic rate, and their foragers make many more trips per day in the same habitat than do foragers of the other species. These various traits seem to be functionally related, and to represent evolved differences among species in worker "tempo," i.e., in the rate of performance of colony tasks. Correlated with the dichotomy in worker tempo is a dichotomy in nest architecture and intracolony demography. The low-tempo species (Apis florea and A. dorsata) nest in the open, protecting the comb and its contents with a thick curtain of young worker bees. The high-tempo species build their nests in enclosed cavities, which allows the workers to protect and provision a relatively larger area of comb. Worker life-span is longer in the open-nesting species; this allows colonies to maintain the work force needed for the curtain, even though the rate of worker production (per capita) is lower than that of cavity nesters because of the relatively small number of brood cells available. With the assumption that there is a fundamental relationship across species among tempo, foraging performance, and the rate of mortality, we propose that the relatively high tempo of cavity-nesting workers has been favored for two reasons. First, a benefit of higher tempo (enhanced ability to provision brood) is better realized owing to the greater brood-rearing capacity of their nests. Second, a cost of higher tempo (shorter life-span, resulting in fewer workers available for nest protection) is less important for the cavity nesters because the cavity walls reduce the need for protection by workers.
Abstract 2893: p53 suppresses neuroendocrine carcinoma progression by inhibiting cell growth associated with mTOR pathway activation

p53 suppression of AKT/mTOR pathway signaling was recently identified as a novel mechanism to negatively regulate cell growth. Despite the well-established down-regulation of AKT/mTOR signaling by p53 mediated gene transcription in cells, the contribution of this novel p53 function to tumor suppression in vivo remains unclear. PI3K-AKT pathway activation plays a central role in neuroendocrine carcinomas such as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC): however, little is known about the molecules that influence this pathway to regulate tumor growth. Studies in human tumors and murine models suggest that the Rb and p53 have critical and cooperative functions that suppress carcinogenesis, especially in the context of cancers with a neuroendocrine phenotype such as MTC and small cell lung cancer. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that p53 cooperates with Rb to suppress neuroendocrine carcinogenesis by suppressing mTOR pathway signaling. A conditional mouse model was generated using Cre-lox technology and tetracycline regulated gene ablation wherein MTC is initiated by Rb inactivation. Additional conditional loss of p53 in this model resulted in a dramatic increase in MTC progression leading to lethality at a median age of 4 months versus >9 months for mice with Rb ablation alone. Combined p53/Rb deficient tumors were significantly larger than Rb deficient tumors in 4 month old animals (10.20 ± 0.36 mm (n=15) vs. 2.00 ± 0.00 mm (n=5); p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2893. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2893
Rank-Based Groupings and Decision Making: A Regression Discontinuity Analysis of the NFL Draft Rounds and Rookie Compensation

Rank-based groupings are uninformative signals of quality when the exact rank is known; therefore, they should be ignored in decision making. However, evidence is presented that rank-based grouping...
Geologic Information for Aggregate Resource Planning

Construction and maintenance of the infrastructure is dependent on such raw materials as aggregate (crushed stone, sand, and gravel). Despite this dependence, urban expansion often works to the detriment of the production of those essential raw materials. The failure to plan for the protection and extraction of aggregate resources often results in increased consumer cost, environmental damage, and an adversarial relation between the aggregate industry and the community.
Jean Bethke Elshtain

This Chapter analyzes the work of Christian social and political ethicist Jean Bethke Elshtain on law and the family.
Landscape and Local Habitat Correlates of Lady Beetle Abundance and Species Richness in Urban Agriculture

Landscape surroundings and local habitat management affect patterns of insect biodiversity. Knowing which landscape and local factors are more important for insect species diversity informs landscape and local scale land management, yet can be challenging to disentangle. We sought to identify 1) which landscape factors surrounding, and 2) which local habitat factors within urban community gardens influence patterns in lady beetle (Coccinellidae) abundance and species richness. We assessed lady beetle abundance and taxonomic diversity, garden habitat characteristics, and the surrounding landscape composition in 19 gardens over two consecutive years. We found that the amount of natural area surrounding gardens at 3 km was the strongest correlate of abundance and species richness. Specifically, gardens surrounded by less natural area (gardens embedded in more urban landscapes) had higher lady beetle abundance and richness. In gardens embedded in landscapes with more amounts of natural land, local habitat features such as ornamental abundance and crop diversity may become more important for maintaining lady beetle abundance and richness. Our results suggest that within more urban landscapes, lady beetles may aggregate and accumulate in relatively resource-rich habitats like gardens. Thus, urban landscape quality and local habitat management may all interact to shape lady beetle communities within gardens.
Circuit schematic generation and optimization in VLSI circuits

