cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and testing of the velicer attitudes toward violence scale: evidence for a four-factor model

::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::: :::::::::::: The factor structure of the Velicer Attitudes Toward Violence Scale [VATVS; Velicer, Huckel and Hansen, 1989] was examined in three studies. Study 1 (n 5 460 undergraduates) found a poor fit for a hierarchical five-factor model earlier advanced by Velicer et al. [1989], but a good fit for an oblique four-factor model. In Study 2, this alternative model was cross-validated in a confirmatory factor analysis of an additional 195 undergraduate students. In Study 3, the competing models were compared in terms of ability to predict self-reported aggression, with 823 undergraduate students. The new four-factor model proved superior. Other findings included evidence of factorial invariance on the VATVS, and more favorable attitudes toward violence among men than women. The VATVS appears to measure the same four attitudinal constructs for men and women: violence in war, penal code violence, corporal punishment of children, and intimate violence. Aggr. Behav. 32:122–136, 2006. r 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
No stable arm preference during the pre‐reaching period: A comparison of right and left hand kinematics with and without a toy present

Adult hand preference emerges from complex developmental changes in arm and hand use during childhood. Recent reports have highlighted the importance of understanding arm and hand use during the first year of life including the period before reach onset. This longitudinal study tested the hypothesis that significant right–left differences exist in pre-reaching arm movements. We examined right and left hand kinematics from 13 healthy infants during trials with and without a toy present from 8 weeks of age through the week of reach onset. Significant right–left differences were found, however there was no clear pattern within a condition or across conditions. Without a toy present, the right hand moved faster, yet ended further from midline, and displayed more movements during the Late phase compared to other phases. With a toy present, the right hand moved longer lengths, yet ended movements further away from the toy. When left and right hand kinematics were combined, previous findings of right hand kinematics alone were supported. Although infants begin adapting their pre-reaching kinematics many weeks before reach onset, we did not find evidence of a systematic right–left difference before reach onset in movements with or without a toy present. Our results, coupled with other reports, suggest hand asymmetries begin to emerge over the year following reach onset amid developmental changes both within the infant, and the physical and social environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 390–398, 2008.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitizing Wild Carnivores in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

Ixodid ticks were collected and identified from 8 wild carnivore species in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Six tick species belonging to 4 genera were recovered and identified from 132 individuals. These included Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 36), Haemaphysalis asiatica (n = 58), H. hystricis (n = 31), H. semermis (n = 3), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 3), and Ixodes granulatus (n = 1). Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) (n = 19) were infested with 4 tick species, whereas yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) (n = 4), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (n = 2), and dhole (Cuon alpinus) (n = 1) were infested with 3 tick species, Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temmincki) (n = 2) with 2 species, and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), binturong (Arctictis binturong), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) each infested with 1 species. This information contributes to the knowledge available on the ectoparasites of wild carnivores in Southeast Asia.
Improved Teaching Techniques in Technical Education

The main purpose of this study is to present a contemporary educational model that addresses the students concerns and coops with the new technological changes in the society. The model incorporates two types of courses, technical courses and non-technical courses. New approach called Active Learning Techniques (ALT) will also be presented. These techniques put the students in the center of the teaching and learning process, where students can assume calculated risk based on their performance in the class. Students can be rewarded by their classmates for excellent academic performance in a challenging and exciting way under well defined and unanimously approved rules at the beginning of the semester. This ALT is proved to be very effective for the weak and below average students. Results of class study will be presented.
Earnings Management Prior to Initial Public Offerings and Its Effect on Firm Performance: International Evidence

This paper investigates the degree of discretionary current accruals (DCA-1) prior to the initial public offerings (IPOs) of foreign firms in an attempt to study the two seemingly opposing views of Teoh, Welch, and Wong (1998) and Ball and Shivakumar (2008) in regards to pre-IPO earnings management. By analyzing a sample of 4962 IPOs from 28 countries, I find that, on average, IPO firms do not report significantly positive DCA-1. This result supports the view held by Ball and Shivakumar that IPO firms do not engage in earnings management and it is inconsistent with the earnings management hypothesis of Teoh et al. (1998). Furthermore, results support the criticism of Ball and Shivakumar (2008) that the use of discretionary accruals in the IPO year (DCA0) is a biased measure of earnings management. However, consistent with the hypothesis of Teoh et al. (1998), results show that firms with higher discretionary accruals (DCA-1 or DCA0) underperform in the long run. The negative relationship between the long-term performance and the level of DCA is robust to several measures of long-term performance (cumulative abnormal returns-CAR, buy-and-hold abnormal returns-BHAR, Fama-French 4-factor model-Alpha), to several time horizons (3 and 5 years), and holds even after controlling for several firm characteristics. Overall, the results show that although on average IPO firms don’t engage in earnings management, the ones that do, underperform in the long run.
The effect of abortion on having and achieving aspirational one-year plans

