cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Econometric studies of urban population density: a survey.

This paper presents the 1st reasonably comprehensive survey of empirical research of urban population densities since the publication of the book by Edmonston in 1975. The survey summarizes contributions to empirical knowledge that have been made since 1975 and points toward possible areas for additional research. The paper also provides a brief interpretative intellectual history of the topic. It begins with a personal overview of research in the field. The next section discusses econometric issues that arise in the estimation of population density functions in which density is a function only of a distance to the central business district of the urban area. Section 4 summarizes the studies of a single urban area that went beyond the estimation of simple distance-density functions and Section 5 discusses studies that sought to explain the variations across urban areas in population density patterns. McDonald refers to the standard theory of urban population density throughout the paper. This basic model is presented in the textbook by Mills and Hamilton and it is assumed that the reader is familiar with the model.
Large dynamic deformations caused by a force traveling on an extensible string

Abstract An infinitely long, perfectly flexible string is subjected to two concentrated forces which travel along the string with constant speed in opposite directions from a common starting point. The ensuing motions and deformations of the string are described. The description takes into account large deformations, changes in string tension, and the transverse and longitudinal waves which propagate.
A large format optical display for the generation of generalized psychophysical stimuli.

Abstract An optical display is described that can be used to generate a wide variety of psychophysical stimuli. The display has the advantages of large size, high brightness, excellent uniformity, and ease of automation. The basis of the device is that two parallel diffuser plates separated by a distance are a low-pass filter for spatial frequencies. The filtering characteristics of the device can be adjusted by a suitable choice of the diffusing materials and by varying the separation between the two plates. A device constructed using these principles is described in detail.
A Simple Route to Multimodal Composite Nanoparticles

Macromolecules is published by the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036 Communication to the Editor A Simple Route to Multimodal Composite Nanoparticles Kim Y. van Berkel, Ashley M. Piekarski, Paul H. Kierstead, Eric D. Pressly, Paresh C. Ray, and Craig J. Hawker Macromolecules, 2009, 42 (5), 1425-1427• DOI: 10.1021/ma802849f • Publication Date (Web): 11 February 2009 Downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org on March 30, 2009
Electric machine design and selection for General Motors e-Assist Light Electrification Technology

The integrated starter generator replaces conventional starter and alternator with one electrical machine handling both functions. Start/Stop functionality, vehicle launch assistance and higher speed transient power supplementing enhances the vehicle performance at the lower fuel consumption rate. This functionality requires the electrical machine to provide high starting and launch assistant torque in motoring mode and relatively high power capability over the wide speed range for battery charging. The overall cost of the system is the underlining concern and crucial part of the design optimization. This paper focuses on advantages of induction machines in automotive industry and an approach to design a cost effective electrical machine for belted starter-alternator application. Design optimization of the induction machine is described to achieve desired performance including; rotor bar count, solid conductor (bar winding) vs. stranded winding design, rotor bar shape optimization and finally performance maps for the electrical machine including both, predicted and measured results. Thermal study of the machine is also presented as well as the NVH consideration in the design selection.
The Marketing of an Accounting Graduate: Characteristics Most Desired by CPA Firms

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the skills, abilities, and qualifications most desired of prospective employees for professional positions in CPA firms. This information will be used to develop appropriate marketing strategies for candidates and those involved in placing candidates in appropriate positions within the accounting profession. The participants in this study were from all parts of the United States and represented small, medium, and large firms. A factor analysis was performed to further understand the interrelationships within the data. The results were examined to identify the underlying dimensions on which CPA firms choose their employees. The responses of the participants indicated that the most marketable students are those with well-developed written and oral communication skills.
Modeling impacts of erosion and deposition on soil organic carbon in the Big Creek Basin of southern Illinois

Abstract Land use land cover (LULC) plays an important role in influencing the spatial intensity of water erosion which is the primary governor of horizontal translocation of soil organic carbon (SOC). The fate of redistributed SOC through erosion remains debatable and the mineralization rate of exposed SOC protected in soil aggregates is the major focus of this argument. Cohesive spatially explicit modeling of SOC and erosion can potentially reduce some of the controversy. To this end we simulated erosion/deposition, and photosynthetic (in situ) flux of SOC in a small watershed of ~ 28.42 ha, located in the Big Creek basin of southern Illinois. The main objectives of this research were: (a) to study erosion and deposition dynamics under different LULC, (b) to examine the extent of carbon dislocation and deposition possible in the study area, and (c) to determine the net SOC accretion and reduction possible by accounting for gains through annual photosynthesis and deposition, and losses from erosion under different LULC scenarios. To fulfill our objectives, we combined GeoWEPP, an erosion/deposition process model, with CENTURY 4.0, an ecosystem model used for simulating SOC. Our results show that between 11 and 31% of the eroded soil gets deposited in the same basin depending on the LULC type, leaving the remainder to be transported downstream. Additionally, as expected, SOC flux due to erosion and deposition varies with the type of management practices. In the case of conservation management practices, the flux associated with erosion and deposition remains below 10% in comparison to in situ SOC transformations due to annual photosynthesis. However in the case of non-conservation management practices this proportion rises above 50%.
Greenhorns, Yankees and Cosmopolitans: Venture Capital, IPOs, Foreign Firms & U.S. Markets

