cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
El fenomeno fujimori y la crisis de los partidos

Analysis of the Fujimori phenomenon as a case of charismatic governability rather than conventional authoritarianism. The article shows how, in a context of generalized crisis and deterioration of the party system, voters and public opinion moved away from traditional parties and began to identify with independant candidates and leaders. Fujimori emerged in 1990 as a political alternative because the deterioration of the parties and his charismatic ability among the poor opened up a space for him which he progressively gained. He subsequently gained ground among the middle and upper classes by presenting himself as an alternative for government through the 1992 presidential coup. These trends were confirmed in the 1995 elections. Fujimori has become increasingly identified with the independants, despite differences by social class, during the period 1995-1996
Longitudinal Risks for Domestic Violence

Much research has examined the connections between victimization experiences in the family during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. However, research that frames these different victimization experiences across the life course as part of a broader, longitudinal risk for experiencing domestic violence on the part of the individual, particularly within a theoretically driven model, is lacking. The current study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), a nationally representative sample of American adolescents, to examine how child abuse connects to victimization by dating partners during adolescence and victimization by romantic and marital partners during adulthood, and whether dating victimization mediates the relationship between child abuse and intimate partner victimization in adulthood. Results suggest that this is indeed the case, with child abuse having a direct effect on adolescent dating victimization and a direct and indirect effect on adult intimate partner victimization. Implications of the findings for theory and policy are discussed.
Biotransformation by the Gut Microbiome

Over 100 trillion gut microbes residing in human intestine and they are deeply involved in human health.
Locomotion and basicranial anatomy in primates and marsupials

Abstract There is ongoing debate in paleoanthropology about whether and how the anatomy of the cranium, and especially the cranial base, is evolving in response to locomotor and postural changes. However, the majority of studies focus on two-dimensional data, which fails to capture the complexity of cranial anatomy. This study tests whether three-dimensional cranial base anatomy is linked to locomotion or to other factors in primates ( n = 473) and marsupials ( n = 231). Results indicate that although there is a small effect of locomotion on cranial base anatomy in primates, this is not the case in marsupials. Instead, facial anatomy likely drives variation in cranial base anatomy in both primates and marsupials, with additional roles for body size and brain size. Although some changes to foramen magnum position and orientation are phylogenetically useful among the hominoids, they do not necessarily reflect locomotion or positional behavior. The interplay between locomotion, posture, and facial anatomy in primates requires further investigation.
Survival outcomes for patients with localised upper tract urothelial carcinoma managed with non-definitive treatment.

Objective To investigate the outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with non-definitive therapy, which currently remains unknown. Patients and Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify individuals with a localised, histologically confirmed kidney/renal pelvis and ureteric UC. Survival analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method was performed. A competing risk model evaluated the cumulative incidence and predictors of cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Results We identified 633 (7.6%) individuals who did not receive surgery. These individuals were significantly older (median age 81 vs 71 years, P < 0.001) than surgically managed patients. The median overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter compared to the surgical cohort (1.9 vs 7.8 years, P < 0.001). The 3-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients without surgery was significantly lower compared to those with surgery, at 73.7% vs 92.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 3-year DSS for patients with high-grade tumours was worse when compared to patients with low-grade tumours, at 65.1% vs 82.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 3-year cumulative CSM was 26.3%. On multivariable analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, P < 0.001) and high tumour grade (HR 1.88, P < 0.001) were predictors of worse outcomes. Conclusions In this population-based cohort, 7.6% of patients with UTUC were managed with a non-definitive approach. The median OS for the untreated cohort was significantly shorter compared to the surgical cohort (1.9 vs 7.8 years, respectively). These data may be helpful in counselling patients who are poor surgical candidates, as non-definitive therapy may provide reasonable oncological outcomes.
Metabolism: A Direct Link between Cardiac Structure and Function

Article, see p 2144 In 1942, Rudolf Schoenheimer1 introduced the concept of The Dynamic State of Body Constituents . Schoenheimer was the first to use stable isotopes as labels in organic compounds destined for experiments in the mammalian body. From his results, he concluded that, “not only the fuel, but also the structural materials, are in a steady state of flux.”1 Today this concept is more relevant than ever. Along with well-documented changes in skeletal muscle, an important component of the mammalian response to exercise training is dynamic cardiac remodeling required to adapt cardiac output to peripheral demand. The process of physiological cardiac hypertrophy shares some mechanisms with the pathological hypertrophy seen in heart failure or the response to myocardial infarction. The latter process has been intensely studied, with several molecular signaling mechanisms elucidated (eg, the calcineurin nuclear factor of activated T cell signaling axis). However, less is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac plasticity under a range of normal physiological situations including exercise.2 Cardiac function is metabolically demanding, and although the heart is typically thought of as a metabolic omnivore, under steady-state conditions, the bulk of myocardial ATP requirements are met by mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids.3 The pathways of cardiac metabolism remodel extensively in response to interventions both pathological (heart failure) and physiological (exercise training).4,5 A key question remains: Is cardiac metabolic remodeling merely a responsive epiphenomenon that accompanies structural hypertrophy or can it play a causative role in driving hypertrophy? In the case of pathological hypertrophy, mitochondrial DNA mutations are known to cause cardiomyopathy,6 and several mouse models of altered metabolism exhibit either pathological cardiac hypertrophy at baseline or …
Accuracy of topographic index models at identifying ephemeral gully trajectories on agricultural fields

