cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF SECONDARY ARENEDICARBOXAMIDES. AN INVESTIGATION OF ARENE-HYDROGEN BONDING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SOLID STATE

The crystal structures of a family of six secondary arenedicarboxamides have been determined. Four rodlike arenedicarboxamides pack in one-dimensional tapes in which the hydrogen-bonded scaffold holds adjacent arenes at a fixed separation of 5 A. The dihedral angles between the planes of adjacent arenes range from 0° (face-to-face) to 68° (edge-to-face). Two naphthalenedicarboxamides pack in two-dimensional sheets. The 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxamide packs in a highly puckered single-layer sheet with no arene−arene close contacts. The 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxamide packs in an unusual bilayer sheet with partial face-to-face overlap of naphthalenes from adjacent sheets. Force field calculations indicate that electrostatic interactions are dominated by hydrogen bonding within a single tape or sheet and that the energetics of crystal packing in tapes or sheets are very similar. Thus, the nonbonded interactions between neighboring tapes or sheets play an important role in the determination of the packing motif. In...
Influences of corridor continuity and width on survival and movement of deermice Peromyscus maniculatus

Abstract We investigated the effects of corridor gaps and corridor width on the survival and movement of resident and non-resident deermice Peromyscus maniculatus . Transplanted non-resident deermice were used to simulate dispersing individuals, and resident deermice served as controls. The study design was a completely randomized 2 2 factorial with width (narrow or wide) and continuity (with or without a 10-m-wide corridor gap) as factors of interest. Vegetation variables were more significant with movement and number of crossings than were width and continuity. Survival was unaffected by corridor width and continuity, as well as vegetation variables.
Bounded smooth state feedback and a global separation principle for non-affine nonlinear systems

Abstract In this paper we show that a single-input nonlinear system Σ: z = ƒ 0 (x)+g 1 (x)u+ … +g l (x)u l is globally asymptotically stabilizable by arbitrarily small smooth state feedback if unforced dynamics of σ are Lyapunov stable and σ satisfies appropriate controllability-like rank conditions characterized by the Lie bracket of vector fields f0(x) and g1(x). An explicit smooth state feedback control law is constructed. This, in turn, leads to an analytic (resp. smooth) state feedback control law which solves the problem of global stabilization for analytic (resp. smooth) systems x = f(x, u) . Based on these results, we then establish a global separation principle for the system σ with an output. Finally, we briefly discuss how the results can be extended to a multi-input system.
A DIGITAL DYNAMIC-CRACK SPEED MEASURING DEVICE

Advantages of this digital dynamic-crack measuring device are: (1) the ability to measure crack speed ranging from meters per seconds to thousands of meters per second; (2) low noise compared to a crack-speed measuring device depending on resistance change; (3) reliability; and (4) cost effectiveness. It is also simple to build and can easily be expanded according to individual needs. Furthermore, it can be applied in the laboratory as well as in the field.
Ion source characterization and testing

Compact forms of neutron interrogation could prove useful for instances when a large scale active interrogation system is not ideal. Field ion desorption structures provide the opportunity to produce ions by creating beams of deuterium or deuterium and tritium ions which strike a target doped with deuterium or deuterium and tritium, thus producing a neutron.
Revisiting speech rate and utterance length manipulations in stuttering speakers.

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate stuttering frequency across a multidimensional (2 × 2) hierarchy of speech performance tasks. Specifically, this study examined the interaction between changes in length of utterance and levels of speech rate stability. Forty-four adult male speakers participated in the study (22 stuttering speakers and 22 non-stuttering speakers). Participants were audio and video recorded while producing a spontaneous speech task and four different experimental speaking tasks. The four experimental speaking tasks involved reading a list of 45 words and a list 45 phrases two times each. One reading of each list involved speaking at a steady habitual rate (habitual rate tasks) and another reading involved producing each list at a variable speaking rate (variable rate tasks). For the variable rate tasks, participants were directed to produce words or phrases at randomly ordered slow, habitual, and fast rates. The stuttering speakers exhibited significantly more stuttering on the variable rate tasks than on the habitual rate tasks. In addition, the stuttering speakers exhibited significantly more stuttering on the first word of the phrase length tasks compared to the single word tasks. Overall, the results indicated that varying levels of both utterance length and temporal complexity function to modulate stuttering frequency in adult stuttering speakers. Discussion focuses on issues of speech performance according to stuttering severity and possible clinical implications. Learning outcomes: The reader will learn about and be able to: (1) describe the mediating effects of length of utterance and speech rate on the frequency of stuttering in stuttering speakers; (2) understand the rationale behind multidimensional skill performance matrices; and (3) describe possible applications of motor skill performance matrices to stuttering therapy.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Non-Hydrolyzable 1,2,3-Triazole-Linked Sialic Acid Derivatives as Neuraminidase Inhibitors

