cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy isosbestic points in third-row transition metal alloys.

The total electronic energies of the six electrons per atom (e− per atom) alloys W, TaRe, HfOs, and YIr and the seven electrons per atom alloys Re, WOs, TaIr, HfPt, and YAu have been calculated in the local density approximation of density functional theory. When one considers common alloy structures such as atomically ordered variants of the body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, or hexagonally closest packed structures and plots the total electronic energy as a function of the unit cell parameter, one finds for both the six and seven electrons per atom series energetic isosbestic points. An energetic isosbestic point corresponds to a critical value of the size parameter for which all members of the 6 or 7 e− per atom series of compounds have nearly identical total electronic energy. Just as in spectroscopy, where the existence of such isosbestic points is the hallmark of two compounds present in the mixture, an energy isosbestic point1, 2 implies there are just two separate energy curves. For both series it is found that the total electronic energy can be viewed as the weighted sum of a purely covalent term and a purely ionic term. Two semi-quantitative models are proposed to account for these two separate energies. In the first model the total energy is viewed as the sum of the elemental structural energy plus an ionic energy based on the Born–Mayer ionic model. In the second model one considers within the confines of μ2-Huckel theory the evolution of the total electronic energy as the Coulombic Hii integrals change in value.
Separation controlled transonic drag-rise modification for V-shaped notches

V shaped notches drag coefficients behavior in transonic regime, observing inviscid-viscid interaction controlling flow separation and reattachment
A hybrid search algorithm for the Whitehead Minimization problem

Abstract The Whitehead Minimization problem is a problem of finding elements of the minimal length in the automorphic orbit of a given element of a free group. The classical algorithm of Whitehead that solves the problem depends exponentially on the group rank. Moreover, it can be easily shown that exponential blowout occurs when a word of minimal length has been reached and, therefore, is inevitable except for some trivial cases. In this paper we introduce a deterministic Hybrid search algorithm and its stochastic variation for solving the Whitehead Minimization problem. Both algorithms use search heuristics that allow one to find a length-reducing automorphism in polynomial time on most inputs and significantly improve the reduction procedure. The stochastic version of the algorithm employs a probabilistic system that decides in polynomial time whether or not a word is minimal. The stochastic algorithm is very robust. It has never happened that a non-minimal element has been claimed to be minimal.
Secondary effects in combustion instabilities leading to flashback

FOLLOWING previously reported studies of turbulent combustion instabilities leading to flashback, an investigation was carried out of the secondary effects, namely those due to buoyance and contraction at the combustor outlet. As before, the experiments were performed in an oblong, rectangular cross-section combustion tunnel where the effects of a bluff-body flame holder were produced by a rear-facing step behind a streamlined inlet nozzle. Whereas in the previous studies the step was mounted at the bottom, this time it was either situated at the top in order to explore the effects of buoyancy or it was supplemented by a front-facing step to create a trough-shaped enclosure simulating the geometry of a gas turbine combustion chamber. Definite, albeit relatively small, effects of buoyancy were established, while the contraction at combustor outlet had a significant effect in curbing the tendency to flashback. Contents In order to study the essential features of fluid mechanical instabilities in a premixed charge combustor, we have been using a rectangular 5.1x18 cm cross-section combustion tunnel, providing the simplest geometrical configuration for a predominantly planar flow. Principal features of the flowfield created by a bluff-body flame holder have been modeled there by the wake of a rear-facing step, 2.54 cm high, extending over the full width of the test section. In all of the tests commercial grade propane was used as fuel; it was premixed with air in a duct immediately ahead of the test section provided with suitable packing to produce a homogeneous lean mixture at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. In our previous investigation, conducted by the use of this facility,1 three distinct types of unstable behavior were identified: humming, buzzing, and chucking, each distinguishable by a characteristic frequency and a particular flow pattern. Humming is associated with the highest frequency (-170 Hz), evidently being controlled by a standing longitudinal sound wave that accentuates the vortex-pairing pattern of the "free shear layer" behind the edge of the step. In fact, we have demonstrated that a similar effect can be induced externally by a loudspeaker operating at the same frequency band. Buzzing and chucking manifest the instabilities of the flow system. The former is associated with a flapping motion of the flame up and down across the combustion chamber at a much lower frequency ( — 70 Hz). The latter is characterized
A Mixed Optimization Method for Automated Design of Fuselage Structures

A procedure for automating the design of transport aircraft fuselage structures has been developed and implemented in the form of an operational program. The structure is designed in two stages. First, an over-all distribution of structural material is obtained by means of optimality criteria to meet strength and displacement constraints. Subsequently, the detailed design of selected rings and panels consisting of skin and stringers is performed by mathematical optimization accounting for a set of realistic design constraints. As a result one obtains a procedure whose practicality and computer efficiency is demonstrated on cylindrical and area-ruled large transport fuselage.
Measuring the cosmic shear in Fourier space

