cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Average current-mode control for a boost converter using an 8-bit microcontroller

This paper presents hybrid average current-mode control (ACMC) for a boost converter using an 8-bit microcontroller. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of a hybrid ACMC DC-DC converter, an ACMC boost converter operating in the continuous conduction mode has been designed using a PIC16C782 microcontroller. System modeling, main design procedures, as well as some hardware and software implementation issues are discussed. Experimental results are presented, and encouragingly demonstrate the performance that a hybrid ACMC DC-DC converter can achieve. A pure analog controller using a UC3K86 analog control chip from Texas Instruments has also been implemented for comparison.
Antagonism of the intoxicating effects of ethanol by the potent benzodiazepine receptor ligand Ro 19-4603.

Abstract The effects of the imidazothienodiazepinone Ro 19-4603 were investigated in mice. Ro 19-4603 (0.03–0.3 mg/kg) caused a dose-related reduction in seizure threshold to i.v. bicuculline. Doses of 0.1–3 mg/kg induced seizures in some but not all mice, consistent with its suggested action as a partial benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist. Ro 19-4603 (0.01–0.3 mg/kg) attenuated the intoxicating effects of ethanol (2.4 g/kg) and was as effective as Ro 15-4513 in this respect.
Asian Immigrants' Reliance on Social Ties in a Multiethnic Labor Market

We study how the social capital and closure properties offamily- and ethnic-based social networks influence the incorporation of immigrants into their host society. In so doing, we examine the relationship between immigrants' reliance on social ties and their employment. Data collected through ethnographic depth interviews of Asian immigrants in Los Angeles indicate that reliance on social ties usually operates informally, as when job seekers consult their more experienced and better-connected friends, relatives, and acquaintances and ask them to serve as intermediaries. These networks provide groupbased resources that assist immigrants in making headway in their new society. Yet reliance on social ties is most common for moves into jobs of low occupational prestige that have low human capital requirements. Because of linguistic and cultural competence, immigrants who seek jobs from coethnic employers are often more selfreliant in the job search than those who seek work more broadly. In this way, ethnolinguistic closure encourages ethnic segmentation in the labor market. By contrast, reliance on social ties, anotherform of closure, facilitates job hunting in the wider domain of the labor market, where prospective employers may be of any ethnicity. Reliance on social ties thereby provides a mechanism by which immigrants gain employment throughout the multiethnic metropolitan labor market.
Saturn's satellite Rhea is a homogeneous mix of rock and ice

[1] A close flyby of Saturn's satellite Rhea by the Cassini spacecraft on 26 November 2005 can be used to infer its mass and quadrupole gravity moments. From these data we derive a mean density of 1233 ± 5 kg m−3 for Rhea and an axial moment of inertia consistent with an undifferentiated interior. The small density implies an interior made up of about 25% rock-metal and 75% water ice by mass. The moment of inertia implies a homogeneous mix of these constituents with some compression of the ice and the transition from ice I to ice II at depth.
The Dynamics of Northern Hemisphere Stratospheric Final Warming Events

Abstract A lag composite analysis is performed of the zonal-mean structure and dynamics of Northern Hemisphere stratospheric final warming (SFW) events. SFW events are linked to distinct zonal wind deceleration signatures in the stratosphere and troposphere. The period of strongest stratospheric decelerations (SD) is marked by a concomitant reduction in the high-latitude tropospheric westerlies. However, a subsequent period of tropospheric decelerations (TD) occurs while the stratospheric circulation relaxes toward climatological conditions. During SFW onset, a wavenumber-1 disturbance at stratospheric altitudes evolves into a circumpolar anticyclonic circulation anomaly. Transformed Eulerian-mean dynamical diagnoses reveal that the SD period is characterized by an anomalous upward Eliassen–Palm (EP) signature at high latitudes extending from the surface to the middle stratosphere. The associated wave-driving pattern consists of zonal decelerations extending from the upper troposphere to the midstratosphe...
Hemiplegic mutations in AraC protein

We have isolated mutations in AraC protein that specifically block either induction or repression at the ara pBAD promoter. These hemiplegic mutations identify amino acid residues that, correspondingly, are involved only in the induction or only in the repression activities of the protein. Residues key only for induction are 13, 15, and 18, which are located in the N-terminal arm of AraC, and residues 80 and 82 which lie in the arabinose-binding pocket of the protein's sugar-binding and dimerization domain. Alteration of residues 157, 244 and 257 can leave the protein able to activate transcription but not able to repress transcription. The behavior of the mutant proteins is consistent with the light switch mechanism for AraC action in which the presence of arabinose pulls the N-terminal arms of the protein off the DNA-binding domains, thereby freeing them to assume a direct-repeat orientation, bind to adjacent direct-repeat DNA half-sites, and activate transcription.
Cross-sectional imaging obtained immediately following radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation does not predict endoscopic evidence of esophageal injury.

