cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallel Operation of Magnetic Disk Storage Devices: Synchronized Disk Interleaving

A group of disks may be interleaved to speed up data transfers in a manner analogous to the speedup achieved by main memory interleaving. Conventional disks may be used for interleaving by spreading data across disks and by treating multiple disks as if they were a single one. Furthermore, the mechanical movement of the interleaved disks may be synchronized to simplify control and also to optimize performance. In addition, checksums may be placed on separate checksum disks in order to improve reliability. In this paper, we study synchronized disk interleaving as a high performance mass storage system architecture. The advantages and limitations of the proposed disk interleaving scheme are analyzed using the M/G/1 queueing model and compared to the conventional disk access mechanism.
Learning features for fingerprint classification

In this paper, we present a fingerprint classification approach based on a novel feature-learning algorithm. Unlike current research for fingerprint classification that generally uses visually meaningful features, our approach is based on Genetic Programming (GP), which learns to discover composite operators and features that are evolved from combinations of primitive image processing operations. Our experimental results show that our approach can find good composite operators to effectively extract useful features. Using a Bayesian classifier, without rejecting any fingerprints from NIST-4, the correct rates for 4 and 5-class classification are 93.2% and 91.2% respectively, which compare favorably and have advantages over the best results published to date.
Exiles and Pioneers: Eastern Indians in the Trans-Mississippi West

Review of: "Exiles and Pioneers: Eastern Indians in the Trans-Mississippi West," by John P. Bowes.
Developing strategic decision making process for product and service planning

It is imperative to forecast advanced or emerging technologies to aid in decision making on firm's R&D investments and business plan for commercialization efforts. Even though a company must align R&D planning with overall business planning such as manufacturing, sales and marketing, personnel, and finance, systematic management approaches are limited in it based upon the prediction of technological change and speed. This paper aims to provide a decision support tool to aid in strategic service planning and technology development in a firm. The study is to enhance strategic development of service and product with the consideration of emerging technologies. This model helps decision makers to easily identify emerging technologies and new research fields with systematic decision making process.
Bearing angle estimation for sonar micro-array using analog VLSI spatiotemporal processing

The authors describe an analog VLSI chip designed to extract incoming bearing angle from ultrasonic signals received by an array of microphones. The processing uses spatiotemporal filters to extract the velocity of a wavefront moving across the array, and from this velocity the incident angle is computed. Spatiotemporal filtering is far more compatible with fast, low-power circuits than are traditional discrete-time techniques. The chip was fabricated on a standard 3M2P CMOS process, with a 0.35 feature size. It consumes 0.93 mW of power during computation.
Coding gain in multirate paraunitary filter banks

Discusses the problem of optimizing the coding gain of paraunitary subband coding systems. Given the statistics of the input, they have developed an algorithm for finding a paraunitary subband coding scheme which maximizes the coding gain. This is therefore an extension of the Karhunen-Loeve transform to systems of higher orders. The study therefore gives a valuable bound on the coding gains of paraunitary subband coders. It also gives a yard-stick for evaluating the performance of suboptimal subband coding schemes used in practice. >
Weaving multimodal meaning in a graphic novel reading group

Despite the interest that literacy educators in the United States have expressed in graphic novels as a pedagogical tool, few empirical studies have asked how readers interact with their multimodal design to interpret them. To account for a gap in the literature, this case study asked how six high school students read and talked about four graphic novels in the context of a voluntary after-school reading group. In doing so, it sought to identify semiotic resources the students drew on as readers, and understand how they used them to construct literary meaning. Contrary to arguments that have traditionally characterized works written in the medium of comics as rendering readers passive, the findings indicate that the participants actively drew on an available visual and linguistic design to construct meaning and interpret the graphic novels they read.
Predicting outcomes using the National Trauma Data Bank: optimum management of traumatic blunt carotid and blunt thoracic injury.

Introduction. We used the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) to examine the incidence of blunt thoracic and carotid trauma nationally and survival outcomes based on treatment approach. Methods. All vascular traumas were identified from the 2008 NTDB. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis coding was used to identify 178 blunt thoracic aortic injuries and 313 traumatic blunt carotid injuries. Results. In all, 2089 vascular traumas were identified. Patients with blunt thoracic trauma within the highest injury severity score (ISS) range (61-75) had a significant survival advantage when observation was compared with endovascular management (P 61 appeared to benefit from endovascular approaches compared with open management. Patients with bl...
Effects of pathology dyes on Raman bone spectra

We report an overlooked source of artifacts for clinical specimens, where unexpected and normally negligible contaminants can skew the interpretation of results. During an ongoing study of bone fragments from diabetic osteomyelitis, strong Raman signatures were found, which did not correspond with normal bone mineral or matrix. In a bone biopsy from the calcaneus of a patient affected by diabetic osteomyelitis, Raman microspectroscopic analysis revealed regions with both abnormal mineral and degraded collagen in addition to normal bone. Additional bands indicated a pathological material. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was identified in the wound culture by independent microbiologic examination. We initially assigned the unusual bands to xanthomonadin, a bacterial pigment from S. maltophilia. However, the same bands were also found more than a year later on a second specimen that had been noticeably contaminated with pathology marking dye. Drop deposition/Raman spectroscopy of commonly used pathology dyes revealed that a blue tissue-marking dye was responsible for the unusual bands in both specimens, even in the first specimen where there was no visible evidence of contamination.
Ecological integrity of upper Warri River, Niger Delta using aquatic insects as bioindicators

