cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Jurisdiction of the Court

This chapter will describe the jurisdiction of the Court, including the definitions of the crimes to be investigated and the exhaustion of domestic remedies. The Court prosecutes four core crimes: genocide , war crimes , crimes against humanity , and aggression . The Rome Statute reflected an emerging consensus about the first three of these crimes, but deferred agreement on the crime of aggression. Aggression is the most controversial of the four as the definition includes the unlawful use of military force by very senior level military and civilian leaders. The ways in which the Court receives a case will be explored in this chapter, including the UN Security Council referral mechanism, investigations opened by the prosecutor in member states, or cases in which a member country refers a dispute to the Court.
Energy-Efficient Task Management

In numerous applications of wireless sensor networks, the reliability of the data collected by sensors is cast as specific QoS requirements expressed in terms of the minimum number of sensors needed to perform various tasks. Designing a long-lived sensor network with reliable performance has always been challenging due to the modest non-renewable energy budget of individual sensors. In order to promote network longevity, this chapter looks at two energy-aware task management protocols: the first protocol is centralized, while the second one is fully distributed. Both protocols assign sensors to tasks based on their remaining energy so that energy expenditure among neighboring sensors is as even as possible. We compare the network longevity, i.e., the functional lifetime of the sensor network, achieved by assigning tasks to sensors using the proposed protocols against an optimal task assignment and also against energy-oblivious protocols. Extensive simulation results have revealed that the performance of the proposed protocols is very close to that of the optimal task assignment. Furthermore, our simulations have shown that the proposed protocols can increase the functional longevity of the network by about 16 %.
Generalized analysis of the impact of emitter sheet resistance on silicon solar cell performance

Emitter sheet resistance contributes significantly to the distributed series resistance of a solar cell. The series resistance (Rs) impacts the fill factor (FF) and in turn affects the short-circuit current (Jsc) and hence the efficiency. It is therefore, imperative to understand the properties of the emitter in order to achieve excellent ohmic contact. In this study, an analytical modeling of the dependence of open-circuit voltage (Voc), Jsc, FF, and efficiency of a silicon solar cell on emitter sheet resistance was carried out. In order to better evaluate Rs based on various metal grid designs, different grid models were used to investigate the resistive losses. And the one having the best match with the reference cell was incorporated in the simulation. It was found that for a typical three-bus-bar screen-printed silicon solar cell, the emitter sheet resistance should be in the 70–90 Ω/ range.
Assessment of radiogenic cancer initiation frequency per clonogenic rat mammary cell in vivo.

Abstract Radiogenic initiation of mammary cancer is here shown to be a common cellular event. With the aid of a rat mammary clonogen transplant system designed to maximize progression of initiated cells to overt neoplasia, the estimated absolute cancer risk per surviving 7 Gy-irradiated mammary clonogen was [4.1 ± 1.2 (SE)] × 10-3, that is (5.8 ± 1.7) × 10-4 initiated cells per clonogen-Gy. To maximize neoplastic progression, all clonogen graft recipient rats were glucocorticoid deficient (adrenalectomized with minimal mineralocorticoid replacement) and hyperprolactinemic (implanted intrasplenically with pituitary tissue and an estrone capsule). Each rat was grafted with 4 × 106 “morphologically intact” monodispersed mammary cells in the interscapular white fat pad. Group A received cells which had been irradiated 1 day earlier with 7 Gy 137Cs γ-rays. Groups B and C received unirradiated mammary cells. On day 35 after transplantation, the graft sites of group B were locally exposed to 7 Gy 140 kVp X-rays. Kaplan-Meier estimates (11) of the survivor functions were used to calculate the final tumor incidences corrected for intercurrent animal loss. Estimated mammary carcinoma frequencies so calculated were 65 tumors/131 graft sites in group A, 93/119 in group B, and 13/129 in group C. The relative cancer risks per rat due to the radiation exposure of the grafted cells were 5.0 for group A and 7.8 for group B. These data on neoplasia incidence in grafted mammary clonogens and data on autologous neoplasia in the host rat mammary glands were subjected to statistical analysis. The results indicate that both neoplasm frequency and latency are in large part dependent on initiation target cell number. The high frequency of radiogenic initiation per mammary clonogen observed in this study is in accord with findings with a similar thyroid clonogen transplant system.
Large graph mining - Patterns, explanations, and cascade analysis

Summary form only given. What do graphs look like? How do they evolve over time? How does influence/news/viruses propagate, over time? We present a long list of static and temporal laws, and some recent observations on real graphs. We show that fractals and self-similarity can explain several of the observed patterns, and we conclude with cascade analysis and a surprising result on virus propagation and immunization.
Electromagnetic Analysis and Cold Test of a Distributed Window for a High Power Gyrotron