We present a novel methodology converting Boolean expressions into circuit schematic directly such that the number of transistors is minimized. Three algorithms are developed to help this conversion. Here the pull-up/pull-down complementary circuit and transmission gate are investigated in the design procedure. The novel circuit schematic combining the above structures is developed to minimize the number of transistors. Note that the number of transistors effects on the layout area, power dissipation and overall performance in circuit design.
Growth of Highly Strained CeO2 Ultrathin Films

Large biaxial strain is a promising route to tune the functionalities of oxide thin films. However, large strain is often not fully realized due to the formation of misfit dislocations at the film/substrate interface. In this work, we examine the growth of strained ceria (CeO2) thin films on (001)-oriented single crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) via pulsed-laser deposition. By varying the film thickness systematically between 1 and 430 nm, we demonstrate that ultrathin ceria films are coherently strained to the YSZ substrate for thicknesses up to 2.7 nm, despite the large lattice mismatch (∼5%). The coherency is confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. This thickness is several times greater than the predicted equilibrium critical thickness. Partial strain relaxation is achieved by forming semirelaxed surface islands rather than by directly nucleating dislocations. In situ reflective high-energy electron diffraction during growth confirms the transi...
Embedded software education: an RTOS-based approach

Embedded computer systems are proliferating, but the complexities of embedded software make it increasingly difficult to produce systems that are robust and reliable. These challenges increase as embedded systems are connected to networks and relied on to control or monitor physical processes in critical infrastructure. This paper describes a senior-level course that exposes students to foundational characteristics of embedded software, such as concurrency, synchronization and communication. The core of the class is a sequence of laboratory assignments in which students design and implement a real-time operating system. Each student-developed RTOS has the same API, so all can run the same application code, but internal implementations vary widely. The principal challenges that arise in the design and debugging of a multi-tasking RTOS tend to be instances of the general problems that arise in embedded software. In our experience, the activity of creating a working RTOS is effective in helping students acquire the knowledge and skills required to be successful embedded software developers.
Modeling of [11C]MeNET binding to the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in healthy humans

96 Objectives Alterations in the noradrenergic system have been associated with a number of neurological conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s and Alzhiemer’s. [11C]MeNET is a new PET radioligand that binds with high affinity (Ki = 1.02 nM vs. [3H]nisoxetine) to transfected cells stably expressing human norepinephrine transporter (hNET). The purpose of this study was to apply a kinetic model to describe the uptake and measure the distribution volume ratios (DVRs) of [11C]MeNET in the healthy human brain. Methods A total of 5 male volunteers (mean age = 52 yrs) were recruited and 4 of 5 were fitted with an arterial catheter for blood sampling. PET scans (90 min) were collected on a high resolution research tomograph (HRRT) with 15mCi (mean SA > 0.8 Ci/μmol) of [11C]MeNET being administered at the scan start time. Co-registered MRI scans were used to aid region of interest segmentation. Full arterial and reference tissue (occipital lobe) models were employed to estimate regional DVRs for NET-rich regions of the brainstem and cortex. Results [11C]MeNET showed focal update in NET-rich regions of the brainstem and sub-cortical regions including thalamus, midbrain and locus cereleus. DVRs calculated from a single-tissue arterial compartment model (FAM) and simplified reference tissue model (STRM) were similar; but the STRM slightly underestimated the DVR. DVRs (FAM : SRTM, mean±SE) were highest for the locus cereleus (1.43±0.24 : 1.17±0.06) and the thalamus (1.32±0.03 : 1.24±0.04). While focal uptake was observed in the midbrain raphe, the DVRs associated with it were lower (1.17±0.06 : 1.07±0.07). Conclusions [11C]MeNET bindings to known NET-rich regions and is described well by single-tissue reference model. The measured distribution volumes are lower than other monoamine transporters but these data are consistent with other agents in development for imaging the NET system. Implementation and characterization of the presented kinetic model on healthy subjects makes this work an important milestone for its application to patients with neurological disorders.
Downstream Targets of PKCβII in Dendritic Cell Differentiation

