cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labor Arbitration of Discrimination Claims: Finding a Middle Ground?

This brief article describes the debate over whether employers and unions should be permitted to agree to exclusively arbitrate, rather than litigate, employees’ statutory discrimination claims. The article then summarizes relevant findings from a review of 160 labor arbitration awards.
Light Emission from Germanium Nanostructures

This Chapter discusses the phenomena associated with germanium (Ge) nanocrystals emitting near infrared radiation under optical excitation. We describe how the emission properties are influenced by various effects, including those of strain and particle confinement, as well as excitation mechanisms. Two example systems are discussed, namely one of isolated Ge quantum dots and another of Ge nanocrystals coherently imbedded in SiGe alloy layers, where both systems were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on Si substrates. For the Ge dot ensembles, we show how particle size information can be derived from the emission spectrum. For the Ge nanocrystals, the emission spectra are analyzed for the effects of strain and particle confinement over a wide range of Ge fractions in the surrounding SiGe medium. This analysis provided significant insight into the properties of the Ge nanocrystals, including their size and shape, which were a 1.4 nm thickness in the MBE growth direction and a 7 nm lateral dimension. We also discuss the mechanisms leading to the high quantum efficiency observed for emission from the Ge nanocrystals at low temperatures.
Rejection sensitivity and interaction quality in everyday life

The elevated satisfaction that comes from interacting with close ties, as opposed to distal ties, is well-established in past research. What remains less clear is how the quality of daily interacti...
A case of prenatally diagnosed prune belly syndrome variant and congenital pouch colon in the United States: A case report

Background: Prune belly syndrome (PBS) and congenital pouch colon (CPC) are rare congenital syndromes with a low incidence in the United States (U.S.) with most CPC cases being from India. In this case report, we describe, to the best of our knowledge, the first PBS variant and CPC patient in the U.S. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old G2P0010 woman was referred to a tertiary center after an 18-week ultrasound showed a fetal abdominal mass. A prenatal MRI showed a dilated loop of bowel containing a mixture of urine and meconium, oligohydramnios, and a protuberant abdominal wall. Born at 37 weeks, the child’s physical exam was notable for a distended abdomen with thin abdominal musculature, non-palpable bilateral testes, no anal opening, and flat buttocks. Intra-operatively, a dilated cecum/ascending colon was noted with an abrupt change in caliber at the transverse colon, bilateral enlarged ureters, a left testis at the internal ring and no visualized right testis. A colostomy and mucous fistula were created 5 cm from the sigmoid pouch. Conclusion: While most reported cases of CPC undergo single stage repair (one operation) at 1 day of life, our patient underwent the first procedure of a staged repair at 16 hours of life given his clinical instability at the time as well as his unknown urological anatomy in the setting of urinary obstruction. This case demonstrates the importance of fetal imaging, multidisciplinary approach at a tertiary care center, and reinforces a staged repair when necessary.
Park my Car! Automated Valet Parking with Different Vehicle Automation Levels by V2X Connected Smart Infrastructure

In this work, we present the concept of an automated valet parking system that considers vehicles of different levels of automation by incorporating a parking management system. We discuss different types of distributions of the necessary functions for automated valet parking between an intelligent parking management system and parking vehicles. Afterwards, we shortly address the implications for the static map and environment representations before presenting used components of the parking management system (PMS). Our PMS assigns vehicles to an optimal parking space by solving a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem. The MILP optimization especially aims at the optimal use of available charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Parking maneuvers are calculated using state of the art parking planners like RRT*-Connect. The exchange of information between the intelligent infrastructure and vehicles is achieved using V2X communication. Therefore existing V2X protocols are analysed for the context of automated valet parking and proposals for the required information to fulfill the intended functions are given. The feasibility of the PMS concept is shown with a prototype implementation that is demonstrated in simulation.
Influence of fluctuations on DNA curvature. A comparison of flexible and static wedge models of intrinsically bent DNA.