A novel distributed window for output radiation from a high power 110 GHz gyrotron is made of thin slats of sapphire interleaved and brazed to hollow metal vanes. We report the results of electromagnetic theory and cold test of this distributed window. We calculate the frequency dependence of the reflectivity of a Gaussian beam from the window. The theory indicates a significant frequency shift of the minimum reflectivity with temperature rise of the sapphire slab. This effect is of great importance for high power operation. In cold test, the distributed window reflectivity was measured while the window was heated. The cold test results are in good agreement with the theory.
Reliability impacts of multiple-bit-per-chip RAMs

The author considers the need to use error-correcting codes which have the same efficiency of the traditional single-bit-error-correcting and double-bit-error-detecting (SBEC-DBED) codes but which can be used with the current multiple-bit-per-chip organizations. A short summary is presented of memory chip and memory card configurations along with common chip failure modes and how SBEC-DBED and DBEC-TBED (double-bit-error-correcting-triple-bit-error-detecting) error-correcting codes are used to overcome these failures. This is followed by a description of the problem with the use of multiple-bit-per-chip organizations. Solutions that would satisfy the reliability requirements are included. >
Ab initio quantum mechanical modeling of infrared vibrational frequencies of the OH group in dioctahedral phyllosilicates. Part II: Main physical factors governing the OH vibrations

The physical factors responsible for the variability observed in OH infrared (IR) fundamentals in dioctahedral phyllosilicates, due to octahedral substitution of Al3+ by Mg2+, Fe2+, and Fe3+, are discussed here. The data analyzed consist of experimental frequencies as well as frequencies modeled using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The charge of the octahedral cations surrounding the OH is one of the main factors affecting both the OH stretch and the in-plane bend; cationic electronegativity and ionic radius play important roles in the stretch and bend modes, respectively. The mass of the octahedral cations does not affect the OH fundamental vibrations. The nature of the octahedral cations alone can explain most of the variability observed in the OH in-plane bend, making this fundamental vibration the most suitable for assessing octahedral composition. Discrepancies between modeled and experimental OH stretch frequencies indicate the existence of other factors governing this fundamental vibration. Further DFT calculations indicate that apical O atoms of the tetrahedral sheet with unsatisfied charges due to octahedral and/or tetrahedral substitutions can explain these discrepancies. The modeling results are utilized to predict the frequency of the OH stretch and in-plane-bend combination band that occurs near 4545 cm−1 (2.2 μm) in phyllosilicates. This band can be observed in imaging spectrometer data, allowing for the detection and analysis of phyllosilicates and other minerals in large natural systems. The modeling results confirm that the variability observed in the combination band of dioctahedral phyllosilicates reflects octahedral and, to a certain degree, tetrahedral composition, but not interlayer composition.
A comparison of administrative, citizen, and judicial Review

Three forms of case review for children in foster care are now widely used throughout the United States, either singly or in combination: (a) administrative, (b) citizen, and (c) judicial review. Each has peculiar advantages and pitfalls and requires different types of resources, policies, and organization. Each can be successful or counterproductive, depending upon how well it is designed and implemented. Selecting and implementing a review system requires an understanding of local needs and problems, of the advantages of each type of system, and of what is needed to make the system work effectively. The three types of review are compared, and suggestions are made concerning what is needed for each to work well.
Relationship between velocity and temporal variables of the flat shod running walk.

The running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse is often described as a faster variation of the walk, indicating the importance of velocity on the mechanics of the gait. Variations in gait variables create difficulties in clearly identifying the normal and abnormal running walk in a clinical evaluation. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to describe the flat shod running walk and to determine the relationship between velocity and the running walk. From frame-by-frame analysis of 60 Hz film, temporal variables were averaged for 6 strides from 6 horses performing an 'easy' (slow) and 'strong' (fast) running walk during a flat shod, easy-rider Tennessee Walking Horse show class. The running walk at both velocities was a 4-beat, symmetrical stepping gait with a lateral footfall sequence and lateral couplets. The velocity ranged from mean +/- s.d. 2.66 +/- 0.34 to 3.80 +/- 0.18 m/s. For both velocities (slow, fast), hind stance as a percentage of stride duration (58 +/- 3%, 56 +/- 2%) was significantly longer than fore (51 +/- 5%, 48 +/- 1%); diagonal advanced placement (29 +/- 2%, 37 +/- 4%) and lift-off (35 +/- 5%, 39 +/- 2%) were significantly longer than lateral (advanced placement: 22 +/- 2%, 12 +/- 3%; lift-off: 18 +/- 4%, 10 +/- 2); and lateral bipedal support (50 +/- 9%, 67 +/- 7%) was significantly longer than diagonal (27 +/- 6%, 16 +/- 4%). Strong correlations were found between velocity and diagonal advanced placement (0.640), lateral lift-off (-0.924) and diagonal (-0.648) and lateral (0.904) bipedal support. Understanding the running walk and the gait variations due to velocity may be important to both the performance and soundness of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Buoy measured wind, wind stress and wind stress curl over the shelf off Bodega Bay, California

