cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trapping-mediated dissociative chemisorption of cyclopropane on Ru(001) via CC bond cleavage

Abstract The initial probabilities of precursor-mediated dissociative chemisorption of c-C3H6 and c-C3D6 have been measured on the hexagonally close-packed Ru(001) surface at surface temperatures from 400 to 1100 K. The measured activation energies for both c-C3H6 and c-C3D6 are 9470±120 cal mol−1 with respect to the bottom of the physically adsorbed well. Trapping-mediated dissociative chemisorption of cyclopropane occurs via CC rather than CH bond cleavage at all temperatures studied, as judged by the lack of a kinetic isotope effect. The preferred reaction pathway of CC bond cleavage is a consequence of the ring strain contained in molecular cyclopropane. For both isotopomers of cyclopropane, the ratio of the pre-exponential factor of desorption to that of reaction is ∼100 due to the larger phase space available to the molecule for desorption relative to reaction.
Synthesis of (±)-(15E)&(15Z)-16-oxa-2,3-oxidosqualenes

Abstract As potential inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) (±)-(15E)&(15Z)-16-oxa-2,3-oxidosqualenes (( 9 )&( 10 )) were synthesized by the Wittig-Horner reaction from diphenylphosphinoyl-1-ethyl-geranyl ether ( 5 ) and the epoxy aldehyde ( 6 ). An efficient synthetic method for the Wittig-Horner reagent ( 5 ) was developed.
Optimal smoothing in function-transport particle methods for diffusion problems

Abstract We discuss a class of particle methods for diffusion problems with small diffusivity, in which diffusion is modeled by random walk update of the particle positions; each particle carries a point-value of the problem's initial data; and the numerical solution is obtained as a discrete convolution of the particle data with an approximate δ-function. While it is widely believed that such a particle method fails to converge, we prove that if the number of particles M and the degree of smoothing, measured by the width e of the approximate δ-function, are coupled so that ( Me ) -1 → 0 as M → ∞ and e → 0, then the computed solution u e M ( x, t ) converges to the solution v ( x, t ) of the diffusion equation in the sense that E (| u e M ( x, t ) - v ( x, t )| 2 ) → 0. We also present numerical results which illustrate the theory, and, in particular, show that the method performs uniformly well in the limit that the diffusion coefficient vanishes.
A generalization of the representation theorem

Abstract We generalize the representation theorem for fuzzy sets. More specifically, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a family of sets to represent a “permutation” of the levels of some fuzzy set.
Biochemical and genotoxic effects in the vicinity of a pulp mill discharge

Sediment and water samples were taken from five sites in Thunder Bay, one upstream (control) and four downstream locations from a bleached kraft pulp mill. Biochemical effects were examined by estimating the carbohydrate content and enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase, cellulase, and dehydrogenase in the sediment. Genotoxicity and toxicity of sediment and water were assessed by the SOS Chromotest, although liver microsomal samples were not used to screen for progenotoxic substances. Sediment and water samples were also analyzed for resin and fatty acids, which indicate the degree of effluent contamination. Significant differences in enzyme activity and carbohydrate content were found between sites. Genotoxic values were obtained for downstream water samples for most of the sampling months, however, the sediment only showed genotoxic activity in the July and October samples. The study showed that there are substances causing genotoxic and biochemical effects in the Kaministiquia River, Ontario. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Controlling qubit transitions through quantum interference during nonadiabatic rapid passage

We provide a further exploration of a type of nonadiabatic rapid passage known as twisted rapid passage (TRP). This class of rapid passage pulses allows a qubit to be driven through resonance multiple times during a single TRP sweep. The multiple resonances give rise to controllable quantum interference effects that provide direct control over qubit transitions so that transitions can be greatly enhanced or suppressed. These quantum interference effects have recently been observed experimentally. We examine here a number of new TRP pulse profiles and show that they can be used to implement a quantum NOT gate that operates both nonadiabatically and with sufficient reliability to surpass the accuracy threshold needed for the gate to be used as part of a fault-tolerant scheme of quantum computation. These new TRP pulse profiles are shown to provide performance advantages over TRP pulses previously considered in the literature.
Associations Among Mother–Child Communication Quality, Childhood Maladaptive Grief, and Depressive Symptoms

