cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periastron advance in neutron star–black hole binaries

As neutron star - black hole binaries are expected to be discovered through future pulsar surveys using upcoming facilities, it is necessary to understand various observable properties of such systems. In the present work, we study the advance of the periastron of such binaries under the post-Newtonian formalism over a wide range of parameters. We find that the first and second order post-Newtonian effects and the leading order spin-orbit coupling effects are significant for such binaries but higher order effects can be neglected.
Enacting red power: The consummatory function in native American protest rhetoric

Most observers of the American Indian Movement and allied groups have criticized the movement for alienating white audiences. This essay argues that Red Power rhetoric is not addressed primarily to whites, and suggests that this rhetoric is a case of consummatory self‐address in which a Native American Weltanschauung enables the movement successfully to enact its goals.
Advocacy Evaluation: A Model for Internal Evaluation Offices.

Abstract A major transformation taking place in evaluation practice is the shift from externally funded evaluations to internal evaluation staffs. To successfully compete for visibility and impact in an organizational environment evaluators must view themselves as change agents and adjust from positions of neutral observers to active participants in the decision making process. Program improvement can be facilitated by evaluators philosophically oriented to rigorous advocacy of recommendations at the completion of evaluations. This Advocacy Evaluation concept is described using the Federal Bureau of Investigation evaluation staff as a model .
Machine understanding of manufacturing features

Automated engineering analysis (AEA) of the solid model of a product is an essential task for the implementation of concurrent engineering. AEA has the potential to analyse several design and manufacturing activities in order to reduce the product development time and the associated costs. This especially has been the goal of many American manufacturing companies facing stiff global competition. AEA involves the use of the CAD data base of the product model for several design and manufacturing activities such as process planning, NC path planning, GT coding, assembly analysis, tolerancing, automated jig and fixture design, FEM analysis, heat transfer analysis, etc. The power of AEA can be fully realized if the output from the CAD data is in a higher-level form, i.e., features. However, CAD systems typically store the product information in a lower-level form such as points, edges, faces, etc. This paper presents a rule/graph-based approach for generating higher-level product definition in terms of manufac...
Small‐Molecule End‐Groups of Linear Polymer Determine Cell‐type Gene‐Delivery Efficacy

Gene delivery has the potential to treat a range of inherited and acquired diseases. Research has primarily focused on the use of viral vectors for this purpose, due to efficient infection of cells with viruses as well as long-term gene expression. However, the use of viral vectors for gene therapy is limited by safety concerns, production/manufacturing challenges, and limited nucleic acid carrying capacity [1, 2]. Thus, increased attention has been focused on biomaterials including cationic polymers as gene transfection agents [3-5] due totheir electrostatic interactions with plasmid DNA to form cationic nanoparticles. Polymers, including polyethylenimine (PEI), are useful in a variety of gene therapy applications [6-10]. One promising class of polymers, poly(β-amino ester)s (PBAEs), are degradable and have enhanced delivery compared to PEI [11-13]. Recent studies show that the amine-terminated polymers are generally more effective at promoting cellular uptake and DNA delivery than their acrylate-capped counterparts [14, 15].
Iron Deficiency in the Rat: Effects on Energy Metabolism in Brown Adipose Tissue

Mitochondria were prepared from the brown adipose tissue of control rats and animals made iron deficient by means of a low iron diet. The specific activities of the mitochondrial electron transport system (NADH, succinate and alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase activities) were markedly and significantly reduced in preparations of brown adipose tissue from the iron-deficient rats as compared with preparations from the control animals. In contrast, concentrations of the cytochrome pigments a + a3, and c + c1 were normal and cytochrome b was slightly reduced (18%) in the mitochondrial preparations from the iron-deficient animals. Treatment of the iron-deficient animals with triiodothyronine significantly increased the amount of brown fat present per kilogram of body weight in both control and iron-deficient rats, but did not significantly affect the specific activities of the mitochondrial electron transport system.
Response: Arc mRNA dynamics: a Rosetta stone for deciphering cellular and systems mechanisms in history

Abstract We appreciate the thoughtful review of our work by Martin. Indeed, Arc is a tool par excellence for studying mRNA localization in response to localized synaptic stimulation. We would additionally like to note two other lines of investigation. The first suggests that Arc might be a useful marker for individual neurons and perhaps individual synapses that are undergoing activity-dependent modifications (LTP and LTD). The second implicates Arc protein in synapse-specific plasticity and memory.
The Nop60B gene of Drosophila encodes an essential nucleolar protein that functions in yeast