Abstract An array of five buoys and three coastal stations is used to characterize the winds, stress, and curl of the wind stress over the shelf off Bodega Bay, California. The wind and wind stress are strong and persistent in the summer and weak in the winter. In the summer, wind and stress decrease strongly across the shelf, toward the coast. Combinations of buoys are used to compute the curl of the wind stress over different portions of the shelf. The mean summer 2001 curl of the wind stress over the array depends upon the area selected, varying between −1.32×10 −6 and +7.80×10 −6 Pa m −1 . The winter 2002 wind-stress curl also depends on location, varying from −2.06×10 −6 to +2.78×10 −6 Pa m −1 . Mean monthly curl of the wind stress is a maximum in the summer and a minimum near zero in the winter. In both the summer and the winter, the correlation between the wind-stress curl for different portions of the shelf varies between moderate negative, though insignificance, to high positive. A wind measurement at a single point can be poorly related to the measured curl of the wind stress at other locations over the shelf. The measurements show that the use of one wind measurement to characterize the curl of the wind stress over the shelf without further investigation of the local wind-stress curl structure is risky.
Performance of a heat-driven endoreversible cooler

Abstract Heat-driven cooling becomes economically attractive when there is an available inexpensive heat source at low temperature. The maximum obtainable cooling load and the maximum obtainable coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat-driven endoreversible cooler are analyzed in this paper. The endoreversible cooler is an internally reversible, but externally irreversible, device which exchanges heat with the surroundings. The maximum obtainable cooling load and maximum obtainable coefficient of performance (COP) of the cooler provide a theoretical new basis for the evaluation of the performance of existing heat-driven coolers.
Effect of bathophenanthroline and carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone on cytochrome c reductase activity of resolved succinate cytochrome c reductase complex.

Summary Electron transport activity of resolved succinate-cytochrome c reductase complex is inhibited by bathophenanthroline, a hydrophobic chelator of ferrous ions. This inhibition is partially reversed, and more effectively prevented, by carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This effect of the uncoupler can not be explained by a mechanism in which the uncoupler dissipates a transmembrane proton-motive force as envisioned in the chemiosmotic hypothesis.
Comorbid Symptoms in Children with Anxiety Disorders Compared to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been shown to be highly comorbid with other psychological disorders. Currently, there is a dearth of research examining how comorbidity impacts the assessment of core symptoms and co-occurring problem behaviors in children with ASD. The present study evaluated the rates of comorbid symptoms in children with ASD and children with anxiety disorders. Participants included 29 children with ASD, 25 children with anxiety disorders, and 31 children with no psychological disorder who served as the control group. Commonly co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC). Multivariate and univariate main effect analyses with post-hoc comparisons were conducted on seven symptom subscales (tantrum behaviors, repetitive behaviors, worry/depressed symptoms, avoidant behaviors, under-eating, overeating, and conduct problems). Children with ASD evinced higher rates of comorbid symptoms than children with anxiety disorders. Additionally, both children with ASD and those with anxiety disorders exhibited more comorbid symptoms than children in the control group. Our findings support the importance of conducting broadband assessments for comorbid symptoms when evaluating children with atypical development. Implications of these findings will be discussed in the context of previous research.
A survey of systems analysis models in forestry and the forest products industries

Abstract This review describes the current state of the art of management science applications in forest land management and the forest products industry. The evolution of applications of management science to forestry problems is traced from the late 1950's to the present. While management science is extensively utilized in both the public and private sectors, many institutional and technical barriers exist to hinder an even wider acceptance. Reasons for this and possible ways to ameliorate these problems are presented.
POLYMER MOLECULAR WEIGHT DISTRIBUTIONS

Abstract The problem of the calculation of the molecular weight distribution for a polymer is an important one for the chemical engineer, since any rational attempt to tailor the properties of a polymer must eventually depend on how the various polymers are distributed in the mixture. It follows, therefore, that the rational design of a polymerization reactor requires a detailed knowledge of the rates of the almost infinite number of reactions which take place. One says almost infinite because the number may be so large that infinite mathematical processes may be utilized. There are certainly not an infinite number of species, since all species in the reaction mixture will have a finite molecular weight. In principle, if one knew the rates of all the chemical reactions taking place in the polymerization process, then for a particular reactor geometry one could predict exactly the molecular weight distribution in a batch reactor or in the effluent of a continuous reactor. One says in principle, for it may ...
British mathematics 1837–1901

Although the Victorian era was characterized by the dominance of Great Britain both militarily and economically, the achievements of the British in mathematics were considerably less spectacular. Nevertheless, significant contributions were made by British mathematicians, several of whose names are still well known today. This paper highlights the principal mathematical developments in Britain during this time, closing with some observations on the weaknesses and limitations of Victorian British mathematics.
Decoding the implicit association test: Implications for criterion prediction