α-Sialic acid azide 1 has been used as a substrate for the efficient preparation of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of sialic acid using the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition ("click chemistry"). Our approach is to generate non-natural N-glycosides of sialic acid that are resistant to neuraminidase catalyzed hydrolysis as opposed to the natural O-glycosides. These N-glycosides would act as neuraminidase inhibitors to prevent the release of new virions. As a preliminary study, a small library of 1,2,3-triazole-linked sialic acid derivatives has been synthesized in 71-89% yield. A disaccharide mimic of sialic acid has also been prepared using the α-sialic acid azide 1 and a C-8 propargyl sialic acid acceptor in 68% yield. A model sialic acid coated dendrimer was also synthesized from a per-propargylated pentaerythritol acceptor. These novel sialic acid derivatives were then evaluated as potential neuraminidase inhibitors using a 96-well plate fluorescence assay; micromolar IC50 values were observed, comparable to the known sialidase inhibitor Neu5Ac2en.
Facebook fired

Most young adults do not support use of social media in hiring/firing decisions.Those with low self-control and high openness are likely to oppose this practice.Those who endorse the hookup culture are more likely to oppose this practice.Most young adults express liberal views of what is acceptable to post online. In this exploratory study, we examine young adult undergraduates' (n=448) opinions regarding the use of social media for employment decisions, a practice that has been highlighted in the popular press and recent legal cases. Most of the young adults in our sample were not in support of this practice (only one third were), and most expressed a liberal view of what should be permissible for posting on social media without the threat of job termination (e.g., less than half believed that posting illegal sexual behavior online should result in termination). Additionally, those who were most opposed to using social media in employment decisions were older, had less self-control, were more endorsing of the hookup culture, and were more open to experience. We discuss these findings with regard to current social media/work life issues, suggesting that: (1) these opinions may affect companies and legal entities who are developing social media policies, but also (2) that young adults need to be aware that regardless of their opinions on the practice, their social media use could have long-term effects on their careers.
Preparation of transcriptionally active nuclei from etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana.

Despite its emergence as the plant model system, there are few reports that describe protocols for the isolation of functional nuclei from Arabidopsis thaliana and their use in nuclear run-on assays or in preparation of nuclear extracts. This is especially true for etiolated seedlings. Here we report conditions, optimized for use in Arabidopsis, which allow for the isolation of enriched fractions of functional nuclei from less than 2 g of etiolated or light-grown tissue. The nuclei are capable of incorporating 3H-UTP into TCA-insoluble RNA, and also incorporate 32P-CTP into transcripts that can subsequently be hybridized to specific filter-bound DNA target sequences. The functional nuclei are sensitive to the transcriptional inhibitors actinomycin D and α-amanitin, confirming that the transcription observed is both template dependent and relies on nuclear polymerase II.
Phenyl ring rotations, structural order and electronic states in polyaniline

Abstract Much progress has recently been made in the physics and chemistry of the polyanilines with respect to several central issues, such as the nature of the electron-phonon coupling in these materials, the stability of polarons versus bipolarons, and the role of disorder. The three primary oxidation states of polyaniline (leucoemeraldine, emeraldine and pernigraniline) have been synthesized. Photoinduced absorption studies on these materials reveal long-lived weak induced infrared activity and strong induced electronic transitions, demonstrating the importance of massive polarons (and other related defects) involving distortions of the ground state ring angles in these ring-containing polymers. The properties of recently synthesized ring derivatives of polyaniline, such as poly( o -toluidine), can also be understood by changes in ring-rotational properties. Localization effects are enhanced through chain derivatization, which increases the chain separation and thus reduces interchain interactions. The isolation of partially crystalline forms, fibers and oriented films of the emeraldine oxidation state of polyaniline has allowed not only the determination of structural information via X-ray diffraction, but also a correlation between the microscopic structure and the magnetic properties of the charged defect states of these materials. While a metallic polaron lattice is formed in protonated crystalline regions of emeraldine base, spinless defects form upon protonation of the amorphous regions.
A Linkage Theory of Personality and Psychotherapy

Escalation in the practice of psychotherapy over the past 40 years has generated a multiplicity of theories, techniques, and practices. Many of these, however, have remained mutually exclusive—since they stemmed from different philosophies of treatment—and provide a somewhat desultory assortment from which the clinician is required to choose. Despite the marked differences among these systems of treatment, less emphasis has been directed toward identifying common elements from these different perspectives, and the present discussion attempts to redress this fractionated condition by extrapolating a “common denominator” or “generic” framework of personality and psychotherapy. Seven elemental determinants of personality are enunciated; with these a therapist may systematically diagnose and treat a patient's maladaptive adjustment. A psychodiagnostic procedure by which dysfunctional elements of personality are identified is discussed together with a therapeutic methodology which may be applied with many curr...
Gastric distention correlates with activation of multiple cortical and subcortical regions

