cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trade Impacts of Fossil Fuel Subsidies

This article introduces the various trade impacts of fossil fuel subsidies. There are large direct and pass-through trade impacts. Direct trade impacts are found when producer subsidies affect the markets for crude energy products such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Direct trade impacts are also found when consumer subsidies decrease the input costs of various industries, whether they refine crude products into energy carriers (e.g. gasoline, electricity) or they use energy products to produce non-energy products (e.g. iron and steel, plastics). Pass-through trade impacts are found when upstream fossil fuel subsidies lead to a lower-cost product that is then used in downstream production processes. We find that markets for fossil fuels, refined energy products and energy-intensive products are enormous. In 2018, crude fossil fuel exports were worth at least US$1.3 trillion. Their trade volume and export value, as well as their competition density highlight that fossil fuel subsidies have a direct impact on who wins and who loses in terms of market share.
Portable Electrostatic Force Balance for Laser Power Metrology

A new paradigm in laser power metrology has recently evolved. The measurement of photon pressure forces from the reflection of a laser from a high reflectivity mirror provides a means to quantify optical power in a fashion similar to methods used to realize the mass unit in the redefined SI. Because photon pressure forces are typically quite small, an electrostatic force balance (EFB) can be effectively used to interconvert between force and laser power within the International System of Units (SI). In this work, a portable version of the EFB is constructed and tested. The balance will be used to measure a photon pressure equivalent to 10 kilowatts of laser power (approximately 60 micronewtons) with an uncertainty on the order of 0.01%. A preliminary demonstration shows sufficient resolution for the required application.
Fractal Dimension of Julia Set for Nonanalytic Maps

The Hausdorff dimensions of the Julia sets for nonanalytic maps f(z) = z2+ez* and f(z)=z*2+e are calculated perturbatively for small e. It is shown that Ruelle's formula for the Hausdorff dimensions of analytic maps cannot be generalized to nonanalytic maps.
Stable adaptive identification of fully‐coupled second‐order 6 degree‐of‐freedom nonlinear plant models for underwater vehicles: Theory and experimental evaluation

Abstract This article reports the development, stability analysis, and experimental evaluation of a novel adaptive identification (AID) algorithm for underwater vehicles (UVs) for on‐line estimatio...
The effectiveness of telehealth for a caregiver wellness program.

IntroductionThis study compared outcomes of a telehealth and in-person delivered caregiver wellness program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC).MethodsA total of 11 pairs of PTC class leader...
Civic Community Archiving with the Platform for Experimental Collaborative Ethnography: Double Binds and Design Challenges.

Community archives serve an array of purposes and types of communities (fan clubs, scientists in particular disciplines, ethnic neighborhoods). We discuss here civic community archives; civic archives, like “civic science,” have expressly progressive political aims, question established order, and contribute to inclusive knowledge production and prosperity. Designing civic archives involves many types of analysis and poses many design challenges. In this paper, we share an analytic framework developed to guide the design of civic community archives, drawing on both cultural theory and our experience designing archives for different kinds of communities, with different purposes, within larger ethnographic projects. We question how to characterize “the community” in community archive projects, and the stakeholders in such projects. We ask what should be recollected in community archives and for what purposes. We also ask how, by design, community archives can connect diverse users, analog and digital components (including human and technological), and complicated pasts to creative futures. Throughout, we call out the double-binds of civic community archiving, delineating risks and possible pathologies as well as generative potential. We approach the work as cultural anthropologists and ethnographers involved in building the Platform for Experimental Collaborative Ethnography (https://github.com/PECE-project/pece-distro), open source digital infrastructure for sharing and collaborative analysis of ethnographic data.
Impact of heat stress on embryonic development during first 16 days of gestation in dairy cows.

Objective was to elucidate the effects of heat stress (HS) on embryo development during first 16 gestational days (GD) and circulating hormone concentrations on GD-16 in lactating Holstein cows. Cows in HS and control (CON) groups were exposed to temperature humidity index (THI) of ≥ 73 and < 73, respectively, for 3 weeks before the experiment. GD-7 (67 vs 49%) and GD-16 (52 vs. 31%) conception rates following single insemination were greater (P < 0.01) for CON compared with HS cows. Control cows produced more GD-7 transferrable embryos following superovulation compared with HS cows (84.8 vs 53.1%; P < 0.001). Mean (± SEM) length (45.2 ± 10.6 vs. 59.2 ± 9.1 mm) and weight (31.4 ± 4.3 vs. 42.4 ± 6.2 mg) of GD-16 conceptus were greater for CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Control cows yielded more filamentous conceptus (≥ 25 mm) compared with HS cows (71 vs 45%; P < 0.05). Progesterone (2.09-fold) was higher, and cortisol (1.86-fold), prolactin (1.60-fold), substance-P (1.55-fold), Isoprostane-8 (1.34-fold) and prostaglandin F metabolites (1.97-fold) were lower in CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Progesterone positively, and substance-P, isoprostane-8 and the THI negatively were associated with GD-16 conceptus length (P < 0.05). In conclusion, altered hormones concentrations in heat-stressed cows plausibly resulted in lower GD-7 and GD-16 conception rates, fewer GD-7 transferable embryos, and stunted GD-16 conceptus elongation.
Replication of Adenovirus 2 and Adeno-Associated Virus 2 in Young and Senescent Human Diploid Fibroblasts