Abstract Aquatic insects are bioindicators of water quality. Their structure and species composition is used in assessing the ecological integrity of streams and rivers. Their composition and density of the upper Warri River, Niger Delta, Nigeria were assessed and the influence of different physical and chemical variables on their distribution was explored at three designated stations. A total of 57 taxa were recorded with station 2 accounting for the greatest Ephemeroptera–Plecoptera–Trichoptera (EPT) richness. Abundance of the aquatic insects was affected by the nature of the substrate, macrophytes and canopy cover at the various stations examined. Generally, the upper Warri River is a fairly clean water body rich in EPT organisms. Pollution tolerant insect taxa such as chironomids and culicids larvae were only sporadically present.
Experimental strain analysis of infant, adolescent and adult miniature swine skulls subjected to simulated mastication forces

Abstract An experimental strain analysis was performed on three miniature swine skulls to obtain a better insight into the mechanism of bone remodelling. An infant, adolescent and adult swine skull were instrumented with electrical resistance foil strain gage rosettes. The skulls were loaded through the muscles of mastication with applied forces proportional to the muscle-masses. Tooth force reactions were obtained at the molar and incisors. Measured strains were converted to principal strains using Mohr's strain circle. The principal strain variation and magnitude was greatest in the infant. less in the adolescent and least in the adult. The strain variation results can be attributed to a negative feedback system modifying a genetically derived bone structure and form. For given masticatory muscle forces, the molar forces were 50–60% greater than incisor forces. The largest strains due to mastication occurred on the side of the skull where chewing takes place.
EXPERIMENTAL CULTURE OF BLUE MUSSELS Mytilus edulis L. IN HEATED EFFLUENT WATERS OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT1

Growth, mortality, and recruitment of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) at varying distances from the heated effluent waters of a nuclear power plant were monitored using experimental rafting techniques Data were obtained at monthly intervals from April through November over a 3-year period (1973 to 1975). Highest growth rates during April (surface water temperatures less than 25 C) were observed in the immediate vicinity of the effluent. Nortality during April was negligible and growth rates at other stations were negatively correlated with linear distance from the discharge. During May of both 1973 and 1974, with surface water temperatures rising above 25 C, growth rates in the effluent waters declined sharply and by the end of June, mortality ranged from 89% to 100%. Growth rates and survival at other stations from May through November were positively correlated with linear distance from the effluent. With the discontinuation of heated discharge from the plant in May 1975, mortality by November at the “effluent” station was 17% (only slightly greater than control sites). The number of Mytilus edulis spat attached to experimental collector ropes in, and adjacent to, the effluent waters was several orders of magnitude less than that found at control sites during each of the 3 years. Results suggest that, for optimum growth of this species, cultivation operations should probably be restricted to environments in which the upper limit of annual temperature ranges does not exceed 20 c.
Generalist Herbivore Foraging and Its Role in Competitive Interactions

Whether herbivores are food limited and compete interspecifically for food has been debated by population/community ecologists. To examine this proposition, a mechanistic approach based upon autecological observations is employed: 1. 45 foraging studies of 20 species of generalist herbivores indicate that the herbivores behave as energy maximizers in their diet selection, as determined by a linear programming model. 2. The constraints that determine the forager's energy maximizing diet can be used to determine whether a food item should be consumed, based upon a minimum digestibility that determines energy value and a minimum item size or abundance that determines cropping rate. 3. Population densities of a number of herbivore species depend upon the biomass of plants in the environment that satisfy the minimum characteristics sought by the herbivore. 4. Using experimental populations for several herbivore species that are known to be food limited, it can be demonstrated that these species compete with each other. The competitive isoclines are non-linear and arise from the fractions of each forager's food resources that it shares and exclusively uses, which depend upon each species' minimum food characteristics. 5. The results indicate that a mechanistic approach can provide considerable insights into herbivore community structure. The foraging constraints underlying the entire analysis may be body size dependent, providing a more general view.
[Nb 3 (µ 3 -Cl)(µ-Cl) 3 (CH 3 CN) 9 ] (GaCl 4 ) 4 , A Discrete, Seven Valence Electron Triniobium Cluster Derivative of Nb 3 Cl 8

