cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating perturbation contributions in SAFT models by comparing to molecular simulation of n-alkanes

Abstract SAFT models are generally written as a perturbation series of the Helmholtz energy with reciprocal temperature as the argument. The perturbation coefficients are then functions of density and molecular size. The variation of the perturbation coefficients with molecular size is given primarily by Wertheim's theory [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , but there may be additional variations as in the PC-SAFT model. In the present work, we compare the characterization of perturbation coefficients inferred from PC-SAFT to those derived from molecular simulations. The molecular simulations are based on Discontinuous Molecular Dynamics (DMD) and second order Thermodynamic Perturbation Theory (TPT). DMD simulation is applied to the repulsive part of the potential model with molecular details like fused hard spheres for the interaction sites and 110° bond angles. The thermodynamic effects of disperse attractions are treated by rigorous application of TPT. The present work re-examines the related work of Elliott and Gray [35] in the low density and critical regions, focusing on n-alkanes with carbon numbers ranging from 3 to 80. We find that SAFT theory overestimates the repulsive contribution (A0) and underestimates the first order contribution (A1) of Helmholtz energy relative to simulation. Nevertheless, the correlations are qualitatively reasonable. Significant inconsistencies arise when considering the second order contribution (A2). For example, the PC-SAFT characterization of A2 becomes larger than A1 in the low density, long chain limit, raising concerns about the convergence of the series. Furthermore, fluctuations are underestimated in the critical region and overestimated in the liquid region. In each case, we can suggest improved characterizations. Altogether, these results suggest ways to modify the SAFT formalism to achieve greater consistency between atomistic and coarse-grained models.
3-D two-point ray tracing for heterogeneous, weakly transversely isotropic media

A two‐point ray‐tracing technique for 3-D smoothly heterogeneous, weakly transversely isotropic media is based on Fermat’s principle and takes advantage of global Chebyshev approximation of both the model and curved rays. This approximation gives explicit relations for derivatives of traveltime with respect to ray parameters and allows use of the rapidly converging conjugate gradient method to compute traveltimes. The method is fast because, for most smoothly heterogeneous media, approximation of rays by only a few polynomials and a few conjugate gradient iterations provide excellent precision in traveltime calculation.
Rumor as Communication: A Contextualist Approach.

A consideration of rumor as “a process of explanation” reviews and integrates a range of findings on bow four conditions-personal anxiety, general uncertainly, credulity, and topical importance-affect and may even predict rumor generation and transmission.
Caveolin-1 Assembles Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors and Canonical Transient Receptor Potential 3 Channels into a Functional Signaling Complex in Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells

Physical coupling of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R1) to plasma membrane canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels activates a cation current (ICat) in arterial smooth muscle cells that induces vasoconstriction. However, structural components that enable IP3R1 and TRPC3 channels to communicate locally are unclear. Caveolae are plasma membrane microdomains that can compartmentalize proteins. Here, we tested the hypothesis that caveolae and specifically caveolin-1 (cav-1), a caveolae scaffolding protein, facilitate functional IP3R1 to TRPC3 coupling in smooth muscle cells of resistance-size cerebral arteries. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), which disassembles caveolae, reduced IP3-induced ICat activation in smooth muscle cells and vasoconstriction in pressurized arteries. Cholesterol replenishment reversed these effects. Cav-1 knockdown using shRNA attenuated IP3-induced vasoconstriction, but did not alter TRPC3 and IP3R1 expression. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the cav-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) sequence (amino acids 82–101) also attenuated IP3-induced ICat activation and vasoconstriction. A cav-1 antibody co-immunoprecipitated cav-1, TRPC3, and IP3R1 from cerebral artery lysate. ImmunoFRET indicated that cav-1, TRPC3 channels and IP3R1 are spatially co-localized in arterial smooth muscle cells. IP3R1 and TRPC3 channel spatial localization was disrupted by MβCD and a CSD peptide. Cholesterol replenishment re-established IP3R1 and TRPC3 channel close spatial proximity. Taken together, these data indicate that in arterial smooth muscle cells, cav-1 co-localizes SR IP3R1 and plasma membrane TRPC3 channels in close spatial proximity thereby enabling IP3-induced physical coupling of these proteins, leading to ICat generation and vasoconstriction.
Interaction of Rubidium or Sodium with Potassium in Absorption by Intact Sugar Beet Plants

This study concerns the selective absorption of K and Rb or of K and Na by intact sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) plants from modified conventional nutrient solutions over an extended period of plant growth. Long term results agreed with those of short term experiments by other investigators using excised root systems and simple salt solutions. Potassium and Rb were mutually competitive in their absorption. High selectivity of K relative to Na absorption was observed. Sodium was excluded during the early growth period of sugar beets.
Mothers on the tenure track: what engineering and technology faculty still confront