Aging has been known since antiquity and, despite being one of mankind’s most inevitable consequences, the molecular basis of aging remains virtually unknown. Although aging research has become a focus of intensive study in recent years and has attracted global attention, there is no unified theory of the origin of aging. The obscure origin of aging has been the subject of a great deal of elegant experimentation and equally good amount of imaginative speculations.
American States and Sovereign Debt Restructuring: Lessons and Cautionary Tales

As American states continue to struggle with low revenues and growing financial obligations, a number of commentators have proposed that states should be able to seek relief under bankruptcy law. Currently, there is no formal mechanism for facilitating the efficient restructuring of states’ obligations if that becomes necessary or desirable. American states and sovereign nations are similar in this respect. As this Article (forthcoming in Conti-Brown and Skeel, eds., Confronting Fiscal Crisis in American State Government) explains, however, the history of sovereign debt crises and debt restructuring reveals that much can be done in the absence of a formal mechanism. The primary lesson from the experience of sovereign debtors is that a state experiencing acute financial crisis will likely find a way to encourage its counterparties to agree to restructure or reduce their claims, even if they have no legal obligation to do so and have some legal basis for objecting. Thus, a formal mechanism is probably not necessary for a successful restructuring of a state’s obligations if one is truly necessary. It may be suboptimal to force a state to reach the point of acute crisis before it can gain its creditors full attention, and the overall costs of ad hoc restructuring may be higher for states and their creditors (and the federal government) than those of reorganization in bankruptcy. But the history of efforts to promote a sovereign bankruptcy regime or a sovereign debt restructuring mechanism indicates that even if there is room for improvement over an ad hoc approach, there is unlikely to be much of an appetite among policymakers for adopting a more formal mechanism.
Purification and characterization of PTP2C, a widely distributed protein tyrosine phosphatase containing two SH2 domains

PTP2C, a widely distributed protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) containing two SH2 domains, was expressed as a recombinant enzyme in Escherichia coli and purified to near homogeneity. The purified enzyme and a truncated form lacking the SH2 domains (delta SH2-PTP2C) have been characterized with four commonly used substrates. Both forms showed pH optima of around neutrality for protein substrates but below 5.5 for a peptide substrate and para-nitrophenylphosphate. The dependence of the enzymes on ionic strength varied with the nature of the substrates involved. Like its analog PTP1C, PTP2C displayed a specific activity of less than 0.1% of that observed with other known PTPs toward protein substrates. Deletion of the SH2 domains increased its activity by 12-45-fold, depending on the substrates used. Limited trypsinolysis which cleaved about 4 kDa from the carboxyl terminus resulted in a 2-5-fold activation of the full-length enzyme but was essentially without effect on the truncated enzyme. Both forms showed similar responses to effectors including activators (e.g. anionic phospholipids) or inhibitors (e.g. vanadate, molybdate, or Zn2+). PTP2C and delta SH2-PTP2C were phosphorylated in vitro by mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, and various protein tyrosine kinases; in the latter case, they underwent autodephosphorylation. No significant effect of the phosphorylation reactions on enzyme activity could be observed in vitro.
LED's luminous flux lifetime prediction using a hybrid numerical approach

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have several advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps, such as superior energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and particularly long lifetime (between 25,000 to 100,000 hours). However, this long lifetime of LED proves inconvenient to manufacturers for conducting reliability tests which require the same amount of time to conclude. To overcome such inconvenience, this paper presents a hybrid numerical approach that combines numerical modeling with analytical analysis to predict the lifetime of LEDs. In this paper, a 60W-equivalent 10W phosphor-converted white LED bulb is studied by two numerical approaches. A one-dimensional (1-D) thermal-resistance circuit analysis and a three-dimensional (3-D) hybrid finite element analysis (FEA) are employed to estimate the LEDs' junction temperature in accord to the data obtained through the experiment. The numerical results showed that both 1-D thermal-resistance circuit and the hybrid FEA model are in agreement with the experiment data, thus invaluable to manufacturers who need to carry out reliability testing. Then the estimated junction temperature is used to determine the LED luminaire's lifetime according to the known LM-80 database and TM-21 method.
Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Nerve Root Block

The cervical spinal nerve occupies the lower part of the foramen with the periradicular veins in the upper part. The radicular arteries arising from the vertebral, ascending cervical, and deep cervical arteries lie in close approximation to the spinal nerve.
Adding unit test experience to a usability centered project course