Black and Gilson have argued that "venture capital can flourish especially - and perhaps only - if the venture capitalist can exit from a successful portfolio company through an initial public offering (IPO), which requires an active stock market." But nothing in the Black and Gilson analysis requires that the exit option be a domestic capital market. In this Article, I use the phenomenon of Israeli high tech companies going public on the NASDAQ as a case study to explore the connection between a venture capital industry and domestic capital markets in a world of global capital and product markets.
The Influence of Friendship on Children'S Communication

Summary The effects of friendship on dyadic communication between preschool-aged children were investigated. Communicative behaviors of 16 boys and eight girls with both high- and low-friendship partners were recorded. Low-friendship partners demonstrated greater similarity to one another in number of switching pauses, number of vocalizations, number of words, mean length of switching pauses, total social speech, and number of attention-getting devices. Older children were more verbally fluent and, within friendship level, chose more complex modes of communicative responsivity than younger children.
A Cognitive-Functional Model for the Effects of Discrete Negative Emotions on Information Processing, Attitude Change, and Recall

Drawing from cognitive response models of persuasion, functional emotion theories, and theoretical and empirical work on the influence of message-relevant and message-irrelevant affect on attitudes, this paper presents a model of persuasion that suggests that discrete, message-induced negative emotions influence attitudes through a complex process that centers around the notions of motivated attention and motivated processing. Emotion type, expectation of the message containing reassuring information, argument strength, presence of peripheral cues, emotional intensity, and emotion placement within a message are expected to mediate information processing depth, message acceptance or rejection, and information recall. This model attempts to bridge the gap between the “emotional” and “rational” approaches to persuasion, and it extends current theorizing in the area of emotion and attitude change by (a) linking the concepts of motivated attention and motivated processing to that of expectation of message reassurance, and (b) considering the persuasive effects of negative emotions other than fear, like anger, disgust, sadness, and guilt.
Quantitative analysis of Akt phosphorylation and activity in response to EGF and insulin treatment

Abstract The protein kinase Akt is a critical regulator of cell function and its overexpression and activation have been functionally linked to numerous pathologies such as cancer. Previous reports regarding the mechanism-regulating Akt’s activation have revealed two phosphorylation events, at threonine 308 (T308) and serine 473 (S473), as necessary for the full activation of the kinase in response to insulin. For this reason and because of the availability of phospho-specific antibodies to both T308 and S473, many studies that focus on Akt’s role in governing cell function rely on the measurement of these two sites to understand changes in kinase activity. Recent evidence, however, suggests the involvement of other phosphorylation sites; for example, in Src-transformed and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-treated cells, tyrosine phosphorylation has been found important for full kinase activation. In this study, we probed the quantitative reliability of using S473 and/or T308 phosphorylation as surrogates for Akt kinase activity across diverse treatment conditions. We performed quantitative Western blots and kinase activity assays on lysates generated during a 2 h time course from two cell lines treated with either EGF or insulin. From the resulting ∼250 quantitative measurements of phosphorylation and activity, we found that both T308 and S473 phosphorylation accurately captured quantitative changes in EGF-stimulated cells, but not in insulin-stimulated cells. Moreover, in all but one condition studied, we found a tight correlation between the onset of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation for both sites, despite the fact that they do not share common kinase- or phosphatase-mediated regulation. In sum, using a quantitative approach to study Akt activation identified ligand-dependent limits for the use of T308 or S473 as proxies for kinase activity and suggests the coregulation of Akt phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
Results from a new wind-tunnel apparatus for studying coning and spinning motions of bodies of revolution

Wind tunnel apparatus for reproducing coning and spinning motions of bodies of revolution, using six-component strain gage balance for aerodynamic forces
A Generalized Markov Chain Approach for Conditional Simulation of Categorical Variables from Grid Samples

chain; conditional simulation; interclass dependence; spatial uncertainty; categorical variable Abstract Complex categorical variables are usually classified into many classes with interclass dependencies, which conventional geostatistical methods have difficulties to incorporate. A two-dimensional Markov chain approach has emerged recently for conditional simulation of categorical variables on line data, with the advantage of incorporating interclass dependencies. This paper extends the approach into a generalized method so that conditional simulation can be performed on grid point samples. Distant data interaction is accounted for through the transiogram - a transition probability-based spatial measure. Experimental transiograms are estimated from samples and further fitted by mathematical models, which provide transition probabilities with continuous lags for Markov chain simulation. Simulated results conducted on two datasets of soil types show that when sufficient sample data are conditioned complex patterns of soil types can be captured and simulated realizations can reproduce transiograms with reasonable fluctuations; when data are sparse, a general pattern of major soil types still can be captured, with minor types being relatively underestimated. Therefore, at this stage the method is more suitable for cases where relatively dense samples are available. The computer algorithm can potentially deal with irregular point data with further development.
Metapopulations and salmonids: a synthesis of life history patterns and empirical observations