Despite the many changes in policy and practice that colleges and universities in the United States have instituted to help women faculty achieve work life balance, challenges persist. This article discusses the difficulties still faced by female engineering and engineering technology faculty who are trying to balance the demands of a successful academic career and motherhood. The data, both qualitative and quantitative, are derived from a survey of tenure track female faculty who are members of the Women in Engineering Division of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Data indicate that, despite the widespread adoption of policies intended to create a more helpful and collegial environment, almost 40% of the respondents rated the quality of the institutional support they receive as fair, poor, or very poor. This research identifies policies that appear to have succeeded, and others that appear to have made little difference, suggesting structural and cultural changes that would address t...
Measurements of Surface Waves Using Low-Grazing Angle High-Resolution Pulse-Doppler Radar

Techniques for extracting surface wave characteristics from radar backscatter have been investigated and improved over the last several decades. Much of this research has focused on the use of backscatter intensity from navigational radars for characterization of wave period and direction, and has clearly demonstrated accurate measurement of these wave characteristics. However, the precise determination of significant wave height has been more problematic due to the required application of a modulation transfer function. Furthermore, low sea states generally do not provide enough backscatter intensity for evaluation of wave characteristics, and thus, navigational radar measurements are restricted to relatively high sea states. More recently, techniques using Doppler velocities as a measurement of surface waves have been an area of increasing focus and development. An advantage of this approach is that no modulation transfer function is required, and only phase information is used from the backscattered radar signal. Recent research suggests that the relationship between Doppler velocities and wave height may be more consistent than that between radar backscatter intensity and wave height. In July 2010, surface waves were measured during an experiment at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier. Radar measurements were performed using a high-resolution pulse-Doppler instrumentation radar at low grazing angle (∼1 deg) with a pulse repetition frequency of 800 Hz and spatial resolutions of 10–30 cm. Radar data for X- and Ku-bands using both VV and HH polarizations were collected. Concurrent buoy measurements were also performed, along with the collection of wind speed and direction data. Measured seaways consisted of small significant wave heights (glassy conditions to <1 m), and contained combinations of wind sea and swell. Doppler processing of the radar data provided estimates of surface wave orbital velocity spectra in wavenumber and frequency domains. The velocity spectra were converted to sea surface elevation spectra. Using these spectra, peak periods were computed as well as RMS wave heights, thus providing approximate significant wave heights. The methods for extracting wave spectra, peak periods, and significant wave heights are discussed, and results are compared with buoy measurements. When sufficient capillary waves existed on the sea surface, the radar and buoy measured wave spectra were in agreement, and analysis indicates that the instrumentation radar was able to detect and spectrally distinguish between wind seas and swell.
Multifactor Analysis of Hedge Fund, Managed Futures, and Mutual Fund Return and Risk Characteristics

Managed futures investments, which are directed by commodity trading advisors (CTAs), and hedge funds have different investment opportunity sets from mutual funds. Hence, their returns are likely to be explained by different factors as well. CTA returns are positively related to commodity market trends, whereas hedge fund and mutual fund returns are related to index returns in the markets in which the fund invests. Interestingly, hedge funds offered higher risk-adjusted returns than mutual funds of CTAs in the study.
Magnetic monopoles in N= 4 supersymmetric low-energy superstring theory

Abstract A magnetic monopole solution to the field equations of N =4 super Yang-Mills coupled to N =4 supergravity in 3+1 dimensions is presented. The solution preserves half of the supersymmetries and satisfies a Bogomol'nyi bound. The corresponding metric has no event horizons or singularities for arbitrary values of the monopole mass or charge.
Renewal of Voluntary Feeding by Wild-Caught Atlantic Sturgeon Juveniles in Captivity

Abstract A modification of previously documented force-feeding procedures resulted in the renewal of appetite by several wild-caught juvenile Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus. Four of four fish under controlled laboratory conditions responded positively to this technique within 1 month. These fish exhibited negative mean growth rates of −2.71 g/d before force-feeding and gained an average of 2.61 g/d at 285 d after initiation of force-feeding. Mean lengths, weights, and coefficients of condition (K) also increased after force-feeding. This method may be useful in other situations in which the holding of juveniles or adults is necessary, such as in zoos and public aquaria.
Abdominal fat pad aspiration biopsy for tissue confirmation of systemic amyloidosis: specificity, positive predictive value, and diagnostic pitfalls.

Abdominal fat pad fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is considered the method of choice for confirmation of systemic amyloidosis. Due to our impression that positive results are rare in our FNA service, we retrospectively analyzed our results. Forty-five samples collected from 45 patients over 3 yr were reviewed. Of the 7 patients with positive Congo red-stained FNAB specimens, all 7 (100%) had documented amyloidosis. Of the 33 patients with negative Congo red fat samples, 28 (85%) were disease-free. Of the 5 patients with inadequate samples, 2 (40%) were later diagnosed with disease. We demonstrate excellent specificity (100%). The positive predictive value, documented in only a few previous studies, is likewise excellent (100%). Sensitivity is low (58%) and inadequacy is high (11%). Improvement in technique, such as concurrent cell block preparation, may help avoid inadequate specimens. Difficulties in confirming amyloidosis also include interpretation of the Congo red stain (pale-stained amyloid fibrils and collagen birefringence).
Terascale visualization (panel): approaches, pitfalls and issues

