cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Formation and Biological Significance of N7-Guanine Adducts

DNA alkylation or adduct formation occurs at nucleophilic sites in DNA, mainly the N7-position of guanine. Ever since identification of the first N7-guanine adduct, several hundred studies on DNA adducts have been reported. Major issues addressed include the relationships between N7-guanine adducts and exposure, mutagenesis, and other biological endpoints. It became quickly apparent that N7-guanine adducts are frequently formed, but may have minimal biological relevance, since they are chemically unstable and do not participate in Watson Crick base pairing. However, N7-guanine adducts have been shown to be excellent biomarkers for internal exposure to direct acting and metabolically activated carcinogens. Questions arise, however, regarding the biological significance of N7-guanine adducts that are readily formed, do not persist, and are not likely to be mutagenic. Thus, we set out to review the current literature to evaluate their formation and the mechanistic evidence for the involvement of N7-guanine adducts in mutagenesis or other biological processes. It was concluded that there is insufficient evidence that N7-guanine adducts can be used beyond confirmation of exposure to the target tissue and demonstration of the molecular dose. There is little to no evidence that N7-guanine adducts or their depurination product, apurinic sites, are the cause of mutations in cells and tissues, since increases in AP sites have not been shown unless toxicity is extant. However, more research is needed to define the extent of chemical depurination versus removal by DNA repair proteins. Interestingly, N7-guanine adducts are clearly present as endogenous background adducts and the endogenous background amounts appear to increase with age. Furthermore, the N7-guanine adducts have been shown to convert to ring opened lesions (FAPy), which are much more persistent and have higher mutagenic potency. Studies in humans are limited in sample size and differences between controls and study groups are small. Future investigations should involve human studies with larger numbers of individuals and analysis should include the corresponding ring opened FAPy derivatives.
Forced chemical mixing in alloys driven by plastic deformation.

Molecular dynamics simulations of forced atomic mixing in crystalline binary alloys during plastic deformation at 100 K are performed. Nearly complete atomic mixing is observed in systems that have a large positive heat mixing and in systems with a large lattice mismatch. Only systems that contained a hard precipitate in a soft matrix do not mix. The amount of mixing is quantified by defining a mean square relative displacement of pairs of atoms, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}(R,t)$, that were initially separated by a distance $R$. Analysis of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}(R,t)$ and visual inspection of the displacement fields reveal that forced mixing results from dislocation glide, and that it resembles the forced mixing of a substance advected by a turbulent flow. Consideration of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}(R,t)$ also provides a rationalization of compositional self-organization during plastic deformation at higher temperatures.
SU‐FF‐J‐174: Volume Rendered Cardiac Segmentation and Analysis for Breast Radiotherapy

Purpose: Development of a non‐rigid deformable template algorithm for the segmentation of cardiacanatomy allowing for quantification of dose delivered to the heart during breast irradiation. Method and Materials: A high resolution, contrast enhanced, cardiacCT scan was used for manual delineation of cardiac?anatomy. This reference scan consisted of 163 slices, 0.75 mm thick. In‐plane reconstruction voxel dimension of the scan was 0.373×0.373×0.75mm. Manual contours were generated to delineate cardiacanatomy, describing in detail position of relevant anatomy such as the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). This set of segmented structures, along with the corresponding cardiacCTimage, define a reference set of cardiac data, to be used to match corresponding structures in our patient population. Plastimatch, a b‐spline, non‐rigid registration algorithm, was employed to determine the vector fields necessary to deform the reference CTimage to match the designated patient volume. Using this vector field, the segmented model may then be deformed and registered to the new patient anatomy. Using the Fovia High Definition® Volume Rendering platform, the segmented volume may be analyzed volumetrically, visualizing anatomy, segmented volumes and delivered dose in near real‐time. Results: Retrospective application of this algorithm upon a selection of previously irradiated free breathing and breath hold left breast patients shows good agreement with expected geometry. However, alignment issues persist where significant thoracic and pulmonary motion obscures the registration image of the patients heart, resulting in poor registration of the treated anatomy with the cardiac template. Conclusion: Risk of late cardiopulmonary toxicity from left breast irradiation has motivated new treatment techniques to reduce cardiac exposure during radiotherapy. Implementation of a deformable segmentation model imaged volumetrically allows for careful analysis of delivered cardiacdose.
Environmentally caused variation in exterior intrusion detection