Solid state reduction of NbCl5, with excess NaCl, by Ga2Cl4 under lower-temperature (175°) kinetic control yields a brown powder from which the green, incomplete cubane cluster compound [Nb3(µ3-Cl)(µ-Cl)3(NCCH3)9]4+, with GaCl4 − anions, can be extracted by acetonitrile in 51 % isolated yield. This seven valence electron discrete cluster is a moderately-soluble coordination complex of the known, seven electron, extended structure (Nb3Cl8)x. The solid state structure consists of a triangular cluster with one face-capping µ3-Cl, three edge-bridging µ-Cl ligands on the opposite face, and three terminal N-bonded CH3CN ligands per Nb. The average Nb–Nb, Nb–(µ3-Cl), and Nb–(µ-Cl) distances for one of the four independent cluster cores in the unit cell are 2.811[1] A, 2.438[9] A, and 2.427[3] A, respectively, and the average Nb–(µ-Cl)–Nb angle is 70.8[1]°. These values are compared to those of other discrete triniobium clusters and triniobium chloride extended structures with the Nb3(µ3-X)(µ-X)3XnL9−n incomplete metallacubane structure.
Developmental changes of aggrecan, versican and neurocan in the retina and optic nerve

We have used a monoclonal antibody to neurocan and specific polyclonal antibodies to the non-homologous glycosaminoglycan attachment regions of aggrecan and mRNA splice variants of versican to compare the localization and developmental changes of these structurally related hyaluronan-binding chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the rat retina and optic nerve. Staining for aggrecan and versican was first seen at embryonic day 16 in the optic nerve and retina, whereas neurocan was not detected in the embryonic eye. At postnatal day 0 (P0), beta-versican staining is largely confined to the inner plexiform layer whereas alpha-versican is also apparent in the neuroblastic layer. Both aggrecan and, much more weakly, neurocan immunoreactivity is present throughout the neonatal retina. At P9, aggrecan and versican immunoreactivity is most intense in the inner and outer plexiform and ganglion cell layers, accompanied by diffuse staining in the inner and outer nuclear layers. Aggrecan and alpha-versican are also present throughout the optic nerve and disk, whereas beta-versican and neurocan are confined to the laminar beams of the optic nerve. Between P0 and P9 there is a marked increase in beta-versican expression in the inner and outer nuclear layers and in the outer plexiform layer, whereas there is only weak staining of neurocan in the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers of P9 retina. By 1 month postnatal the staining pattern of the fully differentiated retinal layers is essentially identical to that seen in the adult, where there is strong aggrecan and alpha-versican immunoreactivity in the retina and optic nerve, whereas beta-versican has essentially disappeared from the adult retina and, similarly to neurocan, is present only in the laminar beams of the optic nerve. The marked decrease of beta-versican in the retina is consistent with >90% decrease in its concentration in brain during postnatal development, suggesting that the developmental time-course for these proteoglycans in retina parallels that seen in other areas of the central nervous system.
Kinetics of high-temperature carbon gasification reaction

A simple technique is developed and is used to measure simultaneously the overall rate and the depth of the reaction zone in the porous solid. It is shown that by using some simple models, one may calculate the intrinsic rate constant and the pore diffusivity from the overall rate and the penetration depth. Models which allow for a varying pore diffusivity according to a linear porosity profile are presented, and have been shown more satisfactory than the constant diffusivity models of Thiele and of Zeldovich when applied to the high temperature carbon-carbon dioxide reaction.
Elevated levels of TWEAK in skeletal muscle promote visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction

Skeletal muscle is responsible for the majority of glucose disposal in body. Impairment in skeletal muscle glucose handling capacity leads to the state of insulin resistance. The TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) cytokine has now emerged as a major regulator of skeletal muscle mass and function. However, the role of TWEAK in skeletal muscle metabolic function remains less understood. Here, we demonstrate that with progressive age, skeletal muscle-specific TWEAK-transgenic (TWEAK-Tg) mice gain increased body weight (∼16%) and fat mass (∼64%) and show glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity. TWEAK-Tg mice also exhibit adipocyte hypertrophy in the epididymal fat. Oxygen uptake, voluntary physical activity, and exercise capacity were significantly reduced in TWEAK-Tg mice compared with controls. Overexpression of TWEAK inhibited (∼31%) 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and reduced (∼31%) the levels of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) without affecting the Akt pathway. TWEAK also inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (∼32%) and repressed the levels of GLUT4 (∼50%) in cultured myotubes from C57BL6 mice. TWEAK represses the levels of Kruppel-like factor 15; myocyte enhancer factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, which are required for the activation of the GLUT4 locus. Collectively our study demonstrates that elevated levels of TWEAK in skeletal muscle cause metabolic abnormalities. Inhibition of TWEAK could be a potential approach to prevent weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
Dispersion effects in relief holograms immersed in near index matched liquids or Christiansen revisited.

