cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zirconium Sandwich Complexes with η9 Indenyl Ligands: Well-Defined Precursors for Zirconocene-Mediated Coupling Reactions

A family of isolable, well-defined bis-indenyl zirconium sandwich complexes, (η5-C9H5-1,3-R2)(η9-C9H5-1,3-R2)Zr (R = silyl, alkyl), have been prepared by either alkane reductive elimination or alkali metal reduction of a suitable zirconium(IV) dihalide precursor. Crystallographic characterization of two of these derivatives, R = SiMe2CMe3 and CHMe2, reveals unprecedented η9 coordination of one of the indenyl ligands. Variable-temperature and EXSY NMR studies establish that the η5 and η9 rings are rapidly interconverting in solution. The sandwich complexes serve as effective sources of low-valent zirconium reacting rapidly with both olefins and alkynes at ambient temperature. In contrast to bis-cyclopentadienyl chemistry, the olefin adducts of the bis-indenyl zirconium sandwiches undergo preferential C−H activation to yield the corresponding allyl hydride compounds, although reaction with excess olefin proceeds through the η2-olefin adduct, forming the corresponding zirconacyclopentane.
Institutional Capital: Building Post-Communist Government Performance

Institutional Capital: Building Post-Communist Government Performance. By Laura Brunell. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2005. 270p. $59.00. cloth, $39.00 paper This book makes an important theoretical contribution by opening the “black box” linking social capital and democratic performance. Spurred by Robert Putnam's observed correlation between social capital and budget promptness ( Making Democracy Work, 1995), Laura Brunell seeks to explain the causal mechanisms connecting a vibrant civil society to good government performance.
A note on misunderstandings of Piron's axioms for quantum mechanics

Piron's axioms for a realistically interpreted quantum mechanics are analyzed in detail within the context of a formal mathematical structure expressed in the conventional set-theoretic idiom of mathematics. As a result, some of the serious misconceptions that have encouraged recent criticisms of Piron's axioms are exposed.
Direct evidence for a Coulombic phase in monopole-suppressed SU(2) lattice gauge theory

Further evidence is presented for the existence of a non-confining phase at weak coupling in SU(2) lattice gauge theory. Using Monte Carlo simulations with the standard Wilson action, gauge-invariant SO(3)–Z2 monopoles, which are strong-coupling lattice artifacts, have been seen to undergo a percolation transition exactly at the phase transition previously seen using Coulomb gauge methods, with an infinite lattice critical point near β=3.2. The theory with both Z2 vortices and monopoles and SO(3)–Z2 monopoles eliminated is simulated in the strong-coupling (β=0) limit on lattices up to 604. Here, as in the high-β phase of the Wilson-action theory, finite size scaling shows it spontaneously breaks the remnant symmetry left over after Coulomb gauge fixing. Such a symmetry breaking precludes the potential from having a linear term. The monopole restriction appears to prevent the transition to a confining phase at any β. Direct measurement of the instantaneous Coulomb potential shows a Coulombic form with moderately running coupling possibly approaching an infrared fixed point of α∼1.4. The Coulomb potential is measured to 50 lattice spacings and 2 fm. A short-distance fit to the 2-loop perturbative potential is used to set the scale. High precision at such long distances is made possible through the use of open boundary conditions, which was previously found to cut random and systematic errors of the Coulomb gauge fixing procedure dramatically. The Coulomb potential agrees with the gauge-invariant interquark potential measured with smeared Wilson loops on periodic lattices as far as the latter can be practically measured with similar statistics data.
Estimating Extended Idling Emissions of Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks in Texas

Long-haul truck drivers idle their vehicles to operate heating systems and air conditioners, generate electricity, charge the vehicles' batteries, and warm up the engines. This type of idling, which often occurs over extended periods and could be a significant source of emissions, is expected to increase because of the U.S. Department of Transportation's latest rule mandating that truck drivers rest 10 h for every 14 h of driving. The emissions associated with this type of discretionary idling occurring at the beginning and end of trips are not included in emissions inventories and can be an important contributor to the overall mobile source emissions. There is, therefore, a need to develop a procedure that would yield accurate estimates of extended truck idling emissions. This study developed such a methodology by using a nonattainment area in Texas as a pilot study. On the basis of interviews and observations made at generators such as truck stops, public rest areas, industries, ports, and intermodal fa...
Survival needs and social inclusion: technology use among the homeless

This research reports an ethnographic study of issues surrounding digital technologies owned and used by homeless people in Los Angeles County. We identify two themes--survival and social inclusion--that reveal, in part, how digital technologies enable social ties for collaboration in the lives of the homeless.
The Imprisonment Race: Unintended Consequences of “Fixed” Sentencing on People of Color Over Time

Sentencing reforms represent an important shift in the criminal justice system. Reforms' main purpose is the removal of judicial discretion by ensuring a relatively predetermined sentence. This study assesses the effects of reforms on shifts in the odds of imprisonment of Blacks and Hispanics within U.S. states from 1978 to 2005. The study has implications for both theory and policy. Theoretically, social chain theory suggests the law and order movement interacted with structural-procedural changes that led to an unintended consequence. Substantively, the results indicate significant increases in disparities for people of color, which is counter to the policies' stated goals.
Theoretical Investigation of the Ground and Excited States of Coumarin 151 and Coumarin 120