We propose to measure the weak cosmic shear using the spatial derivatives of the galaxy surface brightness field. The measurement should be carried out in Fourier space, in which the point spread function (PSF) can be transformed to a desired form with multiplications, and the spatial derivatives can be easily measured. This method is mathematically well defined regardless of the galaxy morphology and the form of the PSF, and involves simple procedures of image processing. Furthermore, with high-resolution galaxy images, this approach allows one to probe the shape distortions of galaxy substructures, which can potentially provide much more independent shear measurements than the ellipticities of the whole galaxy. We demonstrate the efficiency of this method using computer-generated mock galaxy images.
FGFR2 as a molecular target in endometrial cancer

Although molecularly targeted therapies have been effective in some cancer types, no targeted therapy is approved for use in endometrial cancer. The recent identification of activating mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in endometrial tumors has generated a new avenue for the development of targeted therapeutic agents. The majority of the mutations identified are identical to germline mutations in FGFR2 and FGFR3 that cause craniosynostosis and hypochondroplasia syndromes and result in both ligand-independent and ligand-dependent receptor activation. Mutations that predominantly occur in the endometrioid subtype of endometrial cancer, are mutually exclusive with KRAS mutation, but occur in the presence of PTEN abrogation. In vitro studies have shown that endometrial cancer cell lines with activating FGFR2 mutations are selectively sensitive to a pan-FGFR inhibitor, PD173074. Several agents with activity against FGFRs are currently in clinical trials. Investigation of these agents in endometrial cancer patients with activating FGFR2 mutations is warranted.
On local RBF approximation

The purpose of this paper is to investigate RBF approximation with highly nonuniform centers. Recently, DeVore and Ron have developed a notion of the local density of a set of centers--a notion that permits precise pointwise error estimates for surface spline approximation. We give an equivalent, alternative characterization of local density, one that allows effective placement of centers at different resolutions. We compare, also, the pointwise results of DeVore---Ron to previously works of Wu and Schaback and of Duchon.
RG-flow, gravity and the cosmological constant

We study the low energy effective action $S$ of gravity, induced by integrating out gauge and matter fields, in a general class of Randall-Sundrum type string compactification scenarios with exponential warp factors. Our method combines dimensional reduction with the holographic map between between 5-d supergravity and 4-d large $N$ field theory. Using the classical supergravity approximation, we derive a flow equation of the effective action $S$ that controls its behavior under scale transformations. We find that as a result each extremum of $S$ automatically describes a complete RG trajectory of classical solutions. This implies that, provided the cosmological constant is canceled in the high energy theory, classical flat space backgrounds naturally remain stable under the RG-flow. The mechanism responsible for this stability is that the non-zero vacuum energy generated by possible phase transitions, is absorbed by a dynamical adjustment of the contraction rate of the warp factor.
Substitution between U.S. and Canadian Wheat by Class

The imports of hard red winter and durum wheat from Canada has been a source of contention among U.S. wheat growers, due to the likeness between domestic and imported Canadian wheat. This has also been investigated as a source of material injury to the U.S. market. We examine the relative substitution between U.S. and Canadian wheat, by class, by treating wheat as an input in flour production. We find that while U.S. hard red spring wheat and U.S. hard red winter wheat are economic substitutes, there is limited price substitution between U.S. and Canadian durum and U.S. and Canadian hard red spring wheat. Quality differences from the millers’ perspective may be the reason driving the import demand for hard red spring and durum wheat from Canada. Les importations de ble de force rouge d'hiver et de ble dur en provenance du Canada sont une source de conflit chez les producteurs de ble des Etats-Unis, en raison de la ressemblance entre le ble produit aux Etats-Unis et le ble importe du Canada. Ce point, juge comme une source de prejudice important au marcheetatsunien, a egalement fait l'objet d'une enquete. Nous avons examine la substitution relative du bleetatsunien et canadien, selon la classe, en traitant le ble comme un intrant dans la production de farine. Nos resultats ont indique que, bien que le ble de force roux de printemps et le ble de force rouge d'hiver soient des substituts economiques, la substitution en raison du prix demeure limitee entre le ble dur etatsunien et canadien et entre le ble de force roux de printemps etatsunien et canadien. Les differences de qualite percues par les meuniers pourraient etre la raison qui stimule la demande d'importation de ble de force roux du printemps et de ble dur en provenance du Canada.
Cyclopropanation versus carbon–hydrogen insertion. The influences of substrate and catalyst on selectivity