Abstract Topographic index (TI) models have been widely used to predict trajectories and initiation points of ephemeral gullies (EGs) in agricultural landscapes. Prediction of EGs strongly relies on the selected value of critical TI threshold, and the accuracy depends on topographic features, agricultural management, and datasets of observed EGs. This study statistically evaluated the predictions by TI models in two paired watersheds in Central Kansas that had different levels of structural disturbances due to implemented conservation practices. Four TI models with sole dependency on topographic factors of slope, contributing area, and planform curvature were used in this study. The observed EGs were obtained by field reconnaissance and through the process of hydrological reconditioning of digital elevation models (DEMs). The Kernel Density Estimation analysis was used to evaluate TI distribution within a 10-m buffer of the observed EG trajectories. The EG occurrence within catchments was analyzed using kappa statistics of the error matrix approach, while the lengths of predicted EGs were compared with the observed dataset using the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) statistics. The TI frequency analysis produced bi-modal distribution of topographic indexes with the pixels within the EG trajectory having a higher peak. The graphs of kappa and NSE versus critical TI threshold showed similar profile for all four TI models and both watersheds with the maximum value representing the best comparison with the observed data. The Compound Topographic Index (CTI) model presented the overall best accuracy with NSE of 0.55 and kappa of 0.32. The statistics for the disturbed watershed showed higher best critical TI threshold values than for the undisturbed watershed. Structural conservation practices implemented in the disturbed watershed reduced ephemeral channels in headwater catchments, thus producing less variability in catchments with EGs. The variation in critical thresholds for all TI models suggested that TI models tend to predict EG occurrence and length over a range of thresholds rather than find a single best value.
A carbonate-free, sulfone-based electrolyte for high-voltage Li-ion batteries

Abstract Practical implementation of next-generation Li-ion battery chemistries is to a large extent obstructed by the absence of an electrolyte that is capable of simultaneously supporting reversible electrochemical reactions at two extreme electrochemical potentials—above 4.5 V at the positive electrode and near 0 V vs. Li at the negative electrode. Electrolytes based on carbonate esters have been reliable in satisfying state-of-the-art Li-ion battery (LIB) chemistries below 4.4 V), releasing CO2. In this work, we explore a carbonate-free electrolyte system based on a single sulfone solvent, in which a newly discovered synergy between solvent and salt simultaneously addresses the interfacial requirements of both graphitic anode and high-voltage cathode (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO)). Experimental measurements, quantum chemistry (QC) calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations reveal the system’s fast ion conduction, stability over a wide temperature range, and non-flammability. At the anode, a LiF-rich interphase generated by early-onset reduction of the salt anion effectively suppresses solvent co-intercalation and subsequent graphite exfoliation, enabling unprecedented and highly reversible graphite cycling in a pure sulfone system. Under oxidative conditions, QC calculations predict that high salt concentration promotes complex/aggregate formation which slow the decomposition of sulfolane and leads to polymerizable rather than gaseous products—a fundamental improvement over carbonate solvents. These predictions are corroborated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) experiments, which revealed the presence of a thin, conformal, sulfur-based cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). Together, the functional interphases (SEI/CEI) generated by this electrolyte system supported long term operation of a high-voltage (4.85 V) LNMO/graphite full cell, which retained ∼70% of its original first-cycle discharge capacity after the 1000th cycle. Based on these results, this new carbonate-free electrolyte system, supported by the mechanistic understanding of its behavior, presents a promising new direction toward unlocking the potential of next generation Li-ion battery electrodes.
Re-conceptualizing Mathematics Education as a Design Science