Mother–child communication may be an important factor in determining children's grief reactions following the death of the father. Using observational methods, the current study suggests that mothers' warm, sensitive, and engaged communication is associated with lower levels of maladaptive grief and depressive symptoms in children whose fathers have recently died. Further, mothers who showed a blunted emotional response to the loss, illustrated by unusually few depressive symptoms, were less effective at using these strategies than mothers with a more “normative” reaction. Findings suggest that mother–child communication may be an important intervention target for bereaved families.
Hydrolysis of phenolic glycosides by midgut β-glucosidases in Papilio glaucus subspecies

Abstract β-1,4-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) activity toward several phenolic glycosides characteristic of the Salicaceae was examined in subspecies of the eastern tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus. Midgut β-glucosidase activity of larval Papilio glaucus canadensis, which are adapted to phenolic glycosides, was one-third to one-half that of Papilio glaucus glaucus, which are unadapted to phenolic glycosides. Both subspecies hydrolyzed the phenolic glycoside salicin much more rapidly than the salicin derivative salicortin, but activity against even that substrate was high in comparison to β-glucosidase activity in other lepidopteran species. Ingestion of phenolic glycosides for 2 days prior to dissection suppressed β-glucosidase activity in P. g. canadensis, but induced activity in P. g. glaucus. β-Glucosidase activity varied among larvae fed different host plant species, and across seasons within a species, in P. g. glaucus.
Plane waves in generalized thermoelasticity

Abstract The properties of two dilatational motions in the context of generalized thermoelasticity are studied. The exact solution to the frequency equation is given and the exact values of the real and imaginary parts of the wave number are calculated. Approximate representations of this solution are derived for large and small frequencies, along with the ranges of validity. In this context the wave motions are unchanged for small frequencies, but both are modified at large frequencies. The major modifications concern only the thermal wave: the phase velocity approaches a constant value as frequency increases without limit; and the specific loss does not have any local extremum. Finally, the behaviour of amplitude ratios for small and large frequencies is discussed and the results obtained here are compared with those of earlier investigations in coupled thermoelasticity.
A free-space adaptive fmm-based pde solver in three dimensions

We present a kernel-independent, adaptive fast multipole method (FMM) of arbitrary order accuracy for solving elliptic PDEs in three dimensions with radiation boundary conditions. The algorithm requires only a Green’s function evaluation routine for the governing equation and a representation of the source distribution (the right-hand side) that can be evaluated at arbitrary points. The performance of the FMM is accelerated in two ways. First, we construct a piecewise polynomial approximation of the right-hand side and compute far-field expansions in the FMM from the coefficients of this approximation. Second, we precompute tables of quadratures to handle the near-field interactions on adaptive octree data structures, keeping the total storage requirements in check through the exploitation of symmetries. We present numerical examples for the Laplace, modified Helmholtz and Stokes equations.
Assuring the Form Has Substance: Treatment Plan Implementation as the Foundation of Assessing Response to Intervention.

Assessing response to intervention (RTI) is a complex process that requires selecting interventions, identifying a reasonable strength of intervention, implementing the intervention, assessing prog...
Towards the use of a lower limb exoskeleton for locomotion assistance in individuals with neuromuscular locomotor deficits

The authors intend to utilize a lower limb exoskeleton for gait assistance in individuals with lower limb neuromuscular deficit. The authors suggest that two foundational elements are required to do so effectively. First, the exoskeleton system must be capable of reliable real-time gait phase detection, in order to determine the nature of gait assistance to provide. Second, in gait phases or circumstances in which the exoskeleton provides minimal assistance, the passive dynamics of the exoskeleton should not hinder the individual (i.e., should have the capability to minimally interfere with gait dynamics). As such, the exoskeleton system should be capable of actively compensating for its passive dynamics, namely the inertial, gravitational, and frictional effects it imposes on the user. This paper describes the implementation of these two foundational elements (real-time gait phase detection and active cancellation of passive dynamics) on a prototype lower limb exoskeleton, and provides experimental data demonstrating their respective efficacy.
A lower bound on snap-through instability of curved beams under thermomechanical loads

