cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetoelectric coupling lights up spintronics path: Lithium battery ideas to tune magnetism

While materials phenomena can be exploited in laboratories for scientific purposes, real-world applications require levels of stability, efficiency, and control. Recent work by Li et al. demonstrates a magnetoelectric effect originating from the spin capacitance, combining the advantages of intercalation batteries and supercapacitors and advancing ultralow-power memory and sensor technologies.
Application Example: An Adaptive Neural Network Source Coder

In this chapter, I apply the S-Level network SPAN introduced in Chapter 4 to source coding problems for digital communication. The basic idea is to use SPAN as an active codebook that can grow from scratch to follow the statistics of source signals, capture the local context of the source signal space, and map onto the structure of the network. As a result, when the statistics of the source signals change, the network can dynamically modify its structure to follow the change.
Development of field-based separations for the rapid identification of uranium and plutonium

Method development for rapid processing and purification of uranium and plutonium was performed on a gas pressurized extraction chromatographic system using a single column of Eichrom’s DGA extraction resin. The demonstration of the U and Pu purification scheme provided in-line flowsheet processing in under 2 h with low reagent volumes (100–240 μL) for flowsheet processing stages. Quantitative recovery for U and Pu (95 and 98 %, respectively) with high selectivity between the target actinide analytes (99 % purity) in three bed volumes was achieved in the presence of a potential, environmental, interfering contaminant (iron).
Susceptibility to autoimmune myocarditis is associated with intrinsic differences in CD4+ T cells

A.SW and B10.S mice share the same major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype (H-2(s)). However, A.SW mice are susceptible to experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and develop severe disease after immunization with myosin, whereas B10.S mice are resistant. We found that naive A.SW mice have intrinsically increased total CD4(+) T cell counts and increased proportions of CD4(+) T cells in their spleens compared to B10.S mice. Among total CD4(+) T cells, naive A.SW mice have a lower relative frequency of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3(+))CD25(+) regulatory T cells (T(regs)). A.SW mice also had a higher proportion of CD4(+) T cells and a lower proportion of T(regs) in their hearts and spleen during EAM, with greater T cell activation and proliferation, compared to B10.S mice. These differences in the T cell compartment were not antigen-specific, as ovalbumin/complete Freund's adjuvant (OVA/CFA) or CFA immunization elicited the same differences in CD4(+) T cells and T(regs) between A.SW and B10.S mice. Moreover, A.SW mice had more T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and B10.S had more Th1 cells in their hearts. The higher percentage of CD4(+) T cells and their enhanced potential to differentiate towards the Th17 pathway was also observed in naive A.SW mice. Interleukin (IL)-6 is required for Th17 induction. Interestingly, IL-6Rα expression was greater on naive A.SW CD4(+) T cells, compared to B10.S CD4(+) T cells, indicating that this intrinsic difference, together with a relatively lower T(reg) proportion of CD4(+) T cells, might lead to heightened Th17 responses and greater susceptibility to autoimmunity in A.SW mice.
Ventricular assist device implantation in the elderly: nationwide outcomes in the United States.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate nationwide outcomes of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation in elderly patients in the United States. Methods Patients undergoing VAD implantation between 2003 and 2008 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality following VAD implantation. Secondary outcomes included disposition following discharge and costs of care. After stratification based on primary versus postcardiotomy VAD support, outcomes were compared between controls aged 60–69 years and elderly patients aged ≥70 years. Results A total of 2787 patients aged 60–69 years and 1472 patients aged ≥70 years underwent VAD implantation during the study period. Unadjusted mortality rates were comparable between elderly and control patients in both primary support (35.7% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.61) and postcardiotomy support (58.1% vs. 56.1%, p = 0.70). Similarly, in risk-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis incorporating clinically relevant variables, age ≥70 did not exert an independent effect on inpatient mortality for either indication. Inpatient costs in the elderly were lower than controls in the primary support cohort, although costs per day were similar, with comparable overall costs between age groups in the postcardiotomy cohort. Elderly survivors were discharged to a facility more frequently than control survivors (primary: 49.9% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.007; postcardiotomy: 67.4% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.03). Conclusions This large-cohort population-based analysis provides a useful framework for inpatient prognosis and resource utilization in elderly patients undergoing VAD implantation. Although mortality rates and costs were found to be comparable between elderly patients and those aged 60–69 years, these rates were nonetheless significant. This combined with more frequent discharge-to-facility in elderly survivors underscores the importance of careful patient selection in this population. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12066 (J Card Surg 2013;28:183–189)
First‐principles theory of acceptors in nitride semiconductors