One century ago the Danish physicist C. Christiansen described some experiments in which he index matched various powders in mixtures of two liquids. He observed that a perfect match was only possible for one wavelength at a time due to the difference in the dependence of the refractive index on wavelength between the powder and liquid. In the experiments reported here, the powder has been replaced by a relief hologram. When immersed in liquid mixtures this diffraction grating can be made inoperative at a narrow band of wavelengths and tunable by varying the composition of the liquid mixture and/or changing an external parameter such as the temperature.
A Korean Feminist Perspective on God Representation

This article investigates the ways in which the patriarchal God image when combined with Confucianism in Korean culture can negatively affect Korean Christian women in their concept of identity and self-worth. In doing so, a few salient constructs of Confucianism that are closely related to the role of Korean women are examined. Engaging in and dialoging with the works of Sigmund Freud and Ana-Maria Rizzuto in their treatments of God representation along with some key research findings in that area, the nature and the various dynamics of God representation are discussed. Finally some practical suggestions are given in dealing with the patriarchal image of God in relation to the lived experiences of Korean Christian women in Korean context.
Is the preconditioning threshold different in females

Background Preconditioning is injury induced protection against subsequent insult. Studies have shown that both males and females may be preconditioned. Females appear to have an innate cardioprotection, therefore, we hypothesized that the preconditioning threshold may differ between males and females. Materials and methods Male and female rats were divided into five groups ( n = 4–9). Animals were given an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 125, 250, or 500 micrograms/kilogram Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (ETX) or 0.4-ml normal saline (NS). After 24-h incubation another i.p. injection of either 500 micrograms/kilogram ETX (injury dose) or NS was given and the animals incubated an additional 6 h. Shams received two injections of NS. Non-preconditioned rats (PC-) received NS followed by ETX. Preconditioned rats had i.p. injections of 125 μg/kg ETX (PC +125), 250 μg/kg ETX (PC +250), or 500 μg/kg ETX (PC +500) followed by the injury dose ETX. The rats were then anesthetized and myocardial function evaluated with the Langendorff perfusion model. Results PC +500 females were preconditioned and were able to maintain cardiac function similar to shams. Conversely, PC +125 females were not preconditioned with this stimulus and had a significant decrease in cardiac function similar to PC- rats. Male PC +500 and PC +125 rats, however, retained cardiac function comparable to shams, while PC- males showed a significant decrement. Conclusions Males and females may each be preconditioned by endotoxin; however, the preconditioning threshold is higher in females than males.
Calcium thiolates and selenolates: Synthesis and structures

The synthesis and structural characterization of a family of calcium thiolates and selenolates is described. In the solid state the compounds adopt either contact pairs, as observed in Ca(THF)4(SMes*)2 (1), (Mes* 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2), and Ca(THF)4(SeMes*)2, (2), or separated ions as shown in [Ca(18-crown-6)(HMPA)2][SeMes*]2 (3). The two different ion association modes are induced by addition of specific donors. The compounds were prepared by metalation involving the reaction of elemental calcium dissolved in dry liquid ammonia with either HSMes* or Mes*SeSeMes*. All compounds were characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR and IR spectroscopy. Calciumthiolate und -selenolate: Synthese und Kristallstruktur Die Synthese und Kristallstruktur einiger Calciumthiolate und -selenolate wird beschrieben. Im Festkorper werden entweder Kontakt-Ionenpaare wie in Ca(THF)4(SMes*)2 (1), (Mes* 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2), und Ca(THF)4(SeMes*)2 (2), beobachtet, oder separierte Ionenpaare wie in [Ca(18-crown-6)(HMPA)2][SeMes*]2 (3) erhalten. Die verschiedenen Verbindungstypen konnen durch die Zugabe von spezifischen Donatoren erhalten werden. Die Titelverbindungen werden durch die Reaktion von in trockenem, flussigem Ammoniak gelostem elementaren Calcium mit HSMes* oder Mes*SeSeMes* erhalten. Alle Verbindungen wurden durch Rontgenstrukturanalyse, IR- und NMR-Spektrokopie charakterisiert.
SU‐E‐T‐453: Feasibility of IMRT System Evaluations Using Pre‐Made IMRT Leaf Patterns

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of utilizing pre‐made IMRT leaf patterns in IMRT system evaluation. Methods and Materials: A TG1 19 evaluation set consisting of five IMRT test cases were optimized using a pencil‐beam algorithm and delivered on a 30 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm solid water phantom. Per‐field measurements were collected using a diode array, and composite measurements were collected using film and ion chamber. Measurements were compared to calculation to determine confidence limit values per TG1 19 methodology. The phantom image set, associated contours, and leaf patterns were then transferred to a separate treatment planning system utilizing different treatment planning software previously commissioned for the same LINAC. Dose calculations utilizing a convolution‐superposition algorithm were performed on this planning system utilizing the pre‐made IMRT leaf patterns and image set. These calculations were compared to previously collected measurements, and TG1 19 confidence limits were determined. Results: The TG1 19 evaluation utilizing the pencil‐beam treatment planning system resulted in confidence limits of 1.55%, 8.06%, and 3.13% for diode array, film, and ion chamber comparisons, respectively. The TG1 19 evaluation utilizing the same leaf patterns within the convolution‐superposition treatment planning system resulted in confidence limits of 10.5%, 14.9%, and 5.46% for diode array, film, and ion chamber comparisons, respectively. The TG1 19 confidence limit values for the two planning systems differed by 8.95%, 6.84%, and 2.33%.Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the feasibility in utilizing pre‐made leaf patterns to evaluate the dose model for an IMRT system. In this case, the pencil‐beam TPS calculations were closer to measured values, as quantified by the TG119 assessment.
Known Distribution and Abundance of Anomala Orientalis Waterhouse, Aserica Castanea Arrow, and Serica Similis Lewis in New York

