cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to the minitrack on internet and workflow automation: technical and managerial issues

The continued need to reduce costs, speed cycle times, and provide flexible service is driving the development and use of workflow management systems (WFMS). Traditionally, WFMS are employed to improve internal processes within firms. Increasingly, they are being employed in electronic commerce applications. This minitrack is now in its fifth year. Its objective is to explore the whole area of workflow application with particular emphasis on Internet-based applications. Consistent with this objective, the papers in this minitrack are concerned with a broad spectrum of research issues and applications of workflow technologies. Moving beyond the traditional areas of workflow application, two papers describe the use of WFMS in knowledge management and organizational learning. The paper, “Workflow-Supported Organizational Memory Systems: An Industrial Application,” by Lang and Schmidt presents a case study of a workflow management application that collects a variety of business process documents and stores them in an organizational memory system. The authors document impressive gains in efficiency and more effective business intelligence from the use of the system concluding that it had a significant impact on organizational effectiveness. In “Process-Aware Knowledge Retrieval,” Kurt D. Fenstermacher also focuses on the possibility of a WFMS to informate users. The framework presented in this paper describes how relevant knowledge sources can be associated with processes so that the right information is supplied to a human operator in a just-in-time fashion. The remaining three papers in the minitrack describe some interesting new architectural approaches. In “A Flexible Process-Oriented Workflow and Information System Based on Standard Office Products,” Dickerhof et al show how standard Microsoft office products can be combined to develop a comprehensive workflow and groupware system. Their “INFOFLOW” system supports efficient work processes as well as providing a forum for knowledge exchange. The paper, “IB: A Workflow-Based Integration Approach,” by Jose Espinosa and Pulido, addresses issues in using a WFMS to integrating diverse software applications. They describe a project initiated by five European companies to build a workflow-oriented process integration platform based on CORBA. Finally, the paper, “Verification and Optimization of an Operating Theatre Block Workflow, ” by Barkaoui et al, uses a Petri net formalism to optimize work in a hospital application. The interesting aspect of their work is that the resulting workflow design optimizes the use of diverse resources such as staff with different skills and items of equipment.
Establishment and dispersal of the biological control weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes on mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata

Mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (Polygonaceae), is an annual vine from Asia that has invaded the eastern US where it can form dense monocultures and outcompete other vegetation in a vari- ety of habitats. The host-specific Asian weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculioni- dae) was first released in the US in 2004 as part of a classical biological control program. The weevil was intensively monitored in three release arrays over 4 years, and field cages at each site were used to determine the number of generations produced. The weevil established at all three sites and produced three to four generations before entering a reproductive diapause in late summer. Weevils dispersed at an average rate of 1.5-2.9 m wk � 1 through the 50 m diameter arrays, which had fairly contiguous mile- a-minute cover. Weevils dispersing in the broader, more variable landscape located both large monocul- tures and small isolated patches of mile-a-minute 600-760 m from the release within 14 months. Weevil density ranged from fewer than 10 to nearly 200 weevils m � 2 mile-a-minute weed. Mile-a-minute cover decreased at the site with the highest weevil density. The production of P. perfoliata seed clusters decreased with increasing weevil populations at two sites, and seedling production declined over time at two sites by 75% and 87%. The ability of the weevil to establish, produce multiple generations per season, disperse to new patches, and likelihood of having an impact on plants in the field suggests that R. latipes has the potential to be a successful biological control agent.
Heat Map Visualizations Allow Comparison of Multiple Clustering Results and Evaluation of Dataset Quality: Application to Microarray Data

Since clustering algorithms are heuristic, multiple clustering algorithms applied to the same dataset will typically not generate the same sets of clusters. This is especially true for complex datasets such as those from microarray time series experiments. Two such microarray datasets describing gene expression activities from regenerating newt forelimbs at various times following limb amputation were used in this study. A cluster stability matrix, which shows the number of times two genes appear in the same cluster, was generated as a heat map. This was used to evaluate the overall variation among the clustering algorithms and to identify similar clusters. A comparison of the cluster stability matrices for two related microarray experiments with different levels of precision was shown to be an effective basis for comparing the quality of the two sets of experiments. A pairwise heat map was generated to show which pairs of clustering algorithms grouped the data into similar clusters.
Ritonavir induces P-glycoprotein expression, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) expression, and drug transporter-mediated activity in a human intestinal cell line

