cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Enantioselective Cr-Mediated Propargylation: Application to Halichondrin Synthesis

A catalytic enantioselective propargylation in the presence of 10 mol % of Cr catalyst prepared from Cr(III) bromide and (R)-sulfonamide E furnishes homopropargyl alcohol 8 in 78% yield with 90% ee. Coupled with the workup based on Amano-lipase, this method provides a practical synthesis of optically pure 8 on a multigram scale. With maintenance of its optical purity, 8 has been converted to 1b, the C14−C19 building block of halichondrins and E7389, in two steps.
Implementation Challenges for Multivariable Control: What You Did Not Learn in School

Multivariable control allows controller designs that can provide decoupled command tracking and robust performance in the presence of modeling uncertainties. Although the last two decades have seen extensive development of multivariable control theory and example applications to complex systems in software/hardware simulations, there are no production flying systems aircraft or spacecraft, that use multivariable control. This is because of the tremendous challenges associated with implementation of such multivariable control designs. Unfortunately, the curriculum in schools does not provide sufficient time to be able to provide an exposure to the students in such implementation challenges. The objective of this paper is to share the lessons learned by a practitioner of multivariable control in the process of applying some of the modern control theory to the Integrated Flight Propulsion Control (IFPC) design for an advanced Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft simulation.
Electron-impact excitation of the Cameron system (a3π → X1Σ)of CO

Abstract We have studied the excitation of the Cameron bands of carbon monoxide (a3π → X1Σ+) by electron impact on CO and CO2. This investigation was prompted by a recent study of the Martian airglow by Conway (1981) who concluded that the cross section for the dissociative excitation of the Cameron bands is seven times larger than the laboratory value reported by Ajello (1971a) and by a perplexing inconsistency between the optical cross section and CO(a3π) time-of-flight experiments. We have found now that three factors have contributed to these discrepancies: (1) spectral contamination of the (1,4) Cameron band used by Ajello to normalize the entire Cameron band cross section, (2) major revisions in the magnitude of the CO(a3π) radiative lifetime, and (3) new insights into the effects of the CO(a3π) velocity distribution on the field of view of the emission experiments. The new results largely reconcile the TOF and emission measurements, but they also suggest that the calculated photoelectron fluxes in the Martian atmosphere may be too large by a factor of 3.
Psychology’s contemporary and all-time notables: Student, faculty, and chairperson viewpoints

Chairpersons of graduate psychology departments were surveyed to determine which psychologists this group viewed as having achieved contemporary and all-time importance. The results of this survey were compared with similar data gathered in 1966. To provide a basis for additional comparisons, all psychology students and faculty at a regional midwestern university were administered similar surveys.
HiJaK: the high-resolution J, H and K spectrometer

We present the science drivers, design requirements and a preliminary design for a high-resolution, broad- bandwidth, slit-fed cross-dispersed near-infrared spectrometer for 5-meter-class telescopes. Our concept, called the High-Resolution J, H and K Spectrometer, or HiJaK, utilizes an R6 echelle in a white-pupil design to achieve high resolution in a compact configuration with a 2048 x 2048 pixel infrared detector. We present a preliminary ray-traced optical design matched to the new 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope in Happy Jack, Arizona. We also discuss mechanical and cryogenic options to house our optical design.
INFLUENCE OF ISOTOPIC SUBSTITUTION ON STRENGTH OF HYDROGEN BONDS OF COMMON ORGANIC GROUPS

Although the electronic contribution to the strength of a H–bond is unaffected by isotopic substitution, the heavier mass of deuterium compared with protium lowers some of the vibrational frequencies in the complex. The binding energy of the complex, which includes zero–point and thermal vibrational energies, can thus be altered by several tenths of a kcal mol−1 by H/D substitution. Ab initio calculations are used to analyze this phenomenon in a number of common organic functional groups that are prone to form H–bonds: hydroxyl, carboxyl and amide, both self–complexing as homodimers and with water molecules as partners. It is found that any site of D–substitution increases the complexation energy; however, the bridging sites show a stronger preference for D over H than do the non–bridging, or terminal, sites. Hence D–bonding can be considered to be stronger than H–bonding in these functional groups. Of the groups considered, the energetic preference for D over H is greater in the hydroxyl group, so deuterium would be expected to gravitate toward solvent water molecules in isotopic scrambling experiments. The increments in H–bonding energy resulting from each site of substitution are addititve in cases of multiple substitution. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptual distinctiveness in Native American maize (Zea mays L.) landraces has practical implications