In this chapter we propose re-conceptualizing the field of mathematics education research as that of a design science akin to engineering and other emerging interdisciplinary fields which involve the interaction of “subjects”, conceptual systems and technology influenced by social constraints and affordances. Numerous examples from the history and philosophy of science and mathematics and ongoing findings of M&M research are drawn to illustrate our notion of mathematics education research as a design science. Our ideas are intended as a framework and do not constitute a “grand” theory. That is, we provide a framework (a system of thinking together with accompanying concepts, language, methodologies, tools, and so on) that provides structure to help mathematics education researchers develop both models and theories, which encourage diversity and emphasize Darwinian processes such as: (a) selection (rigorous testing), (b) communication (so that productive ways of thinking spread throughout relevant communities), and (c) accumulation (so that productive ways of thinking are not lost and get integrated into future developments).
The Phonetics of Mr- in Latin

A. The Vestine Inscription with brat. T. Vetio | duno | didet | Herclo | Iovio | brat. | data. 1. This inscription, most easily consulted in Diehl's Alt-lat. Inschriften , No. 70, has been explained, beyond any reasonable doubt, by von Planta (Osk.-Umbr. Gram . 1. 304) as follows: ‘ The entire inscription is accordingly to be rendered thus: T. Vettius donum dat Herculi Iouio; merito data , sc. est or sunt , according as the votive offering was feminine singular or neuter plural.’ The very abbreviation of brat. favours a formulaic word such as merito . Von Planta accounts also for all other dialectic occurrences of the stem brato- , vindicating a sense of meritum (quasi gratia ) for all of them.
Changing yields in the Central United States under climate and technological change

This paper projects the race between technologically driven increases in crop yields and changing climatic conditions in the central USA, one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Using the highest, average, and lowest decadal rates of technologically driven increases in crop yields over the 1980 to 2017 period, we develop spatially explicit yield scenarios to the end of the twenty-first century under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. We find that with static technological innovation, severe climate change will decrease yields by an average of 22.4% (26.1 bu. ac−1) for maize, 27.9% (8.83 bu. ac−1) for soybeans, and 20% (7.14 bu. ac−1) for winter wheat in the central USA; however, with even the lowest rates of technological yield growth, yields increase by an average of 25.0% (40.5 bu. ac−1) for maize and 30.2% (14.2 bu. ac−1) for soybeans. We conclude that technology has the potential to overcome the negative impacts of climate change on the yields of maize, soybeans, and winter wheat in the central USA, but if these increases are to be environmentally sustainable, technological developments must be information-intensive rather than input-intensive.
HUMANISTIC DISCOURSE AND THE OTHERS

This essay focuses on the question of otherness as crucial for discussions of culture and humanistic discourse. In developing an idea of the non-concept of the Other, it summarizes articulations of otherness in Levinas, Lacan, Derrida, and de Man, among others. In conclusion, it addresses the institutional situation of English departments in the United States.
Quantitative measurements of hydroxyl radicals generated by irradiated titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspensions

Increased use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in different applications has increased risk for adverse environmental implications based on an elevated likelihood of organism exposure. Anatase TiO2 is photoactive with exposure to ultraviolet light. TiO2 nanoparticle exposure to UV-A radiation in aquatic environments generates hydroxyl radical species, which may ultimately be responsible increased organism toxicity. The present research demonstrates that the rate of radical generation heavily depends on exposure conditions, particularly the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). Environmentally relevant concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles were co-exposed to increasing NOM amounts (measured as concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) and UV-A intensities. Hydroxyl radical generation rate was determined using fluorescence spectroscopy. Radical generation rate was positively correlated to increases in TiO2 concentration and UV-A intensity, and negatively correlated to increased DOC concentration. Nanoparticle aggregation over time and decrease in light transmission from NOM had negligible contributions to the generation rate. This suggests the decreased radical generation rate is a result of radical quenching by NOM functionalities. D. magna toxicity to hydroxyl radicals is also demonstrated to decreased following the addition of DOC. These results correlate with the rate generation data, indicating that DOC provides rate attenuation that is protection to organisms. These conclusions demonstrate the importance considering exposure conditions during TiO2 toxicity testing, and during TiO2 waste management and regulatory decisions.
Methodological Insight Into Mosquito Microbiome Studies

Symbiotic bacteria affect competence for pathogen transmission in insect vectors, including mosquitoes. However, knowledge on mosquito-microbiome-pathogen interactions remains limited, largely due to methodological reasons. The current, cost-effective practice of sample pooling used in mosquito surveillance and epidemiology prevents correlation of individual traits (i.e., microbiome profile) and infection status. Moreover, many mosquito studies employ laboratory-reared colonies that do not necessarily reflect the natural microbiome composition and variation in wild populations. As a consequence, epidemiological and microbiome studies in mosquitoes are to some extent uncoupled, and the interactions among pathogens, microbiomes, and natural mosquito populations remain poorly understood. This study focuses on the effect the pooling practice poses on mosquito microbiome profiles, and tests different approaches to find an optimized low-cost methodology for extensive sampling while allowing for accurate, individual-level microbiome studies. We tested the effect of pooling by comparing wild-caught, individually processed mosquitoes with pooled samples. With individual mosquitoes, we also tested two methodological aspects that directly affect the cost and feasibility of broad-scale molecular studies: sample preservation and tissue dissection. Pooling affected both alpha- and beta-diversity measures of the microbiome, highlighting the importance of using individual samples when possible. Both RNA and DNA yields were higher when using inexpensive reagents such as NAP (nucleic acid preservation) buffer or absolute ethanol, without freezing for short-term storage. Microbiome alpha- and beta-diversity did not show overall significant differences between the tested treatments compared to the controls (freshly extracted samples or dissected guts). However, the use of standardized protocols is highly recommended to avoid methodological bias in the data.
Tuning Hsp104 specificity to selectively detoxify alpha-synuclein

