cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of dnaE nonsense mutations by pcbA1.

Abstract DNA polymerase III has been recognized as the required replication enzyme in Escherichia coli. The synthesis subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme (alpha subunit) is encoded by the dnaE gene. We have reported that E. coli cells can survive and grow in the absence of a functional dnaE gene product if DNA polymerase I and the pcbA1 mutation are present. Existing mutations in the dnaE gene have been conditionally defective thermolabile mutations. We report here construction of nonsense mutations in the dnaE gene by use of a temperature-sensitive suppressor mutation to permit survival at the permissive temperature (32 degrees C). Introduction of the pcbA1 mutation eliminated the temperature-sensitive phenotype. We confirmed by immunoblotting the lack of detectable alpha subunit at 43 degrees C.
Application of the VPSC Model to the Description of the Stress–Strain Response and Texture Evolution in AZ31 Mg for Various Strain Paths

Accurate description of the mechanical response of AZ31 Mg requires consideration of its strong anisotropy both at the single crystal and polycrystal levels, and its evolution with accumulated plastic deformation. In this paper, a self-consistent mean field crystal plasticity model, viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC), is used for modeling the room-temperature deformation of AZ31 Mg. A step-by-step procedure to calibrate the material parameters based on simple tensile and compressive mechanical test data is outlined. It is shown that the model predicts with great accuracy both the macroscopic stress–strain response and the evolving texture for these strain paths used for calibration. The stress–strain response and texture evolution for loading paths that were not used for calibration, including off-axis uniaxial loadings and simple shear, are also well described. In particular, VPSC model predicts that for uniaxial tension along the through-thickness direction, the stress–strain curve should have a sigmoidal shape.
Child Abduction Murder: The Impact of Forensic Evidence on Solvability

This study examined 733 child abduction murders (CAMs) occurring from 1968 to 2002 to explore the influence of forensic evidence on case solvability in CAM investigations. It was hypothesized that the presence of forensic evidence connecting the offender to the crime would enhance case solvability in murder investigations of abducted children. This study examined the impact of CAM of different types of forensic evidence and the impact of the summed total of forensic evidence items on case solvability by controlling for victim age, victim race, victim gender, and victim-offender relationship. Time and distance theoretical predictors were also included. Binomial logistic regression models were used to determine whether forensic evidence was a critical solvability factor in murder investigations of abducted children. This research indicated that, while forensic evidence increased case solvability, the impact of forensic evidence on solvability was not as important as other solvability factors examined. Language: en
Pricing catastrophe options in discrete operational time

Abstract We employ a doubly-binomial process as in Gerber [Gerber, H.U., 1988. Mathematical fun with the compound binomial process. ASTIN Bull. 18, 161–168] to discretize and generalize the continuous “randomized operational time” model of Chang et al. ([Chang, C.W., Chang, J.S.K., Yu, M.T., 1996. Pricing catastrophe insurance futures call spreads: A randomized operational time approach. J. Risk Insurance 63, 599–616] and CCY hereafter) from a complete-market continuous-time setting to an incomplete-market discrete-time setting, so as to price a richer set of catastrophe (CAT) options. For futures options, we derive the equivalent martingale probability measures by benchmarking to the shadow price of a bond to span arrival uncertainty, and the underlying futures price to span price uncertainty. With a time change from calendar time to the operational transaction-time dimension, we derive CCY as a limiting case under risk-neutrality when both calendar-time and transaction-time intervals shrink to zero. For a cash option with non-traded underlying loss index, we benchmark to the market reinsurance premiums to span claim uncertainty, and with a time change to claim time, we derive the cash option price as a binomial sum of claim-time binomial Asian option prices under the martingale measures.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: The Past, Present, and Future

The intent of this article is to describe the significant contributions Albert Ellis made to rational emotive education and to a preventative approach to psychotherapy, which represents a major shift from many other counseling theories. The author notes that REBT as a preventative mental health approach was very important to Albert Ellis because he believed that it would extend the influence of REBT, but unfortunately he and other REBT practitioners have not put enough systematic emphasis on training teachers to implement rational concepts into the curriculum. Given the number of children and adolescents needing mental health services, this is an area that should be emphasized and would extend Al’s legacy. The article also addresses Dr. Ellis’ contributions in the area of parenting, where once again he was a pioneer in teaching parents how to deal with their irrational beliefs that interfere with effective parenting. The author concludes with a discussion about “where we go from here,” focusing on training at the university level, developing a standardized REE program that includes a train the trainer component, becoming more of a presence in the field of health care, and putting more emphasis on the therapeutic relationship which may attract more people to the theory.
Extended communication samples of augmented communicators. II, Analysis of multiword sequences

The three primary purposes of this project are (a) to identify those word sequences that occur frequently across a group of 10 linguistically intact augmented communicators, (b) to determine the co...
MULTISCALE AND MULTIFIELD MULTIPHYSICS OF HIGH CURRENT PULSE STATIC CONTACT WITH ROUGH SURFACES