The records include not only the range of Anomala orientalis, Aserica castanet ,and Serica similes but notes on their general abundance where they have been found to occur in New York State.
Influence of Land Use, Population, Employment, and Economic Activity on Accidents

In this study, the relationships between land use, population, employment by sector, economic output, and motor vehicle accidents are explored. Through the use of comprehensive data from the largest county in Hawaii, the relationships are modeled in a uniform 0.1-mi2 (0.259-km2) grid structure and with various linear regression models. This method has an advantage over other approaches that have typically used unevenly sized and shaped traffic analysis zones, census tracts, or block groups. Positive, statistically significant relationships among population, job counts, economic output, and accidents are identified. After some of the general effects are sorted through, a negative binomial (NB) model is used to look at the absolute and relative effects of these factors on the number of pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle-to-vehicle, and total accidents. With a multivariate model, the different effects can be compared and the specific nature of the relationships between zonal characteristics and accidents can be id...
Surface composition of a solid solution of monovalent ionic compounds of NaCl structure

Abstract The surface composition of a perfect (100) surface of a solid solution of monovalent ionic compounds AX and BX of NaCl structure was calculated using a monolayer model. The ions in the surface layer were assumed to possess dipole moments, and were allowed to relax from their perfect lattice positions. The surface composition was calculated by searching for the condition of lowest Gibbs free energy of the solid, which was predominantly determined by the coulombic and the repulsive interactions between ions. Thus, it is possible to express the surface composition as a function of the difference in the ionic radii of A and B, and in their repulsive parameters, for a given anion, temperature, and bulk composition. Results are presented for the solutions of NaClKCl, and AXBX where A and B were characterized by their electronic polarizabilities, their repulsive parameters, and the number of electrons of each ion.
Modifications to five-substituted 3,3-diethyl-4,5-dihydro-2(3H)-furanones en route to novel muscarinic receptor ligands

Lead lactone-based ligands with modest affinity for muscarinic receptors were modified based on structure–activity relationship data in the literature to provide a new series of 5-substituted 4,5-dihydro-2(3H)-furanones. The modifications included the addition of various nitrogen-containing heterocycles attached to substituted and unsubstituted aromatic rings. The target compounds were synthesized in modest yields and evaluated in preliminary muscarinic binding assays. A lactone-based ligand containing a diphenylmethylpiperazine moiety was identified as a nonselective muscarinic ligand with IC50 of 340 nM. The design of future ligands will be based, in part, on structure–activity data reported herein.
Kinetic Discrimination of tRNA Identity by the Conserved Motif 2 Loop of a Class II Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase

Summary The selection of tRNAs by their cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is critical for ensuring the fidelity of protein synthesis. While nucleotides that comprise tRNA identity sets have been readily identified, their specific role in the elementary steps of aminoacylation is poorly understood. By use of a rapid kinetics analysis employing mutants in tRNA His and its cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, the role of tRNA identity in aminoacylation was investigated. While mutations in the tRNA anticodon preferentially affected the thermodynamics of initial complex formation, mutations in the acceptor stem or the conserved motif 2 loop of the tRNA synthetase imposed a specific kinetic block on aminoacyl transfer and decreased tRNA-mediated kinetic control of amino acid activation. The mechanistic basis of tRNA identity is analogous to fidelity control by DNA polymerases and the ribosome, whose reactions also demand high accuracy.
Applying the Principles of Coordinated School Health to Community Program Planning: A Semester Project.

Abstract Objectives: This teaching idea* is designed to increase students’ understanding about the principles of a Coordinated School Health Program and apply these principles as they plan a community health program. As students work through the planning process, they will address many of the AAHPERD/AAHE Standards for Health Education Programs.1 Target Audience: *This teaching strategy is designed for post-secondary students in areas of school and/or community health. Also, practitioners in the field may be able to use these techniques when planning community health education programs for wider audiences.
Further studies related to the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide catalyzed by chromium Schiff base complexes. Crystal structures of two μ-hydroxo-bridged Schiff base dimers of chromium(III)

Abstract Hydroxo-bridged dimers of [(acacen)CrOH]2 (acacen = N,N′-bis(t-butylacetylacetone)-1,2-ethylenediimine) and [(salen)CrOH]2 have been isolated from hydrolysis of the corresponding (acacen)CrCl and (salen)CrOMe derivatives. Structural studies reveal the octahedral coordination around the chromium centers to be distorted. The (acacen)CrCl complex in the presence of cocatalysts PCy3 or [PPN][Cl] is an effective catalyst for the production of polycarbonate from cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide, albeit less so than its salen analog.
Thermomechanical analysis of multi-bead pulsed laser powder deposition of a nickel-based superalloy

