cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aragonite Kinetics in Dilute Solutions

Aragonite was synthesized inorganically using a seeded-growth technique to characterize precipitation kinetics for the heterogeneous growth of solid from dilute solutions (ionic strength: 0.05–0.07 mol l−1). The concentration of all aqueous constituents, including Ca (~5–15 mmol l−1), Na (~10–35 mmol l−1), Cl (~30–35 mmol l−1), and carbon (as total alkalinity: ~10 to 17 meq l−1), was held constant by the addition of titrants that contained excess solute concentrations to balance the growth of solid phase during the precipitation reaction, and a CO2/N2 gas mixture (0.009–0.178) was bubbled through each solution to facilitate mass exchange between gaseous and aqueous carbon species. Forty-three experiments were conducted at 10° (n = 13), 25° (n = 21), and 40°C (n = 9), over a range of average saturation states with respect to aragonite from 8.3 to 28.5, 2.9 to 19.6 and 2.0 to 12.2, and average precipitation rates from 102.8 to 103.8, 102.3 to 104.0, and 102.5 to 104.1 micromol m−2 h−1, respectively. Reaction orders averaged 1.7 ± 0.10 at 10°, 1.7 ± 0.07 at 25° and 1.5 ± 0.06 at 40°, and they were independent of temperature while rate constants averaged 101.3 ± 0.12, 101.9 ± 0.06, and 102.6 ± 0.04 micromol m−2 h−1, respectively, increasing one-half order of magnitude for each 15°C rise in temperature. From these data, an Arrhenius activation energy of 71.2 kJ mol−1 is calculated for the heterogeneous precipitation of aragonite. This value is comparable to a sole independent measurement of 80.7 kJ mol−1 reported for the solid-solution recrystallization of monohydrocalcite to aragonite (Munemoto and Fukushi in J Mineral Petrol Sci 103: 345–349, 2008).
Regiodivergent Ring Opening of Chiral Aziridines

Kinetic resolution of strained three-membered rings has proven broadly useful for the generation of enantiopure organic intermediates. Herein we demonstrate a complementary approach whereby a single catalyst transforms a racemic mixture of aziridines to a pair of regioisomeric products, each in good yield with exceptionally high enantioselectivity. Specifically, the dimeric yttrium salen catalyst accelerates the ring opening of aliphatic aziridines by trimethylsilylazide, inducing nucleophilic attack at the primary position of one enantiomer and the secondary position of the other. Both rate and selectivity are highly sensitive to the catalyst structure.
Chance, Necessity, and Mode of Production: A Marxist Critique of Cultural Evolutionism

Cultural evolutionism and historical materialism are two fundamentally divergent theories of evolution. The nonrecognition by cultural evolutionists of Marx's distinction between “social formation” and “mode of production” has led them to interpret his thesis of the determination of superstructures by economic base as “techno-economic change begets new levels of general evolution.” In fact, Marx's actual thesis was aimed at explaining the interrelationships between superstructures and economy within a previously established mode of production. As a consequence, Marx's analysis of how a new mode is “given” has been consistently ignored. Marx poses the problem of the origins of capitalism, not in terms of economic determinism, much less technological fatalism, but in terms of chance and necessity. In this paper, I attempt to draw the theoretical implications of such an approach in respect to general cultural evolution. [Marxism and cultural evolutionism; mode of production; economic determinism criticized; capitalism, rise of; cultural evolution, chance in]
Etiological factors in female transsexualism: a first approximation.

Female-to-male transsexuals (females who are extensively identified as males and want sex-reassignment surgery) are being more frequently described. Yet discussions about etiology are almost nonexistent. Ten examples of female-to-male transsexualism are reported here in which a recurring family role constellation is noted. This constellation may indicate etiological factors. In the present series of cases, the mother is almost always psychologically removed from the family, usually by depression, early in the girl's development. The father, while a substantial person in most regards, does not support his wife in her suffering but instead sends a substitute into the breach. This surrogate husband is the transsexual-to-be, also chosen perhaps because she strikes her parents as unfeminine in appearance from birth on. Since the family needs the child to function thus, any behavior construed as masculine is encouraged, and feminine behavior discouraged, until the islands of masculine qualities coalesce into a cohesive identity. Evidence for this theory comes not only from parents but from the subjects' fantasies, which are of rescuing endangered, motherly women. That these girls' masculinity seems to originate in part from traumatic disruption of mothering suggests that the condition may be allied to some forms of female homosexuality.
Smart and Safe Borders: The Logistics of Inbound Cargo Security