Matrix-generator and Monte Carlo methods have been employed to study the influence of thermal fluctuations on the overall sizes and shapes of curved pieces of DNA. The DNA model involves the independent angular parameters relating successive base-pair steps: the sequence-dependent equilibrium values and fluctuations of the twist, tilt, and roll angles. The curved sequence under study is the (A5X5)n repeating polymer, the AA and XX steps having different equilibrium roll and twist values. Both planar circles and superhelices are analysed. Detailed comparison is made between the rigorous statistical mechanical representation of the DNA and simplified static models currently used in the literature. That is, a more realistic "flexible wedge" model is contrasted with the existing "static wedge" model of DNA curvature, which is demonstrated to be inadequate. The size of the coils is described by the unperturbed root-mean-square end-to-end distance and the shape by a ratio of the principal moments of the radius of gyration. The moment ratios indicate that when DNA is relatively short (e.g. its length is shorter than half a turn of the static superhelix), the flexible chains are more "short and thick" than the static structure. The end-to-end distances, however, are practically the same in the two models. For longer DNA fragments, the flexible chain is more extended in terms of the end-to-end distance and more globular in terms of the moment ratio. Thus, fluctuations "blur" the curvature of longer DNA fragments compared with static models. Furthermore, the overall average shape of slightly curved DNA subject to natural bending and twisting fluctuations is essentially indistinguishable from that of the corresponding "straight" DNA. Such configurational similarities are apparently responsible for the relative insensitivity of the polyacrylamide gel matrix to small degrees of DNA curvature. These findings raise serious questions regarding the quantitative estimation of wedge angles in DNA from electrophoretic experiments, based on static models. Comparison between planar circles and superhelices shows that when fluctuations are considered, the flexible circles are more spherical than the superhelices. The results imply that when DNA bending is exactly "in phase" with the helical repeat (i.e. when the DNA loop is exactly planar at 0 K), the DNA coil is packed more tightly than when bending and twisting are "out of phase" (and a superhelix is formed at 0 K). This finding is consistent with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis data testifying to an increase in DNA retardation when twisting is more precisely "tuned".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Surface observations for monitoring urban fossil fuel CO2 emissions: Minimum site location requirements for the Los Angeles megacity

The contemporary global carbon cycle is dominated by perturbations from anthropogenic CO_2 emissions. One approach to identify, quantify, and monitor anthropogenic emissions is to focus on intensely emitting urban areas. In this study, we compare the ability of different CO_2 observing systems to constrain anthropogenic flux estimates in the Los Angeles megacity. We consider different observing system configurations based on existing observations and realistic near-term extensions of the current ad hoc network. We use a high-resolution regional model (Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport-Weather Research and Forecasting) to simulate different observations and observational network designs within and downwind of the Los Angeles (LA) basin. A Bayesian inverse method is employed to quantify the relative ability of each network to improve constraints on flux estimates. Ground-based column CO_2 observations provide useful complementary information to surface observations due to lower sensitivity to localized dynamics, but column CO_2 observations from a single site do not appear to provide sensitivity to emissions from the entire LA megacity. Surface observations from remote, downwind sites contain weak, sporadic urban signals and are complicated by other source/sink impacts, limiting their usefulness for quantifying urban fluxes in LA. We find a network of eight optimally located in-city surface observation sites provides the minimum sampling required for accurate monitoring of CO_2 emissions in LA, and present a recommended baseline network design. We estimate that this network can distinguish fluxes on 8 week time scales and 10 km spatial scales to within ~12 g C m^(–2) d^(–1) (~10% of average peak fossil CO_2 flux in the LA domain).
Incentives and risk sharing in a stock market equilibrium

This paper aims to integrate the literature on portfolio choice and security pricing with the literature on agency costs and capital structure. It introduces the concept of a stock market equilibrium with rational, competitive price perceptions (RCPP). Using this equilibrium concept, the paper finds that incentive considerations induce entrpeneurs (i) to retain a larger share of their own firm and a smaller share of the equity of other firms, and (ii) to make much more extensive use of debt than would be predicted by the standard general equilibrium model of finance. These differences translate into higher interest rates and lower risk premia on the risky securities.
A Principled Approach for Rejection Threshold Optimization in Spoken Dialog Systems

A common design pattern in spoken dialog systems is to reject an input when the recognition confidence score falls below a preset rejection threshold. However, this introduces a potentially non-optimal tradeoff between various types of errors such as misunderstandings and false rejections. In this paper, we propose a data-driven method for determining the relative costs of these errors, and then use these costs to optimize state-specific rejection thresholds. We illustrate the use of this approach with data from a spoken dialog system that handles conference room reservations. The results obtained confirm our intuitions about the costs of the errors, and are consistent with anecdotal evidence gathered throughout the use of the system.
Preliminary investigation of data communications usage for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

This paper presents our study for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Data Communications Program Office to determine the potential use of its domestic Data Communications (Data Comm) system by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). As part of the future integration of UAS, especially those operating beyond line of sight (BLOS), into the National Airspace System (NAS), Data Comm is expected to have an increasing role in Air Traffic Control (ATC). The objective of this study is to determine the potential impact on the current design of the Air/Ground (A/G) Data Comm system in order to support UAS operations. We present architectural alternatives to address service provision to UAS, and examine the impact on the Data Comm system requirements such as communications latency performance and mobility management. Alternative architectures were based on scenarios for UAS with and without Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Link-Mode 2 (VDL-2) radios. For UAS without VDL-2 radio onboard, we analyzed a Ground to Ground (G/G) architecture). For Unmanned Aircrafts (UAs) with VDL-2 radio onboard, we considered a relay architecture where Data Comm messages are relayed through the UA to the Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
Biomechanical modeling for understanding of low back injuries: A systematic review