Metapopulation theory has attracted considerable interest USA with reference to the salmonids. There has been little empirical evidence, however, to guide the evaluation or application of metapopulation con- cepts. From knowledge of salmonid life histories and our own work with bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), Lahontan cutthroat trout (Onco- rhynchus clarki henshawi) and westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi), we suggest that simple generalizations of salmonid metapop- ulations are inappropriate. Although spatial structuring and dispersal mechanisms are evident, the relevance of extinction and colonization pro- cesses are likely to vary with life history, species, scale, and landscape. Understanding dispersal, the role of suitable but unoccupied habitats, and Key words: salmonid; metapopulation; life history; dispersal; persistence; fragmentation the potential for extinction debts in non-equilibrium metapopulations are key issues. With regard to conservation of salmonids, we suggest that B. E. Rieman, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky efforts to understand and conserve key processes likely to influence the Mountain Research Station 316 E. Myrtle,
Singularity theory and phantom edges in scale space

The process of detecting edges in a one-dimensional signal by finding the zeros of the second derivative of the signal can be interpreted as the process of detecting the critical points of a general class of contrast functions that are applied to the signal. It is shown that the second derivative of the contrast function at the critical point is related to the classification of the associated edge as being phantom or authentic. The contrast of authentic edges decreases with filter scale, while the contrast of phantom edges are shown to increase with scale. As the filter scale increases, an authentic edge must either turn into a phantom edge or join with a phantom edge and vanish. The points in the scale space at which these events occur are seen to be singular points of the contrast function. Using ideas from singularity, or catastrophy theory, the scale map contours near these singular points are found to be either vertical or parabolic. >
Relative feeding rates on free and particle-bound bacteria by freshwater macrozooplankton1

Feeding suspensions of equivalent particle spectra were assembled with either free-living (< 1.0 ..mu..m) or attached bacteria specifically labeled with (/sup 3/H)thymidine. Clearance (ml ind/sup -1/ d/sup -1/) of attached bacteria was 3-29 x that of free bacteria for the cladocerans Acantholeberis, Chydorus, and Eubosmina. Pseudosida and Ceriodaphnia showed weaker discrimination or no selection, indicating a lower size threshold for filtration in these species. Feeding suspensions composed of isolated free bacteria yielded significantly higher or lower estimates of grazing than free bacteria with the full complement of particles, depending on species. Relative clearance (attached:free) tended to increase with body size within a species and varied for different particle environments. Bacteria associated with large particles may increase detrital energy flow to consumers in eutrophic environments.
A 3.16 – 12.8GHz low phase noise N-Push/M-push cyclic coupled ring oscillator

A topology for realizing wideband ring oscillators is introduced. Five three-stage ring oscillators operating over a frequency range of 1-2.56GHz are coupled using uni-lateral cyclic coupling. This provides phase shifted outputs which are combined twice in an N-Push or M-Push operation (N=3 and M=5) resulting in an output signal of 3.16-12.8GHz. This coupled structure improves phase noise by 10log10M=7dB producing -103.4 and -101.6 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset for 3.16GHz and 12.8GHz, respectively. A prototype fabricated in 90nm CMOS consumes 13-200mW across the tuning range.
Bipolar Disorder in a population of adolescents with alcohol use disorders

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this paper is to present the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BPD) in a population of adolescents and young adults with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and to compare salient alcohol use, mood, and diagnostic variables between adolescents with BPD, those with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and those with AUD without a mood disorder. Methods: The subjects were 452 adolescents and young adults, age 12.9 to 28.3 years, who met DSM-IV criteria for a lifetime history of either alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. DSM-IV psychiatric and AUD diagnoses were obtained by semi-structure interviews (K-SADS and SCID) to discern the possible effect of comorbid BPD on alcohol and other drug variables, we compared adolescents or young adults who met DSM-IV criteria for concurrent BPD and AUD with adolescents with MDD plus AUD and those with AUD and no mood disorder. Following one-way ANOVA comparing across the 3 groups, we proceeded with post hoc analysis comparing the BPD+AUD group wit...
Clast shape as an indicator of transport and depositional mechanisms in glacial marine sediments; George V continental shelf, Antarctica