We are presenting a multi-field and multiscale theory leading to derivations of physical properties from surface topography and bulk material properties for the interface between two rough surfaces in contact activated by mechanical load and high current pulses. At the macro-scale our proposed model involves multi-field coupling of conduction and induction currents with heat conduction induced by Joule heating. The structural mechanics of the conducting materials are also considered. At the meso-scale and micro-scale the associated model contains an asperity based comprehensive model that leads to homogenized macro scale properties for the interface boundary. The mechanical pressure and the repulsion effect from electric current through the micro-contacts are accounted for as well. Numerical analysis results illustrate the dependence of the derived properties on the surface characteristics, external load and the electric current. Finally, the entire framework is applied to an actual conductor configuration of hollow cylinders under compression and a high current pulse to demonstrate the feasibility of the entire approach.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Lack of Antimicrobial Resistance in Yersinia pestis Isolates from 17 Countries in the Americas, Africa, and Asia

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague, a fulminant disease that is often fatal without antimicrobial treatment. Plasmid (IncA/C)-mediated multidrug resistance in Y. pestis was reported in 1995 in Madagascar and has generated considerable public health concern, most recently because of the identification of IncA/C multidrug-resistant plasmids in other zoonotic pathogens. Here, we demonstrate no resistance in 392 Y. pestis isolates from 17 countries to eight antimicrobials used for treatment or prophylaxis of plague.
Serum albumin washing specifically enhances arachidonate incorporation into synaptosomal phosphatidylinositols.

: Arachidonate incorporation into synaptosomal phospholipids was shown to be affected by factors including the procedure for preparation of the membrane fractions and preincubation of synaptosomes prior to assay of incorporation activity. Preincubation of synaptosomes gave rise to a decrease in incorporation of arachidonate into both phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). However, the inhibition toward incorporation into PIs, but not PCs, was fully reversed when the membranes were washed with bovine serum albumin. A twofold increase in arachidonate incorporation into PIs was also observed when freshly prepared synaptosomes were washed with serum albumin immediately before assay of incorporation activity. The inhibitory action is thought to be due to an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or their oxidation products which may then elicit a special effect on the acyltransferase responsible for transferring arachidonate into phosphatidylinositols. The differences in fatty acid uptake and response to serum albumin also suggest the presence of different acyltransferases for acyl transfer to PIs and PCs.
Uniqueness of the Group Measure Space Decomposition for Popa’s $${\mathcal{HT}}$$ Factors

We prove that if $${\Gamma\curvearrowright (X, \mu)}$$ is a free ergodic rigid (in the sense of Popa in Ann Math 163:809–889, 2006) probability measure preserving action of a group Γ with positive first $${\ell^2}$$ -Betti number, then the II1 factor $${L^{\infty}(X)\rtimes\Gamma}$$ has a unique group measure space Cartan subalgebra, up to unitary conjugacy. We deduce that many $${\mathcal{HT}}$$ factors, including the II1 factors associated with the usual actions $${\Gamma\curvearrowright \mathbb{T^2}}$$ and $${\Gamma\curvearrowright}$$ $${{\rm SL}_2(\mathbb R)/{\rm SL}_2(\mathbb Z)}$$ , where Γ is a non-amenable subgroup of $${{\rm SL}_2(\mathbb Z)}$$ , have a unique group measure space decomposition.
Characterization of the skew-normal distribution

Two characterization results for the skew-normal distribution based on quadratic statistics have been obtained. The results specialize to known characterizations of the standard normal distribution and generalize to the characterizations of members of a larger family of distributions. Results on the decomposition of the family of distributions of random variables whose square is distributed as χ 1 2 are obtained.
Intelligence and Academia

More than at any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads, One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.
A note on switching times for time-optimal control systems

The transformed state equation is used to determine switching times for n th-order optimal control problems, provided that the control is bang-bang with a maximum of n - 1 switches.
Minimizing supply airdrop collateral damage risk

Abstract Airdropped supplies are an essential part of military missions and humanitarian disaster support. This paper presents a methodology to determine the optimal location for making supply airdrops in order to minimize collateral damage from the drop while maintaining a high likelihood of successful recovery. Areas in the landing zone that are to be avoided are assigned weights and collateral damage risk is calculated as the weighted integral of the bivariate normal distribution over the undesirable areas in the scene. Optimum location of a drop consists of determining the angle of aircraft approach and (x, y) target. A series of non-linear optimization algorithms is presented along with their relative success in finding the optimal location in the airdrop problem. Specifically, two algorithms which leverage off of the bivariate normal probability distribution nature of airdrops are demonstrated to outperform other techniques in terms of speed and accuracy. The effects of changing airdrop parameters on expected collateral damage are discussed to lend advice to airdrop planners.
The Concept of Ideology in Organizational Analysis: The Sociology of Knowledge or the Social Psychology of Beliefs?