Acceptor defects and impurities play a critical role in the performance of GaN-based devices. Mg is the only acceptor impurity that gives rise to p-type conductivity, while other acceptors (such as CN impurities and VGa defects) act as sources of compensation and trapping. From the point of view of theory, understanding the physics of acceptor species in GaN has long been a challenge. In the past, limitations of computational techniques made it difficult to quantitatively predict crucial quantities such as thermodynamic and optical transition levels. However, advances in first-principles calculations, including the use of hybrid functionals in density functional theory, have led to a resurgence in efforts to understand properties of acceptors in nitrides. After briefly discussing advances in theoretical techniques, we review recent computational work on acceptor impurities in GaN and compare theoretical results with the available experimental data. We also present new hybrid density functional calculations on the transition levels of VGa and its complexes with O and H impurities. The results indicate that donor impurities significantly lower VGa transition levels, and that VGa3H and VGaON2H complexes give rise to yellow luminescence. We also discuss the properties of acceptor impurities in AlN and InN.
Mitral valve prolapse with symptoms of beta-adrenergic hypersensitivity: Beta2-adrenergic receptor supercoupling with desensitization on isoproterenol exposure

Abstract Autonomic nervous system dysfunction has recently been identified in a subset of patients with mitral valve prolapse. These autonomic nervous system abnormalities may correspond, in part, to biochemical alterations in beta-adrenergic receptors. Nine women with mitral valve prolapse and symptoms and signs of beta-adrenergic hypersensitivity and seven normal volunteer women were studied. Quiet standing (five minutes) increased both heart rate and plasma norepinephrine (p L /K H = 35 ± 3, p
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Mental Health Needs and Access to Care of Older Adults in California

Little is known about the unmet mental health needs of minority older adults. Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence rates of psychological distress and reported need and use of mental health services were examined in a population-based sample of older adults using the 2005 California Health Interview Survey. The sample comprised 16,974 people aged 55 and older, with 13,974 non-Hispanic whites, 719 African Americans, 1,215 Asians, and 1,066 Latinos. Respondents were compared in terms of prevalence of symptoms of mental distress and serious mental illness, reported need for help, and access to mental health services. African Americans, Asians, and Latinos were more likely to have mental distress than whites (21.2-24.2% vs 14.4%, P<.001) and a higher prevalence of serious mental illness (4.1-7.7% vs 2.5%, P<.001). After adjustment for age, sex, birthplace, marital status, education, limited English proficiency, chronic health conditions, and insurance status, older African-American (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-1.81) and Asian (aOR=1.50, CI=1.13-2.00) adults still had greater odds of mental distress than whites. Furthermore, all three groups had worse access to mental health services than whites (African American aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.43-0.96; Asian aOR=0.32, CI=0.16-0.63; Latino aOR=0.35, CI=0.17-0.70). Clinicians caring for older individuals should be aware of their high risk for mental health needs. Given that minorities' access to mental health services is worse than whites', even after adjusting for health insurance status, providing insurance alone will not eliminate this disparity. Innovative clinical and systemic strategies are needed to better identify individuals at risk and to provide needed services.
The Time‐Course of Hatching Enzyme Secretion in the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

By two independent methods, we have determined approximately the time-course of hatching enzyme secretion in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. A quick-kill method indicates that a significant fraction of the enzyme is secreted between 90% and 97% of the fertilization-hatching interval. A direct assay method indicates that the remainder of the enzyme is secreted on either side of the 90–97%“window”. The entire period of secretion spans from 75% to 100% or more of the fertilization-hatching interval. For embryos raised at 15°C this translates to an interval of 4.8 or more hr.
The timing of birth

In the fifth century B.c., the Greek philosopher, physician and scientist Hippocrates suggested that a baby de? cides the timing of its own birth: "When the child has grown big and the mother can no longer support him with food, he struggles and breaks forth into the world, free from all bonds/' Hip? pocrates believed that the signal that begins the process is a failure of the pla? centa to keep up with the increasing nutritional needs of the fetus. More than 2,300 years later, in the 1930s, Sir Joseph Barcroft at Cambridge University in England was the first to attempt direct experiments with preg? nant sheep to assess various functions of the fetus while the fetal lamb was
Preclinical Models in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has the potential to reconstruct any non-visceral tissue defect, using like for like tissue, delivering optimal form and function. Over 150 VCA transplants have been performed worldwide; however, this treatment remains experimental. Things systematically tried in the clinic should follow thorough science and tested in a model that allows predicting as possible the safety of the procedure. This is generally the function of animal experimentation. Advantages of preclinical models include greater control of bias, of subject numbers and of variables compared to clinical trials. Limitations include differences between species in anatomy and physiology as well as ethical, logistical and technical constraints. Multiple models have been described; however, no single model is ideal in all areas. This paper reviews historical perspectives, current models and future direction in VCA research.
Automated feedback on programs means students need less help from teachers

Many educators believe that the most effective means of teaching is through one-on-one interactions with students. It is not surprising, then, that an effective way to teach programming is to give students immediate feedback on programs that they have just written. Unfortunately, such one-on-one teaching scenarios are becoming increasingly difficult to arrange. We built InSTEP, an online tutoring system for beginning C programmers, to see whether an automated system could provide effective immediate feedback to beginning programming students. In an introductory programming course, we compared two groups of students. One group solved six programming problems with feedback from InSTEP; the second group solved the same six problems without feedback from InSTEP; both groups had access to feedback from teaching assistants. While both groups of students took about the same amount of time to complete the problems and performed about the same on a subsequent test, the students who received feedback from InSTEP spent less than a third of the time asking the teaching assistants questions than did the others.
Criteria for selecting a suitable method for producing post-2000 county population estimates: A case study of population estimates in Illinois