Background Radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation (AFA) is commonly performed in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is imperative to develop a strategy for the early detection of esophageal lesions secondary to AFA. The current protocol is to obtain cross-sectional imaging before and immediately after the procedure. If patients have evidence of esophageal inflammation, they undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We hypothesized that esophageal abnormalities seen on imaging immediately post-ablation are a poor predictor of the damage seen during EGD.
PLANT NUTRIENT LOSSES IN RUNOFF FROM CONSERVATION TILLAGE CORN

Abstract Conservation tillage in north Mississippi, U.S.A., reduced total (sum of solution and sediment) plant nutrient losses in runoff from corn, even though solution nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in runoff were greater than from conventional-till and sediments were enriched severalfold in N and P. Plant nutrient losses were reduced by conservation tillage because of the significant reductions in soil loss. Soil losses from corn grown for grain were reduced more than 92% by reduced and no-till practices. Corresponding total losses of N and P were reduced about 70 and 80%, respectively. Conservation tillage reduced plant nutrient losses associated with sediments but increased solution P concentrations and losses in runoff. Solution P concentrations and losses, which were related to crop management, decreased in the following order: no-till corn (grain) ⩾ no-till corn (silage) > reduced-till corn (grain) > conventional-till corn (grain) > conventional-till corn (silage). Solution P concentrations and losses in runoff increased with an increase in crop residues left on the soil surface after harvest and with a decrease in annual soil loss.
When an Adult Female Seeks Ritual Genital Alteration: Ethics, Law, and the Parameters of Participation

Ritual genital cutting for women, a common practice in Africa and elsewhere around the world, remains dangerous and controversial. In recent years, a 14-year-old girl living in Sierra Leone exsanguinated and died following a ritualistic genital cutting. Hoping to avoid that fate, women with backgrounds that accept ritual genital cutting may, when they reach majority age, ask plastic surgeons to perform genital alterations for cultural reasons. Although plastic surgeons routinely perform cosmetic procedures, unique ethical and legal concerns arise when an adult female patient asks a surgeon to spare her the tribal elder's knife and alter her genitalia according to tradition and custom. Misin-formation and confusion about this issue exist. -This article explores-the ethical and legal issues relevant to this situation and explains how the thoughtful surgeon should proceed.
T‐bet and pSTAT‐1 expression in PBMC from coeliac disease patients: new markers of disease activity

Summary Coeliacdisease(CD)isconsideredaTcell-mediatedautoimmunedisease,and up-regulation of T-bet and phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription (pSTAT)1,key transcription factors for the development of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, has been described in the mucosa of patients with untreated CD. Using transcription factor analysis, we investigated whether T-bet and pSTAT1 expressions are up-regulated in the peripheral blood of CD patients and correlate with disease activity.Usingflow cytometry,we analysed T-bet, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 expression in CD4 + , CD8 + T cells, CD19 + Bc ells and monocytes from peripheral blood of 15 untreated and 15 treated CD patients and 30 controls,and longitudinally in five coeliac patients before and after dietary treatment. We evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),interferon (FN)-g,interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. T-bet expression in CD4 + , CD8 + T cells, CD19 + B cells and monocytes and IFN-g production by PBMC was higher in untreated than in treated CD patients and controls. pSTAT1 expression was higher in CD4 + T cells, B cells and monocytes from untreated than from treated CD patients and controls. pSTAT3 was increased only in monocytes from untreated patients compared with CD-treated patients and controls. The data obtained from the longitudinal evaluation of transcription factors confirmed these results. Flow cytometric analysis of pSTAT1 and T-bet protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be useful and sensible markers in the follow-up of CD patients to evaluate disease activity and response to dietary treatment.
Health, function, quality of life and self-esteem in AIS; preliminary results from BrAIST

a successful outcome, on the self-esteem (p<0.07), behavior (p<0.07), physical functioning (p<0.09) and role functioning (p<0.05) CHQ subscales. This difference was also found in QOL scores (p<0.04). Overall, subject QOL and CHQ scores were not different than those published for school-based populations. Conclusions Patients in this study scored similar to those in a schoolbased population, indicating little effect of the diagnosis of AIS on their physical and psychosocial function or overall quality of life. However, there were differences within the study cohort. Developing a curve of 50 degrees or greater was possibly associated with lower-ranked self-esteem, behavior, physical and role functioning and overall QOL. These findings suggest that patients who wear a brace require not only orthopaedic support, but also psychosocial support, especially in the face of significant curve progression.
The cortical plate and molecular layer of the late rat fetus