Women commonly report seeking abortion in order to achieve personal life goals. Few studies have investigated whether an abortion enables women to achieve such goals. Data are from the Turnaway Study, a prospective cohort study of women recruited from 30 abortion facilities across the US. The sample included women in one of four groups: Women who presented for abortion just over the facility’s gestational limit, were denied an abortion and went on to parent the child (Parenting Turnaways, n = 146) or did not parent (Non-Parenting Turnaways, n = 64), those who presented just under the facility’s gestational limit and received an abortion (Near-Limits, n = 413) and those who presented in the first trimester and received an abortion (First Trimesters, n = 254). Participants were interviewed by telephone one week, six months and one year after they sought an abortion. We used mixed effects logistic regression to assess the relationship between receiving versus being denied abortion and having an aspirational one year goal and achieving it. The 757 participants in this analysis reported a total of 1,304 one-year plans. The most common one-year plans were related to education (21.3 %), employment (18.9 %), other (16.3 %), and change in residence (10.4 %). Most goals (80 %) were aspirational, defined as a positive plan for the next year. First Trimesters and Near-Limits were over 6 times as likely as Parenting Turnaways to report aspirational one-year plans [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 6.37 and 6.56 respectively, p < 0.001 for both]. Among all plans in which achievement was measurable (n = 1,024, 87 %), Near-Limits (45.6 %, AOR = 1.91, p = 0.003) and Non-Parenting Turnaways (47.9 %, AOR = 2.09, p = 0.026) were more likely to have both an aspirational plan and to have achieved it than Parenting Turnaways (30.4 %). These findings suggest that ensuring women can have a wanted abortion enables them to maintain a positive future outlook and achieve their aspirational life plans.
Optimizing Flux Pinning of $\hbox{YBa}_{2}\hbox{Cu}_{3}\hbox{\rm O}_{7\hbox{-}{\delta}} $ (YBCO) Thin Films With Unique Large Nanoparticle Size and High Concentration of $\hbox{\rm Y}_{2}\hbox{BaCuO}_{5}$ (Y211) Additions

Addition of second-phase nanosize defects to YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (YBCO) superconductor thin films is known to enhance flux pinning and increase current densities (Jc). The addition of Y 2 BaCuO 5 (Y211) was previously studied in (Y211/ YBCO)N multilayer structures and in Y211 + YBCO films deposited from pie-shaped targets. This research systematically studies the effect of Y211 addition in thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition from YBCO 1-x Y211 x (x = 0-15 vol.%) single targets, at temperatures of 785°C-840°C. Interestingly, the resulting size of Y211 particles is 20-40 nm, in contrast to 10-15 nm in previous studies of Y211 and 5-10 nm for other second-phase defect additions, and the number density is reduced. A slight increase of J c (H, T) was achieved, compared with previous optimization studies. Results and comparisons of flux pinning, intrinsic stresses imaged by TEM, current densities, critical temperatures, and microstructures will be presented. The overall low intrinsic stress on YBCO from Y211 lattice mismatch is smaller than previously studied second-phase defect additions known, which is hypothesized to be the driving force in achieving the unusually large second-phase nanoparticle size and volume fraction thus far in YBCO thin films.
The common insecticides cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos alter the expression of a subset of genes with diverse functions in primary human astrocytes.

Given the widespread use of insecticides in the environment, it is important to perform studies evaluating their potential effects on humans. Organophosphate insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos, are being phased out; however, the use of pyrethroids in household pest control is increasing. While chlorpyrifos is relatively well studied, much less is known about the potential neurotoxicity of cyfluthrin and other pyrethroids. To gain insights into the neurotoxicity of cyfluthrin, we compared and evaluated the toxicity profiles of chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin in primary human fetal astrocytes. We found that at the same concentrations, cyfluthrin exerts as great as, or greater toxic effects on the growth, survival, and proper functioning of human astrocytes. By using microarray gene expression profiling, we systematically identified and compared the potential molecular targets of chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin, at a genome-wide scale. We found that chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin affect a similar number of transcripts. These targets include molecular chaperones, signal transducers, transcriptional regulators, transporters, and those involved in behavior and development. Further computational and biochemical analyses show that cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos upregulate certain targets of the interferon-g and insulin-signaling pathways and that they increase the protein levels of activated extracellular signal‐ regulated kinase 1/2, a key component of insulin signaling; interleukin 6, a key inflammatory mediator; and glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of inflammatory astrocyte activation. These
Case Studies in Cost Effectiveness of Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases: Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Enteroviral Meningitis, and BK Virus Nephropathy