We present calculations of various properties of the ground and excited states of Coumarins 151 and 120. These and related coumarins are important in investigating ultrafast solvation processes in liquids and complex solutions as well as being important acceptors in model electron-transfer systems. We calculate the following: (1) the electronic excitation energies to several low-lying singlet states, (2) ground and excited-state dipole moments, (3) solvation effects on excitation energies, and (4) the properties of single Coumarin 151-water complexes. We test our Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations against CASSCF, CASPT2 (both single and multistate versions), CIS, and ZINDO. Using TDDFT, we find excellent agreement with experimental S1 ← S0 excitation energies. On the basis of these results, we address several outstanding questions for these systems and find: (1) that TICT-formation is unlikely upon photexcitation for gas-phase C151, (2) a greater tendency toward a planar amine...
Electrodynamics of TEM radiation normally incident upon a semi-infinite two-layered metal in the good-conductor approximation

Abstract Analytic expressions for power dissipated in each of both metals for the case of a steady-state transverse electromagnetic (TEM) plane wave normally incident upon an arbitrary semi-infinite bimetallic bulk structure in the good-conductor approximation are obtained. Assuming the material parameters are linear in the TEM amplitude, expressions for power dissipation in each metal, as well as the surface impedance of the bimetallic structure are in arbitrarily good agreement with results obtained from a transmission-line analog and Pynting's theorem. The power dissipation for structures with a constant thickness of metal 1 are plotted as a function of the conductivity of metal 1 and are superimposed upon the general phase space domain to self-consistently illustrate the applicability of the continuum approximation used.
Differences in the patterns of age-specific black/white comparisons between end-stage renal disease attributed and not attributed to diabetes

To assess differences in the patterns of age-specific black/white comparisons between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) attributed to diabetes (ESRD-DM) and not attributed to diabetes (ESRD-NON-DM), data for subjects 20 to 79 years of age reported by the US Renal Data System as incident cases of ESRD during 1988 to 1991 were analyzed. While the black to white incidence rate ratio (B/W RR) for ESRD-NON-DM peaked in patients before the age of 40 years, the most striking B/W RRs for ESRD-DM were observed in patients older than 40 years. This study also explored evidence supporting the hypothesis that an increased risk of premature death attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD death) in black patients, alone or in combination with black/white differences in prevalence of diabetes, influences the pattern of age-specific black/white ESRD-DM comparisons. By using estimates of the diabetic population as denominators for the rates, the incidence or ESRD-DM remained much higher in black patients than in white patients for those aged 45 years or above. However, the incidence of ESRD-DM for patients aged below 45 years was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower (B/W RR = 0.6) for black male diabetic patients and slightly, yet significantly, higher (P < 0.05; B/W RR = 1.1) for black female diabetic patients than for their white counterparts. Therefore, prevalence of diabetes could not fully explain the pattern of age-specific B/W RR for ESRD-DM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Typical elements and meager spaces

Abstract Let K n be the set of all compact subsets of R n , metrized by the Hausdorff metric. We characterize the typical element of the set of all elements of K n that contain an open e -ball. In the second section of the paper, we prove several subspaces of K n consisting of submanifolds of R n are meager. In the final section of the paper, we provide an elementary proof that the subspace of all compact, connected and locally connected sets is meager. We also prove that the subspace of all compact arc-connected sets is meager.
STAT3 participates in transcriptional activation of the C-reactive protein gene by interleukin-6

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the major cytokine inducing transcription of human C-reactive protein (CRP) during the acute phase response. STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) family members, recently shown to be important mediators of the effects of many cytokines including IL-6, generally induce their effects by binding to palindromic sequences with TT(N)5AA motifs. We report an IL-6 responsive element in the proximal region of the human CRP 5′-flanking region that bears a TT(N)4AA motif, which we have termed CRP acute phase response element (CRP-APRE). In Hep3B cells, IL-6 but not interferon-γ was capable of activating CAT constructs driven by the CRP promoter containing CRP-APRE. Overexpressed STAT3 was able to transactivate CRP-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs through the CRP-APRE and was able to enhance endogenous CRP mRNA accumulation in response to IL-6. STAT3 (or an antigenically related molecule) bound to the CRP-APRE in response to IL-6. Overexpression of STAT3 in the presence of IL-6 was capable of inducing expression of a construct consisting of the CRP-APRE and a minimal thymidine kinase promoter lacking a C/EBP site. Taken together, these findings indicate that STAT3 participates in the transcriptional activation of CRP in response to IL-6.
Analysis of cell-wall polymers during cotton fiber development