Abstract Background & Aims: The pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia may involve abnormal processing of visceral stimuli at the level of the central nervous system. There is accumulating evidence that visceral and somatic pain processing in the brain share common neuronal substrates. However, the cerebral loci that process sensory information from the stomach are unknown. The aim of this study was to localize the human brain regions that are activated by gastric distention. Methods: Brain 15 O-water positron emission tomography was performed in 15 right-handed healthy volunteers during baseline and distal gastric distentions to 10 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, threshold pain, and moderate pain. Pain, nausea, and bloating were rated during baseline and distentions (0–5 scale). Statistical subtraction analysis of brain images was performed between distentions and baseline. Results: Symptoms increased with distending stimulus intensity (maximum pain, 2.1 ± 0.4; nausea, 2.2 ± 0.4; bloating, 3.7 ± 0.2). Paralleling increases in distention stimulus and symptoms, progressive increases in activation ( P ≤ 0.05), were observed in the thalami, insula bilaterally, anterior cingulate cortex, caudate nuclei, brain stem periaqueductal gray matter, cerebellum, and occipital cortex. Conclusions: Symptomatic gastric distention activates structures implicated in somatic pain processing, supporting the notion of a common cerebral pain network. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:369-376
Haloperidol Decreases Hyperkinetic Paw Treading Induced by Globus Pallidus Lesions in the Rat

Systemic haloperidol injections decrease the severity of several hyperkinetic syndromes caused by damage to the basal ganglia in humans. A model of hyperkinesia in the rat, exaggerated paw treading triggered by oral sensory stimulation, has been reported previously to result from lesions of the globus pallidus or ventral pallidum/substantia innominata. This hyperkinesia appears as forepaw and forelimb extension and retraction, which can be emitted vigorously and repeatedly for up to minutes at a time. The present study aimed to discover whether this experimental hyperkinesia is pharmacologically similar to human hyperkinetic syndromes: can it be suppressed by neuroleptic administration? Systemic injections of haloperidol (2 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg, as a sedative comparison), or vehicle were given to rats that expressed the paw treading syndrome after pallidal lesions. Effects on hyperkinetic treading and on tests of sensorimotor function were compared. Results indicated that haloperidol was effective in ameliorating the hyperkinesia in rats with bilateral globus pallidus lesions but not in rats with ventral pallidum/substantia innominata lesions. By contrast, diazepam, which produced sedation and sensorimotor impairment, did not decrease the hyperkinesia induced by either lesion. Although only haloperidol decreased hyperkinetic treading after globus pallidus lesions, haloperidol produced less of a sensorimotor impairment than diazepam on climbing, hanging, and righting reflex tests. These results implicate a specific role for dopamine neurotransmission in the expression of triggered hyperkinetic treading induced by globus pallidus lesions.
Ultimate quantum limits on phase measurement.

The Susskind-Glogower (SG) phase operator is shown to be the maximum-likelihood (ML) quantum measurement of optical phase for all input states. The ML performance of the SG measurement is optimized, at average photon number N, by an input state with number-ket representation of the form ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\psi}}}_{\mathrm{n}}$=A/(1+n), for 0\ensuremath{\le}n\ensuremath{\le}Ml\ensuremath{\infty}. The optimum phase-error behavior, measured by the reciprocal peak-likelihood, is proportional to 1/${\mathrm{N}}^{2}$, as opposed to the 1/ \ensuremath{\surd}N and 1/N dependences of coherent-state and optimum squeezed-state interferometers.
Induction of peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase and microsomal laurate hydroxylase activities by beclobric acid and two metabolites in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Beclobrate [2-(4-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenoxy)-2-methylbutyric acid ethyl ester], a structural analog of clofibrate, is used clinically as a lipid-lowering agent. Although, like clofibrate, beclobrate produces a profound hepatomegalic response in rodents, no studies of this drug on hepatic peroxisome proliferation have appeared. We have examined, relative to clofibric acid (CPIB), the concentrationdependent effects of beclobric acid (Beclo), the active moiety of beclobrate, and two oxidized metabolites [a carbinol (M2) and a benzophenone (M3)] on peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (FACO) and microsomal laurate hydroxylase (LH) activities in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. All compounds induced FACO and LH activities in a concentration-dependent manner after a 72 hr incubation with the cultured cells. Beclo was 4.8- and 6.5-fold more potent than CPIB as an inducer of FACO and LH respectively. M2 and M3 were more potent than Beclo as inducers of FACO and LH. Additionally, all compounds produced significant elevations relative to untreated control cultures in cellular lactate dehydrogenase activity (1.6- to 2.2-fold). We conclude that (1) Beclo is more potent than CPIB as an inducer of peroxisome proliferation-associated enzyme activities; (2) two metabolites of Beclo are more potent than the parent molecule as inducers of these activities and (3) these metabolites may contribute to the lipid-lowering and/or hepatomegalic effects of beclobrate in rats.
RANK INEQUALITIES FOR POSITIVE SEMIDEFINITE MATRICES

