cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovery Limits of New Gauge Bosons of SpL(6)×U(1)

We present production cross-sections for additional gauge bosons W′ and Z′ of SpL(6)×U(1) Gauge Group at the SSC.
Torsional tension in intracellular bacteriophage T4 DNA. Evidence that a linear DNA duplex can be supercoiled in vivo.

Abstract Torsional tension in intracellular bacteriophage T4 DNA and host cell DNA was measured in infected Escherichia coli cells using the trimethylpsoralen photobinding assay. Early in infection superhelical tension in the host E. coli DNA was gradually reduced until at 8 min post-infection there was no detectable tension. Negative torsional tension in the T4 DNA appeared transiently, reaching a maximum 4 to 6 min post-infection (at 32 °C) and declined to undetectable levels by 10 min. The maximum level of tension averaged over all infecting T4 DNA molecules was equivalent to superhelical density of about σ = −0.03. Sedimentation studies of the psoralen-associated T4 DNA isolated from infected cells at 5 min post-infection indicated that this DNA was primarily in an intact linear form. This is the first evidence indicating that a linear DNA molecule can acquire torsional tension in vivo : the finding suggests that intracellular T4 DNA can be topologically restrained probably by interaction with other structures in the cell. Effects of inhibitors of DNA gyrase and effects of mutations in T4 gene 39 indicated that the observed torsional tension was introduced by E. coli DNA gyrase, not by the T4 topoisomerase. Studies of the number of nicks required to relax the tension suggest that the entire T4 genome is organized into one topological domain of supercoiling. The possible role of the negative superhelical tension in the initiation of T4 DNA replication was examined. Initiation of DNA replication occurred shortly after the accumulation of tension in T4 DNA. However, replication occurred at near-normal levels under conditions where acquisition of tension was blocked in T4 DNA. Results suggest that although a topoisomerase activity is required for the initiation of DNA replication, the observed torsional tension is not a prerequisite.
Global climate change and the evolutionary ecology of ecosystem functioning

Environmental warming due to global climate change is an important stressor that stands to alter organismal physiology and, ultimately, carbon cycling in ecosystems. Yet the theoretical framework for predicting warming effects on whole-ecosystem carbon balance by way of changes in organismal physiology remains rudimentary. This is because ecosystem science has yet to embrace principles of evolutionary ecology that offer the means to explain how environmental stress on organisms mediates ecosystem carbon dynamics. Here, using selected case studies and a theoretical model, I sketch out one framework that shows how increases in animal metabolic rates in response to thermal stress lead to phenotypically plastic shifts in animal elemental demand, from nitrogen-rich proteins that support production to carbon-rich soluble carbohydrates that support elevated energy demands. I further show how such a switch in resource selection alters the fate of carbon between atmospheric versus animal, plant, and soil pools. The framework shows that animals, despite having relatively low biomass representation in ecosystems, can nonetheless have disproportionately larger effects on carbon cycling in ecosystems whose effects are exacerbated by environmental stressors like climate warming.
The Relaxation Method for Solving the Schrodinger Equation in Configuration Space with the Coulomb and Linear Potentials

Emails: atang@uwm.edu, drshilli@uwm.edu, geonill@uwm.eduAbstractThe non-relativistic Schr¨odinger equation with the linear and Coulomb potentials is solvednumerically in conﬁguration space using the relaxation method. The numerical methodpresented in this paper is a plain explicit Schr¨odinger solver which is conceptually simpleand is suitable for advanced undergraduate research.1
Partially coherent lensfree tomographic microscopy [Invited]

Optical sectioning of biological specimens provides detailed volumetric information regarding their internal structure. To provide a complementary approach to existing three-dimensional (3D) microscopy modalities, we have recently demonstrated lensfree optical tomography that offers high-throughput imaging within a compact and simple platform. In this approach, in-line holograms of objects at different angles of partially coherent illumination are recorded using a digital sensor-array, which enables computing pixel super-resolved tomographic images of the specimen. This imaging modality, which forms the focus of this review, offers micrometer-scale 3D resolution over large imaging volumes of, for example, 10–15 mm3, and can be assembled in light weight and compact architectures. Therefore, lensfree optical tomography might be particularly useful for lab-on-a-chip applications as well as for microscopy needs in resource-limited settings.
Bioreducible polymer-transfected skeletal myoblasts for VEGF delivery to acutely ischemic myocardium

Implantation of skeletal myoblasts to the heart has been investigated as a means to regenerate and protect the myocardium from damage after myocardial infarction. While several animal studies utilizing skeletal myoblasts have reported positive findings, results from clinical studies have been mixed. In this study we utilize a newly developed bioreducible polymer system to transfect skeletal myoblasts with a plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) prior to implantation into acutely ischemic myocardium. VEGF has been demonstrated to promote revascularization of the myocardium following myocardial infarction. We report that implanting VEGF expressing skeletal myoblasts into acutely ischemic myocardium produces superior results compared to implantation of untransfected skeletal myoblasts. Skeletal myoblasts expressing secreted VEGF were able to restore cardiac function to non-diseased levels as measured by ejection fraction, to limit remodeling of the heart chamber as measured by end systolic and diastolic volumes, and to prevent myocardial wall thinning. Additionally, arteriole and capillary formation, retention of viable cardiomyocytes, and prevention of apoptosis was significantly improved by VEGF expressing skeletal myoblasts compared to untransfected myoblasts. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using bioreducible cationic polymers to create engineered skeletal myoblasts to treat acutely ischemic myocardium.
A 2–1100 MHz wideband low noise amplifier with 1.43 dB minimum noise figure