The Cbf5 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was originally identified as a low-affinity centromeric DNA-binding protein, and cbf5 mutants have a defect in rRNA synthesis. A closely related protein from mammals, NAP57, is a nucleolar protein that coimmunoprecipitates with the nucleolar phosphoprotein Nopp140. To study the function of this protein family in a higher eukaryote that is amenable to genetic approaches, the gene encoding a Drosophilamelanogaster homolog, Nop60B, was identified. The predicted Drosophila protein shares a high degree of sequence identity over a 380-residue region with both the mammalian and yeast proteins, and shares several conserved motifs with the prokaryotic tRNA pseudouridine 55 synthases. Nop60B RNA is found at high levels in nurse cells and in the oocyte, and is present throughout development. Nop60B protein is localized primarily to the nucleolus of interphase cells, and is absent from the chromosomes during mitosis. Nop60B mutants were generated and shown to be homozygous lethal. The Drosophila gene can rescue the lethal phenotype of yeast cbf5 mutations, showing that the function of this protein has been conserved from yeast to Drosophila.
Thermodynamic Stability of Histone H3 Is a Necessary but not Sufficient Driving Force for its Evolutionary Conservation

Determining the forces that conserve amino acid positions in proteins across species is a fundamental pursuit of molecular evolution. Evolutionary conservation is driven by either a protein's function or its thermodynamic stability. Highly conserved histone proteins offer a platform to evaluate these driving forces. While the conservation of histone H3 and H4 “tail” domains and surface residues are driven by functional importance, the driving force behind the conservation of buried histone residues has not been examined. Using a computational approach, we determined the thermodynamically preferred amino acids at each buried position in H3 and H4. In agreement with what is normally observed in proteins, we find a significant correlation between thermodynamic stability and evolutionary conservation in the buried residues in H4. In striking contrast, we find that thermodynamic stability of buried H3 residues does not correlate with evolutionary conservation. Given that these H3 residues are not post-translationally modified and only regulate H3-H3 and H3-H4 stabilizing interactions, our data imply an unknown function responsible for driving conservation of these buried H3 residues.
Temporal effects in porcine skin following bromine vapor exposure.

Bromine is an industrial chemical that causes severe cutaneous burns. When selecting or developing effective treatments for bromine burns, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of tissue damage and wound healing. This study investigated the effect of cutaneous bromine vapor exposure on gene expression using a weanling swine burn model by microarray analysis. Ventral abdominal sites were exposed to a mean calculated bromine vapor concentration of 0.51 g/L for 7 or 17 min. At 6 h, 48 h, and 7 days post-exposure, total RNA from skin samples was isolated, processed, and analyzed with Affymetrix GeneChip® Porcine Genome Arrays (N = 3 per experimental group). Differences in gene expression were observed with respect to exposure duration and sampling time. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) revealed four common biological functions (cancer, cellular movement, cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, and tissue development) among the top ten functions of each experimental group, while canonical pat...
Information Flow Monitor Inlining

In recent years it has been shown that dynamic monitoring can be used to soundly enforce information flow policies. For programs distributed in source or bytecode form, the use of just-in-time (JIT) compilation makes it difficult to implement monitoring by modifying the language runtime system. An inliner avoids this problem and also serves to provide monitoring for more than one runtime. We show how to inline an information flow monitor, specifically a flow sensitive one previously proved to enforce termination insensitive noninterference. We prove that the inlined version is observationally equivalent to the original.
The Far-Eastern Shrimp Pandalus Prensor Stimpson (Decapoda, Pandalidae): Description of Laboratory Reared Larvae

Les stades larvaires 1-6 de la crevette ouest-pacifique Pandalus prensor ont ete eleves en laboratoire, et figures et decrits en detail. Les larves eclosent a l'etat avance, avec des pereiopodes bien developpes et des rudiments de pleopodes. Le developpement postembryonnaire apparait ainsi comme abrege. L'heterochronie du developpement des appendices chez les larves est discutee.
Differential activation of enkephalin, galanin, somatostatin, NPY, and VIP neuropeptide production by stimulators of protein kinases A and C in neuroendocrine chromaffin cells

Neuropeptides function as peptide neurotransmitters and hormones to mediate cell-cell communication. The goal of this study was to understand how different neuropeptides may be similarly or differentially regulated by protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) intracellular signaling mechanisms. Therefore, this study compared the differential effects of treating neuroendocrine chromaffin cells with stimulators of PKA and PKC on the production of the neuropeptides (Met)enkephalin, galanin, somatostatin, NPY, and VIP. Significantly, selective increases in production of these neuropeptides were observed by forskolin or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) which stimulate PKA and PKC mechanisms, respectively. (Met)enkephalin production was stimulated by up to 2-fold by forskolin treatment, but not by PMA. In contrast, PMA treatment (but not forskolin) resulted in a 2-fold increase in production of galanin and somatostatin, and a 3-fold increase in NPY production. Notably, VIP production was highly stimulated by forskolin and PMA, with increases of 3-fold and 10-15-fold, respectively. Differences in elevated neuropeptides occurred in cell extracts compared to secretion media, which consisted of (i) increased NPY primarily in secretion media, (ii) increased (Met)enkephalin and somatostatin in secretion media (not cell extracts), and (iii) increased galanin and VIP in both cell extracts and secretion media. Involvement of PKA or PKC for forskolin or PMA regulation of neuropeptide biosynthesis, respectively, was confirmed with direct inhibitors of PKA and PKC. The selective activation of neuropeptide production by forskolin and PMA demonstrates that PKA and PKC pathways are involved in the differential regulation of neuropeptide production.
Hydraulic Control of Sill Flow with Bottom Friction