The present study characterized the response of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) to chronic ritonavir (RIT) exposure by assessing increases in P-gp and MRP1 protein expression and activity. LS-180V intestinal carcinoma cells were exposed for 3 days to 1–100 μM RIT concurrently with controls. P-gp and MRP1 protein was quantified by Western blot analysis. Cell accumulation assays, using the P-gp substrate rhodamine 123 (RH123), the P-gp/MRP1 substrate doxorubicin (DOX), and the MRP substrate carboxyfluorescein (CBF), were performed as a measure of transporter activity. RIT strongly induced P-gp and MRP1 expression (maximum 6-fold and 3-fold increases, respectively) in a concentration-dependent fashion. Following extended exposure to RIT (> 10 μM), cells accumulated < 50% of the RH123 and DOX compared with controls, whereas accumulation of CBF was decreased by 30% at 30 μM. Differences in cell accumulation of RH123 could be eliminated with verapamil (100 μM; a P-gp inhibitor), whereas decreased DOX cell accumulation was only partially reversed by verapamil. Indomethacin (100 μM; an MRP1 inhibitor) had no significant effect on RH123 or DOX accumulation, suggesting limited MRP1-mediated activity. Thus, RIT induced protein expression of P-gp and MRP1 and increased cellular drug exclusion of RH123, DOX, and CBF. Similar in vivo phenomena may occur during anti-HIV drug therapy, explaining potential decrements in therapeutic efficacy due to decreases in bioavailability or alterations in drug distribution. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1829–1837, 2001
Laboratory Detection and Pure Rotational Spectrum of AlSH (X̃ 1A

The pure rotational spectrum of AlSH ( 1A') has been recorded using millimeter and submillimeter direct absorption techniques. Measurements of its deuterium isotopomer have been recorded as well. This study is the first laboratory detection of this molecule, which was created by the reaction of aluminum vapor and H2S. Nine and seven rotational transitions of AlSH and AlSD were measured, respectively, each consisting of Ka = 0 through Ka = 6 asymmetry components. From these data, rotational constants have been established. Calculation of an r0 structure indicates that AlSH is bent with an angle near 90°. These measurements will enable searches for AlSH to be carried out in circumstellar gas, where aluminum-bearing molecules, as well as H2S, are present.
A Tribute to B. F. Skinner at 100: His Awards and Honors

B. F. Skinner (1904–1990) is among the most eminent, prolific, and widely cited figures in modern psychology. Throughout the course of his distinguished career (1930–1990), he was the recipient of numerous awards and honors from various associations, societies, colleges, and universities. He was recognized for his experimental research, its extensions and applications, and philosophical contributions, both nationally and internationally, and both in psychology and the sciences in general. In this paper, we pay tribute to Skinner on the centennial of his birth by reviewing the awards and honors he received over the course of his career.
Severe anoxia with and without concomitant brain atrophy and neuropsychological impairments.

Significant anoxia may cause a variety of neuropathologic changes as well as cognitive deficits. We have recently seen 3 patients who have suffered severe anoxic episodes all with initial Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS) of 3 with sustained coma for 10–14 d. All 3 patients had extended hospitalizations and rehabilitation therapy. A neuropsychological test battery was administered and volumetric analyses of MRI scans were carried out in each case at least 6 mo postinjury. Two of the patients display distinct residual cognitive and neuropathologic changes while 1 patient made a remarkable recovery without evidence of significant morphological abnormality. These three cases demonstrate, that even with similar admission GCS, the outcome is variable and the degree of neuropsychological impairment appears to match the degree of morphologic abnormalities demonstrated by quantitative MR image analysis. An important finding of this study is that even though subjects with an anoxic insult exhibit severe cognitive and memory impairments along with concomitant morphologic changes, their attention/concentration abilities appear to be preserved. MR morphometry provides an excellent means by which neural structural changes can be quantified and compared to neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes. (JINS, 1995, I, 501–509.)
Feminist Basic Self-Concept.

(1978). Feminist Basic: Self-concept. The Social Studies: Vol. 69, A Look at Sexism, pp. 92-95.
Reliability testing of a facial contourometer.

An anthropometric contact contourometer designed for the face is described, and its reliability (error) tested on a sample of ten men. Results suggest that for most measurements employed, moderate error is introduced with the present design and suggestions for improvement are included.
The Relationship Among Type A Behavior, Styles Used in Coping with Racism, and Blood Pressure

The relationship between six cognitive styles used in coping with racism and blood pressure in 32 Black students was studied. It was hypothesized that an apathetic style would be associated with lower blood pressure readings. Also, the relationship between the Type A coronary-prone behavior pattern and blood pressure was examined. As expected, weight was shown to have a strong relationship with blood pressure. The Type A dimension was positively related to diastolic pressure at rest and during mental arithmetic (mild stress). A style associated with a proactive and flexible orientation to the problems of racism was positively cor related with resting systolic blood pressure and the recovery of a diastolic pressure after stress.
Internet social network communities: Risk taking, trust, and privacy concerns

Individuals communicate and form relationships through Internet social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace. We study risk taking, trust, and privacy concerns with regard to social networking websites among 205 college students using both reliable scales and behavior. Individuals with profiles on social networking websites have greater risk taking attitudes than those who do not; greater risk taking attitudes exist among men than women. Facebook has a greater sense of trust than MySpace. General privacy concerns and identity information disclosure concerns are of greater concern to women than men. Greater percentages of men than women display their phone numbers and home addresses on social networking websites. Social networking websites should inform potential users that risk taking and privacy concerns are potentially relevant and important concerns before individuals sign-up and create social networking websites.
Quantifying the information in auditory-nerve responses for level discrimination.