A new wideband low noise amplifier (LNA) is proposed in this paper. The LNA utilizes a composite NMOS/PMOS cross-coupled transistor pair to increase the amplification while reducing the noise figure. The introduced approach provides partial cancellation of noise generated by the input transistors, hence, lowering the overall noise figure. An implemented prototype using IBM 90 nm CMOS technology shows a measured conversion gain of 20 dB across 2–1100 MHz frequency range, an IIP3 of −1.5 dBm at 100 MHz, and minimum and maximum noise figure of 1.43 dB and 1.9 dB from 100 MHz to 1.1 GHz. The LNA consumes 18 mW from 1.8 V supply and occupies an area of 0.06 mm2.
Two-Stage Normal Sampling in Two-Action Problems with Linear Economics

Abstract Results are presented for optimal two-stage sampling, where the size of the second-stage sample can be conditioned on the first-stage sample outcome, in the case where (1) sample observations are drawn from a Normal population or process with known variance but unknown mean, (2) there are two terminal acts whose terminal values are linear functions of the unknown population or process mean, and (3) the cost of a sample of positive size at either stage depends linearly on the sample size. Computer programs for obtaining optimal sampling plans are described, the effects on these optima of changes in cost and statistical parameters are traced, various characteristics of optimal plans are discussed, the sensitivity of two-stage sampling plans to deviations from optimal design is explored, and extensions to a number of closely related problems are given.
Management of Menopause When Estrogen Cannot Be Used

Estrogen deficiency, whether surgically induced or as a consequence of natural ovarian failure, has destructive effects on many organ systems. With current levels of life expectancy, untreated women may expect to spend a third of their lifetime in this state. Appropriate estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can avert (if started promptly) or ameliorate these devastating consequences, some of which (osteoporotic fractures, increased cardiovascular morbidity) can be lethal. Nevertheless, from 10 to 20% of postmenopausal women may have significant contraindications to ERT. Treatment of symptoms and improving the quality of life is imperative, yet many physicians abjure intervention, for reasons which are not entirely clear. Recent studies of conventional intervention with sedatives or tranquillisers show results equivalent to placebo therapy. On the other hand, specific agents with demonstrated effectiveness are available for management of the major estrogen-deficiency effects, although none of them are truly adequate replacement for the effect of estrogen itself.
Formation of a factor lethal for S. Typhimurium TA1530 and TA1531 on incubation of aflatoxin B1 with rat liver microsomes

Abstract Strains TA1530 and TA1531, but not strains C207 and G46, of S. typhimurium (1) were killed when incubated with rat liver homogenate and aflatoxin B 1 but not with either component alone. The lethal effect required the microsomal fraction of liver, was dependent on O 2 and NADPH, and was inhibited by the addition of aniline, SKF-525A, or CO. Less of the lethal factor was formed with liver preparations from rats fed a low protein diet, and more was formed if the rats were administered phenobarbital. Aflatoxin M 1 (4-hydroxy aflatoxin B 1 ) was not toxic for these bacterial strains in the absence of liver preparations and was much less toxic than aflatoxin B 1 when incubated with rat liver.
Seasonal changes in Flehmen to constant urine stimuli

Male black-tailed deer were exposed to conspecific urine samples monthly for one year. The urine samples tested were from adult male, nonestrous female, estrous female, male fawn, and female fawn. The urine was offered with and without a wire screen cover; Flehmen occurred only when direct mouth and/or tongue contact with the urine was possible. The frequency of Flehmen varied seasonally, and urine from adults released more Flehmen than urine from fawns. But there was no difference in Flehmen frequency in response to urine from adult males or estrous or nonestrous females, when presented out of context, although in a natural situation males respond more to urinating females than males.
Documenting prejudice against lesbians and gay men on campus: The Yale Sexual Orientation Survey

College and university communities recently have begun to confront the problems of harassment, discrimination, and violence about lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people on campus. A first step in responding to attacks against gay and bisexual people is to document their frequency and the forms that they take. The present article reports the methodology and results of a survey conducted at Yale University in 1986, which subsequently has been replicated on several other campuses. The Yale survey revealed that many lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people on campus lived in a world of secretiveness and fear. Although experiences of physical assault on campus were relatively infrequent, many respondents reported other forms of discrimination and harassment. A majority reported that they fear antigay violence and harassment on campus, and that such fears affected their behavior. Replications on other campuses have yielded similar results. Suggestions are offered for researchers who wish to conduct such a survey ...
Survey: Computational challenges in systems biology