Environmentally-dependent detection capability is an inescapable aspect of the overall reliability of exterior intrusion detection systems (IDSs). For this reason, security managers need to be aware of the specific site conditions that affect their IDSs. Proximity-to-alarm monitoring provides a direct indication of the interaction between an IDS and its operating environment. In addition to temporal variability in site conditions, there is spatial variability when differences in factors such as exposure to solar radiation, topography, wind funneling, ground cover, etc., cause location-dependent differences in near-surface conditions in response to the same weather. An understanding of the complexity of the environment in which IDSs operate and of the IDSs' responses to changes in their environment will greatly assist security personnel in determining the reliability of their exterior IDSs.
Two Photographic Methods of Studying High-Voltage Discharges

This paper presents some of the results of two methods of drawing out the alternating-current corona discharge along a time axis. The first method consists in photographing, with the usual camera, the discharge from a needle point revolved by the alternator which is the source of supply for the high-voltage transformer. The needle is revolved inside a porcelain tube whose outside surface is made conducting and grounded. The second method makes use of a special camera using mirrors revolved synchronously by the alternator itself. This camera is equipped with a shutter so arranged that photographs of sparks may be taken using one sweep of one of the mirrors. Photographs have been taken showing the discharge between needles, both with and without a solid dielectric placed midway between the points. When drawn out along the time axis certain characteristics of corona discharges may be seen, even when the discharge is extremely weak for the exposure may be continued for any length of time with a reoccurring phenomenon. A few photographs giving same conception of the different discharges under varying conditions are given.
Microgravity effects on sea urchin fertilization and development

Gravity has been a pervasive influence on all living systems and there is convincing evidence to suggest that it alters fertilization and embryogenesis in several developmental systems. Notwithstanding the global importance of gravity on development, it has only been recently possible to begin to design experiments which might directly investigate the specific effects of this vector. The goal of this research program is to explore and understand the effects of gravity on fertilization and early development using sea urchins as a model system. Sea urchin development has several advantages for this project including the feasibility of maintaining and manipulating these cells during spaceflight, the high percentage of normal fertilization and early development, and the abundant knowledge about molecular, biochemical, and cellular events during embryogenesis which permits detailed insights into the mechanism by which gravity might interfere with development. Furthermore, skeletal calcium is deposited into the embryonic spicules within a day of fertilization permitting studies of the effects of gravity on bone calcium deposition.
Mind model for multimodal communicative creatures and humanoids

This paper presents a computational model of real - time task - oriented dialog skills . The model , termed Ymir, bridges multimodal perception and multimodal action and supports the creation of autonomous computer characters that afford full - duplex , real - time face - to - face interaction with a human . Ymir has been prototyped in software , and a humanoid created , called Gandalf, capable of fluid multimodal dialog . Ymir demonstrates several new ideas in the creation of communicative computer agents , including perceptual integration of multimodal events, distributed planning and decision making, an explicit handling of real time, and perceptuo-motor system layered and motor control with human characteristics. This paper describes the model's architecture and explains its main elements . Examples of implementation and performance are given , and the architecture's limitations and possibilities are discussed .
Comparison of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachloro[14C]biphenyl levels in different adipose tissues of dogs and monkeys.

The polychlorinated biphenyl isomer, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachloro[14C]biphenyl (2,4,5-HCB) was administered as a single iv dose at 0.6 mg/kg to dogs and monkeys. Adipose tissue, which included omentum, pericardial, perirenal, peritesticular, and subcutaneous fat, and blood were collected at various termination times and analyzed for total 14C and the parent hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB). Significant differences (p < 0.0005) in the total hexachlorobiphenyl concentration as measured by total radioactivity (14C equivalents) were noted in the various adipose tissues and in the same adipose tissues with time. Peritesticular fat was consistently lower in the concentration of 14C equivalents than the other adipose tissues, which were nearly equal. The concentrations in subcutaneous fat samples were inconsistent. Total 14C equivalent concentrations in the adipose tissues either peaked or reached a maximum at Day 1 and Day 4 for dog and monkey, respectively. However, parent HCB fat/blood ratios continually increased over the time course of the experiment, because concentrations in blood decreased more rapidly than those in adipose tissue.
Lattice distortion around the F+ center in MgO

Abstract Nuclear quadrupole couplings have been measured for Mg 25 nuclei in the third and fifth ion shells around the F + center in MgO. These couplings are used to determine the lattice relaxations and polarizations in the neighbourhood of the defect.
Urokinase induces activation of STAT3 in lung epithelial cells.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine protease that plays a major role in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Studies from our laboratory have shown that exposure of ...
Thermoelectric properties of the tetradymite-type Bi2Te2S–Sb2Te2S solid solution

Abstract The thermoelectric properties of the tetradymite-type Bi2−xSbxTe2S solid solution (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) are reported for the temperature range 5–300 K. The properties of non-stoichiometric, Cl and Sn doped n- and p-type variants are reported as well. The Seebeck coefficients for these materials range from −170 to +270 μV K−1 while the resistivities range from those of semimetals, 2 mΩ cm, to semiconductors, >1000 mΩ cm. Thermal conductivities were low for most compositions, typically 1.5 W m−1 K−1. Nominally undoped Bi2Te2S shows the highest thermoelectric efficiency amongst the tested materials with a ZT = 0.26 at 300 K that decreased to 0.04 at 100 K. The crystal structure of Sb2Te2S, a novel tetradymite-type material, is also reported.
Can Your Institution's Name Influence Constituent Response? An Initial Assessment of Consumer Response to College Names.