Abstract Abstract 3245 An important component of antitumor immunity is the antigen presenting dendritic cell (DC), which initiates innate and adaptive immune responses. It is therefore beneficial for cancer to inhibit the function of these DCs. Tumors often depress DC activity by inhibiting their differentiation, which results in an accumulation of immature DCs which are immunosuppressive and aid in tumor progression and immunologic evasion. Tumor-derived factors prevent hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from fully completing differentiation to a mature DC, but the intracellular mechanisms by which tumors do this remain largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that the serine-threonine kinase, protein kinase C βII (PKCβII), is required for DC differentiation from HPCs. It has also been shown that the interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is necessary for DC differentiation from HPCs. Loss of either PKCβII or IRF8 results in an accumulation of immunosuppressive immature DCs, incapable of inducing immune responses, and capable of promoting tumor maintenance and progression. The signaling pathways both of these molecules have independently been shown to play critical roles in DC differentiation, and to be downregulated in tumor presence to promote survival. However, whether a relationship exists between the two molecules in this process has yet to be established. In human and murine models, we have determined that inhibition of PKβCII with a specific molecular inhibitor, CGP 53353, prevented differentiation of lineage negative progenitor cells to DCs. The cells treated with CGP 53353 failed to upregulate DC markers analyzed by flow cytometry, and failed to induce allogeneic T-cell proliferation compared to progenitor cells treated with DC-inducing cytokines. We also found through q-PCR that the PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) upregulated IRF8 expression, and in turn PKCβII inhibition lead to a loss in IRF8 expression. Therefore we have demonstrated a role for PKCβII in DC differentiation in mice (which was previously uncharacterized), as well as identified a potential relationship between IRF8 and PKCβII signaling during differentiation. Identifying such a relationship would provide a signaling model for DC differentiation, allowing a better understanding of how DC differentiation is initiated and impaired. It may also provide signaling components to target with antitumor therapeutics in order to induce DC differentiation in a tumor environment. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Asian Crisis and the Expenditure - Earnings Relationship

In this paper the Asian crisis is examined at the firm level. The objective is to provide insight to the recent financial crisis which started near the end of 2008 and has spanned the US economy and most of major economies around the world. Specifically, the capital expenditure - profitability (earnings) relationship is examined in the firms of eleven Southeastern Asian countries before, during, and after the Asian crisis. Earnings lead to an increase in expenditure in Asian countries before, during, and after the crisis. This means that the profits of companies are used for investment purposes, regardless of the legal system of the country, or the level of financial market development. However, the relationship from expenditure to profitability exhibits very different characteristics. Asian countries governed by civil law seem to have firms generating profits following expenditure. On the other hand, there is no evidence which suggests that expenditure leads to positive profits in common law countries. This conclusion is much more pronounced post-Asian crisis. Corporate governance systems in civil law countries have responded faster to the Asian crisis than those in common law countries. This is not entirely surprising given the fact that structural corporate governance changes in common law countries must be implemented at numerous financial policy institutions of the country.
A Live Threat Violence Simulation Exercise for Psychiatric Outpatient Departments: A Valuable Aid to Training in Violence Prevention

Violence in psychiatric outpatient settings is a ubiquitous concern. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a live threat violence simulation exercise, designed to reduce the risk of future outpatient clinic violence and minimize the effects of future incidents on staff. The psychiatric outpatient clinic at the University of Colorado Hospital developed, implemented, and evaluated a 4-hour live violence threat simulation exercise as a companion to a 7-hour violence prevention program. The simulation includes an orientation, two threat simulation scenarios, three debriefings, satisfaction surveys, problem identification, action plans, and annual safety and process improvements. The authors have conducted live violence simulation exercises from 2011-2016, and have collected survey data about our annual simulation exercise from 2014-2016. Each year ≥ 52% of participants responded, and each year ≥ 90% of respondents rated the simulation as “very helpful/helpful”, ≥ 86% believed themselves to be “much better/better” prepared to deal with violent episodes, and < 2% of participants experienced post-simulation side effects such as worries about past trauma; anxiety; sleep problems; increase in workplace concerns. From 2011-2016, the clinic experienced 4 major violent episodes and 36 episodes of potential violence with no staff injuries and minimal psychological sequelae to one staff member. Violence prevention efforts and the development of close police/staff relationships may have contributed to these fortunate outcomes. Satisfaction surveys suggest that the simulations are very helpful/helpful, with participants feeling much better/ better prepared to manage violence. The exercises led the authors to initiate staff safety related behavioral changes as well as physical space and safety processes improvements. The violence prevention program and simulation exercises have promoted excellent relationships with police and a consistent safety record over six years. This approach may be useful for other psychiatric outpatient departments.
A hybrid ray-wave optics model to study the scattering behavior of silver metallic paint systems

The gonioapparent lightness of a metallic paint system depends strongly on the 3D microstructure of the platelet-containing basecoat layer, and on the platelet roughness. Current optical models which are used to simulate the paint’s appearance, however, ignore the multi-scale and multi-dimensional microstructural features, which limits their predictive power. Here, we describe a hybrid, ray-wave optics model for metallic paints. This model incorporates the ray-optics of the 3D platelet microstructure and the wave effects that result from the surface roughness of the platelets. This model is used to link the roughness to the reflection lobes of the aluminum platelets, and to the gonioapparent lightness of the paint system. Predicted lightness values from our model matched, at most viewing angles, measurements from physical paint samples. This model can be used to explore the effect of platelet surface roughness on the lightness of the complete paint system and predict the appearance of paints with different platelet microstructures.
Effects of atropine and l-NAME on cutaneous blood flow during body heating in humans