Abstract A non-linear finite element formulation (three dimensional continuum elements) is implemented and used for modeling dynamic snap-through in beams with initial curvature. We identify a non-trivial (non-flat) configuration of the beam at a critical temperature value below which the beam will no longer experience snap-through under any magnitude of applied quasi-static load for beams with various curvatures. The critical temperature is shown to successfully eliminate snap-through in dynamic simulations at quasistatic loading rates . Thermomechanical coupling is included in order to model a physically minimal amount of damping in the system, and the resulting post-snap vibrations are shown to be thermoelastically damped. We propose a test to determine the critical snap-free temperature for members of general geometry and loading pattern; the analogy between mechanical prestress and thermal strain that holds between the static and dynamic simulations is used to suggest a simple method for reducing the vulnerability of thin-walled structural members to dynamic snap-through in members of large initial curvature via the introduction of initial pretension.
Energetic Nanoporous Silicon Devices

Nanoporous energetic silicon is a promising new material for on-chip integration of energetic materials. We demonstrate several advances in the integration of nanoporous energetic silicon, including monolithic integration of a hotwire initiator on nanoporous energetic silicon, with 2.8-V ignition. We also demonstrate lithographically patterned arrays of energetic devices that are independently addressable through integrated initiators with no sympathetic ignition. Monolithic integration of the energetic material with a surface micromachined microelectromechanical systems sensor is also shown. The performance and failure mechanisms of the hotwire initiator are examined, and preliminary measurements of the thrust and propagation velocity are reported.
Overexpression, purification, and characterization of full-length and mutant caldesmons using a baculovirus expression system

Three recombinant chicken gizzard caldesmon (CaD) baculovirus vectors that contained the full-length CaD codon sequence (Pv1CaD), the full-length CaD codon sequence and a six-histidine tag at the 5′-end (pBlueBacHisCaD), or the full-length CaD codon sequence and an extra six-histidine codon sequence at the 3′-end (PvlHisCaD) were constructed. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells transfected with these constructs overexpressed full-length CaD, yielding 2, 20, and 50 μg per 106 cells for pBlueBacHisCaD, PvlHisCaD, and PvlCaD, respectively. Time course assays for the expressed proteins demonstrated that the optimum harvest time was 36 h postinfection. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed PvlCaD localized on the plasma membrane of Sf9 cells at 24 h postinfection and distributed throughout the cytoplasm at 36–48 h postinfection. Analysis of the purified recombinant full-length CaD revealed most of the characteristics of the authentic CaD, including (a) an electrophoretic mobility corresponding to 125 kDa, (b) heat stability, (c) binding to actin, tropomyosin-actin, myosin, and calmodulin, (d) ability to inhibit actin-activated ATP hydrolysis by smooth muscle myosin, and (e) ability of Ca2+-calmodulin to reverse the inhibition. A CaD mutant with a deletion of 159 amino acids from the carboxyl terminus of the full-length CaD was also expressed at high levels in Sf9 cells. However, this mutant showed a decreased ability to bind to actin, tropomyosin-actin, and calmodulin, whereas the myosin binding was unaffected; actin-activated ATP hydrolysis by smooth muscle myosin was not inhibited by this mutant.
Support for aggressive stop-and-frisk policy in NYC: does perceived policy effectiveness and perceived disparate treatment explain observed racial and ethnic divides?

Prior research finds a fairly consistent racial and ethnic divide between Blacks and Whites, Blacks and Hispanics and Whites and Hispanics on issues of perceived injustice and crime policy preference. This study examines racial and ethnic variation, among a sample of New York City residents, in public views toward an aggressive stop-and-frisk policy. The study first explores whether there are racial and ethnic differences in perceptions that the stop-and-frisk policy is effective at reducing violent crime and gun offenses, and whether there are racial and ethnic differences in perceptions that police treat Blacks and Hispanics differently than Whites. The study then seeks to establish racial and ethnic divides between Blacks and Whites, Blacks and Hispanics, and Hispanics and Whites on support for the aggressive stop-and-frisk policy. Once these racial and ethnic divides in policy support are identified, the study explores whether perceptions of policy effectiveness (most likely held by Whites and Hispani...
Consistency relations for spinning matter in gravitational theories.