This HCI course incorporated unit testing as a quality improvement initiative with an Experiential Learning Model. The focus of the research was on observation and conceptualization---students should be able to associate the benefits of usability and unit testing and apply them to more general situations. Based on our survey results and student interviews, the most difficult challenge incorporating unit testing in an experiential course was ensuring students overcome their negative bias to discover the benefits of functional testing. We recommend emphasizing the concrete benefits of unit tests and ensuring that all students fully participate in the testing experience.
The electronic excitation of N2 and burning velocity measurements in low-pressure, pre-mixed ammonia-fluorine flames

Abstract The electronic emission spectrum of N 2 has been obtained for the first time from a flame system. The N 2 first and second positive band systems have been observed in pre-mixed ammonia-fluorine flames burning in the 1.0 to 4.0-mm Hg pressure range. It is proposed that the N 2 excitation to the A 3 Σ u + and B 3 Π g states arises from binary collisions between N atoms and NH radicals produced by the rapid stripping of the ammonia molecule in the reaction zone. It is further postulated that the C 3 Π u state, which is 11.1 eV above the ground state, is populated by energy pooling according to N 2 ( A 3 ∑ u + ) + N 2 ( A 3 ∑ u + ) → N 2 ( X 1 ∑ g + ) + N 2 ( C 3 Π u ) . The measured value of the flame's burning velocity and the estimated reaction time, at 4.0 mm Hg, were (3.5 ± 0.7) × 10 3 cm sec −1 and 10 μ sec, respectively. This burning velocity is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those measured in flames supported by oxygen.
Membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator for point-of-care applications.

Often, high-sensitivity, point-of-care (POC) clinical tests, such as HIV viral load, require large volumes of plasma. Although centrifuges are ubiquitously used in clinical laboratories to separate plasma from whole blood, centrifugation is generally inappropriate for on-site testing. Suitable alternatives are not readily available to separate the relatively large volumes of plasma from milliliters of blood that may be needed to meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low-abundance target molecules. We report on a simple-to-use, low-cost, pump-free, membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from undiluted whole blood within minutes. This plasma separator consists of an asymmetric, porous, polysulfone membrane housed in a disposable chamber. The separation process takes advantage of both gravitational sedimentation of blood cells and size exclusion-based filtration. The plasma separator demonstrated a “blood in–plasma out”...
An experimental study of process behavior in planar flow melt spinning

A parametric study concerning the process behavior in planar flow melt spinning (PEMS) of Pb−Sn alloy ribbons is presented in this article. Experiments were conducted to develop correlations between the produced ribbon thickness and process variables, including wheel speed, crucible pressure, nozzle-wheel gap, and melt superheat. The ribbon thickness was found to vary with the wheel speed to the power of −2/3 and the crucible pressure to the power of 1/3. Puddle lengths were found to increase linearly with crucible pressure. The ribbon thickness behaved in a two-term exponential manner in relation to the melt superheat. A processing window for the production of high-quality ribbons was determined using dimensionless parameters. Five distinct ribbon patterns were identified, and their respective surface roughnesses were measured and reported.
Composite adaptive procedure for solving large sparse linear systems

Abstract A large number of iterative algorithms for solving Au = b have been developed over the past several years. Some involve “splitting parameters” (such as the relaxation factor for the SOR method) and are sensitive to their values. However, these parameters can seldom be determined to sufficient accuracy in advance, and adaptive procedures are often used. A number of adaptive procedures for finding the optimum splitting parameter for some iterative methods have been developed. However, these procedures are only applicable for some special cases. In the present paper a general adaptive procedure is given. This “composite adaptive procedure” is similar to the orthomin generalized conjugate gradient algorithm and is based on the minimization of a certain quadratic form.
The radiation damage tolerance of ultra-high strength nanolayered composites

Interfaces act as obstacles to slip and sinks for radiation-induced defects. Hence, nanolayered composites that contain a large volume fraction of interfaces provide over an order of magnitude increase in strength and enhanced radiation damage tolerance compared to bulk materials. This paper shows the experimental and atomistic modeling results from a Cu-Nb nanolayered composite to highlight the roles of nanostructuring length scales and the response of interfaces to ion collision cascades in designing composite materials with high radiation damage tolerance.
Response of prestressed simply supported rectangular plates to random transverse uniform pressure

Abstract The method of equivalent linearization and the Markov-vector approach are applied to the problem of the single mode nonlinear response of a stretched or compressed simply supported plate subjected to random uniform pressure. Closed form results are obtained for the latter solution in terms of parabolic cylinder functions which are tabulated and whose asymptotic forms are known. RMS values of maximum deflection and stress calculated by the two methods are compared and are found to be in excellent agreement provided the plate has not buckled. For buckled plates the two methods yield values which differ significantly for low values of loading spectral density.
A soft EOS from flow and elliptic flow