The large variation in multifactorial and seemingly non-adaptive kernel colour traits displayed by Native American maize landraces is an evidence of recurring selection for perceptual distinctiveness. Native American farmers selected for colour traits that allowed them to distinguish between and maintain large diversity within maize landraces for traditional uses. Multivariate statistical procedures were employed to quantify the variation and interrelationships between physical traits, C:N ratio, protein content, micro- and macronutrient concentrations with kernel colour traits measured on random kernel samples of Northern flint maize landraces grown for 2 years in a common-garden experiment. The colour traits (L*, a* and b* indicating dark–light, red–green and yellow–blue colour continuum, respectively) were digitally quantified on 590 random kernels from each of 28 accessions in 11 landraces. Accessions within landraces exhibited the largest variation for all colour traits. The variation in the L*a*b*, L*a* and L*b* combinations explained significant variances in 37, 14 and 37% of 120 landrace–trait combinations, respectively; the remaining 12% were explained by L*, a* or b*. On average, 37.5% of the variation in protein content (range 19.2–64.5%) and 36.6% of the variation in the C:N ratio (range 15.7–65.0%) were explained by the combinations of colour traits in different landraces. Slightly larger average variations in K (43.7%), S (43.0%), Fe (42.2%) and P (40.8%) were accounted for by colour traits. A hierarchical and joint clustering procedure of landraces and traits was developed to facilitate the identification of large variation and the selection of single or multiple traits based on kernel colour traits with reasonable certainty.
Electron-transfer and f → d absorption bands of some lanthanide and actinide complexes and the standard (III–IV) oxidation potentials for each member of the lanthanide and actinide series

Abstract Best values for the standard (III–IV) oxidation potentials for each member of the lanthanide series and for each member of the actinide series are obtained from a variety of sources, namely, from the direct electrode measurements reported in the literature, from linear plots of electron-transfer absorption band energy for various Ln(IV) and An(IV) complexes versus the respective (III–IV) potentials, from linear plots of f → d absorption band energy for various Ln(III) and An(III) complexes vs. the respective (III–IV) potentials, and from theoretical correlations using Jorgensen's refined-electron-spin-pairing-energy theory. Two major results of this work are; (1) the M(III–IV) potentials for M ≐ Cm, Cf, Pr, and Tb are all within −3·2±0·3 V, and (2) the indication that the unknown oxidation states Cf(IV), Es(IV), Pm(IV), Sm(IV), Fm(IV), and possibly Md(IV), listed in the order of decreasing stability, may be stabilized in various media. Altogether, the results are in excellent accord with the actinide hypothesis.
The interaction of adeninylalkycobalamins with ribonucleotide reductase

Several structural analogs of adenosylcobalamin, containing 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 methylene carbons instead of the ribofuranose moiety, have been synthesized and their interaction with ribonucleotide reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii has been investigated. Kinetic studies of the inhibition of the reductase by these analogs showed that the adeninylalkylcobalamins with 4, 5 and 6 carbons interposed between the adenine moiety and the cobalt atom are potent inhibitors of ribonucleotide reduction. The stronger interaction between adeninylpentylcobalamin and the enzyme than that between adenosylcobalamin and the enzyme suggests that the more flexible acyclic analog of adenosine requires fewer adjustments of the protein upon binding.
The New Populism in Poland: The Usual Suspects?

Polish voters are becoming increasingly polarized as parties compete to mobilize different constituencies.
Seedling emergence model for velvetleaf

Consistent postemergence weed control requires information on the timing of weed emergence. Information is especially important for velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medikus), which interferes with many crops over a broad geographic range. The objective of this study was to develop a model that predicts the timing and proportional extent of velvetleaf seedling emergence. Environmental effects on seed germination and seedling emergence, used to construct the model, were determined in growth chambers or from published sources. Two variables drive the model: average daily soil temperature of the seed zone (5-cm soil depth) and daily rainfall. The model requires initialization by four seed zone parameters: (i) soil water content at the start of the simulation period, (ii) soil water holding capacity, (iii) soil bulk density, and (iv) a water retention curve relating percent soil water to soil water potential. The model was validated using field data collected in Illinois in 1967 and 1969 and in Minnesota in 1990. Regressions of predicted and observed seedling emergence resulted in r² values of 0.91, 0.97, and 0.98 for 1967, 1969, and 1990, respectively. Correspondence (regression coefficients) between predicted and observed seedling emergence was 0.83, 1.01, and 1.01 for 1967, 1969, and 1990, respectively. Both sets of statistics indicate the model predicts velvetleaf seedling emergence reliably. Joint contribution from USDA-ARS and Dep. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, Univ. of Minnesota. Minnesota Agric. Exp. Stn. Sci. J. Ser. no. 18,644.
Predictors of physicians' responses to woman abuse: the role of gender, background, and brief training.

Objective: To assess the relationship between gender, background, and brief training and physicians’ detection of and treatment for woman abuse.
Home Language as a Predictor of First-Grade Achievement for Anglo- and Mexican-American Children.