Abstract Several inequalities relating the rank of a positive semidefinite matrix with the ranks of various principal submatrices are presented. These inequalities are analogous to known determinantal inequalities for positive definite matrices, such as Fischer's inequality, Koteljanskii's inequality, and extensions of these associated with chordal graphs.
Thermal modeling and design analysis of a continuous flow microfluidic chip

Abstract Although microfluidics has demonstrated the ability to scale down and automate many laboratory protocols, a fundamental understanding of the underlying device physics is ultimately critical to design robust devices that can be transitioned from the benchtop to commercial products. For example, the miniaturization of many laboratory protocols such as cell culture and thermocycling requires precise thermal management. As device complexity scales up to include integrated electrical components, including heating elements, thermal chip modeling becomes an increasingly important part of the design process. In this paper, a computationally efficient, three-dimensional thermal fluidic modeling approach is presented to study the heat transport characteristics of a continuous flow microfluidic thermocycler for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A two-step simulation model is developed, consisting of a solid domain modeling of the entire microfluidic chip that examines thermal crosstalk due to lateral diffusion across multiple thermal cycles, and a one pass simulation model to study the thermal profile in the fluidic domain as a function of critical parameters like flow rate and microchannel material. The results of the solid domain model are compared against experimental measurements of the thermal profile in a PDMS-glass microfluidic thermocycler device using a combination of thermocouples and an infrared (IR) camera. The suitability of the device in meeting the ideal thermocycling profile at low flow rates is established and it is further shown that higher flow rates lead to deterioration in thermocycling performance. Thermofluidic modeling tools have the potential to streamline the physical microfluidic device design process, reducing the time required to fabricate functional prototypes while maximizing reliability and robustness.
Democracy and government public relations: Expanding the scope of “Relationship” in public relations research

Abstract The author argues that the unique nature of the US government poses significant barriers to democratic governmental public relations practiced in and by the US. By exploring challenges in relationship management that surface while analyzing a particular instance of government public relations, the author posits that relationship management research should take into account publics’ (non)desire for a relationship as well as different types of organization–public relationships (OPRs) including government–public relationships. The author analyzes the US Government's official apology, administered by President Clinton, to Tuskegee study survivors, introduces the communicative conception of distance to PR to broaden relationship management frameworks, and argues for broader understanding of what constitutes democratic public relations.
Behavioral techniques for treating the obese patient

With more than 50% of American adults overweight or obese, primary care physicians should play an active role in helping overweight patients lose weight. Modest weight losses of as little as 7% to 10% can produce significant health benefits, such as preventing the development of diabetes. To help individuals achieve this weight loss, behavior change strategies should be emphasized with all overweight patients. Changes in diet and exercise can produce long-term weight loss with tremendous positive impact. Primary care physicians are well positioned to support these behavior changes in their overweight patients.
Shock-wave shapes around spherical-and cylindrical-nosed bodies.

2. respectively. These data involved ~Iach numbers from 3 to 17, over a wide range of angles of attack. The degree of con'elation between the stagation-poin t locations, as indicated from flight and \vind-tunnel model pressure data, is sho\vn in Fig, I. The stagnation point is specified in nondimensional distance terms SjRN where S is the radial distanc~ (in.) from the centerline of the heat shield and R",is the radius (in,) of CUl"Vature of the shield. The nominal stagllation-point location, as determined from the pressure distribution, is presented ,,'ith an estimate of the uncertainty of the precise location caused by the data scatter. The symbols loc.'\te the stagnation point measured on several vehicles at the nominal angle of attack for the flight conditions assumed for solidification of the ablator. Typical uncertainties in the heat-shield measurements are :1::0.5 in. and :1::0.50 in angle of attack. In the figure it is sho\vn that the described technique is acceptable in providing a reasonable estimate of the hypel"Sonic trim angle of attack of a blunt lifting vehicle. The method appears usable without analytical modification to the experimental pressure distributions to compensate for scale-model size. The accuracyasso~iated with this method is, ho\vever, dependent upon the quality of the pressure disu'ibution data, the kno\vledge of the ablation material solidification characteristics, and the availability of a reasonably well-defined ablation pattern. « ~
'Heads I win, tails you lose': testing directional alternative hypotheses in ecological and evolutionary research.

Whenever experiments make a priori predictions about the direction of change in some parameter, one-tailed test statistics offer a potentially large gain in power over the corresponding two-tailed test. This gain is rarely used in ecology and evolution because of (1) the belief that one-tailed procedures are unavailable for most statistical tests and (2) an inherent dilemma in one-tailed tests: how do we handle large parameter changes in the unanticipated direction? The first problem is a misconception, whereas the second is easily resolved by recognizing that one- and two-tailed tests are simply extremes in a continuum of testing options.
Simulating Reservoir Leakage in Ground-Water Models.