Floating ice deposits (paratills) and grounded ice deposits (orthotills) have been identified on the continental shelf bordering the George V. Coast, East Antarctica. They are recognized on the bases of texture, pebble fabric, presence or absence of fauna, and stratification. The shapes of over 200 clasts taken from these glacial-marine tills indicate transport in basal debris zones. Clast shapes imply passive deposition of paratills from floating ice as supported by other lines of evidence. Deposition of orthotills by melt-out processes is also suggested by clast shape analysis. Melt-out till deposition is untenable on theoretical grounds, however, and a passive form of lodgment till deposition is proposed for orthotills in this area.
Observations of the Pineal in the White Leghorn Capon and Cockerel

Abstract INTRODUCTION IT HAS been claimed by Simonnet and Sternberg (1951), Simonnet and Thieblot (1951), Nakashita (1951), Shellabarger and Breneman (1950), and Martin and Davis (1941), that the removal of the pineal results in a hypertrophy of the testis. In confirmation of these reports, Jullien (1946) and Moszkowska (1951) reported atrophy of the testis following the injection of pineal material. These latter reports are contradicted, however, by other injection experiments. Rowntree, Clark, Steinberg and Hanson (1936) claimed an increase in the degree of maturation following the injection of pineal extract. The interpretation of these results is further confused by the reports of Engel (1939) and Fischer (1943) who reported either a hastening or delay in the opening of the mouse vagina following the injection of their two extracts. The presence of follicles in the pineal of fowl has been considered as an indication that the pineal is secretory. Gladstone and Wakley . . .
pKa of the essential Glu54 and backbone conformation for subunit c from the H+-coupled F1F0 ATP synthase from an alkaliphilic Bacillus.

The conformation of the ATP synthase c-subunit and the pKa of its essential E54 residue were characterized in alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4. The c-subunit folds as a helix–loop–helix, with inter-helical contacts demonstrated by paramagnetic relaxation effects. The E54 pKa of 7.7 is significantly higher than in non-alkaliphiles, which likely prevents proton loss from the c-rotor at high pH. The E54 pKa was unchanged in a mutant, cP51A, that has a severe ATP synthesis defect at high pH only. cP51 must have some structural role that accounts for the mutant defect, such as different subunit-subunit interactions at high pH.
Transaction Costs of Environmental Policies and Returns to Scale: The Case of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans

Comprehensive nutrient management plans are being promoted to reduce excess nutrient applications on livestock farms to improve water quality. Development of these plans has been shown to exhibit increasing returns to scale but these costs did not include farmer time. Data from a farmer survey are used to characterize the magnitude and determinants of the transaction costs of comprehensive nutrient management plan development in the Midwest. The analyses confirm that the time spent by farmers exhibits increasing returns to scale. Ignoring the hours spent by farmers on plan development underestimates time requirements by approximately 10%.
Syntheses and optoelectronic properties of amino/carboxyphenylporphyrins for potential use in dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells

New mixed-substituent amino/carboxyphenylporphyrins for a dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cell were prepared using several synthetic routes. The reaction of 4-carbomethoxy- and 4-acetamidobenzaldehydes with pyrrole in propionic acid under aerobic conditions afforded mixtures of mixed amide/ester substituted tetraphenylporphyrins which were separated using centrifugal chromatography then deprotected to give the target compounds. Condensation of p-nitrophenyl- dipyrromethane with 4-carbomethoxybenzaldehyde in CH2Cl2 catalyzed by trifluoroacetic acid, followed by oxidation with dichlorodicyanoquinone gives trans-dicarbomethoxy/ dinitrophenylporphyrin, which when treated with SnCl2 and HCl affords the trans-diamino/dicarboxy derivative, trans-TA2C2PP. Commercially available tetrakis-5,10,15,20-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) was converted to mixtures of mixed amino/carbomethoxyphenylporphyrins using hydroxylamine hydrochloride in polyphosphoric acid with methanol workup. Relative yields and product distributions from each route are discussed and the optoelectronic characteristics of the synthesized porphyrins were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Copyright © 2007 Society of Porphyrins & Phthalocyanines.
Probabilistic inference of lossy links using end-to-end data in sensor networks

Lossy links used in a sensor network affect network performance, and hence need to be detected and repaired [1, 2]. One approach to detect lossy links is that each node monitors the loss rates on its neighboring links and reports them to the sink. This approach, although straightforward, causes large amount of traffic. Another approach to detect lossy links is through end-to-end data that are transmitted periodically from sources to the sink(s) [3, 1, 2]. This end-to-end approach has the advantage of not generating any additional monitoring traffic. The challenge is, however, to develop accurate inference algorithms for lossy link detection based on end-to-end measurements.
Legibility of video display units during off-angle viewing