Abstract Reactions of diazoacetates with varying linkages from the diazo-carbon to a vinyl group, catalyzed by chiral copper(I) and rhodium(II) compounds, were examined for selectivity in their intramolecular reactions. Bis-oxazoline-ligated copper(I) has advantages for cyclopropanation that form medium-to-large rings. Dirhodium(II) carboxamidates have advantages for small-ring-fused cyclopropane compounds and for carbon–hydrogen insertion.
Economic and Political Explanations of Human Rights Violations

G OVERNMENTS organize police forces and armies to protect their citizens, build schools and hospitals to educate and care for them, and provide financial assistance for the old and unemployed. But governments also kill, torture, and imprison their citizens. This dark side of government knows no geographic, economic, ideological, or political boundary. In the Middle East, for example, Iraq has morbidly placed a "welcome" doormat at the entrance to its torture chamber-a place where prisoners are burned with cigarettes and electric hot plates, where electric shocks are administered to them, and where they are hanged from the ceiling. In Central America, the government of Guatemala tolerates the torture and killing of three church workers who were assisting refugees. In Africa, the Cameroons allows eight prisoners to die of malnutrition; South Africa, through its policy of apartheid, systematically violates the rights of its nonwhite citizens. In Asia, Burmese army units operating in Karen state use local civilians as minesweepers. In Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union confines dissenters to psychiatric hospitals. In Western Europe, the residents of Northern Ireland are subjected to trials that fail to conform to international standards, and civilians are shot by the security forces.' The list goes on. Unfortunately, this type of governmental behavior is-even in the late 20th century-a dismal characteristic of contemporary politics. Most of the world's countries hold some "prisoners of conscience" or detain po-
The archaeology of religious ritual

Archaeologists traditionally assumed that rituals were understood best in light of religious doctrines, beliefs, and myths. Given the material focus of archaeology, archaeologists believed that ritual was a particularly unsuitable area for archaeological inquiry. In the past 25 years, archaeologists have increasingly started to address ritual in their research. Some archaeologists with access to extensive historical or ethnohistorical sources continue to see rituals as the enactment of religious principles or myths. Other archaeologists have adopted a more practice-oriented understanding of ritual, arguing that ritual is a form of human action. In emphasizing ritual practice, archaeologists reject a clear dichotomy between religious and nonreligious action or artifacts, focusing instead on the ways that the experience of ritual and ritual symbolism promotes social orders and dominant ideologies.
Parametric sensitivity analysis for biochemical reaction networks based on pathwise information theory.

Stochastic modeling and simulation provide powerful predictive methods for the intrinsic understanding of fundamental mechanisms in complex biochemical networks. Typically, such mathematical models involve networks of coupled jump stochastic processes with a large number of parameters that need to be suitably calibrated against experimental data. In this direction, the parameter sensitivity analysis of reaction networks is an essential mathematical and computational tool, yielding information regarding the robustness and the identifiability of model parameters. However, existing sensitivity analysis approaches such as variants of the finite difference method can have an overwhelming computational cost in models with a high-dimensional parameter space. We develop a sensitivity analysis methodology suitable for complex stochastic reaction networks with a large number of parameters. The proposed approach is based on Information Theory methods and relies on the quantification of information loss due to parameter perturbations between time-series distributions. For this reason, we need to work on path-space, i.e., the set consisting of all stochastic trajectories, hence the proposed approach is referred to as “pathwise”. The pathwise sensitivity analysis method is realized by employing the rigorously-derived Relative Entropy Rate, which is directly computable from the propensity functions. A key aspect of the method is that an associated pathwise Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) is defined, which in turn constitutes a gradient-free approach to quantifying parameter sensitivities. The structure of the FIM turns out to be block-diagonal, revealing hidden parameter dependencies and sensitivities in reaction networks. As a gradient-free method, the proposed sensitivity analysis provides a significant advantage when dealing with complex stochastic systems with a large number of parameters. In addition, the knowledge of the structure of the FIM can allow to efficiently address questions on parameter identifiability, estimation and robustness. The proposed method is tested and validated on three biochemical systems, namely: (a) a protein production/degradation model where explicit solutions are available, permitting a careful assessment of the method, (b) the p53 reaction network where quasi-steady stochastic oscillations of the concentrations are observed, and for which continuum approximations (e.g. mean field, stochastic Langevin, etc.) break down due to persistent oscillations between high and low populations, and (c) an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor model which is an example of a high-dimensional stochastic reaction network with more than 200 reactions and a corresponding number of parameters.
An efficient perturbed parameter scheme in the Lorenz system for quantifying model uncertainty