Systems biology is a broad field that incorporates both computational and experimental approaches to provide a system level understanding of biological function. Initial forays into computational systems biology have focused on a variety of biological networks such as protein-protein interaction, signaling, transcription and metabolic networks. In this review we will provide an overview of available data relevant to systems biology, properties of biological networks, algorithms to compare and align networks and simulation and modeling techniques. Looking towards the future, we will discuss work on integrating additional functional information with biological networks, such as three dimensional structures and the complex environment of the cell. Combining and understanding this information requires development of novel algorithms and data integration techniques and solving these difficult computational problems will advance both computational and biological research.
An efficient common substrings algorithm for on-the-fly behavior-based malware detection and analysis

It is well known that malware (worms, botnets, etc…) thrive on communication systems. The process of detecting and analyzing malware is very latent and not well-suited for real-time application, which is critical especially for propagating malware. For this reason, recent methods identify similarities among malware dynamic trace logs to extract malicious behavior snippets. These snippets can then be tagged by a human analyst and be used to identify malware on-the-fly. A major problem with these methods is that they require extensive processing resources. This is especially due to the large amount of malware released each year (upwards of 17 million new instances in 2011). In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm for identifying common substrings in dynamic trace events of malware collections. The algorithm finds common substrings between malware pairs in theoretical linear time by using parallel processing. The algorithm is implemented in the CUDA and results show a performance increase of up to 8 times compared to previous implementations.
IMPROVED MINIMUM PRINCIPLE FOR SINGLE-CHANNEL SCATTERING

The minimum principle for single-channel scattering obtained previously required the introduction of channel radii for an incident relative kinetic energy $E$ greater than zero. The channel radii, which greatly complicate the numerical calculations, no longer appear in recent formal theories of reactions and they need not appear in the minimum principle formulation. By projecting out all of the open-channel components from the full wave function, it is possible to eliminate the continuum states of the total Hamiltonian $H$ originally present below $E$. The closed-channel Hamiltonian $\mathcal{H}$ has only a discrete spectrum below the inelastic threshold. By appropriately subtracting the contributions from the discrete portion of the spectrum, $\mathcal{H}$ can be used to obtain a minimum principle for $kcot\ensuremath{\eta}$, where $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is the phase shift. This minimum principle provides a rigorous criterion for determining the parameters in a trial function and for choosing among the numerical results obtained with different trial functions. The method requires that one solve exactly the static approximation equation, which plays a particular role in uncoupling the closed-channel equations from the open-channel equation. Finally, contact is made with the results previously obtained at zero energy and a generalized Levinson's theorem is briefly considered.
Forage and biomass feedstock production from hybrid forage sorghum and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids

As the bioenergy industry expands, producers choosing to shift current forage crop production to dedicated biomass crops can benefit from growing lower risk multipurpose crops that maximize management options. Hybrid forage sorghums (HFS) and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids (SSG) are capable of impressive biomass yields and tolerance to environmental stress. Multiple vegetative harvests (ratoon harvests) of sorghum are possible and there are photoperiod-sensitive sorghums that remain vegetative. However, the response of newer HFS and SSG cultivars to harvest management practices designed for forage or cellulosic feedstock production has not been fully investigated in all environments. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine biomass production and quality characteristics of a genetically diverse range of HFS, SSG and sudangrass cultivars and evaluate their interaction with harvest system; and (ii) provide data to aid selection of sorghum cultivars for both forage and biofuel uses. Mean yield across all entries and years for a single late season harvest was 27.1 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. Mean total yield for a first harvest plus a ratoon crop was 25.5 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. However, entries varied for yield and interacted with harvest system. Mean caloric value was 16.5 Gj Mg−1 and modest differences were observed among cultivars evaluated. The best performing entry (cv. Tentaka) yielded 40.3 Mg ha−1 of dry matter for a single late season harvest, demonstrating the biomass potential of existing sorghum cultivars, specifically those possessing photoperiod- and/or thermosensitive genotypes.
Electro-thermally tunable silicon photonic crystal lens

We report extremely compact (30 µm × 7 µm) silicon based two-dimensional (2D) thermo-optically tunable photonic crystal lens which operates at around telecommunication wavelength (1.55 µm) with transverse magnetic (TM) like polarized light. A 150 nm thick NiCr micro-heater was placed directly on top of the photonic crystal lens to provide localized heating. The focal length of the photonic crystal lens is modulated through refractive index change caused by thermo-optic effect of silicon. Tuning of the focal length was experimentally demonstrated by applying various current through the heater and the results showed good agreed with the simulation results.
Cues produced by reward and nonreward and temporal cues influence responding in the intertrial interval and to the conditioned stimulus