With the enormous burden that low back pain has on society, researchers are constantly attempting to find effective evaluation techniques that identify mechanisms of injury. One of the more widely used methods utilized to understand the physical loading on the lumbar spine is biomechanical modeling. While there are a wide variety of spine load models, they all operate under a load-tolerance premise. The current review discusses key considerations that current and future biomechanical models need to take into account such as injury site, torso posture, torso dynamics, individual differences, gender and age differences, and detailed anatomy. A detailed description of the potential injury sites and nociception reveals the importance of understanding the complexity of the spine and the necessity of looking beyond the intervertebral disc. This review provides a broad overview of current models, including a description of the prominent spine load models in the literature. Finally, future directions of spine biomechanical models are discussed, providing insight to potential new frontiers to increase our understanding of how low back injuries and pain is initiated.
Code composition as an implementation language for compilers

Code composition is an effective technique for a compiler to implement complex high-level operations. The developer (i.e., the language designer or compiler writer) provides building blocks consisting of sequences of code written in, e.g., C, that are combined by a composition system to generate the code for such a high-level operation. The composition system can include optimizations not commonly found in compilers; e.g., it can specialize the code sequences based on loop nesting depth or procedure parameters. We describe a composition system, Catacomb, and illustrate its use for mapping array operations onto a parallel system.
Evidence from the eyes: Threatening postures hold attention

Efficient detection of threat provides obvious survival advantages and has resulted in a fast and accurate threat-detection system. Although beneficial under normal circumstances, this system may become hypersensitive and cause threat-processing abnormalities. Past research has shown that anxious individuals have difficulty disengaging attention from threatening faces, but it is unknown whether other forms of threatening social stimuli also influence attentional orienting. Much like faces, human body postures are salient social stimuli, because they are informative of one's emotional state and next likely action. Additionally, postures can convey such information in situations in which another's facial expression is not easily visible. Here we investigated whether there is a threat-specific effect for high-anxious individuals, by measuring the time that it takes the eyes to leave the attended stimulus, a task-irrelevant body posture. The results showed that relative to nonthreating postures, threat-related postures hold attention in anxious individuals, providing further evidence of an anxiety-related attentional bias for threatening information. This is the first study to demonstrate that attentional disengagement from threatening postures is affected by emotional valence in those reporting anxiety.
A WORLDWIDE POLYMORPHISM IN ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: EVIDENCE FOR SELECTION MEDIATED BY DIETARY ETHANOL

Clinally varying traits in Drosophila melanogaster provide good opportunities for elucidating the genetic basis of adaptation. Resistance to ethanol, a natural component of D. melanogaster's breeding sites, increases with latitude on multiple continents, indicating that the trait is under selection. Although the well-studied Alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) polymorphism makes a contribution to the clines, it accounts for only a small proportion of the phenotypic variation. We describe an amino acid replacement polymorphism in Aldehyde dehydrogenase (Aldh), the gene encoding the second enzyme in the ethanol degradation pathway, that shows hallmarks of also contributing to the clines. The derived Aldh allele, like the Adh-Fast allele, increases in frequency in laboratory populations selected for ethanol resistance, and increases in frequency with latitude in wild populations. Moreover, strains with the derived allele have significantly higher ALDH enzyme activity with acetaldehyde (the breakdown product of ethanol) as a substrate than strains with the ancestral allele. As is the case with the Adh-Fast allele, chromosomes with the derived Aldh allele show markedly reduced molecular variation in the vicinity of the replacement polymorphism compared to those with the ancestral allele, suggesting a single, relatively recent origin. Nonetheless, the Aldh polymorphism differs from the Adh polymorphism in that the ethanol-associated allele remains in relatively low frequency in most populations. We present evidence that this is likely to be the result of a trade-off in catalytic activity, with the advantage of the derived allele in acetaldehyde detoxification being offset by a disadvantage in detoxification of other aldehydes.
Multiple Cathepsins Promote Pro–IL-1β Synthesis and NLRP3-Mediated IL-1β Activation