Abstract Naming is a significant part of image building or positioning for products and corporations. Organizations less frequently engage in name changing, but, if first impressions count, institutional names may need to be taken seriously. In this study, names of college and universities unfamiliar to potential students were presented for evaluation. One cluster of respondents had a clear preference for geographic or aspirational names while a second cluster had a preference for proper names. There was an overall preference for proper names. Cluster members differed on age, gender and level of exposure to higher education.
COLLISIONAL END LOSS OF ELECTROSTATICALLY CONFINED PARTICLES IN A MAGNETIC MIRROR FIELD

The basic problem of collisional end loss of electrostatically confined particles in a magnetic mirror field with a multi-species background plasma is considered. An analytical procedure similar to, but more accurate than, that of Pastukhov is employed. Using the method of images, in the limit of large mirror ratio and modest confining potential, a class of approximate solutions, {Fa}, to the corresponding linearized Fokker-Planck equation is found, which is characterized by some adjustable parameters. These parameters are then chosen so that the surface of Fa = 0 approximately matches the true loss boundary. An analytical estimate of the error in the loss rate due to this matching procedure is made. A new expression for the loss rate is developed and compared with the results from Fokker-Planck codes, and remarkable agreement over a wide range of mirror ratios and confining potentials is found.
Antinociception without motor blockade after subarachnoid administration of S-(+)-ibuprofen in rats

Abstract This study was designed to determine whether the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sodium S-(+)-ibuprofen (IB), can be used intrathecally as a substitute analgesic for opiates to avoid the side effects of intrathecal narcotics. One week or more after surgical implantation of subarachnoid catheters, four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were given 0.05 ml subarachnoid injections containing one of the following: Group A, normal saline (NS); Group B , IB 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.5 mg; Group C , morphine (M)_0.05 mg and 0.025 mg; Group D received NS or IB 1.5 mg. Animals were sacrificed for spinal cord examination one week after injection. Tail flick response latency (TFL) was determined before and 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after each injection. TFL differences were compared. IB 1.5 mg vs NS, IB 0.5 mg vs NS, IB 0.25 mg vs M 0.05 mg, IB 0.25 mg vs M 0.025 mg, M 0.05 mg vs NS, and M 0.025 vs NS showed p
Toward an understanding of the nature and conceptualization of outsourcing success

Despite the pervasiveness of outsourcing, many outsourcing ventures have been unable to achieve success. I posit that one explanation for the elusiveness of the achievement of success relates to a lack of consensus regarding what constitutes ''success.'' This study provides a more complete, multidimensional definition of outsourcing success, which will enable a better understanding of success with a more effective and consistent measure of outsourcing success. The results indicate that practitioners and academics agree on the top criteria used to define success. A quantitative study confirms the conceptualization of outsourcing success as a first-order construct with eight dimensions.
Second Decade, Second Chance? Parliament, Politics and Democratic Aspirations in Russia, Ukraine and Moldova

Over the past two decades, post-communist legislatures have diverged considerably regarding the roles that they play within their respective political systems. This paper focuses on three intermediate cases, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova, in which legislative institutions have not successfully consolidated their role as central representative institutions. It suggests a limited set of factors have been critical in all three cases, both in engendering their broad similarity as intermediate cases and in setting them on different courses at critical junctures. First, none of the three negotiated the early transition through a radical break with their Soviet-era political systems. Second, each of the three countries is weakly constitutionalised. Third, initial decisions regarding institutional design were less than optimal. In each of the three cases lines of authority were left unclear which, in conditions of systemic instability, exacerbated elite conflict.
Noncanonical Wnt signaling regulates midline convergence of organ primordia during zebrafish development