In the cortical plate of the late prenatal rat fetus the neuroblasts can be considered to be of three types: mature neuroblasts which are prominent in the lower levels of the cortical plate and have some of the cytoplasmic and nuclear features of neurons, immature neuroblasts that have recently completed their migrations into the cortical plate, and migrating neuroblasts that are still in the process of moving to their definitive positions. Both of these latter types have darker cytoplasm than the mature neuroblasts. All of the neuroblasts have an apical process that extends directly towards the pial surface of the cortical plate and a basal process that is directed towards the intermediate zone of the developing hemisphere. In Golgi preparations some of these basal processes, particularly those of neuroblasts situated in the lower levels of the cortical plate, seem to have formed axons that pass through the intermediate zone to enter the developing white matter, in which they turn at right angles away from, and rarely toward, the midline. Other elements traversing the cortical plate are the ascending processes of spongioblasts that branch in the molecular layer and form expansions at the surface of the hemisphere. In the molecular layer the spongioblast terminal branches intertwine with the apical tufts of the ascending neuroblast processes and with thin processes that have the features of axons, to form a loose neuropil. In the cortical plate the spongioblast processes are usually closely and preferentially surrounded by the dark migrating neuroblasts and by the immature neuroblasts. Both of these latter may partially encompass spongioblast processes. Hence it is concluded that the spongioblast processes act as guides along which the migrating neuroblasts ascend through the cortical plate.
Parametric studies on confinement of radionuclides in the excavated damaged zone due to bentonite type and temperature change

Abstract A parametric study is presented in this paper in order to examine the potential of the extruding bentonite into a fracture in the EDZ to confine radionuclides. Radionuclide migration of cesium and neptunium were studied at elevated temperatures and for a sodium- and calcium-type bentonite. Parameter values were obtained based on empirical studies for hydraulic conductivity, molecular diffusion, and sorption. Results indicate extrusion speed is affected by temperature changes. Elevated temperatures also affect radionuclide migration. For Cs, migration is enhanced due to decreasing sorption, while Np migration is inhibited due to increasing sorption. The potential to confine radionuclides is favorable, and the choice of bentonite does not seem to affect radionuclide confinement in the extruding region.
Comparison of analytical results from plant analysis laboratories

Abstract Analyses of 6 reference plant tissue samples were completed by 22 commercial and university laboratories across the U.S and compared. Cooperators were requested to analyze samples of apple leaf (Malus domestica Borkh.), grape petiole (Vitis labrusea L.), pecan leaf (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.)K. Koch), snapbean leaf (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). eweet corn leaf (Zea mays L.), and rose leaf (Rosa hybrida) for the elements comprising a routine analysis. Each laboratory was requested to use their routine analytical procedures, with no attempt to standardize these methods. Close agreement between laboratories occurred with analyses of N, P, and Mg in which 80%, 69%, and 68% of the laboratories reported values within ± 5 % of the mean, respectively. Close agreement was also found for Mn and Zn, with 81% of laboratories reporting Mn and 73% reporting Zn values within ± 10% of the mean. Variation between laboratories was greater for K and S, in which 46% and 30% of the laboratories reported values within ± ...
Interfacial tension near the tricritical point of3He-4He solutions

In a recent paper we made a calculation of the interfacial tension σ in a binary liquid solution. This involved consideration of the effects of composition gradient, and involved a characteristic length δz giving the distance up or down the gradient over which a molecule was influenced by its neighbors. An equation was derived which related σ to δz, the coexistence curve, properties of the critical point, and the thickness Δz of the interface. This equation has now been applied to3He-4He solutions, and its relation to scaling laws for the tricritical exponents has been discussed. This requires estimates of effective values of the tricritical exponents in the temperature range actually used from measurements in the literature of σ and other quantities, and from an estimate of δz from the de Broglie wavelength, Δz has been estimated to be about 80A at0.022 deg below the critical temperature. This has been compared to an estimate of the correlation length.
Glatiramer acetate blocks interleukin-1-dependent nuclear factor-κB activation and RANTES expression in human U-251 MG astroglial cells

Abstract RANTES is a basic 8-kDa polypeptide of the C–C chemokine subfamily with strong chemoattractant activity for T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages that are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Glatiramer acetate is a drug recently approved for the treatment of MS. We therefore investigated the effect of glatiramer acetate on RANTES expression in glial cells in vitro. Treatment of human U-251 MG astroglial cells with glatiramer acetate blocks IL-1β-induced RANTES chemokine production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Glatiramer acetate also decreased steady-state levels of RANTES mRNA in these cells, which was attributable to reduced transcription, as assessed by nuclear run-on assays. In addition, we showed that NF-κB may be the transcriptional activator responsible for the IL-1β-mediated RANTES gene expression in this system. Our data indicated that the IL-1β-induced increase in RANTES was associated with an increase in in vitro nuclear extract binding activity specific for the NF-κB site in the promoter region of the RANTES gene. The increases in RANTES mRNA and protein expression were suppressed by the NF-κB inhibitors gliotoxin, isohelenin, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the increase in NF-κB DNA-binding activity was prevented by pretreatment with glatiramer acetate or the NF-κB inhibitors. Our results suggest that glatiramer acetate may inhibit IL-1β-stimulated RANTES expression in human glial cells by blocking NF-κB activation, thus identifying part of the molecular basis for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in demyelinating diseases.
Preliminary observations of crystallization of levitated tungsten