We find that results for flow and elliptic flow from Au+Au collision at 20–60 AMeV and Ar+Sc from 45 to 105 AMeV are best explained using transport models incorporating a soft equation of state.
Structure, registry and imaging mechanism of alkylcyanobiphenyl molecules by tunnelling microscopy

GRAPHITE is a popular choice as a substrate for the study of absorption of molecules on surfaces because of its relatively simple interaction with adsorbates and the ease of preparing a clean and homogeneous surface. Here we use scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) to probe the graphite/liquid-crystal interface and we examine what we believe to be the first monolayer of the liquid with atomic resolution. We resolve the different functional groups of the molecules and determine their orientation and packing arrangement. By decreasing the tunnel-gap resistance we examine the underlying graphite substrate and deduce the registry of the adsorbed molecules with the graphite. We thus propose a microscopic picture of the adsorption and formation of the interfacial structure. We find that aromatically bonded carbon atoms are visible in the STM images whereas tetrahedrally- and triple-bonded carbon are invisible. Hydrogen and nitrogen atoms can also be seen, although with less apparent height than the aromatic carbon. Molecular orbital calculations predict electron densities in good agreement with the observed STM contrast.
Photofission cross sections of 238U and 235U from 5.0 MeV to 8.0 MeV

Abstract Cross sections extracted from measured yield curves are reported for photofission of 238 U and 235 U. Surface barrier detectors were used to measure the fission yields from metal foil targets of 238 U (enriched to 99.97%) and 235 U (enriched to 97.68%) for maximum photon energies stepped from 5.0 MeV to 8.0 MeV in 0.1 MeV increments. The photons were obtained by Compton scattering γ-rays produced by neutron capture in a nickel plate near the core of the 5 MW Ames Laboratory Research Reactor. An unfolding procedure was used to extract the smoothed cross sections from the measured yield curves. In the 238 U(γ, f) cross section, prominent structure is observed at 6.2 MeV and 7.6 MeV with hints of structure at 5.5 MeV and 7.0 MeV. The 235 U(γ, f) cross section shows pronounced structure at 5.9 MeV, 6.6 MeV and 7.5 MeV with a hint of structure at 5.4 MeV. These cross sections are compared to previous photofission measurements and are discussed in the framework of Bohr's “fission channel” theory.
The Pennsylvania State University Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Pump: Optimal Methods of Use

A ventricular assist device (VAD) has been developed for clinical use at The Pennsylvania State University that can be inserted with standard surgical technique, is capable of completely supporting either the systemic or pulmonary circulation, and does not require anticoagulation. Since 1976, this device has been used in 29 patients following cardiac surgical procedures who were not able to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with conventional techniques. From 1976 through 1979, we used ventricular assist pumping in 14 patients. Four of these patients were weaned from the assist pump and 2 were discharged from the hospital, yielding a 14% survival rate. From 1980 to the present, 16 patients required use of the assist pump from which 9 patients were weaned and 7 patients were discharged yielding a 44% survival rate. During the 8 years of clinical experience with this device, a program designed to optimize results has evolved with respect to patient selection, insertion technique, and postoperative care that has resulted in significant improvement in patient survival.
Nanodelivery of MRI Contrast Agent Enhances Sensitivity of Detection of Lung Cancer Metastases

Rationale and Objectives Early detection of lung cancer can be problematic. Although current imaging methods can identify lung cancers, they are limited in the size of detectable nodules. There is also lack of evidence that these methods can correctly classify nodules Materials and Methods We have developed a nanosized (∼100 nm) immunoliposome complex for delivery of molecular medicines to tumors. In this complex, an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv) decorates the surface of a cationic liposome encapsulating the payload. We have previously shown that this systemically administered complex (scL) selectively targets, and efficiently delivers its payload into, tumor cells. We have also encapsulated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadopentetate dimeglumine (“gad-d”) within this complex, resulting in increased resolution and image intensity in a mouse model of primary cancer. Here we examine the ability of the scL-gad-d complex to increase the sensitivity of detection of lung metastases. Results These MRI studies show that the scL-gad-d nanocomplex is able to improve detection, and increase enhancement of, small lung cancers (400 μm and as small as 100 μm) compared to that of uncomplexed gad-d. Conclusions Because of its tumor targeting specificity, deliver of an MRI contrast agent via this nanocomplex has potential for use as an agent that can identify small lung cancers, thus improving early detection and possibly increasing survival.
Blockade of Electron Transport before Cardiac Ischemia with the Reversible Inhibitor Amobarbital Protects Rat Heart Mitochondria