Pathogen genome amplification is used to detect and identify microorganisms, assess response to therapy, and detect mutations associated with drug resistance. Nucleic acid amplification tests have been shown to be superior to conventional culture-based testing methods in many circumstances. However, the enthusiasm for the technology in clinical laboratories may be decreased by the practical considerations of cost, complexity of the technology, and lack of US Food and Drug Administration-approved tests. The impact of nucleic acid amplification tests on the diagnosis and management of patients with tuberculosis, enteroviral meningitis, and BK virus transplant nephropathy will be examined, with an emphasis on the potential for health care cost savings.
Efficient and effective similar shape retrieval

We present the design and implementation of a content based retrieval system which achieves efficient and effective similar shape retrieval using a modified geometric hashing technique. The system contains four main components: a feature acquisition module, a query manager, a search engine, and a hash table. The hash table houses the feature information. The query manager accepts the user query and extracts contours from the query image. The feature acquisition module transforms and quantizes the image contours and formulates the hash table entries. Given a visual query, the search agent derives a list of potentially similar shape images by searching the hash table using a majority voting algorithm. Extensive experiments have been conducted to demonstrate that the proposed designs offer a viable and practical approach to similar shape retrieval.
Layering As Optimization Decomposition: Framework and Examples

Network protocols in layered architectures have historically been obtained primarily on an ad-hoc basis. Recent research has shown that network protocols may instead be holistically analyzed and systematically designed as distributed solutions to some global optimization problems in the form of Network Utility Maximization (NUM), providing insight into what they optimize and structures of the network protocol stack. This paper presents a short survey of the recent efforts towards a systematic understanding of 'layering' as 'optimization decomposition', where the overall communication network is modeled by a generalized NUM problem, each layer corresponds to a decomposed subproblem, and the interfaces among layers are quantified as functions of the optimization variables coordinating the sub-problems. Different decompositions lead to alternative layering architectures. We summarize several examples of horizontal decomposition into distributed computation and vertical decomposition into functional modules such as congestion control, routing, scheduling, random access, power control, and coding.
Comparison of intrauterine insemination with timed intercourse in superovulated cycles with gonadotropins: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To compare timed intercourse and IUI with the husband's sperm in patients with unexplained infertility who are undergoing superovulation with gonadotropins. Design: Meta-analysis. All published reports of randomized, prospective studies with an English-language abstract extracted from MEDLINE were analyzed. A crossover search was done from the papers obtained. Setting: Academic center. Patient(s): Couples with unexplained infertility. Intervention(s): Meta-analysis of studies evaluating patients superovulated with gonadotropins and randomized for timed intercourse or IUI. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy rates (PRs) were obtained. The common odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Result(s): There were 49 pregnancies in 431 cycles of timed intercourse (11.37%), whereas there were 110 pregnancies in 549 cycles of IUI (20.04%). The PRs for IUI were significantly increased compared with those for timed intercourse in superovulation cycles (common OR=1.84; 95% CI=1.30–2.62). Conclusion(s): On the basis of the meta-analysis of 980 cycles in randomized and prospective studies, a patient's chances of becoming pregnant are greater with IUI with her husband's sperm than with timed intercourse in cycles superovulated with gonadotropins.
Comparison of Virginia and Runner-Type Peanut Cultivars for Development, Disease, Yield Potential, and Grade Factors in Eastern Virginia

ABSTRACT Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop in the Virginia-Carolina (VC) region. Virginia-type cultivars are preferred vs. other peanut types because of the in-shell and gourmet mar...
Cerebral embolization during cardiac surgery: impact of aortic atheroma burden

Background Aortic atheromatous disease is known to be associated with an increased risk of perioperative stroke in the setting of cardiac surgery. In this study, we sought to determine the relationship between cerebral microemboli and aortic atheroma burden in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods Transoesophageal echocardiographic images of the ascending, arch and descending aorta were evaluated in 128 patients to determine the aortic atheroma burden. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) of the right middle cerebral artery was performed in order to measure cerebral embolic load during surgery. Using multivariate linear regression, the numbers of emboli were compared with the atheroma burden. Results After controlling for age, cardiopulmonary bypass time and the number of bypass grafts, cerebral emboli were significantly associated with atheroma in the ascending aorta (R2=0.11, P=0.02) and aortic arch (P=0.013). However, there was no association between emboli and descending aortic atheroma burden (R2=0.05, P=0.20). Conclusions We demonstrate a positive relationship between TCD-detected cerebral emboli and the atheromatous burden of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Previously demonstrated associations between TCD-detectable cerebral emboli and adverse cerebral outcome may be related to the presence of significant aortic atheromatous disease.
The First EDA MOOC: Teaching Design Automation to Planet Earth