Hsp104 is an AAA+ protein disaggregase that solubilizes and reactivates proteins trapped in aggregated states. We have engineered potentiated Hsp104 variants to mitigate toxic misfolding of alpha-synuclein, TDP-43, and FUS implicated in fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Though potent disaggregases, these enhanced Hsp104 variants lack substrate specificity, and can have unfavorable off-target effects. Here, to lessen off-target effects, we engineer substrate-specific Hsp104 variants. By altering Hsp104 pore loops that engage substrate, we disambiguate Hsp104 variants that selectively suppress alpha-synuclein toxicity but not TDP-43 or FUS toxicity. Remarkably, alpha-synuclein-specific Hsp104 variants emerge that mitigate alpha-synuclein toxicity via distinct ATPase-dependent mechanisms, involving alpha-synuclein disaggregation or detoxification of alpha-synuclein conformers without disaggregation. Importantly, both types of alpha-synuclein-specific Hsp104 variant reduce dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a C. elegans model of Parkinson9s disease more effectively than non-specific variants. We suggest that increasing the substrate specificity of enhanced disaggregases could be applied broadly to tailor therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease.
Earth mover's distances of feature vectors in large data analyses

The earth mover's distance (EMD) measures the difference of two feature vectors that is related to the Wasserstein metric defined for probability distribution functions on a given metric space. The EMD of two vectors is based on the cost of moving the content of individual elements of an anchor vector to match the distribution of a target vector. The EMD is a solution to a transportation problem. We present results of using EMD in large data analysis problems such as those for health data and image data.
Active metric learning for supervised classification

Abstract Clustering and classification critically rely on distance metrics that provide meaningful comparisons between data points. To this end, learning optimal distance functions from data, known as metric learning, aims to facilitate supervised classification, particularly in high-dimensional spaces where visualization is challenging or infeasible. In particular, the Mahalanobis metric is the default choice due to simplicity and interpretability as a transformation of the simple Euclidean metric using a combination of rotation and scaling. In this work, we present several novel contributions to metric learning, both by way of formulation as well as solution methods. Our approach is motivated by agglomerative clustering with certain novel modifications that enable natural interpretation of the user-defined classes as clusters with the optimal metric. Our approach generalizes and improves upon leading methods by removing reliance on pre-designated “target neighbors,” “triplets,” and “similarity pairs.” Starting with the definition of a generalized metric that has the Mahalanobis metric as the second order term, we propose an objective function for metric selection that does not aim to isolate classes from each other like most previous work, but tries to distort the space minimally by aggregating co-class members into local clusters. Further, we formulate the problem as a mixed-integer optimization that can be solved efficiently for small/medium datasets and approximated for larger datasets. Another salient feature of our method is that it facilitates active learning by recommending precise regions to sample using the optimal metric to improve classification performance. These regions are indicated by boundary and outlier points of the dataset as defined by the metric. This targeted acquisition can significantly reduce computation and data acquisition by ensuring training data completeness, representativeness, and economy, which could also provide advantages in training data selection for other established methods like Deep Learning and Random Forests. We demonstrate classification and computational performance of our approach through several simple and intuitive examples, followed by results on real image and benchmark datasets.
On incorporating scanning strategy effects into the modified inherent strain modeling framework for laser powder bed fusion