Abstract In laser powder deposition (LPD) repair of nickel-based turbine blades, hot cracking is the most common defect. The cracking has been found to be associated with thermal stress concentration and low-melting constituents on the grain boundaries. For directionally solidified and single-crystal blades, a positive correlation is established between cracking and the “stray grain” formation. Control of the deposit molten pool shape has been proposed as an effective method to limit the stray grains. However, in multi-bead, multi-layer LPD with a pulsed laser, due to a much more complex bead geometry, appearance of stray grains seems to be random. To obtain insight into cracking and stray grain formation during multi-bead LPD process on nickel-based superalloys, a 3-D transient finite element (FE) model has been developed and a thermomechanical analysis is performed. Time-dependent temperature and thermal strain fields have been predicted. The developed thermal model has been applied to predict and analyze the distribution of thermal stress concentration and the tendency of stray grain formation. The reliability and accuracy of the model are verified experimentally by the measured temperature field profile and the observation of microstructure.
The Bacterial Effector VopL Organizes Actin into Filament-like Structures

Summary VopL is an effector protein from Vibrio parahaemolyticus that nucleates actin filaments. VopL consists of a VopL C-terminal domain (VCD) and an array of three WASP homology 2 (WH2) motifs. Here, we report the crystal structure of the VCD dimer bound to actin. The VCD organizes three actin monomers in a spatial arrangement close to that found in the canonical actin filament. In this arrangement, WH2 motifs can be modeled into the binding site of each actin without steric clashes. The data suggest a mechanism of nucleation wherein VopL creates filament-like structures, organized by the VCD with monomers delivered by the WH2 array, that can template addition of new subunits. Similarities with Arp2/3 complex and formin proteins suggest that organization of monomers into filament-like structures is a general and central feature of actin nucleation. PaperFlick
APPLICATION OF AN ELECTRONIC PARTICLE COUNTER IN ANALYZING NATURAL POPULATIONS OF PHYTOPLANKTON1

Phytoplankton dynamics in 10 morphometrically identical ponds were analyzed using an electronic particle counter. Results were compared with data obtained by several standard methods. While the counter cannot distinguish living from dead particles, nor species from species, its use in sizing and counting plankton populations yields values for biomass against time which provide a highly resolved profile of pond dynamics. Peaks of biomass can often be correlated with presence of a particular phytoplankter as determined by simple microscopic examination. Biomass determined in this way was more precise than that obtained by determining chlorophyll a or dry weight. Far more data could be obtained in a given time by this means than with a hemocytometer.
An overview of AIDS modeling

A variety of motivations exist for constructing mathematical models of the AIDS epidemic, including forecasting, scientific estimation of disease parameters, and policy analysis. This chapter discusses several different modeling approaches and their attendant uses, stressing the results most relevant to policy analysts and program evaluators.
MOLECULAR SHIELDS PROTECT PROTEINS FROM DEHYDRATION DAMAGE

![Figure][1] Life as we know it requires water. Among other things, water hydrates the molecules that make up cells. When water is removed things go terribly wrong: membranes fuse, proteins aggregate and metabolic reactions slow or stop. However, some organisms, including some multicellular
SUBCLINICAL RHYTHMIC ELECTROGRAPHIC DISCHARGES OF ADULTS (SREDA) REVISITED: A STUDY USING DIGITAL EEG ANALYSIS

Previous descriptions of the subclinical rhythmic electrographic discharges of adults (SREDA) have been based entirely on visual analysis of analog electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. The introduction of digital electroencephalograms (EEGs) and advances in digital signal processing provide an opportunity to restudy in more depth the nature of SREDA. We identified nine patients who had SREDA diagnosed on a routine EEG recording since the introduction of digital EEG to our laboratory in August 1995. Following careful rereview using standard montages, six of these patients were determined to fulfill the traditional requirements for the diagnosis of SREDA, whereas three were believed to have other benign discharges. Review with Laplacian montages demonstrated that the site of the SREDA activity was maximal in the parietal region or parietocentrotemporal regions, whereas it was maximal in the temporal or frontotemporal regions in the non-SREDA discharges. Frequency analysis, using both the conventional fast Fourier transform (FFT) and time-frequency mapping with the Wigner FFT variant, demonstrated that the SREDA consisted of a complex mixture of multiple rapidly shifting frequencies which showed little spatial and temporal correlation. In contrast, the non-SREDA all consisted of a single dominant well-organized rhythmic frequency spectrum that remained stable throughout space and time.
Cellular, pharmacological, and biophysical evaluation of explanted lungs from a patient with sickle cell disease and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.