Historically, the sociology of knowledge has focused on ideology as the examination of how ideas are rooted in the social structure and how they are used to serve group interests. Recently, however, organization scholars have defined ideologies as sets of beliefs, without reference to underlying interests. The present paper argues that this usage makes ideology redundant with concepts that already have been examined rigorously by social psychologists, but that the original meaning promises new insights.
Reconstruction of oncologic torso defects: emphasis on microvascular reconstruction.

A large variety of pedicle flaps centered at the shoulder girdle or pelvic girdle, or derived from the epigastric axis, are generally available to reconstruct defects of the torso. However, microvascular free flap reconstruction may occasionally be required for: 1) locations that are difficult to reach with pedicle flaps (the posterolateral iliac crest region, epigastrium, lower lumbar and sacral, and upper back and lower central); 2) locations in which muscles or their vascular pedicles have been destroyed by surgical ablation or irradiation; 3) a large-volume “dead space” or a large surface area that may be inadequately covered by available regional flaps; and 4) a combination of factors. Whether using a pedicle or free flaps, the reconstructive requirements of torso reconstruction must be met: 1) to restore chest wall or abdominal wall integrity, 2) to fill “dead space,” 3) to cover vital exposed structures, 4) to maintain skeletal stability of the thoracic cage and minimize respiratory compromise, and 5) to buttress visceral repairs. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 19:255–263, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Contact Toxicity of Twenty Insecticides Applied to Symmerista canicosta

Twenty insecticides were tested by topical application on mixed groups of 4th- and 5th-stage larvae of Symmerista canicosta Franclemont. Four exceeded DDT in toxicity at LD50, but only resmethrin was significantly more toxic. Most of the compounds showed unusually high toxicities. Twelve, listed in decreasing order of toxicity, caused 50% mortality with <5µg/g body weight: res-methrin, methomyl, phoxim, pyrethrins, DDT, Zectran® (4-dimethylamino-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate), chlorpyrifos, Landrin® (3,4,5-(93%.) and 2.3-trimethylphenyl methylcarbamate (7%)), Gardona® (2-chloro-l-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), carbryl, Imidan® ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N- (mercaptomethyl) phthalimide), and aminocarb. Several were promising candidates for field testing.
William-Henry Ireland, T. I. Horsley Curties, and the Anti-Catholic Gothic Novel

The question of the Gothic's use of and attitude toward Roman Catholicism has been increasingly contentious in recent years, with literary historians claiming that its prominence as a thematic concern provides a test case for distinguishing whether or not the Gothic should be understood as an ideology or as an aesthetic mode not primarily invested in ideological issues at all. By examining this critical issue, I argue for an understanding of the Gothic as primarily a form of propagandistic fiction invested in nationalistic Whig and Protestant ideologies. The article also builds on the recent biographical and critical work done on two British novelists who both specialized in writing anti-Catholic gothic novels during the heyday of the genre and, not coincidentally, the popular agitation against the Catholic emancipation movement. William-Henry Ireland's two most well-known gothic novels, The Abbess (1799) and Gondez the Monk (1807), as well as Thomas Isaac Horsley Curties's novel The Monk of Udolpho (1807...
Advances in utilization of structurally integrated sensor networks for health monitoring in commercial applications

Structural health monitoring is a new technology that has been increasingly evaluated by the industry as a potential approach to improve the cost and ease of structural inspection. By improving structural inspection, structures can be made safer and more reliable, thus reducing the cost of structure ownership. Acellent Technologies is developing tools for structural health monitoring. The tools Acellent is offering are the SMART Layer and the SMART Suitcase. The SMART Layer is a flexible layer with a distributed array of piezoelectric transducers made using the printed circuit process that allows easy installation onto structures for in-situ sensing. The SMART Suitcase is an instrument that can interact with the SMART Layer and process the information collected from the structures. Acellent has been providing the system to researchers and companies to try out this new technique. Currently, this system is being evaluated by aircraft manufacturers for monitoring fatigue cracks from rivet holes, by an automotive company for inspecting flaws in composite/foam components, and by aerospace companies for detecting damages in composite/honeycomb sandwich structures. Other recent developments include the addition of fiber-optic sensors onto the SMART Layer and proving the SMART Layer for composite RTM process.
Butylated hydroxyanisole and lung tumor development in A/J mice.

Abstract A diet containing 0.75% butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) did not enhance the development of lung tumors in A J mice if fed for 8 weeks after administration of urethan, benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P), or dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Prefeeding animals with BHA partially protected animals against the tumorigenic effect of urethan and B[ a ]P. Partial protection was also seen in animals given B[ a ]P and then exposed to BHA in the diet. The two isomers of BHA (3- tert. -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 2- tert. -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole) were synthesized and injected ip. They failed to enhance lung tumor development. It is concluded that BHA is not a promoting agent as is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) for lung tumors in mice. One possible explanation is that BHA in the diet does not produce the extensive cell proliferation seen in the lungs of mice fed BHT.
What Factors Are Associated with the Difficult-to-Sedate Endoscopy Patient?