Abstract Laser powder bed fusion ( L -PBF) has been the most popular metal additive manufacturing (AM) process thus far. However, residual deformation of the metal builds has been a significant issue. Laser scanning strategies adopted in the laser-assisted fabricating process have proved to have important influence on the residual stress and deformation. As the main contribution of this paper, the effects of different laser scanning strategies are incorporated into the modified inherent strain modeling (MISM) framework for the first time to enable accurate simulation for residual deformation of the L -PBF metal parts. Anisotropy in mechanical property of the fabricated components caused by the laser scanning strategies is also fully considered. For the rotational laser scanning strategies, only a small-scale representative volume element (RVE) is modeled by employing both the inherent strains and asymptotic homogenization. By employing the homogenized inherent strains, residual deformation can be predicted for the L -PBF manufactured components using different rotational scanning strategies accurately. Regarding the unidirectional parallel line scanning strategy, the directional inherent strain vector and orthotropic mechanical properties are used in the MISM-based layer-wise simulation. Good accuracy of the proposed framework is fully validated through comparing the simulated residual deformations with the experimental results for Inconel 718 parts produced by different laser scanning strategies. Thus, it is demonstrated that the effects of both parallel line and rotational laser scanning strategies have been successfully integrated into the MISM framework for predicting residual deformations of the L -PBF builds.
Brucellosis in Bison

Brucellosis, or Bang's disease, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, is a potentially devastating cause of abortion and unthriftiness in cattle.
DiffLoop: Tuning PID Controllers by Differentiating Through the Feedback Loop

Since most industrial control applications use PID controllers, PID tuning and anti-windup measures are significant problems. This paper investigates tuning the feedback gains of a PID controller via back-calculation and automatic differentiation tools. In particular, we episodically use a cost function to generate gradients and perform gradient descent to improve controller performance. We provide a theoretical framework for analyzing this non-convex optimization and establish a relationship between back-calculation and disturbance feedback policies. We include numerical experiments on linear systems with actuator saturation to show the efficacy of this approach.
Neural evidence for categorical biases in location and orientation representations in a working memory task

Abstract Previous research demonstrated that visual representations in working memory exhibit biases with respect to the categorical structure of the stimulus space. However, a majority of those studies used behavioral measures of working memory, and it is not clear whether the working memory representations per se are influenced by the categorical structure or whether the biases arise in decision or response processes during the report. Here, I applied a multivariate decoding technique to EEG data collected during working memory tasks to determine whether neural activity associated with the representations in working memory is categorically biased prior to the report. I found that the decoding of spatial working memory was biased away from the nearest cardinal location, consistent with the biases observed in the behavioral responses. In a follow-up experiment which was designed to prevent the use of a response preparation strategy, I found that the decoding still exhibited categorical biases. Together, these results provide neural evidence that working memory representations themselves are categorically biased, imposing important constraints on the models of working memory representations.
Complete 2π phase control by photonic crystal slabs

Photonic crystal slabs are the state of the art in the studies of the light confinement, optical wave modulating and guiding, as well as nonlinear optical response. Previous studies have shown abundant real-world implementations of photonic crystals in planar optics, metamaterials, sensors, and lasers. Here, we report a novel full 2π phase control method in the reflected light beam over the interaction with a photonic crystal resonant mode, verified by the temporal coupled-mode analysis and S-parameter simulations. Enhanced by the asymmetric coupling with the output ports, the 2π phase shift can be achieved with the silicon photonics platforms such as Silicon-on-Silica and Silicon-on-Insulator heterostructures. Such photonic crystal phase control method provides a general guide in the design of phase-shift metamaterials, suggesting a wide range of applications in the field of sensing, spatial light modulation, and beam steering.
Johannes Reuchlin and the Campaign to Destroy Jewish Books

1. "Impermissibly Favorable to Jews?" 2. Humanist Origins 3. Humanism at Court 4. Discovery of Hebrew 5. Johannes Pfefferkorn and the Campaign against Jews 6. Who Saved the Jewish Books? 7. Inquisition 8. Trial at Rome and the Christian Debates 9. The Luther Affair 10. "As If the First Martyr of Hebrew Letters" BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abstract P137: Updated Trends in CVD Risk Factors and Rurality in Appalachian Children using Surveillance, Clustered Statistical Design and GIS Capabilities

Research suggests a link between rurality and CVD risk factors; however, our previous work found that metropolitan (rather than rural) areas were associated with CVD risk factors in WV fifth grade children. Our goal is to examine developmental trends as well as updated CVD risk factors stratified by Rural-Urban Continuum Code (RUCC) classification. Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) data include 14,226 Kindergarten, 10,784 Second grade, 80,635 Fifth grade, and 1,451 Teenage children. The clustered analytic design nested children’s results within zip code using a six-category RUCC (Figure 1), and controlling for age, gender, race, and maternal education. Least squares means are reported. Outcomes included BMI percent above ideal (BMI%) for all grades, and HDL, LDL, and SBP for fifth grade. Developmental Trends: Kindergarten: Significant effect of RUCC on BMI%, p<0.0001, Metro (M=10.11) and Town (10.43) had higher means than Rural (6.66). Second grade: Metro (16.82) and Town...
Ethics in government: A survey of misuse of position for personal gain and its implication for developing acquisition strategy