AbstractPulmonary hypertension is recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We now report benchtop phenotyping from the explanted lungs of the first successful lung transplant in SCD. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) cultured from the explanted lungs were analyzed for proliferate capacity, superoxide (O2•−) production, and changes in key pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)–associated molecules and compared with non-PAH PASMCs. Upregulation of several pathologic processes persisted in culture in SCD lung PASMCs in spite of cell passage. SCD lung PASMCs showed growth factor– and serum-independent proliferation, upregulation of matrix genes, and increased O2•− production compared with control cells. Histologic analysis of SCD-associated PAH arteries demonstrated increased and ectopically located extracellular matrix deposition and degradation of elastin fibers. Biomechanical analysis of these vessels confirmed increased arterial stiffe...
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ZONING: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Extensive economic development and central business district expansion generate both positive and negative public impacts; assessing those impacts is a major challenge for urban social and economic analysts. For students of urban politics and policy processes, the strategies and conflict patterns surrounding the generation and distribution of these impacts are of central interest. This paper examines exactive zoning/housing trust fund programs in San Francisco and Boston…the most far-reaching examples of emerging policies adopted by cities to shift pan of the public costs of private economic development back to the developer. The paper suggests that two conditions must be present for exaction programs to be implemented: (1) CBD demand so high that monies can be “creamed off” for redistribution without causing developers to “exit,” and (2) the mobilization of community and neighborhood interests to counter pro-CBD-growth advocates. The exaction programs in both cities, though not panaceas, appear to be generating substantial funds for housing.
Biphasic effects of 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol on variable interval schedule performance in rats.

Four rats were trained to barpress for water reinforcement under a variable interval 60 sec schedule. Nine acute administrations of (−)δ 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol, in amounts ranging from 0.25 to 16.0 mg/kg, produced dose-related effects on responding; overall response rate increased at lower doses, while higher doses produced ataxia and a complete suppression of responding. Increased response rates reflected changes both in response spacing and in the lengths of post-reinforcement pauses. It was concluded that marihuana has a biphasic effect on variable interval water-reinforced behavior in rats.
Familial breast cancer risks. Effects of prostate and other cancers

Background. Previous studies have provided conflicting results concerning the effects of a family history of prostate and other cancers on breast cancer risks. Methods. Three groups of families were studied to determine the effects of a family history of prostate cancer on breast cancer risks. Also considered were the effects of a family history of melanoma, colon, lung, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Included were 422 first-degree female relatives of 114 patients with bilateral breast cancer, 320 first-degree relatives of 88 male patients with breast cancer, and 633 relatives of 186 unselected female patients. For estimating relative risks, observed numbers of breast cancers in relatives were compared with expected numbers based on population incidence data. Multiple logistic-regression also provided odds ratios of relatives affected with breast cancer. Results. A family history of prostate cancer increased the breast cancer risks in each of the groups, compared with families without prostate cancer. Ovarian cancer in a family increased the breast cancer risks only in the bilateral breast cancer group, and endometrial cancer increased the risks in the bilateral and unselected groups. These increases in risk appeared to be the consequence of families with multiple cancers, including those with hereditary breast-ovarian cancers and the cancer family syndrome. A family history of melanoma, lung, or colon cancer did not increase breast cancer risks. Conclusions. A family history of prostate cancer, as well as endometrial and ovarian cancer, significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. Cancer 1993; 72:114–119.
On an Objective Basis for the Maximum Entropy Principle

In this letter, we elaborate on some of the issues raised by a recent paper by Neapolitan and Jiang concerning the maximum entropy (ME) principle and alternative principles for estimating probabilities consistent with known, measured constraint information. We argue that the ME solution for the “problematic” example introduced by Neapolitan and Jiang has stronger objective basis, rooted in results from information theory, than their alternative proposed solution. We also raise some technical concerns about the Bayesian analysis in their work, which was used to independently support their alternative to the ME solution. The letter concludes by noting some open problems involving maximum entropy statistical inference.
Optical Pretargeting of Tumor with Fluorescent MORF Oligomers

Objective Pretargeting with radioactivity has significantly improved tumor to normal tissue radioactivity ratios over conventional antibody imaging in both animal studies and clinical trials. This laboratory is investigating DNA analogues such as phosphorodiamidate morpholinos (MORFs) for pretargeting using technetium-99m (99mTc) for detection. However, the unique properties of fluorescence activation and quenching combined with oligomers with their unique properties of hybridization may be particularly useful when used together for pretargeting with optical detection. The use of linear fluorophore-conjugated oligomer duplexes have been little used in animals, and to our knowledge, have not previously been considered for pretargeting applications.
A Review of Automatic Load Balancing and Decomposition Methods for the Hypercube

We give a brief review of the research at Caltech on methods to automatically decompose or load balance problems on the hypercube concurrent computer. We have several promising methods and are implementing a dynamic load balancer on the hypercube.
Chorioangiomas of intermediate size and intrauterine growth retardation.