Leakage to ground water resulting from the expansion and contraction of reservoirs cannot be easily simulated by most ground-water flow models. An algorithm, entitled the Reservoir Package, was developed for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) three-dimensional finite-difference modular ground-water flow model MODFLOW. The Reservoir Package automates the process of specifying head-dependent boundary cells, eliminating the need to divide a simulation into many stress periods while improving accuracy in simulating changes in ground-water levels resulting from transient reservoir stage. Leakage between the reservoir and the underlying aquifer is simulated for each model cell corrresponding to the inundated area by multiplying the head difference between the reservoir and the aquifer with the hydraulic conductance of the reservoir-bed sediments.
Fine mapping of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) neutralizing epitopes by type-specific monoclonal antibodies and sequence comparison with BHV-5 gD

Abstract Overlapping fragments of the bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein (gD) ORF were expressed as trpE-gD fusionproteins in Escherichia coli to map linear neutralizing epitopes defined by BHV-1-specific MAbs. The MAbs 3402 and R54 reacted with the expressed fragments on Western blots that located the epitopes between the amino acids 52–126 and 165–216, respectively, of gD. Bovine covalescent sera with high neutralizing antibody titers against BHV-1 reacted with these bacterially expressed proteins containing both of the epitopes. Alignment of these sequences from BHV-1 with the corresponding region of the BHV-5 gD ORF sequences (reported here) identified several amino acid mismatches. Since the MAbs 3402 and R54 neutralize the BHV-1 and not BHV-5, it was presumed that these were important amino acids in defining the epitope. To further localize the neutralizing epitopes, synthetic peptides corresponding to these regions in the BHV-1 gD ORF were tested for their capacity to block monoclonal antibody neutralization of BHV-1 infectivity. The peptides encompassing amino acids 92—106 (3402 epitope) and amino acids 202–213 (R54 epitope) of the BHV-1 gD competed with BHV-1 for the binding by MAbs 3402 and R54, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. Antisera produced in rabbits to these peptides conjugated to a carrier reacted strongly with a 30-kDa protein by Western blotting and had neutralizing antibody titers against BHV-1.
Line By Line Pulse Shaping and Arbitrary Optical Waveform Generation

Line-by-line pulse shaping combines the ability to manipulate time domain profiles of ultrashort pulses with the possibility to exploit high spectral resolution attributes of frequency combs. Recent work in this field at Purdue University is discussed.
Preparation and magnetisation of superconducting niobium-tin cylinders

Abstract Alloys have been prepared by pressing compacts of the powdered elements in stoichiometric proportions corresponding to the phase Nb 3 Sn and sintering at various temperatures. Phase studies have been made using X-ray diffraction, metallographic and micro hardness techniques and the results correlated with sintering treatment and superconductive properties. The superconductive properties have been studied by observing the magnetisation of specimens in cylindrical form at 4.2°K in fields of up to 54 kOe. Cylinders with wall thicknesses of less than 4 mm have been found capable of trapping fields of up to about 50 kOe corresponding to an average critical current density of about 0.75 × 10 5 A cm −2 .
Simultaneous optimization of complex mining tasks with a knowledgeable cache

With an increasing use of data mining tools and techniques, we envision that a Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining System (KDDMS) will have to support and optimize for the following scenarios: 1) Sequence of Queries: A user may analyze one or more datasets by issuing a sequence of related complex mining queries, and 2) Multiple Simultaneous Queries: Several users may be analyzing a set of datasets concurrently, and may issue related complex queries.This paper presents a systematic mechanism to optimize for the above cases, targeting the class of mining queries involving frequent pattern mining on one or multiple datasets. We present a system architecture and propose new algorithms to simultaneously optimize multiple such queries and use a knowledgeable cache to store and utilize the past query results. We have implemented and evaluated our system with both real and synthetic datasets. Our experimental results show that our techniques can achieve a speedup of up to a factor of 9, compared with the systems which do not support caching or optimize for multiple queries.
Parthenogenesis and Karyotypic Evolution in the Cayenne Tick, Amblyomma cajennense (F.): Model for the Production of Karyotypic Changes through a Parthenogenetic Pathway