Difficult sedation during endoscopy results in inadequate examinations and aborted procedures. We hypothesized that gender, alcohol abuse, physical/sexual abuse, and anxiety are predictors of difficult-to-sedate endoscopy patients. This is a prospective cohort study. At the time of enrollment, subjects completed the following three validated questionnaires: state-trait anxiety inventory, self-report version of alcohol use disorder inventory, and Drossman questionnaire for physical/sexual abuse. Conscious sedation was administered for the endoscopic procedures at the discretion of the endoscopist and was graded in accordance with the Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS). Subjects’ perceptions of sedation were documented on a four-point Likert scale 24 h after their procedure. One-hundred and forty-three (79 %) of the 180 subjects enrolled completed the study. On the basis of the RASS score, 56 (39 %) subjects were found to be difficult to sedate of which only five were dissatisfied with their sedation experience. State (n = 39; p = 0.003) and trait (n = 41; p = 0.008) anxiety and chronic psychotropic use (p = 0.040) were associated with difficult sedation. No association was found between difficult sedation and gender (p = 0.77), alcohol abuse (p = 0.11), sexual abuse (p = 0.15), physical abuse (p = 0.72), chronic opioid use (p = 0.16), or benzodiazepines (BDZ) use (p = 0.10). Pre-procedural state or trait anxiety is associated with difficult sedation during endoscopy. In this study neither alcohol abuse nor chronic opiate/BDZ use was associated with difficult sedation.
Spinodal decomposition in Monte Carlo simulations of a binary alloy

Recently Cahn's generalized diffusion equation theory of spinodal decomposition in binary alloys has been modified to include the effects of thermal fluctuations. This paper reports studies of a one-dimensional binary alloy system in which fluctuations can be observed on an atomic time scale. The system, a computer-simulated linear chain binary alloy which evolves from an initially random atomic arrangement through interchange of unlike nearest neighbors via the Monte Carlo technique, rapidly develops grains of two different concentrations and then slowly experiences coarsening. A numerical solution of the diffusion equation successfully predicts the development of grain structure, but only predicts coarsening to the extent present as fluctuations in the initial atomic arrangement. The simulated alloy coarsens further than the prediction of the diffusion equation because of thermal fluctuations which develop naturally during its evolution. This suggests that thermal fluctuations may play an important role in coarsening in real alloys.
Coerced and free labor: Property rights and the development of the labor force

Abstract This paper deals with implications of differing forms of property rights in people, and their meanings for labor and other markets. It contrasts such institutions as slavery, serfdom, debt peonage, and free labor, and their effects upon the pace and pattern of economic change.
Framingham Study Insights on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Featured Article: Kannel WB, McGee DL. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: the Framingham study. JAMA 1979;241:2035–8.3 This diabetes report extended prior Framingham study findings with more-robust 20-year data for estimating the relative risk of specified atherosclerotic cardiovascular events from prior diabetes. It prospectively compared the cardiovascular impact of diabetes in women vs men, revealing the greater vulnerability in women. The role of diabetes as a contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) was uncertain at the time of the report, with some doubting whether diabetes actually caused coronary disease. This and prior Framingham study reports confirmed prospectively in a general population sample the clinical observations of medical practitioners—that their patients with diabetes had excessive occurrence of peripheral artery disease, coronary disease, and strokes. The report also highlighted the less appreciated fact of a high risk of heart failure in patients with diabetes. The most notable unique feature of the report was that it revealed that the impact of diabetes varied both in relation to specific cardiovascular outcomes and with the sex of the individual. The relative …
Chlamydia pneumoniae Survival in Macrophages is Regulated by Free Ca2+ Dependent Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species

Abstract Objectives: Despite an efficient macrophage immune capability, Chlamydia pneumoniae infects host cells and causes chronic diseases. To gain better insights into C. pneumoniae survival mechanisms in macrophages, its growth in regular RAW-264.7 cells (nitric oxide sufficient NO (+)) and RAW-264.7 cells (nitric oxide insufficient NO (−)) were studied. Methods: Role of Ca 2+ , NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during C. pneumoniae infection in macrophages were determined. Results: RAW-264.7 NO (−) cells supported significantly Chlamydia growth, showing an upregulation of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities as compared with RAW-264.7 NO (+) cell. Ascorbic acid, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and glutathione significantly prompted Chlamydia inclusion formation. Cytosolic Ca 2+ had regulatory effect on organism growth, NO generation, SOD and catalase activities in both cell types. Conclusions: These findings suggest that minimal Ca 2+ signaling in macrophages at early stages of infection, NO and ROS release have modulatory effects on C. pneumoniae survival, onset of persistence and chronicity, processes which are needed for the initiation of diseases in which C. pneumoniae has been implicated as a possible etiologic agent.
A simple method for isolation of megabase DNA from cotton