Summary Very large chorioangiomas are a rare but well recognized cause of neonatal morbidity, while small ones are clinically insignificant. This study emphasizes that some chorioangiomas of intermediate size may be causally related to intrauterine growth retardation, and that they may be surprisingly difficult to detect in the unfixed placenta.
Membership and its Privileges: the WTO, Civil Society, and the Amicus Brief Controversy

In a series of rulings, beginning with the notorious Shrimp/Turtle dispute, the high court of the WTO, the so‐called Appellate Body, has ruled that it, as well as the panels of first instance, may, on a discretionary basis, accept and consider amicus curiae briefs from, inter alia, non‐governmental organisations and private individuals. This has been highly controversial and subject to wide and intense criticism by trade diplomats who are the political representatives of WTO Member states in Geneva; the officials have reacted with anger and hostility to the notion that governments are not exclusive gatekeepers of access to the WTO dispute settlement tribunals. This article shows that the decision that amicus briefs are admissible at the discretion of the adjudicator has a sound basis in the legal framework for WTO dispute settlement, as well as conforming to trends in the practice of international courts and tribunals more generally. The article examines various ‘due process’ issues concerning the modalities for acceptance and consideration of amicus briefs and how they have been so far dealt with by the Appellate Body, as well as how they are handled in certain proposals for reform of the legal framework of WTO dispute settlement, the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU).
Developmental trajectories of overweight and obesity of US youth through the life course of adolescence to young adulthood.

OBJECTIVE To detect subgroups with different risks at different ages to develop overweight and obese during the adolescence-young adulthood period. DESIGN Accelerated longitudinal design and developmental trajectory analysis were used. The likelihoods to become overweight (body mass index [BMI] >25 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m(2)) were assessed across the life course from the ages of 12 to 28 years. SUBJECTS Adolescent participants aged 12-17 years (n = 4119) identified in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 at baseline were followed up to 2008. RESULTS SEVEN OVERWEIGHT RISK GROUPS (WG) WERE DETECTED FOR MALE AND FEMALE SAMPLES RESPECTIVELY, OF WHICH FIVE WERE CLOSELY RELATED TO EACH OF THE FOLLOWING FIVE PERIODS: (a) middle-school ages (19.7% and 12.6% for male and female, respectively), (b) high-school ages (11.4% and 13.6%, respectively), (c) college ages (12.6% and 9.1%, respectively), (d) post-college ages (11.8% and 10.0%, respectively), and (e) work-family-formation ages (11.0% and 12.9%, respectively); two were nonperiod-specific groups: a permanent low-risk group for both sexes (27.3% for male, 36.4% for female), a growing-risk group for males (6.2%), and a self-limiting risk group for females (5.4%, with the likelihood increasing with age, which peaked at the age of 21 years, and then declined). Likewise, six obesity risk groups (OG) were detected, of which four corresponded to the first four high-risk WG groups. The risk groups were relatively independent of race and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS Findings of this study imply that five risk groups for weight gain like five consecutive "tests" exist from middle-school period to work-and-family formation. Failure to pass any of these tests in the life course could lead to overweight or obese status. Further research needs to study life-course-specific factors and mechanisms for more effective weight control.
New Perspectives in Catalase Dependent Ethanol Metabolism

The notion that catalase is a minor pathway of ethanol oxidation must be reexamined in view of recent work. Studies with aminotriazole demonstrate clearly that catalase can be the predominant pathway of ethanol metabolism. In addition, these studies illustrate that caution must be used in interpretation of work with aminotriazole unless the extent of inhibition of catalase is controlled carefully. Studies of rates of oxidation of butanol, a specific substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase, and methanol, a substrate for catalase, indicate that peroxidation via catalase supported by H2O2 formed by the peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids is the predominant pathway of alcohol oxidation in the fasted state.
Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum: A genetic anomaly in Ordovician oils

Abstract The transition metals, captured from sedimentary waters by chlorophyll, have been proposed as the catalytic agents that convert n -alkane biolipids into the rearranged light hydrocarbons in petroleum. Certain ancient oils (Ordovician) display a depletion in chlorophyll, suggesting that they may have been derived from sedimentary rocks also depleted in transition metals. These oils show anomalously high concentrations of n -heptane relative to their respective rearranged isoalkane and cycloalkane products. This extraordinary enrichment in light n -alkanes appears unique to the chlorophyll-deficient Ordovician oils. The high concentrations of n -heptane may have resulted from the thermal cracking of higher n -alkanes, which are known to be dominant components of the kerogenous precursors to the Ordovician oils. However, the methylhexanes, which have no thermolytic precursors enriched in the kerogenous source, show a proportionate increase in concentration. The contention, therefore, that thermal cracking might explain the n -heptane anomaly is untenable since a kerogenous starting material enriched in n -alkanes and depleted in isoalkanes cannot reasonably crack to a light hydrocarbon product enriched in both n -alkanes and isoalkanes. According to a postulated catalytic cycle, n -alkane and isoalkane concentrations are controlled by the relative rates of two divergent pathways. If the various transition metals that may catalyze these reactions differ in activity, then a unique distribution of metals created by a chlorophyll deficiency could explain the Ordovician anomaly.