In this paper, the changes that have taken place since September 11, 2001 regarding cargo inbound to the United States are examined. An appraisal of the new rules proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection is provided along with an evaluation, using a game‐theoretic model, of how shippers and carriers may be expected to adapt to this new set of regulations. Since Canada is the most prominent trade partner of the United States, an overview of these changes in the context of the U.S.‐Canada border is presented.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging in radiotherapy planning for recurrent glioma.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate how incorporation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) into radiotherapy planning would increase the target volume for patients with recurrent glioma. Methods After prior standard radiotherapy, 25 patients with recurrent glioma were treated with bevacizumab and concurrent hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT), delivering 30 Gy in five fractions. MRSI were acquired for 12 patients. Areas with markedly higher choline levels relative to the levels of total creatine and N-acetylaspartate were identified and referred to as MRSI voxels with elevated metabolite ratios (EMR). Gross tumor volume (GTV) consisted of contrast-enhancing tumor on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) and computed tomography. Clinical target volume (CTV) was GTV + 5 mm margin and MRSI voxels with EMR. Overall survival (OS) and 6-month progression free survival (PFS) for these patients were reported in a prior publication [Gutin et al., Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol., Phys. 75(1), 156-163 (2009)], and the outcome was correlated with the GTV and the volume of MRSI voxels with EMR in this study. Results Seven of the 12 patients had MRSI voxels with EMR. If none of the MRSI voxels with EMR were included, the CTV would range from 9.2 to 73.0 cm3 with a median of 31.0 cm3, whereas if all voxels were included, the CTV would range from 27.4 to 74.4 cm3 with a median of 35.0 cm3. For three of the seven patients, including the voxels with EMR, would have increased the CTV by 14%-23%. For one patient, where the MRSI voxels with EMR did not overlap the GTV, including these voxels would increase the CTV by 198%. No correlation could be found between the OS and PFS and the GTV or the volume of MRSI voxels with EMR. Conclusions Seven of 12 patients with recurrent glioma had MRSI voxels with EMR. For four of these seven patients, including the MRSI voxels with EMR, significantly increased the CTV. This study does not have statistical power to conclude on the importance of including areas with MRSI-suspect disease into the radiation target volume.
IN thE EyES Of thE BEhOlDERS feedback Motivations and Practices Among Nonprofit Providers and their funders

This article examines how funders and the nonprofit organizations they support view current feedback practices and explore the similarities and differences in their perspectives. A survey of funders and nonprofit service providers in a six-county area in south-central New York State found that funders value feedback as a way to verify that funded activities have been completed and to assess outcomes, whereas providers use feedback to improve service and to ensure that their organizations are responsive to clients. Some funders were uncertain about how providers use feedback, some providers were uncertain about how funders use it, and some respondents in both categories were not confident about the capacity of their own organizations to use feedback information. Many funders and providers discuss feedback results and implications with each other, but funders and providers collaborate less in other aspects of the feedback process. These findings have implications for theory and practice and for future research.
Two Decades of Family Change: The Shifting Economic Foundations of Marriage

Has the relationship between economic prospects and marriage formation in the United States changed in recent decades? To answer this question, a discrete-time event-history analysis was conducted using data from multiple cohorts of the National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Market Experience. Among women, results indicate growth in the importance of earnings for marriage formation between the early baby-boom cohort (born between 1950 and 1954) and late baby-boom cohort (born between 1961 and 1965). Evidence of cohort change in the relationship between men s economic prospects and marriage, however, is limited. Despite important racial differences in the economic and attitudinal context of marriage, key results are generally similar for whites and for African Americans. Taken together, these findings imply that men and women are growing to resemble one another with respect to the relationship between economic prospects and marriage, although this convergence is driven primarily by changing patterns of marriage among women. These results are largely supportive of Oppenheimer's career-entry theory of marriage and suggest that Becker's specialization and trading model of marriage may be outdated.
Effect of Excess Lysine on the Utilization of and Requirement for Arginine by the Chick

Abstract A crystalline amino acid diet was modified to be limiting in arginine to study the effects of excess dietary lysine on the utilization of and requirement for arginine by the chick. At the same level of feed and arginine consumption, chicks fed a diet containing 0.95% lysine gained faster than those fed a diet containing 1.95% lysine. Chicks responded to supplemental arginine when fed either level of lysine, but the growth response was considerably greater when chicks were fed ad libitum than when they were equal fed. The results indicate that excess dietary lysine not only reduces feed intake but also impairs arginine utilization. These effects of excess lysine are reflected by a 51% increase in the dietary arginine requirement of chicks fed approximately 1% excess dietary lysine. The magnitude of increase in the arginine requirement is close to that predicted from slope-ratio assays reported in a previous study.
The phylogenetic position ofMahgarita stevensi: protoanthropoid or lemuroid?