An analytical approach for quantifying the information in auditory-nerve (AN) fiber responses for the task of level discrimination is described. A simple analytical model for AN responses is extended to include temporal response properties, including the nonlinear-phase effects of the cochlear amplifier. Use of simple analytical models for AN discharge patterns allows quantification of the contributions of level-dependent aspects of the patterns to level discrimination. Specifically, the individual and combined contributions of the information contained in discharge rate, synchrony, and relative phase cues are explicitly examined for level discrimination of tonal stimuli. It is shown that the rate information provided by individual AN fibers is more constrained by increases in variance with increases in rate than by saturation. As noted in previous studies, there is sufficient average-rate information within a narrow-CF region to account for robust behavioral performance over a wide dynamic range; however, there is no model based on a simple limitation or use of AN information consistent with parametric variations in performance. This issue is explored in the current study through analysis of performance based on different aspects of AN patterns. For example, we show that performance predicted from use of all rate information degrades significantly as level increases above low–medium levels, inconsistent with Weber’s Law. At low frequencies, synchrony information extends the range over which behavioral performance can be explained by 10–15 dB, but only at low levels. In contrast to rate and synchrony, nonlinear-phase cues are shown to provide robust information at medium and high levels in near-CF fibers for low-frequency stimuli. The level dependence of the discharge rate and phase properties of AN fibers are influenced by the compressive nonlinearity of the inner ear. Evaluating the role of the compressive nonlinearity in level coding is important for understanding neural encoding mechanisms and because of its association with the cochlear amplifier, which is a fragile aspect of the ear believed to be affected in common forms of hearing impairment.
Specific site selection in RNA resulting from a combination of nonspecific secondary structure and -CCR- boxes: Initiation of minus strand synthesis by turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

A turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was used to study the template requirements for in vitro minus strand synthesis, which is initiated specifically opposite the 3'-CCA that terminates the 3'-tRNA-like structure. A deletion survey confirmed earlier results suggesting the absence of minus strand promoter elements upstream of the pseudoknotted acceptor stem and 3'-terminus. Reiteration of this 27-nt domain provided two competing initiation sites. By varying the added downstream element, it was shown that the pseudoknotted domain could be functionally replaced by various simple stem/loops, although with some decrease in activity. The addition of varying numbers of consecutive -CCA- triplets to the 3' end of the tRNA-like structure resulted in accurate initiation from each added triplet. A similar spectrum of initiations occurred with an unstructured RNA consisting of 12 consecutive -CCA- triplets and no additional viral sequence. Substitution mutations revealed no influence on minus strand synthesis of the identity of the nucleotide immediately upstream of a -CC- initiation site, but a preference for a purine immediately downstream. The introduction of secondary structure into the linear template showed that the usage of potential -CCR- initiation sites is influenced by nonspecific secondary structure. We conclude that specificity arises from the requirement that a -CCR- sequence be sterically accessible. This mechanism is only applicable to interactions that do not involve RNA unwinding during site selection, but may be used commonly in positive strand RNA virus replication and be applicable to other RNA-protein interactions.
Proving the correctness of digital hardware designs

VERIFY is a PROLOG program that attempts to prove the correctness of a digital design. It does so by showing that the behavior inferred from the interconnection of its parts and their behaviors is equivalent to the specified behavior. It has successfully verified large designs involving many thousands of transistors.
Parallel Performance Prediction

One disappointing contrast in parallel systems is between the peak performance of the parallel systems and the actual performance of parallel applications. As parallel systems expand in size and complexity, the contrast becomes more and more important, which justifies the search for metrics, techniques and tools that allow users to understand the sources of performance degradation. Understanding performance is important not only for improving efficiency of applications, but also for guiding enhancements to parallel architectures and parallel programming environments.
Innervation and Denervation of the Pelvic Floor

Problems with abnormal nerve function are an important cause of pelvic floor dysfunction. A knowledge of the role that nerve injury plays in these disorders will help explain visible abnormalities seen in imaging studies and is important for overall understanding of pelvic floor disorders.
Expression and transport properties of the human ileal and renal sodium-dependent bile acid transporter