A simple method for preparation of high-molecular-weight DNA from cotton was developed. This method includes two major steps, (i) isolating nuclei and (ii) embedding nuclei into agarose microbeads. DNA isolated by this procedure is larger than 5.7 Mb in size, and is suitable for physical mapping by PFGE and YAC/BAC cloning.
SU‐GG‐I‐123: When Things Go Kaboom! Handling the Safety of An MRI Facility During a Nearby Building Implosion

Purpose: To develop methods of assessing the risk associated with implosive demolition of a large building, located in the immediate vicinity of a large MR imaging facility. To devise appropriate protocols for monitoring the impact of building collapse on the status of MR Imaging equipment. Method and Materials: Blasting and demolition industry follows regulations, designed to prevent damage by shock waves to building structures located near the blasting sites. On the other hand, manufacturers of MRI equipment specify limits of mechanical vibration levels allowed at magnet locations. The major problem is, these two approaches focus on very different goals (preserving a building structure vs. ensuring proper quality of MR images). Thus, each party uses different definitions, nomenclature, testing methodology, and compliance guidelines. As a result, statements made by one party (the demolition monitoring experts) are incompatible with concerns raised by the other party (the MRI equipment manufacturers). Information about the blast monitoring technology was reviewed and adopted to the task of assessing the risk of damage to the MRI equipment caused by shockwaves resulting from building collapse. Blast vibration monitoring seismographs have been evaluated to assess sensitivity and precision limits of acquired data. Methods of translating engineering system of units, used by blasting industry, into units used by MRI equipment vendors, have been developed. Results: Two major possible types of damage to MRI equipment have been identified: magnet quenches and structural damage to the RF shielding. Since no prior data regarding recommended limits of blast vibration levels at MRImagnet location were found, a conservative limit of 500 μg was adopted in risk analysis. Conclusion: As a result of careful planning, the building demolition was successful with no demonstrable effect on MRI equipment. The largest recorded vibration level at the MRI site was about 30 μg at 30 Hz.
Implicit decomposition as a tool for solving large-scale structural systems in a parallel environment

Abstract Well-established computational techniques such as substructuring and domain decomposition, useful for treating large-scale structural problems, have attracted renewed interest because of the advent of multiprocessor computers. However, these methods were developed in the context of serial computers and are not efficient in a multiprocessor environment. The present work describes a distinctly different form of partitioning of problems which is highly efficient for parallel computing. It is derived from an implicit form of decomposition which is independent of geometric or physical considerations.
Characteristics of Left-Sided Endocarditis Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Detroit Medical Center

Mortality due to left-sided endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains high despite the therapeutic regimen of high doses of an aminoglycoside plus a beta-lactam antibiotic. In this series, left-sided pseudomonal endocarditis presented as an acute illness refractory to optimal antibiotic therapy. Complications associated with active valvular infection, such as neurologic sequelae, ring and annular abscesses, congestive heart failure, and splenic abscesses, are frequent. The overall morbidity and mortality remain high; however, outcome appears to improve with surgery. Our present data suggest that early valve replacement accompanied by a 6-week course of high doses of a combination of drugs may be the optimal therapy for left-sided pseudomonal endocarditis. This approach not only may prevent serious and potentially lethal complications of the disease but also may cure them.
Comparison of TiO2-based oxide catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO: effect of aging the vanadium precursor solution

Abstract The performance of several TiO 2 -based polyoxide supports loaded with vanadia was tested for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia as reductant. It is remarkable to note that the valence of vanadium in the precursor solution during the impregnation step is crucial for the synthesis of efficient DeNO x catalysts. More specifically, V 5+ in the precursor solution yields lower-performance catalysts compared to the case of V 4+ under identical conditions. Aging the vanadium precursor solution, which is associated with the reduction of V 5+ to V 4+ (VO 2 + → VO 2+ ), prior to impregnation results in catalysts with excellent catalytic behavior under identical activation and operating conditions. The present variation of loading vanadia is used for TiO 2 -based supports with low crystallinity. These supports, which have traditionally performed poorly, are now able to function as effective SCR catalysts. Increasing the acidity of the support by incorporating oxides such as WO 3 and Al 2 O 3 significantly improves the SCR activity and nitrogen selectivity. The concentration of tungsten used in these catalysts was higher than that typically used in industry. It was also found that the supports should be synthesized with the simultaneous precipitation of the corresponding precursors. From our work we found that the mixed oxide catalysts possess Bronsted and Lewis acid sites of comparable strength over a wide range of temperatures. Catalysts prepared from aged vanadium precursor solutions demonstrated a wider temperature window for optimum operation. FT-IR, NH 3 -temperature programmed desorption, XRD, and UV/VIS were used to characterize the catalysts tested in this work.
Power Supply Regulation by Microprocessor

Many small magnet power supplies are regulated by using a microprocessor system to generate control voltages to continuously servoregulate each power supply. The power supplies are of very simple design since all regulation and feedback hardware are parts of the microprocessor system. Most of the supplies are bipolar transistor followers, powered by a common unregulated D. C. power supply and are used to power trim steering magnets on the three NSLS synchrotron rings. Twelve bit accuracy is obtained using commercially available microprocessor P.C. cards.
Dissociation constant of bibenzyl measured by e.s.r.