This comparative study of the cranial and dental morphology ofMahgarita stevensi, which includes description of new fossil material, is designed to address hypotheses concerning the phylogenetic position ofMahgarita with respect to the Anthropoidea and tooth-combed prosimians (Lemuriformes, including Lorisoidea).Mahgarita shares with Oligocene anthropoids and primitive platyrrhines a complex assemblage of structural features that do not occur together in any tooth-combed prosimians; they include a large promontory canal and reduced or absent stapedial canal, a pneumatized petromastoid, a lateral transverse intrabullar septum and probable absence of a free annular ectotympanic, synostosed mandibular symphysis with a transverse torus, a short deep maxilla, maxillomaxillary contact on the inferior orbital margin, an upper canine with a mesial groove, a pronounced nasal spine of the palatine bone, and detailed similarities in occlusal features of the upper molars and other teeth.Mahgarita shares with tooth-combed prosimians several primitive euprimate characters, such as lack of postorbital closure and absence of intrabullar trabeculae. Previous conclusions thatMahgarita is related closely to living strepsirhines were based on a small number of primitive, gradistic features. Cranial characters that have been presented in favor of a tarsiiform-anthropoid clade are analyzed with respect toMahgarita and primitive anthropoids. The results suggest that, among known prosimians,Mahgarita is the one most closely related to the Anthropoidea.
Method for Determining Dissolution Rates of Multiparticulate Systems

A method and apparatus are described for the measurement of dissolution rates of multiparticulate systems. Dissolution studies were conducted with benzoic acid and salicylamide in order to determine the applicability of the method. Replication between experiments was well within accepted limits. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrated reasonable agreement with the extended Hixson-Crowell equation.
Infrared Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for conformal dome metrology

An infrared Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor operating in the mid-IR has been constructed to test aspheric conformal optics. This transmission measurement of the dome is done in the as-used configuration without null optics.
Amino-terminal processing of MIP-1β/CCL4 by CD26/dipeptidyl-peptidase IV

CD26 is a membrane-bound ectopeptidase with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity that has diverse functional properties in T cell physiology and in regulation of bioactive peptides. We have previously reported that activated human peripheral lymphocytes (PBL) secrete an amino-terminal truncated form of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1beta/(3-69) with novel functional specificity for CCR1, 2, and 5. In this report, we show that the full length MIP-1beta is processed by CD26/DPPIV to the truncated form and that cleavage can be blocked by DPPIV inhibitory peptides derived from HIV Tat(1-9) or the thromboxane A2 receptor, TAX2-R(1-9). Addition of Tat(1-9) or TAX2-R(1-9) peptides to PBL cultures partially blocks endogenous MIP-1beta processing. The kinetics of conversion of MIP-1beta from intact to MIP-1beta(3-69) in activated PBLs correlates with cell surface expression of CD26. Our results suggest that NH2-terminal processing of MIP-1beta and possibly other chemokines may depend on the balance between CD26/DPPIV enzymatic activity and cellular and viral proteins that modulate enzyme function.
Scandium oxide antireflection coatings for superluminescent LEDs

For an employment of laser diodes as superluminescent LEDs (SLDs) or amplifiers, the facets of the diodes must be coated with antireflection films. In the work reported, scandium oxide was evaporated from an e-beam source onto Supersil II fused silica substrates. The obtained samples were used for measurements of absorption and reflectivity. Results of index measurements on e-beam evaporated films are presented. It is shown that excellent coatings with reflectivities of 0.00025 can be obtained using these films. Attention is given to the refractive indices for scandium oxide films as a function of wavelength, the power output vs current for laser before coating and after coating with Sc2O3.
Practical algorithms to facilitate large-scale first-principles molecular dynamics

Running First-Principles Molecular Dynamics (FPMD) simulations on large parallel platforms presents a number of practical challenges related to the large size of the datasets generated during simulations and to the lack of flexibility of parallel FPMD codes for the implementation of new algorithms. In this paper, we present two approaches implemented in the Qbox code, that alleviate these problems and facilitate large-scale FPMD simulations. We first describe a parallel I/O strategy based on MPI-IO that fully exploits the performance of parallel file systems. We also describe the implementation of a client-server interface that enables coupled quantum-classical computations in which the quantum simulation run by Qbox is driven by another application. This feature can be used to couple FPMD simulations with other simulation methods such as e.g. Path Integral Monte Carlo, thermodynamic integration or replica exchange dynamics.
Length measurement and stabilization of optical substrates

The initial work on the use of acoustic signals to feedback control the length of an optical substrate to the order of 10−6 parts in 106 is described.
An Examination of the Thermodynamics of Fusion, Vaporization, and Sublimation of Ibuprofen and Naproxen by Correlation Gas Chromatography

ABSTRACT: ± The vaporization enthalpies of (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen measured by correlation gas chromatography at T = 298.15K are reported and compared with literature values. Adjustment of the fusion enthalpies of (RS)- and (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen to T = 298.15K and combined with the vaporization enthalpy of the (S)-enantiomer of both ibuprofen and naproxen also at T = 298.15K resulted in the sublimation enthalpies of both (S)-enantiomers. On the assumption that the vaporization enthalpy of the racemic form of ibuprofen is within the experimental uncertainty of the chiral form, the sublimation enthalpy of racemic ibuprofen was also evaluated. The vaporization and sublimation enthalpies compare favorably to the most of the literature values for the racemic form of ibuprofen but differ from the value reported for chiral ibuprofen. The literature values of (S)-naproxen are somewhat smaller than the values measured in this work. The following vaporization enthalpies were measured for (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen, respectively: Δ H vap (298.15K), 106.0 5.5, 132.2 ± 5.0 kJ·mol −1 . Sublimation enthalpies of 122.7 ± 5.6 and 155.2 ± 7.1 kJ·mol −1 were calculated for the (S)-enantiomers of ibuprofen and naproxen and a value of 128.9 ± 5.8 kJ·mol −1 was estimated for the racemic form of ibuprofen. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.
Logical, internal, and physical reference behavior in CODASYL database systems