Abstract This research examined how off-angle or oblique viewing of a VDU screen and the physical location of a message on the screen influenced message legibility. Eight trained subjects viewed five-character long common words, number strings, and alphanumeric messages presented at 15 different combinations of oblique viewing angle and location of message on the VDU screen for 2–5 seconds. It was found that common words and number strings showed little overall loss in legibility except when oblique viewing angle exceeded ± 32°. Alphanumeric messages were found to have a significantly lower legibility than the common words and number strings. It was recommended that for best overall legibility of the three types of messages studied here, that oblique viewing angles be less than ± 32°. Predictor equations were also developed to aid in predicting loss of accuracy based on the type of message and physical features of the viewing task.
AACR Centennial Series: The Biology of Cancer Metastasis: Historical Perspective

Metastasis resistant to therapy is the major cause of death from cancer. Despite almost 200 years of study, the process of tumor metastasis remains controversial. Stephen Paget initially identified the role of host-tumor interactions on the basis of a review of autopsy records. His "seed and soil" hypothesis was substantiated a century later with experimental studies, and numerous reports have confirmed these seminal observations. An improved understanding of the metastatic process and the attributes of the cells selected by this process is critical for the treatment of patients with systemic disease. In many patients, metastasis has occurred by the time of diagnosis, so metastasis prevention may not be relevant. Treating systemic disease and identifying patients with early disease should be our goal. Revitalized research in the past three decades has focused on new discoveries in the biology of metastasis. Even though our understanding of molecular events that regulate metastasis has improved, the contributions and timing of molecular lesion(s) involved in metastasis pathogenesis remain unclear. Review of the history of pioneering observations and discussion of current controversies should increase understanding of the complex and multifactorial interactions between the host and selected tumor cells that contribute to fatal metastasis and should lead to the design of successful therapy.
Reducing residual vibration in systems with uncertain resonances

Robots that perform rapid motions tend to excite system resonant frequencies. To perform a sequence of tasks more quickly, the settling time required for the vibration to decay should be minimal. Input functions are derived that produce rapid open-loop moves with greatly reduced residual vibration amplitude. To accommodate errors in the assumed system natural frequency, these forcing function are constructed so that the magnitude of their frequency spectra remains sufficiently small over a range of frequencies that bound the system natural frequency by +or-10%. These input functions are derived as a series expansion of ramped sinusoid functions with coefficients chosen to minimize spectral magnitude in this frequency band. Some simulations are performed to indicate that these functions can reduce residual vibration considerably even when the assumed natural frequency is in error by 10%. These inputs can then serve as the basis for a closed-loop implementation to generate reference trajectories that minimally excite system resonances. >
Totally secure classical communication utilizing Johnson (-like) noise and Kirchoff's law

An absolutely secure, fast, inexpensive, robust, maintenance-free and low-power- consumption communication is proposed. The states of the information bit are represented by two resistance values. The sender and the receiver have such resistors available and they randomly select and connect one of them to the channel at the beginning of each clock period. The thermal noise voltage and current can be observed but Kirchoff's law provides only a second-order equation. A secure bit is communicated when the actual resistance values at the sender's side and the receiver's side differ. Then the second order equation yields the two resistance values but the eavesdropper is unable to determine the actual locations of the resistors and to find out the state of the sender's bit. The receiver knows that the sender has the inverse of his bit, similarly to quantum entanglement. The eavesdropper can decode the message if, for each bits, she inject current in the wire and measures the voltage change and the current changes in the two directions. However, in this way she gets discovered by the very first bit she decodes. Instead of thermal noise, proper external noise generators should be used when the communication is not aimed to be stealth.
Active 3D object models

A novel approach is presented for pruning the amount of search needed to match image features to object models. The technique relies on active networks which capture various visibility and geometric constraints between features of a model to prune these features from search space during matching. The networks, which can be efficiently implemented in Boolean logic, integrate harmoniously with the previous work in feature recognition and object matching. A method is proposed for clustering model features (vsets) and four types of constraints which assist in building the networks. The authors show, both analytically and empirically, the dramatic reduction in search provided by activation nets. >
An impedance model for the quasi-optical diode array

A circuit representation for the quasi-optical impedance of an infinite array of strips or slots periodically loaded with two terminal semiconductor devices (diode arrays) is presented. The circuit elements are obtained by the method of moments analysis of the equivalent waveguide discontinuity problem. A set of design curves for the circuit model components at 99 GHz is provided. The curves are applicable at other frequencies by scaling. For the strip array, the results indicate the presence of a substantial capacitance in parallel with the diode. This capacitance can be substantially reduced by incorporation of an appropriately designed rectangular unit cell. A slot version of the diode array has also been simulated and modeled. >
Kalman filter based calibration of precision motion control