We compared 2000 county population estimates for Illinois against 2000 census counts. Administrative records (ADREC) and ratio correlation (Ratio-CORR) methods were used to produce two sets of controlled county estimates for 2000; a third set represented an average of the estimates reached using these methods. Another set using the ADREC method was not controlled to any estimate. Also, the 2000 estimates were adjusted for undercount in the 1990 census. We compared performance of these methods with the performance of two naive models: (i) do nothing and (ii) constant growth rate. ADREC estimates were more accurate than estimates from the Ratio-CORR or Average method in terms of Mean Absolute Percent (MAPE) or weighted MAPE. Undercount adjustment in general improved the accuracy of the estimates for all three methods. A top-down or bottom-up approach worked equally well. As a single method, ADREC performed best.
Assessment of Gingival Inflammation Using Ultrasound Imaging

Gingivitis is the most common gingival inflammation in the oral cavity, and the most prevalent periodontal disease affecting 90% of the population in all age groups. Recently, a few research groups have investigated the possibility of using ultrasound in dentistry, particularly in diagnosing bony destruction in the more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. This work investigates the feasibility of using ultrasound imaging to quantitatively assess gingival tissue inflammation. Signal and image processing of ultrasound data have been performed to quantitatively assess gingival tissue. A number of gingival scans were conducted in vitro to render ultrasound images of high-spatial and contrast resolutions. For each sample the B-mode images were matched with almost the same slices in histology. Results show that ultrasound scans for tissues with gingivitis exhibited low intensity of reflections (hypo echoic) at the inflamed tissues, while healthy dense epithelium layers exhibited higher reflections (hyper echoic). Histological diagnosis revealed good agreement with the ultrasound results indicating the usefulness of such ultrasound imaging in diagnosing gingivitis. In addition, a new design for an intraoral linear array ultrasound probe is demonstrated and utilized in our clinic in vivo. Analysis of the echogenicity patterns of the resultant images demonstrates the potential of using such a new probe in gingival health assessment, which would be feasible and clinical relevant for patient evaluations clinically.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
On analytic listening.

Multiple dimensions of the listening process as implemented in the analytic process are discussed. Listening is not the same as hearing; it is done with the mind rather than just the ears. Listenin...
A method of evaluating mass storage effects on system performance

A significant proportion of the cost and usefulness of a computing system lies in its configuration of direct access mass storage. A frequent problem for computing installation management is evaluating the desirability of a change in the mass storage configuration. This problem often manifests itself in the need for quantitative decision criteria for adding a fast(er) direct access device such as a drum, disk or bulk core to a configuration which already includes direct access disk devices. The decision criteria are hopefully some reasonably accurate cost versus performance functions. This paper discusses a technique for quantifying the system performance gains which could be reasonably expected due to the addition of a proposed fast access device to the system configuration. It should be noted that the measurement and analysis techniques are not restricted to the specific question of an addition to the configuration. That particular question has been chosen in the hope that it will serve as an understandable illustration for the reader and in the knowledge that it has been a useful application for the author.
The influence of temperature on flowering in species of Lolium and in Poa pratensis

The influence of various night- and day-temperature regimes on inflorescence initiation and earing in vernalized and unvernalized Lolium temulentum, L. multiflorum, short-rotation ryegrass, and two varieties of L. perenne, and also in the Athabasca strain of Poa pratensis, is described.Vernalization response curves for the ryegrasses, when grown under controlled conditions, are presented, and are consonant with the operation of a first-order reaction as the rate-limiting step in the vernalization ofLolium perenne. Velocity coefficients for the rate of vernalization in various conditions are deduced, and are shown to be higher in seedlings than in seeds, and higher in short days at 10° C. than at 4° C. The Q 10 for the velocity of vernalization over this range is about 2·7.Low-temperature vernalization in L. perenne can occur when low night temperatures are combined with moderately high day temperatures, and it can take place during abundant vegetative growth. In short days and in continuous light mean temperatures up to 10° C, at least, are fully effective, but in 16 hr. photoperiods even 7° C. was not a fully effective vernalizing temperature. The requirement of perennial ryegrass plants for cold treatment may be replaced by short-day induction if light intensities are low and if the plants are continually divided.
Design of Entrained-Flow and Moving-, Packed-, and Fluidized-Bed Sorption Systems: Grain-Model Kinetics for Hot Coal-Gas Desulfurization with Limestone