Abstract Rats in a Pavlovian situation were trained under three different reward schedules, at either a 30 s or a 90 s intertrial interval (ITI): Consistent reward (C), 50% irregular reward (I), and single alternation of reward and nonrewarded trials (SA). Activity was recorded to the conditioned stimulus (CS) and in all 10 s bins in each ITI except the first 10 s bin. Responding increased progressively over the bins of the 90 s ITI indicating a role for temporal cues in the ITI. Single alternation patterning (SAP), more vigorous responding on rewarded than on nonrewarded trials, occurred in the ITI as well as to the CS and differed little at the 30 s and 90 s ITI. The occurrence of SAP to the CS and, as shown here for the first time, in the ITI along with the findings for the C and I schedules, indicate three matters of importance. First, along with other cues such as temporal cues, behavior is influenced by cues associated with reward and nonreward both in the ITI and when the CS is presented. Second, as the percentage of reward associated with these cues increases so too does vigor of responding. Finally, if the cues produced by reward events are memories the retrieval cues for such memories are present in the ITI as well as when the CS is presented. Considerations are advanced indicating that reward produced cues may influence responding in the Pavlovian situation not only under regular schedules such as the SA schedule, but under all schedules. Indeed, such cues may more validly signal reward and nonreward than the CS itself.
Non-traumatic superior hypophyseal aneurysm with associated pseudoaneurysm presenting with massive epistaxis

Although a common medical problem, epistaxis rarely requires eurosurgical intervention. Bleeding most commonly occurs from iesselbach’s plexus in the anterior septal area and usually resolves ith manual compression, vasoconstrictors, or simple nasal packng. Epistaxis from the posterior nasal cavity is more difficult to anage and if not resolved with conservative measures, sometimes equires endoscopic cauterization or endovascular embolization of he internal maxillary artery (IMA). Rare neurosurgical causes of pistaxis include traumatic and infectious pseudoaneurysms, cavrnous aneurysms, sellar tumors, and dural arteriovenous fistulas. The first case of massive epistaxis caused by an intracranial neurysm was published at a lecture at the Royal College of Sureons of England by Dr. Beadles in 1907 [1]. Since then, there ave been several reports of severe epistaxis from aneurysms r pseudoaneurysms eroding into the paranasal sinuses [2]. The ajority of these reports are extradural pseudoaneurysms of the C4 egment secondary to severe head trauma, particularly with fracures of the skull base [2]. Although extremely rare, non-traumatic neurysms or pseudoaneurysms causing massive epistaxis have lso been reported in the literature. Again, these are generally xtradural aneurysms most commonly of the C4 segment. Known auses include radiation, infection, and aneurysms associated with umors.
Stability and metastability of semiconductor strained-layer structures

Abstract We examine two issues concerned with the stability properties of semiconductor strained-layer structures. First, the equilibrium critical thickness is calculated as a function of lattice mismatch using an atomistic model with a classical many-body approximation for the inter-atomic potential. Second, the relaxation of misfit strain in metastable structures by plastic flow is described using a continuum model based on Haasen's picture of plastic flow in bulk diamond-phase semiconductors. These models provide an explanation of the equilibrium critical thickness, the relaxation behavior of metastable strained-layer structures, and the “metastable” critical thicknesses reported in many semiconductor strained-layer geometries. Finally, we summarize the stability behavior of such structures by introducing an analog to the deformation-mechanism maps of Ashby and Frost, which have provided an elegant means of describing plastic deformation in bulk materials.
Implementation and Evaluation of Real-Time Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera Calibration

Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are frequently used in surveillance applications as they can observe a much larger region of the environment than a fixed-lens camera while still providing high-resolution imagery. The pan, tilt, and zoom parameters of a single camera may be simultaneously controlled by online users as well as automated surveillance applications. To accurately register autonomously tracked objects to a world model, the surveillance system requires accurate knowledge of camera parameters. Due to imprecision in the PTZ mechanism, these parameters cannot be obtained from PTZ control commands but must be calculated directly from camera imagery. This paper describes the efforts undertaken to implement a real-time calibration system for a stationary PTZ camera. The approach continuously tracks distinctive image feature points from frame to frame, and from these correspondences, robustly calculates the homography transformation between frames. Camera internal parameters are then calculated from these homographies. The calculations are performed by a self contained program that continually monitors images collected by the camera as it performs pan, tilt, and zoom operations. The accuracy of the calculated calibration parameters are compared to ground truth data. Problems encountered include inaccuracies in large orientation changes and long algorithm execution time.
Examination of platform and differentiating elements in product family design