The enterohepatic circulation of bile acids is maintained by Na+-dependent transport mechanisms. To better understand these processes, a full-length human ileal Na+-bile acid cotransporter cDNA was...
Rawls and Contract Law

The conventional view of Rawlsian political philosophy is that the private law lies outside the scope of the two principles of justice - it is not part of the basic structure of society which, in this view, is limited to basic constitutional liberties and the state's system of tax and transfer. This narrow view of the basic structure invites the conclusion that Rawlsian political philosophy is neutral with respect to the contemporary debate over the ex ante and ex post conceptions of contract law. We argue, however, that the narrow view is incorrect and the private law is properly understood as subject to the two principles of justice. We argue that individual areas of the private law must be constructed - in conjunction with all other legal and political institutions - in a manner which best meets the demands of the two principles of justice. In our view, the private law, for Rawlsianism, should not be viewed as separable from other areas of law. Despite the confusion in the literature over the narrow view of the basic structure, we maintain that the private law is not independent of the demands of the principles of justice. We argue that private ordering for Rawlsianism is properly understood as one component of an entire scheme of legal and political institutions. Taken as a whole, this scheme (in comparison with all other possible complete schemes of legal and political institutions) best meets the demands of the two principles of justice. Importantly, we also argue that our thesis - that contract law is subject to the two principles of justice - does not imply that either individual contracts or doctrines of contract law answer directly to the two principles of justice. That is to say, individual contracts and rules of contract law need not, in our view, pattern themselves after, nor be read directly off the principles of justice. Instead, we argue that for the Rawlsian, contract law is a matter of (re)distribution, consistent with a post-institutional right to freedom of contract. We understand freedom of contract, for Rawlsianism, to be defined as the scheme of contracting options constructed as open or free (in the post-institutional sense) in conjunction with the overall scheme of legal and political institutions which, when taken as a whole, best serves the demands of the two principles of justice.
The Prejudice Paradox: How Religious Motivations Explain the Complex Relationship between Religion and Prejudice

Although we think of religion affecting political discussions revolving around moral issues, past research has shown a strong relationship with how out-groups are treated in democratic society. This has created a paradox within the study of religion and prejudice: religions that teach love and acceptance tend to produce followers who are more prejudiced and intolerant than the non-religious. This paper examines this paradox by asking four primary research questions. First, how the differences between the religious relate to prejudice? Are some differences more important in explaining the relationship between religion and prejudice? Is the relationship between religion and prejudice altered when considering sexual prejudice instead of racial prejudice? And finally, is it possible to isolate religion’s direct effect on racial and sexual prejudice to see its varied effect on religious citizens? Employing Gordon Allport’s Religious Orientation Scale as a measure of religious motivation, I demonstrate that individual differences in motivation alter the relationship between religiosity and prejudice with aid of a nationally representative randomized survey-experiment. Analysis of the survey data confirms the persistence of the prejudiced-religious paradox in modern-day political campaigns. However, the existence of the paradox is not uniform across believers. Individuals possess different motivations for being religious, with some correlated with increased prejudice and others correlated with decreased prejudice. Importantly, these measures of religious motivation are more potent correlates of prejudice than typical measures of religiosity — religious tradition and frequency of attendance. Analysis of the experimental data confirms that religious motivations play a key role in moderating the effect of religious campaign rhetoric on prejudice. Consequently, the relationship between religion and prejudice is more complex that previous scholarship has suggested and is contingent on individual differences in the motivation to be religious.
The 3-D computational modeling of shear-dominated ductile failure in steel

This paper presents recent advances in the computational analysis of the failure mechanisms in high-strength steel. Computational issues are described regarding modeling of the geometry, distribution, and material behavior of the dispersed phases present in the microstructure of steel. The investigation of the failure mechanisms using computational cell model methodology in two and three dimensions is then presented with an emphasis on microvoid-induced shear failure occurring at the scale of submicrometer grain-refining carbide precipitates. The failure of a three-dimensional particle cluster extracted from tomographic analysis of an engineering alloy is simulated. Finally the cell model results are used to simulate the failure of the material at the macro-scale.
T.V. Channel Changing: Choice, Attention, and Reception in Political Communication Research

Experimental political communication research focuses on understanding media effects given reception. Theoretically, persuasion is a function of the probability an individual receives a given communication and their probability of yielding to what is received. We investigate the implications of choice - agency - for the effects of televised political information. We conduct a pilot investigation, revisiting the new Videomalaise hypothesis (Mutz and Reeves 2005), which asserts televised incivility reduces trust in officials. Our experimental design allows subjects in one treatment group to change the channel, giving them the option to watch rancorous political debate or something else. The availability of alternatives to political information mutes its effects via at least two mechanisms - Individuals who choose to watch political television programs have higher levels of experience with politics and thus more stable political orientations, while people who choose not to watch do not see the stimulus in question. We also find media effects that are stable across the choice and forced-exposure treatments. Our study is of particular significance for understanding the generalizablity of experimental political communication research.
Control Strategy and Protection Configuration for Step Controlled Shunt Reactor