Concentration profiles in several configurations of sorption systems (moving, packed, and fluidized beds and entrained-flow) were determined using the grain and the unreacted shrinking core model for the description of the gas−solid reaction kinetics. General equations for the design and analysis of all these reactor configurations are given, and simple analytical solutions are proposed. The behavior of these reactors can be expressed as a function of only four parameters: the size of the sorbent pellet and the Peclet, Sherwood (or Biot), and Damkohler numbers. These general equations were then applied to the lime(stone)/H2S systems. Using limestone particles with diameters on the order of 100 μm for entrained-flow and with diameters on the order of 1 mm for the other configurations, it was found that H2S could be removed from the hot coal gas to near its equilibrium value with more than 75% sorbent utilization and with reasonable bed depth (about 1 m, or 1-s contact time for entrained-flow) when the rea...
REDUCTIONS IN TREE REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS

Abstract Certain kinds of Church-Rosser tree replacement systems ‘reduction systems’ are studied. Most results presented here generalize results proved for string rewriting systems by Book (1982). The concept of a tree rewriting system with a ‘norm’ is introduced and studied. A new ‘tree reducing machine’ which reduces every input tree to an irreducible tree is defined. As a consequence, when the norm under consideration is the size of the tree (the number of nodes), the word problem for finite Church-Rosser reduction systems is decidable in linear time (in the size of the input tree). Church-Rosser monadic reduction systems generalizing the monadic Thue systems of Book (1982) and Book et al. (1982) are also studied. It is shown that every congruence class and every finite union of congruence classes defined by such a system is accepted by a deterministic bottom-up tree pushdown automation. This new form of a tree automation is briefly studied.
Lunar solar power system: review of the technology base of an operational LSP system ☆

Abstract The Lunar Solar Power (LSP) system collects solar power on the lunar surface and converts the power to microwaves. The microwaves are transmitted as multiple Power Beams directly or indirectly, using orbital reflectors/retransmitters, to receivers on earth called rectennas. This paper examines the feasibility of using current technologies to implement an operational LSP system. The technologies are ranked in terms of NASA Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). A solid technology base exists for an operational LSP system.
Mechanical properties of 2.45 GHz microwave sintered Si3N4–Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 system

Abstract Mechanical properties of 2.45 GHz microwave sintered Si 3 N 4 –Y 2 O 3 –MgO–ZrO 2 system have been investigated. Microwave sintered samples exhibited higher hardness compared to conventionally sintered samples. SEM microstructures of microwave sintered samples revealed lower average grain length and width than those of the conventionally sintered samples. Fracture toughness increased with increasing sintering temperature in the case of conventionally sintered samples whereas microwave sintered samples exhibited no variation despite differences in microstructure. The results of present study demonstrated that microwave sintering could influence the microstructure and thereby improve the mechanical properties.
The structure of c(2 × 2)-CO on Ni(001) by leed; Self-consistent scattering potentials for adsorbed CO

Abstract Intensity-voltage ( I - V ) curves for Ni(001) c(2 × 2)-CO are calculated using phase shifts obtained from self-consistent Xα potentials. The CO scattering potentials are constructed such that the distances between C-O and between Ni-C are compatible with the optimal structure determined. The calculated I - V curves are compared with recent data at normal and off-normal incidences. The accuracy of an approximation scheme is tested against a full dynamical calculation for the Ni(001) c(2 × 2)-CO system.
Application of a rapid, simple and accurate Adenovirus-based method to compare PET reporter gene/PET reporter probe systems

Purpose This study aims to use a simple, quantitative method to compare the HSV1sr39TK/18 F-FHBG PET reporter gene/PET reporter probe (PRG/PRP) system with PRGs derived from human nucleoside kinases.
Biphenyl hydroxylation and its induction differ between montane voles and Swiss Webster mice

Abstract Hepatic microsomes from female montane voles, Microtus montanus , metabolized biphenyl to 4-hydroxybiphenyl (359 ng/mg microsomal protein/min), 3-hydroxybiphenyl (49 ng/mg/min), and 2-hydroxybiphenyl (29 ng/mg/min). Phenobarbital treatment of the voles (ip) induced in vitro biphenyl hydroxylations by about 324, 865, and 445% for 4-, 3- and 2-hydroxylation, respectively. Comparable studies were made of female, white Swiss Webster mice. The major microsomal metabolite was 4-hydroxybiphenyl (1010 ng/mg/min) but more 2-hydroxybiphenyl (118 ng/mg/min) was formed than 3-hydroxybiphenyl (92 ng/mg/min). Phenobarbital treatment of the mice barely changed biphenyl 2-hydroxylation (−1.3%) but did raise 3- and 4-hydroxylation (55 and 211%, respectively). Treatment of voles with 3-methylcholanthrene raised biphenyl 2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxylation by about 81, 50, and 47%, respectively, whereas in mice the increases were 176, 41, and 31%, respectively. β-Naphthoflavone treatment had similar effects. The vole liver microsomes were dependent upon NADPH for biphenyl hydroxylation. The carbon monoxide difference spectra of reduced cytochrome in the microsomes show a peak at 450.4 nm. This was unchanged by phenobarbital and only slightly shifted (−0.8 nm) by 3-methylcholanthrene or β-naphthoflavone treatment. Voles and mice represent different families of the order Rodentia. The results obtained with voles more closely resemble those reported for hamsters which are in the same family but a different subfamily than voles. Comparative consideration of the taxonomic relations of the rodents, therefore, may be useful in interpreting their comparative toxicology.
DETERMINATION OF TRIGLYCERIDE STRUCTURE VIA SILVER NITRATE-TLC.