In the present proof-of-concept investigation, a new reliable and efficient perturbed parameter scheme is shown to be comparable to an additive stochastic parametrization scheme in resolving systematic model error. The experiments are conducted using two Lorenz 63 (L63) models coupled to mimic the ocean–atmosphere system, and the atmospheric L63 is further coupled to a spatially resolved convective-scale Lorenz 96 (L96). The entire system is treated as the ‘truth’, and is simulated using a ‘forecast model’ where L96 is treated as a subgrid-scale process and parametrized using one of three schemes: (i) deterministic, (ii) additive stochastic parametrization, and (iii) perturbed parameter. Perfect initial conditions are applied to investigate uncertainties caused by model errors. The systematic biases are significantly reduced in the perturbed parameter scheme when ‘informative’ perturbations are applied. An informative perturbation is the difference between the true tendency and the deterministically parametrized tendency. Moreover, the proposed scheme uses a stochastic spectral method, Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE), to build a low-cost surrogate model of the perturbed forecast model. The PCE surrogate is an analytic function of the perturbation which effectively produces unbiased forecast statistics at large ensemble size, without the need to integrate the actual perturbed forecast model.
ConstructAide: analyzing and visualizing construction sites through photographs and building models

We describe a set of tools for analyzing, visualizing, and assessing architectural/construction progress with unordered photo collections and 3D building models. With our interface, a user guides the registration of the model in one of the images, and our system automatically computes the alignment for the rest of the photos using a novel Structure-from-Motion (SfM) technique; images with nearby viewpoints are also brought into alignment with each other. After aligning the photo(s) and model(s), our system allows a user, such as a project manager or facility owner, to explore the construction site seamlessly in time, monitor the progress of construction, assess errors and deviations, and create photorealistic architectural visualizations. These interactions are facilitated by automatic reasoning performed by our system: static and dynamic occlusions are removed automatically, rendering information is collected, and semantic selection tools help guide user input. We also demonstrate that our user-assisted SfM method outperforms existing techniques on both real-world construction data and established multi-view datasets.
Design rule related defects formation

Abstract Formation of implantation induced tertiary defects is reported to be closely related to the design rule of poly-Si (on field oxide) to active area distance. Leakage current measurements of N+/P-type junctions was used to characterize the defect density of a variety of layout structures. Material analyses were also conducted to reveal the defect natures in Si crystal lattices and occurring probability of dislocations.
Turnover and accountability of appointed and elected judges

We propose a novel empirical framework for comparing two different political institutions, focusing on selection and retention of state court judges in the U.S. Under one system, when there is an open seat, the governor appoints a new judge; when the term of the judge expires, he faces an up-or-down majority decision by voters, without facing challengers. Under the other system, judges are selected and re-elected through competitive elections. We estimate a dynamic model to quantify the degree of reelection concerns imposed on judges’ decisions and to jointly analyze underlying preferences of judges, using individual-level criminal sentencing and reelection data.
Counseling for the wilderness athlete and adventurer during a preparticipation evaluation for preparation, safety, and injury prevention

Wilderness sports and adventures continue to increase in popularity. Counseling is an essential element of the preparticipation evaluation (PPE) for athletes in traditional sports. This approach can be applied to and augmented for the wilderness athlete and adventurer. The authors reviewed the literature on counseling during PPEs and gathered expert opinion from medical professionals who perform such PPEs for wilderness sports enthusiasts. The objective was to present findings of this review and make recommendations on the counseling component of a wilderness sports/adventure PPE. The counseling component of a PPE for wilderness sports/adventures should take place after a basic medical evaluation, and include a discussion on sport or activity-specific injury prevention, personal health, travel recommendations, and emergency event planning. Counseling should be individualized and thorough, and involve shared decision making. This should take place early enough to allow ample time for the athlete or adventurer to further prepare as needed based on the recommendations. Resources may be recommended for individuals desiring more information on selected topics.
Synthesis of naphthalenes and 2-naphthols by the electrophilic cyclization of alkynes.

A wide variety of substituted naphthalenes are readily prepared regioselectively under mild reaction conditions by the 6-endo-dig electrophilic cyclization of appropriate arene-containing propargylic alcohols by ICl, I2, Br2, NBS, and PhSeBr. 3-Iodo-2-naphthols have also been prepared in excellent yields by the cyclization of analogous 1-aryl-3-alkyn-2-ones. This methodology readily accommodates various functional groups and has been successfully extended to the synthesis of substituted carbazoles and dibenzothiophenes.
What is rational psychology?: toward a modern mental philosophy

Rational psychology is the conceptual investigation of psychology by means of the most fit mathematical concepts Several practical benefits should accrue from its recognition SOME PROBLEMS closely associated with t,hose of artificial intelligence and cognitive science seem unduly neglected in light of the possible benefits of their investigation. Thcsc are the problems of investigating theories and techniques of natural and artificial psychologies by means of t,he most fit mathematical concepts. The term “rational psychology” labels this investigation. Rational psychology should not, be confused with logic-based presentations of artificial intelligence. While investigations based on mathematical logic are relatively familiar and certainly useful, using only that portion of mathematics to characterize psychologies presupposes that psychological questions are fundamentally logical. That presupposition is not, ncccssary for the development of an exact science of mind. To urge the broader view, the fol@ Copyright 1983 by <Jon Doyle This research was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DOD), ARPA Order No 3597, monitored by the Air Force Avionics Laboratory under Contract F33615-81-K-1539 The views and conclusions contained in this document xc those of the author, and should not he interpreted as representing the official policies, eit,her expressed 01‘ implied, of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or the Government of the Ilnited States of America lowing briefly explains the idea of rational psychology, places it among its associated fields, and indicates some of its likely
Steady-state voltage stability regions of power systems