Abstract The implicit association test (IAT) is believed to measure implicit evaluations by assessing reaction times on two cognitive tasks, often termed “compatible” and “incompatible” tasks. A common rationale for studying the IAT is that it might improve our prediction and understanding of meaningful psychological criteria. To date, however, no clear psychometric theory has been advanced for this measure. We examine the theory, methods and analytic strategies surrounding the IAT in the context of criterion prediction to determine measurement and causal models a researcher embraces (knowingly or unknowingly) by using the test. Our analyses reveal that the IAT revolves around interpretation of two distinct relative constructs , one at the conceptual level and one at the observed level. We show that interest in relative implicit evaluations at the conceptual level imposes a causal model that is restrictive in form. We then examine measurement models of the IAT and show how computing a difference score at the observed level may lack empirical justification. These issues are highlighted in a study replicating an effect established in the literature (Study 1). We then introduce a new variant of the IAT and use it to evaluate the reasonableness of traditional IAT methods (Study 2).
Importance of Combined Lorentz-Doppler Broadening in High-Temperature Radiative Heat Transfer Applications

The importance of combined Lorentz-Doppler (or Voigt) broadening of spectral lines in high-temperature radiative heat transfer applications is investigated. Employing narrow-band transmissivities as the criterion, the critical total pressure below which, and the critical temperature above which Doppler broadening has a significant effect on the absorption coefficient is established for gaseous H 2 O and CO 2
Association between variants in the genes for adiponectin and its receptors with insulin resistance syndrome (IRS)-related phenotypes in Mexican Americans

Aims/hypothesis The aim of this study was to examine whether genetic variation in ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 may contribute to increased susceptibility to components of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS).
Ring vortices generated electromagnetically

If an electric current of uniform density j0 is passed axially through a stationary fluid between concentric cylinders of radii r1 and r2 (> r1), the fluid is stable to axisymmetric disturbances only if the damping provided by viscosity and electrical resistivity is sufficiently large. It is shown herein that the fluid may also be stabilized by passing a line current J along the axis, sufficient conditions for stability being The values of J needed to stabilize the fluid when the fluid has non-zero viscosity and finite conductivity are calculated for the case r2-r1 [Lt ] r1. In this latter case, the ring vortices which exist under conditions of neutral stability are exactly the same as those for flow between rotating cylinders if J and j0 have the same sign, and if J is not very small compared with πj0r2.
Defining changeability: Reconciling flexibility, adaptability, scalability, modifiability, and robustness for maintaining system lifecycle value

Designing and maintaining systems in a dynamic contemporary environment requires a rethinking of how systems provide value to stakeholders over time. Developing either changeable or classically robust systems are approaches to promoting value sustainment. But ambiguity in definitions across system domains has resulted in an inability to specify, design, and verify to ilities that promote value sustainment. In order to develop domain-neutral constructs for improved system design, the definitions of flexibility, adaptability, scalability, modifiability, and robustness are shown to relate to the core concept of “changeability,” described by three aspects: change agents, change effects, and change mechanisms. In terms of system form or function parameter changes, flexibility and adaptability reflect the location of the change agent—system boundary external or internal respectively. Scalability, modifiability, and robustness relate to change effects, which are quantified differences in system parameters before and after a change has occurred. The extent of changeability is determined using a tradespace network formulation, counting the number of possible and decision-maker acceptable change mechanisms available to a system, quantified as the filtered outdegree. Designing changeable systems allows for the possibility of maintaining value delivery over a system lifecycle, in spite of changes in contexts, thereby achieving value robustness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Hobbes, Spinoza, Kant, highway robbery and game theory

(1994). Hobbes, Spinoza, Kant, highway robbery and game theory. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 445-462.
Co-ordinated neuromuscular activity in insect spiracles at sub-zero temperatures.

DIAPAUSING pupae of some saturniid moths overwinter in an environment in which temperatures may drop to −30° C. In such conditions of cold and low humidity there are opportunities for pupae to desiccate; however, this does not happen. The primary sites of pupal water loss are seven pairs of functional spiracles. We have examined the functional behaviour of these spiracles at sub-zero temperatures. Apart from the interest this might have for students of insect physiology, it seemed of general interest to observe the effects of sub-zero temperatures on co-ordinated neuromuscular activity, and on the sensitivity of the spiracular control system to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The experiments also examine the question of pupal water loss at low temperatures.
Boron deficiency and excess in forest trees: a review