The utility of kindergarten screening measures in predicting first grade achievement was examined for 246 children classified as Anglo-American-English as home language (AA-E), Mexican-American-English as home language (MA-E), and Mexican-American-Spanish as home language (MA-S). All children were administered the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts, Draw-A-Design and Draw-A-Child subtests of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, and a Criterion Referenced Test at the beginning of kindergarten and at the end of kindergarten. The SRA Achievement Series was then administered during first grade. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted for each group of children employing each set of kindergarten measures as predictors. All resulting equations were significant (p < .001) and revealed differential predictive power of the kindergarten measures as a function of ethnicity and home language, content of the criterion measures, and time of assessment. The Criterion Referenced Test was found to be a significant predictor of first-grade reading scores and the Draw-A-Design subtest emerged as a significant predictor of first-grade math achievement for the MA-S children, whereas the Boehm consistently emerged as a significant predictor and accounted for substantially more variance in first-grade reading and math scores for the AA-E and MA-E children. For all three groups, beginning kindergarten measures accounted for more variance in first-grade achievement than end of kindergarten measures. The importance of utilizing language measures, as well as predictive validity techniques, was discussed in relation to future cross-cultural research.
Formation of biologically active peptides.

Many small biologicaly active peptides are derived from larger precursor forms which fulfil a variety of roles in the synthesis, segregation and intracellular migration of secretory products. Limited proteolysis may occur at several stages during this process, giving rise to products that are either degraded (e.g. the prepeptides) or discharged coordinately from their cells of origin during exocytosis (e.g. insulin and C-peptide). Molecular defects have recently been found to occur at cleavage sites in proinsulin as well as in other proproteins, and these point mutations may, in some instances, be responsible for familial metabolic disorders. The nature and cell specificity of the proteolytic enzymes involved in the conversion of the various precursor forms remains unresolved. Recent studies in our laboratory have led to the identification of precursors of glucagon and somatostatin in rat islets of Langerhans. Analysis of tryptic maps of these precursors has shown that a trypsin-like enzyme would be sufficient to cleave the C-terminally located somatostatin sequence from its precursor (relative molecular mass 12,500), but that both trypsin-like and carboxypeptidase B-like enzymes would be necessary to cleave the internal glucagon sequence from its prohormone (relative molecular mass 18,000). Molecular cloning techniques have provided valuable new approaches to analysing the structures of a variety of precursor forms, including those for insulin, gastrin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and the endorphins, and in the future will undoubtedly shed more light on the structures of their chromosomal genes, the mechanisms regulating their expression, and their evolutionary origins.
Wide dynamic range sensing in photonic crystal microcavity biosensors

Typical L-type photonic crystal (PC) microcavities have a dynamic range of approximately 3-4 orders of magnitude in biosensing. We experimentally demonstrated that multiplexing of PC sensors with different geometry can achieve a wide dynamic range covering 6 orders of magnitude with potential for 8 or more orders with suitable optimization.
Viresin: a novel antibacterial protein from immune hemolymph of Heliothis virescens pupae.

Immune hemolymph was collected from fifth instar larvae and 1âdayâold pupae of Heliothis virescens after injection of prepupae with live Enterobacter cloacae. Induction of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli K12 D31 was 7.5 times greater in pupal than in larval immune hemolymph. Lysozyme activity of immune pupal hemolymph against Micrococcus lysodeikticus was 11 times greater when compared with lysozyme activity of immune larval hemolymph. Early pupal immune response with regard to antibacterial activity was much greater than larval immune response in H.âvirescens. Normal pupal hemolymph showed an increase in antibacterial activity and lysozyme that was induced during metamorphosis. Antibacterial protein was isolated together with lysozyme by gel filtration chromatography and then separated from lysozyme by sequential electrophoresis with a native acid gel and SDS gel. Molecular mass of antibacterial protein was estimated to be 12âkDa. The Nâterminal amino acid sequence of 12âkDa protein was different from those of antibacterial molecules found in other insects and has not been identified before. A sample containing 12âkDa protein was negative for immunoblotting with antiâsynthetic cecropinâB antibody. We have named the novel 12âkDa antibacterial protein viresin. Viresin showed antibacterial activity against several Gramânegative bacteria including E. cloacae but not against Gramâpositive bacteria.
(40}Ar/({39)) Ar Mineral Age Constraints on the Paleozoic Tectonothermal Evolution of High-Grade Basement Rocks within the Ross Orogen, Central Transantarctic Mountains