Abstract This paper deals with the steady-state (small-disturbance) voltage stability of power systems. A simple example is proposed to interpret the real-world phenomena of voltage instability. For general interconnected power systems, the voltage stability is studied via linearized dynamical equations of on-load tap changers and steady-state decoupled reactive power flow equations. A set of conditions is derived for a hyperbox of tap settings and load bus voltages to satisfy the steady-state stability requirements. The results can be used to construct steady-state voltage stability regions for the security monitoring of power systems.
The Pricing Effects of Open Space Amenities

A spatial Durbin model (SDM) is developed to estimate the open space proximity values in Fresno-Clovis metropolitan area in Central California circa 2005 to 2012, a time period covering a full market cycle with distinctive boom, bust, and recovery market phases. By controlling for distressed market conditions (vacant, foreclosure, and short-sale transactions) and spillover pricing effects, we find significant but heterogeneous values for proximity to five types of open space amenities. Furthermore, proximity values for parks and golf courses are found to drop by more than 20 % in the bust period relative to the boom period. Results show that failing to capture distressed market conditions and market phases, when the housing market is out of equilibrium, leads to biased results. In addition, our findings suggest that ignoring spatial dependence and spillover pricing effects presents a potential bias in estimating open space amenity values. The SDM, which considers spatial dependence and spillovers at a finer scale in the neighborhood, outperforms region fixed effects models when spatial spillovers are significant.
Comparative protein modeling of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase enzyme from Plasmodium falciparum: a potential target for antimalarial drug discovery.

Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (Pf-DXR) is a potential target for antimalarial chemotherapy. The three-dimensional model (3D) of this enzyme was determined by means of comparative modeling through multiple alignment followed by intensive optimization, minimization, and validation. The resulting model demonstrates a reasonable topology as gauged from the Ramachandran plot and acceptable three-dimensional structure compatibility as assessed by the Profiles-3D score. The modeled monomeric subunit consists of three domains: (1) N-terminal NADPH binding domain, (2) connective or linker domain (with most of the active site residues located in this domain), and (3) a C-terminal domain. This structure proved to be consistent with known DXR crystal structures from other species. The predicted active site compared favorably with those of the templates and appears to have an active site with a highly conserved architecture. Additionally, the model explains several site-directe...
Use of protein G microcolumns in chromatographic immunoassays: A comparison of competitive binding formats

Affinity microcolumns containing protein G were used as general platforms for creating chromatographic-based competitive binding immunoassays. Human serum albumin (HSA) was used as a model target for this work and HSA tagged with a near infrared fluorescent dye was utilized as the label. The protein G microcolumns were evaluated for use in several assay formats, including both solution-based and column-based competitive binding immunoassays and simultaneous or sequential injection formats. All of these methods were characterized by using the same amounts of labeled HSA and anti-HSA antibodies per sample, as chosen for the analysis of a protein target in the low-to-mid ng/mL range. The results were used to compare these formats in terms of their response, precision, limit of detection, and analysis time. All these methods gave detection limits in the range of 8-19ng/mL and precisions ranging from ±5% to ±10% when using an injection flow rate of 0.10mL/min. The column-based sequential injection immunoassay provided the best limit of detection and the greatest change in response at low target concentrations, while the solution-based simultaneous injection method had the broadest linear and dynamic ranges. These results provided valuable guidelines that can be employed to develop and extend the use of protein G microcolumns and these competitive binding formats to other protein biomarkers or biological agents of clinical or pharmaceutical interest.
Toward a Unifying Framework for Exploring Fit and Flexibility in Strategic Human Resource Management

In this article we present a framework for studying the concepts of fit and flexibility in the field of strategic human resource management (HRM), focusing on HRM practices, employee skills, and employee behaviors, and review past conceptual and empirical work within that framework. We present a model of strategic HRM and use this model to explore the concepts of fit and flexibility as they apply to strategic HRM. After applying the concepts of resource and coordination flexibility to strategic HRM, we discuss the implications of the framework for both the practice of and research on strategic HRM.
Taxation, Portfolio Choice, and Debt-Equity Ratios: A General Equilibrium Model