Abstract The hydraulics of strait and sill flow with friction is examined using a reduced gravity model. It is shown that friction moves the critical (or control) point from the sill to a location downstream. If the strait has constant width, the control point lies where the bottom slope is the negative of the drag coefficient Cd. If -Cd exceeds the bottom slope everywhere, the flow cannot be controlled (in the classical sense that energy and flow force are minimized). Friction also decreases the minimum obstacle height required to establish hydraulically controlled flow in the classical laboratory towing experiment. Also, friction greatly encourages the establishment of stationary hydraulic jumps in the lee of the sill and, under certain conditions, gives rise to stationary jumps on the upstream face of the obstacle. Some consequences of these results for deep-ocean overflows are given using the Iceland-Faroe overflow as an example.
Atg7 deficiency increases resistance of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen to produce extensive oxidative damage to organelles housing the photosensitizer. Although PDT is an efficient trigger of apoptosis, it also induces autophagy in many kinds of cells. Autophagy can serve as both a cell survival and a cell death mechanism. Our previous study indicates that autophagy contributes to cell death after PDT, especially in apoptosis-deficient cells. Here, we provide further evidence to support the role of autophagy in cell killing after PDT. Autophagy was blocked by knockdown of one essential factor, LC3 or Atg7, in MCF-7 cells. The cells were exposed to a range of doses of PDT sensitized by the phthalocyanine Pc 4; steps in autophagy were monitored by western blotting for LC3-II and by fluorescence microscopy for the uptake of monodansylcadaverine or for the distribution of transfected GFP-LC3; and overall cell death was monitored by MTT assay and by clonogenic assay. We find that blocking autophagy increased the...
Competition as market progress: An Austrian rationale for agent-based modeling

Economists recognize competition as fundamental to economic science. General equilibrium is not competition; Austrians, like other economists, have sometimes confused the two. The socialist calculation debate and the elimination of competition by socialists in the Soviet Union offer insight into danger of using an equilibrium framework to study competition. Current policy models are based on a general equilibrium framework, but heterogeneous interactive agent-based models are rising to challenge them. Austrian economists should embrace this new direction and guide the creation of agent-based models of the economy.
Performing History: The Effects of a Dramatic Art-Based History Program on Student Achievement and Enjoyment

This study examines the influence of a dramatic art-based history program for fifth-grade students on both their learning and enjoyment of history. The program, called “Performing History,” reflect...
Regulation of NF-κB by Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Associated with the p300 Coactivator

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor is responsive to specific cytokines and stress and is often activated in association with cell damage and growth arrest in eukaryotes. NF-κB is a heterodimeric protein, typically composed of 50- and 65-kilodalton subunits of the Rel family, of which RelA(p65) stimulates transcription of diverse genes. Specific cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were found to regulate transcriptional activation by NF-κB through interactions with the coactivator p300. The transcriptional activation domain of RelA(p65) interacted with an amino-terminal region of p300 distinct from a carboxyl-terminal region of p300 required for binding to the cyclin E-Cdk2 complex. The CDK inhibitor p21 or a dominant negative Cdk2, which inhibited p300-associated cyclin E-Cdk2 activity, stimulated κB-dependent gene expression, which was also enhanced by expression of p300 in the presence of p21. The interaction of NF-κB and CDKs through the p300 and CBP coactivators provides a mechanism for the coordination of transcriptional activation with cell cycle progression.
Effects of Aggregate Masking on Soil Infiltration under an Aggregate Bed

AbstractThis research seeks to address questions about the reduction in soil infiltration rates due to masking or embedding when a layer of open-graded aggregate is placed on top of soil. This is pertinent to the design and modeling of many low impact development (LID) technologies that incorporate infiltration such as porous pavements, infiltration trenches, and dry wells. A large permeameter was used to first measure the infiltration rate of five different soils and a No. 67 aggregate separately, and then measure the effective infiltration rate of the soils with an aggregate layer on top and with aggregate embedded in the top of the soil. The actual effective infiltration was then compared to the theoretical effective infiltration, assuming no masking or embedding effect. It was found that the measured infiltration rate was consistently lower than predicted, indicating a reduction in infiltration due to the presence of the aggregate layer. The average reductions were 29 and 43% for masking and embedding...
Design of a Mechanical Cardiovascular Sinulator