Several components of noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways are involved in the control of convergence and extension (CE) movements during zebrafish and Xenopus gastrulation. However, the complexity of these pathways and the wide patterns of expression and activity displayed by some of their components immediately suggest additional morphogenetic roles beyond the control of CE. Here we show that the key modular intracellular mediator Dishevelled, through a specific activation of RhoA GTPase, controls the process of convergence of endoderm and organ precursors toward the embryonic midline in the zebrafish embryo. We also show that three Wnt noncanonical ligands wnt4a, silberblick/wnt11, and wnt11-related regulate this process by acting in a largely redundant way. The same ligands are also required, nonredundantly, to control specific aspects of CE that involve interaction of Dishevelled with mediators different from that of RhoA GTPase. Overall, our results uncover a late, previously unexpected role of noncanonical Wnt signaling in the control of midline assembly of organ precursors during vertebrate embryo development.
Syndecan-1 in Breast Cancer Stroma Fibroblasts Regulates Extracellular Matrix Fiber Organization and Carcinoma Cell Motility

Stromal fibroblasts of breast carcinomas frequently express the cell surface proteoglycan syndecan-1 (Sdc1). In human breast carcinoma samples, stromal Sdc1 expression correlates with an organized, parallel, extracellular matrix (ECM) fiber architecture. To examine a possible link between stromal Sdc1 and the fiber architecture, we generated bioactive cell-free three-dimensional ECMs from cultures of Sdc1-positive and Sdc1-negative murine and human mammary fibroblasts (termed ECM-Sdc1 and ECM-mock, respectively). Indeed, ECM-Sdc1 showed a parallel fiber architecture that contrasted markedly with the random fiber arrangement of ECM-mock. When breast carcinoma cells were seeded into the fibroblast-free ECMs, ECM-Sdc1, but not ECM-mock, promoted their attachment, invasion, and directional movement. We further evaluated the contribution of the structural/compositional modifications in ECM-Sdc1 on carcinoma cell behavior. By microcontact printing of culture surfaces, we forced the Sdc1-negative fibroblasts to produce ECM with parallel fiber organization, mimicking the architecture observed in ECM-Sdc1. We found that the fiber topography governs carcinoma cell migration directionality. Conversely, an elevated fibronectin level in ECM-Sdc1 was responsible for the enhanced attachment of the breast carcinoma cells. These observations suggest that Sdc1 expression in breast carcinoma stromal fibroblasts promotes the assembly of an architecturally abnormal ECM that is permissive to breast carcinoma directional migration and invasion.
High-Power High-Responsivity Modified Uni-Traveling-Carrier Photodiode Used as V-Band Optoelectronic Mixers

A modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode-based V-band optoelectronic mixer is demonstrated. The relative optical local oscillator (LO) and optical intermediate frequency (IF) signal levels and the reverse bias can be optimized for maximum up-converted power. It was found that the optimum optical IF percentage relative to the total incident optical power was approximately 1/3 for all photocurrent levels while the optimum reverse bias increased linearly with photocurrent. A simple analytical model that explains these observations is developed. A high up-converted power of -4.7 dBm was achieved at 60 GHz and photocurrent of 70 mA. The maximum up-converted power is primarily limited by the saturation characteristic of the photodiode.
Genetic manipulation of Bacillus methanolicus, a gram-positive, thermotolerant methylotroph.

We report the fist genetic transformation system, shuttle vectors, and integrative vectors for the thermotolerant, methylotrophic bacterium Bacillus methanolicus. By using a polyethylene glycol-mediated transformation procedure, we have successfully transformed B. methanolicus with both integrative and multicopy plasmids. For plasmids with a single BmeTI recognition site, dam methylation of plasmid DNA (in vivo or in vitro) was found to enhance transformation efficiency from 7- to 11-fold. Two low-copy-number Escherichia coli-B, methanolicus shuttle plasmids, pDQ507 and pDQ508, are described. pDQ508 caries the replication origin cloned from a 17-kb endogenous B. methanolicus plasmid, pBM1. pDQ507 carries a cloned B. methanolicus DNA fragment, pmr-1, possibly of chromosomal origin, that supports maintenance of pDQ507 as a circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecule. Deletion analysis of pDQ507 indicated two regions required for replication, i.e., a 90-bp AT-rich segment containing a 46-bp imperfect, inverted repeat sequence and a second region 65% homologous to the B. subtilis dpp operon. We also evaluated two E. coli-B. subtilis vectors, pEN1 and pHP13, for use as E. coli-B. methanolicus shuttle vectors. The plasmids pHP13, pDQ507, and pDQ508 were segregationally and structurally stable in B. methanolicus for greater than 60 generations of growth under nonselective conditions; pEN1 was segregationally unstable. Single-stranded plasmid DNA was detected in B. methanolicus transformants carrying either pEN1, pHP13, or pDQ508, suggesting that pDQ508, like the B. subtilis plasmids, is replicated by a rolling-circle mechanism. These studies provide the basic tools for the genetic manipulation of B. methanolicus.
A fluorescent probe for fast and quantitative detection of hydrogen sulfide in blood