Attempts to produce progeny by forcing Amblyomma cajennense (F.) to reproduce parthenogenetically indicate that a low level of tychoparthenogenesis exists among three inbred lines and the laboratory colony. Unmated females were slower to engorge and drop from the host, were lighter at the time of detachment, and produced smaller egg masses, which had longer incubation periods and extremely low hatch. Karyotypic examination of the resulting 26 adult parthenoforms indicated that there was no karyotypic variation present in the parthenoforms of the M3 or M7 lines (2 n = 22). Considerable variation was noted in the M6 line with diploids (2 n = 22) and a single triploid (3 n = 33) being produced in the egg mass of one female and aneuploid variants (2 n = 22–26) being produced in the egg mass of another M6 female. Karyotypic variation among mitotic cells of a single individual was also observed in three individuals, with counts ranging from 22 to 26 chromosomes per cell. Mechanisms to account for the observed variation are discussed and a model is put forth to explain how rare parthenogenetic events could produce karyotypic variation and evolution of the karyotype.
Individual Characteristics of Political Leaders and the Use of Analogy in Foreign Policy Decision Making

The linkages between individual characteristics of political leaders and their usage of historical analogy during foreign policy decision-making episodes were examined. The individual characteristics studied were conceptual complexity and policy expertise, while usage of analogy was studied in terms of the sophistication and source of historical comparisons. The great majority of the analogies used by low-complexity individuals were nonsophisticated, whereas high-complexity individuals consistently used more sophisticated analogies. Low-complexity individuals drew analogies solely from their own generational and cultural context, while high-complexity leaders drew their analogies from a wider range of sources. More expert leaders drew from their personal experiences to a marginally greater degree than less expert individuals but, interestingly, both types of individual relied on generally available rather than personally experienced events for their analogies. The value added of the approach is to demonstrate that different types of leaders use history differently during political decision making.
Relative mean-variance efficiency of a given portfolio: An application to mutual fund performance

Abstract This research article uses two performance measures based on mean-variance efficiency to evaluate the performance of managed portfolios. They do not require the specification of the market portfolio and the risk-free rate. As a result, the measurement error attendant in the proxy is resolved. Our empirical results show that for the test period, approximately half of the sampled funds performed better than a naive buy-and-hold strategy based on these measures. When compared to other measures, results indicate that only these measures are independent of their risk proxy and as such are unbiased measures of investment performance.
Real gas choked flow conditions at low reduced-temperatures

Abstract Real gas choked mass flux is calculated for a frictionless stream expanding isentropically until it reaches the speed of sound and without phase changes. The other parameters associated with the choked state are the pressure, density, temperature ratios, and the speed of sound. Departure of the choked mass flux from the ideal gas model is discussed first in absolute terms and then in relative terms, using the Principle of Corresponding States, for gases with boiling points in the low temperature range. Reduced-stagnation pressures are examined up to values of 30 for hydrogen, neon, nitrogen, argon, methane, krypton, xenon, and R-14 and up to 100 for 4 He. The corresponding reduced-stagnation temperatures go down to 1.4 and in some cases down to 1.2 for nitrogen and argon. Also discussed are the limiting values of stagnation parameters for which no phase change occurs in the choked state. Compared to the ideal gas, the mass flux may almost double and the critical pressure ratio may decrease by an order of magnitude. The relevance of results is discussed qualitatively and quantitatively for Joule–Thomson cryocooling.
Convergence of Recognition, Mining, and Synthesis Workloads and Its Implications

This paper examines the growing need for a general-purpose ldquoanalytics enginerdquo that can enable next-generation processing platforms to effectively model events, objects, and concepts based on end-user input, and accessible datasets, along with an ability to iteratively refine the model in real-time. We find such processing needs at the heart of many emerging applications and services. This processing is further decomposed in terms of an integration of three fundamental compute capabilities-recognition, mining, and synthesis (RMS). The set of RMS workloads is examined next in terms of usage, mathematical models, numerical algorithms, and underlying data structures. Our analysis suggests a workload convergence that is analyzed next for its platform implications. In summary, a diverse set of emerging RMS applications from market segments like graphics, gaming, media-mining, unstructured information management, financial analytics, and interactive virtual communities presents a relatively focused, highly overlapping set of common platform challenges. A general-purpose processing platform designed to address these challenges has the potential for significantly enhancing users' experience and programmer productivity.
Measurement of fluid film thickness on curved surfaces by Raman spectroscopy

The Raman scattering intensity from a polyphenylether fluid film entrapped between a diamond window and a one-inch-diameter steel ball is found to correlate linearly with fluid film thickness over a 0.1 to 10 μm thickness range. The calibration and precision of the technique, as well as comparisons with other methods, are discussed.
Generalizing the Blum-Elias method for generating random bits from Markov chains