This work investigates one aspect of the performance of CODASYL database systems: the data reference behavior. We introduce a model of database traversals at three levels: the logical, internal, and physical levels. The mapping between the logical and internal levels is defined by the internal schema, whereas the mapping between the internal and the physical levels depends on cluster properties of the database. Our model explains the physical reference behavior for a given sequence of DML statements at the logical level.Software has been implemented to monitor references in two selected CODASYL DBMS applications. In a series of experiments the physical reference behavior was observed for varying internal schemas and cluster properties of the database. The measurements were limited to retrieval transactions, so that a variety of queries could be analyzed for the same well-known state of the database. Also, all databases were relatively small in order to allow fast reloading with varying internal schema parameters. In all cases, the database transactions showed less locality of reference than do programs under virtual memory operating systems; some databases showed no locality at all. No evidence of physical sequentiality was found. This suggests that standard page replacement strategies are not optimal for CODASYL database buffer management; instead, replacement decisions in a database buffer should be based on specific knowledge available from higher system layers.
Relationship of semen quality to sperm transport, fertilization, and embryo quality in ruminants*

Abstract Success of a mating is dependent upon both quality and quantity of semen delivered to the female. Males differ not only in fertility at all inseminate dosages, but also in the minimum number of sperm per inseminate required to reach maximum fertility. Thus, two aspects of a male's semen quality become important — that which is compensable, where increasing sperm dosage to the female results in a response in fertility, and that which is uncompensable, where differences in fertility among males can no longer be removed by increasing sperm dosage. Compensable traits of semen are those believed to be associated with the inability of sperm to reach the site of fertilization or to initiate the block to polyspermy by penetration of the ovum vestments. Uncompensable traits appear to be associated with the inability of fertilizing sperm to sustain the fertilization process and/or development of the early embryo. It is now important in the evaluation of semen and the male that these two aspects of reproductive deficiency be considered independently. There is also accumulating evidence that low sperm numbers at the site of fertilization (low competition among sperm), due either to problems of male (inseminator) or female origin, may favor fertilization by less competent sperm that may be unable to complete the fertilization process or sustain the young embryo.
Gynecologic health care for the adolescent solid organ transplant recipient

The improved survival of pediatric recipients of solid organ transplants has prompted increased attention to quality of life issues. These include attainment of normal growth, involvement in romantic relationships, and the desire to control fertility. As an increasing number of adolescent transplant recipients are involved in normal social and sexual relationships, they require careful attention to their gynecologic and reproductive health care needs. Anticipating the onset of sexual activity before it occurs may help to prevent a mistimed pregnancy by providing or prescribing condoms and emergency contraception in advance. In addition, many transplant recipients can safely use the currently available methods of hormonal contraception provided there is careful attention to organ function, other medical problems, and concurrently prescribed medications. In adolescent patients, issues such as pubertal development and menstruation, contraception, and routine gynecologic health care are typically addressed by the patient's primary care provider. However, the complexity of the adolescent transplant recipient's medical care necessitates close collaboration among all health care providers caring for the patient. This review is intended to help the transplant team better understand the gynecologic health care needs and treatment options of their adolescent patients.
Quest for the Elusive Lossless Metal

Metals that are lossy at low frequencies can become lossless in mid-infrared once the inter-atomic distances exceed certain value. While this condition is not met in Nature, advances in nanoassembly may render lossless metals feasible.
Structure-activity relationships of 1,2,3-benzothiadiazoles as synergists for carbaryl against the house fly (Musca domestica)

Abstract Fifty six 1,2,3-benzothiadiazoles and related compounds were evaluated as carbaryl synergists against the house fly ( Musca domestica ). Many of these were excellent synergists, the most active being those containing various combinations of halogen, alkyl, or alkoxy substituents in the 5- and/or 6-positions of the ring. Regression analysis on the data from 14 compounds for which substituents constants were available established that synergistic activity can be satisfactorily described by equations in terms of the hydrophobic bonding constant (π) and the homolytic free radical constant (σ ·). The results with compounds related to the 1,2,3-benzothiadiazoles suggest that synergistic activity is associated primarily with the diazosulfide moiety.
PORPHYRINS IN MUSCLE AND RED BONE MARROW OF BEEF