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), well known for its unpleasant rotten egg smell, was traditionally considered as a toxic gas. However, recent studies have demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide is an endogenously produced gaseous signaling compound (gasotransmitter) with importance on par with that of the other two known endogenous gasotransmitters, nitric oxide (NO)[1] and carbon monoxide (CO).[2] H2S has been recognized for mediating a wide range of physiological effects. Studies have shown that H2S can have an effect on the cardiovascular system[3] by acting as a K-ATP channel opener.[4] Several studies have shown the protective roles of H2S, in situations such as myocardial ischemia, most likely through a combination of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic signaling.[5] Further studies also showed that H2S may be a therapeutic benefit for the treatment of ischemia-induced heart failure.[6-7] It is also a modulator in the central nervous system,[8-10] respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and endocrine system.[11] It seems that hydrogen sulfide exhibits almost all the beneficial effects of NO without generating the toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, it also acts as an anti-oxidant or scavenger of ROS. Furthermore, research has indicated that hydrogen sulfide level is related to diseases such as Down syndrome[12] and Alzheimer’s disease.[13] Therefore, recent years have seen a steady increase in the interest in understanding hydrogen sulfide ’s physiological and pathological functions.[11, 14-15] One significant limiting factor in studying hydrogen sulfide is the lack of sensors and agents that allow for its rapid and accurate detection. There have been literature methods using colorimetric,[16-18] electrochemical analysis[19-21] and gas chromatography.[22-23] However, hydrogen sulfide catabolism is known to be fast, which could result in continuous fluctuation in its concentration, leading to difficulties in accurate analysis of this important molecule. Current methods do not allow for fast, accurate, and real-time determinations. Literature reported endogenous sulfide concentrations vary substantially among publications with most publications suggesting that sulfide concentration in blood is in the 10-100 μM range.[24-29] There are other studies suggesting sulfide concentration being much lower than this.[30-31] Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of new methods for the efficient detection of sulfide in biological systems.
Impact of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation on ocean heat storage and transient climate change

We propose here that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) plays an important role in setting the effective heat capacity of the World Ocean and thus impacts the pace of transient climate change. The depth and strength of AMOC are shown to be strongly correlated with the depth of heat storage across a suite of state-of-the-art general circulation models (GCMs). In those models with a deeper and stronger AMOC, a smaller portion of the heat anomaly remains in the ocean mixed layer, and consequently, the surface temperature response is delayed. Representations of AMOC differ vastly across the GCMs, providing a major source of intermodel spread in the sea surface temperature (SST) response. A two-layer model fit to the GCMs is used to demonstrate that the intermodel spread in SSTs due to variations in the ocean's effective heat capacity is significant but smaller than the spread due to climate feedbacks.
Accounting Quality, Earnings Management and Cross-Listings: Evidence from China

This paper examines the quality of financial reporting of Chinese firms cross-listed in the United States, Hong Kong and noncross-listed Chinese firms. We examine quality of financial reporting based on measures of earnings management, timely loss recognition and price-earnings association. We find that both cross-listings and noncross-listings show significant earnings smoothing and use accruals to manage earnings, and are not timely in loss recognition. We surmise that cross-listing in the United States or Hong Kong has not changed the accounting choices of Chinese cross-listing firms. However, our findings show that the market considers earnings and book value data of cross-listing firms to be more informative than those of noncross-listing firms in the event of good news. Our contribution is to show that in contrast to previous literature, firms from China do not have better reporting quality when they cross-list in the United States. There are still significant accounting deficiencies in many Chinese firms cross-listed in the United States (Financial Times, 2011).
Yolk distribution and utililization during early development of a teleost embryo (Brachydanio rerio)

The work of Oppenheimer (1934, 1936) and Tung (1955, see also Devillers, 1961) suggests that an embryo such as Fundulus, a marine teleost, explanted at early cleavage (two-cell stage) is more dependent upon the amount of periblast yolk included in an explant than is an embryo that is more advanced prior to explanation. In other words, 'if it (the embryo) is explanted before a so-called critical stage, the blastoderm turns into a hyperblastula (a non-differentiated mass of cells); if it is explanted after that, it undergoes differentiation. The critical stage corresponds to eight blastomeres in Carassius, thirty-two in Fundulus, and a young blastula in Salmo' (Devillers, 1961, p. 391). The zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, with a smaller egg than these fish, has not been characterized by explanation. Devillers, in summary, states that 'these results mean that a substance indispensable for differentiation exists in the yolk sphere' (p. 392). He continues,' On the other hand, how this hypothetical material may reach the blastoderm needs to be explained. The base of the blastoderm is in direct contact with the periblast in the early stages; later on, this syncytium 'buds' off blastomeres that add themselves to the embryonic disc' (p. 397). He then asks the question 'but then how can one explain that in later stages the syncytium can still impose an orientation on the germ? Are diffusing organizing substances involved?' (p. 397). Several questions may be further suggested from Devillers' initial question. After the first horizontal cleavage, is more yolk being added to the cells of the blastoderm? How is the yolk added to the cells of the blastoderm? What is in the yolk that may be the indispensable substance suggested by Devillers ? This study will attempt to answer these questions.
Harmonic characterization of mismatches in deep sub-micron varactors for a digitally controlled RF oscillator