Author(s): Cox, M. B.; Crawfis, Roger; Hamann, Bernd; Hanson, C.; Miller, Mark | Editor(s): Yagel, R.; Hagen, Hans | Abstract: Massively Parallel Supercomputers are once again quickly outpacing our ability to organize, manage and understand the prodigious amounts of data they generate. Graphics technology and algorithms have greatly aided in analyzing the modest datasets of years past, but rarely with enough interactivity to squelch the enduser's exploratory questions. Will computer graphics and scientific visualization or even computional science proceed as status quo or are new paradigm sifts needed? What is the architecture of tomorrow's high-end visualization systems? How much data can we even expect to pull off of these masively parallel machines? What are the new computer graphics technologies that can aid in teracale visulaization? This panel, leverging the panelists past experience and their current knowledge of the field, will provide visions (or dilemma's) for what the next stage or stages of scientific visualization and data management will look like.
Influence of incisor tooth development on osteoclast abundance and generation in the foetal rat mandible

Abstract Meckel's cartilage resorption in foetal rats is mediated by chondroclasts, structurally identical with osteoclasts. The resorption front is part of an osteoclast ring (concentric with the developing incisor tooth) which erodes mandibular bone. Earliest cartilage resorption occurs at level of greatest incisor girth, in 19-day-old foetuses. A search for quantitative relationships between incisor dimensions and osteoclast population and generation was appropriate. Serial sections (frontal plane) were measured to determine the population of osteoclasts, average width of periodontal zone, and percentage of space occupied by incisor. Section levels represented a standard group of topographical relationships between tooth development and bone-cartilage enclosure. From the level at which mandibular bone fully enclosed the incisor, caudally to the tooth apex, osteoclast population was related to tooth dimensions. Population was highest where tooth area was highest and periodontal zone narrowest. Population declined toward tooth apex. Most rostrally, where incisor enclosure was partially membranous, cell population and tooth dimensions were unrelated, suggesting that incisor influence may be related to growth pressure within a firm-walled enclosure. Among cells of loose periodontal tissue proximal to tooth apex (i.e. the region into which the tooth was growing) there were abundant dark-staining cells showing a progression of changes (cell mergings, number of nuclei and character of vacuoles), corresponding to developing osteoclasts. Their amoeboid character and orientation suggested migration toward the bone-cartilage enclosure. Their possible formation from motile elements of loose connective tissue reinforces the candidacy of these cells as progenitors, supplementing present emphasis on sessile cells of endosteum as osteoclast precursors.
Reactions with hemagglutinin of psittacosis agent in gel diffusion.

SummaryConcentrated hemagglutinin of psittacosis agent was reactive in gel diffusion with sera collected from cases of human chlamydial infections and animal immune serum. The reactions obtained with human sera appeared to be associated with chlamydial group antigen. A second antigen was detected in the hemagglutinin preparations when they were diffused against rabbit antipsittacosis serum.
Inert atmosphere preparation of Ba2YCu3O7−x using BaO2

Impurities at grain boundaries, such as BaCO3, limit critical current densities of ceramic superconductors. To limit such impurities, we have prepared Ba2YCu3O7−x in N2 using BaO2 as the barium source in a powder synthesis. Powders of CuO, Y2O3, and BaO2 were ground together with a mortar and pestle. Firing loose powder in an Al2O3 or ZrO2 crucible at 890°C (48 hours) or 950°C (16 hours) in flowing N2 results in material that is orthorhombic and single phase by x-ray diffraction (a = 3.83 A, b = 3.89 A, c = 11.69 A). Comparison to material made in O2 under the same conditions shows identical weight loss and oxygen stoichiometry as estimated by lattice parameters. Sintering and annealing the inert atmosphere produced material in flowing O2 produces pellets with a TC = 88.7 K (ΔTC = 2.3K) compared to a TC = 88.7 K (ΔTC = 1.5K) for samples prepared in flowing O2.
SOME NEUROCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF THE DEPRESSANT ACTION OF γ‐BUTYROLACTONE ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

gamma-Butyrolactone, a depressant drug of the central nervous system, has been investigated for its ability to alter brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine in mice and rats; of these three compounds, only acetylcholine was changed in amount. Levels of acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex were increased by gamma-butyrolactone with a time-course which closely followed the depressed state of the animal. Indirect evidence has been presented to show that in the mid-brain and brain stem the change in acetylcholine level induced by gamma-butyrolactone is sharply localized in an area of the mesencephalon that contains the corpora quadrigemina.
The design, operations and economics of cage culture systems