A method for the determination of total porphyrins in beef biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles, in beef red bone marrow and in lamb biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles is reported. Tissues of decreasing levels of porphyrins were: red marrow, beef biceps femoris, beef semitendinosus, lamb biceps femoris, lamb semitendinosus. Protoporphyrin was the major, if not only, porphyrin present in the muscle and marrow samples.
Focusing a fountain of neutral cesium atoms with an electrostatic lens triplet

An electrostatic lens with three focusing elements in an alternating-gradient configuration is used to focus a fountain of cesium atoms in their ground (strong-field-seeking) state. The lens electrodes are shaped to produce only sextupole plus dipole equipotentials which avoids adding the unnecessary nonlinear forces present in cylindrical lenses. Defocusing between lenses is greatly reduced by having all of the main electric fields point in the same direction and be of nearly equal magnitude. The addition of the third lens gave us better control of the focusing strength in the two transverse planes and allowed focusing of the beam to half the image size in both planes. The beam envelope was calculated for lens voltages selected to produced specific focusing properties. The calculations, starting from first principles, were compared with measured beam sizes and found to be in good agreement. Application to fountain experiments, atomic clocks, and focusing polar molecules in strong-field-seeking states is discussed.
Operation ‘ring’ the black berets in Azerbaijan

(1992). Operation ‘ring’ the black berets in Azerbaijan. The Journal of Soviet Military Studies: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 80-96.
Otoplasty: an analysis of technique over a 33-year period.

Objective: To compare the merits of otoplasty technique with a diverse patient population as experienced spanning a period greater 30 years. Study Design: A review of a series of otoplasty cases that occurred in two distinctly different clinical settings during a 33-year period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 211 patients undergoing otoplasty from 1969 to 1982 in a military hospital setting was compared with 118 patients receiving otoplasty from 1982 to 2002 in a university/private practice setting. The patient population consisted of 180 adults and 149 children. Results: Otoplasty patients in the military setting were primarily adults, whereas those in the university/private practice setting were primarily children. In the adult population, 98.9% of patients required use of lateral conchal cartilage resection combined with a mattress suture technique. In the pediatric population, all patients required use of a mattress suture technique and in 83.2% of selected cases limited lateral conchal cartilage resection was required. Conclusion: Otoplasty technique involving lateral conchal cartilage resection, mattress suture fixation, or a combination of both is applicable to diverse patient populations.
A simple accretion/diffusion model for Lambda Bootis stars

It has recently been suggested that the peculiar abundance patterns observed in the Lambda Bootis stars could be understood in terms of accretion of gas previously depleted in metals by means of grain formation in the interstellar medium. A simple analytical model is presented, describing the evolution of elemental abundances in these stars, under the combined influence of accretion and chemical separation. The only arbitrary parameter involved is the accretion rate. A rate of order 10 to the {minus}13th solar mass/yr is found to naturally reproduce many peculiar characteristics of Lambda Bootis stars, in particular their restriction to the spectral type range A0{minus}F0. This lends quantitative support to the accretion hypothesis as a key component toward an understanding of the Lambda Bootis phenomenon. 18 refs.
DESIGN AND MACHINING OF COPPER SPECIMENS WITH MICRO HOLES FOR ACCURATE HEAT TRANSFER MEASUREMENTS

This article presents a technique that has been developed specifically for drilling 0.5334-mm-diameter, 19-mm-deep holes in copper for use in temperature measurement. The holes accept thermocouples, which are used for the measurement of the temperature gradient and the wall temperature of the specimen. Errors due to the intrusion of the probe, ami the finite size and mass of the probe, are reduced as the diameter of the probes is reduced. A machining procedure for drilling deep micro holes in copper cannot be found in conventional texts; this article advocates holes that are deeper than those traditionally recommended. This article is written for both machinists and experimentalists. Both heat transfer and machining criteria are considered. The necessary equipment and their specifications are discussed. Special attention is given to specifying drilling speeds, feed rates, and lubricants. Step-by-step drilling instructions are given. An analysis is performed to reveal the important parameters for reducing ...
Inverse simulation of large-amplitude aircraft maneuvers

Inverse simulation techniques are computational methods that determine the control inputs to a dynamic system that will produce desired system outputs. Such techniques can be useful tools for the analysis and evaluation of problems associated with maneuvering flight. As opposed to current inverse simulation methods that require numerical time differentiation in their implementation, the proposed technique is essentially an integration algorithm. It is applicable to cases where the number of inputs equals or exceeds the number of constrained outputs. The algorithm is exercised in determining the trim conditions and then the control inputs that force a nonlinear model of an F-16 fighter to complete large-amplitude maneuvers.
Inhibition kinetics and affinity labeling of bacterial squalene: hopene cyclase by thia-substituted analogues of 2,3-oxidosqualene