The Precambrian to early Paleozoic orogenic history of the central Transantarctic Mountains is obscured by uncertainties in. the regional extent, relative intensities, and tectonic significance of three or more events: the Nimrod, Beardmore, and Ross orogenies. Significant problems exist in correlation of structural styles, structural geometry, and lithotectonic units across major tectonic boundaries, as well as in conflicting geochronological results. In an effort to resolve these disparities, $$^{40}Ar/^{39}Ar$$ ages were determined for hornblende and muscovite from several lithotectonic subunits of the Nimrod Group exposed in the Miller Range, including amphibolitic gneiss, ca. 1.7 Ga orthogneiss, and metasedimentary mica schist. These rocks display ductile deformation fabrics that formed prior to intrusion of ca. 500 Ma, post-kinematic granitic plutons. Hornblende concentrates from eight gneiss samples in the Miller Range display internally discordant $$^{40}Ar/^{39}Ar$$ apparent age spectra due to va...
Use of fast Fourier transforms in calculating dose distributions for irregularly shaped fields for three-dimensional treatment planning

In three‐dimensional radiation treatment planning, essentially all fields are irregular and compensated. Consequently, it is important to predict accurately dose for such fields to ensure adequate coverage of the target region and sparing of healthy tissues. Traditional approaches, namely, those involving scatter integration and extended source and those utilizing negatively weighted fields, are inaccurate, especially near the boundaries defined by blocks and collimators. In the method presented in this paper, dose distributions for arbitrarily shaped beams are calculated by two‐dimensional convolution of the relative primary photon fluence distributions and kernels representing the cross‐sectional profiles of a pencil beam at a series of depths. The pencil beam dose distributions are computed, once and for all, with the Monte Carlo method for photon energy spectrum for each treatment machine. The finite size of the source, which is important for cobalt machines, is also taken into account using convolution of the source with the relative primary fluence distribution. Convolutions are performed using fast Fourier transforms on an array processor. Results of calculations are in excellent agreement with measured data. While no data are presented for fields modified by compensators, the method of calculation should apply at least as well for such fields since the variations in fluence distribution for compensated fields are not as sharp as for points near the block boundaries.
Image learning classifier system using genetic algorithms

The authors examine aspects of machine learning by classifier systems that use genetic algorithms. In particular, adaptive image learning and classification are considered. Standard classifier systems are not well suited for seeking out multiple goals as is necessary in image learning and classification problems. To improve the performance of standard classifier systems for the image learning task, several modifications are suggested. The modifications result in a far better performance for classifier system on the ImageLearn domain. >
Belowground Distribution and Abundance of Botrychium Gametophytes and Juvenile Sporophytes

Abstract A significant portion of the stages of the life history of Botrychium, the gametophyte and juvenile sporophytes, are spent belowground. Surveys were conducted to determine the distribution and abundance of belowground gametophytes, juvenile sporophytes and gemmae of eight species of Botrychium. For each species, soil samples were collected in a 200 m2 area, sifted through a series of soil sieves, and centrifuged to separate the lighter plant material. Only 40% of the soil samples contained belowground structures revealing a patchy distribution. The gametophytes of B. montanum are most dense, followed by B. mormo with 738 and 728 gametophytes m−2 respectively. Botrychium hesperium also has a relatively high density of 478 gametophytes m−2. Botrychium gallicomontanum is the least dense with 10 gametophytes m−2. Botrychium campestre and B. gallicomontanum both have abundant gemmae and few gametophytes. The density of individuals in the belowground structure bank greatly exceeds the aboveground popul...
Strain-induced precipitation kinetics of Nb(C,N) and precipitates evolution in austenite of Nb–Ti micro-alloyed steels

In this article, the precipitation–temperature–time (PTT) curves were obtained by plotting 1/A r-time curves (A r represents the area under the flow curves, and some details were clarified in the section “1/A method”) using two-stage interrupted compression testing. Based on the measured PTT curves, the L_J model has been applied to calculate the complete PTT curves by adjusting the modification factor, f, to be 0.022, from which it can be seen that they are both typical C-shaped with the nose temperature ranging from 900 to 925 °C. By using additivity rule, the continuous-cooling-precipitation (CCP) curves were established. And the critical cooling rates for precipitation start were also determined for different cooling start temperatures, and the effects of cooling rates and cooling start temperatures on CCP curves were systematically clarified. The evolution of precipitates was found to be in good agreement with PTT curves. Numerous fine and round precipitates were formed during holding after first compression deformation, which could have hindered static recrystallization kinetics and accounted for the plateaus on 1/A r-time curves. In addition, The cubic precipitates are mainly undissoloved TiN-rich (Ti,Nb) (C,N) carbonitrides. And based on the CCP and continuous-cooling-transformation curves of tested steel, the effect of cooling paths on precipitation and transformation were also discussed in details.
Improving Behavioral IO Buffer Modeling Based on IBIS