A method is described and validated for the automatic calibration of analog sine-wave quadrature sensors, such as optical encoders, embedded in a functioning system. The algorithm uses a Kalman filter to estimate the true position of the direct-drive actuator joint using a model of it's dynamics, an applied actuator command and measurements from the uncalibrated sensor. From the estimated true position, a lookup table is constructed which corrects sensor errors. Our results indicate that this method achieves accuracies typical of interferometric calibration, without requiring an external measurement device. The accuracy is surprisingly robust to modeling errors.
Government Response to Structural Change and the Implementation of More Flexible Management and Production Systems

For well over a decade, analysts from many disciplines have engaged in a vigorous debate over the nature and consequences of the great changes sweeping the structure, organization, and location of industries and enterprises. This debate has often been couched in the context of a possible emergence of a new era of “flexible accumulation.” From a pragmatic perspective, much of this debate has had limited direct policy relevance, but the concepts have served to frame the policy debate and guided policy decisions in the face of inadequate understanding of the changes at work. Several key areas of consensus and lines of analysis have emerged that help guide government actions.1
Liberal Responsibility: A Comment on 'Justice for Hedgehogs'

This paper, written for a symposium on Ronald Dworkin’s Justice for Hedgehogs, comments on that book’s attempt to ground liberal egalitarian political principles in the idea that each person bears a responsibility to live well. Taking at face value the book’s claim that living well is a genuine obligation, it argues that this obligation is – to borrow Kent Greenawalt’s usage – too rich and too thin. It is too rich because it entails the condemnation of many ordinary lives as failures and is in this sense illiberal and inegalitarian. It is too thin because its emphasis on the ethical responsibility of individuals to live well seems to entail an impoverished account of the moral duties one owes to others. These criticisms notwithstanding, Hedgehogs is to be credited for inviting liberal egalitarians to develop a distinctive account of ethical and moral responsibility that is responsive to contemporary conservative claims that liberals do not take responsibility seriously.
Airborne lidar measurements of scattering layers in the Western Atlantic Ocean

The detection and cross-sectional mapping of submerged scattering layers during field tests with the NASA Airborne Oceanographic Lidar (AOL) are reported. During these flights, the AOL was operated in a temporal-resolution mode and was configured with a 300 mJ/pulse Nd:YAG laser with an output wavelength of 532 nm. Results obtained under night conditions are shown for earlier field tests conducted in 1985, in which the sensor was operated with a linear photomultiplier tube. Recent engineering changes to the AOL, which were made since these earlier flights, are discussed. These improvements include the installation of a gated photomultiplier tube and modifications to the optical train of the sensor, such as the addition of a spatial filter in the primary focal plane of the receiver telescope and the widening of the field-of-view of the sensor.
Modeling solute segregation during the solidification of γ-phase U-Mo alloys

Abstract Using first principles calculations, it is demonstrated that solute segregation during U-Mo solidification can be modeled using the classic Brody-Fleming limited diffusion framework. The necessary supporting equations specific to the U-Mo alloy, along with careful verification of the assumptions underpinning the Brody-Fleming model are developed, allowing for concentration profile predictions as a function of alloy composition and cooling rate. The resulting model is compared to experimental solute concentration profiles, showing excellent agreement. Combined with complementary modeling of dendritic feature sizes, the solute segregation model can be used to predict the complete microstructural state of individual U-Mo volume elements based upon cooling rates, informing ideal processing routes.
750 GeV diphoton excess and strongly first-order electroweak phase transition

A new scalar particle, coupled to photons and gluons via loops of vectorlike quarks, provides a simple theoretical interpretation of the 750 GeV diphoton excess reported by the experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In this paper, we show that this model contains a large, phenomenologically viable parameter space region in which the electroweak phase transition (EWPT) is strongly first order, opening the possibility that the electroweak baryogenesis mechanism can be realized in this context. A large coupling between the Higgs doublet and the heavy scalar, required for a strongly first-order EWPT, can arise naturally in composite Higgs models. The scenario makes robust predictions that will be tested in near-future experiments. The cross section of resonant di-Higgs production at the 13 TeV LHC is predicted to be at least 20 fb, while the Higgs cubic self-coupling is enhanced by 40% or more with respect to its Standard Model (SM) value.
Optoacoustic Sensor with a Unique Open-cavity Structure

We demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating an open optical micro-cavity using a photonic crystal structure in a total-internal-reflection configuration. An optoacoustic sensor has been constructed based on this structure for sensitive, high-frequency ultrasound detection.
Modulation of Eating by Central Catecholamine Systems

The focus of the present review is the modulation of eating by the endogenous catecholamines (CA) dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Topics addressed include pharmacological and genomic manipulations of brain CA systems and subsequent changes in ingestive behavior. DA in particular is a key component of brain reinforcement systems and feeding-associated changes in DA may play a role in the reinforcing aspects of feeding. NE has been linked to both stimulation and suppression of eating and recent evidence has linked these effects to activation of distinct adrenoceptor subtypes. Recent evidence suggests that NE systems may interact with DA systems to augment the activational effects of psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamine, and DA/NE interactions may play a key role in the capacity of psychostimulants to suppress eating.
Diet and roughage in relation to the experimental scurvy of guinea pigs