Five sulfur-containing analogues of 2,3-oxidosqualene (OS) were evaluated as inhibitors of squalene:hopene cyclase (SHC) from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. In these analogues, sulfur replaces carbons at C-6, C-10, C-14, C-18, or C-19 of OS. Each analogue was a submicromolar inhibitor of SHC with IC50 values ranging from 60 to 570 nM. Enzyme inhibition kinetic analysis was performed using homogeneous recombinant A. acidocaldarius SHC. While analogues 9 (S-14, Ki = 109 nM, kinact = 0.058 min-1) and 11 (S-19, Ki = 83 nM, kinact = 0.054 min-1) were time-dependent inhibitors of SHC, analogues 7 (S-6, Ki = 127 nM) and 8 (S-10, Ki = 971 nM) showed no time dependency with SHC. Analogue 10 (S-18) was the most potent inhibitor and showed time-dependent irreversible inhibition (Ki = 31 nM, kinact = 0.071 min-1). Kinetic analysis for the five analogues with purified rat liver OSLC was conducted to compare the vertebrate and prokaryotic enzymes. Affinity labeling experiments, using either [17-3H]10 or [22-3H]10 wit...
A technique for fabricating mandibular treatment dentures.

Summary For most difficult-to-treat denture patients, problems are centered on the mandibular denture. The mandibular treatment denture is a valuable diagnostic and treatment device that can be used with success in treating these patients. The advantages, indications, and contraindications for the mandibular treatment denture have been described.
Clinical application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in 4 dogs.

Objective— To describe outcome in dogs with insufficient bone healing treated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Four dogs clinically affected with delayed union or nonunion bone healing. Methods— Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical problem, treatment, and outcome. Results— Four dogs that had delayed- or nonunion of bone fracture, osteotomy, or arthrodesis were treated with either minimally invasive, fluoroscopically guided, percutaneous administration or direct surgical application of rhBMP-2. Doses used ranged from 0.2 to 1.6 mg of rhBMP-2. In 3 dogs, a calcium phosphate matrix (CPM) carrier was used whereas in 1 dog commercially prepared rhBMP-2 impregnated in an absorbable collagen sponge (INFUSE® Bone Graft) was used. This latter dog had osteomyelitis associated with implant infection before rhBMP-2 administration. Rapid radiographic union was noted in all dogs with excellent long-term outcome. Adverse effects were minimal and included transient worsening of lameness after percutaneous administration of rhBMP-2 in 2 dogs. Conclusions— rhBMP-2 stimulated rapid bone formation at delayed- or nonunion sites resulting in radiographic bone union with minimal adverse effects and excellent long-term outcome in 4 dogs. Clinical Relevance— Direct intraoperative administration or fluoroscopically guided, minimally invasive delivery of rhBMP-2 may be an effective treatment modality for bone delayed- or nonunions and could potentially be used to stimulate new bone production in a variety of orthopedic surgical conditions in dogs.
The future of mobile computing

Summary form only given. This talk will describe a view of the future using mobile connected devices/telephones/tablets. It is obvious that in the very near future your mobile device may be your principal, if not only, way to communicate including your use of the Internet. I will describe new applications that will include the use of context-based information. A simple example of this is geo-location and other information relating to how a user is “using” the mobile device. I will also describe other applications including language translation, health care delivery, and the use of onboard sensors. The use of the imaging sensor (i.e. the camera) for non-imaging applications will be described. This talk will describe my view of where this mobile future is going and how it will be “good” for users but I will also address problems of privacy. One could envision a mobile device that would spy on its users.
Combined optimization of a wind farm and a well field for wind-enabled groundwater production

Energy requirements constitute a significant cost in groundwater production and can also add to a large carbon footprint when fossil fuels are used for power. Wind-enabled water production is advantageous as it minimizes air pollution impacts associated with groundwater production and relies on a renewable resource. Also, as groundwater extraction represents a deferrable load (i.e., it can be carried out when energy demands within an area are low), it provides a convenient way to overcome the intermittency issue associated with wind power production. Multiple turbine wind farms are needed to generate large quantities of power needed for large-scale groundwater production. Turbines must be optimally located in these farms to ensure proper propagation of kinetic energy throughout the system. By the same token, well placement must reconcile the competing objectives of minimizing interferences between production wells while ensuring the drawdowns at the property boundary are within acceptable limits. A combined simulation–optimization based model is developed in this study to optimize the combined wind energy and water production systems. The wind farm layout optimization model is solved using a re-sampling strategy, while the well field configuration is obtained using the simulated annealing technique. The utility of the developed model is to study wind-enabled water production in San Patricio County, TX. Sensitivity analysis indicated that identifying optimal placement of turbines is vital to extract maximum wind power. The variability of the wind speeds has a critical impact on the amount of water that can be produced. Innovative technologies such as variable flow pumping devices and aquifer storage recovery must be used to smooth out wind variability. While total groundwater extraction is less sensitive to uncertainty in hydrogeological parameters, improper estimation of aquifer transmissivity and storage characteristics can affect the feasibility of wind-driven groundwater production.
Determination of the R‐Curve from the Strength—Indentation Load Relation