Abstract The commercial culturing of fish in cages has expanded significantly in the past 20 years. While most of this expansion has been with salmonid species, there is still considerable worldwide diversity of cage culture species and culture conditions. Trends are toward larger individual cages and more exposed sites. Many interactive site, species, environmental, engineering, economic and operational factors must be considered during the cage system design process. This process is reviewed and potential problems in design and operations are discussed. ‘Rules of good practice’ are provided as guidance in avoiding potential pitfalls.
Lithium Chromium(I) Dihydride: A Novel Reagent for the Versatile Reductive Metathesis, Reductive Cyclization, Oligomerization, or Polymerization of Diverse Organic Substrates1

The novel reductant of empirical formula LiCrH2 has been efficiently generated from CrCl3 and 4 equiv of n-butyllithium in THF and can be isolated and characterized as a dark red-brown LiCl-free complex, LiCrH2·THF, by a combination of elemental, gasometric, chemical, IR, and ESR analyses. Without separation from the LiCl byproduct, this reductant is reactive toward a wide range of σ- and π-heteroatomic bonds, effecting reductive cleavage or coupling, oligomerization, and even polymerization of diverse organic substrates.
Resistivity anomaly in thin Bi wires: Possibility of a one-dimensional quantum size effect

Thin Bi single-crystal wires down to ~0.2 Μm in diameter were prepared by pressing liquid Bi into fine Pyrex capillaries. Electron microphotographs were taken to determine the diameter of the wires. Anisotropic magnetoresistance together with Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations were observed at helium temperatures. An anomalous drop in resistivity ϱ(T) was found at T < 50 K. Possible explanations are considered, including one based on the quantum size effect.
Applications of Computer Systems for On-Line Real-Time Instrument Control

Abstract Digital automation represents a major revolution in all forms of spectroscopy, a revolution which is now in progress. Unlike many of the previous major changes in hardware, such as detectors or the type of electronics, the change to computer control requires a design exercise involving all parts of the measurement process from signal generation to calculation of the final result, from mechanical components to aesthetics, and from the role of digital versus analog circuitry to the role of hardware versus software. But the result of a careful redesign is a more flexible and accurate instrument with data processing, storage, and retrieval capabilities. Once a computer is incorporated into an instrument it gives the designer extreme breadth in expansion of function with very little additional hardware cost. To fully realize this potential, however, the system designer must have a good understanding of the possibilities of computer control, the hardware most appropriate for that control, the role of s...
Quotient finite dimensional modules with acc on subdirectly irreducible submodules are noetherian

A right R-module M is (Goldie) finite dimensional (= f.d.) if M contains no infinite direct sums of submodules.M is quotient f.d. (= q.f.d.) if M/K is f.d. for all submodules K.A submodule I of M is subdirectly irreducible (= SDI) if V is the intersection of all submodules S α of M that properly contain I, then V ≠ I, equivalentlyM/I has simple essential socle V/I. A theorem of Shock [74] states that a q.f.d. right module M is Noether-ian iff every proper submodule of M is contained in a maximal submodule. Camillo [77], proved a companion theorem: M is q.f.d. iff every submodule A ≠ 0 contains a finitely generated (= f.g) submodule S such that A/S has no maximal submodules. Using these two results, and an idea of Camillo [75], we prove the theorem stated in the title.
Nitrogen Effects on Onion Yield Under Drip and Furrow Irrigation

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a high cash value crop with a very shallow root system that is frequently irrigated and fertilized with high N rates to maximize yield. Converting from furrow-irrigated to drip-irrigated onion production may reduce N fertilizer needs, water inputs, and NO 3 -N leaching potential. Onion growth and N uptake, fresh yield, and residual soil NO 3 -N were determined under drip and furrow irrigation on a clay loam soil with N fertilizer rates from 0 to 224 kg N ha -1 . Onions were sampled bi-weekly from 25 May to 30 August in 2005 and 2006 from each treatment. In 2005, 72% less water was applied with the drip system compared with furrow system, and 57% less in 2006. Onion yields were significantly greater with the drip system. Total marketable fresh onion yield increased with increasing N rate in 2005 only. The drip system had more colossal and jumbo sized onions and less medium sized onions than the furrow system. Biomass production and N accumulation accelerated in mid-June each year with an average total N accumulation (leaves + bulbs) of 121 kg N ha -1 at final harvest. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and N use efficiency (NUE) were higher with the drip system than with the furrow system. Residual soil NO 3 -N levels were greater in the drip-irrigated treatments after onion harvest in 2005 than in the furrow-irrigated treatments, but soil NO 3 -N levels were similar after harvest in 2006. Adjusted gross economic returns (less the cost ofN, water, and drip system) were greater with drip irrigation than with furrow irrigation. This study demonstrates that fresh onion yields, potential economic returns, IWUE, and NUE can be improved in Colorado by using drip irrigation for onion production rather than furrow irrigation.
Postmarketing Surveillance of Drugs: an Overview of the need and the Methodology

(1990). Postmarketing Surveillance of Drugs: an Overview of the need and the Methodology. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy: Vol. 16, No. 16, pp. 2431-2448.
Method for Measuring Neutron-Absorption Cross Sections by the Effect on the Reactivity of a Chain-Reacting Pile