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study to determine design values for the basic hydraulic parameters of a mechanical pulse duplicator that reproduces as many of the significant source and load characteristics as possible. The method of approach used in this study has been to first investigate the physiological system to find what parameters are important to the production of the dynamic pressure-flow situation in the vicinity of the heart valves. A conceptual mechanical model was then developed that would use these same parameters to model the source and load characteristics. Finally, an electronic analog computer was used to find design values for the mechanical model and test its response as compared to published data on response of the human cardiovascular system. Design values are presented in tabular form. Waveform recordings of system responses are shown along with similar recordings reported in the literature, and comparisons are made.
Reassessment of the number of auxiliary genes essential for expression of high-level methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

A new transposon library constructed in the background of the highly and homogeneously methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain COL yielded 70 independent insertional mutants with reduced levels of antibiotic resistance. Restriction analysis with HindIII, EcoRV, EcoRI, and PstI and then Southern hybridization with probes for the transposon and for the femA-femB gene demonstrated that 41 of the 70 Tn551 mutants carried distinct and novel, as yet undescribed insertion sites, all of which were outside of the mecA gene and were also outside the already-characterized auxiliary genes femA, femB, femC, and femD. All previously described Tn551 mutations of this type were in genes located either on SmaI fragment A or SmaI fragment I. In contrast, inserts of the new library were located in 7 of the 16 SmaI chromosomal fragments, fragments A, B, C, D, E, F, and I. In all of the mutants, expression of methicillin resistance became heterogeneous, and the MIC for the majority of cells was reduced (1.5 to 200 micrograms ml-1) from the homogeneous methicillin MIC (1,600 micrograms ml-1) of the parental cells. Although identification of the exact number of genes inactivated through the new set of transposon inserts will require cloning and sequencing, a rough estimate of this number from mapping data suggests a minimum of at least 10 to 12 new genetic determinants, all of which are needed together with femA, femB, femC, and femD for the optimal expression of methicillin resistance. Images
Symptoms versus neurocognitive skills as correlates of everyday functioning in severe mental illness

A critical review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies conducted from 2001-2005 investigating the relationship of symptoms and neurocognitive skills to everyday functioning in patients with severe mental illness was completed. Literature and bibliographic searches identified seven studies, which were grouped according to the methodology of measurement of everyday function selected: clinician-rated scales of psychosocial function based on patient and proxy report; performance-based measures of functional capacity; or competitive vocational success. Results of the review revealed that negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal, psychomotor slowing and blunted affect, and neurocognitive measures of attention, executive function, working memory, verbal memory and psychomotor speed, were most commonly linked to all three domains of everyday function. With the exception of one study, there was no evidence of a relationship between positive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and everyday function. The implications of these findings for guiding future research are discussed.
Immunopathogenesis of Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I–Associated Neurologic Disease

This review focuses on current approaches to understanding the immunopathogenesis of human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) based on newly developed molecular and immunologic techniques that have been adapted to studies of HTLV-I proviral load, HTLV-I mRNA, and HTLV-I tax-specific CD8 T cells. These methods enable researchers to study previously inaccessible aspects of this disease and allow a more detailed analysis of virus/host immune responses as they relate to disease specificity in this disorder. The role of HTLV-I-specific CD8 T cell immune responses is highlighted. The elucidation of the immunopathology of HAM/TSP will enhance our understanding of other HTLV-I-associated disorders plus other neurologic, hematologic, and inflammatory diseases for which viral etiologies have been suggested.
Assessing the Effect of Routine Activity Theory and Self-Control on Property, Personal, and Sexual Assault Victimization:

This study used a sample of 2,230 female university students to assess the applicability of routine activity theory and self-control on property, personal, and sexual assault victimization. Results...
Intertemporal Competitive Equilibrium: An Empirical Study of Speculation

In his prologue to the theory of speculation, Samuelson (1966a, p. 947 and passim) deals exclusively with the case of "foreseen changes in future supply and demand" in outlining a theory of intertemporal competitive price-quantity equilibria in markets that are subject to speculation. The analysis was considered to be a preliminary step to the more complicated cases involving uncertainty. Modern extensions of the theory (Mandelbrot, 1971; Samuelson, 1972; Schimmler, 1973) to include uncertainty have been accompanied by such vestiges of this original "perfect knowledge" model (e.g., common, well-defined expectations) as demanded, perhaps by the limitations of mathematical machinery and imagination for restructuring the theory.
Localization of the Adhesion Receptor Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V Complex to Lipid Rafts Is Required for Platelet Adhesion and Activation

The platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex mediates the attachment of platelets to the blood vessel wall by binding von Willebrand factor (VWF), an interaction that also transmits signals for platelet activation and aggregation. Because the complex is extensively palmitoylated, a modification known to target proteins to lipid rafts, we investigated the role of raft localization in GP Ib-IX-V functions. In unstimulated platelets, a minor portion of the complex localized to Triton-insoluble raft fractions; this portion increased three to sixfold with platelet activation by VWF. Raft-associated GP Ib-IX-V was selectively palmitoylated, with GP Ib-IX-V–associated palmitate increasing in the raft fraction on VWF-mediated activation. The raft fraction was also the site of association between GP Ib-IX-V and the Fc receptor FcγRIIA. The importance of this association was demonstrated by the ability of the FcγRIIA antibody IV.3 to inhibit shear-induced platelet aggregation. Disruption of rafts by depleting membrane cholesterol impaired several GP Ib-IX-V–dependent platelet fractions: aggregation to VWF under static conditions and under shear stress, tyrosine phosphorylation, and adhesion to a VWF surface. Partial restoration of membrane cholesterol content partially restored shear-induced platelet aggregation and tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, localization of the GP Ib-IX-V complex within rafts is crucial for both platelet adhesion and postadhesion signaling.
The Causal Dynamics Between US Renewable Energy Consumption, Output, Emissions, and Oil Prices

Abstract This article examines the causal dynamics between renewable energy consumption, real gross domestic product (GDP), carbon emissions, and real oil prices using the Toda-Yamamoto long-causality test procedure over the period 1949 to 2009. The results indicate that renewable energy legislation and policies since 1978 had a positive and statistically significant impact on renewable energy consumption. Though the results suggest that real GDP, carbon emissions, and real oil prices did not have a causal impact on renewable energy consumption, unexpected shocks to real GDP and carbon emissions yielded a positive impact on renewable energy consumption over time.
GETTING THE HOT STRUCTURES

The recent advances in levitation methods for materials processing now enable structural, thermo-physical property, and phase transition studies to be made on high temperature solids and liquids without container contamination. These studies have led to new insights into the liquid state and have revealed how local order in the liquid can dictate phase formation. In this article, levitation techniques are briefly discussed, focusing most on electrostatic levitation. Recent synchrotron studies of electrostatically levitated undercooled Ti–Zr–Ni liquids are presented, which demonstrate that developing icosahedral short-range order in the liquid causes the nucleation of a metastable icosahedral quasicrystal instead of the stable tetrahedral Laves phase. In addition to providing the first experimental proof of a half-century-old hypothesis linking the order of the liquid with the nucleation barrier, these data raise new questions about the general applicability of the thermodynamic model assumed in the classical theory of nucleation. The combination of electrostatic levitation and synchrotron high-energy x-ray diffraction also allows rapid and accurate determinations of phase diagrams for high temperature materials. This is demonstrated usingTi–Fe–Si–O as a case study. This new technique, then, is of practical as well as basic importance.
A Familial Pattern of Multiple Idiopathic Cervical Root Resorption in a Father and Son: A 22‐Year Follow‐Up

Background: The etiology of idiopathic cervical root resorption has not been elucidated clearly. However, the process has been linked to trauma, intracanal bleaching, and partial-thickness connective tissue grafts. Methods: This study describes a familial pattern of multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption in a father and son. Results: The father was a healthy 63-year-old white male who presented with the first resorption lesion in 1983. Twenty-seven additional lesions were identified on 16 teeth over 22 years. Five teeth were lost as a result of extensive resorption. The son was a healthy 43-year-old when a resorption lesion was identified in 1993. A lesion identified on another tooth 12 years later resulted in extraction. Conclusions: Close relatives of those affected by multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption should be examined carefully for cervical resorption. This study also showed that early treatment can prevent or delay the need for extraction.
Metabolism of Ethanol to 1-Hydroxyethyl Radicals in Rat Liver Microsomes: Comparative Studies with Three Spin Trapping Agents

Metabolism of ethanol to 1-hydroxyethyl radicals by rat liver microsomes was studied with three nitrone spin trapping agents (POBN, PBN, and DMPO) under essentially comparable conditions. The data indicate that POBN was the superior spin trapping agent for 1-hydroxyethyl radicals, and that DMPO was least efficient. Addition of deferoxamine completely prevented detection of 1-hydroxyethyl radicals with PBN or DMPO, but caused only 50% decrease in EPR signals when POBN was the spin trap. However, superoxide dismutase only decreased 1-hydroxyethyl radical formation when POBN was the spin trap. Other experiments demonstrated that POBN was the most effective of these nitrones for reduction of Fe(III) in aqueous solutions. Furthermore, 1-hydroxyethyl radical adducts were formed when POBN was added to mixtures of ethanol, phosphate buffer, POBN and FeCl3, but this effect did not occur with either PBN or DMPO. Thus, these data indicate that undesirable effects of POBN on iron chemistry may influence results of sp...
Type I Error Rates for Generalized Graded Unfolding Model Fit Indices

Type I error rates were examined for several fit indices available in GGUM2000: extensions of Infit, Outfit, Andrich's Χ 2 , and the log-likelihood ratio Χ 2 . Infit and Outfit had Type I error rates much lower than nominala. Andrich's Χ 2 had Type I error rates much higher than nominal a, particularly for shorter tests or larger sample sizes. The log-likelihood Χ 2 had Type I error rates near or below nominal a for small samples or longer tests but had inflated error rates with large samples and shorter tests. For conditions in which the log-likelihood ratio Χ 2 did not perform well, alternative fit indices or modifications to these procedures should be considered in future studies. Index terms: GGUM, unfolding, fit, Likert scales, Type I error.
Microstructural Effects in Oxide Superconductors