Although the fibers of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are single cells with a secondary wall composed primarily of cellulose, the cell-wall polymers of the fibers are technically difficult to characterize with respect to molecular weights. This limitation hinders understanding how the fiber wall composition changes during development, particularly with respect to genotypic variations, and how the molecular composition is related to physical properties. We analyzed cell-wall polymers from cotton fibers (cultivar, Texas Marker-1) at several developmental stages (8–60 days post-anthesis; DPA) by gel-permeation chromatography of components soluble in dimethyl acetamide and lithium chloride. This procedure solubilizes fiber cell-wall components directly without prior extraction or derivatization, processes that could lead to degradation of high-molecular-weight components. Cellwall polymers from fibers at primary cell-wall stages had lower molecular weights than the cellulose from fibers at the secondary wall stages; however, the high-molecularweight cellulose characteristic of mature cotton was detected as early as 8 DPA. High-molecular-weight material decreased during the period of 10–18 DPA with concomitant increase in lower-molecular-weight wall components, possibly indicating hydrolysis during the later stages of elongation.
Characterization of polyesters by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

A series of aliphatic polyesters, characterized by assymetric oligomer distributions, heteroterminated linear chains, and cyclic oligomers, were studied using MALDI. The results from structural characterization of these materials was compared with those acquired using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and end group titration. Information on the, composition of these polymers obtained from MALDI, ESI-MS, and end group titration showed reasonable agreement. However, the MALDI ionization efficiency appeared to be higher for carboxyl-terminated oligomers. MALDI molecular weight determination were contrasted with those from GPC and NMR. Reasons for disparities in the results between the three methods are discussed. The feasibility of using acidolysis for structural characterization of high molecular weight or insoluble materials was explored. Reaction of the polyesters with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) produced mono- and bis(trifluoroacetate) esters of the starting material. The products were characterized and the progress of the reaction was monitored using MALDI.
A Unified Sensor Architecture for Isothermal Detection of Double‐Stranded DNA, Oligonucleotides, and Small Molecules

Pathogen detection is an important problem in many areas of medicine and agriculture, which can involve genomic or transcriptomic signatures or small-molecule metabolites. We report a unified, DNA-based sensor architecture capable of isothermal detection of double-stranded DNA targets, single-stranded oligonucleotides, and small molecules. Each sensor contains independent target detection and reporter modules, enabling rapid design. We detected gene variants on plasmids by using a straightforward isothermal denaturation protocol. The sensors were highly specific, even with a randomized DNA background. We achieved a limit of detection of ∼15 pM for single-stranded targets and ∼5 nM for targets on denatured plasmids. By incorporating a blocked aptamer sequence, we also detected small molecules using the same sensor architecture. This work provides a starting point for multiplexed detection of multi-strain pathogens, and disease states caused by genetic variants (e.g., sickle cell anemia).
Heart Failure Drug Utilization Patterns for Medicaid Patients Before and After a Heart Failure‐Related Hospitalization

The authors examined heart failure (HF) drug utilization patterns in Medicaid patients before and after a HF-related hospitalization. This was a retrospective claims analysis of Kansas Medicaid beneficiaries hospitalized for HF between July 1, 2000, and March 31, 2001. HF drugs were tracked 6 months prior and 6 months following the admission. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor doses were compared with target ranges. The cohort of 135 patients had a mean age of 53.6 years and was predominantly female (66.7%) and Caucasian (70.4%) with a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities. Before hospitalization, less than one third of patients were receiving ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β blockers, digoxin, or vasodilators. Following hospitalization, increased utilization was observed for β blockers, digoxin, and angiotensin receptor blockers, but overall usage remained low. ACE inhibitors and vasodilator use remained constant. ACE-inhibitor doses were below target ranges before and after hospitalization. In this Medicaid cohort, HF-related hospitalizations did not lead to improved HF therapy.
NONLANGUAGE FACTORS AFFECTING UNDERGRADUATES' JUDGMENTS OF NONNATIVE ENGLISH-SPEAKING TEACHING ASSISTANTS

In response to dramatic changes in the demographics of graduate education, considerable effort is being deveoted to training teaching assistants who are nonnative speakers of English (NNSTAs). Three studies extend earlier research that showed the potency of nonlanguage factors such as ethnicity in affecting undergraduates' reactions to NNSTAs. Study 1 examined effects of instructor ethnicity, even when the instructor's language was completely standard. Study 2 identified predictors of teacher ratings and listening comprehension from among several attitudinal and background variables. Study 3 was a pilot intervention effort in which undergraduates served as teaching coaches for NNSTAs. This intervention, however, exerted no detectable effect on undergraduates' attitudes. Taken together, these findings warrant that intercultural sensitization for undergraduates must complement skills training for NNSTAs, but that this sensitization will not accrue from any superficial intervention program.
Radiotherapy for Vestibular Schwannomas: A Critical Review