Cardiac ischemia damages the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Irreversible blockade of electron transport at complex I by rotenone decreases ischemic damage to cardiac mitochondria by decreasing the loss of cytochrome c and preserving respiration through cytochrome oxidase. Therapeutic intervention to protect myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion requires the use of a reversible inhibitor that allows resumption of oxidative metabolism during reperfusion. Amobarbital is a reversible inhibitor at the rotenone site of complex I. We asked whether amobarbital administered immediately before ischemia protected respiratory function. Isolated rat hearts were perfused for 15 min followed by 25-min global ischemia at 37°C. Amobarbital-treated hearts received drug for 1 min before ischemia. Subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) populations of mitochondria were isolated after ischemia, and oxidative phosphorylation was measured. Amobarbital protected oxidative phosphorylation, including through cytochrome oxidase, in both SSM and IFM in a dose-dependent manner, with an optimal dose of 2 to 2.5 mM. Amobarbital also preserved cytochrome c content in both SSM and IFM. Thus, reversible blockade of the electron transport chain during ischemia protects mitochondrial respiration.
Color confinement in the presence of chromomagnetic monopoles

Abstract We show that confinement of color in the presence of chromomagnetic monopoles, which appear in grand unified models, is compatible with the quantization condition for magnetic charge. We treat long distance QCD using an effective lagrangian obtained by combining the long distance solution of the Dyson-Schwinger equations with gauge invariance.
Jointed deformation bands may not compartmentalize reservoirs

Deformation-band shear zones can severely compartmentalize oil and gas reservoirs by drastically reducing permeability in thin, extensive sheets. This study presents data showing that subsurface deformation bands can develop closely spaced systematic joints that breach the bands and that terminate at the boundaries between the cataclastic deformation-band material and the surrounding sandstone. Observations at six field sites on the Colorado Plateau reveal the influence of deformation-band orientation on joint orientation, the relationship between deformation-band thickness and joint spacing, and the origin and timing of development of joints in deformation-band shear zones associated with major structures. Joints in deformation-band shear zones are perpendicular to the deformation bands, joint spacing is a linear function of deformation-band thickness, and the slope of the best-fit linear regression reflects the degree of joint saturation. A correspondence between tectonically induced principal strain axes and joint orientations implies that joints developed simultaneously with, or soon after, the deformation-band shear zones that they occupy. Deformation bands in subsurface reservoirs are therefore likely to contain joints that breach the nearly impermeable deformation-band shear zones, connecting compartments of undeformed sandstone and restoring reservoir permeability.
Facing financial distress: a case study of the University of Washington

This paper describes the processes used by the University of Washington to meet severe budget reductions mandated by the State in the 1980s. A planning philosophy of smaller size and higher quality was adopted, and program elimination was identified as the only way to achieve permanent cost reductions. Program elimination occurred consensually, with faculty and student participation. While a substantial number of programs were eliminated, faith was kept with faculty by retaining all tenured professors in eliminated programs, and with students by allowing them ample time to complete degrees. The strategies the University has developed as a result of its experience of fiscal distress emphasizes increasing university autonomy. The University is striving to acquire authority over its income, is comparing itself with peer institutions to demonstrate underfunding to the legislature, and stressing to the legislature the benefits that come to the state from having a strong research institution.
Combating Write Penalties Using Software Dispatch for On-Chip MRAM Integration

Recent advances in the emerging memory technology magnetic RAM (MRAM) enrich the opportunities to build high density and low power embedded systems. One common way of utilizing MRAM is integrating it with conventional memories and distributing data to the appropriate type of memory to mitigate the high write penalty of MRAM. In this paper, we propose a software-based approach to identify data access characteristics and guide hardware to perform efficient data distribution. We use our technique to build an on-chip MRAM-SRAM hybrid cache and demonstrate an 86.8% reduction in leakage power, a 9.8% reduction in total power, and a 5% memory performance improvement, compared to a traditional static RAM (SRAM)-only cache.
C−C Activation in Biphenylene. Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of (C5Me5)2M2(2,2‘-biphenyl) (M = Rh, Co)

Carbon−carbon bond cleavage of biphenylene was achieved with (C5Me5)M(C2H4)2 (M = Rh, Co) to give the bimetallic species (C5Me5)2M2(2,2‘-biphenyl). The isomorphous solid state X-ray structures of these complexes showed the biphenyl substrate to be σ-coordinated to one metal and η4-bound to the other. These complexes display dynamic behavior, interchanging the σ- and π-bonding. Variable-temperature NMR studies were performed on both binuclear species, and the energy barrier for interconversion of the two (C5Me5) fragments was calculated to be ΔG⧧ (350 K) = 16.8 kcal/mol and ΔG⧧ (248 K) = 11.4 kcal/mol for the rhodium and cobalt complexes, respectively. (C5Me5)2Rh2(2,2‘-biphenyl) reacted with CO to give (C5Me5)Rh(CO)2 and (C5Me5)Rh(CO)(2,2‘-biphenyl), while the cobalt analog gave (C5Me5)Co(CO)2 and fluorenone. (C5Me5)2Co2(2,2‘-biphenyl) gave (C5Me5)Co(PMe3)2 and (C5Me5)Co(PMe3)(2,2‘-biphenyl) when reacted with PMe3, as determined by X-ray crystallography of the latter complex. Both complexes were found to b...
Conformation-induced remote meta -C–H activation of amines