Precise modeling and understanding of all nonlinear characteristics in radio-frequency (RF) CMOS circuits is a pre-requisite to the successful integration of modern CMOS radios. This paper summarizes a harmonic characterization techniques used to estimate the mismatches in the minimal size inversion-type CMOS tuning varactors of a digitally controlled RF oscillator (DCO). The DCO is the centerpiece of the first ever all-digital phase locked loop (ADPLL) fabricated in 90 nm digital CMOS that meets the challenging GSM performance specifications. Full-scale VHDL simulations as well as lab measurements confirm that the tracking bank varactors have a better than 5% mismatch, thus contributing to the excellent modulation performance of the RF chip
Battered Women’s Perceptions of Risk Versus Risk Factors and Instruments in Predicting Repeat Reassault:

This study partially replicates and expands on a previous study that showed women’s perceptions of risk to be a strong predictor of reassault among batterers. The current study employed a larger and multisite sample, a longer follow-up period of 15 months, and multiple outcomes including “repeated reassault” (n = 499). According to the multinomial logistic regressions, women’s perceptions of risk improved prediction with risk factors (ROC area under the curve improved by .04 and sensitivity of repeated reassault increased 12 percentage points). In comparison to simulated risk instruments, women’s perceptions by themselves were better predictors than the K-SID, similar in predictive ability to the SARA, and almost as strong as the DAS. The best prediction of repeated reassault was obtained using risk markers, including women’s perceptions (ROC AUC = .83; 70% sensitivity) or by using the DAS and women’s perceptions together (ROC AUC = .73; 64% sensitivity).
Norwegian-Type and Cold Front Aloft–Type Cyclones East of the Rocky Mountains

Abstract Conventional data and mesoscale model simulations are used to analyze two cyclones that developed east of the Rocky Mountains in June and November 1998. Both cyclones formed when a Pacific cold front overtook a lee trough/dryline east of the Rockies. In one case the leading edge of the Pacific cold front was on the surface, as depicted in the classic Norwegian model of a cyclone. In the other case, which is referred to as a cold front aloft (CFA) cyclone, the leading edge of the Pacific cold front was aloft and in advance of the lee trough. The lifting and severe weather associated with the Pacific cold front was along the leading edge of this front in both the Norwegian-type and CFA-type cyclones. To obtain an estimate of how often CFA cyclones, with a coincident CFA rainband, occurred in the central United States during the period 15 September 1994 through 15 September 1995, 70 cyclones that maintained closed surface low pressure centers for at least 24 h, and produced precipitation in the Unit...
Grades and student evaluations of teachers

Understanding the relationship between grading practices and student evaluations is especially important in higher education because of the increasing importance of this instrument in the promotion process. If evaluations can be increased by giving higher grades, then they are a flawed instrument for the evaluation of teaching. Further, this process may be contributing to the inflation of grades in higher education if faculty have an incentive to increase their evaluations. Also, grade inflation dilutes the signaling role of educational credentials in screening workers for the labor market. In this paper, we revisit the determinants of student evaluations in a model that allows for the possibility that (expected) grades are simultaneously determined. We estimate evaluations using both OLS and two-stage least squares (TSLS) and find that grades do affect an instructor’s evaluation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that instructors can “buy” better evaluations through more lenient grading. [ JEL I20] © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stellar Hydrodynamic Equations for a Thin Disk Galaxy

Assuming that the motions of stars depart only slightly from circular, finite closed systems of stellar hydrodynamic equations are obtained for a disk galaxy by taking moments of the collisionless Boltzmann equation. The usual closure problem is avoided in that explicit expressions are obtained for the highest moments arising.
Dimensionality reduction and feature extraction applications in identifying computer users

Algorithms for dimensionality reduction and feature extraction and their applications as effective pattern recognizers in identifying computer users are presented. Fisher's linear discriminant technique was used for the reduction of dimensionality of the patterns. An approach for the extraction of physical features from pattern vectors is developed. This approach relies on shuffling two pattern vectors. The shuffling approach is competitive with the use of Fisher's technique in terms of speed and results. An online identification system was developed. The system was tested over a period of five weeks, used by ten participants, and in 1.17% of cases gave the error of being unable to decide. The applications of these algorithms in identifying computer users could lead to better results in securing access to computer systems. The user types a password and the system identifies not only the word but the time between each keystroke and the next. >
Trait compensation and cospecialization in a freshwater snail: size, shape and antipredator behaviour.