High level behavioral modeling is widely used in lieu of low level transistor models to ascertain the behavior of input/output (IO) drivers and receivers. The input output buffer information specification (IBIS) is one of the most widely used methodologies to model IO drivers as it satisfies the basic requirements of a behavioral model such as IP protection, simple structure, fast simulation time, and reasonable accuracy. As driver technology gets increasingly complicated and rise time of input signal gets increasingly smaller, important considerations such as simultaneous switching noise (SSN) becomes a major consideration when simulating multiple IO drivers in the integrated circuit. Unfortunately, IBIS falls short of becoming a complete IO behavioral model when simulating for SSN. This paper addresses the problem by assessing what is missing in IBIS. A method is presented for compensating for the missing information by complimenting the IBIS model with a black box that is simulator independent, without compromising with the speed that IBIS enjoys over the transistor models.
Elucidation of Control Mechanisms Discovered during Adaptive Manipulation of [Ru(dpb)3](PF6)2 Emission in the Solution Phase

To design methodologies that will allow researchers to directly correlate the results of adaptive control experiments with physiochemical control pathways in arbitrary complex molecular systems it is imperative that prototype systems are developed and that exigent control pathways are understood. We have been interested in the results of adaptive control experiments in our laboratory involving the maximization of a ratio of two experimental observables: (1) the thermalized emission from the solution-phase coordination complex [Ru(dpb)3](PF6)2 and (2) the second harmonic signal (a purely intensity-dependent phenomenon) of the shaped laser fields. Using a rational pulse shaping strategy, we have made a measurement of the ratio spectrum (in essence the two-photon absorption cross section) for the molecule [Ru(dpb)3](PF6)2 in a room temperature solution of acetonitrile. This spectrum is highly varied across the accessible two-photon power spectrum of our broad-band laser pulses and demonstrates the existence of a control pathway wherein a shaped laser field can manipulate excited-state population (with respect to SHG) by conforming to the second-order spectral response of the molecule in solution. We show that our adaptive control algorithm is capable of taking advantage of these control pathways using simulated adaptive control experiments. Finally, we measure second-harmonic spectra of shaped laser fields discovered during an adaptive control experiment and show that these agree with simulation. These results suggest that our adaptive control experiment can be understood in the context of the elucidated spectral control pathway.
Do Financial Market Developments Influence Accounting Practices? Credit Default Swaps and Borrowers’ Asymmetric Loss Recognition Timeliness

Lenders can transfer credit risk by purchasing credit default swaps (CDS), but holding swaps can diminish their incentives to monitor borrowers. Contracting theory predicts that lenders demand conservatism, in particular asymmetric timeliness of loss recognition, to effectively monitor borrowers. We hypothesize that the onset of CDS trading reduces lenders’ demand for conservatism from borrowing firms. In empirical analyses, we find that the onset of CDS trading is associated with a reduction in borrowing firms’ asymmetric loss recognition timeliness. This reduction is more pronounced when lenders have stronger monitoring incentives prior to the onset of CDS trading. Further, the decline in conservatism with CDS trading initiation is less pronounced during the recent economic crisis, when counter-party risk in CDS contracts increased sharply.
Scheduling of optimal medication strategies for early HIV infection

This work focuses on scheduling the optimal treatment strategy for patients at the early stage of HIV infection. Unlike patients with an established HIV infection, complete eradication of the infection is still possible at this stage. Treatment has the ability to further increase the probability of eradication. However, high dosages of drugs should be avoided, if possible, because of toxicity effects and high cost of the current drugs. Stochastic simulation is capable of determining the infection probability at early infection stage. Consequently, to obtain acceptable treatment strategies, an optimization problem was formulated, employing a stochastic model to predict the response of an average patient to treatment. Treatment strategies for prompt and also a few days latency in treatment initiation were obtained. Results were compared with constant treatment strategy and were shown to be more successful.
Impact of Unions on Wage Levels and Income Distribution: Comment

Several points in Robert Ozanne's article entitled "Impact of Unions on Wage Levels and Income Distribution" are somewhat disturbing.' As nearly as possible, I will deal with them in the order in which they occur in his text. Initially, there is the failure to distinguish between the different contexts in which the problem of the impact of unions on wages and income distribution can be approached. These are at least two: (1) the context in which labor unions are treated as a broad social movement, and (2) the context in which labor unions are treated as the representatives of a particular special interest group in the economy. One is left with the impression that Ozanne accepts the latter of these. At least, his criticism of the distributive share method of analyzing the impact of labor unions would suggest this choice. The distributive share method of analysis emphasizes the impact of labor unions on all workers, not on individuals. Consequently, it is closer to the "social movement" context of approaching the problem. Ozanne's criticism that the "distributive share approach looks not at average income per employee, but at total share income"2 apparently assumes that the significant measure of the impact of trade unions on the economy is their performance in obtaining higher per capita income for their employed members, i.e., their performance as a special interest group. Ozanne is certainly entitled to select this measure if he chooses. However, his criticism of distributive share studies as being in "error" for this reason does not seem warranted. These studies simply exhibit a different emphasis than Ozanne's. Secondly, Ozanne implicitly assumes a certain theoretical construct in interpreting his empirical data pertaining to the relationship between wage and employment changes in the 1947-55 period.3 In this section he concludes that "what has happened in the 1947-55 period is that a more powerful force, collective bargaining, has dwarfed and all but obliterated the evidence of market forces."4 As
International Law and Public Attitudes Toward Torture: An Experimental Study