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can deliver advanced course material at planetary scale, combining internet-based video content delivery, and cloud-based assignments. From March to May 2013, I taught the world's first EDA MOOC, entitled VLSI CAD: Logic to Layout, based on roughly 20 years of experience teaching electronic design automation in a conventional face-to-face classroom setting. Over 17,000 participants registered for this MOOC. This paper summarizes my experience with teaching EDA at planetary scale: how we covered ASIC synthesis, verification, layout, and timing; how we built cloud resources to enable students to experiment with open-source tools; how we designed software projects and deployed cloud-based auto-graders to support realistic EDA tool projects. The paper also discusses what MOOCs could mean to the dynamism of the EDA community.
A method for achieving an enhanced mission capability

When reliability requirements are set for a system, the intended purpose is generally to maintain a performance capability in an operational environment. The current parameter of choice for stating reliability requirements is mean time between failure (MTBF). Mission reliability MTBF requirements are typically established to give a high probability that a performance capability will be maintained, with no failures, for a specified period of time. However, the actual operational profile for a system may be larger than the stated mission time. This extension to the nominal mission duration, however, is typical of many realistic use environments for complex system, both military and commercial. This often results in a low probability of success for many systems, if no provisions are made for repair. This paper discusses a methodology that addresses the success probability of this enhanced mission time with selected repair actions and spares.
Understanding the P×S Aspect of Within-Person Variation: A Variance Partitioning Approach.

This article reviews a variance partitioning approach to within-person variation based on Generalizability (G) Theory and the Social Relations Model (SRM). The approach conceptualizes an important part of within-person variation as Person x Situation (PxS) interactions: differences among persons in their profiles of responses across the same situations. The approach provided the first quantitative method for capturing within-person variation and demonstrated very large PxS effects for a wide range of constructs. These include anxiety, five-factor personality traits, perceived social support, leadership, and task performance. Although PxS effects are commonly very large, conceptual and analytic obstacles have thwarted consistent progress. For example, how does one develop a psychological, versus purely statistical, understanding of PxS effects? How does one forecast future behavior when the criterion is a PxS effect? How can understanding PxS effects contribute to psychological theory? This review describes potential solutions to these and other problems developed in the course of conducting research on the PxS aspect of social support. Additional problems that need resolution are identified.
Study and measurement of channel impairments on beyond 100G coherent CFP2-ACO pluggable optics

We study and compare impairments from coherent CFP2-ACO pluggable channels with flexible modulations. From experimental results, tolerance windows with PM-16-QAM are reduced significantly to 2.1/5.6/0.5-dB with attenuation/bandwidth/reflection impairments, comparing with 8.6/>10/4.5-dB from PM-QPSK.
Preparation and characterization of the lateral and basal plasma membranes of the rat intestinal epithelial cell

A technique is described for the isolation of a plasma-membrane fraction from the rat intestinal epithelial cell which is distinct from the microvillus membrane of that cell. The isolated fraction contains only about 0.2% of the sucrase activity in the original homogenate and negligible quantities of nuclear and mitochondrial membrane markers. It contains 12% of the total Na+,K+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase and 7% of the alkaline phosphatase, with significant increments in specific activity of these enzymes. Multiple membrane preparations were highly reproducible with respect to the specific activities of the markers studied. The small intestine of one rat yields material containing about 1.3mg of protein. In addition an assay is described suitable for determining 5′-nucleotidase in the small intestine.
Empirically Testing a Disaggregate Choice Model for Segments

All disaggregate multiattribute choice models contain the assumption that the population is reasonably homogeneous with respect to the aggregate parameters estimated by the model. The author points...
Computer-aided simulation, analysis, and design in orthopedic surgery.

SUMMARY Three-dimensional computer reconstructions of bony anatomy based on computed tomographic images and radiographs may be used to analyze, simulate, and design certain orthopedic procedures. In osteotomy surgery, the computer-reconstructed models may be used to measure critical angles, surface area, and con-gruity of the joint surfaces. Computer reconstructions may be used in total joint replacement surgery to simulate the effect of surgical reamers and rasps, to select the geometrically optimum standard implant, or to design a custom implant. In allograft reconstructive surgery, computer reconstructions may be used to measure bony defects and to identify the appropriate allografts for the reconstruction. Plastic models may be sterilized and used as templates to sculpt the allografts immediately preoperatively. In all three applications in orthopedic surgery, three-dimensional, computer-aided reconstructions have the potential to improve results and reduce morbidity.
Medico-Legal Implications

The roentgenologist who makes a mammographic examination automatically assumes certain special responsibilities to the patient and the consulting physician, facts which are not well understood or appreciated. Unless everyone concerned accepts the concept that a definitive diagnosis cannot be established without a biopsy, it is possible for iatrogenic, medical, or legal complications — alone or in combination — to result.
Clopidogrel (II): Conferring over the Kung Pao