The problems of mass customization, portfolio design, and platform design all pose a common challenge to the designer: knowing how to partition a set of product variants to maximize commonality and simultaneously achieve sufficient differentiation for purposes of customization. This research focuses on the particular issue of how differences between platform elements and differentiating elements are evidenced in the product layout or configuration. The premise of this research is that certain architectural properties, such as modularity, vary between platform and differentiating elements. In particular, certain measures of commonality offer an appropriate set of indices for evaluating these differences in a systematic and repeatable manner. Both function and physical solution commonality provide a descriptor with which to distinguish and rank platform and differentiating elements. By evaluating components of a product in terms of function commonality, physical solution commonality, and modularity, a comparison can be made between platforms and differentiating elements with respect to these indices. The hypothesis of this work is that platforms are integrated and the non-common differentiating elements are, relative to the platforms, more modular. While anecdotal evidence exists to support this idea, the purpose of this work is to evaluate two existing product families as a means for analyzing this hypothesized relation. The result of this research is a descriptive set of knowledge that illustrates distinguishing factors between platform and differentiating elements. The data specifically demonstrates the differences in modularity between platforms and differentiating elements, thus suggesting how this design aspect can and should be addressed during design. While not the focus of this study, future research involving a more prescriptive approach to design can directly benefit from the results. The knowledge gained in this work serves as a foundation for addressing portfolio design where both customization and commonality are key issues.
Model Predictive Control of Spacecraft Relative Motion Maneuvers Using the IPA-SQP Approach

In this paper, a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) based on the Integrated Perturbation Analysis and Sequential Quadratic Programming (IPA-SQP) is designed and analyzed for spacecraft relative motion maneuvering. To evaluate the effectiveness of the IPA-SQP MPC, the results are compared with the linear quadratic MPC algorithm developed in [4, 13–15]. It is shown that the IPA-SQP algorithm can handle directly nonlinear constraints on thrust magnitude without resorting to saturation or polyhedral norm approximations. Spacecraft fuel consumption related metrics are examined for performance evaluation and comparison.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Base drag prediction on missile configurations

New wind tunnel data have been taken, and a new empirical model has been developed for predicting base drag on missile configurations. The new wind tunnel data were taken at NASA-Langley in the Unitary Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers from 2.0 to 4.5, angles of attack to 16 deg, fin control deflections up to 20 deg, fin thickness/chord of 0.05 to 0.15, and fin locations from 'flush with the base' to two chord-lengths upstream of the base. The empirical model uses these data along with previous wind tunnel data, estimating base drag as a function of all these variables as well as boat-tail and power-on/power-off effects. The new model yields improved accuracy, compared to wind tunnel data. The new model also is more robust due to inclusion of additional variables. On the other hand, additional wind tunnel data are needed to validate or modify the current empirical model in areas where data are not available.
Couponing as a Promotional Tool: Consumers Do Benefit

Couponing has become an increasingly significant promotional tool for many manufacturers. Consumers are exposed to thousands of coupons every year offering the potential for substantial savings in the household budget. While most consumers appear willing to accept coupons, should they be viewed as a bonanza for consumers or is couponing a promotional technique from which consumers need to be protected? Critics of couponing have suggested their use increases the prices of products and creates an unfair situation in which coupon users are being subsidized by nonusers. This article responds to these and other criticisms of couponing and argues that these accusations may be unjustifiable and that coupons in reality could be in the best interest of consumers.
Novel O-glycosidic gossypol isomers and their bioactivities.

Abstract Novel glycosidic gossypol analogs, 7,7′-gossypol diglucoside tetraacetate GS1 , 6,7′-gossypol diglucoside tetraacetate GS2 , 7,7′-gossypol diglycoside GS1′ , 6,7′-gossypol diglycoside GS2′ were obtained by the ultrasound-assisted reaction of the potassium salt of gossypol with 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -glucopyranosyl bromide under PTC conditions and were fully characterized by 1D NMR ( 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, DEPT, 1D NOE), 2D NMR (HMBC, HMQC), FTIR, HRMS and HPLC. The anticancer activities, cytotoxic effects as well as anti-trypanosomal activities of these novel glycosidic gossypols were explored and suggest that gossypol glycosides could be used to develop new candidates for anticancer drugs and anti-trypanosomal agents.
Two new montane vrieseas (Bromeliaceae) from Costa Rica

Two new species ofVriesea with pendent inflorescences,V. uxoris andV. vietoris, are described from the mountains of Costa Rica, and their relationships in the genus are discussed.
Structure, molecular orientation, and resultant mechanical properties in core/ sheath poly(lactic acid)/polypropylene composites

Abstract We study the coaxial spinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with polypropylene (PP) in a core/sheath configuration. PP core /PLA sheath and PLA core /PP sheath fibers maintain the high breaking strength that PP and PLA exhibit individually, showing marked improvement in strength over previous reports of PP/PLA blend fibers. Crystalline morphologies are greatly affected by the location within the fiber (i.e., core, sheath, or spun individually), and hence, co-spinning provides a route to tailor the morphology and fiber diameter beyond that available with single component fibers. A new approach to estimate molecular orientation of core sheath fibers based on the tensile response of the fiber is developed, and indicates that co-spinning PP with PLA results in a synergistic effect with increases in the molecular orientation above that which is possible with spinning either PP or PLA individually.
Cleavage of Carboxylic Acid Moieties in Triacylglycerides During Non-Catalytic Pyrolysis