Abstract Boron deficiency of forest trees occurs in many countries, notably in exotic plantations of eucalyptus and pines, but also in plantations and natural stands of native species on soils altered by macronutrient fertilization, fire or erosion. The symptoms are usually characteristic, although diagnosis may be comfounded by variable foliar concentrations, erratic occurrence, and posible climatic damages. Chronic deficiency causes stunting, poor survival and stand irregularities. Even single episodes of deficiency cause severe stem defects and loss of wood quality. Incidence of deficiency is associated with soil characteristics. Species and genotyes within species differ in vulnerability to damage. Preventive application of slowly soluble B fertilizer is becoming routine in intensively managed plantations on susceptible soils. Boron toxicity in forest trees is uncommonly but arises from a variety of causes, including irregular distribution of B fertilizers intended to prevent deficiency. Other localized causes are application or atmospheric deposition of B-containing wastes and waste waters. Natural sources are also known but rare in forested regions. Foliar symptoms and concentrations are diagnostic. The literature of the past two decades concerning these topics and normal B concentrations is reviewed.
A membrane-based displacement flow immunoassay

The use of a membrane-based continuous flow displacement immunoassay for detection of nanomolar quantities of explosives is demonstrated, and the kinetics of this system are characterized through experimentation. Antibodies of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) are immobilized onto a porous membrane with surface reactive sites designed to facilitate the covalent binding of the antibody. After saturating the immobilized antibody binding sites with labeled antigen, target analyte is introduced in flow, and the displacement reactions are monitored using a fluorometer. The displaced labeled antigen detected is proportional to the concentration of the analyte introduced to the antibody-labeled antigen complex. Multiple assays were performed at flow rates of 2.0, 1.0, 0.50, and 0.25 mL/min using membranes saturated with varying TNT antibody concentrations. The signal intensity (i.e. the concentration of displaced labeled antigen) was independent of antibody concentration at 1.0 mL/min, but proportional to antibody concentration at 0.25 mL/min. Our data suggests that the lower flow rate created a longer interaction time between the injected analyte and the antibody-labeled antigen complex, resulting in greater displacement of the labeled antigen and higher signal intensities than seen at higher flow rates.
Developing tolerance: A comparison of contextual versus program effects

Abstract This paper reports a quasi-experimental study of a six-week integrated summer camp experience for a group of teenagers from all parts of the country and from various economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds. A set of controls (withdrawals and friends of participants) were employed for comparative purposes. Contrary to other evidence, interracial tolerance for black and white participants was not increased as a result of contact. Whites actually became significantly less tolerant towards Blacks over the six-week period. Likewise, ethnocentric attitudes for both Blacks and whites were not decreased. By comparison, these same participants received a specific educational program dealing with homosexuals and ex-convicts and did become more tolerant of these groups. An explanatory discussion of these results is offered along with the practical implications of the research.
Eulerian description of high-order bounce-back scheme for lattice Boltzmann equation with curved boundary

We propose an Eulerian description of the bounce-back boundary condition based on the high-order implicit time-marching schemes to improve the accuracy of lattice Boltzmann simulation in the vicinity of curved boundary. The Eulerian description requires only one grid spacing between fluid nodes when second-order accuracy in time and space is desired, although high-order accurate boundary conditions can be constructed on more grid-point support. The Eulerian description also provides an analytical framework for several different interpolation-based boundary conditions. For instance, the semi-Lagrangian, linear interpolation boundary condition is found to be a first-order upwind discretization that changes the time-marching schemes from implicit to explicit as the distance between the fluid boundary node and the solid boundary increases.
Leaching of elements from bottom ash, economizer fly ash, and fly ash from two coal-fired power plants

Abstract To assess how elements leach from several types of coal combustion products (CCPs) and to better understand possible risks from CCP use or disposal, coal ashes were sampled from two bituminous-coal-fired power plants. One plant located in Ohio burns high-sulfur (about 3.9%) Upper Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh coal from the Monongahela Group of the Central Appalachian Basin; the other in New Mexico burns low-sulfur (about 0.76%) Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation coal from the San Juan Basin, Colorado Plateau. The sampled CCPs from the Ohio plant were bottom ash (BA), economizer fly ash (EFA), and fly ash (FA); the sampled CCPs from the New Mexico plant were BA, mixed FA/EFA, FA, and cyclone-separated coarse and fine fractions of a FA/EFA and FA blend. Subsamples of each ash were leached using the long-term leaching (60-day duration) component of the synthetic groundwater leaching procedure (SGLP) or the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP, 18-hour duration). These ashes were all alkaline. Leachate concentrations and leachabilities of the elements from the CCPs were similar between corresponding CCP types (BA, EFA, and FA) from each plant. The leachabilities of most elements were lowest in BA (least leachable) and increased from EFA to FA (most leachable). Ca and Sr were leached more from EFA than from either BA or FA. Leachability of most elements also increased as FA particle size decreased, possibly due in part to increasing specific surface areas. Several oxyanion-forming elements (As, Mo, Se, U, and V) leached more under SGLP than under TCLP; the opposite was true for most other elements analyzed.
Structural and functional heterogeneity among the zinc fingers of human MRE-binding transcription factor-1.