This case further discusses the aggregation of risk factors for significant drug–drug interactions involving clopidogrel, proton pump inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
ZDHHC7-mediated S-palmitoylation of Scribble regulates cell polarity

The use of activity-based chemical probes revealed that Scribble is palmitoylated at cysteine residues by the palmitoyl acyltransferase ZDHHC7. Loss of Scribble palmitoylation results in loss of cell polarity and its tumor suppressor activity. Scribble (SCRIB) is a tumor-suppressor protein, playing critical roles in establishing and maintaining epithelial cell polarity. SCRIB is frequently amplified in human cancers but does not localize properly to cell-cell junctions, suggesting that mislocalization of SCRIB disrupts its tumor-suppressive activities. Using chemical reporters, here we showed that SCRIB localization was regulated by S-palmitoylation at conserved cysteine residues. Palmitoylation-deficient mutants of SCRIB were mislocalized, leading to disruption of cell polarity and loss of their tumor-suppressive activities to oncogenic YAP, MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. We further found that ZDHHC7 was the major palmitoyl acyltransferase regulating SCRIB. Knockout of ZDHHC7 led to SCRIB mislocalization and YAP activation, and disruption of SCRIB's suppressive activities in HRasV12-induced cell invasion. In summary, we demonstrated that ZDHHC7-mediated SCRIB palmitoylation is critical for SCRIB membrane targeting, cell polarity and tumor suppression, providing new mechanistic insights of how dynamic protein palmitoylation regulates cell polarity and tumorigenesis.
Organizing for Change, Innovation, and Creativity

Publisher Summary This chapter develops a model for managing organizational change that leverages the vast literatures on creativity, innovation, and change. It identifies three tensions in creativity and innovation research, and maps the conflicting perspectives onto different types of organizing. Innovation, the development and use of new ideas within an organization, usually implies change. However, managing organizational innovation is challenging for both managers and organizational theorists. One reason this is so challenging is because organizational innovation depends on fostering creativity within and among employees across the entire organization. A second reason is that the familiar model of organizational change—a brief episode of transformation versus continuous evolution—does not adequately harness creativity or innovation, and so fails to explain how organizations can be both creative and innovative. Models for organizational change have been around since the rise of modern management. Yet, organizational change remains deeply problematic, with many organizations either failing to change in time or implementing change very poorly.
Multi-channel agile comb generator for antenna radiation pattern measurements

Antenna radiation patterns are typically measured using network analyzers, which are both expensive and physically large in size. These drawbacks can limit this test equipment's usage in universities that cannot afford to make such a purchase, as well as within applications that require mobile antenna measurements. An alternative approach is to combine a low-cost receiver with a flexible signal source. This paper presents the design of a tunable comb generator prototype that is capable of outputting frequencies up to 4 GHz. The compact nature of this source along with its potential to be dynamically reconfigured yields a device that can be used to measure antenna patterns for many different applications.
The “Black Manifesto” and the Tactic of Objectification:

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What Is the Benacerraf Problem

In “Mathematical Truth,” Paul Benacerraf presented an epistemological problem for mathematical realism.
SBRT and the Treatment of Oligometastatic Disease

For patients with metastatic cancer, there is significant variation in the amount of time from diagnosis to disease progression or death. For physicians, predicting the duration of this interval can be difficult. The clinical course for these patients is dependent on myriad factors including the primary histology, size, and location of metastatic lesions. Attempts have been made to model prognosis based on other factors such as response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and volume of disease. A distinct clinical state of metastases with low volume disease and few organs affected was coined “oligometastases.” It is hypothesized this state may be amenable to local therapy to improve outcomes. After long term follow up, patients with this limited metastatic progression appear to have relatively good outcomes, with some long-term survivors, after aggressive treatment with local therapy combined with systemic therapy. In the past 20 years since the conception of the oligometastatic hypothesis, there have been advances in surgical and radiation therapy techniques resulting in reduced toxicities. Additionally, developments in systemic therapy have prolonged survival for patients with metastatic disease. Herein we discuss the history and rationale for local treatment of oligometastases and delve into the implementation of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to this evolving treatment paradigm.
Abstract 284: Cholesterol Handling in Bone Marrow--Derived Macrophages from Apoe-Deficient AKR and DBA/2 Mice