A procedure for the quantitative analysis of component triglycerides by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with silver nitrate-silicic acid coated plates in combination with lipase hydrolysis is described. The method is demonstrated on synthetic triglyceride mixtures and applied to several natural fats.
Reduction of Pollutant Formation in Combustion Processes

Combustion sources account for approximately ninety percent of air pollutant emissions. Many of the effects of air pollutants upon human health and the environment are reasonably well understood. Some potential problems, however, such as the presence of carcinogens in urban atmospheres and the effect of carbon dioxide on climate, while not well understood, cause concern. — Modification of combustion processes to reduce pollutant emissions has proven successful. Better understanding of the fundamentals important to combustion often leads to pollutant reduction without compromise of efficiency or the quality of the combustion process. Treatment of combustion products to remove pollutants also has proven effective in cases where combustion modification fails to yield the required reduction. In other cases treatment of the fuel to remove pollutant percursors has been employed. A combination of these approaches has been chosen as an optimum strategy for some pollution control situations.
COVARIANCE, INVARIANCE, AND EQUIVALENCE: A VIEWPOINT.

We have given what, we hope, are precise statements of the main principles that underly general relativity. It is not our intention to argue that these statements correspond to the original statements of these principles. We have used the original terms, principle of equivalence, etc., to designate the formulations given here primarily for convenience and because we feel that our formulations are, at least, in the spirit of the general accepted meaning of these appellations. Our formulation of these principles rests primarily on the observation that there are two types of objects that appear in the descriptions of physical systems, which we have termed absolute and dynamical. A covariance group consists of those transformations which transform one observable set of values of these objects into another observable set and correspond to the passive transformations that one can carry out on the system. An invariance group is the subgroup of a covariance group that leaves invariant the absolute objects. If there are no absolute objects, the two groups coincide. The principle of general covariance asserts that the Einstein group, that is, ‘the group of arbitrary local coordinate transformations’, is a covariance group of all physical systems that can be described by space-time theories. The requirement that the Einstein group is also an invariance group of all physical systems constitutes the principle of general invariance. Support for this latter principle comes first from a Machian type of argument that there should be no absolute objects in nature. A weak form of the principle of equivalence that asserts the equivalence of inertial effects to gravitational effects (but not necessarily conversely) allows one to conclude the impossibility of distinguishing between arbitrary active and passive coordinate transformations. Since the latter transformations constitute the Einstein group, we conclude that the former also constitute this group. Since the active transformations constitute an invariance group, we are again led to the conclusion that the Einstein group is the invariance group, of all spacetime systems.
Mapping contacts between Escherichia coli alanyl tRNA synthetase and 2' hydroxyls using a complete tRNA molecule.

A dual-specific derivative of yeast tRNAPhe is described whose features facilitate structure−function studies of tRNAs. This tRNA has been made in three different bimolecular forms that allow modifications to be easily introduced into any position within the molecule. A set of deoxynucleotide substituted versions of this tRNA has been created and used to examine contacts between tRNA and Escherichia coli alanyl-tRNA synthetase, an enzyme previously shown to interact with 2‘-hydroxyls in the acceptor stem of the tRNA. Because the present experiments used a full-length tRNA, several contacts were identified that had not been previously found using microhelix substrates. Contacts at similar sites in the T-loop are seen in the cocrystal structure of tRNASer and Thermus thermophilus seryl-tRNA synthetase.
Proline Isomerization Preorganizes the Itk SH2 Domain for Binding to the Itk SH3 Domain

We report here the NMR-derived structure of the binary complex formed by the interleukin-2 tyrosine kinase (Itk) Src homology 3 (SH3) and Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. The interaction is independent of both a phosphotyrosine motif and a proline-rich sequence, the classical targets of the SH2 and SH3 domains, respectively. The Itk SH3/SH2 structure reveals the molecular details of this nonclassical interaction and provides a clear picture for how the previously described prolyl cis/trans isomerization present in the Itk SH2 domain mediates SH3 binding. The higher-affinity cis SH2 conformer is preorganized to form a hydrophobic interface with the SH3 domain. The structure also provides insight into how autophosphorylation in the Itk SH3 domain might increase the affinity of the intermolecular SH3/SH2 interaction. Finally, we can compare this Itk complex with other examples of SH3 and SH2 domains engaging their ligands in a nonclassical manner. These small binding domains exhibit a surprising level of diversity in their binding repertoires.
Consequences of a linear two-coordinate geometry for the orbital magnetism and Jahn-Teller distortion behavior of the high spin iron(II) complex Fe[N(t-Bu)2]2.