We sought to investigate further the roles of sweating, ACh spillover, and nitric oxide (NO) in the neurally mediated cutaneous vasodilation during body heating in humans. Six subjects were heated ...
Role of Intraneural Topography in Diagnosis and Localization in Electrodiagnostic Medicine

When evaluating focal nerve lesions, the internal topography of peripheral nerves needs to be considered. One needs to address not only the location of the fascicle in the nerve, but also the vascular supply for those fascicles and connective tissue issues of blood-nerve barriers, cushioning, and elasticity. This article provides an overview of peripheral nerve microanatomy and discusses its relevance to electrodiagnostic interpretation.
Frequency and characteristics of interventions from interdisciplinary outpatient cancer rehabilitation monthly team meetings

Introduction/Background Ambulatory cancer rehabilitation programs vary widely in the types of services offered, and there is a lack of consistency with respect to the coordination of rehabilitation with oncologic treatment plans. There are no guidelines for outpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation team meetings, and the types and characteristics of interventions that a physiatrist can provide during these meetings have not been reported. The aims are as follows: –identify the frequency and characteristics of interventions derived through monthly interdisciplinary outpatient cancer rehabilitation team meetings involving physiatrists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists; –compare the clinical characteristics of patients who did and did not receive interventions. Material and method This is a retrospective study of consecutive monthly outpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation team meetings with physiatrists’ participation. Results Over a 7-month period, there were 57 potential patients to be discussed and 42 patients were discussed. Among the 42 patients, 12 of them did not receive any interventions and 30 did, which yields 71% of patient receiving at least one intervention. Some patients required repeated discussions in different months; thus, a total of 71 discussions occurred and resulted in 51 interventions. Of the 71 discussions, 41 (58%) resulted in interventions and the most common intervention was coordination of care (37%). Thirty discussions (42%) did not result in any interventions, with the most common reason being stable or having improved functional status. Conclusion Regularly scheduled outpatient interdisciplinary cancer rehabilitation team meetings increase communication among rehabilitation specialists to identify outpatients experiencing barriers to therapy progress, provide interventions to address those barriers, and reassess rehabilitation goals previously established.
Age as a prognostic factor for treatment outcomes in glioblastoma. (P1.175)

Objective: Assess glioblastoma treatment outcomes according to patient age. Background: Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in the United States. Treatment consists of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. We examined outcomes of glioblastoma in patients Design/Methods: With IRB approval, the Cleveland Clinic Neuro-Oncology Center’s patient database was used to identify patients with glioblastoma treated between 2000–2015. Overall survival (OS) from the date of pathologic diagnosis was the primary endpoint, and progression free survival (PFS) was a secondary endpoint. Data was analyzed using cox proportional hazard models. Results: 1314 records of patients with glioblastoma were analyzed; 681 patients Conclusions: In our experience, better outcomes are seen with patients who received more intensive therapy (i.e. chemo-radiation) in both patient groups ( Disclosure: Dr. Braun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohapatra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Choi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ahluwalia has received personal compensation for activities with Elkta as an advisory board member, from Monteris Medical as a consultant, and from Merl as a speaker. Dr. Jia has nothing to disclose.
Management of recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy: long-term results from CALGB 9687 (Alliance), a prospective multi-institutional salvage prostatectomy series

To evaluate efficacy and morbidity prospectively in a contemporary multi-institutional salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) series. Forty-one men were enrolled between 1997 and 2006, who suffered biopsy-proven recurrent prostate cancer (CaP) after receiving ≥ 60c Gy radiation as primary treatment for cT1–2NXM0 disease. Surgical morbidity, quality of life, biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Twenty-four men had undergone external beam radiotherapy, 11 brachytherapy, and six both. Median time between radiation and SRP was 64 months. Median age at SRP was 64 years. Pathologic staging revealed 44% pT2, 54% pT3, and 3% pT4. Surgical margins were positive in 17 and 88% were pN0. Twenty-two percent required intraoperative blood transfusion. Three rectal and one obturator nerve injuries occurred. Seventeen of 38 evaluable patients (45%) had urinary incontinence ( ≥ 3 pads/day) prior to SRP; 88% reported urinary incontinence at 6 months, 85% at 12 months, 63% at 24 months after SRP. Furthermore, 37% of men reported impotence prior to SRP; 78% reported impotence at 6 months, 82% at 12 months, and 44% at 24 months after SRP. The 2-, 5- and 10-year BPFS rates were 51, 39, and 33% respectively; the 2-, 5- and 10-year OS rates were 100, 89, and 52%, respectively, at median follow-up 91 months. Modern surgical techniques continue to be associated with significant peri-operative complication rates. Nevertheless, SRP may benefit carefully selected patients through durable oncologic control