Achieving site selectivity in carbon-hydrogen (C-H) functionalization reactions is a long-standing challenge in organic chemistry. The small differences in intrinsic reactivity of C-H bonds in any given organic molecule can lead to the activation of undesired C-H bonds by a non-selective catalyst. One solution to this problem is to distinguish C-H bonds on the basis of their location in the molecule relative to a specific functional group. In this context, the activation of C-H bonds five or six bonds away from a functional group by cyclometallation has been extensively studied. However, the directed activation of C-H bonds that are distal to (more than six bonds away) functional groups has remained challenging, especially when the target C-H bond is geometrically inaccessible to directed metallation owing to the ring strain encountered in cyclometallation. Here we report a recyclable template that directs the olefination and acetoxylation of distal meta-C-H bonds--as far as 11 bonds away--of anilines and benzylic amines. This template is able to direct the meta-selective C-H functionalization of bicyclic heterocycles via a highly strained, tricyclic-cyclophane-like palladated intermediate. X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance studies reveal that the conformational biases induced by a single fluorine substitution in the template can be enhanced by using a ligand to switch from ortho- to meta-selectivity.
Crash and rebound of indigenous populations in lowland South America

Lowland South America has long been a battle-ground between European colonization and indigenous survival. Initial waves of European colonization brought disease epidemics, slavery, and violence that had catastrophic impacts on indigenous cultures. In this paper we focus on the demography of 238 surviving populations in Brazil. We use longitudinal censuses from all known indigenous Brazilian societies to quantify three demographic metrics: 1) effects of European contact on indigenous populations; 2) empirical estimates of minimum viable population sizes; and 3) estimates of post-contact population growth rates. We use this information to conduct population viability analysis (PVA). Our results show that all surviving populations suffered extensive mortality during, and shortly after, contact. However, most surviving populations exhibit positive growth rates within the first decade post-contact. Our findings paint a positive demographic outlook for these indigenous populations, though long-term survival remains subject to powerful externalities, including politics, economics, and the pervasive illegal exploitation of indigenous lands.
Allylic substitution/rearrangement of cannabinoids with trimethylsilyl bromide

Abstract Trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr) in the presence of catalytic ZnI2 induces facile substitution of allylic acetates to the bromides with or without rearrangement as governed by product stability. This was applied to the preparation of a key intermediate employed in the synthesis of important cannabinoid metabolites.
Mouth versus deep airways absorption of nicotine in cigarette smokers

Nicotine from the alkaline smoke of cigars is absorbed through the buccal mucosa, but such absorption from the more acidic smoke of American cigarettes has not been reported. Forty-one male and 52 female smokers were studied under normal ventilation and smoking conditions, and under high ventilation and controlled smoking conditions that restricted intake to the mouth only, with no inhalation. The major finding is that there is virtually no intake of nicotine through the buccal mucosa while smoking American cigarettes. Confirming prior reports, plasma nicotine and expired CO levels showed no correlation with the analytical yields of nicotine and CO of the cigarettes smoked. Fifteen nonsmokers (7 male, 8 female) participated in this study as controls. Data from these subjects provided additional information regarding absorption of nicotine and carbon monoxide during passive smoking. Within the highly ventilated environment, there was no significant change of CO and nicotine levels of nonsmokers. However, within the normally ventilated environment, there was minimal increase in both substances, statistically significant only for nicotine. These results suggest that nicotine may be a better indicator of exposure to second-hand smoke than carbon monoxide.
Return of Ecosystem Function to Restored Bauxite Mines in Western Australia

A critical aspect of reestablishing a self-sustaining Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest ecosystem to bauxite-mined areas is to ensure that vital ecosystem functions such as litter decomposition and nutrient cycling are returned. Significant research has been undertaken over the past 20 years relating to litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Studies have shown that litter accumulates rapidly in restored areas (1–4 ton ha−1 yr−1) and the accumulated litter tends to be richer in nitrogen due to intentionally elevated densities of nitrogen-fixing species. This leads to a lower (carbon:nitrogen) C:N ratio (60:1 compared to 130:1 in unmined forest) that may promote mineralization of organic N to inorganic forms in restored areas. The major nutrient store in the unmined forest is in the soil and returning soil during the restoration process largely conserves this resource, particularly in relation to P. Short-term plant macronutrient requirements for growth are readily restored by fertilizer application. Studies on the reaccumulation of nutrient pools in the successional development of restored areas have shown that pools equivalent to the unmined forest are established within 10–20 years. Ongoing research is focusing on the rates of cycling processes in burnt and unburnt restored areas, and comparing these to the unmined forest to ensure that key functions have been reestablished. To date, all measured ecosystem function parameters are indicating that restored areas have achieved or are on a trajectory toward a self-sustaining Jarrah forest ecosystem.
The surgical management of Parkinson’s disease