It has been demonstrated in humans that about 50% of the susceptibility to atherosclerosis is heritable. Therefore, it is not surprising that mice from distinct genetic backgrounds present different susceptibility to atherosclerosis. For example, apoE -/- DBA/2 mice have aortic root atherosclerosis lesion areas >10-fold larger than apoE -/- AKR mice. In order to better understand the mechanisms underlying this difference, we studied cholesterol metabolism in bone marrow-derived macrophages from these two strains. In the unloaded state, macrophages from both strains had equivalent amounts of total, esterified, and free cholesterol (TC, CE, and FC, respectively). Cells were loaded with acetylated low density lipoproteins (AcLDL) for 48h and DBA/2 macrophages had 36% higher TC (p 1/2 = 47h) compared to chase without inhibitor while it was only reduced by 42% in DBA/2 cells (t 1/2 = 101h). Furthermore, when lalistat, an inhibitor of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), and ACAT inhibitor were added during the chase, CE levels were equivalent to the one observed in chase without any inhibitors, suggesting that CE hydrolysis occurs primarily in the lysosome. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that DBA/2 cells accumulate more CE than AKR cells due to a defect in CE hydrolysis by LAL. Autophagy has been recently described as the pathway in macrophages by which lipid droplets can be delivered to the lysosome, and we are investigating the role of this pathway in our cells.
Comparison of sequencing the D2 region of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (MicroSEQ®) versus the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions using two public databases for identification of common and uncommon clinically relevant fungal species

Abstract Context Fungal infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Rapid and accurate identification of fungi is essential to guide accurately targeted antifungal therapy. With the advent of molecular methods, clinical laboratories can use new technologies to supplement traditional phenotypic identification of fungi. Objective The aims of the study were to evaluate the sole commercially available MicroSEQ® D2 LSU rDNA Fungal Identification Kit compared to the in-house developed internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions assay in identifying moulds, using two well-known online public databases to analyze sequenced data. Design 85 common and uncommon clinically relevant fungi isolated from clinical specimens were sequenced for the D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene with the MicroSEQ® Kit and the ITS regions with the in house developed assay. The generated sequenced data were analyzed with the online GenBank and MycoBank public databases. Results The D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene identified 89.4% or 92.9% of the 85 isolates to the genus level and the full ITS region (f-ITS) 96.5% or 100%, using GenBank or MycoBank, respectively, when compared to the consensus ID. When comparing species-level designations to the consensus ID, D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene aligned with 44.7% (38/85) or 52.9% (45/85) of these isolates in GenBank or MycoBank, respectively. By comparison, f-ITS possessed greater specificity, followed by ITS1, then ITS2 regions using GenBank or MycoBank. Using GenBank or MycoBank, D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene outperformed phenotypic based ID at the genus level. Comparing rates of ID between D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS regions in GenBank or MycoBank at the species level against the consensus ID, f-ITS and ITS2 exceeded performance of the D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene, but ITS1 had similar performance to the D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene using MycoBank. Conclusion Our results indicated that the MicroSEQ® D2 LSU rDNA Fungal Identification Kit was equivalent to the in-house developed ITS regions assay to identify fungi at the genus level. The MycoBank database gave a better curated database and thus allowed a better genus and species identification for both D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and ITS regions.
Structure-function relationship of the human external anal sphincter.

Obstetrical external anal sphincter (EAS) injury and subsequent dysfunction are leading risk factors for female fecal incontinence (FI). Limited knowledge of the EAS structure–function relationship hinders treatment optimization. We directly measured functionally relevant intrinsic parameters of human EAS and tested whether vaginal delivery alters the EAS structure–function relationship. Major predictors of in vivo EAS function were compared between specimens procured from vaginally nulliparous (VN, n = 5) and vaginally parous (VP, n = 7) cadaveric donors: operational sarcomere length (Ls), which dictates force–length relationship; physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), which determines isometric force-generating capacity; fiber length (Lfn), responsible for muscle excursion and contractile velocity; and muscle stiffness. Data were analyzed using unpaired and paired t tests, α < 0.05. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. The VN and VP (median parity 3) groups were similar in age and BMI. No gross anatomical defects were identified. EAS Ls (2.36 ± 0.05 μm) was shorter than the optimal Lso (2.7 μm), at which contractile force is maximal, P = 0.0001. Stiffness was lower at Ls than Lso (5.4 ± 14 kPa/μm vs 35.3 ± 12 kPa/μm, P < 0.0001). This structural design allows active and passive tension to increase with EAS stretching. EAS relatively long Lfn (106 ± 24.8 mm) permits rapid contraction without decreased force, whereas intermediate PCSA (1.3 ± 0.3 cm2) is conducive to maintaining resting tone. All parameters were similar between groups. This first direct examination of human EAS underscores how EAS intrinsic design matches its intended function. Knowledge of the EAS structure–function relationship is important for understanding the pathogenesis of FI and the optimization of treatments for EAS dysfunction.
Divine Love and Hell