This paper describes a method for measuring neutron-absorption cross sections based on the following principle: Introduction of a neutron-absorbing substance into a pile decreases the reactivity and in order to keep the power level constant the control rods must be displaced. By proper calibration this displacement may be used as a precision measure of the absorption cross section.
IMPROVED INSPECTION SCHEMES FOR DETERIORATING EQUIPMENT

In this paper, we introduce and analyze simple, new inspection policies for maintaining deteriorating equipment with non-self-announcing failures. These policies utilize information from the inspection/repair history as well as the system lifetime distribution to schedule future inspections. Numerical results indicate that the policies can significantly outperform standard (periodic) maintenance strategies by providing higher availability for a given inspection rate.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic Studies of the Diiron Center in Methane Monooxygenase in the Presence of Substrate and the Coupling Protein of the Enzyme System

The interaction among the hydroxylase component of methane monooxygenase (MMO) from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath), the coupling protein of the MMO enzyme system (component B), and substrate has been investigated by using Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) studies of the semimet form of the hydroxylase in the presence of the coupling protein, 1-bromo-1-propene, and both the coupling protein and 1-bromo-1-propene revealed small differences in the appearance of the EXAFS above k = 8 {Angstrom}{sup {minus}1} as compared to the noncomplexed hydroxylase. No dramatic change in the Fe coordination was seen in fits to the data. The average first shell Fe-O/N distance for the complexed forms of the semimet hydroxylase ranged between 2.06 and 2.08 {Angstrom}, which is comparable to the distance found for the noncomplexed form, 2.06-2.09 {Angstrom}. Although the average first shell coordination was similar for all samples, a difference was seen in the distribution of long vs short distance contributions to the first shell coordination sphere for samples with component B present. This difference was accompanied by a small but consistent decrease in the Fe-Fe distance of the B-complexed hydroxylase samples, from 3.42 to 3.39 {angstrom}.
Chiral Templating of Surfaces: Adsorption of (S)-2-Methylbutanoic Acid on Pt(111) Single-Crystal Surfaces

The adsorption and thermal chemistry of (S)-(+)-2-methylbutanoic acid ((S)-2MBA) on Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces was characterized by using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection-adsorption infrared (RAIRS) spectroscopies. Particular emphasis was placed on the characterization of the chiral superstructures formed upon the deposition of the submonolayer coverages of enantiopure (S)-2-methylbutanoate species that are produced by thermal dehydrogenation of the (S)-2MBA. The enantioselectivity of the empty platinum sites left open on those structures were identified by their difference in behavior toward the adsorption of the two enantiomers of propylene oxide. It was found that a significant enhancement in adsorption is possible on surfaces with the same chirality of the probe molecule, specifically that the uptake of (S)-propylene oxide is larger than that of (R)-propylene oxide on (S)-2-methylbutanoate adsorbed layers. This contrasts with the lack of enantioselectivity previously reported for the same adsorbate on Pd(111). Detectable differences in adsorption energetics of (R)- vs (S)-propylene oxide on the (S)-2-methylbutanoate/Pt(111) overlayers were measured but deemed not to be the controlling factor in the enantioselectivity reported in this system.
Adsorption at solid/solution interfaces. 6. Interactions of Co2+ ions with spherical hematite particles

Abstract The adsorption of Co 2+ on spherical colloidal hematite particles suspended in sodium nitrate solutions was studied as a function of hematite content, pH, initial Co 2+ concentration, ionic strength, and temperature. The adsorption edge moved to higher pH with increasing Co 2+ concentration. The adsorption was enhanced by increasing temperature, but was practically independent of the ionic strength. Furthermore, it was found that inorganic anions (Cl − , ClO − 4 , NO − 3 ) did not influence the CO 2+ uptake, while formate and acetate anions increased it.
Enhancing Undergraduate Education: Design of a Gas Turbine Laboratory Facility

An undergraduate gas turbine laboratory facility was designed and installed by four senior Mechanical Engineering students for their capstone design project at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. The seniors instrumented a 65 horsepower gas turbine auxiliary power unit from an HH-3F Pelican helicopter and installed it in the existing engine laboratory. The objective of this project was to provide an opportunity for engineering students to better understand thermodynamic principles of gas turbine operation through hands-on experimentation. The laboratory facility was designed to allow students to determine the performance characteristics of the T-62-16B gas turbine and relate them to a Brayton cycle model. This paper details the installation and instrumentation of the gas turbine, the design of the data acquisition system, the results obtained with initial system tests, and future experimental plans.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Security, Stability, and International Order

This article assesses the pros and cons of Amitai Etzioni's security first grand strategy. It argues that such a grand strategy is not much less ambitious than the Bush doctrine that it seeks to replace. The article is especially critical of Etzioni's proposals for forcible deproliferation. Rather than a security first grand strategy, the article defends a stability-first grand strategy that relies on the Westphalian state system, nuclear deterrence, the United Nations, and a U.S. grand strategy of measured restraint.
Throwing of a ceramic cylindrical vessel: How height is affected by sensory deprivation