Sterile particles induce robust inflammatory responses that underlie the pathogenesis of diseases like silicosis, gout, and atherosclerosis. A key cytokine mediating this response is IL-1β. The generation of bioactive IL-1β by sterile particles is mediated by the NOD-like receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, although exactly how this occurs is incompletely resolved. Prior studies have found that the cathepsin B inhibitor, Ca074Me, suppresses this response, supporting a model whereby ingested particles disrupt lysosomes and release cathepsin B into the cytosol, somehow activating NLRP3. However, reports that cathepsin B-deficient macrophages have no defect in particle-induced IL-1β generation have questioned cathepsin B’s involvement. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that multiple redundant cathepsins (not just cathepsin B) mediate this process by evaluating IL-1β generation in murine macrophages, singly or multiply deficient in cathepsins B, L, C, S and X. Using an activity-based probe, we measure specific cathepsin activity in living cells, documenting compensatory changes in cathepsin-deficient cells, and Ca074Me’s dose-dependent cathepsin inhibition profile is analyzed in parallel with its suppression of particle-induced IL-1β secretion. Also, we evaluate endogenous cathepsin inhibitors cystatins C and B. Surprisingly, we find that multiple redundant cathepsins, inhibited by Ca074Me and cystatins, promote pro–IL-1β synthesis, and to our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that cathepsin X plays a nonredundant role in nonparticulate NLRP3 activation. Finally, we find cathepsin inhibitors selectively block particle-induced NLRP3 activation, independently of suppressing pro–IL-1β synthesis. Altogether, we demonstrate that both small molecule and endogenous cathepsin inhibitors suppress particle-induced IL-1β secretion, implicating roles for multiple cathepsins in both pro–IL-1β synthesis and NLRP3 activation.
Horst Uhlemann, et al., eds.: Bildung, Wissenschaft und kulturelles Leben in der DDR

The f i n a l s e c t i o n c o v e r s l e i s u r e p u r s u i t s more g e n e r a l l y , and a l s o t r a d i t i o n a l customs (some m o d i f i e d from r e l i g i o u s f e s t i v a l s ) , but i n a d d i t i o n everyday l i f e i n the w o r k p l a c e and home. The n e c e s s a r y r o l e of the u n i o n s f o r c o r r e c t i n g an absence of " s o c i a l i s t r e s p o n s i b i l i t y " i s s t r e s s e d a g a i n . But such p o l i t i c a l c o n t r o l does not extend i n t o the home, and t h i s v o l ume, l i k e the o t h e r , c o n p l a i n s about u n c o o p e r a t i v e husbands who r e f u s e t o h e l p t h e i r wives w i t h the shopping and housework i n acknowledgement of the e q u a l s t a t u s of women. One sees i n the end how d i f f i c u l t i t i s t o change i n g r a i n e d a t t i t u d e s i n the p r i v a t e sphere even i n the f u l l y s o c i a l i s t s t a t e . G e o f f r e y J . G i l e s U n i v e r s i t y of F l o r i d a ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ 1 Giles: Horst Uhlemann, et al., eds.: Bildung, Wissenschaft und kulturell Published by New Prairie Press, 1982
Needs assessment of library instruction at Texas A&M University Libraries using student feedback

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to identify gaps in service for library instruction conducted at Texas AM it is instructor style and material that are found to be a slightly bigger need. Students want an engaging, enthusiastic, and basically pleasant instructor, more than their own computer workstation/laptop.Research limitations/implications – The large number of respondents' feedback is a limiting factor. A ...
Existence of bound states in continuous 0<D<∞ dimensions

Abstract In modern fundamental theories there is consideration of higher dimensions, often in the context of what can be written as a Schrodinger equation. Thus, the energetics of bound states in different dimensions is of interest. By considering the quantum square well in continuous D dimensions, it is shown that there is always a bound state for 0 D ⩽2. This binding is complete for D →0 and exponentially small for D →2 − . For D >2, a finite-sized well is always needed for there to be a bound state. This size grows like D 2 as D gets large. By adding the proper angular momentum tail, a volcano, zero-energy, bound state can be obtained.
The Journey of Major Rayne on the Banks of Turkwell River: Silent Political Assignment and Travel Writing

When I read The Ivory Raiders, I was intrigued by the plot of the story, the intention of the author, Major Henry A. Rayne, to document the intricate process of political assignment and colonial intervention in the "lawless chaos" of wild African landscape and make it accessible to Euro pean readers. The encounter transpired on the banks of the Turkwell River in northern Kenya Colony, bordering the western shores of Lake Rudolf (Lake Turkana), where Rayne triumphantly captured the fugitive Mahomadi bin Abdullah, an Arab from Muscat, for engaging in illicit ivory trade. The narrative plot into which the colonial encounter cast itself surfaces in the first 25 pages of the book, and the story of Major Rayne's encounter with Mahomadi bin Abdullah is fascinating. The Ivory Raiders is essentially a memoir written like a novel, with scenes and dialogues that suit the "conventional narrative expectations" (Morrison 1992:vi) of the colonial literature (Pratt 1992; Fabian 2000). There are well-placed descriptive passages and strategically-placed detailed dialogues and actions, which necessitate and legitimate Rayne's rather risky intervention. The very context of the plot presupposes the "imperially correct outcome" as the risk-taking colonial officer wins the battle and tells the story from his own point of view, in Mary Lois Pratt's (1992:87) sense of the term. Clearly, through his narrative strategies Rayne tells of his fascinating but risky engagement in the midst of a wild African landscape, which seems to be familiar to the author. His associa
Removal of soft foreign bodies from the esophagus using a flexible instrument