Strength as a function of indentation load has been measured to evaluate toughness versus crack size curves (i.e., R-curves) of ceramics. In the past, this evaluation is achieved by generating a family of global stress intensity versus crack size curves (i.e., K-curves) at each indentation load and its corresponding strength, and then fitting an envelope of tangency points to these curves. This envelope yields the R-curve. A methodology is proposed in the present study to define the point in the K-curve at which the R-curve intersects. This methodology complements the conventional ``tangency condition`` approach in determining the R-curve from the experimental strength-indentation load relation.
Molecular Genetic Evidence that the Hydrophobic Anchors of Glycoproteins E2 and E1 Interact during Assembly of Alphaviruses

Chimeric alphaviruses in which the 6K and glycoprotein E1 moieties of Sindbis virus are replaced with those of Ross River virus grow very poorly, but upon passage, adapted variants arise that grow >100 times better. We have sequenced the entire domain encoding the E2, 6K, and E1 proteins of a number of these adapted variants and found that most acquired two amino acid changes, which had cumulative effects. In three independent passage series, amino acid 380 of E2, which is in the transmembrane domain, was mutated from the original isoleucine to serine in two instances and to valine once. We have now changed this residue to seven others by site-directed mutagenesis and tested the effects of these mutations on the growth of both the chimera [SIN(RRE1)] and of parental Sindbis. These results indicate that the transmembrane domains of glycoproteins E2 and E1 of alphaviruses interact in a sequence-dependent manner and that this interaction is required for efficient budding and assembly of infectious virions.
Vaccination: a new option to reduce the burden of herpes zoster

There is a strong correlation between the incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) and increasing age, with a marked rise in incidence from approximately the age of 50–60 years. The lifetime risk is approximately 25% and the disease is associated with acute and sometimes persistent pain, which substantially reduces the day-to-day functioning and quality of life of affected individuals, particularly older adults. The disease most commonly occurs as a result of an age-related decline in cell-mediated immunity. A live attenuated zoster vaccine has been developed to boost the varicella–zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity of older adults and, via this mechanism, protect the individual against HZ and its complications. Evidence that the vaccine is effective in older patients comes from the pivotal Shingles Prevention Study. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving approximately 40,000 adults aged 60 years or more. The HZ vaccinated group had a 51% lower incidence of HZ, a 67% redu...
VoIP Intrusion Detection Through Interacting Protocol State Machines

Being a fast-growing Internet application, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) shares the network resources with the regular Internet traffic, and is susceptible to the existing security holes of the Internet. Moreover, given that voice communication is time sensitive and uses a suite of interacting protocols, VoIP exposes new forms of vulnerabilities to malicious attacks. In this paper, we propose a highly-needed VoIP intrusion detection system. Our approach is novel in that, it utilizes not only the state machines of network protocols but also the interaction among them for intrusion detection. This detection approach is particularly suited for protecting VoIP applications, in which a melange of protocols are involved to provide IP telephony services. Based on tracking deviations from interacting protocol state machines, our solution shows promising detection characteristics and low runtime impact on the perceived quality of voice streams
Spatial patterns of epifaunal communities in San Francisco Bay eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds

Epifaunal invertebrate species, such as amphipods and isopods, have been shown to play key but varying roles in the functioning of seagrass habitats. In this study, we characterized patterns in the poorly known epifaunal communities in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in San Francisco Bay as a first step in understanding the individual and collective importance of these species, while testing predictions on spatial patterns derived from previous studies in other regions. Surveys conducted at five beds across multiple time periods (April, June, August and October 2007) showed that San Francisco Bay eelgrass beds varied strongly in epifaunal community composition, total, and relative abundance, and that abundance differed markedly among time periods. In contrast to findings by others, morphologically complex flowering shoots frequently harbored greater numbers of epifauna (>2· and up to 10· more individuals) than vegetative shoots, but not different species assemblages. Similar to previous studies, several abiotic factors did not explain patterns in distribution and abundance among beds. The proportion of introduced species was very high (>90% of all individuals), a finding unique among seagrass epifaunal studies to date. Defining numerical patterns in epifaunal communities will inform related efforts to understand effects of epifaunal species and assemblages on eelgrass growth dynamics, seed production, and higher order trophic interactions over space and time.
Fast level set estimation from projection measurements

Estimation of the level set of a function (i.e., regions where the function exceeds some value) is an important problem with applications in digital elevation maps, medical imaging, and astronomy. In many applications, however, the function of interest is acquired through indirect measurements, such as tomographic projections, coded-aperture measurements, or pseudo-random projections associated with compressed sensing. This paper describes a new methodology and associated theoretical analysis for rapid and accurate estimation of the level set from such projection measurements. The proposed method estimates the level set from projection measurements without an intermediate function reconstruction step, thereby leading to significantly faster computation. In addition, the coherence of the projection operator and McDiarmid's inequality are used to characterize the estimator's performance.
Chimpanzees and the Behavior of Ardipithecus ramidus