Vestibular schwannomas are slow-growing tumors of the myelin-forming cells that cover cranial nerve VIII. The treatment options for patients with vestibular schwannoma include active observation, surgical management, and radiotherapy. However, the optimal treatment choice remains controversial. We have reviewed the available data and summarized the radiotherapeutic options, including single-session stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated conventional radiotherapy, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, and proton beam therapy. The comparisons of the various radiotherapy modalities have been based on single-institution experiences, which have shown excellent tumor control rates of 91-100%. Both stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy have successfully improved cranial nerve V and VII preservation to >95%. The mixed data regarding the ideal hearing preservation therapy, inherent biases in patient selection, and differences in outcome analysis have made the comparison across radiotherapeutic modalities difficult. Early experience using proton therapy for vestibular schwannoma treatment demonstrated local control rates of 84-100% but disappointing hearing preservation rates of 33-42%. Efforts to improve radiotherapy delivery will focus on refined dosimetry with the goal of reducing the dose to the critical structures. As future randomized trials are unlikely, we suggest regimented pre- and post-treatment assessments, including validated evaluations of cranial nerves V, VII, and VIII, and quality of life assessments with long-term prospective follow-up. The results from such trials will enhance the understanding of therapy outcomes and improve our ability to inform patients.
A 12.8-MHz sigma-delta modulator with 16-bit performance

The authors describe a CMOS second-order S-D modulator that does not require error correction or component trimming to achieve virtually ideal 16-b performance at a conversion rate of 50 kHz. This modulator is a fully differential circuit that operates from a single 5-V power supply and does not require the use of precision sample-and-hold circuitry. With an oversampling ratio of 256 and a clock rate of 12.8 MHz, an experimental implementation of the modulator achieves a 98-dB dynamic range and 94-dB linearity. The nearly ideal 16-b performance of the modulator and its small area of 0.39 mm2 and power dissipation of only 13.8 mW make it suitable for use as a digital-audio quality analog interface within digital signal processing chips and systems
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Proteins and Peptides

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an excellent technology for molecular imaging because of its high data dimensionality. MS can monitor thousands of individual molecular data channels measured as mass-to-charge (m/z). We describe the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS for the image analysis of proteins, peptides, lipids, drugs, and metabolites in tissues. We discuss the basic instrumentation and sample preparation methods needed to produce high-resolution images and high image reproducibility. Matrix-addition protocols are briefly discussed along with normal operating procedures, and selected biological and medical applications of MALDI imaging MS are described. We give examples of both two- and three-dimensional imaging, including normal mouse embryo implantation, sperm maturation in mouse epididymis, protein distributions in brain sections, protein alterations as a result of drug administration, and protein changes in brain due to neurodegeneration and tumor formation. Advantages of t...
Composite sampling: effectiveness under a two stage scheme

This article describes a two stage composite sampling scheme for the detection of defectives in a sample. The costs under these schemes are compared with the costs under exhaustive testing for the binomial and hypergeometric models.
OUTCOME FOLLOWING ICD IMPLANTATION WITH VERSUS WITHOUT DEFIBRILLATION TESTING: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TEST-NO TEST (TNT) PILOT STUDY

Clinical trials demonstrating efficacy of ICDs for prevention of sudden death have all involved induction of VF at the time of ICD insertion. However, the need for defibrillation testing (DEFIB) has been questioned. The primary aim of this prospective, randomized pilot study was to compare the
A nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry study of the curing kinetics of an unsaturated polyester system

Nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements were used to estimate the kinetic parameters for the curing reaction of a commercial unsaturated polyester resin. The reaction rate expression was derived from a mechanistic kinetic model based on the concept of free radical polymerization, accounting also for the diffusion controlled reaction. The total heat of reaction was evaluated in experiments run at very low scan speeds and using high amount of initiator. The kinetic parameters were found to show no dependency on the heating rate nor on the initiator concentration. Dynamic DSC measurements provide reliable kinetic data over a broad range of temperatures that is mostly significant for process simulations.
A randomized controlled trial of Structural Ecosystems Therapy for HIV medication adherence and substance abuse relapse prevention.

Background: Substance abuse in women with HIV/AIDS overshadows other priorities, including health care. Substance abuse may cause women to avoid health care systems and not adhere to their medication regimen. Methods: A randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of Structural Ecosystems Therapy (SET) relative to a psychoeducational Health Group (HG) in 126 HIV+ women in recovery. SET, a 4-month intervention, focused on building family support for relapse prevention and HIV medication adherence. Over 12-month follow-up, women were assessed for drug use and medication adherence every 2 months; CD4 T-cell count and HIV viral load were assessed every 4 months. Results: Levels of drug use did not differ by condition. There was a significant difference in curvature of the rates of change in drug use with SET increasing and then decreasing and HG decreasing and then increasing. Women in SET were more likely to increase substance abuse services in response to relapse and separate from drug using household members than were women in HG. These two changes explained the decline in drug use observed within SET between 6 and 12 months. SET showed declines in medication adherence but increases in CD4 T-cell count relative to HG. The increase in CD4 T-cell count in SET was related to increasing proportions of women in SET taking antiretroviral medications. Conclusion: The results of the trial were mixed. Women in SET did not show better drug use or medication adherence outcomes, but did show improvement in CD4 T-cell count and theoretical mechanisms of action on drug relapse.
Determination of the disulfide structure of sillucin, a highly knotted, cysteine-rich peptide, by cyanylation/cleavage mass mapping.