A procedure using a flexible fiberoptic instrument for the removal of soft foreign bodies obstructing the esophagus is described and illustrated by 2 case reports. Among the advantages of fiberoptic endoscopy for the removal of certain kinds of esophageal foreign bodies are no need for general anesthesia or a surgical suite, and hospitalization after the procedure is not necessary in the majority of cases.
Enhanced reduction of chromate and PCE by pelletized surfactant-modified zeolite/zerovalent iron

The current research focuses on enhanced removal of chromate and perchloroethylene from contaminated water by a combination of a reduction material (represented by zerovalent iron, ZVI) and a sorption material (represented by surfactant-modified zeolite, SMZ). Natural zeolite and ZVI were homogenized and pelletized to maintain favorable hydraulic properties while minimizing material segregation due to bulk density differences. The zeolite/ZVI pellets were modified with the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide to increase contaminant sorption and, thus, the contaminant concentration on the solid surface. Results of chromate sorption/reduction indicate that the chromate sorption capacity of pelletized SMZ/ZVI is at least 1 order of magnitude higher than that of zeolite/ZVI pellets. Compared to SMZ pellets, the chromate removal capacity of SMZ/ZVI pellets in a 24-h period is about 80% higher, due to the combined effects of sorption by SMZ and reduction by ZVI. The chromate and PCE degradati...
Systematic review and analysis of work-related injuries to and conditions of the elbow

This systematic review of literature examines and synthesizes research findings related to interventions for people with work-related elbow injuries, particularly epicondylitis. It was carried out as part of the Evidence-Based Literature Review Project of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The 11 articles included in this review suggest multiple approaches to intervention but do not provide sufficient evidence to determine which methods or approaches are best practice. Research has provided little evidence to support the use of commonly prescribed interventions for epicondylitis, the most frequently reported work-related elbow injury. Collectively, the evidence to support the use of splinting, exercise, or physical agent modalities is weak and provides little guidance for approaching management of elbow injuries. The implications for education and research are discussed, as is the application of the evidence to clinical practice in occupational therapy.
The upper- and lower-frequency cutoffs of magnetospherically reflected whistlers

The upper-frequency cutoffs of magnetospherically reflected (MR) whistlers observed by the Ogo 1 and 3 satellites are explained in terms of trapping of the upper-frequency components above the cutoff by sharp density gradients across L shells. The lower-frequency cutoffs are interpreted in terms of wave guide attenuation and D region absorption of the atmospheric source energy and defocusing of the MR whistler energy in the magnetosphere.
Two new species of Agalinis (Scrophulariaceae) from South America

The suffruticoseAgalinis chaparensis is a Bolivian species distinguished by its scabrous, ovate leaves and long, glabrous pedicels. The herbaceousAgalinis pennellii from Cuzco, Peru, is distinguished by its erect habit and long-acuminate calyx lobes.
The Behavior of Interchange Heterozygotes in Oenothera.

In a recent number of these PROCEEDINGS, Emerson' suggests that certain breeding results are incompatible with my view of the genetic structure of "complex heterozygotes" in Oenothera.2 He points out, first, that crossing-over between genes is as great in the multiple rings as in the simple ring pairs and, secondly, that this crossing-over is not accompanied by interchange of non-homologous segments and consequent change of configuration in the progeny.* My view, however, is that, while certain genes, which are sometimes associated with complexes, cross over freely without interchange, the essential and permanent differences between complexes must depend upon genes which are normally incapable of crossing-over, owing to their being differently arranged in the chromosomes following structural change, and owing to their being situated next to the spindle attachment. Thus Emerson believes that the differences between complexes can be resolved into differences between independently segregating genes while I believe that they are inherently incapable of such resolution because they are associated with structural changes such as translocation, deficiency and reduplication. Since I put forward this suggestion new'evidence bearing on the question has appeared, particularly from observation of interchange heterozygotes in maize4 and Pisum.5 In these it is found that interchange has occurred in the arms of the chromosomes at some distance from the spindle attachment. It follows in such cases, as E. R. Sansome has pointed out, that a ring of six can (and indeed must) arise from two interchanges in such a way as to give interstitial homologous "X-segments" in two chromosomes both of whose ends are non-homologous. This statement may be generalized as follows: Every successive interchange by which a ring of four is increased to six, eight and so on, will give one such new relatively translocated segment in opposite complexes unless two interchanges coincide. Thus, consider a ring of four and one pair of the following segmental constitution:
Set-Valued Quantitative Approaches

At first glance, the three approaches to uncertainty presented in this chapter—fuzzy set theory, incidence calculus, and rough set theory—have very little in common. However, they are placed in the same chapter because uncertainty in all three theories is characterized by a set. In the case of fuzzy set theory, a way to represent uncertainty is a linguistic variable whose terms are characterized by fuzzy subsets or a possibility distribution, which may also be viewed as a fuzzy set. An incidence from incidence calculus is a set, a subset of the set of discourse. Finally, a rough set characterizes uncertainty by a family of subsets of the universe
Capillary electrophoresis of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers: from simple derivatives to complex multifunctional medical nanodevices.