Noncatalytic pyrolysis of triacylglyceride (TG) oils is an attractive option for production of renewable fuels and chemicals. This process produces 20–30 wt% of C2–C10 fatty acids due to the presence of carboxyl moieties in TG. To decipher this process’ mechanism, several compositionally distinct crop oil feedstocks with varied abundances of C18 saturated and unsaturated TG carboxylic acid chains were pyrolyzed for short residence times in a laboratory-scale continuous turbulent flow reactor. A comprehensive gas chromatographic analysis of the oxygenated products revealed the selective formation of linear saturated monocarboxylic acids (LSMCA) of less than C11 in size, with a specific homological pattern featuring peaks for C2–C3, C7 and C9–C10 LSMCA. The relative abundance of these size groups varied amongst the feedstocks cracked due to variations in the abundance of triunsaturated (linolenic), diunsaturated (linoleic) and monounsaturated (oleic) acids, respectively, in the original TG. We proposed a mechanism explaining the observed product speciation and homology profiles by the formation of acyloxyl biradicals as essential intermediates. High-temperature C=C π-bond hydrogenation with a concomitant σ-bond cleavage yields C9–C10 LSMCA. This new path was confirmed by pyrolysis experiments with triolein in a GC pyroprobe.
On constrained and regularized high-dimensional regression.

High-dimensional feature selection has become increasingly crucial for seeking parsimonious models in estimation. For selection consistency, we derive one necessary and sufficient condition formulated on the notion of degree of separation. The minimal degree of separation is necessary for any method to be selection consistent. At a level slightly higher than the minimal degree of separation, selection consistency is achieved by a constrained $$L_0$$ -method and its computational surrogate—the constrained truncated $$L_1$$ -method. This permits up to exponentially many features in the sample size. In other words, these methods are optimal in feature selection against any selection method. In contrast, their regularization counterparts—the $$L_0$$ -regularization and truncated $$L_1$$ -regularization methods enable so under slightly stronger assumptions. More importantly, sharper parameter estimation/prediction is realized through such selection, leading to minimax parameter estimation. This, otherwise, is impossible in the absence of a good selection method for high-dimensional analysis.
A new formulation of canonical perturbation theory

By means of direct canonical transformations, the Poincare-Von Zeipel perturbation method may be modified into a more useful form. Two particular variants of this approach are examined and explicit formulas are given for carrying them out to at least the 4-th order.
Buckling loads and natural frequencies of drill bits and fluted cutters

The buckling loads, natural frequencies and mode shapes of twist-drill bits and certain fluted cutters under a variety of combinations of twist angle, cross-section geometry, and axial loading have been obtained. The drill bit is modelled as a twisted Euler beam under axial loading that is clamped at both ends. The governing system of differential equations is solved by the Galerkin procedure. Explicit forms for the basis functions used to generate the Galerkin coefficients are presented in general form in an appendix. They may be used for obtaining numerical results for that class of problems which use the Rayleigh-Ritz-Galerkin methods with beamtype functions as the basis functions. The representative set of modes obtained exhibit a complex out-of-plane twisting-type motion that suggests a possible explanation for the out-of-roundness of certain drilled holes.
Coexpression of proteins in bacteria using T7-based expression plasmids: Expression of heteromeric cell-cycle and transcriptional regulatory complexes

This report describes the development and application of a dual vector coexpression system for the overproduction of heteromeric cell cycle and transcriptional regulatory protein complexes in bacteria. To facilitate these studies we constructed a T7-based expression plasmid, pRM1 that contains an origin of replication derived from p15A, and a gene encoding kanamycin resistance. This expression vector is compatible with ColE1-derived plasmids found in the pET family of T7 expression vectors, which encode ampicillin resistance. It also has the same multiple cloning sites as the pET- derived pRSET vector, allowing easy shuttling between the two expression vectors. Cotransformation of the pRM1 and pET-derived expression vectors into an Escherichia coli strain such as BL21(DE3) results in a significant level of coexpression of heteromeric protein complexes. We demonstrate the applicability of combining the pRM1 and pET-derived vectors for the coexpression of cell cycle regulatory components, pRB/E7 and pRB/E1a, and the transcriptional regulatory complexes, SRF/SAP-1 and SRF/Elk-1. We further use the pRB/E1a complex to demonstrate that these coexpressed complexes can be purified to homogeneity for further studies. Use of the pRM1 vector in combination with the pET-derived vectors should be generally applicable for the large-scale coexpression and purification of a wide variety of heteromeric protein complexes for biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies.
Lie group variational integrators for the full body problem in orbital mechanics

Equations of motion, referred to as full body models, are developed to describe the dynamics of rigid bodies acting under their mutual gravitational potential. Continuous equations of motion and discrete equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. These equations are expressed in an inertial frame and in relative coordinates. The discrete equations of motion, referred to as a Lie group variational integrator, provide a geometrically exact and numerically efficient computational method for simulating full body dynamics in orbital mechanics; they are symplectic and momentum preserving, and they exhibit good energy behavior for exponentially long time periods. They are also efficient in only requiring a single evaluation of the gravity forces and moments per time step. The Lie group variational integrator also preserves the group structure without the use of local charts, reprojection, or constraints. Computational results are given for the dynamics of two rigid dumbbell bodies acting under their mutual gravity; these computational results demonstrate the superiority of the Lie group variational integrator compared with integrators that are not symplectic or do not preserve the Lie group structure.
ESSENTIALLY FINITELY INDECOMPOSABLE ABELIAN p-GROUPS