The disulfide structure of sillucin, a highly knotted, cysteine-rich, antimicrobial peptide, isolated from Rhizomucor pusillus, has been determined to be Cys2−Cys7, Cys12−Cys24, Cys13−Cys30, and Cys14−Cys21 by disulfide mass mapping based on partial reduction and CN-induced cleavage enabled by cyanylation. The denatured 30-residue peptide was subjected to partial reduction by tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride at pH 3 to produce a mixture of partially reduced sillucin species; the nascent sulfhydryl groups were immediately cyanylated by 1-cyano-4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium tetrafluoroborate. The cyanylated species, separated and collected during reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, were treated with aqueous ammonia, which cleaved the peptide chain on the N-terminal side of cyanylated cysteine residues. The CN-induced cleavage mixture was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry before and after complete reduction of residual disulfi...
Investigating the psychology of the green consumer

Summary.-To assess the psychologv of the green consumer using a measured chain methodology, a triadic sorting process is used to identify concrete salient attributes of a situation in which consumers' choices can be examined as to perceived consequences and values underlying choices. Predictions are that the most important issue business organizations will have to address in the 1990s will be the environmental concerns of customers (Kirkpatrick, 1990). The term "green consumerism" has burst onto the business scene in the last couple of years. Green consumers are those people who use their buying and investing powers to express their environmental concerns. They tend to buy products that are durable, have been produced with minimal damage to the environment, and come in recyclable packaging. They also invest their money in those companies and funds which stress environmental responsibility. Wal-Mart has responded directly to the green consumer by being environmentally conscious in its buying practices and by identifying environmentally safe products for its customers (Fisher & Graham, 1989). Another example is Starkist which has responded to green consumers by producing "dolphin-friendly" tuna-tuna caught using fishing methods which do not trap dolphin with the tuna. Social investment funds designed to attract environmentally conscious investors, such as the MerrillLynch Eco-Logical Trust, Working Assets, and the Calvert Social Investment funds, have grown from $40 bihon to $500 bAon since 1984 (Rose, 1990). Developing a clear understanding of the psychology of the green consumer will likely become a major focus of researchers in the 1990s in areas ranging from consumer behavior to strategic management. We believe that a logical starting point in this research is to investigate how green consumers make their choices, especially focusing on the values they apply to these choices. We are conducting a study to investigate the choice behavior of green consumers, using Gutman's (1982) means-end theory and accompanying means-end chain methodology as a framework for our research. It rests on the assumption that the values of consumers exert a powerful influence on their final choices. Gutman's theory states that consumer choice IS a three-stage process of searching for concrete attributes of a situation, defin
Benzodiazepine receptors: the effect of GABA on their characteristics in human brain and their alteration in Huntington's disease.

Summary The characteristics of benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptors were studied in the putamen and substantia nigra (SN) of control and Huntington's disease (HD) human brains. In the putamen, there was a significant decrease in density of BDZ receptors in the HD tissue. In addition the application of GABA significantly potentiated BDZ receptor binding in both the HD and control putamen. In the SN, an increase in BDZ receptor density was detected in the HD tissue. GABA enhanced [ 3 H]flunitrazepam binding in both the HD and control SN by increasing the affinity of BDZ receptors for [ 3 H]flunitrazepam. The results suggest that there are alterations in BDZ receptors in HD human brain and that these alterations may be related to the neuronal pathology of this disease. This study also provides evidence for a coupling of GABA receptors to BDZ receptors in human brain.
Coupling two-dimensional and axisymmetric zones for heat transfer applications in aerospace industry

Abstract A boundary element formulation using isoparametric quadratic elements is presented for coupling two-dimensional and axisymmetric zones for steady-state heat transfer problems in the aerospace industry. The two-dimensional and axisymmetric zones are governed by the modified Helmholtz and Laplace equations, respectively. Turbine jet engines and turbo-machines are two applications where the coupling strategy can be used in the aerospace industry. Rotating machinery or disks are modeled as axisymmetric zones while extended surfaces such as fins or blades are considered two-dimensional. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed coupling technique.
Two-dimensional peptide mapping by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis with limited proteolysis in SDS

Abstract The peptide mapping method described by Cleveland, et al . (1) was improved to a two-dimensional analysis applicable to minute amounts (less than 0.5 μg) of proteins. Radioiodinated proteins for analysis were purified by electrophoretic elution of the proteins from polyacrylamide gels into buffer containing 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. The proteins were digested enzymatically in the presence of 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and an excess of nonlabeled bovine serum albumin (0.2 mg/ml) relative to labeled substrate in order to attain reproducibility by maintaining a consistent substrate concentration among different samples. The peptides of these limited proteolytic products were resolved by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing followed by SDS-gels). The resulting 2D-peptide maps of murine and bovine albumin and a murine lymphocyte membrane peptide maps of murine and bovine albumin and a murine lymphocyte membrane protein, Tp100, showed excellent resolution and reproducibility.
Localization of the Human Mxi1 Transcription Factor Gene (MXI1) to Chromosome 10q24-q25

MXI1 cDNA subcloned into plasmids was used in PCR of human somatic cell hybrids. DNA from a human genomic clone was tritiated and used to probe chromosome spreads. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the probe to chromosme 10q24-q25. 13 refs., 1 fig.
Some Observations on the Nesting Habits and Prey of Cerceris Californica Cresson (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae)