Mechanical deformation (ball milling) has been found to degrade the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7−x. The degraded samples have been found to contain a large density of non-intersecting (110) twins and at the same time exhibit a large EPR signal. A clear correlation betwen the degree of degradation (as measured by the relative susceptibility), the twin density and the EPR intensity was established. A detailed analysis of the EPR parameters shows conslusively that the copper(II) complexes involved cannot lie in perfect defect-free YBa2Cu3O7−x. Rather, they have very different environments most probably associated with twin boundaries. The twin structure and associated EPR spectra are very sensitive to modest thermal and mechanical stress, and a new “ribbon-like” defect is subsequently observed. On the other hand, annealing at 500 °C, produces the “tweed-like” twin structure, with no associated EPR spectra and with restored superconducting properties.
National Amnesties and International Justice

How should the ICC handle cases in which prosecution would threaten to derail peace negotiations? Are there alternative ways of imposing accountability that would allow the ICC to avoid a forced choice between peace without justice and justice without peace? These questions already confront the ICC in its first referral, concerning crimes against humanity committed during an on-going civil war in Uganda, where many victims and their families argue that ICC prosecution will deter the rebels from negotiations, and that their traditional restorative justice mechanisms will better serve the ends of justice and reconciliation. This article proposes that in some circumstances the ICC would be warranted in deferring to states that choose to invoke certain non-penal approaches to condemning crimes and imposing accountability. The first section argues that the ICC's obligation is broader than, and does not always entail, a simple duty to prosecute and punish. Rather, its essential moral obligation is to assure the recognition and repudiation of criminal atrocities, and to stand in solidarity with their victims. Criminal punishment is commonly invoked as an effective means of achieving this, but sometimes other instruments have been successfully invoked as well. The second section considers one example, the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and suggests that it should also be considered a morally acceptable response to extreme criminality.
Abstract 244: Cytoprotective Effect of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Agonist in Cardiac Stem Cells

Background: Our group has previously shown that growth hormone releasing hormone receptor agonists (GHRHR-A) improve cardiac performance in heart failure models and reverse remodeling. This effect was associated with an increase in the number of c-kit+ cardiac stem cells (CSCs), suggesting that this agonist might have an effect on these cells. Methods and Results: We investigated the expression of GHRH receptor (GHRHR) in CSCs of different species by flow cytometry analysis. GHRH-R is expressed in 96-98% of CSCs isolated from mouse, rat and porcine. Results were compared to GHRHR expression in HeLa and MCF7, and T47D cell lines, positive and negative controls, respectively. To determine if GHRHR activation can improve CSCs self-renewal, we tested the effect of agonists on porcine CSCs proliferation. The rate of cell division was increased 2-fold with JI38 (GHRHR-A) treatment (3.4 ± 0.7) vs. vehicle control (1.7 ± 0.2) (p<0.05). Pre-treatment of CSCs with the GHRHR antagonist MIA-602, showed a trend toward...
Continuously zoom imaging probe for the multi-resolution foveated laparoscope

In modern minimally invasive surgeries (MIS), standard laparoscopes suffer from the tradeoff between the spatial resolution and field of view (FOV). The inability of simultaneously acquiring high-resolution images for accurate operation and wide-angle overviews for situational awareness limits the efficiency and outcome of the MIS. A dual view multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) which can simultaneously provide the surgeon with a high-resolution view as well as a wide-angle overview was proposed and demonstrated to have great potential for improving the MIS. Although experiment results demonstrated the high-magnification probe has an adequate magnification for viewing surgical details, the dual-view MRFL is limited to two fixed levels of magnifications. A fine adjustment of the magnification is highly desired for obtaining high resolution images with desired field coverage. In this paper, a high magnification probe with continuous zooming capability without any mechanical moving parts is demonstrated. By taking the advantages of two electrically tunable lenses, one for optical zoom and the other for image focus compensation, the optical magnification of the high-magnification probe varies from 2 × to 3 × compared with that of the wide-angle probe, while the focused object position stays the same as the wide-angle probe. The optical design and the tunable lens analysis are presented, followed by prototype demonstration.
Aspirin Loading and Release from MCM-41 Functionalized with Aminopropyl Groups via Co-condensation or Postsynthesis Modification Methods