Domestic approaches to compliance with international commitments often presume that international law has a distinct effect on the beliefs and preferences of national publics. Studies attempting to estimate the consequences of international law unfortunately face a wide range of empirical and methodological challenges. This article uses an experimental design embedded in two U.S. national surveys to offer direct systematic evidence of international law's effect on mass attitudes. To provide a relatively tough test for international law, the surveys examine public attitudes toward the use of torture, an issue in which national security concerns are often considered paramount. Contrary to the common contention of international law's inefficacy, I find that legal commitments have a discernible impact on public support for the use of torture. The effect of international law is also strongest in those contexts where pressures to resort to torture are at their highest. However, the effects of different dimensions in the level of international agreements' legalization are far from uniform. In contrast to the attention often devoted to binding rules, I find that the level of obligation seems to make little difference on public attitudes toward torture. Rather, the relative precision of the rules, along with the degree to which enforcement is delegated to third parties, plays a much greater role in shaping public preferences. Across both international law and legalization, an individual's political ideology also exerts a strong mediating effect, though in varying directions depending on the design of the agreement. The findings have implications for understanding the overall impact of international law on domestic actors, the importance of institutional design, and the role of political ideology on compliance with international agreements.
WizSync: Exploiting Wi-Fi Infrastructure for Clock Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Time synchronization is a fundamental service for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This paper proposes a novel WSN time synchronization approach by exploiting the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. Our approach leverages the fact that ZigBee sensors and Wi-Fi nodes often occupy the same or overlapping radio frequency bands in the 2.4 GHz unlicensed spectrum. As a result, a ZigBee node can detect and synchronize to the periodic beacons broadcasted by Wi-Fi access points (APs). We experimentally characterize the spatial and temporal characteristics of Wi-Fi beacons in an enterprise Wi-Fi network consisting of over 50 APs deployed in a 300,000 square foot office building. Motivated by our measurement results, we design a novel synchronization protocol called WizSync. WizSync employs advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques to detect periodic Wi-Fi beacons and use them to calibrate the frequency of native clocks. WizSync can intelligently predict the clock skew and adaptively schedules nodes to sleep to conserve energy. We implement WizSync in TinyOS 2.1x and conduct extensive evaluation on a testbed consisting of 19 TelosB motes. Our results show that WizSync can achieve an average synchronization error of 0.12 milliseconds over a period of 10 days with radio power consumption of 50.9 microwatts/node.
Student perspectives on assessment: experience in a competency-based portfolio system.

Despite considerable evidence recognizing the importance of learners’ perceptions of the assessment process, there is little literature depicting the participants’ experience. We aim to capture these perceptions in order to gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a competency-based assessment system. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine has implemented a learner-centered portfolio assessment system built around competency standards and continuous formative feedback. Promotion of students is based upon their feedback-supported portfolio essays, but feedback itself is individualized and formative in nature under the umbrella of the competencies. Importantly, there are no grades or ranking awarded for the competencies or at promotion. Four students share personal reflections of their experience to illuminate themes from the subjective experience of the learner and to understand how to align the learners’ interests with the requirements of an assessment program.
Men’s oxidative stress, fluctuating asymmetry and physical attractiveness

Aerobic organisms naturally create reactive oxygen species (ROS) as by-products of energy production. These substances can damage DNA and tissue, and probably are major causes of mutation, ageing and a host of diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when an organism produces an overabundance of ROS relative to ROS-neutralizing antioxidants. In this study, we examined the hypotheses that individual differences in oxidative stress are associated with fluctuating asymmetry and with perceived mate quality. We measured urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in a sample of healthy, young men and tested their association with fluctuating asymmetry and physical attractiveness. A composite measure of oxidative stress correlated positively with FA and negatively with physical attractiveness (with exposure to toxins, smoking, and their interaction statistically controlled for). Follow-up analyses yielded associations of oxidative stress with both healthy and masculine appearance. No association was mediated by cortisol or testosterone. These findings may yield insights into previously unidentified factors that affect the development of phenotypic features under sexual selection and contribute to the shape of human life histories, and have potential implications for other species as well.
Equality of Outcome or Equality of Opportunity? A Simulation of Wealth Distribution Using Agent-based Modeling