The predaceous habits of the wasps of the genus Cerceris have long been of interest to biologists. The prey of most of the species is limited to the coleopterous family Curculionidae (s.l.), a fact which was early discovered in Europe (Latreille, 1809;Bosc, 1813; Westwood, 183(3; et al.) and confirmed in the New World (Peckham and Peckham, 1898; Abbott, 1928; Rau, 1928; Williams, 1928; Cartwright, 1931; Krombein, 1936, et seq. ; Fisher, 1944; Strandtmann, 1945; Scullen, 1951). A bruchid-storing species is known from Central America (Rau, 1933), a primarily cerambycidhunter from the Philippines (Williams, 1919) and chrysomelid-hunters for the Philippines (Williams, l.e.) and North America (Strandtmann, 1945). The European Cerceris rybiensis Linn., unlike its more orthodox congeners, captures and stores bees of the genus Halictus (Walckenaer, 1817; Marchal, 1887), as do certain other European species (Adlerz, 1900, 1903; Ferton, 1901, 1905, et al).
FRIGIDA LIKE 2 is a functional allele in landsberg erecta and compensates for a nonsense allele of FRIGIDA LIKE 1

The Landsberg erecta (Ler) accession of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has a weak allele of the floral inhibitor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). FLC-Ler is weakly up-regulated by the active San Feliu-2 (Sf2) allele of FRIGIDA (FRI-Sf2), resulting in a moderately late-flowering phenotype. By contrast, the Columbia (Col) allele of FLC is strongly up-regulated by FRI-Sf2, resulting in a very late-flowering phenotype. In Col, the FRI-related gene FRI LIKE 1 (FRL1) is required for FRI-mediated up-regulation of FLC. It is shown here that in Ler, the FRL1-related gene FRI LIKE 2 (FRL2), but not FRL1, is required for FRI-mediated up-regulation of FLC. FRL1-Ler is shown to be a nonsense allele of FRL1 due to a naturally occurring premature stop codon in the middle of the conceptual protein sequence, suggesting that FRL1-Ler is nonfunctional. Compared to FRL2-Col, FRL2-Ler has two amino acid changes in the conceptual protein sequence. Plants homozygous for FRI-Sf2, FLC-Ler, FRL1-Ler, and FRL2-Col have no detectable FLC expression, resulting in an extremely early flowering phenotype. Transformation of a genomic fragment of FRL2-Ler, but not of FRL2-Col, into a recombinant inbred line derived from these plants restores both FRI-mediated up-regulation of FLC expression and a late-flowering phenotype, indicating that FRL2-Ler is the functional allele of FRL2. Taken together, these results suggest that in the two different Arabidopsis accessions Col and Ler, either FRL1 or FRL2, but not both, is functional and required for FRI-mediated up-regulation of FLC.
A factor analysis of several measures of choice behavior from a probability learning situation.

(1962). A Factor Analysis of Several Measures of Choice Behavior from a Probability Learning Situation. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 115-128.
Zn2+-triggered excited-state intramolecular proton transfer: a sensitive probe with near-infrared emission from bis(benzoxazole) derivative.

Near-infrared (NIR) emission can offer distinct advantages for biological applications. A fluorescent sensor, Zinhbo-1, based on bis(benzoxazole) ligand with 2,2′-dipicolylamine (DPA) as receptor, was synthesized. In aqueous solution, Zinhbo-1 demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing Zn2+ with about 10-fold enhancement and nanomolar sensitivity (Kd = 0.29 nM). Moreover, sensor Zinhbo-1 can detect Zn2+ in near-infrared region (over 700 nm) with large Stokes shift (ca. 230 nm) attributing to the Zn2+-induced excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT).
Advanced diode-pumped alkali lasers

In this review we present the analysis of optically pumped alkali lasers research and development from their first proposal in 1958 to the current state. Main achievements and problems existing in this field of research are discussed and possible solutions of the problems are proposed. Detailed description of the most important experiments and their results are presented. We have tried to provide an extensive list of references on this subject.
Hepatic, Ocular, and Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

Sarcoid affecting the skin, eye, or liver can be symptomatic of or cause significant morbidity. When disease is sever, alternative therapies may be needed.
Permanent Trapping of CO2 in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized by the HiPco Process

Infrared spectroscopy is used to study trapped and physisorbed CO2 in single-walled carbon nanotube bundles (SWNTs) synthesized by the HiPco process. CO2 is entrapped within the SWNTs by acid oxidation of the unpurified sample followed by vacuum heating to 700 K. The trapped CO2 has a single nu3 mode at 2327 cm-1, is stable during temperature cycling from 77 to 700 K, and remains after venting to room air. CO2 physisorption studies show a nu3 mode at 2330 cm-1 for the as-received HiPco samples, 2340 cm-1 for the acid-oxidized sample, and 2327 and 2340 cm-1 for the oxidized sample after vacuum heating. The sites responsible for the infrared peaks of the physisorbed and trapped species are discussed.
Two approaches to obtaining low, extracellular deoxyribonuclease activity in cultures of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria

Six out of 158 axenic strains of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria consistently failed to produce circles of clearing in agar medium containing DNA-methyl green. When tested with [3H]DNA and coliphage λDNA, supernatant fluids from cultures of two of these strains [University of Texas Culture Collection (UTEX) strain 2014 and 19-6C-C] showed no detectable deoxyribonuclease activity, and such fluids from another two of the six, and four others, showed low but detectable deoxyribonuclease activity. Covalently closed circular (plasmid) DNA was not detectably degraded by supernatant fluids from UTEX 2014 and 19-6C-C and from four of the other strains. When λ DNA was incubated with whole cells of certain strains, a sereis of fragments of discrete size was produced, perhaps by cell-bound, periplasmic, restriction endonucleases. Inclusion of one-tenth strength saline sodium citrate (SSC) in an eight-fold dilution of the medium of Allen and Arnon had little effect on growth of Anabaena variabilis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strain 29413 yet prevented all but slight degradation of plasmid pBR322 or of λ DNA.
A comparison of the anelasticity structure beneath western South America and Japan

Abstract Similar spectral ratio techniques were used for Q-determinations in two regions. In South America, QP in the (somewhat seismically active) wedge bounded by the seismic plane, the trench and volcanoes, is 1000–2000. Beneath Japan for the corresponding region (which is a seismic) QP is 400–500; this value is identical to that in the asthenosphere below the trench, i.e., there is no evidence for extra low Q-values beneath the volcanoes. In South America, the high QP-values (up to 3000) extend to 350 km, but there do not seem to be any paths from deep earthquakes (600 km) with QP greater than 1000, i.e., there must be a Q-inversion below 350 km. In Japan, however, the high QP-values in the Benioff zone (≈3000) persist down to the deep earthquakes. Above the deep earthquake zone in Japan and Fiji, very low QP-values (100) were found, in contrast to a minimum value of 350 in South America. The tectonic implications of these structures are that lithospheric plates have varying thicknesses; continental plates are several times thicker than oceanic plates.
SU-E-T-172: Portal Dosimetry of Gated VMAT; with and Without Gating

Purpose: To study duty cycle and respiratory period influence on VMAT delivery using portal dosimetry. Methods: For this study, we selected 12 ARC fields from four different gated VMAT plans with Varian, TrueBeam 6 MV photon beam and HD120 MLC. For Planning and portal dose prediction we used Varian, Eclipse (Version 10.0) AAA and PDIP algorithms respectively. We acquired integrated portal images with and without gated arc fields delivered to EPID at SID 140cm. We simulated respiratory periods with Quasar, Motion Phantom. For gated delivery, we used planned duty cycle for patient respiratory trace, and 6 sec per breath (SPB) and duty cycles 40%, 30%, 20% and 10% with 3SPB. Eclipse, Portal dosimetry software was used for Gamma analyses of measured and predicted portal dose images. In addition, we compared with and without gated portal dose images of same arc. MLC log file analyses of delivered arcs were done with Mobius, Dose lab software. Gamma passing criteria is to have gamma<1 for greater than 90% data points. Results: For all arcs, predicted vs. measured dose distributions passed with criteria ΔD = 3% & DTA = 3mm, excluding few 10% duty cycle measurements. For these, pass criteria is ΔD = 5% & DTA = 4mm. Similarly, with and without gated portal dose image comparison passed the criteria of ΔD = 1% & DTA = 1mm excluding few 10% duty cycle measurements. For these pass criteria is ΔD = 2% & DTA = 2mm. For all delivered arcs, Leaf error 95 percentile is < 0. 1mm and error RMS is below 0.05mmConclusion: Except 10 % duty cycle, the gating influence on VMAT delivery is minimal. Therefore, gated VMAT QA can be done without gating. Duty cycles larger than 20% are recommended to minimize delivery errors.
A fast time-to-digital converter for position-sensitive radiation detectors with delay line readouts

Abstract A fast time-to-digital converter (TDC) has been developed for use with position-sensitive radiation detectors having delay line readouts. The device is recommended for detector applications where high position resolution and low distortion are required at high rates. The device has 2 ns time resolution, less than 0.1% differential nonlinearity, and a recovery time of 70 ns. When used with a detector system having a delay line of temporal length τ, the following performance has been achieved: (1) a position digitization of 1 position resolution element per ns of delay line; (2) an average dead time of ( 3 4 τ+70) ns ; (3) a maximum incident radiation rate of ⋍ 4 τ ; and (4) a maximum conversion rate of ⋍ 1 (3τ) . Discriminator circuits reduce pile-up distortion to neglible levels for rates as high as those listed above. Finally, two converters may be connected together for synchronous operation as required by 2-dimensional ( x - y ) detectors.
Synthesis of the Bifunctional Phosphinidene Cluster, Fe3(CO)9(μ3-PH)2, and a Systematic Study of the Reactivity of the Cluster-Bound P−H Functional Group