This study surveys one element of the government standards of conduct, named "Misuse of Position for Personal Gain", assesses the results, and compares various acquisition strategies to identify high risk procurement where individual misuse of position for personal gain may be more pervasive. It also provides a valuable historical summary of government standards of conduct. The study concludes with an assessment of enforcement mechanisms, or lack thereof, to ensure that government procurement is conducted in a manner which gains public trust and confidence.
Laser Beam Transformation: Propagation, Amplification, Frequency Conversion, Pulse Compression, and Pulse Expansion

Before it is put to use, a laser beam is generally transformed in some way. The most common type of transformation is that which occurs when the beam is simply made to propagate in free space or through a suitable optical system. Since this produces a change in the spatial distribution of the beam (e.g., the beam may be focused or expanded), we shall refer to this as a spatial transformation of the laser beam. A second type of transformation, also rather frequently encountered, is that which occurs when the beam is passed through an amplifier or chain of amplifiers. Since the main effect here is to alter the beam amplitude, we shall refer to this as amplitude transformation. A third, rather different, case occurs when the wavelength of the beam is changed as a result of propagating through a suitable nonlinear optical material (wavelength transformation or frequency conversion). Finally the temporal behavior of the laser beam can be modified by a suitable optical element. For example, the amplitude of a cw laser beam may be temporally modulated by an electro-optic or acousto-optic modulator or the time duration of a laser pulse may be increased (pulse expansion) or decreased (pulse compression) using suitably dispersive optical systems or nonlinear optical elements. This fourth and last case will be referred to as time transformation. It should be noted that these four types of beam transformation are often interrelated. For instance, amplitude transformation and frequency conversion often result in spatial and time transformations occurring as well.
Classifying XML Documents Based on Structure/Content Similarity

In this paper, we present a framework for classifying XML documents based on structure/content similarity between XML documents. Firstly, an algorithm is proposed for computing the edit distance between an ordered labeled tree and a regular hedge grammar. The new edit distance gives a more precise measure for structural similarity than existing distance metrics in the literature. Secondly, we study schema extraction from XML documents, and an effective solution based on minimum length description (MLD) principle is given. Our schema extraction method allows trade off between schema simplicity and precision based on the user’s specification. Thirdly, classification of XML documents is discussed. Representation of XML documents based on the structures and contents is also studied. The efficacy and efficiency of our methodology have been tested using the data sets from XML Mining Challenge.
OFFICIAL APOLOGIES IN THE AFTERMATH OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE

This article examines the uses of official apologies for massive human rights abuses in the context of democratic transitions. It sketches a normative model of apologies, highlighting how they serve to provide some moral and practical redress for past wrongs. It discusses a number of contributions apologies can make, including publicly confirming the status of victims as moral agents, fostering public reexamination and deliberation about social norms, and promoting critical understandings of history that undermine apologist historical accounts. The article then presents certain normative criteria that any official apology must satisfy, and concludes with a discussion of several theoretical and practical challenges that apologies face in transitional contexts. It draws on Chilean President Patricio Aylwin's apology for his predecessor's crimes as an illustration of some of the promises and challenges that apologies face.
Antioxidant Regulation of Protein Kinase C in Cancer Prevention

Besides scavenging free radicals, antioxidants inhibit signaling enzymes such as protein kinase C (PKC) that play a crucial role in tumor promotion. By having different oxidation susceptible regions, PKC can respond to both oxidant tumor promoters and cancer-preventive antioxidants to elicit opposite cellular responses. Oxidant tumor promoters activate PKC by reacting with zinc-thiolates present within the regulatory domain. In contrast, the oxidized forms of some cancer-preventive agents, such as polyphenolics (ellagic acid, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and curcumin) and selenocompounds, can inactivate PKC by oxidizing the vicinal thiols present within the catalytic domain. This brings an efficient counteractive mechanism to block the signal transduction induced by tumor promoters at the first step itself. Because prostate cancer prevention clinical trials in large human population are under way, we have focused more on understanding the cancer-preventive mechanism of selenium. Methylselenol, the postulated cancer-preventive metabolite, has no direct effect on PKC activity. However, methylseleninic acid, locally generated by the reaction of membrane methylselenol with PKC-bound tumor-promoting fatty acid hydroperoxides, selectively inactivates PKC. This mechanism clarifies how the volatile methylselenol that is present in a low concentration induces the inactivation of PKC selectively in the promoting precancer cells. Selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase reverses selenium-induced inactivation of PKC, suggesting that selenoproteins may serve as a safeguard against the toxicity induced by selenometabolites. Moreover, this also explains how a resistance to selenium develops in advanced malignant cells. The redox-mediated inactivation of PKC may, at least in part, be responsible for the antioxidant-induced inhibition of tumor promotion and cell growth, as well as for the induction of cell death.
β-Amyloid oligomers in aging and Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The cause of AD is not known, but genetic evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that pathological aggregation of the β-amyloid protein (Aβ) triggers the disease process. AD has a long preclinical phase, lasting a decade or more. It is during this preclinical phase, before the irreversible neuron loss that characterizes the dementia phase of the disease, that therapies are most likely to be effective. If we are to block AD during the preclinical phase, we must identify the Aβ species that are present before there are overt symptoms and that are associated with downstream markers of pathology. A specific soluble Aβ assembly, the putative dodecamer “Aβ*56,” is present in the brains and cerebrospinal fluid of cognitively intact individuals and correlates with markers of synaptic dysfunction and neuronal injury. This assembly also correlates with memory dysfunction in multiple lines of transgenic mice that model the preclinical phase of AD. We suggest that Aβ*56 has a critical role during the earliest phase of AD and might serve as a molecular trigger of the disease.
Rates of Ozonation of Cresol Isomers in Aqueous Solutions