This paper presents preliminary results of sensory deprivation of one of the senses (visual, auditory, or tactile) during the shaping of a cylindrical vessel on a potter's wheel. Although there were no significant results between the three types of deprivation, i.e. when one of the three senses was attenuated or deprived (test condition), the results showed significant differences in the final height of the cylinder between the control condition (all the senses were used) and the test condition.
Self- and Actin-Templated Assembly of Mammalian Septins

Abstract Septins are polymerizing GTPases required for cytokinesis and cortical organization. The principles by which they are targeted to, and assemble at, specific cell regions are unknown. We show that septins in mammalian cells switch between a linear organization along actin bundles and cytoplasmic rings, approximately 0.6 μm in diameter. A recombinant septin complex self-assembles into rings resembling those in cells. Linear organization along actin bundles was reconstituted by adding an adaptor protein, anillin. Perturbation of septin organization in cells by expression of a septin-interacting fragment of anillin or by septin depletion via siRNA causes loss of actin bundles. We conclude that septins alone self-assemble into rings, that adaptor proteins recruit septins to actin bundles, and that septins help organize these bundles.
Spanish phonological awareness: Dimensionality and sequence of development during the preschool and kindergarten years.

This study describes the dimensionality and continuum of Spanish phonological awareness (PA) skills in 3- to 6-year-old children. A 3 × 4 factorial design crossed word structure of test items (word, syllable, phoneme) with task (blending multiple-choice, blending free-response, elision multiple-choice, elision free-response) to assess 12 PA skills. Over 1,200 Spanish speakers were assessed at 2 points in time. Confirmatory factor analyses found that a 2nd-order unifying ability along with 1st-order task factors well explained children's performances (comparative fit index = .96, Tucker--Lewis index = .96, root-mean-square error of approximation = .03). Confirmatory factor analysis also indicated that test items varied in difficulty and in how well they discriminated individual differences in latent PA. Item parameters were stable across item sets (rs = .75--.86) and time (rs = .60--1.00), and ability estimates were moderately stable across time (r = .64). Finally, test information curves were used to describe the continuum of PA skills. Children were able to first detect blending of sound information, then detect elision of sound information, then blend sounds together to form words, and finally delete sounds from words to form new words. Sequence of skill acquisition along the dimension of word structure was ambiguous. Implications for assessment, early intervention, and cross-linguistic theories of phonological awareness are discussed
A novel technique for modeling susceptibility-based contrast mechanisms for arbitrary microvascular geometries: The finite perturber method

Recently, we demonstrated that vessel geometry is a significant determinant of susceptibility-induced contrast in MRI. This is especially relevant for susceptibility-contrast enhanced MRI of tumors with their characteristically abnormal vessel morphology. In order to better understand the biophysics of this contrast mechanism, it is of interest to model how various factors, including microvessel morphology contribute to the measured MR signal, and was the primary motivation for developing a novel computer modeling approach called the Finite Perturber Method (FPM). The FPM circumvents the limitations of traditional fixed-geometry approaches, and enables us to study susceptibility-induced contrast arising from arbitrary microvascular morphologies in 3D, such as those typically observed with brain tumor angiogenesis. Here we describe this new modeling methodology and some of its applications. The excellent agreement of the FPM with theory and the extant susceptibility modeling data, coupled with its computational efficiency demonstrates its potential to transform our understanding of the factors that engender susceptibility contrast in MRI.
Self-Policing and the Environment: Predicting Self-Disclosure of Clean Air Act Violations Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Audit Policy

ABSTRACT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Self-Policing or Audit Policy waives or reduces penalties when regulated entities voluntarily discover, disclose, and correct environmental violations. This study uses a case-control design to determine if traditional regulatory efforts, organizational factors, and/or case characteristics are associated with the odds of disclosing a Clean Air Act violation under the policy. The results suggest that Audit Policy use is related to within-industry regional inspection levels. We find no evidence that company size directly influences Audit Policy use. Instead, company size appears to be mediated by case characteristics. Specifically, we suggest that larger companies may be more likely to use the Audit Policy because they violate multiple environmental laws. This finding indicates that the Audit Policy may expand the total number of violations that ultimately become known to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Revenue Potential of User Charges in Municipal Finance

This article explores the revenue potential of user charges in financing municipal governments in the next decade. Noting that some municipalities charge fees that cover a large percentage of costs...
On the Horizon: Defining the Future of Sports Medicine and the Role of the Physiatrist