The synthesis and systematic study of the reaction chemistry of a bifunctional phosphinidene cluster, Fe3(CO)9(μ3-PH)2 (3) is reported. Reaction chemistry at one P−H functional site is effectively communicated through the Fe3(CO)9 core, and impacts on the reactivity of the second P−H site. Deprotonation of the acidic protons in 3 allows access to a lone electron pair on phosphorus. The first proton is readily removed with NEt3/[PPN]Cl ([PPN]+ = (Ph3P)2N+) to produce the [PPN]+ salt of [Fe3(CO)9(μ3-PH)(μ3-P)]- ([4]-). Removal of both phosphorus-bound hydrogen atoms in 3 requires the use of 2 equiv of n-BuLi, to produce Li2[Fe3(CO)9(μ3-P)2] (Li2[5]). Quenching of Li2[5] with MeOH-d4 generates [Fe3(CO)9(μ3-PD)(μ3-P)]-. The lone electron pairs on the cluster-bound phosphorus atoms undergo analogous reaction chemistry to organophosphines. Alkylation at the phosphorus site is carried out by reaction of [Et3NH][4] with MeOSO2CF3 generating the monosubstituted cluster, Fe3(CO)9(μ3-PMe)(μ3-PH) (6) as the primary p...
The Value of a Vote: Malapportionment in Comparative Perspective

Comparative studies of electoral institutions have largely neglected a fundamental characteristic of most of the world’s electoral systems: malapportionment. This article provides a method for measuring malapportionment in different types of electoral systems, calculates levels of malapportionment in seventy-eight countries, and employs statistical analysis to explore the correlates of malapportionment in both upper and lower chambers. The analysis shows that the use of single-member districts is associated with higher levels of malapportionment in lower chambers and that federalism and country size account for variation in malapportionment in upper chambers. Furthermore, African and especially Latin American countries tend to have electoral systems that are highly malapportioned. The article concludes by proposing a broad, comparative research agenda that focuses on the origins, evolution and consequences of malapportionment. The remarkable advance of democracy around the globe during the last twenty years has focused much attention on how different kinds of democratic institutions work. Building on an earlier generation of studies that addressed this issue by analysing a relatively small number of long-standing democracies, scholars have increasingly exploited an expanded dataset that includes the more than sixty countries comprising what Huntington has called the ‘third wave’ of democratization.
Investigating the Mechanism of Activation and Inhibition of the Phosphate Dependent Mitochondrial Glutaminase

Glutamine metabolism often plays a crucial role in the metabolism of cancer cells that exhibit high rates of aerobic glycolysis. The enzyme primarily responsible for the conversion of glutamine to glutamate, and ultimately the rate of α-ketoglutarate flux into the citric acid cycle, is the mitochondrial enzyme glutaminase. The fully processed form of the human enzyme can be expressed in bacteria, is fully active, and in this study we use a combination of techniques including MALS (Multi-Angle Light Schattering), X-ray crystallographyic, and SAXS (Small Angle X-ray Scattering) to better understand the nature of the active conformation of GAC and ultimately, how the recently described glutaminase inhibitor 968 (J.B., Wang; Cancer Cell, 2010) interacts with GAC and renders it inactive. Our results support a model whereby GAC binds phosphate that results in a change in glutaminase oligomerization, which results in active tetramers as well as higher oligomeric species. Effects of the drug 968 on the activation/oligomerization state of glutaminase will also be discussed.
Application of hook-lift trucks in centralized logging slash grinding operations

Background: Chip vans are large trucks commonly used for transporting comminuted woody biomass from forests, provided the roads are suitable for the truck. Smaller trucks can effectively negotiate adverse road conditions such as sharp curves and steep grades and improve access to forest residues (i.e., logging slash). Discussion: This study evaluated the operational performance and costs of a forest biomass harvesting system, utilizing a hook-lift truck in centralized grinding operations in northern California. Conclusion: A centralized grinding operation utilizing a hook-lift truck was cost effective in collecting previously inaccessible forest residues for energy production. The total system production cost (woods landing-to-chip van) was estimated at US$32.98/bone dry ton (BDT) with an hourly production of 10–37 BDT and a total production of 267.5 BDT.
To know or not to know: does EEG monitoring in the paediatric intensive care unit add anything besides cost?

You are called to the intensive care unit to see a 6-year-old girl admitted with encephalitis. The child presented with 2 days of fever, confusion and lethargy and was admitted following a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 8 min, which was treated with intravenous lorazepam followed by levetiracetam. When you see the child she is stuporous and does not respond to verbal commands but shows no clinical signs of ongoing seizures. The staff in the intensive care unit wish to know whether they should call in a technician to obtain an EEG. In a child who has already had a convulsive seizure, is on antiepileptic therapy and is showing no signs of ongoing seizure activity, will EEG monitoring add anything to her management? In the current issue of Brain , Payne et al. (2014) provide evidence to suggest that it might. There is a long-standing controversy as to whether seizures, either clinical or subclinical, are harmful in critically ill children. Many clinicians are of the mindset that the aetiology of seizures is the determinant of outcome and that seizures themselves are simply a reflection of the severity of the underlying condition. In a condition such as encephalitis, it is argued, children with more severe disease are more …