The consistency equations for a charged spinning fluid in the Einstein-Cartan theory are examined. The hydrodynamic laws associated with the theory of Ray and Smalley (1982, 1983) and the electromagnetic extension of Amorim (1984, 1985) are studied. The derivation of the consistency equation from the Euler equations for an improved perfect-fluid energy-momentum tensor is described.
Enzymatic preparation of carboxyl oxygen-18 labeled prostaglandin F2 alpha and utility for quantitative mass spectrometry.

Abstract A nonspecific liver esterase was found to not only catalyze the hydrolysis of the methyl ester of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) but also to catalyze the exchange of the carboxyl oxygen atoms with water leading to the production of [ 18 O 2 ]PGF2α when the enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out in H 2 18 O. The kinetics of this oxygen-18 exchange reaction are briefly discussed. The [ 18 O 2 ]PGF2α was found to be relative stable toward back exchange in methanol, aqueous buffer, and urine, but rapidly back exchanged to the native PGF2α in plasma with a half-life of 1 h. The [ 18 O 2 ]PGF2α was relatively stable in plasma to which alcohol had been added. The utility of the oxygen-18 labeled prostaglandin as an internal standard in a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay was demonstrated at the picomole range.
Rationality, Relativism, and Religion: A Reinterpretation of Peter Winch

Many point to Peter Winch’s discussion of rationality, relativism, and religion as a paradigmatic example of cultural relativism. In this paper, I argue that Winch’s relationship to relativism is widely misinterpreted in that, despite his pluralistic understanding of rationality, Winch does allow for universal features of culture in virtue of which cross-cultural understanding and even critique is possible. Nevertheless, I also argue that given the kind of cultural universals that Winch produces, he fails to avoid relativism. This is because in order to provide the standards without which relativism ensues, one requires a certain kind of criteria of rationality, namely, what I here call substantive universals, a kind of criteria which Winch rejects.
Abstract 2056: Molecular delineation of TIP150 function underlying kinetochore microtubule dynamics during mitotic chromosome segregation

The microtubule cytoskeleton orchestrates the cellular dynamics and plasticity that underlies cellular morphogenesis. Microtubule binding proteins known as “TIP” proteins regulate the dynamic properties of microtubules during chromosomal segregation and cellular division. Our recent study revealed that TIP150 is a novel plus end tracking protein interacting with EB1 and MCAK in vitro and in vivo (EMBO Reports. 2009. 10:857-65). However, it is unclear whether and how this interaction regulates chromosome segregation in mitosis. We hypothesize that Tip150 is essential for chromosome segregation, and governs proper kinetochore-microtubule attachment at the microtubule plus end. To delineate the molecular function of TIP150 and its regulation in chromosome segregation and the mitotic cell cycle, a combination of biophotonic analyses with RNA interference was employed. Immunofluorescence reveals that TIP150 localizes to the outer most part of the kinetochore and to the ends of growing microtubules by its C-terminal domain. Suppression of TIP150 resulted in an increase in mitotic defects, reduced kinetochore-microtubule attachment, and perturbed chromosome oscillation dynamics. Furthermore, the use of total internal reflection microscopy reveals a novel role for TIP150-EB1 elicited tracking to the microtubule ends. We reason that TIP150 is essential for kinetochore-microtubule attachment in mitosis and microtubule dynamics. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2056. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2056
HERG, a Human Inward Rectifier in the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Family

In contrast to other members of the Eag family of voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying potassium channels, the human eag-related gene (HERG) has now been shown to encode an inwardly rectifying potassium channel. The properties of HERG channels are consistent with the gating properties of Eag-related and other outwardly rectifying, S4-containing potassium channels, but with the addition of an inactivation mechanism that attenuates potassium efflux during depolarization. Because mutations in HERG cause a form of long-QT syndrome, these properties of HERG channel function may be critical to the maintenance of normal cardiac rhythmicity.
Fate and effects of semivolatile organic pollutants during anaerobic digestion of sludge