Abstract The equilibrium constant for the dissociation of bibenzyl to form benzyl radicals has been measured in dilute solutions of bibenzyl in toluene at 605°C and at 20.7 MPa (200 atm) and 13.8 MPa (133 atm) using electron spin resonance to assay the concentration of the benzyl radical. The value for Kc, the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of concentrations, was found to be 0.75×10−10 moll−1 within a factor of 1.7 at both pressures.
Regarding Uncertainty in Teachers and Teaching.

Abstract The literature on teacher uncertainty suggests that it is a significant and perhaps inherent feature of teaching. Yet there is disagreement about the effects of these uncertainties on teachers as well as about the ways that teachers should regard them. Recognition of uncertainties can be viewed alternatively as a liability or an asset to effective teaching. Findings from the literature on uncertainties in teaching are summarized and analyzed, including explanations in the research about what accounts for and contributes to uncertainties. Recommendations for research and professional development are provided.
Optimizing organic optoelectronic materials in both space and energy/time domains

Optimizations of organic/polymeric optoelectronic materials and devices in both space and energy/time domains have been studied, both experimentally and theoretically, in order to achieve high efficiency photoelectric conversion. Specifically, at spatial domain, a 'tertiary' block copolymer supra-molecular nano structure has been designed, and a series of -DBAB- type of block copolymers, where D is a conjugated donor block, A is a conjugated acceptor block, and B is a non-conjugated and flexible bridge unit, have been synthesized, characterized, and preliminarily examined for photoelectric conversions. In comparison to simple donor/acceptor (D/A) blends, -DBAB- block copolymers exhibited much better photoluminescence quenching and photoconductivity. These are mainly attributed to improvement in spatial domain for charge carrier generation and transportation in -DBAB- block copolymers then in simple D/A blends. In materials energy levels and electron transfer dynamic regime, theoretical analysis revealed that, the photo (or thermal) excitation induced charge separation appears to be most efficient when the corresponding donor/acceptor frontier orbital level offset is equal to the sum of the charge separation reorganization energy and the exciton binding energy. Other donor/acceptor frontier orbital energy offsets were also identified where the charge recombination becomes most severe, and where the charge separation rate constant over charge recombination rate constant become largest. This dynamically favored charge separation mechanism is also proposed to explain the general 'doping' induced charge carrier generation. Implications of these findings and future approaches are also discussed in order to achieve inexpensive, lightweight, flexible, and high efficiency 'plastic' solar cells or photo detectors.
After the Republic

This article discusses views of leadership in the light of the financial crisis. Giving attention to views such as Plato and modern technocratic views, the paper is structured around a discussion of a specific organisation; Manchester: Knowledge Capital (M:KC), an organisation that seems to me to exemplify in practice the ideas about leadership that I am proposing as being a valuable way forward.
HbS-Savaria: The Anti-polymerization Effect of a Single Mutation in Human α-chains

Recombinant α-Savaria globin (αS49R) was assembled with βS chains by the alloplex intermediate pathway to generate tetrameric rHbS-Sarvaria (α 2 S49R β 2 E6V ) that exhibited normal O2 affinity and co-operatively at pH 7.4. Allosteric effectors, 2,3-DPG, L35, and NaCl increased O2 affinity by 15%. Bohr effects were similar for rHbS-Savaria and HbS (0.38 ± 0.025 vs. 0.46 ± 0.03, respectively). The CSAT of HbS increased from 16.7 ± 0.8 to 27.0 ± 1.0 g/dL. Co-polymerization demonstrated inhibition predominantly by the Cis-dimer. Molecular modeling indicated that the positive charge at α-49 generated a strong anion-binding site and reduced flexibility of the CD-region by restricting movement in the E and F helices. The molecular distance between Arg-49 and Asn-78 in the neighboring double strand decreased, and electrostatic repulsion between the inter-double strands increased, resulting in inhibition of polymerization. The Savaria mutation may be useful for the design of super-inhibitory α-chains and gene therapy of sickle cell anemia.
On a linear model of mechanical phase transitions

Existence and infinite speed of propagation are shown for the equation $$h_n \left( {x,t} \right) = \frac{1}{{\alpha \pi }}\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {\frac{{Ah_{xxx} \left( {\xi ,t} \right) - Bh_{xt} \left( {\xi ,t} \right)}}{{\left( {x - \xi } \right)}}d\xi } , - \infty< x< \infty ,0< t< T,$$ which is the linearization of a model equation for the mechanical phase transition phenomenon of melting-freezing waves. In addition, from the formal solution of the equation one can compute a decay rate.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulates Pancreatic IL-22 Production and Protects Mice From Acute Pancreatitis