In his posthumously published essay, “Divine Evil,” David Lewis presents an argument from evil against theism that focuses on the problem of hell. In our paper, we use Lewis’s challenge to the theist to help motivate our escapist alternative to the traditional doctrine of hell that we have developed and defended elsewhere. Specifically, we argue that the problem as presented by Lewis dissipates once we shift to an issuant view of hell on which hell is not a place where retributive punishment is exacted against the unrepentant but is rather a place God has provided, being motivated by love, for those who wish to be separated from God. On an issuant view, hell issues from God’s loving character. Further, we argue that an issuant view of hell is more compatible with traditional views of God’s desires and motivational states than is a retributive view of hell. Finally we argue that, while any version of issuantism fares better than retributivism, not all versions of issuantism are equal. Focusing on Jonathan Kvanvig’s version of issuantism, we argue that the escapist version of issuantism we have defended better provides theists with the resources needed to respond to objections to theism such as Lewis’s.
Occurrence and Character of Manganese Nodules in DOMES Sites A, B, and C, East Equatorial Pacific Ocean

Study of the occurrence and physical and chemical character of manganese nodules collected in box cores in DOMES Sites A, B, and C indicates that virtually all nodules lie at the sediment-water interface. Buried nodules are rare. Nodules seem to be smaller and have smoother surfaces at Site A than at Sites B and C. Site C nodules are predominantly 2 to 6 cm in size and have smooth tops and granular bottoms.
Development and validation of stability indicating HPLC method for the estimation of Telmisartan related substances in tablets formulation

A sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for the estimation of Telmisartan related impurities in tablets formulation. The highly polar molecule requires aqueous mobile phase for the elution and separation of Telmisartan and its impurities (Impurity A, B, E and F official in EP).The developed method is found to be specific, reproducible, and stability indicating. The X-Bridge C18 150x4.6mm 3.5µ column was used and mobile phase consisted of 25mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) and 10mM of 1-hexaneusulphonic acid, sodium salt monohydrate buffer to achieve good resolution and retention of the analyte and its impurities. The detector linearity was established from concentrations ranging from 0.08µg/mL to 500µg/mL for Telmisartan and from 0.017 to 3.0 µg/mL for related impurities with a correlation co-efficient of 0.997.The relative response factor (RRF) values of impurityA, impurityE, impurityF, impurityB, TEL2, Dimer acid and Chloro analogue determined from linearity plots were 1.27,0.43,0.83,1.02,0.81,0.80 and 0.84 respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) found to be in the range of 0.023µg/mL to 0.190 µg/mL for Telmisartan and impurities respectively. The molecule is forced to all stress conditions such as acid, base, oxidation, heat and photolysis as per the recommendations of ICH guidelines. All degradants are well separated from the main analyte. The method is proved to be robust with respect to change in flow rate, pH, organic phase composition and column temperature. The proposed method is found to be sensitive, precise, rapid, reproducible, and offers good column life.
Active learning improves on-task behaviors in 4th grade children

Abstract While increased opportunities for physical activity (PA) are a critical, public health need for children, school-based interventions often place teachers in the position to choose between PA and time spent on academic lessons. Active learning is designed to overcome this by combining PA with academic material. Moreover, teachers are likely to be more responsive to change in academic-related outcomes than in PA. This study utilizes a large, cluster randomized control trial in which student attention, or time on task (TOT) and accelerometer-based PA is assessed in conjunction with active learning. Participants were 2716 children (46% male, 46% white) from 28 elementary schools in Central Texas that were assigned to either: 1) active learning (math n = 10; spelling n = 9); or 2) traditional, sedentary academic lessons (n = 9). PA was measured with accelerometers. TOT was measured through a momentary time sampling protocol. A series of three-level (student, classroom, school) regression models estimated the effect of the intervention. The intervention lead to significantly increased TOT. Moreover, the dose of PA (steps) during the intervention was positively associated with the increase in TOT. In contrast, a greater dose of PA was associated with reduced TOT for students in control schools. Race, gender, and SES did not moderate these effects. Planned PA - as a part of an active, academic lesson - positively impacted TOT. In contrast, a traditional, sedentary lesson was associated with lower TOT. This differential impact offers intriguing possibilities to better understand the relationship between PA and academic performance.
Beam dynamics validation of the Halbach Technology FFAG Cell for Cornell-BNL Energy Recovery Linac

Abstract The Cornell-BNL Electron Test Accelerator (CBETA), a 150 MeV energy recovery linac (ERL) now in construction at Cornell, employs a fixed-field alternating gradient optics return loop: a single beam line comprised of FFAG cells, which accepts four recirculated energies. CBETA FFAG cell uses Halbach permanent magnet technology, its design studies have covered an extended period of time supported by extensive particle dynamics simulations using computed 3-D field map models. This approach is discussed, and illustrated here, based on the final stage in these beam dynamics studies, namely the validation of a ultimate, optimized design of the Halbach cell.
RTG: A Scalable SNMP Statistics Architecture for Service Providers