The living great apes and, in particular, the chimpanzee have served as models of the behavior and ecology of earliest hominins for many decades. The reconstructions of Ardipithecus ramidus have, however, called into question the relevance of great-ape models. This paper reviews the ways in which human evolutionary scholars have used field data on the great apes to build models of human origins. I consider the likely behavioral ecology of A. ramidus and the relevance of the great apes for understanding the earliest stages of hominin evolution. I argue that the Ardipithecus fossils strongly support a chimpanzee model for early hominin behavioral ecology. They indicate a chimpanzee-like hominoid that appears to be an early biped or semibiped, adapted to both terrestrial and arboreal substrates. I suggest how paleoanthropologists may more realistically extrapolate from living apes to extinct hominoid behavior and ecology.
Cyclohexanol analogues are positive modulators of GABAA receptor currents and act as general anaesthetics in vivo

article i nfo GABAA receptors meet all the pharmacological criteria required to be considered important general anaesthetic targets. In the following study, the modulatory effects of various commercially available and novel cyclohexanols were investigated on recombinant human γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA, α1β2γ2s) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and compared to the modulatory effects on GABA currents observed with exposures to the intravenous anaesthetic agent, propofol. Submaximal EC20 GABA currents were typically enhanced by co-applications of 3-300 μM cyclohexanols. For instance, at 30 μM 2,6-diisopropylcyclohexanol (a novel compound) GABA responses were increased ~3-fold (although similar enhancements were achieved at 3 μM propofol). As regards rank order for modulation by the cyclohexanol analogues at 30 μM, the % enhancements for 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanol~2,6-diethylcyclohexanol~2,6-diisopropylcyclohexanol~2,6-di-sec- butylcyclohexanol ≫2,6-di-tert-butylcyclohexanol~4-tert-butylcyclohexanolNcyclohexanol~cyclopentanol~2- methylcyclohexanol. We further tested the potencies of the cyclohexanol analogues as general anaesthetics using a tadpole in vivo assay. Both 2,6-diisopropylcyclohexanol and 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanol were effective as anaesthetics with EC50 so f 14.0 μ Ma nd 13.1μM respectively, while other cyclohexanols with bulkier side chains were less potent. In conclusion, our data indicate that cyclohexanols are both positive modulators of GABAA receptors currents and anaesthetics. The positioning and size of the alkyl groups at the 2 and 6 positions on the cyclohexanol ring were critical determinants of activity.
Brassinosteroids regulate organ boundary formation in the shoot apical meristem of Arabidopsis

Spatiotemporal control of the formation of organ primordia and organ boundaries from the stem cell niche in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) determines the patterning and architecture of plants, but the underlying signaling mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that brassinosteroids (BRs) play a key role in organ boundary formation by repressing organ boundary identity genes. BR-hypersensitive mutants display organ-fusion phenotypes, whereas BR-insensitive mutants show enhanced organ boundaries. The BR-activated transcription factor BZR1 directly represses the CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC) family of organ boundary identity genes. In WT plants, BZR1 accumulates at high levels in the nuclei of central meristem and organ primordia but at a low level in organ boundary cells to allow CUC gene expression. Activation of BR signaling represses CUC gene expression and causes organ fusion phenotypes. This study uncovers a role for BR in the spatiotemporal control of organ boundary formation and morphogenesis in the SAM.
Recent Events in Alcoholic Liver Disease V. Effects of ethanol on liver regeneration

Liver regeneration is necessary to recover from alcoholic liver injury. Herein, we review evidence that ethanol interferes with liver regeneration. Briefly, alcoholic fatty livers demonstrate increased rates of hepatocyte death. The latter provides a regenerative stimulus. However, unlike mature hepatocytes in healthy adult livers, most surviving mature hepatocytes in alcoholic fatty livers cannot replicate. Therefore, less mature cells (progenitors) must differentiate to replace dead hepatocytes. Little is known about the general mechanisms that modulate the differentiation of liver progenitors in adults. Delineation of these mechanisms and clarification of how ethanol influences them might suggest new therapies for alcoholic liver disease.
STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBE REINFORCED NANOCOMPOSITES

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) possess many unique characteristics that promise to revolutionize the world of structural materials resulting in significant impact on our capability to build lighter, smaller and higher performance structures for aerospace and many other industrial applications. When the CNT are aligned, micromechanical studies showed the potential of an order of magnitude increase in mechanical properties comparing to the state of the art carbon fiber reinforced composites. The coelectrospinning process is introduced as a pathway to realize this potential by aligning and carrying the CNT in the form of nanocomposite fibrils; thus forming the precursor for linear, planar and 3D fiber assemblies for macrocomposites. In this study, SWNT were purified and dispersed in polyacrylonitrile solution for co-electrospinning into nanocomposite fibrils. The structure, composition and physical properties of these composite fibrils were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, TEM, AFM, and TGA.