This research used a stopped–flow spectrophotometer system to study the kinetics of the fast oxidation of cresols by ozone in aqueous solutions. The overall reaction between ozone and a cresol isotner is second order, with first order in each reactant. At the same operating condition, the ozonation rate of m–cresol is the fastest and that of o–cresol the slowest. For the oxidation of o–cresol in neutral solutions, the overall rate constant increases from 422,000 to 1,550,000 1/M–s as the temperature changes from 10 to 40°C. In aqueous solutions with the pH range of 2.4 to 9.0 at temperatures varying from 5 to 40°C, the ozonation rate of the cresols increases with temperature and pH.
Russia's Oil Barons and Metal Magnates: Oligarchs and the State in Transition. Stephen Fortescue

(2009). Russia's Oil Barons and Metal Magnates: Oligarchs and the State in Transition. Stephen Fortescue. Eurasian Geography and Economics: Vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 740-743.
Can the World Trade Organization become a democratic institution

Riots, and the political reactions that followed, in the European Union and in the USA, will likely serve to turn the World Trade Organization (WTO) away from its purely material bent and into an institution that engages the social, cultural and environmental concerns of the world community. It may well wind up being modeled after the EU. At future meetings, members of the WTO will undoubtedly be pressured into dealing with many of the issues aired in the streets of Europe and the USA. Creating a more democratic WTO should appease many of the disparate constituencies that openly voiced their reservations about the WTO’s narrow commercial focus and also permit the world’s poorest nations to finally begin to benefit economically from the globalization movement.
From ‘hello’ to higher-order thinking: The effect of coaching and feedback on online chats

Abstract This exploratory study examined the effect of a coaching and feedback intervention in teaching presence and social presence on higher-order thinking in an online community of inquiry. Coaching occurred before each chat, and feedback was provided immediately afterwards. The findings suggest that over time, the frequency of higher-order thinking will increase more in a group that receives coaching and feedback than in a group that does not receive coaching and feedback. In addition, the findings suggest that the Community of Inquiry framework has benefits beyond its use in course design, facilitation, and assessment to include serving as a guide to coaching.
A gene expression-based comparison of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and RGD-terminated monolayers

This work uses global gene expression analysis to compare the extent to which model substrates presenting peptide adhesion motifs mimic the use of conventional extracellular matrix protein coated substrates for cell culture. We compared the transcriptional activities of genes in cells that were cultured on matrix-coated substrates with those cultured on self-assembled monolayers presenting either a linear or cyclic RGD peptide. Cells adherent to cyclic RGD were most similar to those cultured on native ECM, while cells cultured on monolayers presenting the linear RGD peptide had transcriptional activities that were more similar to cells cultured on the uncoated substrates. This study suggests that biomaterials presenting the cyclic RGD peptide are substantially better mimics of extracellular matrix than are uncoated materials or materials presenting the common linear RGD peptide.
ARCHITECTURE-BASED SOFTWARE RELIABILITY ANALYSIS INCORPORATING CONCURRENCY

With the growing complexity of software applications and increasing reliance on the services provided by these applications, architecture-based reliability analysis has become the focus of several recent research efforts. Most of the prevalent research in this area does not consider simultaneous or concurrent execution of application components. Concurrency, however, may be common in modern software applications. Thus, reliability analysis considering concurrent component execution within the context of the application architecture is necessary for contemporary software applications. This paper presents an architecture-based reliability analysis methodology for concurrent software applications. Central to the methodology is a state space approach, based on discrete time Markov chains (DTMCs), to represent the application architecture taking into consideration simultaneous component execution. A closed form, analytical expression for the expected application reliability based on the average execution times, constant failure rates, and the average number of visits to the components is derived. The average number of visits to application components are obtained from the solution of the DTMC model representing the application architecture. The potential of the methodology to facilitate sensitivity analysis, identification of reliability bottlenecks, and an assessment of the impact of workload and component changes, in addition to providing a reliability estimate, is discussed. To enable the application of the methodology in practice, estimation of model parameters from different software artifacts is described. The methodology is illustrated with a case study. Finally, strategies to alleviate the state space explosion issue for an efficient application of the methodology are proposed.
On the equivalence of codes and codes with an automorphism having two cycles