SUMMARY Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most frequently encountered neurodegenerative disorders in terms of worldwide prevalence. Although medications are typically effective at treating motor symptoms in early to moderately advanced stages, the efficacy of these agents often wanes as the disease progresses. With long-term pharmacologic therapy, many PD patients will also experience motor fluctuations, dyskinesias and unpredictable wearing off of the therapeutic benefit. Deep brain stimulation, the preferred surgical treatment for PD, often improves many of these complications. New surgical options are currently under clinical investigation for advanced PD patients including gene and cell-based therapies.
An Amplifier to Adapt the Oscillograph to Low-Current Investigations

There has been need in several fields of electrical engineering research for a means to study time relations, wave forms, and similar phenomena where only infinitesimal currents are obtainable. The limitations and advantages of several possible methods of investigation are briefly compared, and the conclusion reached that the ordinary oscillograph can be most profitably adapted to such work. The best form of vacuum tube amplifier for the work is then discussed, followed by a description of the steps taken in the design of a suitable resistance coupled amplifier. This amplifier is then described. The results of tests showing quality of reproduction are given in the form of oscillograms and a characteristic curve. The recommended procedure to be followed and the necessary precautions to be observed in the use of the amplifier are given, with a short discussion of the abilities and possibilities of the oscillograph in its widened field of usefulness.
Greenland marine-terminating glacier area changes: 2000–2010

Area changes at 39 of the widest Greenland marine-terminating glacier outlets are measured in consecutive annual end-of-melt-season Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) scenes spanning ten annual intervals (2000-10). The rates of cumulative area change for glaciers and ice shelves are well represented by linear least-squares fits, R = -0.99 and R = -0.94, with average rates of -70 and -65 km 2 a -1 , respectively. Collectively, during this decade, the 39 glaciers lost a cumulative area of 1368 km 2 . More than three-quarters of the total area change occurred north of 72˚ ˚ N. The largest 11-year area change for a single glacier during the survey period is the 311 km 2 loss at Humboldt Glacier. The largest annual change for a single glacier was extreme compared with the others, where Petermann glacier retreated 17 km between 3 and 5 August 2010. For the 10 year sample, on average, the count of glaciers retreating is twice that advancing. A larger distinction is evident considering area change, with the ratio of retreat and advance, on average, nine times the gain. For glaciers with ice shelves, we find no year with collective area gain. The area change data from this study are posted at: http://bprc.osu.edu/~jbox/data/GAC/
Desire and Discourse in Foucault: The Sign of the Fig Leaf in Michelangelo’s David

The first part of this paper utilizes Foucault's work in The History of Sexuality as a basis for assessing the meaning and significance of the fig leaf placed on Michelangelo's sculpture, David. The fig leaf is shown to reveal, no less than conceal, David as a sexual object. This suggests that the act of censorship must be viewed as a complex process whereby what appears to be denied or negated, on one level, is in fact affirmed and given prominence, on a deeper level. The second section examines the motif of the fig leaf in the story of Adam and Eve as a prototype of Foucault's idea of sex as a category of knowledge (biopower). The third sec? tion employs Foucault's distinction between ars erotica and seien tia sexualis as the basis for a comparison of classical and modern attitudes towards sex. The paper concludes with a consideration of the requirements for a reflective, transsubjectivist mode of dis? course in terms of the relationship between desire and the de? sirable. The status of Foucault's theoretical discourse itself as a transsubjectivist commitment is questioned.
Starting criterion for hypersonic inlets

Starting criterion for hypersonic inlets with large turbulent boundary layers, considering total pressure recovery from all shock and viscous losses
Child maltreatment victims' attitudes about appearing in dependency and criminal courts

Abstract In the present study, we investigated the attitudes of maltreated children involved in court hearings. Specifically, this pilot research examined whether type of abuse (sexual vs. physical vs. neglect), type of court (dependency vs. criminal), and child and abuse characteristics predicted child victims' feelings about seeing defendants in court and answering questions in the courtroom. Data were collected from interviews with the children and from their court files. Results indicated that greater negativity about seeing defendants in the courtroom was significantly predicted by testifying as a sexual abuse victim in criminal court and by being female regardless of court system, whereas greater positivity about seeing defendants in the courtroom was predicted by appearing in dependency court hearings as a physical abuse victim. In addition, greater severity of maltreatment and older age of the children were significantly associated with greater negativity about answering questions in court. Implications for future research are discussed.
Body-fixed equations for atom-molecule scattering: Exact and centrifugal decoupling methods

Abstract We demonstrate an exact method for solving the close-coupled equations for rotationally inelastic scattering in the body-fixed (BF) coordinate representation, using a slight modification of the exponential method which allows application of the known boundary conditions for the space-fixed (SF) coordinate frame. The nature of the coupling in the BF frame suggests approximations which reduce the problem to a set of problems each of a smaller dimensionality. Using an atom-rigid rotor model potential, we have compared the decoupling approximation suggested by Pack and by McGuire and Kouri to the fully coupled problem. We find the centrifugal decoupling (CD) approximation to work best at low total angular momenta J , and for low rotor states j . Opacity functions for inelastic transitions are generally better than ones for elastic transitions, due to errors in the phases of elastic S -matrix elements. However, at high J , CD often severely underestimates the inelastic transition probabilities.
Considerations for Return-to-Play and Retirement Decisions After Concussion