Against the backdrop of calls for a more just form of capitalism, this paper specifically focuses on the notion of equality within capitalist societies and utilizes findings from a computer simulation to explore which of one two fundamental principles, namely: (1) equality of opportunity; or (2) equality of outcome might better inform and guide reform efforts to create more uniform distribution of wealth among members of society. In this study, Agent Based Modeling (ABM), as a form of computer simulation was used to explore how the fundamental principles of equality of opportunity or equality of outcome might impact wealth distribution in a capitalist society. A total of 800 simulations were run, where 400 of them incorporated the principle of equal opportunity and 400 incorporated the principle of equal outcome. Each of the 800 simulations covered a period of 5 years. The most interesting insight gained from this study is likely the finding that wealth distribution inequality is significantly lower if the distribution of wealth is grounded in the principle of equal opportunity, instead of being grounded in the principle of equal outcome. The other interesting finding is that the mean wealth, maximum wealth, and total wealth are all significantly higher if the distribution of wealth is grounded in the principle of equal opportunity, instead of being grounded in the principle of equal outcome. Both of these insights may initially seem somewhat counterintuitive, as one might expect that wealth distribution inequality be lower if members in society all received equal share of the resources upon which they stumbled. However, the findings of this study imply that equality of opportunity in a capitalist society might create a more even distribution of wealth, as well as a greater degree of prosperity for its members.
Inter-Track Interference Mitigation for Bit-Patterned Magnetic Recording

In bit-patterned magnetic recording (BPMR), inter-track interference (ITI) becomes a major impairment due to the small track pitch. One way to mitigate the ITI is to equalize the read channel to a two dimensional (2D) partial-response (PR) target. However, we find that the channel detection on the center track cannot take advantage of the 2D target without good estimation of the data on the sidetracks. Therefore, we propose a multi-track detection technique, where the detection on the center track is aided by the information obtained from the detection of the sidetracks. This technique works with any equalizer capable of equalizing the channel to a 2D target. We apply this method to joint-track equalized and 2D equalized BPMR channels. Our simulation results show that the proposed technique provides a significant performance improvement.
Influence Attempts in Organizational Conflict The Effects of Biological Sex, Psychological Gender, and Power Position

This research examines relationships among biological sex, psychological gender, and power position in a hypothetical superior-subordinate conflict in an organizational setting. The study is an attempt to resolve the equivocal findings regarding the effects of biological and psychological gender on conflict-management behavior. Further, the research goes beyond self-report methodology and examines actual influence attempts that males and females use in both upward and downward message construction. Analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction among biological sex, power position, and sex of partner, but provided no support for the psychological gender construct.
Decision support for road system analysis and modification on the Tahoe National Forest

The United States Forest Service is required to analyze road systems on each of the national forests for po- tential environmental impacts. We have developed a novel and inexpensive way to do this using the Ecosystem Management Decision Support program (EMDS). We used EMDS to inte- grate a user-developed fuzzy logic knowledge base with a grid-based geographic information system to evaluate the degree of truth for assertions about a road's environmental impact. Using spatial data for natural and human processes in the Tahoc National Forest (TNF, California, USA), we evaluated the assertion "the road has a high potential for impacting the environment." We found a high level of agreement between the products of this evaluation and ground observations of a TNF transportation engineer, as well as occurrences of road failures. We used the modeled potential environmental impact to negatively weight roads for a least-cost path network analysis to 1573 points of in- terest in the forest. The network analysis showed that out of 8233 km of road analyzed in the forest, 3483 km (42%) must be kept in a modified road network to ensure access to these points. We found that the modified network had improved patch characteristics, such as significantly fewer "cherry stem" roads intruding into patches, an improved area-weighted mean shape index, and larger mean patch sizes, as compared to the original network. This analysis system could be used by any public agency to analyze in- frastructure for environmental or other risk and included in other mandated analyses such as risks to watersheds. Road networks pose a variety of potential and actual risks to the natural systems they are embedded in. Factors such as road location and use, geomorphology, and ecosystem processes may influence the level of risk (Trombulak and Frissell 2000, USDA 2001). Forman (2000) summarizes many of the impacts road systems can have: (1) Road placement can affect surface water flows and stream channel morphology. (2) Runoff from roads may contain dust, salt, and various metals and hydrocarbons. (3) Roads fragment wildlife habitat and provide corridors for invading species. (4) Many hu- man users of the landscape, for economic and recre- ational reasons, consider roads essential. (5) This valu- ation has contributed to development of the 6.2 million km of roads in the United States and the po- tential impact by roads to 20% of the US landscape. In the mountainous western United States., "roadless ar- eas" are considered to be critical for the maintenance of landscape and habitat connectivity, protection of threatened natural values and biodiversity, which are especially valued at lower elevations due to their rarity. Road effects on aquatic ecosystems have been mea- sured primarily in terms of the deposition of metal,
Weighty subjects: The biopolitics of the U.S. war on fat