Mossbauer, EPR, magnetic susceptibility, and DFT studies of the unusual two-coordinate iron(II) amide Fe[N(t-Bu)2]2 show that it retains a linear N−Fe−N framework due to the nonbonding δ nature of the (xy, x2−y2) orbitals. The resulting near-degenerate ground state gives rise to a large magnetic moment and a remarkably large internal hyperfine field. The results confirm that extraordinary orbital magnetic effects can arise in linear transition metal complexes in which orbital degeneracies are not broken by Jahn−Teller or Renner−Teller distortions.
A dynamic model of repeat purchase and brand switching behavior in a consumer products category

Abstract In a comprehensive model, we capture the impact of price changes and coupon offers on brand switching behavior for a frequently purchased product. We incorporate two sources of variations: unobserved heterogeneity and brand loyalty propensity. We compare effectiveness of (manufacturer's) coupons with (retailer's) price cuts. Our results offer several managerial insights on the dynamics of the purchase process for a consumer product.
Tree placement in Cascode-switch macros

Abstract In macro design using Cascode Voltage Switch Logic (CVSL) goal is to maximize the number of variable alignments by finding a good placement of logic trees and dictating their internal configuration. In this paper, a tree placement technique, ensuring at least half of the total number of alignments over all possible placements, is proposed. A heuristic algorithm, being a recursive version of the proposed technique, further increases the number of alignments.
Alkyltransition metal compounds I. n-alkylchromium systems: deuterolysis☆

Abstract Deuterolytic and hydrolytic studies with the n-decyl- and (4-phenylbutyl)-chromium systems indicate that the interaction of the appropriate stoichiometric ratios of an alkylmagnesium halide and CrCl3(THF)3 leads to the formation of monodecylchromium dihalide and solvated tri-n-alkylchromium compounds. The latter are unstable and on warming undergo fragmentation to a system which will isomerize terminal olefins. The initial fragmentation products have been shown to contain a hydridochromium species and unequal quantities of n-alkane and n-1-alkene.
Sobolev and Besov Space Estimates for Solutions to Second Order PDE on Lipschitz Domains in Manifolds with Dini or Hölder Continuous Metric Tensors

Abstract We examine solutions u = PIf to Δu − Vu = 0 on a Lipschitz domain Ω in a compact Riemannian manifold M, satisfying u = f on ∂Ω, with particular attention to ranges of (s, p) for which one has Besov-to-L p -Sobolev space results of the form and variants, when the metric tensor on M has limited regularity, described by a Holder or a Dini-type modulus of continuity. We also discuss related estimates for solutions to the Neumann problem.
Constant engagement tool path generation for convex geometries

Contour-parallel and direction-parallel machining strategies have gained nearly universal acceptance for simple 212D material removal tasks. When the mechanics of the milling process are considered, widely varying cutter engagements and sharp velocity discontinuities are found to significantly limit the efficiency of these approaches. To address these problems, a new offset for tool path generation that maintains an ideal steady-state process by explicitly controlling the instantaneous engagement of the cutting tool is introduced. A generative spiral-in algorithm for 212D material removal of convex geometries is presented that continuously monitors the state of the milling process, including cutter engagement, path curvature, and the instantaneous entry and exit angles. A smooth (C2) trajectory is generated, maintaining an ideal constant engagement state as much as possible. During periods in which constant engagement cannot be maintained, the path curvature and entry and exit angles are controlled explicitly. A state-based algorithm is developed that formalizes these alternate strategies of path generation and controls the transitions between them. Case studies are shown comparing these new tool path trajectories with conventional contour-parallel approaches. Simulations reveal far less variation in cutter engagement and near-constant material removal rates. Overall path lengths are shorter, and acceleration requirements (as dictated by path curvature) are greatly reduced. Experimental data from a three-axis dynamometer reveals an expected close correlation between instantaneous engagement and cutting force. Potential benefits include reduced tool chipping and breakage, reduced cycle times, increased work-piece quality, and reduced machine fatigue and wear. In the domain of high-speed machining, acceleration and deceleration often constitute a significant component of the overall processing time, further emphasizing the importance of a smooth tool path trajectory.
Synthesis of new two-photon absorbing fluorene derivatives via Cu-mediated Ullmann condensations

The Ullmann amination reaction was utilized to provide access to a number of fluorene analogues from common intermediates, via facile functionalization at positions 2, 7, and 9 of the fluorene ring. Through variation of amine or iodofluorene derivative, analogues bearing substitutents with varying electron-donating and electron-withdrawing ability, e.g., diphenylamino, bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)amine, nitro, and benzothiazole, were synthesized in good yield. The novel fluorene derivatives were fully characterized, including absorption and emission spectra. Didecylation at the 9-position afforded remarkably soluble derivatives. Target compounds 4, 5, and 9 are potentially useful as fluorophores in two-photon fluorescence microscopy. Their UV-vis spectra display desirable absorption in the range of interest suitable for two-photon excitation by near-IR femtosecond lasers. Preliminary measurements of two-photon absorption indicate the derivatives exhibit high two-photon absorptivity, affirming their potential as two-photon fluorophores. For example, using a 1,210 nm femtosecond pump beam, diphenylaminobenzothiazolylfluorene 4 exhibited nondegenerate two-photon absorption, with two-photon absorptivity (delta) of ca. 820 x 10(-50) cm(4) s photon(-1) molecule(-1) at the femtosecond white light continuum probe wavelength of 615 nm.
Distance Distributions of End-Labeled Curved Bispeptide Oligomers by Electron Spin Resonance