Abstract Anaerobic digestion of primary and secondary sludge containing selected semivolatile organic pollutants was investigated. Typical digester operation was simulated with three, complete-mix, bench-scale digesters maintained at 35.5°C with a 30 day solids retention time. Two digesters were fed a primary and secondary sludge mixture produced from wastewater spiked with twenty semivolatile organics from the CERCLA pollutant list. The remaining digester (the control) was fed a similar mixture of sludge, but with no added organics. Operational parameters were monitored to compare the test and control units. All parameters were found to be within the limits of normal operation. Performance was near identical. An isotope dilution GC/MS method was employed for organics analysis of influent and effluent streams for all reactors. Steady-state fates of the organics were determined by mass balance. Twelve of the chemicals appear consistently and at steady state. Degradation was apparent for all components, with at least 10% of each parent compound partially or completely transformed. Sorption onto digester solids was an important removal mechanism. Results of organic analysis for the control digester highlight the effects of metabolic interferences.
Object capabilities for security

Existing systems often do a poor job of meeting the principle of least privilege. I will discuss how object capability systems and language-based methods can help address this shortcoming. In language-based object capability systems, an object reference is treated as a capability; unforgeability of references ensures unforgeability of capabilities; and all privileges are expressed as capabilities in this way. This makes it possible to decompose the system into distrusting "privilege-separated" components, providing each component with the least privilege it needs to do its job; to reason about the privileges and powers available to various program elements, often in a local (modular) way; and to avoid common pitfalls, such as confused deputy and TOCTTOU vulnerabilities. I will attempt to introduce the audience to some work in this area that is perhaps not so widely known, and I will describe some work in progress to construct a subset of Java, called Joe-E, that is intended to enable capability-style programming using a programming syntax that is familiar to Java programmers.
MAPK signaling in plant hormone ethylene signal transduction

The signal transduction pathway of the plant stress and defense hormone, ethylene, has been extensively elucidated using the plant genetic model Arabidopsis over the last two decades. Among others, a MAPKKK CTR1 was identified as a negative regulator that has led to the speculation of MAPK involvement in ethylene signaling. However, it remained unclear how the MAPK modules acting downstream of the receptors to mediate ethylene signaling. We have recently presented new evidence that the MKK9-MPK3/6 modules identified by combined functional genomic and genetic screens mediate ethylene signaling, which is negatively regulated by the genetically identified CTR1-dependent cascades. Our genetic studies show consistently that the MKK9-MPK3/MPK6 modules act downstream of the ethylene receptors. Biochemical and transgenic analyses further demonstrated that the positive-acting and negative-acting MAPK activities are integrated and act simultaneously to control the key transcription factor EIN3 through dual phosphorylations to regulate the EIN3 protein stability and downstream transcription cascades. This study has revealed a novel molecular mechanism that defines the specificity of complex MAPK signaling. Comprehensive elucidation of MAPK cascades and the underlying molecular mechanisms would provide more precise explanations for how plant cells utilize MAPK cascades to control specific downstream outputs in response to distinct stimuli.
Towards in situ affect detection in mobile devices: a multimodal approach

Most of the research in multi-modal affect detection has been done in laboratory environment. Little work has been done for in situ affect detection. In this paper, we investigate affect detection in natural environment using sensors available in smart phones. We use facial expression and energy expenditure of a person to classify a person's affective state by continuously capturing fine grained accelerometer data for energy and camera image for facial expression and measure the performance of the system. We have deployed our system in natural environment and have provided special attention on annotation for the training data validating the 'ground truth'. We have found important correlation between facial image and energy which validates Russell's two dimensional theory of emotion using arousal and valence space. In this paper, we have presented initial findings in multi-modal affect detection.
The Potential Effects of Climate Change on Summer Season Dairy Cattle Milk Production and Reproduction

The potential direct effects of possible global warming on summer season dairy production and reproduction were evaluated for the United States and Europe. Algorithms used for milk production and conception rate were previously developed and validated. Three widely known global circulation models (GISS, GFDL, and UKMO) were used to represent possible scenarios of future climate. Milk production and conception rate declines were highest under the UKMO model scenario and lowest under the GISS model scenario. Predicted declines for the GCM scenarios are generally higher than either ‘1 year in 10’ probability-based declines or declines based on the abnormally hot summer of 1980 in the United States. The greatest declines (about 10% for the GISS and GFDL scenarios, and about 20% for the UKMO scenario) in the United States are predicted to occur in the Southeast and the Southwest. Substantial declines (up to 35%) in conception rates were also predicted in many locations, particularly the eastern and southern United States. These areas correspond to areas of high dairy cattle concentration. They already have relatively large summer season milk production declines resulting from normally hot conditions. Thus, the actual impacts of increased production declines may be greater in other areas, which are not accustomed to large summer season declines and therefore may require more extensive mitigation measures.
Pneumomediastinum following the Heimlich maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver appears to be a widely accepted technique advocated as a means of clearing an obstructed airway. Reports of complications have been few. We report a case of pneumomediastinum that occurred following the generation of increased pulmonary pressures during performance of the Heimlich maneuver.
Complementary and alternative medicine: Opportunities and challenges for cancer management and research