A comprehensive study of aspirin loading and release from MCM-41 and amine functionalized MCM-41 was conducted. Two different functionalization methods, co-condensation and postsynthesis modification, were utilized and compared. All of the MCM-41 samples were thoroughly characterized before and after aspirin loading by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, and thermogravimetric analysis to determine the structure and physicochemical properties such as surface area, pore volume, and functional group loading. Molecular level details about the aspirin–MCM-41 interactions were revealed through FTIR and 13C solid-state NMR experiments. For the aminopropyl-functionalized MCM-41, the carboxylic acid group of aspirin associates with the amine group of the functionalized MCM-41. In all of the samples, an interaction between the aspirin phenyl group and the mesoporous silica host was hypothesized based on shifts in the phenyl group 13C NMR resonances. Molecular dynamics simulations supported the ...
Tapered Optical Fiber Quadruples Bandwidth of Multimode Silica Fibers Using Same Wavelength

Four co-propagating optical channels of same wavelength have been spatially multiplexed and de-multiplexed over a step index multimode silica fiber to quadruple the bandwidth. This presents experimental setup and results for such a system.
Graph Coarsening Method for KKT Matrices Arising from Orthogonal Collocation Methods for Optimal Control Problems

State-defect constraint pairing graph coarsening method is described for large sparse Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) matrices that arise from the discretization of optimal control problems via an orthogonal collocation method. The method takes advantage of the known sparsity pattern of the KKT matrix. For any particular optimal control problem, the method pairs each component of the state with its corresponding defect constraint. Following that the method forces paired rows to be adjacent in the reordered KKT matrix. Aggregate results are presented using a wide variety of benchmark optimal control problems and show that the method reduces the number of delayed pivots and the number of floating point operations significantly.
The Distribution of Fungi in Porto Rico

What follows is based on a sojourn of two months in Porto Rico, in November and December, I915, and January, I916. The fungous flora was examined in several areas, selected to give a good knowledge of the fungi of the island as a whole. The collecting stations were about San Juan, Rio Piedras, Rio Grande, Mameyes, Vega Baja, Manati, Mayagiiez, Yauco, Aibonito, and Naranjito. These areas were selected to give a view of the island from end to end and from side to side, and as much variety as possible with respect to elevation and rainfall. All elevations were reached from sea level to the highest on the island, 4,985 feet. All conditions with respect to precipitation of moisture were reached, from the desert conditions on the south side of the island with 15 to 30 inches per annum to 125 to 150 inches about El Yunque. Each day's collecting occupied long hours and often long tramps, stopping neither for heat nor rain. The hand lens was used freely in the field, and no specimens were taken that did not seem to be in condition for determination. This method gave somewhat more than 2,200 numbers. Had specimens been taken without examination, probably two or three times as many could have been secured. Yet it is doubtful whether the larger amount of work required to study such a collection would add sufficiently to the results to warrant the method.
Landscape Preferences and Water Conservation Choices of Residents in a High Desert Environment

We surveyed homeowners with residential landscapes in Santa Fe, NM, to determine their attitudes toward high desert plants and to assess their preferences for urban landscapes and water conservation strategies in a high desert urban environment. While there was low acceptance for the traditional turf lawn, 64% of residents agreed that high desert plants provided the variety they needed in their residential landscapes and 92% of residents would use high desert plants to landscape their front yard. Homeowners had a strong preference for retaining their current desert landscapes and converting traditional landscapes to high desert-adapted landscapes. Logistic regression revealed a negative relationship between length of residency in the southwestern United States and the willingness to use high desert plants. When homeowners who irrigated their landscape were asked whether water shortages, environmental concerns, information on water, city regulations, high water bills, or water rate increases would cause them to use less water on their landscapes, the highest level of agreement (94%) was for water shortages. Eightyeight percent of respondents agreed that they liked any type of landscape that contains interesting features and is well planned. We conclude that homeowners have a preference for desert-adapted landscapes and agree that high desert plants provide an adequate palette of plants for urban landscapes. Additionally, the length of residency in the southwestern U.S. and the possibility of water shortages have the potential to impact water conservation strategies in high desert urban landscapes.
Investigation of mosquito species and mosquito borne arboviruses in Haikou, China

Objective To investigate the species of mosquitoes and mosquito borne arboviruses in Haikou, Hainan province, China, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito borne diseases. Methods Mosquito samples were collected using electric mosquito traps in Haikou city and other four districts (with different habitats) from June to November in 2010; the mosquito samples were classified in the laboratory, and viruses were isolated from them and then identified. Results A total of 8425 mosquitoes were captured. Of all these mosquitoes, 68.87% were Culex tritaeniorhynchus, 20.21% were Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus, 6.64% were Anopheles sinensis, and 4.28% were Armigeres subalbatus. One strain of Getah virus and one strain of Banna virus were isolated from the mosquito samples. Conclusion The prevention and control of mosquitoes should be carried out according to the ecological characteristics of mosquitoes in Haikou, so as to effectively prevent mosquito borne infectious diseases.
Suprapatellar Intramedullary Nail Technique Lowers Rate of Malalignment of Distal Tibia Fractures

Objectives:To report on the immediate postoperative alignment of distal tibia fractures (within 5 cm of the tibial plafond) treated with suprapatellar intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion compared with the infrapatellar technique. Primary outcomes include alignment on both the anteroposterior and lat
Light and electron microscopic characteristics of sinus reactions and cellular traffic in the hilar lymph node complex (HLNC) in rabbits undergoing a pulmonary cell-mediated immune reaction.