Abstract An abelian p-group C is said to be essentially finitely indecomposable (efi) if given any decomposition of G as the direct sum of a family of subgroups, there exists a positive integer n such that all but at moat a finite number of subgroups of this family are bounded by n. We look at examples and related questions. We prove that a reduced abelian p-group G is efi if and only if G modulo its elements of infinite height is efi. In the proof of this we obtain the following result which is of independent interest: Let A be a reduced p-group with a summand K such that K is a direct sum of cyclic groups. Let B be a basic subgroup of A. Then B contains a subgroup C such that C is a summand of A and the final rank of C is equal to the final rank of K.
Dissipative quantum-creep studies in single-crystal La2CuO4+δ

Abstract Temperature-dependent magnetic relaxation was studied in a La2CuO4+δ crystal in the low-temperature range 2–10 K. The experimental data exhibited a non-vanishing magnetic relaxation in the low-temperature limit. These data could be well interpreted by a quantum-creep theory, suggesting the non-vanishing relaxation at low temperatures due to quantum tunneling of vortices. The effective Euclidean action determined as ℏ/|d ln M/d ln t| showed a quadratic temperature dependence. The quantitative analysis of the effective Euclidean action yields a classical activation energy, crossover temperature and zero-temperature quantum-tunneling rate.
Violence Prevention in Georgia's Rural Public School Systems: A Comparison of Perceptions of School Superintendents 1995-2005.

School superintendents in 60 public school systems in the U.S. state of Georgia were surveyed to describe strategies being pursued to prevent school violence and promote a safe learning environment. Results from the present study were compared with results from a survey of superintendents conducted by one of the authors in 1995 to determine the extent of change in school violence prevention strategies. The primacy of safe schools is well recognized today following the shocking multiple student murders of Columbine and Red Lake. Descriptive data analysis suggests that violence prevention policies and procedures implemented in most public school systems in Georgia are deterring students from bringing weapons to school. Whereas superintendents surveyed in 1995 were split on whether school safety concerns were growing or staying at the same level, similar question in 2005 produced a modal response that safety concerns are staying the same. A comparative analysis reveals shifts in the use of technology and human resources, which documents change in superintendents' perceptions over the past decade. Language: en
Stabilization/solidification (S/S) of mercury-containing wastes using reactivated carbon and Portland cement.

Abstract Stabilization/solidification (S/S) of mercury-containing solid wastes using activated carbon and cement was investigated in this study. The activated carbon used in the study was a powder reactivated carbon (PAC). The effect of sulfur-treatment of the PAC was also studied. It was found that PAC was effective in stabilizing Hg in the waste surrogate. Pretreatment of the PAC by soaking it in CS 2 significantly improved the mercury adsorption capacity of the PAC. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 24 h. The optimum pH for the reaction was within the range of 5.0–5.5. After mercury stabilization by adsorption on the reactivated carbon, the Hg waste surrogate was mixed with Portland cement for solidification. Surrogates with up to 1000 mg/kg Hg were stabilized and solidified well enough to pass the TCLP test. The adsorption of mercury by reactivated carbon was in accordance with the Freundlich isotherm. Cement solidification of reactivated carbon-stabilized surrogates, significantly reduced the often-reported interference by chloride ions, by forming a barrier outside of the carbon particles. The S/S process using reactivated carbon and cement is an effective and economical technology for treating and disposing mercury-containing solid wastes.
Effects of Dizocilpine (MK-801) on Flash-Evoked Potentials, Body Temperature, and Locomotor Activity of Hooded Rats

The present study examined the effects of Dizocilpine (MK-801; a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist) on flash-evoked potentials recorded from both the visual cortex (VC) and superior colliculus (SC) of chronically implanted hooded rats. The potentials were recorded at 5, 20, and 35 min following i.p. injections of saline, and of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg MK-801 on separate days. The amplitude of VC component P1 was unaltered following drug treatment. N1 was increased in amplitude by the 0.1-, 0.3-, and 1.0-mg/kg doses, while two other negative peaks in the VC emerged, beginning with the 0.1-mg/kg dose, to complicate the waveform. One negative peak developed between N1 and P2, while the other effectively split peak P2 (forming P2A and P2B). P2A was depressed at all doses, while P2B was depressed at 0.1 mg/kg but augmented at the 1.0-mg/kg dose. N2 was elevated by the 0.3- and 1.0-mg/kg doses, while P3 was increased in amplitude by all doses. N3 was transiently enhanced by the 0.3-mg/kg dose. SC amplitudes were less affected, with P3 and N4 reduced in amplitude by the 0.3- and 1.0-mg/ kg doses. The latencies of most components in both structures were decreased, often with all doses, but generally at the later recording times. A second experiment demonstrated significant MK-801-induced hyperthermia at all of the above doses, although a higher dose of 3.0 mg/kg MK-801 caused hypothermia. The reduction in component latencies may, therefore, result at least in part from a drug-induced hyperthermia. A third experiment demonstrated MK-801-induced changes in locomotor activity in rats in an open field. The effects were both dose and time dependent. The 0.3-mg/kg dose of MK-801 produced significant increases in the number of line crossings from 20-60 min in comparison to the saline condition. Increases in the number of line crossings with the 1.0-mg/kg dose peaked at 15 min, and then gradually declined. It is unlikely, however, that these changes in movement can account for the effects of MK-801 on evoked potentials. In conclusion, the results show that blockade of the ion channel associated with the NMDA receptor produces profound changes in the activity of the neural pathways that are reflected in the middle components of the flash-evoked potential recorded from the VC.
Viscoelastic factors in the strength of elastomers under complex stress by a puncture method