This paper explores the portfolio behavior of investors differing with respect to both tax rates and risk aversion, emphasizing the role of constraints on individual and firm behavior in ensuring the existence of and characterizing portfolio equilibrium. Under certain conditions on the securities available in the market, which also are necessary for shareholders to be unanimous in supporting firm value maximization, investors will be segmented by tax rate into two groups, one specialized in equity and the other in debt. Though the relative wealths of the two groups determine the aggregate debt-equity ratio, each firm will be indifferent to its financial policy.
Micro-computed tomography assisted distal femur metaphyseal blunt punch compression for determining trabecular bone strength in mice

Shorter generation time and the power of genetic manipulation make mice an ideal model system to study bone biology as well as bone diseases. However their small size presents a challenge to perform strength measurements, particularly of the weight-bearing cancellous bone in the murine long bones. We recently developed an improved method to measure the axial compressive strength of the cancellous bone in the distal femur metaphysis in mice. Transverse micro-computed tomography image slices that are 7µm thick were used to locate the position where the epiphysis-metaphysis transition occurs. This enabled the removal of the distal femur epiphysis at the exact transition point exposing the full extent of metaphyseal trabecular bone, allowing more accurate and consistent measurement of its strength. When applied to a murine model system consisting of five month old male wild-type (WT) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) knockout (KO) Camkk2(-/-) mice that possess recorded differences in trabecular bone volume, data collected using this method showed good correlation between bone volume fraction and strength of trabecular bone. In combination with micro-computed tomography and histology, this method will provide a comprehensive and consistent assessment of the microarchitecture and tissue strength of the cancellous bone in murine mouse models.
Revisiting the impact of the Brazilian SIMPLES program on firms' formalization rates

A recent survey of rigorous impact evaluations of programs to help small and medium-size firms to formalize indicates that the programs do not seem to work for most informal firms. One of the few exceptions finds large effects of a tax simplification program in Brazil called SIMPLES on firms' formalization rates and performance indicators. Using the same data set but a different identification strategy, another study concludes that the program had limited effect on formalization rates. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it revisits the two studies to reconcile their conflicting conclusions. Second, it investigates the validity of the identification strategy of both studies. The findings suggest that the conflicting results between the two studies are caused by the dates each used to identify when the program was put into effect. A robustness check indicates that data heaping and seasonality around November cast doubts on the identification strategy used in both studies to estimate the effect of this particular program.
A fully coupled geomechanics and fluid flow model for proppant pack failure and fracture conductivity damage analysis

Abstract One reason for observed reductions in the conductivity of hydraulic fractures is failure of the proppant pack. Proppant deformation, crushing, or embedment can decrease the fracture width and conductivity. In this paper, the continuity and momentum balance equations were fully coupled to simulate the transient phenomena involving fluid flow through a deformable porous proppant pack. Porous media displacement, water pressure, and gas pressure were derived as primary unknowns. The governing equation was discretized using the finite element method and solved numerically. In this model, the proppant pack and formation rocks were treated as two different types of continuous porous media (Biot type). Proppant deformation, crushing, and embedment could be identified through the geomechanical model, while the damage effects on gas/oil production would be studied through the fluid-flow model. Analysis of proppant deformation and crushing was based on the proppant pack stress–strain behavior. The displacement of the fracture-formation interface represented both the deformation of proppant and rock solids around fracture surface. Mohr–Coulomb failure was used as the criterion for proppant crushing. Effects of proppant damage were evaluated on proppant pack porosity and permeability. The model can be applied generally in hydraulically fractured reservoirs with proper inputs. In this paper, we used a fractured tight sand gas reservoir as a study case. The pressure distribution as well as proppant pack deformation are illustrated in the paper. Proppant pack mechanical behavior was found to be sensitive to the fluid flow pressure. Proppant near the wellbore has a higher likelihood of being crushed.
Waveform Inversion via Nonlinear Differential Semblance Optimization

This article describes a nonlinear differential semblance approach to waveform inversion. Nonlinear differential semblance optimization combines the ability of full waveform inversion to account for nonlinear physical effects, such as multiple reflections, with the tendency of differential semblance migration velocity analysis to avoid local minima. It borrows the gather-flattening concept from migration velocity analysis, and updates the velocity by flattening primaries-only gathers obtained via nonlinear inversion. We describe the underlying idea and formulation of this algorithm, and present a layered 2D acoustic inversion excercise for which standard full waveform inversion fails, whereas nonlinear differential semblance succeeds in constructing a kinematically correct model and fitting the data rather precisely.
Eu4Ga8Ge16: A New Four-Coordinate Clathrate Network

We report a new clathrate phase composed of europium atoms occupying cage voids in a gallium/germanium tetrahedral cage network. Eu4Ga8Ge16 crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Cmcm with a = 4.1349(6), b = 11.2842(15), and c = 13.2408(18). The compound is believed to satisfy the Zintl−Klemm concept of bonding to form a network solid with a unique one-dimensional line of Eu atoms aligned along the crystallographic a-axis, charge balancing an electron-deficient Ga/Ge framework. The compound was observed to melt incongruently at 684(1) °C by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Single-crystal electrical conductivity measurements gave 130 S/cm at room temperature with a metallic temperature dependence. The room-temperature thermopower (Seebeck coefficient) was measured to be 40 μV/K.
Viewpoint: The Human Capital Approach to Inference

The purpose of this essay is to discuss two approaches to inference, and how "human capital" can provide a way to combine them. The first approach, ubiquitous in economics, is based upon the Rubin/Holland potential outcomes model and relies upon randomized treatment to measure the causal effect of choice. The second approach, widely used in the pattern recognition and machine learning literatures, assumes that choice conditional upon current information is optimal (or at least high quality), and then provides techniques to generalize observed choice to new cases. The "human capital" approach combines these methods by using observed decisions by experts to reduce the demensionality of the feature space and allow the categorization of decisions by their propensity score. The fact that the human capital of experts is heterogeneous implies that errors in decision making are inevitable. Moreover, under the appropriate conditions, these decisions are random conditional upon the propensity score. This in turn allows us to identify the conditional average treatment effect for a wider class of situations than would be possible with randomized control trials. This point is illustrated with data from medical decision making in the context of treating depression, heart disease, and adverse childbirth events.
Synthesis of 1, 5-Disubstituted Imidazoles Including an Imidazole Analogue of Prostaglandin from 4(5)-Hydroxymethylimidazole

1-(6-Carboxyhexyl)-5-[(E)-3-hydroxy-1-octenyl]midazole, an imidazole analogue of prostaglandin, was synthesized from 4(5)-hydroxymethylimidazole hydrochloride. The key step involves regioselective alkylation of 4(5)-tertbutyldimethylsilyloxymethylimidazole to give predominantly 1, 5-disubstituted imidazole.
WOUND CLOSURE: HEALING THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Obtaining primary wound healing in Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA) is essential to a good result. Wound healing problems can occur and the consequences can be devastating to the patient and to the surgeon. Determination of the host healing capacity can be useful in predicting complications. Cierney and Mader classified patients as Type A: no healing compromises and Type B: systemic or local healing compromises factors present. Local factors include traumatic arthritis with multiple previous incisions, extensive scarring, lymphedema, poor vascular perfusion, and excessive local adipose deposition. Systemic compromising factors include diabetes, rheumatic diseases, renal or liver disease, immune compromise, steroids, smoking, and poor nutrition. In high risk situations the surgeon should encourage positive patient choices such as smoking cessation and nutritional supplementation to elevate the total lymphocyte count and total albumin. Careful planning of incisions, particularly in patients with scarring or multiple previous operations, is productive. Around the knee the vascular viability is better in the medial flap. Thus, use the most lateral previous incision, do minimal undermining, and handle tissue meticulously. We do all potentially complicated TKAs without tourniquet to enhance blood flow and tissue viability. The use of perioperative anticoagulation will increase wound problems. If wound drainage or healing problems do occur immediate action is required. Deep sepsis can be ruled out with a joint aspiration and cell count, and negative culture and sensitivity. All hematomas should be evacuated and necrosis or dehiscence should be managed by debridement to obtain a live wound. Options available for coverage of complex wound problems include myocutaneous flaps, pedicled skin flaps, and skin grafts. Wet, occlusive dressings and wound VACs encourage epithelisation of chronic wounds.
The Common Black Field Cricket, Gryllus Assimilis (FAB.) and Its Control

This paper is the result of 12 years of study of the common black field cricket, Gryllus assimilis (Fab.), in South Dakota. In this paper the economic importance of the cricket is discussed, and this is followed by an account of the distribution of the pest over South Dakota. The systematic status of the insect is treated, and then follows a discussion of the life history. The paper is concluded with an account of the relative importance of the parasitic and predaceous enemies of the cricket and finally with a discussion of control measures.
Work-Based (Not Classroom) Learning as the Apt Preparation for the Practice of Management:

The author contends in this article that work-based learning is the most advantageous method to prepare people to assume mutual responsibility for leadership and management. The reason is that leadership in the current knowledge era is less frequently produced from a single individual; rather, the author claims that it now occurs more often as a dynamic practice that is distributed across a range of individuals. Compared to traditional classroom learning often delivered in off-site settings, work-based learning summons participants to live engagements during which they can reflect on their experience so as to expand and create knowledge while at the same time improve their practice. Accordingly, they develop particular habits and attitudes that give rise to an adoption and appreciation of leadership as a collective practice.
Hydroxyl-Substituted Ladder Polyethers via Selective Tandem Epoxidation/Cyclization Sequence

A new and highly selective method for the synthesis of hydroxyl-substituted tetrahydropyrans is described. This method utilizes titanium(IV) isopropoxide and diethyl tartrate to perform a diastereoselective epoxidation followed by in situ epoxide activation and highly selective endo-cyclization to form the desired tetrahydropyran ring. The HIJ ring fragment of the marine ladder polyether yessotoxin was synthesized using this two-stage tactic that proceeds with high efficiency and excellent regioselectivity.
Epitaxy and Magnetotransport Properties of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 Films Synthesized by Both Pulsed Laser Deposition and Novel Chemical Routes

La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} thin films with different microstructural characteristics were prepared by both pulsed laser deposition and a novel polymeric sol-gel process. For both techniques, polycrystalline films were obtained on Si(100) with a native oxide surface but epitaxial and highly oriented growth could be induced on lattice-matched LaAlO{sub 3}(100) substrates. Whilst the overall magnetization and magnetoresistance behavior as a function of temperature and applied field were consistent with recent results, i.e., a semiconductor-to-metal transition accompanied by an antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transformation and large magnetoresistance at the resistance peak temperature, the properties of the films were significantly different depending on the microstructure, epitaxy and polycrystallinity. Detailed microstructural characterization of the films are presented and correlated with their magnetic/magnetotransport properties.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand-Enabled C(sp3)−H Arylation of Piperidine and Tetrahydropyran Derivatives

Pd(II)-catalyzed C(sp(3))-H arylation of saturated heterocycles with a wide range of aryl iodides is enabled by an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand. A C(sp(3))-H insertion step by the Pd(II)/NHC complex in the absence of ArI is demonstrated experimentally for the first time. Experimental data suggests that the previously established NHC-mediated Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalytic manifold does not operate in this reaction. This transformation provides a new approach for diversifying pharmaceutically relevant piperidine and tetrahydropyran ring systems.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Transitions in Polymers

Nuclear magnetic resonance absorption line widths have been studied for several high polymers. The proton line widths were studied in a field of 7000 gauss and at a frequency of about 30 mc. Line widths obtained for Hevea and GR‐S were very narrow, indicating a large degree of ``quasi‐free rotation'' in these materials. Vulcanization, carbon loading, co‐polymerization, and crystallization produced a broadening of the lines as expected from the hindrance to internal motion introduced by these factors. Line width transitions as a function of temperature were observed for several polymers. Linear thermal expansion coefficients and specific heat vs temperature curves have breaks in the region of line transitions for the polymers studied. Swelling of polymers with benzene produced a narrowing of the absorption line throughout the line transition and lowered the transition temperature. Vulcanization broadened the transition range and shifted it to higher temperatures. Of two closely cut fractions of polystyrene...
Phenomenology of High Gluon Density QCD and Heavy-Ion Physics at ISMD 2011: x Smaller than Ever!

I provide a brief summary of the theory presentations at ISMD 2011 related to the phenomenology of small-x QCD evolution and its application to particle production and fluctuations in high-energy hadron and heavy-ion collisions. I also mention some challenges for quantitative phenomenology which emerged from the LHC, such as understanding the long-range "ridge" in high-multiplicity p+p collisions, the transverse momentum distributions in p+p at semi-hard pT, and the origin and scale of density fluctuations in the initial state of heavy-ion collisions.
Chemo-, Regio-, and Stereoselective Copper(II)-Catalyzed Boron Addition to Acetylenic Esters and Amides in Aqueous Media

Aqueous conditions were developed for conducting an open-to-air, copper(II)-catalyzed addition of pinBBdan to alkynoates and alkynamides. The simple and mild β-borylation protocol proceeds in a remarkably chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective fashion to afford 1,8-diaminonaphthalene protected (Z)-β-boryl enoates and primary, secondary, and tertiary enamides in good to excellent yields. These reactions demonstrate a high tolerance toward a variety of alkyl, aryl, and heteroatom functional groups and provide convenient access to a diverse range of vinylboronic acid derivatives.
CT of Lumbar Spine Disk Herniation: Correlation with Surgical Findings

Computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine was performed with selectively positioned 5-mm-thick axial cross sections to examine each disk level from the top of the neural foramen to the pedicle of the next caudad vertebra. One hundred consecutive patients with 116 surgical disk explorations were reviewed. There was agreement between the CT and surgical findings in 89 patients (104 explorations) in determination of presence or absence of a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Discrepancy occurred in 12 instances (11 patients): two because of incorrect interpretations, five in previously operated patients, three in spondylolisthesis, and two in spinal stenosis. There were 97 true-positives, eight false-negatives, seven true-negatives, and four false-positives. If nine previously operated patients are excluded from the study, then CT was accurate in detection of presence or absence of an HNP in 93% of the disk explorations.