This is an incredibly exciting time for physiatrists who are interested in sports medicine. The science of exercise and sports medicine is novel when compared with that of other medical disciplines. Sports medicine specialists are at the forefront of an exciting wave of new research that will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms and prevention of injury, improve cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment protocols, and aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic disabilities by ensuring wider dissemination of the principles of sports and exercise medicine to the general population. Although many of us have been practicing sports medicine for the past several decades, the advent of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) subspecialty certification in sports medicine has created opportunities that were never before possible. As the science of sports medicine advances and its scope of practice expands, physiatrists must even more thoroughly understand the origins, evolution, and future of sports medicine specialization.
Segregation effects and the impoverishment of savanna parks: the case for ecosystem viability analysis

ummary The coarse resolution of biogeographic models does not lend itself to the urgent and specific problems confronting national parks. An alternative approach is to identify a suite of problems common to various types of parks and ecosystems. Such a scale-relevant approach can be applied directly to management solutions in a particular park and, more generally, to policies for managing parks in a similar ecological and regional setting. Segregation effects, a common suite of threats arising from the creation of a protected area itself, offer examples with more immediate and specific consequences than insularization effects. The approach underscores the need to identify the minimum viable processes necessary for maintaining ecosystem diversity. We suggest an ecosystem viability analysis as a suitable technique for doing so. Resume La resolution ordinaire des modeles biogeographiques ne convient pas pour les problemes urgents et specifiques qui touchent les parcs nationaux. Une approche alternative consisterait a identifier un ensemble de problemes communs a differents types de parcs et d'ecosystemes. Une telle approche ‘a l'echelle’ peut s'appliquer directement pour des solutions de gestion dans un parc en particulier et, plus generalement, a une politique de gestion des parcs situes dans des conditions regionales ou ecologiques similaires. Les effets de segregation, ensemble de menaces ordinaires nees de la creation meme d'une aire protegee, offrent des exemples de consequences plus immediates et specifiques que celles de l'insularisation. Cette approche souligne le besoin d'identifier les processus minimum viables, necessaires au maintien de la diversite biologique. Nous sommes d'avis qu'une analyse de la viabilite d'un ecosysteme serait une technique souhaitable dans ce but.
Color and Luminance Coding of Vehicle Rear Lighting

Vehicle lamp lens color affects the luminance and perceived brightness of lamps with equal light source output. This has implications for proposals suggesting differentiating rear lighting on vehicles by color because any change in lens color will also change perceived brightness and luminance. This confound could negate or enhance benefits of color coding lamps. This study uses methods related to the visual search paradigm which are often ignored in this type of research but provide novel sources of information. Results indicate that luminance changes due to color changes in tail lamps did not adversely affect RT or error in identifying brake lamps.
Acoustic spark chamber

Abstract Positions of the tracks produced by cosmic rays in a 15-kV four gap spark chamber were determined by measuring the time of flight T of the shock waves produced by sparks in argon. A pair of acoustic probes, using barium-titanate piezoelectric transducers is placed in each gap of the spark chamber. Times, T 1 i, in >sec for each probe i , are measured by a time-sorter and printed 2 sec after the passage of the particle through the chamber; from these, the position and the angle of the track was reconstructed by a program. With the spark energy of 2 joules, signals of the order of 1 V are obtained from the transducer. These signals are of N-wave form, with the rise-time of 1 >sec or less. The full width one-dimensional resolution in the spark position is 0.33 mm up to a distance of 52 cm; and 0.41 mm at 1 meter (giving an accuracy to 1:2500). The full-width spatial resolution, measured with three probes per gap is 0.8 ± 0.4 mm. The time-of-flight vs distance dependence is linear up to 2 meters. The recovery time of the probes is 10 >sec, suggesting the possibility of handling up to ten tracks during a long-spill accelerator pulse, with two probes per gap; and up to 20 with six probes per gap.
THE EFFECT OF EXTRACELLULAR POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION ON PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN GUINEA‐PIG HIPPOCAMPAL SLICES1,2

— We have measured the effect of small variations in extracellular potassium concentrations ([K+]) upon the incorporation of radioactively labelled amino acid into the protein of the isolated guinea-pig hippocampal slice. The slice is super-perfused with glucose fortified buffer and maintains an ATP concentration of 33–36 nmol/mg protein and incorporates lysine into protein at a rate of 0.82 pmol/(ig protein/h. Within the range of extracellular K+ from 1.3 to 8.1 mil the change in the rate of lysine incorporation into protein is proportional to the logarithm of the extracellular K+ concentration. Incorporation increases by about 100% over this range. Measurements of the specific activity of the presumed intracellular amino acid pool indicate that the effect of changes in extracellular [K+] is to alter the rate of protein synthesis rather than alter the availability of radioactively labelled precursor. Altering extracellular [K+] does not affect tissue levels of ATP or creatine phosphate, indicating that the effect on amino acid incorporation does not result from an effect upon energy metabolism. It is suggested that this effect of extracellular [K.+] may be a means by which changes in cerebral electrical activity lead to changes in the rate of protein synthesis in brain.
Nano-scale scratching in chemical–mechanical polishing

Abstract During chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices, undesirable nano-scale scratches are produced, especially in the presence of low-k dielectrics. In this paper, the lower- and upper-bound loads for scratching are estimated by contact mechanics models and are validated by AFM experiments. Additionally, the width and depth of scratches are related to such process parameters as: particle size, abrasive volume fraction, mechanical and geometric properties of the pad and surface coatings, and polishing pressure. The upper-limit for scratch width is found to be a function of the particle size and the hardnesses of the coatings and the pad. In Cu CMP this limit is about one-fifth of the abrasive diameter.
Voltage-dependent gating of sodium channels: correlating structure and function