Investigations of the viscoelastic aspects of the mechanical behavior of polymers have been limited almost exclusively to relatively simple conditions of homogeneous stress, that is, to tension or shear loadings. In the present work a study has been made from the viscoelastic standpoint of the response of several elastomers to a much more complex type of stress distribution arising from penetration up to failure by a cylindrical indentor for a range of temperatures and rates of penetration. The failure or “puncture point” was determined by a dip in the recorded curve of load versus depth of penetration. The puncture strength values were reduced to 25°C. by applying the ratio of absolute temperatures and plotted against the logarithm of the reciprocal of the rate of penetration. These curves were then shifted on the time scale to give a master curve after the manner of Tobolsky and of Ferry. The logarithms of the shift factors thus obtained were related to the reciprocal of the absolute temperature over the range studied. The results indicate a broader generality for the viscoelastic principle of time–temperature equivalence than has usually been supposed.
A Study of Composite Heuristic Algorithms

When faced with a difficult combinatorial problem whose optimization may be prohibitively expensive, researchers frequently turn to the study of fast heuristic algorithms in an effort to guarantee near-optimal results. An important aspect in the evaluation of such an algorithm is the determination of its worst-case behaviour, relative to an optimization rule. We here focus attention on schemes for combining two or more heuristics so as demonstrably to improve the worst case that can occur. We survey successful, illustrative examples of such composite algorithms, concentrating on problems of central significance from domains such as scheduling, packing and routeing. We also attempt to illuminate the conditions under which these strategies can be successful and why.
Dual quantum electrodynamics: Dyon-dyon and charge-monopole scattering in a high-energy approximation

We develop the quantum field theory of electron-point magnetic monopole interactions and, more generally, dyon-dyon interactions, based on the original string-dependent ``nonlocal'' action of Dirac and Schwinger. We demonstrate that a viable nonperturbative quantum field theoretic formulation can be constructed that results in a string independent cross section for monopole-electron and dyon-dyon scattering. Such calculations can be done only by using nonperturbative approximations such as the eikonal approximation and not by some mutilation of lowest-order perturbation theory.
Infection of the velvet mite, Trombidium gigas by Aspergillus flavus

Abstract The fungus Aspergillus flavus causes a mycosis in the Indian velvet mite, Trombidium gigas. This fungus may be an effective biological control agent for this mite.
Solubilization of pulmonary angiotensin-converting enzyme with 1-O-n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside

Abstract Ninety percent of rat pulmonary angiotensin-converting enzyme was solubilized in a single step using the nonionic detergent 1- O - n -octyl-β- d -glucopyranoside. This detergent has low absorbance at 228 nm and, thus, is compatible with the commonly used spectrophotometric assay of D. W. Cushman and H. S. Cheung (1971, Biochem. Pharmacol. 20 , 1637–1648). The maximum solubilization occurred with 30 m m 1- O - n -octyl-β- d -glucopyranoside and at this concentration of detergent a four-fold increase in specific activity was observed.
Metronomic chemotherapy and tumor immunomodulation.

Commentary to:Combination of metronomic gimatecan and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides against an orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenograft" Giovanna Petrangolini, Monica Tortoreto, Paola Perego, Nives Carenini, Michelandrea De Cesare, Andrea Balsari, Franco Zunino, Graziella Pratesi
One cause? Many causes? The argument from the bimodal distribution

Abstract The use of bimodality in the distribution curve of a sample as evidence bearing on the existence of a single main factor in the production of a characteristic is discussed. It is pointed out that bimodality (double peaking) can arise through a number of different mechanisms other than the operation of a single factor of overwhelming importance. Conversely one cannot deny the existence of such a major factor simply from the absence of bimodality. The conditions which regulate the separation of a mixed population into two peaks are discussed in some detail. The existence of two populations should be deduced from bimodality only with the greatest circumspection; the cleanness of the segregation is in practice rarely good. The use of arbitrary dividing lines is deplored because of the risk of creating fictitious problems.