Abstract The crystallization of tungsten by containerless levitation is described. Single crystals which weigh up to 10 each have been grown by this method.
Soil and leaf nutrient interactions following application of calcium silicate slag to sugarcane

In certain areas of the Everglades Agricultural Area, plant and ratoon sugarcane (Saccharum L.) yields are increased by application of Si from calcium silicate slag. The greatest yield responses are obtained in the plant crop the first year after application of slag and when plant uptake of Si is increased. Magnesium deficiencies have been reported after slag application. The objective of this study was to quantify interactions of soil and leaf nutrients on sugarcane grown on a Terra Ceia muck (Euic, hyperthermic Typic Medisaprist) that had previously received calcium silicate slag. Slag was applied at five rates, and yields were evaluated from plant, first-ratoon, and second-ratoon (stubble) crops at two locations. Soil and leaf from each crop were sampled for nutrient analysis and the results were used to interpret the yield data. Although slag increased cane yield by as much as 39% and sugar yield by 50%, for each 100 mg L−1 drop in extractable soil Mg, cane yields declined by 5.3 Mg ha−1 and sugar yields by 0.9 Mg ha−1. At leaf Si concentrations exceeding 10 g kg−1, optimum cane and sugar yields were observed, while leaf Mg concentrations approached critical leaf concentrations below 1.5 g kg−1. Estimates of total leaf nutrient uptake during each crop indicated that uptake of Mg did not meet nutrient demands at high biomass production. Nutrient antagonism between Si and Mg is suggested. Low soil Mg may contribute to the marked crop responses to slag and for the decline in stubble production. Application of a magnesium fertilizer may be necessary to maintain high nutrient availability.
Correlations between clinical symptoms, leukocyte sensitivity, antigen-binding capacity, and Prausnitz-Küstner activity in a longitudinal study of ragweed pollinosis☆

Abstract In a six-year study of a ragweed-sensitive individual, a longitudinal approach was used to correlate symptoms of pollinosis, leukocyte reactivity to antigen, serum antigen-binding capacity, and levels of serum reaginic antibody. Fluctuation of symptoms paralleled changes in leukocyte sensitivity to ragweed antigen. A decrease in the patient's reaginic antibody titer to ragweed occurred following treatment and persisted after treatment was stopped. Antigen-binding activity of the patient's sera increased with treatment but decreased after treatment was stopped. The antibody responsible for antigen-binding activity in this patient was localized to the immunoglobulin G class.
Strategies for Whole Lung Tissue Engineering

Recent work has demonstrated the feasibility of using decellularized lung extracellular matrix scaffolds to support the engineering of functional lung tissue in vitro. Rendered acellular through the use of detergents and other reagents, the scaffolds are mounted in organ-specific bioreactors where cells in the scaffold are provided with nutrients and appropriate mechanical stimuli such as ventilation and perfusion. Though initial studies are encouraging, a great deal remains to be done to advance the field and transition from rodent lungs to whole human tissue engineered lungs. To do so, a variety of hurdles must be overcome. In particular, a reliable source of human-sized scaffolds, as well as a method of terminal sterilization of scaffolds, must be identified. Continued research in lung cell and developmental biology will hopefully help identify the number and types of cells that will be required to regenerate functional lung tissue. Finally, bioreactor designs must be improved in order to provide more precise ventilation stimuli and vascular perfusion in order to avoid injury to or death of the cells cultivated within the scaffold. Ultimately, the success of efforts to engineer a functional lung in vitro will critically depend on the ability to create a fully endothelialized vascular network that provides sufficient barrier function and alveolar-capillary surface area to exchange gas at rates compatible with healthy lung function.
The distribution of the projection from the hippocampal formation to the nucleus accumbens in the rat: An anterograde and retrograde-horseradish peroxidase study

Abstract We have investigated the distribution and organization of the projection from the hippocampal formation to the nucleus accumbens in the rat. In the first experiments, horseradish peroxidase was injected into the fimbria fornicis. This procedure resulted in massive anterograde labelling of fornix fibers, and enabled the hippocampo-accumbens projection to be charted in detail. Labelled fornix fibers are distributed to the entire length of the nucleus accumbens and do not spread lateral to the anterior limb of the anterior commissure, that is, the projection is limited to the medial nucleus accumbens. Terminal labelling is particularly dense in a caudal dorsomedial sector of accumbens immediately adjacent to the septum. In the second part of the study, horseradish peroxidase was microelectrophoretically injected into the nucleus accumbens, in order to confirm the findings from the anterograde experiments. When the deposit was localized within the fornix distribution field, as indicated by the first experiment, retrogradely-labelled cells were observed in the subiculum, prosubiculum, and to a lesser extent, in hippocampal field CAI. When the deposit was located outside the fornix distribution field, no hippocampal labelling was noted. The topography of the projection, suggested by the retrograde labelling experiments, is discussed. The findings confirm earlier reports of such a projection from the hippocampal formation to the nucleus accumbens, and with the use of a relatively novel anterograde-horseradish peroxidase technique, provide a picture of fiber labelling representing the entire field of origin of the fornix system. The striatal projection field of this pathway is discussed in relation to other striatal afferents, with particular emphasis on limbic afferentation of the striatum. Finally, the so-called ‘hippocampal district’ of striatum is discussed with respect to its neurotransmitter composition, as well as its functional importance regarding limbic system influence on central motor mechanisms.
A digital real-time lidar data recording, processing and display system

Application of laser radars to meteorological programs has been limited by the absence of suitable data recording, processing and display techniques. This paper discusses a digital data system that provides the means of performing real-time analysis and display of lidar data. The system is constructed of commercially available components and makes optimum use of available software. Application of the system to the real-time viewing of cirrus cloud structure and inference of cloud density is presented. A review of previously used lidar data handling techniques is also presented.
A chip-firing game and Dirichelt eigenvalues

We consider a variation of the chip-firing game in an induced subgraph S of a graph G. Starting from a given chip configuration, if a vertex v has at least as many chips as its degree, we can fire v by sending one chip along each edge from v to its neighbors. Chips are removed at the boundary δS. The game continues until no vertex can be fired. We will give an upper bound, in terms of Dirichlet eigenvalues, for the number of firings needed before a game terminates. We also examine the relations among three equinumerous families, the set of spanning forests on S with roots in the boundary of S, a set of "critical" configurations of chips, and a coset group, called the sandpile group associated with S.
Demand shocks, advance production and market power: some lessons about markets from the laboratory

This paper summarizes some recent research pertaining to laboratory markets, and then discusses some of the implications of this research for applied economics and policy. Three results are discussed: (a) in one-sided markets where sellers' post-prices price-tracking response to demand shocks is very poor; (b) despite the prominence of the Cournot model as a centerpiece for applied research, it is very difficult to construct an environment where Cournot outcomes are observed; (c) market power, or the capacity of sellers to unilaterally deviate from the competitive prediction, is a prominent characteristic in short-run price-setting contexts. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying Instructional Moves During Guided Learning

This study examined teachers' actions during small-group guided instruction as they scaffolded students' understanding. The data suggest that expert teachers use a process that has four components: questions to check for understanding, prompts for cognitive and metacognitive work, cues to alter the learners' attention, and direct explanations. As part of a gradual release of responsibility framework, this system serves as the scaffolds that students need to successfully accomplish tasks alongside the teacher.
Women on the verge

To the Ends of the Earth: Women's Search for Education in Medicine. . ByThomas Neville Bonner. Harvard University Press: 1992. Pp.232. $34.95, £27.95.
Family Psychodrama Therapy

The integration of family therapy and psychodrama is demonstrated in an inner city municipal hospital child psychiatry clinic. Parents and children responded positively to the playfulness, spontaneity and intensity of this action oriented therapy. Case illustrations are provided.
An investigation on the stability of austenite in Austempered Ductile Cast Iron (ADI)

Abstract Austempered Ductile Cast Iron (ADI) has emerged as an important commercial engineering material in recent years because of excellent properties such as high strength with good ductility as well as good fatigue strength and fracture toughness together with excellent wear resistance. These properties are as a result of a microstructure composed primarily of acicular ferrite ( α ) and high carbon austenite ( γ HC ). The role of the austenite in ADI is a topic that has been discussed extensively in the literature. Several investigators in the past have reported that the austenite in ADI is both thermally and mechanically stable; while others have reported it is neither thermally nor mechanically stable. Moreover, it is not clear whether the austenite formed at lower austempering (or bainitic) temperatures is more mechanically and thermally stable than that produced in the upper austempering (or bainitic) ranges. In this investigation, a comprehensive study was carried out to examine both the thermal and mechanical stability of austenite in the upper and lower austempering (or bainitic) temperature ranges. Compact tension and cylindrical tensile specimens were prepared and austempered at five different temperatures ranging from lower to upper bainitic temperatures. A select number of samples were then cryogenically treated to examine the thermal stability of the high carbon austenite. In order to examine the mechanical stability of austenite the microstructure and mechanical properties of these materials were evaluated as a function of austempering temperature, cryogenic treatment, and mechanical testing. The results of this study show that the austenite formed at lower austempering temperatures (260 and 288 °C) was neither thermally nor mechanically stable; while the austenite formed in the upper bainitic temperature range (371–399 °C) was partially stable under both thermal and mechanical conditions. Both stress- and strain-induced austenite-to-martensite transformations were observed in the ADI samples during mechanical tests. The test results also showed that cryogenic treatment can improve the mechanical properties without compromising the fracture resistance of the ADI. This is hypothesized to be due to a threshold level for the amount of austenite transformed to martensite; below this level, the amount transformed is not sufficient to produce an observable change in the fracture toughness.
The role of reversals in order-restricted inference

A statistical model is said to be an order-restricted statistical model when its parameter takes its values in a closed convex cone C of the Euclidean space. In recent years, order-restricted likelihood ratio tests and maximum likelihood estimators have been criticized on the grounds that they may violate a cone order monotonicity (COM) property, and hence reverse the cone order induced by C. The authors argue here that these reversals occur only in the case that C is an obtuse cone, and that in this case COM is an inappropriate requirement for likelihood-based estimates and tests. They conclude that these procedures thus remain perfectly reasonable procedures for order-restricted inference.
Copper-catalysed cross-coupling of arylzirconium reagents with aryl and heteroaryl iodides

An unprecedented CuI-catalysed cross-coupling of arylzirconium reagents with aryl and heteroaryl iodides is reported. Mechanistic studies with a Cp2ZrAr2 complex revealed that Cp2Zr(Ar)(Cl) is the reactive species that undergoes transmetalation with (PN-1)CuI. In addition, experiments with radical probes indicated that the reaction proceeds via a non-radical pathway.
Modeling ground-motion attenuation in eastern North America

Abstract In this study, we have utilized our understanding of the physics of elastic wave propagation to simulate ground motions within about 200 km from earthquakes in eastern North America. Detailed crustal velocity structure models were developed for sources located in the Grenville and Appalachian provinces. The former consists of a single gradient in the crust, while the latter contains a mid-crustal discontinuity and a deep Moho. Semi-empirical synthetic seismograms were computed by convolving the generalized ray response of the structures with an empirical source function obtained from a recording close to the source. Peak ground motions derived from the synthetic seismograms adequately interpolate the sparse empirical data, while providing information on the wave propagation phenomena that define ground-motion attenuation. They suggest that peak ground-motion amplitudes are controlled by (in order of increasing range) the upgoing, direct S-wave, the diving S-wave, post-critical reflections from the mid-crustal or Moho discontinuities, and finally, L g .
Statutory Construction and Congressional Response

To understand why Congress is prompted to react to Supreme Court federal statutory construction decisions, we examine two different explanations of this phenomenon. The first focuses on the role that political actors, such as the president, the public, and interest groups, and salient issues play in the legislative process. The second explanation is based on the work of scholars who argue that ideological differences between the Supreme Court and Congress are important in provoking legislative reactions to Court rulings. The results of our analysis indicate that public opinion, salient cases, and Court invitations to Congress to revise its rulings are statistically significant predictors of some minimal level of congressional reaction, whereas the position of the president and partisan control of government help determine when the Congress is able to pass decision modification legislation. Ideological differences between the High Court and congressional committees and the full chambers are generally stati...
Plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence from metal nanostructures

A microscopic theory of plasmon-enhanced metal photoluminescence is developed. New mechanism of luminescence suppression in small nanostructures is identified: excitation of Auger plasmons by core holes. Our numerical calculations are in excellent agreement with experiment.
Changes in the molecular structure of mouse fetal astrocyte nucleosomes produced in Vitro by methylmercuric chloride

The fluorescent probe N-(3-pyrene)maleimide, which specifically labels the cysteine residues of histone H3 within the nucleosome, was used to monitor changes in the nucleosomal structure of mouse fetal astrocytes exposed to varying concentrations of methylmercuric chloride. Methylmercuric chloride treatment (10 microM) for 6 hr produced a significant decrease in the degree of fluorescence of the probe. The decrease was much smaller following a 4-hr incubation period. These results correlate with recent observations showing that significant changes in the thymidine labeling index occur following 4-6 hr of exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). It is hypothesized that MeHg enters the cells during the growth phase and attaches to the protein moiety of the nucleosome in or near the cysteine groups of histone H3, thus diminishing the binding capacity of the fluorescent probe. Addition of a detergent (sodium dodecyl sulfate) resulted in only a small increase in the degree of fluorescence of the treated nucleosomes as compared to controls, showing that the interaction of MeHg with the nuclear proteins was not dissociated by detergent. In view of the strong interaction between DNA and the histone dimer H3-H4 and the potential importance of the latter in gene regulation, these results suggest an additional means by which MeHg may exert its toxic effects.
Multivariate projection methods applied to flotation columns

On line monitoring and diagnosis systems of process operating performance are becoming important part of industrial programs, leading to improve process operation and therefore product quality over time. In processes, such as flotation, a large number of input variables, highly correlated, are presented. These characteristics usually pose more difficulties in modelling the process for monitoring and diagnosis purposes. Multivariate statistical projection methods have been proposed to effectively deal with these situations. The application of these ideas to a column flotation process is discussed here. In this work, the detection of measurement problems in relevant variables, and the identification of the set of variables responsible for driving the process outside its normal operating region, are demonstrated. Furthermore, the use of these techniques gave considerable information for the correction of the operating problem.
Stable ordered structures of binary technetium alloys from first principles

Technetium, element 43, is the only radioactive transition metal. It occurs naturally on earth in only trace amounts. Experimental investigation of its possible compounds is thus inherently difficult and limited. Half of the Tc-transition-metal systems (14 out of 28) are reported to be phase separating or lack experimental data. Using high-throughput first-principles calculations, we present a comprehensive investigation of the binary alloys of technetium with the transition metals. The calculations predict stable, ordered structures in nine of these 14 binary systems. They also predict additional compounds in all nine known compound-forming systems and in two of the five systems reported with disordered $\ensuremath{\chi}$ or $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ phases. These results accentuate the incompleteness of the current knowledge of technetium alloys and should guide experimental studies to obtain accurate structural information on potential compounds, obviating some of the difficulties associated with such work.
A Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate and Its 6-Azoaryl Derivative Selectively Potentiate and Antagonize Activation of P2X1 Receptors

Analogues of the P2 receptor antagonists pyridoxal-5'-phosphate and the 6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate derivative (PPADS), in which the phosphate group was cyclized by esterification to a CH2OH group at the 4-position, were synthesized. The cyclic pyridoxine-alpha4, 5-monophosphate, compound 2 (MRS 2219), was found to be a selective potentiator of ATP-evoked responses at rat P2X1 receptors with an EC50 value of 5.9 +/- 1.8 microM, while the corresponding 6-azophenyl-2',5'-disulfonate derivative, compound 3 (MRS 2220), was a selective antagonist. The potency of compound 3 at the recombinant P2X1 receptor (IC50 10.2 +/- 2.6 microM) was lower than PPADS (IC50 98.5 +/- 5.5 nM) or iso-PPADS (IC50 42.5 +/- 17.5 nM), although unlike PPADS its effect was reversible with washout and surmountable. Compound 3 showed weak antagonistic activity at the rat P2X3 receptor (IC50 58.3 +/- 0.1 microM), while at recombinant rat P2X2 and P2X4 receptors no enhancing or antagonistic properties were evident. Compounds 2 and 3 were found to be inactive as either agonists or antagonists at the phospholipase C-coupled P2Y1 receptor of turkey erythrocytes, at recombinant human P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors, and at recombinant rat P2Y6 receptors. Similarly, compounds 2 and 3 did not have measurable affinity at adenosine A1, A2A, or A3 receptors. The lack of an aldehyde group in these derivatives indicates that Schiff's base formation with the P2X1 receptor is not necessarily required for recognition of pyridoxal phosphate derivatives. Thus, compounds 2 and 3 are relatively selective pharmacological probes of P2X1 receptors, filling a long-standing need in the P2 receptor field, and are also important lead compounds for future studies.
Performance of Reed-Solomon Coded Frequency-Hop Spread-Spectrum Communications in Partial-Band Interference

This paper is concerned with the performance of a Communications system which utilizes frequency-hop spread spectrum, diversity transmission, Reed-Solomon coding, and parallel error-correction and erasure-correction decoding. Both binary signaling and M -ary orthogonal signaling are considered. The goals are twofold. First, it is desirable to provide good performance in partial-band Gaussian noise interference by use of coding and diversity with an efficient error-correction algorithm. Second, it is necessary to totally neutralize narrow-band interference (regardless of the power level or statistical distribution of the interference) in order to have an effective spread-spectrum system. Through an analysis of the effects of partial-band interference on a frequency-hop spread-spectrum system with diversity, it is shown that the use of ReedSolomon coding with a parallel errors and erasures decoding algorithm accomplishes these goals. The paper also investigates the accuracy of the Chernoff bound as an approximation to the true performance of a frequency-hop spreadspectrum communication system with diversity; side information, M -ary orthogonal signaling, and Reed-Solomon coding. The performance results presented in the paper are based on analysis and computer evaluation. Approximate results based on the Chernoff bound are also given. It is shown that the Chernoff bound for M -ary orthogonal signaling gives a very poor approximation for many cases of interest. This is largely due to the looseness of the union bound.
The Sociology of Finance

The economic crisis of 2008–2010 stimulated an already growing sociological interest in finance. Before the crisis, disintermediation and securitization changed how the U.S. financial system operated, as bank operations shifted from the traditional originate-and-hold model to originate-and-distribute. During the 1980s and 1990s, the overall size and profitability of the financial system grew as deregulation unleashed financial innovation and reorganization. Global shifts toward capital market integration and liberalization created greater global interdependence. Households in the years before the crisis also altered their relationship to the financial system, increasing debt loads and overall exposure to the stock market. Research reveals the importance of politics for many financial market developments, various implications for corporate governance, the continuing significance of social factors within finance, and the role of theoretical and material devices in shaping financial practices. Key directions...
Large-scale reprogramming of cranial neural crest gene expression by retinoic acid exposure

Although retinoic acid (RA), the active form of vitamin A, is required for normal embryonic growth and development, it is also a powerful teratogen. Infants born to mothers exposed to retinoids dur...
Considering Local Democratic Transition in Latin America

Drawing from well-known theories of democracy and democratic transition, this essay considers the transition to local democracy in Latin America. It raises a central question: Given the landmark decentralization of the past three decades, what constitutes local democracy in the region today and in which countries can we say it exists? Core considerations in comparing local democracy and national democracy are discussed. I present the concept of “minimum decentralization” and, using this framework, posit six procedural and institutional conditions for defining local democracy. Eighteen systems are evaluated against these conditions at the municipal and intermediate levels of government. Despite the real transfer of authority in many countries, and though several Latin American countries have established or nearly established local democracies, only a few of the local systems can be considered democratic. Though the conclusion is somewhat counter-intuitive, explanations for the slow development of decentralization and local democracy are considered.
EFFECT OF DOMINANCY ON SEVERITY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Joint use has been felt to increase the severity of rheumatoid synovitis. Ninety-three patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were studied blind for clinical and radiological findings to see the effect of dominancy on the severity of the arthritis. The dominant side showed significantly greater total swelling scores (P less than 0.0001) and total tenderness scores (P less than 0.01). This was explained predominantly by greater severity of arthritis in dominant arms and hands. X-rays of the dominant hands and wrists showed more joint space narrowing (P less than 0.04) and erosion (P less than 0.01), but no differences in malalignment scores. There were no differences between dominant and non-dominant sides on frequency of intra-articular injections or use of splinting, but the dominant side received more surgical operations (P less than 0.02).
Recurrent ulcerative (aphthous) stomatitis: intradermal food test studies.

Abstract Thirteen patients with prolonged history of recurrent ulcerative stomatitis were studied for food sensitivity by intradermal testing procedures. The pattern of skin sensitivity reactions elicited did not establish allergy to food as etiologically responsible for recurrent ulcerative stomatitis, in terms of the group as a whole or for individual persons therein, with regard to the group of foods as a whole or any food in particular.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Thin Glass Samples

Abstract : Two techniques for preparing thin glass samples for direct transmission electron microscopy, viz. mechanical thinning and fracturing are discussed. A modification of the Doherty and Leombruno procedure for mechanically thinning ceramic materials is described. These techniques make possible more reliable electron microscope studies of fine scale submicrostructure in glass systems. Electron microscope observations on fused silica, an alkali-borosilicate glass, and some binary silicate glasses are reported and discussed in terms of our present understanding of glass structure. (Author)
Force Strategies for Cooperative Tasks in Multiple Mobile Manipulation Systems

Mobile manipulation capabilities are key to many new applications of robotics in space, underwater, construction, and service environments. This article discusses the ongoing effort at Stanford University for the development of multiple mobile manipulation systems and presents the basic models and methodologies for their analysis and control. This work builds on four methodologies we have previously developed for fixed-base manipulation: the Operational Space Formulation for task-oriented robot motion and force control; the Dextrous Dynamic Coordination of Macro/Mini structures for increased mechanical bandwidth of robot systems; the Augmented Object Model for the manipulation of objects in a robot system with multiple arms; and the Virtual Linkage Model for the characterization and control of internal forces in a multi-arm system. We present the extension of these methodologies to mobile manipulation systems and propose a new decentralized control structure for cooperative tasks. The article also discusses experimental results obtained with two holonomic mobile manipulation platforms we have designed and constructed at Stanford University.
Use of a Prognostic Treadmill Score in Identifying Diagnostic Coronary Disease Subgroups

Background—Exercise testing is useful in the assessment of symptomatic patients for diagnosis of significant or extensive coronary disease and to predict their future risk of cardiac events. The Duke treadmill score (DTS) is a composite index that was designed to provide survival estimates based on results from the exercise test, including ST-segment depression, chest pain, and exercise duration. However, its usefulness for providing diagnostic estimates has yet to be determined. Methods and Results—A logistic regression model was used to predict significant (≥75% stenosis) and severe (3-vessel or left main) coronary artery disease, and a Cox regression analysis was used to predict cardiac survival. After adjustment for baseline clinical risk, the DTS was effectively diagnostic for significant (P<0.0001) and severe (P<0.0001) coronary artery disease. For low-risk patients (score ≥+5), 60% had no coronary stenosis ≥75% and 16% had single-vessel ≥75% stenosis. By comparison, 74% of high-risk patients (score...