We examined relationships between individual differences in antipredator behaviour and prey morphological characters (size, shape) that influence prey vulnerability. Behavioural responses of Physa gyrina to chemical cues associated with predation by crayfish Orconectes rusticus, were assayed in the laboratory for 6 days over a 13-day period. Snails displayed consistent, individually repeatable responses to the predation cues, including hiding (refuge use) and substratum avoidance (crawling to the water surface or out of the water). We assessed shell morphology using morphometric techniques that isolate geometrically independent components of size and shape variation corresponding to aperture width and apertural obstruction. Previous studies indicate that large size, narrow apertures and obstructed apertures reduce morphological vulnerability to the shell-entry predation tactics used by crayfish. In the present study, small, and thus more vulnerable, prey tended to show stronger antipredator behaviour than large prey (i.e. behavioural compensation for morphological vulnerability). In contrast, behavioural and shapebased defences were positively correlated; snails with narrow apertures showed strong antipredator responses. We refer to this ‘double defence’ against predators as cospecialization. With either compensation or cospecialization, suites of correlated behavioural or morphological traits must be studied in tandem to understand the adaptive value of prey responses to predators. © 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Design, synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo of new betulinic acid analogues having an enone functionality in ring A

Fifteen new betulinic acid analogues were designed, synthesized, and tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Many of these analogues effectively suppress nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW cells stimulated with interferon-γ. Analogue 10 is highly and orally active in vivo for induction of the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective enzyme, heme oxygenase-1.
Positive and negative regulation of chloride secretion in T84 cells

This review discusses recent findings regarding the mechanisms and regulation of chloride secretion in the T84 cell line, a widely used model for the study of transepithelial chloride transport, the properties of the cystic fibrosis gene product (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and the interactions of inflammatory cell types with the intestinal epithelium. First, I review the features of the chloride secretory mechanism in this cell line, both as originally described by Dharmsathaphorn and co-workers and as modified by more recent findings. Second, I cover what is known of the intracellular regulation of the secretory process. Third, I review the ways in which the cell line has been utilized to dissect pathways of immune-epithelial interactions that may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diarrhea. Finally, I suggest areas of investigation with this cell line that may prove ripe for further study. The physiological and pathophysiological implications of findings obtained with the cell line are also discussed.
Characterization of obsidian from the Tibetan Plateau by XRF and NAA

The Tibetan Plateau is the highest contiguous terrain on the planet. It is cold, dry, poor in oxygen, and one of the last habitats to have been colonized by our species. Here we present the first quantitative chemical characterization of obsidian artifacts from the Tibetan Plateau. The artifacts in our sample come from 20 archeological sites spanning a large portion of the northeast and the southwest regions of the Plateau. We find that five varieties of obsidian were used at these sites. We also identify the geological source of one of the obsidian varieties as near Balung Tso in south-central Tibet. The five varieties of volcanic glass are distributed into two discrete zones in the northeast and the southwest of Tibet, suggesting that the two regions may have been occupied independently, and that interactions between them were limited. Finally, we also find that some of the transportation distances of obsidian are several hundred kilometers long.
Accelerating SWHE Based PIRs Using GPUs

In this work we focus on tailoring and optimizing the computational Private Information Retrieval (cPIR) scheme proposed in WAHC 2014 for efficient execution on graphics processing units (GPUs). Exploiting the mass parallelism in GPUs is a commonly used approach in speeding up cPIRs. Our goal is to eliminate the efficiency bottleneck of the Doroz et al. construction which would allow us to take advantage of its excellent bandwidth performance. To this end, we develop custom code to support polynomial ring operations and extend them to realize the evaluation functions in an optimized manner on high end GPUs. Specifically, we develop optimized CUDA code to support large degree/large coefficient polynomial arithmetic operations such as modular multiplication/reduction, and modulus switching. Moreover, we choose same prime numbers for both the CRT domain representation of the polynomials and for the modulus switching implementation of the somewhat homomorphic encryption scheme. This allows us to combine two arithmetic domains, which reduces the number of domain conversions and permits us to perform faster arithmetic. Our implementation achieves 14–34 times speedup for index comparison and 4–18 times speedup for data aggregation compared to a pure CPU software implementation.
Controlled Growth of Superconducting Oxide Films Using Pulsed Laser Deposition