Taking a specific project as an example,the control strategy and protection configuration of the step controlled shunt reactor (SCSR) are presented. Starting from basic structure of SCSR,the composition of the various parts and their respective functions are introduced,and its working method and principle in theory are explained,with corresponding formula for calculating the reactive power capacity as well. Furthermore,as viewed from the performance requirement for control system,the operation principle,implementation for the design scheme and control strategy of the control system are detailed. And the method and procedure for capacity switching as well as the advantages of the control method are highlighted. This is followed by configuration of the protection system,with focus on the wiring,principle and protection method for valve protection,circuit breaker protection and transient protection. Finally,the performance of the control and protection system is illustrated with the system test of Xindu 500 kV controlled shunt reactor pilot project.
Nonlinear Fault Reconstruction Based Fault Prognosis for Rotating Machinery

It is an engineering problem of great application value to monitor the rotating machinery online and perform fault prognosis. A fault prognosis method is proposed for rotating machinery based on kernel principal component analysis and nonlinear fault reconstruction. First, kernel principal component analysis is used to build a model of rotating machinery and perform process monitoring. By describing the fault magnitude quantificationally, an optimal fault estimation is obtained with an optimization method. At last, a multi-layer hierarchical forecasting method is adopted to predict the fault magnitude evolution. The flue gas turbine of Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Roles of Wnt pathway genes wls, wnt9a, wnt5b, frzb and gpc4 in regulating convergent-extension during zebrafish palate morphogenesis

The Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for tissue morphogenesis, participating in cellular behavior changes, notably during the process of convergent-extension. Interactions between Wnt-secreting and receiving cells during convergent-extension remain elusive. We investigated the role and genetic interactions of Wnt ligands and their trafficking factors Wls, Gpc4 and Frzb in the context of palate morphogenesis in zebrafish. We describe that the chaperon Wls and its ligands Wnt9a and Wnt5b are expressed in the ectoderm, whereas juxtaposed chondrocytes express Frzb and Gpc4. Using wls, gpc4, frzb, wnt9a and wnt5b mutants, we genetically dissected the Wnt signals operating between secreting ectoderm and receiving chondrocytes. Our analysis delineates that non-canonical Wnt signaling is required for cell intercalation, and that wnt5b and wnt9a are required for palate extension in the anteroposterior and transverse axes, respectively.
Presynaptic inhibition at excitatory hippocampal synapses: development and role of presynaptic Ca2+ channels.

1. Presynaptic inhibition of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) induced by activation of adenosine receptors was examined at hippocampal synapses in cell culture. Changes in the degree of presynaptic inhibition during development were examined. The results were then used to test the role of presynaptic Ca2+ channels in presynaptic inhibition. 2. Application of the selective A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) reduced EPSCs measured with the use of whole cell voltage-clamp procedures. In cells grown in culture for 20 days, the same concentration of CPA inhibited EPSCs by 47 +/- 3%. 3. In mature cells (grown in culture for > 20 days), application of the selective N-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTx GVIA; 2.5 microM) partially occluded the effects of CPA. In contrast, the P/Q channel blocker omega-Aga IVA enhanced the effects of CPA. Both toxins reduced the amplitude of the EPSC. 4. omega-CTx GVIA was applied to the EPSC that remained after application of 100 nM CPA. Under these conditions, omega-CTx GVIA reduced the EPSC by less than when omega-CTx GVIA was applied under control conditions. In contrast, when omega-Aga IVA was applied in the presence of CPA, the toxin reduced the EPSC to a greater extent than when it was applied under control conditions. 5. Somatic Ca(2+)-channel currents were inhibited by CPA. This effect was partially occluded by pretreatment with omega-CTx GVIA but was unaffected by pretreatment with omega-Aga IVA (1 microM). Both toxins blocked part of the somatic Ca(2+)-channel current. 6. The results indicate that inhibition of presynaptic N-type Ca2+ channels accounted for 40-50% of presynaptic inhibition, another type of Ca2+ channel may participate as well. In addition, the efficacy of presynaptic inhibition declined during synapse maturation due in part to a developmental decline in the relative contribution of N-type channels to transmitter release.
Cryptic Genetic Variation in Evolutionary Developmental Genetics