MRE-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) activates the expression of metallothionein (MT) genes in mouse and human cells upon binding to one or more tandem metal-response elements (MREs; 5'-ctnTGCRCnCgGCCc) in the MT promoter. MTF-1 contains six Cys2-His2 zinc finger sequences. Previous work suggests that the zinc finger domain itself may function as a zinc sensor in zinc-activated expression of MTs. To obtain molecular insight into MTF-1 function, a recombinant fragment of MTF-1 containing only the zinc finger domain (denoted MTF-zf) has been purified using nondenaturing conditions and characterized with respect to zinc-binding properties, secondary structure, and DNA-binding activity. Different preparations of MTF-zf, following an anaerobic dialysis to quantify Zn(II) and reduced cysteine (by DTNB reactivity) content, reveal Zn(II)/MTF-zf stoichiometries ranging from 3.3 to 5.5 g at Zn(II) and 11-13 reduced thiolates (12 expected). Far-UV CD spectra reveal indistinguishable secondary structural content in all preparations, i.e., enough to fold just three of six zinc fingers of MTF-zf. Removal of additional zinc from MTF-zf gives rise to an insoluble apoprotein. Complex formation between a Zn5.5 MTF-zf and a coumarin-labeled MREd-containing oligonucleotide as monitored by changes in the anisotropy of the coumarin fluorescence gives a Kapp = 3.8 (+/-0.5) x 10(8) M-1 (pH 7.0, 0.20 M NaCl, 25 degreesC). Investigation of the salt type and concentration dependence of Kapp suggests significant contributions from both cation and anion release upon complex formation. Zn5.5 MTF-zf exhibits a large negative heat capacity of complex formation with MREd and can discriminate among DNA duplexes which have mutations deposited on either the TGCRC core or the C-rich side of the MREd. Air oxidation of Zn5.5 MTF-zf results in the reversible conversion of 6 of the 12 Cys thiolates to 3 disulfide bonds; as expected, this has no effect on the secondary structure of MTF-zf, but results in approximately 30-fold reduction in Kapp to approximately 1.2 x 10(7) M-1. In contrast, fully reduced Zn3.5 MTF-zf binds to the MREd with an affinity and [NaCl] dependence largely indistinguishable from those of Zn5.5 MTF-zf. The zinc fingers in MTF-zf are physically and functionally inequivalent. A subset (approximately 3-4) of zinc fingers plays a structural role in folding and high-affinity MREd binding, while one or more additional fingers have properties potentially consistent with a metalloregulatory role.
Coordination of development and metabolism in the pre-midblastula transition zebrafish embryo

To define the mechanisms that coordinate early embryonic development and metabolism, we have examined the response of zebrafish embryos to anoxia before the midblastula transition. Our findings reveal that anoxic pre-midblastula transition embryos slow the cell cycle, arrest before the midblastula transition and can recover normally if restored to a normoxic environment. Analyses of respiratory rates reveal that pre-midblastula transition embryos are less reliant on oxidative phosphorylation than older embryos. Interestingly, arrest in anoxia occurs despite inhibition of zygotic transcription, revealing a central role for maternal factors in the response to energy limitation. Consistent with this concept, we demonstrate that the posttranslational energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase pathway is activated in anoxia in pre-midblastula transition embryos. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a maternal program capable of coordinating developmental rate and metabolism in the absence of transcription-based pathways or cell cycle checkpoints. Developmental Dynamics 237:1789–1798, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of multimodality neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer in the United States: assessment of 987 hospitals.

Consensus guidelines recommend neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, whether this recommendation has been widely adopted is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the utilization of neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer and its association with outcomes in the United States. From the National Cancer Data Base all patients with middle and lower third clinical stage I–III esophageal cancers who underwent surgical resection were identified (1998–2007). Multivariable regression models were developed to identify predictors of neoadjuvant therapy use and associated outcomes. We identified 8562 patients who underwent surgical resection for esophageal cancer. In nonmetastatic locally advanced tumors, neoadjuvant therapy use increased (stage II 47.9% to 72.5%; stage III 51.0% to 90.1%; P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with the decreased use of neoadjuvant therapy for stage II and III disease were age ≥75 years, Medicare insurance coverage, Charlson score ≥2, stage II (vs. III) disease, and geographic region. Patients with stage II and III disease who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had a lower risk of positive lymph nodes (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.55) and positive surgical margins (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38–0.69). Thirty-day postoperative mortality rates were not significantly affected by neoadjuvant therapy (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66–1.24). A pathologic complete response was observed in 10.8% of patients. The only factor that was predictive of pathologic complete response was squamous cell tumor histology (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.52–3.02). In surgically treated patients, the use of neoadjuvant trimodal therapy has increased in the past decade; however, opportunities exist to improve adherence to national guidelines.
Single-dose oral phenytoin loading is superior to divided-dose loading