Multifunctional poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-based nanodevices provide novel nanoplatforms for targeting, imaging, and treatment of cancers in vitro and in vivo. Generational, skeletal, and substitutional dispersities are always present in dendrimer-based medical nanodevices. Molecular distribution plays a central role for one to evaluate the quality of PAMAM materials for medical applications. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been extensively used as a characterization technique to analyze a range of PAMAM dendrimers, from simple PAMAM derivatives to complex multifunctional PAMAM nanodevices. This review reports the recent advances in the analysis and characterization of a variety of PAMAM dendrimer-based nanoparticles ranging from polycationic and polyanionic PAMAM derivatives to PAMAMs of different generations and defined substitutions, and to complex multifunctional PAMAM nanodevices containing targeting ligands, dyes, and drugs. Understanding the structural complexity of dendrimer nanodevices...
International Trade and the Use of Capital and Labor in the US Economy

Technological change in the eras of mechanization and automation has essentially involved the displacement of different types of human labor by successive generations of physical capital. This is especially true in the United States as we have been particularly able and willing to invest in the accumulation of physical capital. Paradoxical as it initially seemed, it has been reported since the early 1950s that international trade has had the opposite effect from that of technological change on the utilization of capital and labor in the US: the exchange of exports for (competitive) imports has permitted us to substitute labor for capital. While from a static perspective it is rational to export capital, our relatively abundant factor, once the implications of technological change are taken into account, it makes sense to export labor, the factor which is being displaced in domestic production. On the basis of factual analysis, the latter consideration turns out to be dominant. It would appear, then, that ...
Concordant and opposite roles of DNA-PK and the "facilitator of chromatin transcription" (FACT) in DNA repair, apoptosis and necrosis after cisplatin

Platinum-containing chemotherapy produces specific DNA damage and is used to treat several human solid tumors. Tumors initially sensitive to platinum-based drugs frequently become resistant. Inhibition of DNA repair is a potential strategy to enhance cisplatin effectiveness. After cisplatin treatment, a balance between repair and apoptosis determines whether cancer cells proliferate or die. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) binds to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) through its Ku subunits and initiates non-homologous end joining. Inhibition of DNA-PK sensitizes cancer cells to cisplatin killing. The goal of this study is to elucidate the mechanism underlying the effects of DNA-PK on cisplatin sensitivity. Silencing the expression of the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK (DNA-PKcs) increased sensitivity to cisplatin and decreased the appearance of γH2AX after cisplatin treatment. We purified DNA-PK by its Ku86 subunit and identified interactors by tandem mass spectrometry before and after cisplatin treatment. The structure specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1), Spt16 and γH2AX appeared in the Ku86 complex 5 hours after cisplatin treatment. SSRP1 and Spt16 form the facilitator of chromatin transcription (FACT). The cisplatin-induced association of FACT with Ku86 and γH2AX was abrogated by DNase treatment. In living cells, SSRP1 and Ku86 were recruited at sites of DSBs induced by laser beams. Silencing SSRP1 expression increased sensitivity to cisplatin and decreased γH2AX appearance. However, while silencing SSRP1 in cisplatin-treated cells increased both apoptosis and necrosis, DNA-PKcs silencing, in contrast, favored necrosis over apoptosis. DNA-PK and FACT both play roles in DNA repair. Therefore both are putative targets for therapeutic inhibition. Since DNA-PK regulates apoptosis, silencing DNA-PKcs redirects cells treated with cisplatin toward necrosis. Silencing FACT however, allows both apoptosis and necrosis. Targeting DNA repair in cancer patients may have different therapeutic effects depending upon the roles played by factors targeted.
A hyperbolic theory of plasticity

Abstract The finite deformation model which was adopted for investigation was restricted so that it would exhibit non-analytic behaviour. Specifically, discontinuities in the first order partial derivatives of stress and strain were permitted. Mathematical difficulties limited the investigation to the solution of the problems of generalized plane strain and axial symmetry. For both of these problems, it was determined that the analysis yielded stress-strain laws of the flow type. An example was included to illustrate the application of the theory to both of these problems.
A fluorometric procedure for determination of β-glucosidase