Background & Aims The type of immune response during development of acute pancreatitis (AP) determines disease severity. Pancreatic epithelial cells express the interleukin (IL)-22 receptor A1 (IL-22RA1). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that regulates expression of IL-22. We investigated sources and role of IL-22 in the pancreas, along with the effects of AhR activation on IL-22 expression and AP progression in mice. Methods We analyzed the effects of recombinant IL-22, a monoclonal antibody against IL-22, and agonists and antagonists of AhR in mice with AP (induced with caerulein or a choline-deficient diet supplemented with DL-ethionine) and control mice. We also analyzed transgenic mice with AhR deficiency (AhR d and AhR −/− mice). Results CD4 + T cells were the main source of IL-22 in pancreatic tissues from healthy mice. During development of AP, numbers of IL-22 + CD4 + T cells were reduced, whereas IL-22RA1 was up-regulated. Consistent with high levels of IL-22RA1 expression, pancreatic acinar cells responded to IL-22 signaling via signal transducers and activators of transcription 3; administration of IL-22 reduced AP and associated lung injury in mice. AhR was required for production of IL-22 and protected mice from AP. Mice that did not respond to AhR activation developed AP, but administration of IL-22 reduced AP; blockade of IL-22 reversed the ability of activated AhR to protect against AP. Conclusions AhR activation protects mice from AP by inducing expression of IL-22. AhR therefore mediates interactions between pancreatic leukocytes and epithelial cells and might be developed as a therapeutic target.
A fixed grid curve representation for efficient processing

A compact form of representation for curves and regional boundaries is described.A curve is approximated by a polygonal line where each side joins a grid point to one of its eight nearest neighbors (as is done in the commonly used chain-encoded representation). Vertex number (2k + 1)2m is defined relative to vertex number k2m+l. The resulting representation requires about 5 bits of storage per vertex, irrespective of the total length of the curve.Sections of a curve may be collectively examined. Typically, that part of the curve between vertices number k2m and (k + 1)2m, for some k and m, is considered. Given the locations of the endpoints of a section and the number of sides in the section, it is easy to compute a bounding rectangle which must completely contain the section. Often, this is all the information we need to know about a section. For example, two sections cannot intersect if their bounding rectangles do not overlap. When necessary, a section can be easily divided into two smaller sections, each of which can be examined in turn. This process may be continued down to single sided sections if necessary.Under favorable circumstances, for an n sided approximation to a closed curve, the time required to determine if a point is inside the curve is independent of n. The intersection of n sided approximations to two curves can usually be found in 0(1n n) time.
Spousal agreement on the value of children and fertility behavior.

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the level of spousal agreement on the value of children and fertility behavior. Interviews with 441 once married couples from a probability sample in Robeson County, North Carolina, provide the data for testing the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that the level of spousal agreement on the value of children is significantly related to live births, family size expectations and fertility planning. The introduction of duration of marriage and wife's education as controls did not significantly alter these relationships. An important implication of the findings is the need for research on the family formation process to focus on both the husband and wife.
Bringing Disability into the Sociological Frame: A comparison of disability with race, sex, and sexual orientation statuses

Applying a social constructionist perspective, this paper explores the shared characteristics of American constructions of race, sex, sexual orientation, and disability. The discussion considers how each of these statuses is constructed through social processes in which categories of people are (1) named, (2) aggregated and disaggregated, (3) dichotomized and stigmatized, and (4) denied the attributes valued in the culture. The apparent utility of the social constructionist perspective - and its dominance in American sociology - is contrasted with its infrequent application to the study of disability.
Sequence of the mouse adenovirus type-1 DNA encoding the 100-kDa, 33-kDa and DNA-binding proteins.

Abstract The genomic nucleotide sequence for the region of 66 to 77 map units (m.u.) of mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) was determined and predicted to encode proteins homologous to the human adenovirus (Ad) 100-kDa, 33-kDa and DNA-binding proteins (DBP). The putative MAV-1 100-kDa protein has 65-70% amino-acid similarity to 100-kDa proteins from five different human Ad serotypes. The mRNA for the putative 33-kDa protein is internally spliced within the coding sequence, as are its human Ad counterparts [Oosterom-Dragon and Anderson, J. Virol. 45 (1983) 251–;263]. The N-terminal region of the putative MAV-1 33-kDa protein has 41–;44% similarity to two human Ad 33-kDa N-termini, and the C-terminal regions are more conserved, with 60–;65% similarity. The MAV-1 DBP is predicted to be encoded in this region and was compared to six different human Ad DBP N- and C-termini. The N-termini of the MAV-1 and Ad DBP were 33–48% similar and the C-termini were 56–60% similar. The MAV-1 DBP contains conserved regions (CR) 1, 2 and 3, and it retains important residues for a putative zinc finger (Zf) motif identified in Ad DBP [Eagle and Klessig, Virology 187 (1992) 777–;787]. Additional sequence features of these three proteins have also been identified.
Catalytic decarbonylation of biomass-derived carboxylic acids as efficient route to commodity monomers