We demonstrate the synthesis of a series of spin-labeled curved oligomers to determine their end-to-end lengths and distance distributions using electron spin resonance. We synthesize shape-persistent macromolecules from conformationally restricted, asymmetric monomers that are coupled through pairs of amide bonds to create water-soluble, spiro-ladder oligomers with well-defined three-dimensional structures. We synthesized seven different macromolecules, each containing eight monomers but differing in the sequence to create macromolecules with different curved shapes. The ends of the oligomers were labeled with nitroxide spin probes, and double electron−electron resonance (DEER) electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments were carried out to obtain quantitative information about the shapes and flexibility of the oligomers. The most probable end-to-end distance of the oligomers ranges from 23 to 36 A, a range of length that we previously accessed by assembling rod-like homo-oligomers that contain 4−8 bisamin...
Wide-range scintillation dosimeters with calibration relying on particle-energy standards☆

Abstract The calibration method and some preliminary results are described for a scintillation dose/dose-rateinstrument based on the low- Z plastic detector NE110 (Nuclear Enterprises, Ltd) working into a photomultiplier and standard pulse-height analysis equipment. Conversion electrons of known energy emitted by an embedded radioactive source ( 207m Pb) are used to establish the analyzer energy scale. Summation over E of the quantity E · N ( E )d E where E is the energy deposited in each of N ( E )d E interactions in the energy interval d E about E , gives the dose in the scintillator directly. The summation is conveniently carried out by determining the total analyzer “ busy” time using a dual-clock method. By means of an auxiliary electrometer the dynamic range of the instrument can be extended to very high fluence rates. In addition to the wide range and essential tissue-equivalence, the instrument has the advantage that the dose to the phosphor can be determined without access to fluence standards, as only the energy of the calibrating particles need be known.
Quantitative determination of desoxyribonucleic acid in echinoderm germ cells

1. 1. Nuclei were isolated from Asterias forbesii oocytes in the germinal vesicle stage and the thymine content per nucleus found to be about six times the amount in the sperm of the same species. 2. 2. Approximately the same yields of thymine were obtained by digesting sperm with 2 N HClO4 under reflux for five hours and with 12 N HClO4 for one hour. 3. 3. The amount of thymine in the sperm of Tripneustes ventricosus was found to be 12.14 × 10−8 μg per cell. 4. 4. The DNA-thymine content of a preparation of mature unfertilized Tripneustes ventricosus eggs was determined by the isotope dilution method using C14-thymine of high specific activity in which all of the carbon atoms were uniformly labelled. All of the thymine found could be attributed to contaminating somatic nuclei, the number of which could be determined accurately, and to the polar bodies leaving none that could be assigned to the egg cells. Calculations made by setting the parameters not at the observed means but at the extremes of the range indicated by the standard errors gave the result that the amount of DNA-thymine in the egg could not be more than 6 per cent of the amont found in the sperm. 5. 5. The nuclei of the mature unfertilized eggs of Tripneustes, like those of Arbacia and Asterias, gave a negative Feulgen reaction. After centrifugation at 78,000 g for 20 minutes nuclei of mature Arbacia eggs still gave a negative Feulgen reaction. 6. 6. Reasons are given for concluding that DNA cannot be the primary genic material. 7. 7. A hypothesis is presented giving the probable role of DNA and DNA-derivatives in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. A number of biological phenomena are interpreted in terms of this hypothesis.
Global solutions of the Navier--Stokes equations for viscous compressible flows

The compressible Navier-Stokes equations for viscous flows with general large continuous initial data, as well as with large discontinuous initial data, are studied. Both a homogeneous free boundary problem with zero outer pressure and a fixed boundary problem are considered. For the large initial data in H1, the existence, uniqueness, and regularity of global solutions in H1 for real viscous flows are established, and it is showed that neither shock waves nor vacuum and concentration in the solutions are developed in a finite time. For the large discontinuous data, the global existence of large weak solutions for the perfect gases is also established using a different argument, and it is indicated that the solutions do not develop vacuum or concentration although the solutions have large discontinuity. For the free boundary problem, the interface separating the flows from the zero outer pressure expands at a finite speed.
Quasi-symmetric functions and up-down compositions

Carlitz (1973) [5] and Rawlings (2000) [13] studied two different analogues of up-down permutations for compositions with parts in {1,...,n}. Cristea and Prodinger (2008/2009) [7] studied additional analogues for compositions with unbounded parts. We show that the results of Carlitz, Rawlings, and Cristea and Prodinger on up-down compositions are special cases of four different analogues of generalized Euler numbers for compositions. That is, for any s>=2, we consider classes of compositions that can be divided into an initial set of blocks of size s followed by a block of size j where 0@?j@?s-1. We then consider the classes of such compositions where all the blocks are strictly increasing (weakly increasing) and there are strict (weak) decreases between blocks. We show that the weight generating functions of such compositions w=w"1...w"m, where the weight of w is @?"i"="1^mz"w"""i, are always the quotients of sums of quasi-symmetric functions. Moreover, we give a direct combinatorial proof of our results via simple involutions.
Technical efficiency and the competitive behavior of hospitals