The problem of random number generation from an uncorrelated random source (of unknown probability distribution) dates back to von Neumann's 1951 work. Elias (1972) generalized von Neumann's scheme and showed how to achieve optimal efficiency in unbiased random bits generation. Hence, a natural question is what if the sources are correlated? Both Elias and Samueleson proposed methods for generating unbiased random bits in the case of correlated sources (of unknown probability distribution), specifically, they considered finite Markov chains. However, their proposed methods are not efficient (Samueleson) or have implementation difficulties (Elias). Blum (1986) devised an algorithm for efficiently generating random bits from degree-2 finite Markov chains in expected linear time, however, his beautiful method is still far from optimality. In this paper, we generalize Blum's algorithm to arbitrary degree finite Markov chains and combine it with Elias's method for efficient generation of unbiased bits. As a result, we provide the first known algorithm that generates unbiased random bits from an arbitrary finite Markov chain, operates in expected linear time and achieves the information-theoretic upper bound on efficiency.
ENDOCHONDRAL GROWTH IN GROWTH PLATES OF THREE SPECIES AT TWO ANATOMICAL LOCATIONS MODULATED BY MECHANICAL COMPRESSION AND TENSION

Sustained mechanical loading alters longitudinal growth of bones, and this growth sensitivity to load has been implicated in progression of skeletal deformities during growth. The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between altered growth and different magnitudes of sustained altered stress in a diverse set of nonhuman growth plates. The sensitivity of endochondral growth to differing magnitudes of sustained compression or distraction stress was measured in growth plates of three species of immature animals (rats, rabbits, calves) at two anatomical locations (caudal vertebra and proximal tibia) with two different ages of rats and rabbits. An external loading apparatus was applied for 8 days, and growth was measured as the distance between fluorescent markers administered 24 and 48 h prior to euthanasia. An apparently linear relationship between stress and percentage growth modulation (percent difference between loaded and control growth plates) was found, with distraction accelerating growth and compression slowing growth. The growth-rate sensitivity to stress was between 9.2 and 23.9% per 0.1 MPa for different growth plates and averaged 17.1% per 0.1 MPa. The growth-rate sensitivity to stress differed between vertebrae and the proximal tibia (15 and 18.6% per 0.1 MPa, respectively). The range of control growth rates of different growth plates was large (30 microns/day for rat vertebrae to 366 microns/day for rabbit proximal tibia). The relatively small differences in growth-rate sensitivity to stress for a diverse set of growth plates suggest that these results might be generalized to other growth plates, including human. These data may be applicable to planning the management of progressive deformities in patients having residual growth.
Hybrid acrylate‐oxetane photopolymerizable systems

Simultaneous free radical and cationic photopolymerizations of mixtures of multifunctional acrylate and oxetane monomers were carried out to provide hybrid interpenetrating network polymers. The use of “kick-started” oxetanes in which oxetane monomers are accelerated by the use of small amounts of certain highly substituted epoxides provides dual independent radical and cationic systems with similar rates of photopolymerization leading to homogeneous interpenetrating networks. The combined photopolymerizations are very rapid and afford crosslinked network films that are colorless, hard, and transparent. The networks display no indications of phase separation. The use of this technology in various applications such as coatings, 3D imaging, and for composites is discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 594–601
Disjoint eager execution: an optimal form of speculative execution

Instruction Level Parallelism (ILP) speedups of an order-of-magnitude or greater may be possible using the techniques described herein. Traditional speculative code execution is the execution of code down one path of a branch (branch prediction) or both paths of a branch (eager execution), before the condition of the branch has been evaluated, thereby executing code ahead of time, and improving performance. A third, optimal, method of speculative execution, Disjoint Eager Execution (DEE), is described herein. A restricted form of DEE, easier to implement than pure DEE, is developed and evaluated. An implementation of both DEE and minimal control dependencies is described. DEE is shown both theoretically and experimentally to yield more parallelism than both branch prediction and eager execution when the same, finite, execution resources are assumed. ILP speedups of factors in the ten's are demonstrated with constrained resources.
Chelation therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Objective We examined the effect of chelation therapy on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Background EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to metals including calcium and facilitates their excretion. Chelation with EDTA is recommended by some practitioners to treat CVD with the hypothesis that reducing calcium reduces atherosclerotic calcification of arteries. However, chelation therapy has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and its effectiveness is unclear. Methods We searched PubMed for English language articles addressing the effect of chelation therapy on CVD events. Articles pertinent to the topic were reviewed in detail. Results We identified 128 articles addressing the therapeutic value of chelation therapy on CVD; 38 were reviewed in detail including 20 case series and 7 randomized controlled trials. Sixteen case series and 3 randomized controlled trials showed benefit with chelation. The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy included 1708 post–myocardial infarction patients and demonstrated benefit with chelation therapy, but the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy investigators concluded that their results did not support the routine use of chelation therapy for post–myocardial infarction patients. Conclusions The effectiveness of chelation therapy in reducing recurrent CVD events is unclear, but possible, and warrants additional, carefully designed clinical trials.
Growth Hormone Use in Children with Idiopathic Short Stature