The palladium-catalyzed decarbonylation of bio-derived carboxylic acids to alkyl acrylates, styrene, and acrylonitrile is reported. The olefins were isolated by continuous distillation in yields up to 87% by heating a neat, equimolar mixture of pivalic anhydride with the appropriate carboxylic acid to 190 °C in the presence of a Pd-phosphine catalyst.
535 RING CHROMOSOME 12 SYNDROME

Advances in the development of banding techniques have facilitated the identification of a number of new chromosomal abnormalities. We studied a 13 mo. old girl with a history of failure to thrive, developmental delay and dysmorphic features. Chromosomal analysis revealed ringed chromosome 12. J.T. was the product of an uncomplicated second pregnancy of a 24 yr. old woman. Birth weight and height were close to the 3rd percentile. At 13 mos. her weight age was 1 mo., height age was 3 mos. and head circumference was at 3rd percentile for 3 mos. She had epicanthal folds, mildly cupped low set ears, high arched palate, short neck with low set hairline. Total hand length was that of a 1.5 mo. old and clinodactyly and single crease of left 5th finger. Developmentally she functioned between 5-8 mos. The chromosome number was 46 in all cells and trypsin banding showed a ring 12 chromosome. Twelve percent of cells showed variable chromosome loss and 4 showed gaps or breaks in chromatids. The purpose of this report is to delineate the clinical findings and natural history of ring chromosome 12 syndrome. There are only two known cases of this syndrome with which we compared our findings. It appears that the amount of genetic material deleted from chromosome 12 determines the degree of physical abnormalities and developmental delay. The relatively high rate of the loss of the ring 12 points out the fragility of the ring chromosome.
Shorter Communication: Reversal of Increasing Failure Rates When Pooling Failure Data

Because mixtures of exponential distributions (with constant failure rate) have the decreasing failure rate (DFR) property, as shown by Proschan in the sixties, it is not unexpected that mixtures of distributions that have a mildly increasing failure rate (IFR) also have this property. What is. perhaps, surprising is that mixtures of IFR distributions with rapidly increasing failure rate may also behave in this manner. Two striking examples of such mixtures are presented here and illustrated graphically. This phenomenon could be the cause of concern, in practice, when it is suspected that a sample is based on pooled data.
Psychometric structure of the seashore rhythm test

Abstract An item-analytic and internal consistency reliability study of the Seashore Rhythm Test was conducted on data from 617 subjects. The item analysis found that most of the test items are too easy and only about half are good discriminators. The total test score reliability was .7848. Because of the low reliability of the Series A, B, and C test scores, it is recommended that these series not be used individually. It was also found that too many subjects had scores no different from responding randomly to the test items. From a purely psychometric standpoint, the Seashore Rhythm test in not an example of a good test.
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in treated and nontreated cancer patients.

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) exhibited by peripheral blood leukocytes was used as a criterion for assessing immune competence of groups of noncancerous individuals and of treated and untreated cancer patients. The results show that, as a group, leukocytes of nontreated cancer patients exhibited significantly lower ADCC than that exhibited by leukocytes of noncancerous individuals. However, the ADCC of leukocytes from cancer patients under treatment approximated that of normals. Thus, using ADCC as criterion, the results indicate that as a group, cancer patients under treatment tend to exhibit restored immune competence. Cam 40:1045-1051, 1977.
The U.S. commercial air tour industry: a review of aviation safety concerns.

The U.S. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations defines commercial air tours as “flight[s] conducted for compensation or hire in an airplane or helicopter where a purpose of the flight is sightseeing.” The incidence of air tour crashes in the United States is disproportionately high relative to similar commercial aviation operations, and air tours operating under Part 91 governance crash significantly more than those governed by Part 135. This paper reviews the government and industry response to four specific areas of air tour safety concern: surveillance of flight operations, pilot factors, regulatory standardization, and maintenance quality assurance. It concludes that the government and industry have successfully addressed many of these tenet issues, most notably by: advancing the operations surveillance infrastructure through implementation of en route, ground-based, and technological surveillance methods; developing Aeronautical Decision Making and cue-based training programs for air tour pilots; consolidating federal air tour regulations under Part 136; and developing public-private partnerships for raising maintenance operating standards and improving quality assurance programs. However, opportunities remain to improve air tour safety by: increasing the number and efficiency of flight surveillance programs; addressing pilot fatigue with more restrictive flight hour limitations for air tour pilots; ensuring widespread uptake of maintenance quality assurance programs, especially among high-risk operators not currently affiliated with private air tour safety programs; and eliminating the 25-mile exception allowing Part 91 operators to conduct commercial air tours without the safety oversight required of Part 135 operators.