Abstract This paper examines whether the competitive behavior of hospitals influences the extent to which their productive efficiency deviates from best-practice standards. An index of technical inefficiency is constructed by means of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for 189 acute-care hospitals in the State of Florida in 1989. A regression model is then specified that estimates the impact of competitive dynamics in local hospital markets over the period 1982–1988 on these 1989 DEA efficiency scores, controlling for a set uf internal and external constraints on managerial decision making. Among other things, the empirical analysis shows that these ratings are systematically accounted for by both the nature and vigor of hospital competition, with price leaders in highly competitive markets in particular shown to be more efficient. The public policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Lidar Observations of Banded Convection during BLX83

Lidar observations of clear-air convection during the 1983 Boundary Layer Experiment (BLX83) reveal the presence of elongated, parallel regions of updrafts marked by enhanced aerosol backscattering. These linear (banded) aerosol structures were observed over a 2-hr period during a cloud-free morning. During this period, the depth of the convective boundary layer (CBL) increased from 100 to 1300 m. Wind speeds averaged over the depth of the CBL varied between 0 and 2 m/s, while the wind direction varied over a range of 160 deg. The CBL instability parameter, -Zi/L, increased from approximately 25 (weakly unstable) to 250 (strongly unstable). The spacings of the elongated, parallel plumes scaled with the CBL height. These findings suggest that secondary circulations in the form of horizontal roll vortices were present under conditions not normally associated with roll vortices. The lines of aerosol structures aligned much more closely (within 15 deg) with the direction of the vertical shear to the horizontal wind through the depth of the CBL than with either the surface wind, mean CBL wind, or the wind at an altitude of 1.1 Zi.
Relative infiltration rates of burned and unburned upland soils

To increase the value of range land densely covered by brush, a number of management practices are being employed. One practice, clearing by the use of fire, has raised the question as to its effect on the infiltration capacity of the soil. Application of single-ring infiltrometers for determining relative infiltration rates of upland soils is discussed. Values of the relative infiltration rates for burned and unburned areas are presented. In all cases the burned soils had substantially higher rates following a fire. One year later the results were similar with one exception.
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 LOWERS mRNA LEVEL OF PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYKINASE (PEPCK) GENE, BUT DOES NOT SUPPRESS AMYLIN GENE EXPRESSION IN NEWBORN DOGS ▴ 1836

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) exerts insulin-like effects on glucose homeostasis. Amylin is a newly discovered pancreatic hormone which may impair insulin action. IGF-1 has been reported to reduce plasma amylin level in adult rats. In the present study, the effects of IGF-1 on the expression of the liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene and the pancreatic amylin gene in newborn dogs were tested to determine the effects on neonatal glucose metabolism by IGF-1. After C-section delivery, euglycemic hyper-IGF-1 clamps(IGF-1 infusion rate: 10 μg/kg/min) were performed in newborn dogs (N=3). Total RNAs were isolated from frozen liver and pancreas. Northern blottings were performed using a rat PEPCK cDNA probe and a dog amylin cDNA probe to measure the mRNA levels of the PEPCK and amylin genes. The mRNA bands were quantitatively analyzed by a densitometer. The plasma concentration of amylin and IGF-1 were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Results: 1) After the clamps, the plasma IGF-1 concentration was sharply increased to 2,822.2± 539.5 ng/ml from 128.3 ± 15.4 ng/ml (basal), whereas the plasma glucose level (143.0 ± 13.7 mg/dl) was kept at basal level(138.3 ± 18.1) by a variable infusion of glucose; 2) IGF-1 lowered the liver PEPCK mRNA level (75.1 ± 2.8) by 45.7%, compared to control(138.4 ± 41.2%); 3) IGF-1 inhibited neither amylin mRNA level (106.7± 14.2%) compared with the basal (100.0 ± 5.9%) nor the plasma amylin level (56.6 ± 3.8 pg/ml) compared to the basal (60.3 ± 5.5 pg/ml). The results suggest that IGF-1 may effectively suppress neonatal gluconeogenesis but that the unaffected amylin expression in newborn dogs by IGF-1 may be a counterregulatory factor for inducing insulin resistance in neonatal mammalians.
Peroxynitrite Causes Apoptosis in Rat Thymocytes

Peroxynitrite is demonstrated to cause apoptosis in freshly harvested rat thymocytes suspended in phosphate buffer, as shown by the typical ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation. This evidence suggests a new function for peroxynitrite, already known to be a strong oxidant. Peroxynitrite can nick DNA, oxidize cellular thiols and initiate the apoptotic process responsible for genomic degradation.
Opposites Attract: Politics and Romance in The Way We Were and Speechless

“When did you last see a love story in which the honeymoon ended with a passionate political debate?” —Playboy (“Movies” 26)