Return-to-play and retirement decisions after concussion are often difficult and complex. The complexity of these decisions may be influenced by many factors, including the number, proximity, and severity of previous concussions; gender; age; sport played; exposure to head impacts; and predisposing or pre-existing conditions. These circumstances and conditions can confound the decisions concerning return to play and retirement. Clinicians should carefully weigh how these circumstances and conditions influence quality of life and how they interact with the effects of concussion. Furthermore, clinicians should consider past and potential exposures to both subconcussive and concussive impacts during the athlete's lifetime when deliberating a return to play or retirement. The purpose of this overview is to highlight and discuss these issues as they factor into the return-to-play and retirement decisions after a concussive injury in an effort to provide clinicians with evidence-based information that can be used in the decision-making process.
Aboveground Allometric Models for Freeze-Affected Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans): Equations for a Climate Sensitive Mangrove-Marsh Ecotone

Across the globe, species distributions are changing in response to climate change and land use change. In parts of the southeastern United States, climate change is expected to result in the poleward range expansion of black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) at the expense of some salt marsh vegetation. The morphology of A. germinans at its northern range limit is more shrub-like than in tropical climes in part due to the aboveground structural damage and vigorous multi-stem regrowth triggered by extreme winter temperatures. In this study, we developed aboveground allometric equations for freeze-affected black mangroves which can be used to quantify: (1) total aboveground biomass; (2) leaf biomass; (3) stem plus branch biomass; and (4) leaf area. Plant volume (i.e., a combination of crown area and plant height) was selected as the optimal predictor of the four response variables. We expect that our simple measurements and equations can be adapted for use in other mangrove ecosystems located in abiotic settings that result in mangrove individuals with dwarf or shrub-like morphologies including oligotrophic and arid environments. Many important ecological functions and services are affected by changes in coastal wetland plant community structure and productivity including carbon storage, nutrient cycling, coastal protection, recreation, fish and avian habitat, and ecosystem response to sea level rise and extreme climatic events. Coastal scientists in the southeastern United States can use the identified allometric equations, in combination with easily obtained and non-destructive plant volume measurements, to better quantify and monitor ecological change within the dynamic, climate sensitive, and highly-productive mangrove-marsh ecotone.
Determination of the parameters of a Skyrme type effective interaction using the simulated annealing approach

We implement for the first time the simulated annealing method to the problem of searching for the global minimum in the hypersurface of the ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}$ function, which depends on the values of the parameters of a Skyrme-type effective nucleon-nucleon interaction. We undertake a realistic case of fitting the values of the Skyrme parameters to an extensive set of experimental data on the ground-state properties of many nuclei, ranging from normal to exotic ones. The set of experimental data used in our fitting procedure includes the radii for the valence $1{d}_{5/2}$ and $1{f}_{7/2}$ neutron orbits in the $^{17}\mathrm{O}$ and $^{41}\mathrm{Ca}$ nuclei, respectively, and the breathing-mode energies for several nuclei, in addition to the typically used data on binding energy, charge radii, and spin-orbit splitting. We also include in the fit the critical density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\mathrm{cr}}$ and further constrain the values of the Skyrme parameters by requiring that (i) the quantity $P=3\ensuremath{\rho}(\mathit{dS}/d\ensuremath{\rho})$, directly related to the slope of the symmetry energy S, must be positive for densities up to $3{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$; (ii) the enhancement factor \ensuremath{\kappa}, associated with the isovector giant dipole resonance, should lie in the range of 0.1--0.5; and (iii) the Landau parameter ${G}_{0}^{'}$ is positive at $\ensuremath{\rho}={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$. We provide simple but consistent schemes to account for the center-of-mass corrections to the binding energy and charge radii.
A Molecular Theory of the Activity Coefficients and Their Reference Fugacities at the Supercritical State

We take advantage of the recent advances in statistical mechanics on mixtures to examine a century-old problem in solution thermodynamics, specifically for the popular activity coefficient model, with regard to the absence of a standard state for the noncondensable gases in the mixture. This defect is traced back to the excess Gibbs free energy formalism where insistence on a pure liquid-state reference fluid is incorporated. By examining the molecularly derived counterparts, we propose a new division of the component chemical potential along the line of the molecular theory. A new definition of a reference fugacity and that of a molecular-inspired activity coefficients are formulated to cure this defect. We employ the Ornstein—Zernike equations to actually evaluate the molecular activity coefficients for a mixture of methane and n-pentane. The system temperature is 444 K. Thus, methane is the suprecritical component and does not fit into the classical activity coefficient model. We demonstrate that the m...