OBJECTIVE:To review the indication, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of recombinant human growth hormone in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS).DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966–December 2003) was performed using the key words human growth hormone, somatropin, Humatrope, normal children, somatrem, and idiopathic short stature. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Meeting minutes were also reviewed.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:The data presented in this review were obtained from published literature, abstracts presented at scientific meetings, and information on file with the manufacturer. Additional articles from these sources were also identified. Current issues of pediatric and endocrinology journals were reviewed for the most recent articles. Articles only addressing the use of growth hormone in normal, healthy children were used.DATA SYNTHESIS:Somatropin is indicated for use in children with ISS. Studies have shown modest benefit to final heigh...
Linear and Nonparametric Quantile Regression

Quantile regression estimates can be presented in tables alongside linear regression estimates. A possible advantage of this approach to presenting quantile regression results is that it is easy to compare the values of the coefficients and standard errors with OLS estimates and across quantiles. As we have seen, quantile estimates actually contain far more information than can be presented in simple tables. The estimates imply a full distribution of values for the dependent variable. It also is easy to show how changes in the explanatory variables affect the distribution of the dependent variable.
Automated roboting deburring using electronic compliancy; Impedance control

A new strategy has been developed for precision deburring and grinding to guarantee burr removal while compensating for robot oscillations and small uncertainties in the location of the part relative to the robot. This problem has been posed as a frequency domain control problem. Electronic compliancy (impedance control) is demanded as an "adaptive" mechanism to satisfy the requirements of this new strategy. This paper examines the development and implementation of impedance control methodology [7,8,9,10,16] on an active end-effector[15] (or the whole robot if it is possible) for precision deburring and grinding tasks.
Promiscuous actions of small molecule inhibitors of the protein kinase D-class IIa HDAC axis in striated muscle

PKD-mediated phosphorylation of class IIa HDACs frees the MEF2 transcription factor to activate genes that govern muscle differentiation and growth. Studies of the regulation and function of this signaling axis have involved MC1568 and Go-6976, which are small molecule inhibitors of class IIa HDAC and PKD catalytic activity, respectively. We describe unanticipated effects of these compounds. MC1568 failed to inhibit class IIa HDAC catalytic activity in vitro, and exerted divergent effects on skeletal muscle differentiation compared to a bona fide inhibitor of these HDACs. In cardiomyocytes, Go-6976 triggered calcium signaling and activated stress-inducible kinases. Based on these findings, caution is warranted when employing MC1568 and Go-6976 as pharmacological tool compounds to assess functions of class IIa HDACs and PKD.
Instability of a liquid jet subject to disturbances composed of two wavenumbers

The instability of viscous capillary jets subject to disturbances consisting of two superposed wavenumbers, and for large disturbance amplitudes is investigated. Disturbances composed of the superposition of a fundamental disturbance (first harmonic) with either its second or third harmonic are used. The influence of the wavenumber of the fundamental disturbance on the jet breakup is studied for a disturbance composed of a first harmonic with an initial non-dimensional amplitude of e1 = 0.01 and a second harmonic with an initial non-dimensional amplitude of e2 = 0.05. The influence of the initial amplitudes of the first and second harmonics on the jet breakup is studied for two non-dimensional wavenumbers of the fundamental (first harmonic): k = 0.45 and k = 0.7; the second harmonic is unstable in the former and stable in the latter case. The effect of an added third harmonic is studied only for k = 0.45 but for a wide range of initial amplitudes. All cases are studied for an in-phase and a 180° out-of-phase superposition of the two waves. The nonlinear interaction between the two waves results in the formation of a variety of drop sizes and shapes. The breakup times can be controlled within a wide range using this technique.
The role of stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases in stable systemic disease: a review of the literature.

Background Cancer patients with brain metastases display a median survival of only 1 to 2 months if left untreated. Although whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has lengthened median patient survival, the long-term neurotoxic effects of WBRT have become a deterrent to its use in the context of stable systemic disease. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who might benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in order to delay or avoid WBRT. Here we present a review of the literature to elucidate the role of SRS in patients with multiple brain metastases.
Effect of Cardinal Directions on Gall Morphology and Parasitization of the Gall Wasp, Cynips quercusfolii

This survey investigated the relationship between gall morphology and some fitness components in the asexual generation of Cynips quercusfolii L. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). Results showed that larger C. quercusfolii galls were formed on the south side of oak trees Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagales: Fagaceae). Larval chamber diameter in the gall was similar, but gall diameter and gall wall thickness varied with the location of the gall on the tree. Cynips quercusfolii was attacked by parasitoids, and the south-facing galls suffered significantly lower parasitoid attacks. Thickness of gall walls and parasitism rate were negatively correlated. Mean gall diameter and gall wall thickness were significantly larger in south-facing galls than other directions, but the difference in the mean larval chamber diameter was not significant. These results suggest that the position of galls on the tree affected gall wall thickness, and this plays an important role in parasitoid attacks. These results suggest that C. quercusfolii prefer to attack the south side of oak trees, and selection of this side by wasps led to formation of larger galls with thick walls that decreased parasite attack, which will affect growth and survival of wasp larvae.