Phenytoin (PHT) loading is indicated for acute seizure prophylaxis. Oral loading is safer than intravenous loading but is slower and less reliable. Oral PHT loading has historically been accomplished in several divided doses because of concerns about toxicity and the possibility of delayed or incomplete absorption of a single large dose. Single-dose and divided-dose PHT loading have not been compared previously in a controlled clinical study. We randomized 54 emergency department patients in need of acute seizure prophylaxis to singledose or divided-dose loading. All patients received a total dose of 20 mg/kg extended PHT capsules. The divided-dose patients received four equally divided doses in 9 h. At 3 h after the first loading dose, 48% of the single-dose patients had therapeutic levels of ⩾10.0 mg/L as compared with 5% of divided-dose patients. At 6 h, 68% of the single-dose patients had therapeutic levels as compared with 24% of divided-dose patients. Adverse effects were mild and were similar in both groups. We conclude that oral PHT loading for acute seizure prophylaxis should be accomplished in a single dose
Exploring the Youth and Parent Perspective on Practitioner Behaviors That Promote Treatment Engagement

Treatment engagement is critically important to child and family social work practitioners, given its documented relationship with youth and family outcomes. Despite this, little is known regarding the practice behaviors youth and parents perceive as important for promoting their engagement in treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspective of youth and parents regarding practitioner behaviors important for fostering treatment engagement. Three semistructured focus groups were conducted with 30 youth and parents. Using a constant comparative analysis procedure, two domains of practice behaviors emerged: developing the therapeutic alliance and collaborative service delivery. Specific alliance-building behaviors included building rapport and demonstrating care, acknowledging and listening to the youth and family perspective, asking questions, not judging youth and parents, allowing youth and family input to direct care, and supporting motivation to change. Collaborative practice behavior...
Patterns of differentiation among endangered pondberry populations

Pondberry, Lindera melissifolia, is an endangered and partially clonally reproducing shrub species found in isolated populations that inhabit seasonally wet depressions in forested areas of the lower Mississippi River alluvial valley and southeastern regions of the United States. With eleven microsatellite loci, we quantified population genetic differentiation and diversity among 450 genets in 10 locations distributed across pondberry’s range. We used estimates of F st and Jost’s D est to measure genetic differences between populations and between geographic regions. The largest pairwise regional difference was found between eastern and western regional population groups (F st = 0.23, D est = 0.67), with the northern-most population groups in each region exhibiting larger divergence from each other than the southern-most population groups. Genetic diversity was lowest in the Sand Pond Conservation Area (A e = 1.9, H e = 0.36), which was the northern-most pondberry population, and highest in the Francis Marion National Forest (A e = 4.1, H e = 0.69), although we identified only 17 genets in that admixed population. Following adjustments for estimated null allele frequencies, we identified heterozygote excess in four eastern populations and found no evidence for inbreeding in any population. The observed patterns of differentiation indicate a phylogeography that exhibits an Appalachian Mountain discontinuity coupled with northward migrations along the Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain and into the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The genetic consequences of this proposed phylogeographical structure may affect selection of germplasm sources for population reestablishment programs across pondberry’s range.
Thioredoxin Domain Non-equivalence and Anti-chaperone Activity of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Mutants in Vivo

Coexpression of the enzyme, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), has been shown to increase soluble and secreted IgG levels from baculovirus-infected insect cells (Hsu, T.-A., Watson, S., Eiden, J. J., and Betenbaugh, M. J. (1996)Protein Expression Purif. 7, 281–288). PDI is known to include catalytic active sites in two separate thioredoxin-like domains, one near the amino terminus and another near the carboxyl terminus. To examine the role of these catalytic active sites in enhancing immunoglobulin solubility, baculovirus constructs were utilized with cysteine to serine mutations at the first cysteine of one or both of the CGHC active site sequences. Trichoplusia niinsect cells were coinfected with a baculovirus vector coding for IgG in concert with either the wild-type human PDI virus, amino-terminal mutant (PDI-N), carboxyl-terminal mutant (PDI-C), or mutant with both active sites altered (PDI-NC). Western blot analysis revealed that both immunoglobulins and PDI protein were expressed in the coinfected cells. To evaluate the effect of the PDI variants on immunoglobulin solubility and secretion, the infected cells were labeled with35S-amino-acids for different periods, and the soluble immunoglobulins were immunoprecipitated from clarified cell lysates and culture medium using anti-IgG antibodies. Only coinfections with the wild-type PDI and PDI-N mutant led to increased immunoglobulin solubility and higher IgG secretion. In contrast, infection with the PDI-C and PDI-NC variants actually lowered immunoglobulin solubility levels below those achieved with a negative control virus. Immunoprecipitation with anti-PDI antibody revealed that heterologous PDI-C and PDI-NC were insoluble, even though PDI-N and wild-type PDI protein were detected in soluble form. The capacity for PDI-N to increase immunoglobulin solubility whereas the PDI-C mutant lowered solubility indicates that the amino- and carboxyl-terminal thioredoxin domains of PDI are functionally distinct in vivo following mutations to the active site. Furthermore, mutations at the active site of the carboxyl-terminal thioredoxin domain result in PDI variants that can act as anti-chaperones of immunoglobulin solubility in vivo as has been observed in vitro for lysozyme aggregation by wild-type PDI and PDI mutants (Puig, A., and Gilbert, H. F. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 7764–7771).
Role of dihydrotestosterone in androgen action