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that exclusive diets of cereals produce scurvy in the guinea pig. We have fed filter paper, sawdust and hay respectively, as supplements to an oat diet without averting the appearance of scurvy. Duration of the disease and decline were not appreciably different when these supplements were fed. The addition of 7, 10, or 18 per cent. of paper pulp to a special soy bean diet1 failed to supply an antiscorbutic property.Feeding raw milk in addition to oats induces marked constipation with impaction of feces in the cecum. Animals fed 40 c.c. milk daily showed definite symptoms of scurvy in about a month. As the daily allowance of milk was increased, the symptoms seemed to recede in severity. Yet even when 80 c.c. milk were consumed daily, the animals became very constipated and died; but there were scarcely any signs of scurvy. Autopsy of such a case revealed absence of the typical macroscopic hemorrhages or of fragility of the bones. These observations appear to confirm the ...
Delayed Prothrombin Clotting Time in Avitaminosis A and Pellagra-Like Chicks

SummaryChicks receiving avitaminosis A and pellagra-like “F” rations failed to show normal prothrombin coagulation time. The plasma prothrombin clotting time was greatly delayed in these avitaminotic chicks without the distinct hemorrhagic tendency of a vitamin K depletion manifesting itself.
Triiodothyronine accelerates maturation of bile acid metabolism in infant baboons

We tested the hypothesis that triiodothyronine (T3) treatment accelerates the early postnatal maturation of bile acid metabolism in the baboon. Infant baboons were implanted with 21-day-release pellets containing T3 (n = 12), a placebo pellet (n = 6), or no pellet (n = 13). T3 treatment increased plasma T3 concentrations from 3.0 to 5.0 nmol/l between birth and 15 wk of age. At 15 wk of age, bile acid pool sizes, fractional turnover rates (FTR), and synthetic rates were determined by an isotope-dilution method with 3H- and 14C-labeled cholic (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). T3 treatment increased CA pool size by 47% and CA synthetic rate by 37% but did not significantly affect CDCA pool size or synthetic rate. Consequently CA-to-CDCA pool size ratio (0.77 vs. 0.42) and biliary CA-to-CDCA concentration ratio (0.88 vs. 0.46) were higher in the T3-treated infants than in combined placebo-treated and nontreated control infants. T3 treatment did not affect the bile acid glycine-to-taurine conjugate ratio, CA FTR, or CDCA pool size, FTR, and synthetic rate. T3 treatment lowered plasma high-density lipoprotein fraction 2 and 3 cholesterol concentrations by 22 and 40%, respectively. T3 treatment also increased hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA levels but did not affect plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. We conclude that modest elevation of plasma T3 during the preweaning period increases the CA-to-CDCA ratio at the end of the preweaning period to near adult values.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Patient with Hepatitis C.

Chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome can present with cirrhosis and signs and symptoms similar to those of other chronic liver diseases. We present a case of Budd-Chiari syndrome discovered during attempted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting in a patient with decompensated cirrhosis believed to be secondary to hepatitis C. Although the patient had hepatocellular carcinoma, the Budd-Chiari syndrome was a primary disease due to hepatic venous webs. Angioplasty was performed in this case, which resolved the patient’s symptoms related to portal hypertension. Follow-up venography 5 months after angioplasty demonstrated continued patency of the hepatic veins. A biopsy was obtained in the same setting, which showed centrilobular fibrosis indicating that venous occlusion was indeed the cause of cirrhosis. It is important to consider a second disease when treating a patient with difficult to manage portal hypertension.
Uso de anticorpos policlonais, microscopia eletrônica e histologia para detecção de partículas semelhantes ao iridovírus em rãs-touro

Iridoviruses of the Ranavirus genus have been implicated in the decline in amphibians worldwide, capable of affecting animals both in the wild and in captivity. This study aimed to detect iridovirus-like particles from three frog farms in southeastern Brazil using primary polyclonal antibodies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and histologic findings. The target organs were liver and kidneys. Sixty adults and sixty tadpoles of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) were used in the study. TEM revealed the presence of iridovirus-like particles in hepatic tissue using the negative staining technique. Positive results were also observed by immunoelectron microscopy and immunocytochemistry (ICC). The histological analysis of the samples showed liver hemorrhage and corpuscles inclusion in hepatocytes as well as glomerulotubular degeneration and necrosis in the kidneys. The methods used in this study were highly efficient to detect the presence of iridovirus-like particles and possible infection of ranavirus.
Cerebral blood flow, blood volume, and brain tissue hematocrit during isovolemic hemodilution with hetastarch in rats.