Abstract A rapid fluorometric technique has been developed for the measurement of β-glucosidase activity. The change in concentration of a non-fluorescent substrate such as 4-methylumbelliferone β- d -glucoside is measured directly by recording increases in fluorescence as the aglycone is produced. Sweet clover, corn leaf and almond emulsin were used as enzyme sources in the development of the method which resulted in good linearity in Lineweaver-Burk determinations.
Some New Matroids on Graphs: Cut Sets and the Max Cut Problem

We define some new matroids on the edge set of a graph. We show that minimal disconnecting edge sets and minimal edge sets which cover all the odd cycles are cocircuits of a binary matroid. We give a polynomial algorithm for finding a minimum weight circuit in our matroids. A necessary and sufficient condition for an edge set to be the minimum weight odd cycle cover is derived in terms of the family of cut sets of the graph.
Neuropsychological Study of FASD in a Sample of American Indian Children: Processing Simple Versus Complex Information

Background While a large body of literature exists on cognitive functioning in alcohol-exposed children, it is unclear if there is a signature neuropsychological profile in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This study assesses cognitive functioning in children with FASD from several American Indian reservations in the Northern Plains States, and it applies a hierarchical model of simple versus complex information processing to further examine cognitive function. We hypothesized that complex tests would discriminate between children with FASD and culturally similar controls, while children with FASD would perform similar to controls on relatively simple tests.
Direct observation of intraband carrier relaxation phenomena in semiconductors with a picosecond free-electron laser

ABSTRACT We have performed time-resolved terahertz (THz) - near-infrared (NIR) two-color spectroscopy on InSb, using the Stanfordpicosecond free-electron laser synchronized with a femtosecond NIR Ti:Sapphire laser. The initial NIR pulse excites non-equilibrium electrons and holes, which absorb the picosecond THz pulse. The time profile of the photo-induced absorption isa sensitive probe of intraband carrier relaxation dynamics. Using these techniques we have made the first observation of time-resolved cyclotron resonance (TRCR) of photo-created electrons in InSb for time delays from a few picoseconds to severaltens of nanoseconds. This TRCR data shows possible evidence of a magnetic-field-induced LO-phonon bottleneck effect.Furthermore, we have detected very unusual multi-component relaxation and photo-induced transparency under certainconditions.Keywords: terahertz dynamics, InSb, free-electron lasers, cyclotron resonance, LO-phonon bottleneck, carrier relaxation 1. INTRODUCTION Excitation of a semiconductor by an intense pulse of light with a photon energy greater than the fundamental energy gapresults in a large density of non-equilibrium electron-hole (e-h) pairs. These non-equilibrium carriers with excess energiesrelax toward the band-edge through various scattering and thermalization processes before eventually recombining toluminesce.It immediately follows that interband photoluminescence (PL), although the most-commonly used optical technique in
Reliable Algorithm for Modal Decomposition

This paper describes a reliable, general algorithm for modal decomposition in real arithmetic and its use in analyzing and synthesizing control logic for linear dynamic systems. The numerical difficulties are described associated with computing the Jordan canonical form when the system has repeated, or nearly repeated, eigenvalues. A new algorithm is described that satisfactorily solves these numerical difficulties. The relation and extension to related numerical analysis research are discussed to clarify the reliability of the techniques. Finally, its implementation as a practical modal decomposition method for efficiently computing the matrix exponential, transfer functions, and frequency response is also described.
Evidence that electrolytic median raphe lesions increase locomotion but not exploration.

Abstract Electrolytic lesions of the median raphe nucleus were found to increase locomotion but decrease rearing in the open field. Additionally, these lesions reduced the amount of time that rats spent sniffing at a novel object placed in the open field on their first encounter with it. In a test of exploratory behavior in a T-maze, median raphe lesions eliminated the preference for entering a novel arm displayed by sham operated animals. These results suggest that, although median raphe lesions increase locomotion, they may actually decrease exploration.
Initial conditions for Large Eddy Simulations of piston engine flows

The exact knowledge of the flow in a piston engine chamber is of vital interest in engine design. These flows feature 3D highly unsteady turbulent phenomena combined with combustion processes. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) appear to be a promising way to simulate them. However, computing several engine cycles results in excessive computational costs. Therefore, a different approach, namely the single-cycle strategy (SC), is to perform several simulations just of those parts of one engine cycle that are of interest. In this study, non-reacting LES is undertaken with a SC strategy for the injection of gas into a tumbling motion. Measured data are used for both the initialization and the validation of the computations. In addition, the initial field is varied using a proper orthogonal decomposition analysis on the experimental data to mimic realistic cycle-to-cycle variations of the tumble before the injection. Satisfactory results are obtained by using a simple procedure for creating initial conditions based on experimental data. By changing the initial field, it is demonstrated that initial conditions have a very significant influence on the LES results. This influence may restrict the use of SC strategies in favour of mutiple-cycle computations.
Design and Development of an Elevating/Articulating Manual Wheelchair Legrest