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) has been used to monitor the homoepitaxial growth of SrTiO3 buffer layer, and subsequent heteroepitaxial growth of YBa2CU3O7-δ (YBCO) films, on (100) SrTiO3 by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The RHEED pattern during initial growth of SrTiO3 becomes sharper and increases in intensity, suggesting that the smoothness of the substrate is improved by growth of the buffer layer. On the smooth surface, the growth of SrTiO3 occurs in a layer-by-layer mode as indicated by the intensity oscillations of the specular beam. YBCO films have been subsequently grown on the buffer layer using a combination of pulsed molecular oxygen and a continuous source of atomic oxygen, with the average background pressure maintained as low as 1 mTorr. A sharp streaky pattern, and intensity oscillations are also observed during growth of YBCO. The YBCO films after cooling down in 1 atm of O2 are superconducting, with zero-resistance temperature of 80 K.
Comparative evaluation of N-acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteineamide in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in human hepatoma HepaRG cells.

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) is one of the most widely used over-the-counter antipyretic analgesic medications. Despite being safe at therapeutic doses, an accidental or intentional...
Oscillator Strengths in ONIOM Excited State Calculations

We compute oscillator strengths with the ONIOM (Our own N-layer Integrated molecular Orbital molecular Mechanics) hybrid method between ground and valence excited states and compare the results with the high level of theory equation of motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD). This work follows our previous studies in which we validated the ability of ONIOM to compute accurate transition energies compared to EOM-CCSD. We test various levels of theory and molecular systems, as well as the effect of the link atom bond length. Our results show that oscillator strengths can be accurately computed with ONIOM, provided that a sensible choice of the partitioning and of the low level method is made. Being able to calculate both the transition energy and the oscillator strength, ONIOM represents a promising approach to completely characterize valence excited states of molecules that are too large to be studied with a conventional high-accuracy method.
Resilience to Major Life Stressors Is Not as Common as Thought

We attempted to replicate findings that "most people are resilient" following three events: spousal loss, divorce, and unemployment. We applied growth mixture models to the same longitudinal data set that has previously been used to assert that resilience is ubiquitous. When using identical model specifications, as in prior studies, we found that resilient trajectories were most common, but the number of trajectories identified was different. When we relaxed two assumptions used in prior studies-that (a) all classes have similar variability in levels of postadversity adjustment and (b) there is no variability in changes within classes-we found that a resilience class was least common. Methodologically, our results show how findings on trajectories of change following major life stressors can vary substantially, depending on statistical model specifications. Conceptually, the results underscore the errors inherent in any categorical statements about "rates of resilience" among individuals confronted with major life stressors. Pragmatically, they underscore the dangers in recommending against prophylactic interventions (on the basis of one method of analyzing longitudinal data) for individuals who have experienced major life stressors.
Food Justice and Sustainability: A New Revolution☆

Abstract Urban agriculture has become one of the fastest growing types of agriculture in the United States. Establishing more localized food systems, with the aim of achieving social justice goals, has become an important strategy for developing sustainable urban food systems that try to alleviate food insecurity. Two main approaches address food security: the environmental approach seeks to establish a sustainable food system, and the social justice approach aims to eliminate poverty. These two approaches correspond to the two main dimensions of food security: the production and supply of an adequate quality and quantity of food, and the ability of people to access food. I will document the history of the Urban Farmers, a grassroots organization in Lafayette, California, which endeavoured to address both issues of poverty and sustainability in a community-development approach to food security. Its project emphasizes making the food system local and fostering the development of community.
Toward hip-hop pedagogies for music education

Music education scholarship in the areas of popular, vernacular, and participatory musicianship has grown in the past decades; however, music education research concerned specifically with hip-hop ...
Overview of the oral history programme at the national archives of Zimbabwe : implications for nation building and social cohesion

This article will aim to give an overview of the development of oral history programme at the National Archives of Zimbabwe since the colonial period to the present. It will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the programme, especially in issues of inclusivity and exclusivity. The article will try to answer Â questions such as whether the programme is national in its outlook or elitist in its approach, serving the interests of few dominant ethnic groups. How it is faring in giving a voice to those marginalised groups of the society will be another issue the article will consider. It will also look at the approaches and methodologies used to collect oral testimonies and how these bear in the long term on preserving and archiving these recorded testimonies. The article will mainly be based on the views made by intervieweeâ€™s who, when interviewed during the oral history programme, made passing statements about the programme. The environment encountered by archivists and the welcome given to them in different communities they visited during oral history exercises will be discussed, especially its implications on the success of oral traditions programme at the National Archives of Zimbabwe. The literature on oral history relating to National Archives of Zimbabwe will be reviewed and a document analysis will be done.