Evolutionary developmental genetics has traditionally been conducted by two groups: Molecular evolutionists who emphasize divergence between species or higher taxa, and quantitative geneticists who study variation within species. Neither approach really comes to grips with the complexities of evolutionary transitions, particularly in light of the realization from genome-wide association studies that most complex traits fit an infinitesimal architecture, being influenced by thousands of loci. This paper discusses robustness, plasticity and lability, phenomena that we argue potentiate major evolutionary changes and provide a bridge between the conceptual treatments of macro- and micro-evolution. We offer cryptic genetic variation and conditional neutrality as mechanisms by which standing genetic variation can lead to developmental system drift and, sheltered within canalized processes, may facilitate developmental transitions and the evolution of novelty. Synthesis of the two dominant perspectives will require recognition that adaptation, divergence, drift and stability all depend on similar underlying quantitative genetic processes—processes that cannot be fully observed in continuously varying visible traits.
The effects of ongoing distraction on the neural processes underlying signal detection

Abstract Distraction can impede our ability to detect and effectively process task-relevant stimuli in our environment. Here we leveraged the high temporal resolution of event-related potentials (ERPs) to study the neural consequences of a global, continuous distractor on signal-detection processes. Healthy, young adults performed the dSAT task, a translational sustained-attention task that has been used across different species and in clinical groups, in the presence and absence of ongoing distracting stimulation. We found the presence of distracting stimuli impaired participants' ability to behaviorally detect task-relevant signal stimuli and greatly affected the neural cascade of processes underlying signal detection. Specifically, we found distraction reduced an anterior and a posterior early-latency N2 ERP component (~140–220 ms) and modulated long-latency, detection-related P3 components (P3a: ~200–330 ms, P3b: 300–700 ms), even to correctly detected targets. These data provide evidence that distraction can induce powerful alterations in the neural processes related to signal detection, even when stimuli are behaviorally detected.
The democratic peace and territorial conflict in the twentieth century: Empirical results for decisions to challenge the status quo

In this and the next two chapters we assess the explanatory power of the international and domestic politics hypotheses we derived in the previous four chapters. In particular, we evaluate the relative ability of each of our four models – the International Politics Model, the Political Accountability Model, the Political Norms Model, and the Political Affinity Model – to explain the actions of state leaders in each of the three stages of territorial disputes laid out in Chapter 2. Once again, the three decisions we want to understand are: (1) the decision of challenger states regarding whether and how to challenge the territorial status quo, (2) the decisions of both challengers and targets to offer concessions during rounds of talks over disputed territory, and (3) the decisions of challengers and targets to escalate initial military confrontation by mobilizing or employing higher levels of force. In Chapter 7 we examine the decisions of challengers in the Challenge the Status Quo Stage, and then in Chapters 8 and 9 we examine the decisions of both states in the Negotiations and Escalation Stages, respectively. We test our slate of hypotheses through a series of quantitative tests using our data set on 348 territorial disputes that span the period 1919–1995 (as described in Chapter 2 and in Appendices B–E). While we employ a different statistical model for the Status Quo Stage as opposed to the Negotiations and Military Escalation Stages, there are a few model estimation features common to all of our statistical tests.
Understanding Examinees’ Responses to Items: Implications for Measurement

Examinees' thinking processes have become an increasingly important concern in testing. The responses processes aspect is a major component of validity, and contemporary tests increasingly involve specifications about the cognitive complexity of examinees' response processes. Yet, empirical research findings on examinees' cognitive processes are not often available either to provide evidence for validity or to guide the design or selection of items. In this article, studies and developments from the author's research program are presented to illustrate how empirical studies on examinees' thinking processes can impact item and test design.
Failure Analysis using a Scanning Electron Microscope

The advantages of using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the study of failure modes and/or general component quality is discussed. Examples are given of studies performed on various components which, because of their irregular shape or small size, posed significant and sometimes insurmountable difficulties to their examination using conventional microphotographic techniques. Illustrations are given of the application of the SEM to the study of various anomalies in semiconductors and wire platings. Specifically, these include such semiconductor problems as opens in the metallization over steps in the silicon dioxide, cracks in bonds and silicon chips, etc. Where practical, illustrations of photographs taken with the SEM are compared with those taken using conventional photomicroscopy.
Dividing and defending Ogden: the intersection of race making and space making in a diverse community

ABSTRACTWhile researchers frequently link the construction of racial meanings with the construction of spatial meanings, studies of race have paid little attention to how other forms of space making affect racial divisions. This study, based on interviews collected while residents of Ogden, Utah travelled around their city, explores how collective attachments to place intersect with racialized divisions of it. Residents saw their community as divided into good (white) and bad (people of colour) areas. Yet, they also united as residents to defend the city against negative assessments. These multiple and shifting understandings, simultaneously dividing and uniting the city, suggest that other forms of spatial meaning making can challenge racialized definitions of space.
Simulation of block shear fracture in bolted connections