In rabbits undergoing BCG-induced pulmonary granulomatous reactions we observed (1) a hyperplasia of bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), enlargement of the HLNC and histologic evidence of increased lymph flow and cellular traffic from the lung toward the HLNC.
Software development and testing: a system dynamics simulation and modeling approach

Software-development and testing is a complex activity that often shows signs of contradicting instinctive activities, in that outcomes can vary drastically with deliberate consequences. Software-development and testing has many complexities, including dynamic behavior and feedback mechanisms, as well as various interacting factors. System dynamics is a modeling methodology that is well suited to explaining the root causes of contradicting instinctive activities - through its focus on building a simulation model that reflects causal relationships, feedback and delays. The production of a high quality software product requires application of both defect prevention and defect detection techniques. A common defect detection strategy is to subject the product to several phases of testing such as unit, integration, and system. These testing phases consume significant project resources and cycle time. As software companies continue to search for ways for reducing cycle time and development costs while increasing quality, software testing processes emerge as a prime target for investigation. This paper presents a system dynamics model of software development, better understanding testing processes. Motivation for modeling testing processes is presented along with a an executable model of the unit test phase. It motivates the importance of software cycle time reduction. The objective of the research is to provide decision makers with a model that will enable the prediction of the impact a set of process improvements will have on their software development cycle time.
Quality improvement in pediatrics: past, present, and future.

Almost two decades ago, the landmark report “To Err is Human” compelled healthcare to address the large numbers of hospitalized patients experiencing preventable harm. Concurrently, it became clear that the rapidly rising cost of healthcare would be unsustainable in the long-term. As a result, quality improvement methodologies initially rooted in other high-reliability industries have become a primary focus of healthcare. Multiple pediatric studies demonstrate remarkable quality and safety improvements in several domains including handoffs, catheter-associated blood stream infections, and other serious safety events. While both quality improvement and research are data-driven processes, significant differences exist between the two. Research utilizes a hypothesis driven approach to obtain new knowledge while quality improvement often incorporates a cyclic approach to translate existing knowledge into clinical practice. Recent publications have provided guidelines and methods for effectively reporting quality and safety work and improvement implementations. This review examines not only how quality improvement in pediatrics has led to improved outcomes, but also looks to the future of quality improvement in healthcare with focus on education and collaboration to ensure best practice approaches to caring for children.
Fertility of lactating dairy cows treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone at AI, 5 days after AI, or both, during summer heat stress

Objectives of this experiment were to evaluate pregnancy per AI (P/AI) and progesterone (P4) concentrations after AI of lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions treated with 100 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at AI, 5 d after AI, or both. Lactating Holstein cows from two herds were enrolled in the study during summer. Cows detected in estrus based on tail paint removal were allocated to four treatments: (1) control (CON = 722); (2) GnRH treatment at AI (G0 = 739); (3) GnRH treatment 5 d post-AI (G5 = 697); or (4) GnRH treatment at AI and 5 d post-AI (G0+G5 = 697). Blood samples were collected from a subgroup of cows at AI (study d 0), study d 5 and 12 to determine P4 concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted at study d 36 and 94. Temperature and relative humidity were collected from a meteorological station nearest the herds and temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Average THI during study enrollment was 83.8 ± 0.1 and THI at study d 0 tended (P = 0.09) to be associated with P/AI at study d 36, but it was not (P = 0.33) associated with P/AI at study d 94. Treatment with GnRH at AI, 5 d after AI, or both, did not affect (P ≥ 0.64) P/AI at study d 36 or 94. An interaction, however, was detected (P = 0.06) between treatment and lactation number. Such an interaction was observed because, among ≥ third-lactation cows, P/AI was greater for G0+G5 (28.6%) and G5 (25.3%) than CON cows (17.3%) at study d 36. Pregnancy per AI of ≥ third-lactation G0 cows did not (P ≥ 0.11) differ from CON, G5, and G0+G5 cows. No differences in P/AI were detected among treatments in first- and second-lactation cows. Overall, treatments with GnRH at AI, 5 d after AI, or both were not (P = 0.94) associated with P4 concentrations on study d 0, 5 or 12. Among cows diagnosed pregnant at study d 36, progesterone concentration on d 5 was not affected (P ≥ 0.24) by treatments with GnRH at AI, 5 d after AI, or both, but progesterone concentration on d 12 was greater for cows treated with GnRH at AI and 5 d after AI compared with G0 cows. Lactating dairy cows in their third or greater lactation exposed to heat stress conditions with compromised fertility may have increased P/AI after treatment with GnRH 5 d after AI or the combined treatment of GnRH at AI and 5 d after AI because of reduced early embryonic loss.