The influence of isovolemic hemodilution with 6% hetastarch [hematocrits (Hct) ranging from 43 to 20%] on cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral red blood cell and plasma volumes, total cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral Hct was examined in normothermic, normocarbic, halothane-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. CBF was measured via the indicator-fractionation method ([3H]nicotine), red blood cell volume was measured using 99mTc-labeled red blood cells, while plasma volume was measured using [14C]dextran. Brain tissue was fixed in situ by microwave irradiation. All data plots (e.g., CBF vs. Hct) were fitted by linear regression methods. Hemodilution was associated with a progressive increase in forebrain CBF (from a fitted value of 78 ml.100 g-1.min-1 at Hct = 43%, to 171 ml.100 g-1.min-1 at 20%). Cerebral plasma volume also rose, while red blood cell volume decreased. Total CBV (i.e., the sum of red blood cell and plasma volumes) increased in parallel with CBF (from 2.51 ml/100 g at Hct = 43 to 4.94 ml/100 g at Hct = 20%). This increase is larger than can be explained by a simple increase in the diameter of arterial/arteriolar resistance vessels and may be due to either capillary recruitment or to an increase in the volume of postarteriolar structures. Calculated cerebral tissue hematocrit decreased. The magnitude of this decrease was larger than the reduction in arterial Hct; the ratio of cerebral to arterial Hct decreased from 0.780 at an arterial Hct equaling 43% to 0.458 at Hct equaling 20%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Cellulolytic Bacillus licheniformis Strains Isolated from Imperial Geyser, Amphitheater Springs, and Whiterock Springs inside Yellowstone National Park.

ABSTRACT Novel cellulolytic microorganisms are becoming more important for rapidly growing biofuel industries. This paper reports the draft genome sequences of Bacillus licheniformis strains YNP2-TSU, YNP3-TSU, and YNP5-TSU. These cellulolytic isolates were collected from several hydrothermal features inside Yellowstone National Park.
Phase 1 dose-escalating study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of a recombinant factor Xa variant (FXaI16L ).

Essentials FXaI16L is a recombinant zymogen-like variant of activated coagulation factor X (FXa). A phase 1 dose escalation clinical trial of FXaI16L was conducted in healthy adults. FXaI16L was safe and tolerated at doses up to 5 μg/kg; no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Data support further development of FXaI16L for patients with acute hemorrhagic conditions. SummaryBackground FXaI16L (PF-05230907) is a zymogen-like variant of activated factor X (FXa). It shows enhanced resistance to inactivation by endogenous inhibitors as compared with wild-type FXa, and restores hemostatic activity in non-clinical models of various bleeding conditions. Objectives To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of FXaI16L by performing a phase 1, first-in-human, dose-escalation clinical trial in healthy adult volunteers. Methods Participants were assigned to one of six ascending single-dose cohorts (0.1, 0.3, 1, 2, 3 or 5 μg kg−1), each planned to comprise six volunteers treated with FXaI16L and two treated with placebo. Assessments included safety monitoring, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses, and immunogenicity testing. Results The trial enrolled 49 male volunteers. Administration of a single intravenous bolus dose of FXaI16L was safe and tolerated at all dose levels tested, with no dose-limiting toxicity or serious adverse events. FXaI16L plasma levels appeared to increase dose-proportionally, with a half-life of ~ 4 min. Treatment-related PD changes were observed for activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin generation assay, thrombin–antithrombin complexes, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, and D-dimer. One volunteer had a weak and transient non-neutralizing antidrug antibody response, which did not cross-react with native FX or native FXa. Conclusions FXaI16L was safe and tolerated, and showed a pharmacologic effect in healthy adults when administered at doses up to 5 μg kg−1. The safety profile, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics observed in this clinical trial support the further development of FXaI16L for hemostatic treatment in individuals with acute hemorrhagic conditions.
Singular optics, by G. J. Gbur

At some point in any introductory optics course, the concept of a ‘caustic’ is mentioned in conjunction with Ray Optics but aside from the standard image of a caustic in a coffee cup, the subject i...
STOIC: Streaming operating systems in the cloud

As cloud computing continues to increase in performance, while simultaneously decreasing in cost, it comes as no surprise that traditional computing tasks are frequently being offloaded to cloud services. This paper presents STOIC, a service model for booting and streaming an operating system from public cloud infrastructure. Having booted with STOIC, users can perform regular activities with few noticeable differences between STOIC and more traditional methods of booting an OS. STOIC makes minimal assumptions about the hardware and software capabilities of the booting client and is compatible with many popular cloud storage providers. We show that STOIC's file streaming is responsive and demonstrate several use cases in which streaming an OS is beneficial when compared to alternative file distribution methods.