Androgen action differs from that of most hormones in that testosterone, the major androgen secreted from the testes and the most abundant androgen in the circulation of men, is not the principal androgen within target cells. Indeed, abundant evidence indicates that most androgen actions are mediated by the 5α-reduced metabolite dihydrotestosterone that is formed in target tissues. The conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is mediated by two isoenzymes ; mutations in the steroid 5α-reductase 2 gene cause a rare autosomal-recessive form of male pseudohermaphroditism, and inhibition of this enzyme causes regression of the prostate gland. Dihydrotestosterone binds more tightly to the androgen receptor than does testosterone, but it is not clear whether this property is the sole explanation for its essential role in androgen action. Nor is it clear whether some androgenic effects may be mediated by circulating dihydrotestosterone acting as a hormone.
A theoretical and experimental study of ferrofluid lubricated four-pocket journal bearings

Abstract Two types of four-pad step-pocket journal bearings, lubricated with ferromagnetic fluid, are studied. The ferrofluid lubrication can yield higher overall bearing performance than that obtained with ordinary fluid lubrication. The side leakage of the ferrofluid at both ends of the bearing can be avoided.
It’s the Gays’ Fault: News and HIV as Weapons Against Homosexuality in Singapore

As homosexuality in Singapore is illegal and suffers from social stigmatization, the local media avoided the topic until recent acknowledgment by a top-ranking official of the presence of gays in S...
Comparison of a rocking bed and standard bed for decreasing withdrawal symptoms in drug-exposed infants.

PURPOSE To determine if the use of a mechanical rocking bed with maternal intrauterine sounds would decrease symptoms of withdrawal and promote neurobehavioral adaptation in drug-affected infants. METHODS This was a repeated measures experimental design, with infants randomized to a standard bed or a rocking bed. The sample consisted of 14 full-term infants who were prenatally exposed to methadone plus other illicit drugs. RESULTS Infants receiving the rocking bed therapy experienced a significant increase in withdrawal symptoms and sleep deprivation and displayed suboptimal neurobehavioral functioning on day 7 of life. IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that the use of a mechanical rocking bed may be overstimulating for these fragile infants during the acute period of withdrawal.
New modes of OWA information fusion

In this work, we focus on the OWA operator. We view this operator as the inner product of two vectors: a weighting vector containing the weights associated with the aggregation, and a second vector containing the arguments to be aggregated. We note the centrality to this operator of the process used to index the elements in the argument vector, and suggest some new mechanisms for ordering the arguments. In the second part, we study the situation in which the weighting vector is context dependent. Finally, we consider the case in which the arguments to be aggregated are drawn from an ordinal scale; the solution to this problem leads us to consider random weighting vectors.
High-Order Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Computation of Turbulent Flows

This paper presents a high-order discontinuous Galerkin method for computation of compressible turbulent flows in three space dimensions. A modified Spalart-and-Allmaras turbulence model is implemented and discretized to the same order of accuracy as that for the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The creation of curvilinear meshes for arbitrary three-dimensional configurations is achieved through the aid of a computational analysis programming interface, which enables direct communications with the computer-aided design module to determine the true positions of surface quadrature points for high-order geometric representations. A modified linear elasticity approach is used sequentially and is of crucial importance for reshaping the interior mesh to allow high-aspect-ratio curved elements in turbulent boundary layers. Requirements of the mesh parameters, including the wall spacing and viscous stretching factor, are studied; and it is concluded that, for attached turbulent flows, the conventional s...
The design of a high field ohmic heating coil for a superconducting tokamak based on the US-DPC test coil

The fabrication of the US-DPC (demonstration poloidal coil) test coil in the US is using industrial processes capable of manufacturing advanced 30- to 40-kA ternary Nb/sub 3/Sn cable-in-conduit conductors (CICCs) and coils for compact, high-field tokamaks. The authors examine the feasibility of 1- to 1-m-bore 15-T ohmic heating (OH) coils using state-of-the-art CICC conductors. The proof of concept of this technology is expected to be confirmed in the 1990 US-DPC tests at the Japanese Demonstration Poloidal Coil Test Facility. The OH coil design concepts presented appear to satisfy all known superconducting, magnetic, pulsed loss, structural, hydraulic, thermodynamic, and economic requirements of an ohmic heating central solenoid for a compact steady-state tokamak. >