The function of elevating legrests is to reposition a wheelchair user to increase circulation and to redistribute pressure thereby increasing comfort and minimizing the risk of pressure sores. Three categories of wheelchair users can benefit from elevating legrests; those who cannot sense discomfort in their lower extremities (spinal cord injuries), those that lack the physical strength to reposition themselves (muscular dystrophy), and those that lack the coordination to reposition themselves (cerebral palsy). Elevating legrests that rotate about a fixed point lower than the center of the knee will shorten the effective leg length, push against the foot and cause torque at the user’s hip. Raising the center of rotation to coincide with the knee has the undesirable effect of interfering with transfers to and from the wheelchair. To match the motion of the leg, an elevating legrest having a center of rotation below the axis of the knee must articulate (lengthen) when being raised. Currently available articulating designs generally require outside assistance to operate [1, 2] or potentially impede wheelchair transfers. The goal of our work was to design, construct and evaluate a user-operated, elevating legrest that accurately follows the natural motion of the user’s leg.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Deactivation pathways in collisions of Kr with CO2(001)

Abstract We present the results of a quantal close coupling calculation of the deactivation of CO 2 (001) by Kr in a collinear model. It is found that for relative translational energies less than 0.4 eV linearly constrained CO 2 (001) can be described as existing in quasi-equilibrium with CO 2 (200) since all other VV and VT processes have negligible probability compared to the process Kr + CO 2 (001) → Kr + CO 2 (200). This transition has an energy defect of only 313.1 cm −1 and probably accounts for its relative efficiency. This study represents the first accurate quantal calculation of inelastic scattering of an atom with a triatomic described by a realistic potential.
Modeling of Phytoplankton-Nutrient Dynamics in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

A multi-class, phytoplankton simulation model was developed and calibrated to an extensive set of field data acquired on Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, during 1974. Phytoplankton biomass was partitioned into five functional groups: diatoms, greens, non-N2-fixing blue-greens, N2-fixing blue-greens, and “others”. Nutrients included in the model were phosphorus, nitrogen, and silicon. The model was applied to a single spatial segment encompassing the inner portion of Saginaw Bay. Process level analyses were conducted with the calibrated model to determine the relative importance of various factors affecting phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics. The concept of a single limiting factor for phytoplankton growth was found to be overly simplistic. Results indicated that temperature and light were relatively more growth rate limiting than nutrients on an annual average basis. However, as a consequence of nutrient depletion, nutrients became relatively more important at the times of peak phytoplankton crops. Nitrogen was found to be relatively more growth rate limiting than phosphorus to the total phytoplankton crop, although important differences occurred among the individual functional groups. At various times, and for various groups, all three nutrients were important in limiting either the rates of growth and/or the maximum sizes of the phytoplankton crops. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that while nitrogen and silicon were important in phytoplankton-nutrient dynamics, the supply of phosphorus would ultimately determine the size of the blue-green component of the total crop because N2-fixing blue-greens do not have absolute requirements for dissolved available nitrogen or silicon. Results indicated that phosphorus requirements of spring and fall diatom crops were satisfied primarily by external loadings. Phosphorus requirements of summer blue-green crops were satisfied primarily by recycle processes within the water column. Upon cell death, direct nutrient recycle to the available nutrient compartments in the water column from excess internal phytoplankton stores was found to be important for both phosphorus and nitrogen. Phytoplankton production was found to be extremely sensitive to variations in the light extinction coefficient in the water column, and relatively insensitive to variations in incident solar radiation.
Short-term effect of atrial fibrillation on atrial contractile function in humans.

Background—Conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with atrial stunning, but the short-term effect of a brief episode of AF on left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying velocity is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a short episode of AF affects left atrial function and whether verapamil modifies this effect. Methods and Results—The subjects of this study were 19 patients without structural heart disease undergoing an electrophysiology procedure. In 13 patients, LAA emptying velocity was measured by transesophageal echocardiography in the setting of pharmacological autonomic blockade before, during, and after a short episode of AF. During sinus rhythm, the baseline LAA emptying velocity was measured 5 times and averaged. AF was then induced by rapid right atrial pacing. After either spontaneous or electrical conversion, LAA emptying velocity was measured immediately on resumption of sinus rhythm and every minute thereafter. The mean duration of AF was 15.3±3.8 minu...
Theory of the effect of heat currents on the velocity of second sound in liquid helium

Abstract An explanation of the decrease of the velocity of second sound due to heat currents in liquid helium is given. The explanation is based on Hall and Vinen's theory of the interaction of second sound with vortex lines. The predictions are in reasonable agreement with experiment.