The United States has declared a war on fat. I examine this campaign as a biopolitical field of science and governance that has emerged to manage the “obesity epidemic” by remaking overweight and obese subjects into thin, fit, proper Americans. Drawing on research in Southern California, I examine the impact of the campaign on the bodies, selves, and lives of the heavyset young people who are its main targets. At least in this corner of the country, I argue, the war on fat, far from alleviating the problem of fatness, is creating a new fat problem by expanding the number of weight-obsessed, self-identified “abnormal”“fat subjects,” who may not be technically obese but whose desperate efforts to lower their weight endanger their health and bring intense socioemotional suffering. These developments have implications for larger issues of social suffering and social justice.
The fine structure of the alimentary tract of third-stage larvae of Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis

A comparative study was made of defined regions of the alimentary tract of third-stage larvae of T. colubriformis and H. placei. The general organization of the tract was similar in both nematodes. The mouth, buccal cavity and oesophagus were lined with cuticle. Muscle cells, apical cells and gland cells were present in the oesophagus. In both species the gland cells contained secretory granules of similar morphology. The lumen of the intestine was ill-defined and apparently nonfunctional. Dense bodies observed in the intestinal cells differed in the two species. We are grateful to Dr D. W. Brocklesby for his help and advice. We would also like to thank Dr D. L. Lee and Dr W. G. MacMillan for helpful discussions.
A simple method for monitoring the concentration of inhaled nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is a potent endogenous vasodilator involved in the homeostatic control of systemic blood pressure. It has also recently been demonstrated that when inhaled in low concentrations it acts as a specific pulmonary vasodilator. The concept of inhaled nitric oxide as a form of therapy is almost an anathema to anaesthetists. However, nitric oxide is being used increasingly for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate and in the adult respiratory distress syndrome. One major limitation to its frequent and widespread use is the problem of measuring the concentration of nitric oxide delivered. Currently, the gold standard technique used is chemiluminesence. However, the equipment required is costly and can be difficult to use. If the use of inhaled nitric oxide increases and it develops a therapeutic role then its applications may be limited only to centres which can afford such equipment. Others may be prevented from using a potentially valuable therapy due to lack of a controlled delivery system for nitric oxide. An inexpensive, simple alternative technique to chemiluminesence is described, which will allow most intensive care units the freedom to use inhaled nitric oxide if necessary.
How Legislative (In)Activity, Ideological Divergence, and Divided Government Impact Executive Unilateralism: A Test of Three Theories

During the past two decades scholars from a variety of different fields (law, history, journalism, political science) have written extensively about the development and implementation of the Unilateral Presidency. Because several explanations for unilateral action have been posited, we provide a thorough test of three theories of executive unilateral action. Applying a newly-developed methodology to the most comprehensive dataset of unilateral presidential directives to date, results of the Bayesian Poisson Vector Autoregressive model suggest that although executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations are all strategic tools that presidents utilize to unilaterally alter policy, fundamental differences exist between them, as well as the inter-dependence among them. More important, our results show that whereas the percentage of bills passed is related to presidential proclamations, legislative activity actually depends on the number of executive orders issued. However, CQ success scores are related to bot...
A remark on T-valued cohomology groups of algebraic group actions

We prove that for a weakly mixing algebraic action σ:G↷(X,ν), the nth cohomology group Hn(G↷X;T), after quotienting out the natural subgroup Hn(G,T), contains Hn(G,Xˆ) as a natural subgroup for n=1. If we further assume the diagonal actions σ2, σ4 are T-cocycle superrigid and H2(G,Xˆ) is torsion free as an abelian group, then the above also holds true for n=2. Applying it for principal algebraic actions when n=1, we show that H2(G,ZG) is torsion free as an abelian group when G has property (T) as a direct corollary of Sorin Popa's cocycle superrigidity theorem; we also use it (when n=2) to answer, negatively, a question of Sorin Popa on the 2nd cohomology group of Bernoulli shift actions of property (T) groups.
Conceptual Mathematics: The category of sets

A map of sets is a process for getting from one set to another. We investigate the composition of maps (following one process by a second process), and find that the algebra of composition of maps resembles the algebra of multiplication of numbers, but its interpretation is much richer.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Factors Related to Drug Use Among Adult Female Offenders: Implications for Treatment

ABSTRACTThe present study examined racial and ethnic differences and relationships concerning drug use and distribution. A sample of 225 female offenders equally divided by race (Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic) completed the Addiction Severity Index (ASI; Alterman et al., 2001) and provided history and types of drug-related offenses aside from demographic information. Results revealed that Caucasians had significantly more present possession offenses than did African Americans or Hispanics. However, Hispanics had more present distribution offenses than did African Americans or Caucasians. Moreover, Caucasians had significantly higher Drug Addiction Severity Index scores than did African Americans or Hispanics. This study offers insight into the role that race, ethnicity, and gender play related to drug abuse and criminal offending.