Abstract In this paper we generalize a result of V.Y. Yorgov giving sufficient conditions under which two codes are equivalent. We then use this result to construct and to count the number of inequivalent \ s [2 r , r \ s ] and \ s [2 r +2, r +1\ s ] self-dual codes, over an arbitrary field, with an automorphism of prime order r .
On Adversary Models and Compositional Security

A unified view of a wide range of adversary classes and composition principles for reasoning about security properties of systems are cornerstones of a science of security. They provide a systematic basis for security analysis by explaining and predicting attacks on systems.
The intrinsic ⅛ lock-in improper ferroelectric phase in thiourea: dielectric susceptibility and hysteresis loop analysis

Abstract The complex dielectric constant of thiourea has been measured in the temperature range from 80 K to 300 K with different measuring-field levels and frequencies, with and without d.c. biasing fields. The temperature interval between the two peaks in the e*a(T) curve near 178 K was found to extrapolate to 0.7 K at zero measuring and biasing fields, which indicates that the ⅛ ferroelectric lock-in phase is intrinsic in a non-zero temperature range. The E-T phase diagram near the ⅛ lock-in region was explored by investigating the effects of biasing fields. D-E hysteresis loops were investigated in the vicinity of the ⅛ ferroelectric phase with measuring frequencies from 0.5 Hz to 5 mHz. The different D-E loops observed clearly demonstrate the difference between the intrinsic and “field-induced” lock-in mechanisms. The Landau free energy was analyzed and shown to produce self-consistent explanations of the experimental results and of the successive phase transitions.
Erratum to: Varying the intensity of competition in a multiple prize rent seeking experiment

In Anderson and Freeborn (2009) we inadvertently made a coding error in estimating the effects of risk preferences on subjects’ rent seeking expenditures. In models 2 through 5 of Table 5, we include individual specific effects (gender and risk preference as measured by the midpoint of the coefficient of relative risk aversion, hereafter mid-CRRA) and state that we control for individual subject heterogeneity using fixed effects. Econometrically, we cannot include both fixed effects and gender/mid-CRRA; however, a coding error allowed us to generate the results we report. When we correctly account for individual heterogeneity using a random effects model, the coefficients on gender and mid-CRRA are not significant. However, when we follow Millner and Pratt (1991) by grouping individuals into risk preference categories and performing difference of means tests, there is a significant decrease in overspending relative to the Nash prediction as we move along the risk preference spectrum. Specifically, the four categories are risk loving (mid-CRRA 0.68). We are guided by Holt and Laury (2002) in separating subjects into the categories of somewhat risk averse and very risk averse. For risk loving individuals, the average deviation from the Nash prediction (calculated as observed effort minus Nash prediction) across all six scenarios is 262.22; for risk neutral, the average deviation is 256.97; for somewhat risk averse, the average deviation is 245.35; and for very risk averse subjects, the average deviation from the Nash prediction is 190.76. Table 1 displays
Limited utility of Birkhoff’s theorem in modified Newtonian dynamics: Nonzero accelerations inside a shell

We investigate the consequences of Birkhoff's theorem in general relativity (GR) and in modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). We study, in particular, the system of a finite-mass test particle inside a spherical shell. In both GR and MOND, we find nonvanishing acceleration for that test particle. The direction of the acceleration is such that it pushes the test particle toward the center of the shell. In GR, the acceleration is found analytically in the case of a small test mass with a small displacement from the center of the shell. In MOND, the acceleration is found analytically in the limit of large test mass and small displacement, and a comparison to numerical values is made. Numerical simulations are done for more general cases with parameters that mimic the system of a galaxy in a cluster. In GR, the acceleration is highly suppressed and physically insignificant. In MOND, on the contrary, the acceleration of the point particle can be a significant fraction of the field just outside of the spherical shell.
Determination of an effective zero-point and extraction of indentation stress–strain curves without the continuous stiffness measurement signal

A novel approach is presented for converting spherical nanoindentation load–displacement data into indentation stress–strain curves, without the need for continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) – an option available only on a limited number of machines. This new method entails novel approaches for estimating (i) the effective zero-point and (ii) the effective contact radius from the raw load–displacement data. The results from the new analysis methods are shown to be in good agreement with the results obtained using CSM.