Abstract Block shear failure in bolted connections is a complex failure mode in steel connections. The complexity of this failure is due to the varying stress-state conditions along the failure path. Failure under this mechanism is distinctively characterized by ductile fracture, particularly on the shear plane, which has recently been identified to not only be dependent on stress triaxiality but also on Lode parameters. Existing numerical models provide extensive knowledge on important performance parameters in the connection; however, further improvements of current simulation approaches can yield significant dividends in characterizing fracture initiation and progression until failure. The aim of this paper is to develop a new numerical simulation technique for capturing block shear failures in bolted connections and to utilize the developed models for further understanding the failure. Specifically, numerical models of gusset plate and coped beam connections are created and loaded up to and including total fracture. This is realized through the application of a newly developed ductile fracture criterion that accounts for the dependency of the fracture path on stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. Laboratory test results on large-scale bolted connections serve for validation of the analysis technique. Comparison between the numerical and experimental results include load versus displacement, fracture sequence, and fracture profile and an overall excellent correlation is shown. Through the numerical simulations, the intrinsic mechanisms of block shear in gusset plate and coped beam connections are discussed and the effect of various levels of beam end/rotations, for coped beam connections, on block shear failure is explored. The modeling approach presented in this study can be an alternative mean for modeling block shear failure and can be extended to other types of connections. The analysis results provide insight on block shear failure mechanism and the factors dominating the behavior of this type of connection.
ETS-targeted therapy: can it substitute for MEK inhibitors?

The RAS/MAPK pathway has been intensively studied in cancer. Constitutive activation of ERK1 and ERK2 is frequently found in cancer cells from a variety of tissues. In clinical practice and clinical trials, small molecules targeting receptor tyrosine kinases or components in the MAPK cascade are used for treatment. MEK1 and MEK2 are ideal targets because these enzymes are physiologically important and have narrow substrate specificities and distinctive structural characteristics. Despite success in pre-clinical testing, only two MEK inhibitors, trametinib and cobimetinib, have been approved, both for treatment of BRAF-mutant melanoma. Surprisingly, the efficacy of MEK inhibitors in other tumors has been disappointing. These facts suggest the need for a different approach. We here consider transcription factor ETS1 and ETS2 as alternate therapeutic targets because they are major MAPK downstream effectors. The lack of clinical efficacy of MEK inhibitors is attributed mostly to a subsequent loss of negative feedback regulation in the MAPK pathway. To overcome this obstacle, second-generation MEK inhibitors, so-called “feedback busters,” have been developed. However, their efficacy is still unsatisfactory in the majority of cancers. To substitute ETS-targeted therapy, therapeutic strategies to modulate the transcription factor in cancer must be considered. Chemical targeting of ETS1 for proteolysis is a promising strategy; Src and USP9X inhibitors might achieve this by accelerating ETS1 protein turnover. Targeting the ETS1 interface might have great therapeutic value because ETS1 dimerizes itself or with other transcription factors to regulate target genes. In addition, transcriptional cofactors, including CBP/p300 and BRD4, represent intriguing targets for both ETS1 and ETS2. ETS-targeted therapy appears to be promising. However, it may have a potential problem. It might inhibit autoregulatory negative feedback loops in the MAPK pathway, with consequent resistance to cell death by ERK1 and ERK2 activation. Further research is warranted to explore clinically applicable ways to inhibit ETS1 and ETS2.
Experiential avoidance and dysfunctional beliefs in the prediction of body image disturbance in a nonclinical sample of women.

Abstract Body image disturbance (BID) refers to persistent dissatisfaction, distress, and dysfunction related to some aspect(s) of one’s physical appearance. Cognitive models of BID highlight the importance of dysfunctional beliefs in maintaining BID. Relational Frame Theory (RFT), in contrast, posits that psychological distress is sustained by the unwillingness to experience aversive internal experiences (i.e., experiential avoidance [EA]). The present study tested the hypothesis that both dysfunctional beliefs and EA uniquely predict BID even after accounting for general distress. A nonclinical female sample ( N = 100) completed measures of general distress, dysfunctional beliefs about appearance, EA, and BID in addition to providing in vivo anxiety ratings after looking at their most dissatisfactory facial feature in a vanity mirror. Linear regression analyses showed that dysfunctional beliefs, but not EA, accounted for significant unique variance in BID outcomes. Implications for understanding, assessing, and treating clinically significant BID are discussed.
Relativistic Fluid Dynamics Far From Local Equilibrium.

Fluid dynamics is traditionally thought to apply only to systems near local equilibrium. In this case, the effective theory of fluid dynamics can be constructed as a gradient series. Recent applications of resurgence suggest that this gradient series diverges, but can be Borel resummed, giving rise to a hydrodynamic attractor solution which is well defined even for large gradients. Arbitrary initial data quickly approaches this attractor via nonhydrodynamic mode decay. This suggests the existence of a new theory of far-from-equilibrium fluid dynamics. In this Letter, the framework of fluid dynamics far from local equilibrium for a conformal system is introduced, and the hydrodynamic attractor solutions for resummed Baier-Romatschke-Son-Starinets-Stephanov theory, kinetic theory in the relaxation time approximation, and strongly coupled $N=4$ super Yang-Mills theory are identified for a system undergoing Bjorken flow.
A class of stochastic hybrid inclusions with spontaneous jumps

We consider a class of stochastic hybrid inclusions with spontaneous jumps. In this context, we present hybrid fil-trations, hybrid stopping times, and a hybrid Dynkin's formula. Subsequently, these results are used to establish Lyapunov-based sufficient conditions for uniform global asymptotic stability in probability of compact sets and uniform global recurrence in probability of open, bounded sets for stochastic hybrid inclusions with spontaneous jumps.
In vivo NMR investigations of glyphosate influences on plant metabolism

Abstract Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide; popular due to its relative low cost, low toxicity, and high efficacy in controlling most common weed species. Genetic engineering of crop seeds to be glyphosate-tolerant has facilitated the modern global agricultural practice whereby both weeds and crops are treated with herbicide, while only the crops survive. However, due to extreme selective pressure, glyphosate-resistant (GR) weed species are now found with increasing frequency in nature, threatening the dominant weed management system used in large-scale agriculture across much of the globe. In vivo NMR studies of plants have facilitated the discovery and understanding of the glyphosate-resistance mechanism of the multi-continent, highly invasive weed species, GR horseweed Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. and GR ryegrass (Lolium spp.). This study exemplifies how in vivo NMR spectroscopy can be used to better understand herbicide-associated metabolic alterations observed in living plants, which poses a significant threat to modern agriculture as it is currently practiced.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Posterior Repairs

Rectoceles are defined as a herniation of the rectum through the posterior vaginal wall, resulting from weakness in the rectovaginal fascia that leads to compromised posterior compartment support. Although not life threatening, rectoceles, like other forms of pelvic organ prolapse, can have a negative effect on daily living and quality of life. Patients may complain of stool trapping/difficulty with bowel movements, pain or difficulty with intercourse, pelvic pain/pressure, or lower back pain. The symptoms of a rectocele are most often the factor that drives patients to desire repair. The purpose of this chapter is to review the anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical considerations or rectocele repairs.
Generational Differences in Narcissism and Narcissistic Traits

Research related to narcissism is controversial in many regards. Debates about classification, conceptualization, and categorization of narcissism and narcissistic traits continue to rage into the present. However, of all the current debates related to narcissism, perhaps the most intense and contentious are those related to generational differences in narcissism. Beginning in mid-2000s, research emerged suggesting that younger generations were more narcissistic than older generations, both cross-sectionally and cross-temporally. In response to these claims, numerous rebuttals and counterarguments emerged. These debates have continued into the present, with each side of this debate presenting new evidence or rebuttals within the past 2 years. The present chapter seeks to review and synthesize this disparate and contentious literature into a cohesive whole, highlighting clearly established findings, areas of contention, and areas of ongoing debate. Future directions for research are also proposed.
The Use and Preservation of Grasslands: The Logic of Hard Lessons

Planning for preservation of grasslands and all environmental resources is essential for the long-term well-being of the environment and humans. The interrelated nature of all resources of the physical world requires sustainable practices to maintain productivity and life. Recognition that the often-overlooked resource of grasslands is foundational to economic, environmental, and political stability of the region leads to the conclusion that planning for the long-range health of grasslands is essential to the economy as well as to the environment. Part II of this article explores the history of grasslands of the Midwest. It identifies the historical mismanagement of grasslands and focuses on the lessons to be learned from past catastrophes, from a time that lacked protections for assuring sustainability. Part III describes the recent growth of agribusiness and the need for profitable uses of grasslands as part of the nation’s economic mission. Part IV provides examples of innovative and evolving protections for the prairie grasslands from examples of laws, state and federal programs, and organizations and people seeking to provide support for the long-term. Part V examines longstanding disputes regarding the relative benefits and claims on grasslands. It considers the need for a unifying principle such as sustainability to balance competing goals of use and future use of the grasslands of Kansas. Part VI concludes with observations on irreducible minimums for protection of finite resources and policies for balancing the use and preservation of the grasslands.