SNMP is the standard protocol used to manage IP networks. Service providers often analyze the utilization statistics available from SNMP-enabled devices to make informed engineering decisions, diagnose faults and perform billing. However collecting and efficiently storing large amounts of time-series data quickly, without impacting network or device performance, is challenging in very large installations. We identify three crucial requirements for an SNMP statistical solution: (i) support for hundreds of devices each with thousands of objects; (ii) the ability to retain the data indefinitely; and (iii) an abstract interface to the data. We then compare the applicability of several tools in a service provider environment. Finally, we detail Real Traffic Grabber (RTG), an application currently in use on our national IP backbone which we developed in lieu of existing packages to meet our requirements.
Pre-professional Suicide Training for Counselors: Results of a Readiness Assessment

Change is needed in mental health pre-professional suicide training (PPST) to address updates in practice, ethical/legal, and accreditation guidelines. Assessing readiness for change can inform successful, lasting change. The Community Readiness Model offered an established structure for research team analysis of interviews with educators, administrators, and supervisors representing diverse, accredited counselor training programs. An overall score of 4.9 out of 9 indicates the counselor education and supervision (CES) profession is in the preplanning stage of readiness to address PPST. Readiness dimensional subscores ranged from 3.6 to 6.6, which align with readiness stages from vague awareness to initiation. CES needs to increase readiness to improve PPST regarding logistical support, knowledge of existing training, active leadership support, and the attitudinal environment toward suicide and PPST. This assessment informs the work of training program administrators, state and national policymakers, educators, and supervisors to improve PPST for future counselors.
Effects of an exotic bivalve mollusc on benthic invertebrates and food quality in the Ohio River

Effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on populations of amphipods (Gammarus fasciatus) and prosobranch snails (Lithasia obovata) and on nutritional quality of benthic organic matter were examined in 20 artificial streams receiving Ohio River water and containing either mussels or small gravel. Twenty individually-marked snails were placed in each trough, and streams were allowed to colonize with other benthic species for 28 days.
Nonverbal Expressions of Aggression and Submission in Social Groups of Primates

Aggression and violence have both fascinated and repelled mankind since earliest recorded history. All of our histories, and our great legacy of drama and literature, are chronicles of war, civil strife, criminal acts of murder and rape, and accounts of man’s inhumanity to man. The figures of history are, for the most part, men of violence—Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, the Caesars, Napoleon, Wellington, and Hitler, to mention only a few. Those who have dared to speak out against aggression and to advocate that man use persuasion, reason, logic, and ethics to settle our human differences have, more often than not, been themselves imprisoned and tortured, burned at the stake, crucified, or certified to be insane for their heretical contention that aggression is not the only way to achieve happiness for the greatest number of people.
Duripan Horizon and Durinodes

Soils containing horizons cemented with silica occur worldwide, especially in the subhumid, Mediterranean, and semiarid regions. When the subsoil is cemented by silica into a hardpan, it is referred to as a “duripan” or in the geological literature as “silcrete” or “duricrust” (Milnes and Twidale 1983). In Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff 2010), a duripan is defined as a “silica-cemented subsurface horizon with or without auxiliary cementing agents.” Other cementing agents could be Fe oxides and CaCO3. The duripan horizon can occur concurrently with a petrocalcic horizon (Chadwick et al. 1987; Boettinger and Southard 1991; Blank and Fosberg 1991; Eghbal and Southard 1993a, b; Blank et al. 1998; Hobson and Dahlgren 1998); the duripan horizon often underlies an argillic or cambic horizon (Flach et al. 1969; Torrent et al. 1980; Chadwick et al. 1987; Blank and Fosberg 1991; Munk and Southard 1993; Blank et al. 1998; Hobson and Dahlgren 1998). A key aspect of the duripan is that it slakes in KOH or NaOH but does not readily slake in 1 M HCl (Soil Survey Staff 2010).
In the company of my sister-colleagues: professional counterspaces for African American women student affairs administrators

Although conceptual models exist that describe the role of counterspaces in promoting well-being among marginalised individuals, not enough is known about the composition of professional counterspa...
Where do the electrodes go? The clinical use of TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an adjunct modality that can be used to help alleviate pain in our animal patients. It is a modality that is low in side effects and cost, maki...
On the 25th Anniversary of Michael Desch’s When the Third World Matters: Explaining Why Iran’s Latin America Grand Strategy Poses a Security Threat to the United States

ABSTRACTOn the twenty-fifth anniversary of Michael Desch’s seminal work, I reexamine the applicability of his analysis of the United States’ Latin America grand strategy by discussing the case of I...
Challenges in Endpoint Development for Pulmonary Hypertension Trials in Children

There are currently 12 medications approved for use in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. These include endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhi...