cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-order derivative couplings between excited states from adiabatic TDDFT response theory

We present a complete derivation of derivative couplings between excited states in the framework of adiabatic time-dependent density functional response theory. Explicit working equations are given and the resulting derivative couplings are compared with derivative couplings from a pseudo-wavefunction ansatz. For degenerate excited states, i.e., close to a conical intersection (CI), the two approaches are identical apart from an antisymmetric overlap term. However, if the difference between two excitation energies equals another excitation energy, the couplings from response theory exhibit an unphysical divergence. This spurious behavior is a result of the adiabatic or static kernel approximation of time-dependent density functional theory leading to an incorrect analytical structure of the quadratic response function. Numerical examples for couplings close to a CI and for well-separated electronic states are given.
The Comfort Food Fallacy: Avoiding Old Favorites in Times of Change

Consumers hold a common intuition about their preferences for familiar things (e.g., “comfort food”) in times of upheaval. This lay theory holds that familiar goods are attractive as a respite from dynamic environments and reflects a naive prediction that familiar favorites ameliorate the cognitive or emotional load associated with change. Conversely, the research in this article finds that consumers are more rather than less likely to choose novel options during times of upheaval and suggests that this paradox may occur because of the discrepancy between consumers’ strategic lay theories and more automatic mind‐set influences. Five studies demonstrate (1) that the comfort food fallacy effect occurs for both food and nonfood choices (despite consumer predictions to the contrary), (2) that increasing consumers’ perception of life change decreases choice of familiar favorites, and (3) that the effect disappears with high involvement. Understanding this paradox of comfort consumption may help both consumers ...
Antiepileptic Drugs in Migraine Prevention

Migraineurs may continue to experience attacks, despite daily use of one or more agents from a wide range of drugs, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, serotonin antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and antiepileptic agents. Divalproex sodium is the only antiepileptic drug approved for migraine prevention. Gabapentin, topiramate, and other antiepileptic agents are being evaluated for migraine prevention and treatment. Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of divalproex, gabapentin, and topiramate for migraine prevention generally were composed of a prospective baseline period, a dose titration period, and a fixed-dose treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was a reduction in the 28-day frequency of migraine headache. Patients receiving divalproex for 12 weeks at doses up to 1500 mg/day achieved significant decreases in the migraine frequency (P<.05), corresponding to reductions of 30% to 40% compared with baseline. Nearly half of the divalproex-treated patients had a 50% or more reduction from baseline in headache frequencies (P< or =.05). Asthenia, vomiting, somnolence, tremor, and alopecia were common adverse events associated with divalproex. Significant reductions in migraine frequency were also observed with gabapentin (1800 to 2400 mg/day) when compared with placebo (P<.01), and nearly half of all patients treated at the highest dose experienced a reduction in headache rate of 50% or more. Somnolence was the most commonly reported adverse event among the gabapentin-treated patients. Two single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials evaluated topiramate for migraine prevention. A lower 28-day migraine frequency was seen during 18 weeks of administration at a maximum daily dose of 200 mg (P =.09). In a second study, a significantly lower mean 28-day migraine frequency was observed during 16 weeks of treatment with topiramate (P =.0015). Mean reduction in migraine frequency was also significantly greater in topiramate-treated patients (P =.0037). Paresthesias, diarrhea, somnolence, and altered taste were commonly reported adverse events in the topiramate-treated patients. Unlike some patients given divalproex or gabapentin, some given topiramate reported weight loss. Large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials may prove the effectiveness of novel antiepileptic drugs in migraine prevention.
A political-class perspective and theory for the study of racial stratification in the 21st century: a revised and expanded version of the 1997 ABS presidential address

Abstract In this article, I present historical and contemporary evidence of “political class” stratification by race in the U.S. I identify historical sources (e.g., see Rose, 1976, A Documentary of Slavery in North America . New York: Oxford University Press) that show that the founding fathers statutorily defined such classifications as “Blacks” and “Whites” and “slaves” and “free people,” and then legislated that “Whites” be the “free people,” and “Blacks” be the “slaves” in perpetuity. Most importantly, I present historical evidence showing that racial stratification did not come into existence through free marketplace competition as so many social scientist theorize; it came into existence and continued mainly by litigation and legislation. U.S. racial stratification is an estate system not a market-class system.
PUBLIC PERSONNEL POLICY IN A POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT: AN OVERVIEW

Although frequently treated as apolitical by social scientists and practitioners, public personnel administration has always been infused with political considerations. Today, it is more widely recognized that personnel policy choices can have political ramifications of major consequence. However, this policy realm is characterized by a number of competing values espoused by different governmental institutions and private groups. The civil service reforms of 1978 created more coherent personnel policy and greater clarity among the various competing interests and participants. Nevertheless, the political environment of public personnel administration remains so complex that the issue of whether it is possible for public managers to manage lively is legitimately raised.
Coagulation abnormalities in patients with single-ventricle physiology precede the Fontan procedure.

Objective: Thromboembolic events in patients who have undergone the Fontan operation have been reported to be as high as 20% to 33%. A hypercoagulable state with deficiencies in proteins C and S has been implicated. Using age-matched control subjects, we evaluated whether an altered coagulation state is present earlier in the course of staged single-ventricle repair. Methods: After informed consent had been obtained, coagulation factors were assayed in 36 infants (mean age, 7.7 ± 3.6 months) with single-ventricle cardiac defects immediately before undergoing the bidirectional Glenn procedure; 34 infants (mean age, 8.4 ± 2.6 months) without cardiac disease were assayed as control subjects. Concentration of factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, and X; antithrombin III; plasminogen; proteins C and S; fibrinogen; serum albumin; and liver enzymes were measured. Normal reference intervals on the basis of the control subjects were determined by using 95% confidence limits. Patient demographic and hemodynamic variables were evaluated as possible predictors of coagulation abnormalities. Results: Concentrations of protein C; factors II, V, VII, IX, and X; plasminogen; fibrinogen; and antithrombin III were significantly lower in the pre-Glenn infants compared with in the age-matched control subjects (all P <.001, Student t test). On the basis of multiple logistic regression, no specific hemodynamic variables were predictive of a procoagulant or anticoagulant deficiency. Ventricular dysfunction did predict the presence of multiple coagulation abnormalities (P <.001). Conclusion: Procoagulant and anticoagulant factor abnormalities occur early in the course of single-ventricle repair and precede the cavopulmonary connection. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:459-65
Direct effects of luteal regression on anterior pituitary response to GNRH.

The preovulatory period of the ewe is marked by a dramatic decrease in concentrations of progesterone in serum during the late luteal phase, followed by elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, final follicular maturation and ovulation. This experiment was designed to ascertain the extent to which removal of endogenous progesterone negative feedback at the anterior pituitary gland, independent of effects at the hypothalamus, promotes increased secretion of LH in the hours immediately after induction of luteolysis. Estrus was synchronized in ovary-intact ewes with two injections of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analog given 10 d apart (Day 0 = second day after the second PGF2α injection). Ewes were subjected to hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection (HPD; n = 6) on Day 3 and were pulsed with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Ewes were used during the estrous cycle or received approximately 400 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on Day 2 to stimulate ovulation; there was no difference (P < 0.10) in ovulation rate or progesterone production between these two groups. Luteal regression was induced by injection of PGF2α analog on approximately Day 10 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected around exogenous GnRH pulses before and at 2- or 4-hr intervals after PGF2α administration and concentrations of LH and progesterone determined. At 4, 12 and 24 hr after PGF2α administration, mean serum progesterone levels in all ewes had decreased by 54.7%, 66.2% and 89.4%, respectively (P < 0.05) from pre-injection levels. The decrease in progesterone was associated with an increase (P < 0.01) in LH pulse amplitude with means at 4-hr post-PGF2α ranging from 190% to 288% of pre-PGF2α values. Mean serum LH levels were also increased (P < 0.01) within 4 hr of PGF2α administration and remained elevated at all but the 24-hr time point. The timing of this increase (within 4 hr) indicates that it is independent of changes in serum estradiol concentrations, which do not increase for at least 16 hr after induction of luteolysis. Thus, removal of endogenous progesterone negative feedback at the anterior pituitary gland in the hours immediately after induction of luteolysis seems to play a role in facilitating LH release independently of hypothalamic action.
Intersection cuts from outer polars of truncated cubes

A truncated cube, by which we mean the convex hull of a subset of the vertices of the unit cube, has an outer polar whose facets are a subset of the facets of the octahedron (the outer polar of the cube). We discuss procedures for generating valid truncations of the cube from the problem constraints, in the case of 0-1 integer programs, and for intersecting the halflines defined by the constraints that are tight for a basic solution to the linear program, with successive facets of the outer polars of these truncated cubes. The cutting planes obtained in this way are compared to other cuts.
A Pilot Study of an Acceptance-Based Separated Family Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

The treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN) has improved significantly with the increased emphasis on family-based intervention. Yet despite advances, a substantial number of adolescents do not respond optimally to existing treatment models and thus there is a need for treatment alternatives that address barriers to recovery. We developed and piloted an acceptance-based separated family treatment (ASFT) with 6 adolescents with AN or subthreshold AN (eating disorder not otherwise specified, with the primary symptoms of restriction and severe weight loss). Treatment acceptability was adequate. Overall, parents rated the treatment as credible and expected improvement in their child's condition. Five of the 6 adolescents treated with ASFT restored weight to their ideal body mass index as indicated by age, height, and sex and determined by individual growth charts. Many demonstrated improved psychological health and adaptive functioning. There was evidence of broad effects, with parents reporting decreased anxiety and caregiver burden. ASFT holds promise as a treatment option for AN. The efficacy of this therapeutic approach should be tested in larger trials and compared to current family-based interventions to determine unique effects.
Accurate intracranial pressure monitoring: technical note.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may be misleading or inaccurate in patients who have sustained cerebral death or who have had cerebrospinal fluid drainage (e.g., due to skull fracture or craniotomy). ICP recording in these patients requires particular attention to the monitoring technique to avoid misleading values that may result in inappropriate therapy. We review methods for obtaining accurate ICP readings from fluid-interface systems using either a ventricular catheter or a subarachnoid screw. We suggest attention to the following: (a) elevation of the pressure in the external tubing and connections to ensure that there are no microleaks , (b) injection of a small volume of saline intracranially, and (c) awareness of what constitutes a true ICP reading.
Properties of BGP1, a poly(dG)-binding protein from chicken erythrocytes

The chicken beta A-globin gene contains in the neighborhood of its 5' promoter a (dG)-homopolymer sequence 16 base pairs long. The 66 kD protein BGP1 (beta globin protein 1), isolated from chicken erythrocytes, has been shown to bind specifically to this sequence. We describe further purification of BGP1, measure its affinity for the beta A-globin promoter binding site, and analyze its binding properties. The minimal binding sequence is seven dG residues; methylation interference studies show that each of these residues contacts BGP1. Binding competition experiments employing (dG).(dC) oligomers of varying lengths also consistent with (dG)7 as a minimum recognition sequence. All of the data can be explained by a model in which BGP1 binds to any contiguous set of seven (dG) residues, so that the effective constant for binding to (dG)n is proportional to n minus 6. This behavior may be typical of proteins that bind specifically to repeated sequences.
A liquid Čerenkov counter system for K± detection in the range of 0.60 to 2.0 GeV/c

Abstract The design and performance of a high efficiency high resolution liquid Cerenkov counter system, used for the detection of K± in the range of 0.60 to 2.0 GeV/c, is described. K± efficiencies above 80% with pion and proton rejection ratios better than 105 have been obtained.
Isotropy or weak vertical transverse isotropy in D″ beneath the Atlantic Ocean

[1] Shear velocity properties of D″ beneath the central Atlantic Ocean are explored using predominantly European seismic recordings of intermediate and deep focus (>100 km) South American earthquakes. Broadband data are analyzed and, when possible, corrected for upper mantle models of receiver-side anisotropic structure. Regional shear velocity heterogeneity in D″ is mapped by analysis of 306 S-SKS differential times that have been corrected for three-dimensional seismic velocity structure above D″ using a whole mantle tomographic model. This correction yields modest (less than ±2%) estimates of seismic velocity heterogeneity in D″, with a transition from high to low seismic velocities traversing from west to east beneath the central Atlantic, in agreement with global tomographic models. Additionally, shear wave splitting of S and Sdiff for the same recordings was analyzed to assess seismic anisotropy in D″. The highest-quality data provide 105 splitting times between SH and SV onsets that are mostly within the ±1 s uncertainty level. The few larger values generally exhibit SV delayed relative to SH. Assuming an anisotropy geometry involving vertical transverse isotropy (VTI), as preferred in most regions of D″ that have been studied to date, <0.5% anisotropy strength within a 100 km thick layer, or <0.25% anisotropy within a 300 km thick layer are compatible with the data. These values are low in comparison to those found in high-velocity regions beneath the circum-Pacific Ocean or in the low-velocity region beneath the central Pacific, and many observations are, in fact, consistent with isotropic structure. The lack of strong VTI relative to other regions may be due to (1) the absence of stress from overlying midmantle downwelling, (2) relatively weaker shear flow in the D″ boundary layer, and/or (3) lack of chemical heterogeneity that could develop either lattice-preferred orientation or shape-preferred orientation. The azimuthal sampling of this region of D″ is quite limited; thus the precise geometry and mechanism of any anisotropy are difficult to constrain. It remains possible that this region may contain subtle azimuthal anisotropy that could couple the SV and SH signals; however, amplitude observations suggest that any such coupling is minor.
Semi-autonomous micro robot control and video relay through internet and iridium networks

This paper describes the experimental design, implementation, and testing of a network for tele-command, control, and communications of micro robots over long distances. The system utilizes commercial low bandwidth satellites to transmit near real-time video and leverages micro-robot platform synergies for command-communications relays. The system is capable of controlling micro ground vehicles and micro air vehicles (MAVs) over long distances using a small UAV as a communications relaying device. System elements meet size, power and mass constraints such that they may interface with control and power subsystems on micro robotic platforms and are scalable to control several entities simultaneously. We report the successful testing of the system in intercontinental experiments for control of both aerial and terrestrial micro robots between the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, USA, The University of Southampton, UK, and Space Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA, USA. We believe this research will serve as a proof of concept for future testing for a wide range of micro robotic command and control applications.
Watery diarrhea syndrome due to an adrenal pheochromocytoma secreting vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

A 55-year-old woman presented with several protracted episodes of diarrhea; it was found to be secretory in origin. In the course of evaluating the diarrhea, an ultrasound of the abdomen was performed which disclosed a large right adrenal mass. Endocrinologic studies revealed elevated serum levels of gastrin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), catecholamines, and its metabolites. Surgery was performed successfully without any intraoperative complications, and postoperatively the patient was asymptomatic without further episodes of diarrhea. Histologically the tumor was a pheochromocytoma with neuroendocrine granules of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and norepinephrine. To our knowledge, there have been six previously reported cases of pheochromocytoma secreting vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. In a patient with secretory diarrhea of unknown etiology, the adrenal glands as well as the pancreas should be examined by ultrasound and/or computerized tomography for the presence of a mass. Should an adrenal mass be discovered, it is necessary to evaluate the tumor for catecholamine production, despite the absence of clinical symptoms of a pheochromocytoma.
(328) Pain catastrophizing assessed before and after experimental pain testing: Temporal stability and relations with pain and nociception

Recent evidence suggests the relationship between pain catastrophizing and experimental pain may depend on when catastrophizing is assessed. Specifically, catastrophizing measured during or after pain testing better predicts pain outcomes than catastrophizing measured before pain testing. This study assessed pain catastrophizing from subscales (rumination, magnification, helplessness) of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) in 30 participants before and after pain testing. Electrodermal stimuli were delivered over the sural nerve to assess nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) threshold, pain threshold, and pain tolerance. Three ascending-descending series of stimuli were first delivered to assess NFR threshold, followed by a short break, and then the stimuli were increased until pain tolerance was reached (or 40 mA maximum). Following every stimulus, participants rated their subjective reaction on a 0 (no sensation) to 100 (maximum tolerable) scale in which pain was anchored at 50. In the last ascending series, pain threshold was defined as the stimulus intensity that was rated 50, and pain tolerance was the stimulus intensity rated 100. Immediately following pain testing, participants also rated their overall subjective pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire-short form (MPQ-SF). All procedures were IRB approved. Results suggested PCS subscale means were similar preand post-test (ps .65); however, test-retest correlations were non-significant (rs -.02 to .07, ps .71). Moreover, most relationships between PCS subscales and pain outcomes were only significant for catastrophizing assessed post-pain-testing. Post-test rumination, magnification, and helplessness were associated with MPQ-SF ratings, and post-test magnification was associated with pain threshold and tolerance (ps .05). Surprisingly, pre-test helplessness was positively correlated with NFR threshold and negatively correlated with MPQ-SF affective ratings (ps .05). These results contribute to the growing literature suggesting the relationships between pain catastrophizing and experimental pain depend on the timing of assessment. This research was supported by an Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology grant.
Sequence and expression of the FcRn in the porcine mammary gland

Transport of immunoglobulin G across epithelial cell barriers is thought to occur by a system involving the Fcγ receptor called the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The FcRn may also play a role in IgG transport in the mammary gland. To determine the presence of FcRn in the porcine mammary gland, biopsies were taken from glands 3 days prepartum and on the day of farrowing. The full length porcine FcRn cDNA sequence was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and determined to be 1557 base pairs in length that codes for a 359 amino acid peptide. Expression of FcRn mRNA in the porcine mammary gland was determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR and revealed that the mRNA is present prepartum and on the day of farrowing. These results indicate that the FcRn is expressed in porcine mammary tissue and are consistent with the hypothesis that FcRn may have a role in mammary gland immunoglobulin transport during colostrogenesis.
Portfolio Diversification for International Leaders A Risk Analysis of the Pacific Rim and Eastern European Nations

International lending has been slowed by the repeated loan reschedulings of less developed countries (LDCs) during the 1980s. However, commercial banks recognize that they must provide international loans in order to generate other business from foreign governments and multinational corporations. For this reason, banks must continue to assess the country risk of target countries, especially those in emerging regions such as the Pacific Rim and Eastern Europe. The risk of any country within an emerging region is much higher than the risk of the industrialized countries. Tliis paper addresses the potential benefits from diversifying business within or across these emerging regions. There is much potential for reducing exposure to country risk in Pacific Rim countries through diversification. For Eastern European countries, the benefits are not as substantial. Some banks may still consider some Eastern European businesses to generate higher returns, yet diversify their international portfolio across regions so that exposure to country risk is tolerable.
Norbornene-based copolymers with iridium complexes and bis(carbazolyl)fluorene groups in their side-chains and their use in light-emitting diodes

Solution-processable copolymers with pendant phosphorescent iridium complexes and 2,7-di(carbazol-9-yl)fluorene-type host moieties were synthesized using ruthenium-catalyzed ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Low polydispersity indices and molecular weights around 20 000 Da were obtained for all copolymers. As a result of the living character of the polymerization of the monomer containing the host moiety, a high degree of control over the molecular weights of all copolymers can be obtained. The photo- and electroluminescence properties of the copolymers were investigated. All copolymers retained the photo- and electrophysical properties of the corresponding nonpolymeric iridium complexes. Furthermore, as a proof of principle for the potential use of these materials, organic light-emitting devices were fabricated using the orange-emitting copolymer. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.9% at 100 cd/m2 and a turn-on voltage of 3.7 V were obtained with photoluminescence quantum yield of 0.10 demo...
Time dependent uptake of (-)125I-iodocyanopindolol but not (-)125I-iodopindolol by murine splenic lymphocytes.

AbstractTime dependent uptake of (-)125I-iodocyanopindolol by intact murine splenocytes was investigated in an attempt to prevent its interference in receptor binding experiments. Four approaches were tried in an attempt to eliminate this uptake; including the use of the permeable amine chloroquine; the inclusion of catechol, chloroquine, and phentolamine into the binding assay; the addition of methylamine to the assay: and the elimination of ascorbate from the assay. None of these approaches completely eliminated the uptake of ICYP over time. Comparative studies with (-)125I-iodopindolol showed this ligand did not have time dependent uptake and may provide for less problematic intact cell receptor assays.
Preparation of 8-methyl-2-decanol: General synthesis of diastereomeric mixtures of alkyl branched insect pheromones

A general method for synthesis of insect pheromones having alkyl branched carbon skeletons is demonstrated with the preparation of a diastereomeric mixture of 8-methyl-2-decanol, whose propionate is an attractant of someDiabrotica species. The procedure involves reaction of a ketone with lithium acetylide ethylenediamine complex to afford a propargylic alcohol containing the branch of the target molecule. Copper (1) mediated alkylation of the derived propargylic acetate with a primary alkyl halide yields a trisubstituted allene having the desired chain length, and isomerization with an alkali metal amide of either ethylenediamine or 1,3-diaminopropane, affords the alkyl branched terminal acetylene. The triple bond is converted to the methyl ketone and reduced to the methyl carbinol. The reactions proceed in good yield, and can be conveniently carried out on large scale. The method should prove useful for production of pheromone components in cases where diastereomeric mixtures can be employed.
Synthesis of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) nanocrystalline powders leading to transparent ceramics

Abstract We report on the synthesis of Nd:YAG nanoparticles by the coprecipitation technique and the optimum conditions for the processing of transparent ceramics. The powders prepared by the coprecipitation technique display significantly less agglomeration of crystallites, indicating higher sinterability. The crystallite size dependence on the calcinations temperature suggests the optimum temperature of 1100 °C, at which phase purity of the YAG nanopowder with the highest sinterability can be obtained. We have demonstrated that the optimum temperature for the vacuum-sintering is about 1785 °C for the uniaxially pressed samples to obtain transparent ceramic with uniform particle size of about 5–7 μm, and above this temperature, enormously large grain growth occurs, and facilitates large pores formation in the intergrain region that makes the ceramic fragile at the grain boundary.
Implementing associative memories on nonideal analog systems

We consider the implementation of high capacity Ho-Kashyap (HK) associative processors (APs) on non-ideal optical and analog VLSI systems. Processor non-idealities considered include quantization, non-uniform beam illumination, and nonlinear device characteristics. New training-out techniques to overcome these non-idealities are advanced. We obtain optimal performance in the presence of stochastic noise by proper selection of the processor parameter (sigma) syn. We derive important results that allow us to a priori determine the optimal value of (sigma) syn and the expected recall accuracy P'c without having to simulate the specific processor. We present a new algorithm that allows us to achieve storage near the theoretical maximum capacity (2 N, where N is the dimensionality of the input vector) with excellent recall accuracy. Optical laboratory results are included. We achieved storage of 1.5 N with recall accuracy P'c >= 95% with input noise of standard deviation (sigma) 1 equals 0.02 present and with optical analog components with 5 bit input accuracy and 8 bit memory matrix accuracy. With higher accuracy analog VLSI components (10 bit input accuracy and 11 bit weight accuracy), we achieve storage of 1.75 N with P'c equals 96.43%.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The leveraging influence of strategic alignment on IT investment: An empirical examination

Businesses have invested enormous sums in information technology (IT). The challenge now is to optimize these investments. We empirically examined the influence of the alignment between IS strategy and business strategy (strategic alignment) on the payoff of IT investment. Many studies have been performed on the value of IT investment and strategic alignment separately, in the past, but here we combined them by investigating the moderating affect of strategic alignment on the relationship between IT investment and firm performance for a group of manufacturing firms. The results indicated that there is a synergistic coupling between strategic alignment and IT investment with firm performance. Firms that have aligned IT and business strategies can invest in additional IT resources with some assurance that they will be leveraged substantially. One of our main contributions was in the examination of four differing perspectives of strategic alignment and their relationship with the payoff of IT investment.
Leptin Receptor JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Modulates Expression of Frizzled Receptors in Articular Chondrocytes

Summary Objective Differentiated articular chondrocytes express a functional bisoform of the leptin receptor (LRb); however, leptin-LRb signaling in these cells is poorly understood. We hypothesized that leptin-LRb signaling in articular chondrocytes functions to modulate canonical Wnt signaling events by altering the expression of Frizzled (FZD) receptors. Methods Human chondrocyte cell lines and primary articular chondrocytes were grown in serum containing growth media for 24h, followed by a media change to Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 1% Nutridoma-SP to obtain a serum-deficient environment for 24h before treatment. Treatments included recombinant human leptin (10–100nM), recombinant human IL-6 (0.3–3nM), or recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) (10mU/ml). Cells were harvested 30min–48h after treatment and whole cell lysates were analyzed using immunoblots or luciferase assays. Results Treatment of cells with leptin resulted in activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and subsequent phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues on LRb, followed by dose- and time-dependent increases in the expression of Frizzled-1 (FZD1) and Frizzled-7 (FZD7). Leptin-mediated increases in the expression of FZD1 were blocked by pre-treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide or the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. Experiments using a series of hybrid Epo extracellular domain-leptin intracellular domain receptors (ELR) harboring mutations of specific tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic tail showed that increases in the expression of FZD1 were dependent on LRb-mediated phosphorylation of STAT3, but not ERK1/2 or STAT5. Leptin pre-treatment of chondrocytes prior to Wnt3a stimulation resulted in an increased magnitude of canonical Wnt signaling. Conclusion These experiments show that leptin-LRb signaling in articular chondrocytes modulates expression of canonical Wnt signaling receptors and suggests that direct cross-talk between these pathways is important in determining chondrocyte homeostasis.
Remarks on Null Geodesics of Born-Infeld Black Holes

We present interesting properties of null geodesics of static charged black holes in Einstein-Born-Infeld gravity. These null geodesics represents the path for gravitons. In addition, we also study the path of photons for the Born-Infeld black hole which are null geodesics of an effective geometry. We will present how the bending of light is effected by the non-linear parameter 𝛽 of the theory. Some other properties, such as the horizon radius and the temperature are also discussed in the context of the nonlinear parameter 𝛽.
Phenomenology of methane flame propagation into compositionally stratified, gradually richer mixtures

Abstract Flame propagation in compositionally stratified, rich methane air mixtures was investigated experimentally. Compositional stratification was established in a counterflow, tubular burner employing very mild strain and the equivalence ratio in the unburnt mixture was measured with line-Raman imaging of methane. Particular emphasis was placed in the determination of differences with stratified combustion in lean mixtures that was considered in earlier work. It was established that departure from “quasi-homogeneity”, i.e. from flame propagation that can be viewed as a series of flamelets corresponding to the local equivalence ratio, was more pronounced in most cases of rich mixtures than in lean combustion. In certain cases, we were able to record flame speeds in stratified media that were smaller than the speeds of “quasi-homogeneous” propagation, something that was never observed in lean stratified combustion. A significant extension of the rich flammability limit was observed in stratified mixtures and flames propagated all the way into mixtures of equivalence ratio equal to 1.7, which may point to a possibility of hydrogen production through flame propagation into “super”-flammable mixtures. Also, in the rich mixtures, the propagating flame fronts did not develop the instabilities that were observed in lean mixtures in the vicinity of the flammability limit. This was rationalized based on well-established theoretical results on flame stability.
PRICE AND WELFARE EFFECTS OF OLIGOPOUSTIC MERGERS

When oligopolists merge, the new firm enjoys a lower cost structure than any of its premerger constituent parts. This is because of rationalization economies which are created as facilities previously operated at disparate marginal cost levels come under common control. The resultant price-decreasing force is countered by the loss of competition due to the merger. The latter can stem not only from reduction in the number of competitors, but also from the possibility that, with a more concentrated market structure, firms’conjectures about each others’reactions will move in the direction of being more cooperative. The paper shows that, under normal conditions, the effects of diminished competition outweigh those of rationalization so that a price increase will result from the merger. In addition, the equivalence of merger to the imposition of taxes is exploited to derive a market-share based test for mergers to cause welfare decreases. This complements a test proposed by Farrell and Shapiro that works only for welfare increases.
Breast cancer detection using phase contrast diffuse optical tomography

In this report, a phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography system, which can measure the refractive indices of human breast masses in vivo, is described. To investigate the utility of phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography (PCDOT) for differentiation of malignant and benign breast masses in humans, and to compare PCDOT with conventional diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for analysis of breast masses in humans. 35 breast masses were imaged in 33 patients (mean age = 51 years; range 22-80 years) using PCDOT. Images characterizing the tissue refractive index, absorption and scattering of breast masses were obtained with a finite element-based reconstruction algorithm. The accuracies of absorption and scattering images were compared with images of refractive index in light of the pathology results. Absorption and scattering images were unable to accurately discriminate benign from malignant lesions. Malignant lesions tended to have decreased refractive index allowing them to discriminate from benign lesions in most cases. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive value, and overall accuracy for refractive index were 81.8%, 70.8%, 29.2%, and 74.3%, respectively. Overall we show that benign and malignant breast masses in humans demonstrate different refractive index and differences in refractive index properties can be used to discriminate benign from malignant masses in patients with high accuracy. This opens up a new avenue for improved breast cancer detection using NIR diffusing light.
Factor Structure of the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale in Trauma-Exposed College Students

This study examined the factor structure of the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS; M. Sierra & G. E. Berrios, 2000 ), a 29-item self-report measure of depersonalization. The CDS was based on a conceptualization of depersonalization as a multidimensional construct, a theoretical perspective that has received limited empirical attention. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on CDS item scores in a sample of 534 trauma-exposed college students. Results failed to support factor structures of the CDS previously reported in the literature and instead supported a 2-factor solution, with 1 factor representing a sense of unreality and detachment and a 2nd factor representing emotional and physical numbing. Implications regarding the structural validity of the CDS are discussed. [Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Trauma & Dissociation for the following resource: Four tables with the following information: inter-correlations among CDS items from Samples 1 and 2; Sierra et al. (2005 ) four-factor model and Simeon et al. (2008 ) five-factor model estimated factor loadings, covariances, and R-square in Sample 1; Factor loadings for 3-7 factor EFA models in Sample 1; and estimated factor loadings for one-factor CFA model in Sample 2.].
The effects of response contingent reinforcement and response contingent punishment upon the frequency of stuttered verbal behavior.

Abstract Twelve adult subjects, 4 in each experimental condition, were exposed to 2 punishment contingencies and 1 punishment and reinforcement combined contingency, under a procedure of stimulus control. Results indicated all 3 conditions to be equally effective in the reduction of stuttering frequency. Spontaneous recovery during stimulus control segments was not observed following any of the three experimental contingencies. Implications for research and therapy are discussed.
A novel synthesis of 4-cycloheptenones

Abstract 4-Cycloheptenones, mono and bicyclic, can be prepared by a base catalyzed thermal reaction of 1-hepten-6-yn-3-ols.
Quantification by isobaric labeling (QUIBL) for the comparative glycomic study of O-linked glycans

Abstract Quantification by isobaric labeling (QUIBL) has recently been described as a tool for the relative quantification of N-linked glycans in glycomic studies. In this paper we expand the application of QUIBL to the relative quantification of O-linked glycans. Fetuin, which contains two O-linked glycans, NeuAc-Hex-HexNAc and NeuAc2-Hex-HexNAc, was used to validate this study. The glycans were released by β-elimination and permethylated with the isobaric labeling reagents, 13CH3I and 12CH2DI. The exact mass difference between the isobaric labels is minimal (0.00292 Da), but since glycans contain multiple permethylation sites, the mass difference can be resolved with a high resolution mass spectrometer, such as an FTMS. Quantitative data were obtained by comparing the signal intensities from various mixtures of isobarically labeled O-linked glycans of fetuin. Five different ratios of 13CH3 to 12CH2D ranging from 10:1 to 1:10 were analyzed for linearity and reproducibility of the QUIBL method on the standard glycan. QUIBL was also evaluated using porcine mucin, a sample with a larger variety of more complex O-linked glycans. These results indicate that QUIBL allows for the relative quantification of O-linked glycans over a linear dynamic range of at least two orders of magnitude, validating QUIBL as an applicable quantitative glycomics approach for both N-linked and O-linked glycans.
Diabetic dermopathy : A subtle sign with grave implications

Diabetic dermopathy (DD) is the most common cutaneous manifestation of diabetes mellitus. DD refers to atrophic, hyperpigmented macules characteristically located on the shins of patients with diabetes. They have an unfavorable association with the 3 most common microangiopathic complications of diabetes mellitus: neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. A relationship between DD and coronary artery disease has also been demonstrated. Thus, the presence of DD should prompt aggressive intervention to detect diabetes mellitus and prevent the development of ensuing complications.
Summary of results on optimal camera placement for boundary monitoring

We consider the problems of placing cameras so that every point on a perimeter, that is not necessarily planar, is covered by at least one camera while using the smallest number of cameras. This is accomplished by aligning the edges of the cameras' fields of view with points on the boundary under surveillance. Taken into consideration are visibility concerns, where features such as mountains must not be allowed to come between a camera and a boundary point that would otherwise be in the camera's field of view. We provide a general algorithm that determines optimal camera placements and orientations. Additionally, we consider double coverings, where every boundary point is seen by at least two cameras, with selected boundary points and cameras situated such that the average calibration errors between adjacent cameras is minimized. We describe an iterative algorithm that accomplishes these tasks. We also consider a joint optimization algorithm, which strikes a balance between minimizing calibration error and the number of cameras required to cover the boundary.
An Optimization Method for Estimating Constituent Mean Concentrations in Base Flow-Dominated Flow†

Pollutant coefficients have been widely used to assess runoff nonpoint source pollution from individual land uses (e.g., agricultural, residential) of a watershed. Pollutant coefficients, known as event mean concentrations (EMCs), were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) to serve as a national measure for characterizing pollutant loading in a receiving water body. The term “baseflow pollutant coefficient (BPC)” is used in this study as a surrogate for EMC to describe mean concentration of pollutants in base flow-dominated flow. A method for characterizing base flow quantity and quality for different land uses was explored using inverse modeling with two optimization techniques (a least square method and a genetic algorithm [GA] optimization), land use information, and streamflow quantity and quality data. The inverse model was formulated as a constrained minimization problem and demonstrated with data for 15 watersheds in Indiana. Results showed that estimated pollutant coefficients are comparable to the published literature. This indicates that the proposed method has the potential to effectively estimate constituent mean concentrations for pollutant load determination in gauged and ungauged watersheds, albeit more analysis with larger and more robust datasets is desirable to further refine and validate the accuracy of the approach.
Reactive displays: improving man-machine graphical communication

The on-line graphic representation and solution of problems is opening the door to new and exciting computer applications. Continuous man-machine interaction via graphic consoles makes feasible the solution of entirely new classes of problems. This expanding use of computer graphics is requiring improved techniques of man-machine communication and graphic data management. At the General Motors Research Laboratories, we have had the opportunity since 1962 for considerable experimentation in a man-machine environment. From these experiments new ideas have evolved about how to improve the two-way information flow between the console user and the computer model of his problem. A fundamental concept is the reactive display, which supplies immediate graphical response to the actions of a man at a console. We have found that reactive displays provide a good basis for interaction between the man and the individual phases of his problem.
On secrecy capacity per unit cost

The concept of channel capacity per unit cost was introduced by Verdu in 1990 to study the limits of wideband communication. It was shown that an orthogonal coding scheme achieves the channel capacity per unit cost of memoryless stationary channels with a zero-cost input letter. This paper introduces the concept of secrecy capacity per unit cost to study wideband secrecy communications. For degraded memoryless stationary wiretap channels, it is shown that an orthogonal coding scheme achieves the secrecy capacity per unit cost with a zero-cost input letter. For general memoryless stationary wiretap channels, the performance of orthogonal codes is studied and lower and upper bounds on the secrecy capacity per unit cost are provided.
Self-aligning amelogenin nanoribbons in oil–water system

The highly organized microstructure of dental enamel is a result of protein-guided anisotropic growth of apatite nanofibers. It is established that amelogenin proteins, the main constituent of the developing enamel matrix, form nanospheres in vitro, but the amphiphilic nature of the full-length protein conveys the possibility of generating more complex structures as observed with other surfactant-like molecules. This study tested if the use of metastable oil-water emulsions can induce supramolecular assemblies of amelogenin. Recombinant full-length amelogenin, rH174, was mixed into octanol/ethyl acetate preparations of different ratios to form emulsions at pH 4.5 and 7.4. Atomic force and electron microscopy showed the formation of 16.7±1.0 nm wide nanoribbons which grew to several micrometer length over a period of days. Nanoribbons formed from reverse micelles by enabling hydrophobic tails of the molecules to interact while preventing the formation of amelogenin nanospheres. Ribbon formation required the presence of calcium and phosphate ions and may be localized at a dark central line along the amelogenin ribbons. The ribbons have a strong tendency to align in parallel maintaining 5 to 20nm space between each other. The growth rates and number of ribbons were significantly higher at pH 4.5 and related to the metastability of the emulsion. A model for ribbon extension proposes the addition of short segments or amelogenin dimers to the ends of the ribbon. The formation of self-aligning and uniaxially elongating amelogenin structures triggered by the presence of calcium and phosphate may represent a suitable new model for protein controlled mineralization in enamel.