Voltage-dependent gating of ionic channels is a fundamental process underlying much of the information transfer and processing in the nervous system. The sodium channel is the first voltage-sensitive ionic channel whose subunit structure and partial amino acid sequence are known. Here, the unique structural features of this ionic channel are considered together with biophysical information about its voltage-dependent gating and a sliding helix model of voltage sensing is proposed.
Body size and its consequences: Allometry and the lower limb length of Liang Bua 1 (Homo floresiensis)

Abstract Bivariate femoral length allometry in recent humans, Pan, and Gorilla is investigated with special reference to the diminutive Liang Bua (LB) 1 specimen (the holotype of Homo floresiensis) and six early Pleistocene femora referred to the genus Homo. Relative to predicted body mass, Pan and Gorilla femora show strong negative length allometry while recent human femora evince isometry to positive allometry, depending on sample composition and line-fitting technique employed. The allometric trajectories of Pan and Homo show convergence near the small body size range of LB 1, such that LB 1 manifests a low percentage deviation (dyx of Smith [1980] ) from the Pan allometric trajectory and falls well within the 95% confidence limits around the Pan individuals (but also outside the 95% confidence limits for recent Homo). In contrast, the six early Pleistocene Homo femora, belonging to larger individuals, show much greater dyx values from both Pan and Gorilla and fall well above the 95% confidence limits for these taxa. All but one of these Pleistocene Homo specimens falls within the 95% confidence limits of the recent human sample. Similar results are obtained when femoral length is regressed on femoral head diameter in unlogged bivariate space. Regardless of the ultimate taxonomic status of LB 1, these findings are consistent with a prediction made by us ( Franciscus and Holliday, 1992 ) that hominins in the small body size range of A.L. 288-1 (“Lucy”), including members of the genus Homo, will tend to possess short, ape-like lower limbs as a function of body size scaling.
Workplace Discrimination, Prejudice, and Diversity Measurement: A Review of Instrumentation

This is a review of five instruments designed to measure workplace discrimination, prejudice, and attitudes toward diversity. Each measure is critically reviewed based on item development, the current psychometric evidence, and the practical utility for career counseling and organizational development efforts. The Discussion section explores future research directions for validation studies, expansion of theory and measurement development, and recommendations for assessment of workplace diversity.
Role of Cbfb in hematopoiesis and perturbations resulting from expression of the leukemogenic fusion gene Cbfb-MYH11.

Core-binding factor β (CBFβ) and CBFα2 form a heterodimeric transcription factor that plays an important role in hematopoiesis. The genes encoding either CBFβ or CBFα2 are involved in chromosomal rearrangements in more than 30% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that CBFβ and CBFα2 play important roles in leukemogenesis. Inv(16)(p13;q22) is found in almost all cases of AML M4Eo and results in the fusion of CBFB with MYH11 , the gene encoding smooth muscle myosin heavy chain. Mouse embryos heterozygous for a Cbfb-MYH11 knock-in gene lack definitive hematopoiesis, a phenotype shared by Cbfb−/− embryos. In this study we generated a Cbfb-GFP knock-in mouse model to characterize the normal expression pattern of Cbfβ in hematopoietic cells. In midgestation embryos, Cbfβ was expressed in populations enriched for hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. This population of stem cells and progenitors was not present in mouse embryos heterozygous for the Cbfb-MYH11 knock-in gene. Together, these data suggest that Cbfb-MYH11 blocks embryonic hematopoiesis at the stem-progenitor cell level and that Cbfb is essential for the generation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. In adult mice, Cbfβ was expressed in stem and progenitor cells, as well as mature myeloid and lymphoid cells. Although it was expressed in erythroid progenitors, Cbfβ was not expressed during the terminal stages of erythropoiesis. Our data indicate that Cbfb is required for myeloid and lymphoid differentiation; but does not play a critical role in erythroid differentiation.
ESS germination strategies in randomly varying environments. I. Logistic-type models

Abstract ESS germination strategies are studied in a model of annual plant population dynamics in a randomly varying environment. The possible strategies are different values of the annual germination fraction G , either constant over time or varying in response to a “cue” correlated with upcoming environmental conditions. The model generalizes D. Cohen's model (1966, J. Theor. Biol. 12 , 119–129; 1968, J. Ecol. 56 , 219–228) by allowing density-dependent per capita seed yields. ESSs are characterized in terms of the resulting harmonic mean growth rate of population density. The ESS criterion cannot be solved analytically, but qualitative relationships between the value of the ESS and other population parameters are obtained, and environments in which 100% germination is an ESS are identified. Some explicit predictions of the theory are summarized and compared with ideas of M. Westoby (1981, Amer. Nat. 118 , 882–885). The results of this study are compared with those of Cohen ( op. cit. ) in a companion paper.