Given the widespread use of diverse complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches by cancer patients, research to establish their safety and efficacy is critical as is improved patient-physician communication about their possible risks and benefits. The mission of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is to support exacting research and disseminate clear and compelling information on CAM. Although many of the challenges facing such research are not unique to CAM, these approaches do present unique challenges, but the opportunities are many for prevention, palliation, and even treatment. Using the current research portfolio of NCCAM to illustrate how the field may mature, this report summarizes the challenges facing CAM investigators, the most fruitful areas for exploration, and existing information resources. Semin Oncol 29:531-545. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Inhibition of GSK3β is a common event in neuroprotection by different survival factors

Depolarizing concentrations of potassium (HK, 25 mM), cyclic AMP elevating agents and analogs (cAMP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), or lithium can maintain the survival of cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). We investigated the possibility that the signal transduction pathways utilized by these four survival factors converge in regulating a common molecular target. We targeted the regulation of the kinase GSK3beta as the critical event in the survival directed by the four survival factors. We found that treatment of CGNs with HK, the cAMP-elevating agent forskolin, IGF-1, and lithium resulted in phosphorylation of GSK3beta at serine-9 and thus its inactivation. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of core components in the survival signaling cascades initiated by HK, forskolin, IGF-1, and lithium causes apoptosis and activation of GSK3beta accompanies this death. Finally, we examined the pharmacological inhibitors of GSK3beta, GSK3 inhibitor I, TDZD-8, and SB-415286, for their ability to prevent low potassium (LK)-induced apoptosis. Although previous reports demonstrate inhibition of GSK3beta in in vitro kinase assays with GSK3 inhibitor I and TDZD-8, we were unable to detect inhibition of GSK3beta in neuronal cultures treated with these compounds and thus no protection from LK-induced apoptosis. SB-415286 on the other hand, was able to rescue CGNs from cell death. Taken together, we conclude that regulation of GSK3beta is a critical convergence event in the promotion of CGN survival by different factors.
Improving IMRT delivery efficiency using intensity limits during inverse planning

Inverse planned intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) fields can be highly modulated due to the large number of degrees of freedom involved in the inverse planning process. Additional modulation typically results in a more optimal plan, although the clinical rewards may be small or offset by additional delivery complexity and/or increased dose from transmission and leakage. Increasing modulation decreases delivery efficiency, and may lead to plans that are more sensitive to geometrical uncertainties. The purpose of this work is to assess the use of maximum intensity limits in inverse IMRT planning as a simple way to increase delivery efficiency without significantly affecting plan quality. Nine clinical cases (three each for brain, prostate, and head/neck) were used to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of limiting maximum intensity to increase delivery efficiency. IMRT plans were generated using in-house protocol-based constraints and objectives for the brain and head/neck, and RTOG 9406 dose volume objectives in the prostate. Each case was optimized at a series of maximum intensity ratios (the product of the maximum intensity and the number of beams divided by the prescribed dose to the target volume), and evaluated in terms of clinical metrics, dose-volume histograms, monitor units (MU) required per fraction (SMLC and DMLC delivery), and intensity map variation (a measure of the beam modulation). In each site tested, it was possible to reduce total monitor units by constraining the maximum allowed intensity without compromising the clinical acceptability of the plan. Monitor unit reductions up to 38% were observed for SMLC delivery, while reductions up to 29% were achieved for DMLC delivery. In general, complicated geometries saw a smaller reduction in monitor units for both delivery types, although DMLC delivery required significantly more monitor units in all cases. Constraining the maximum intensity in an inverse IMRT plan is a simple way to improve delivery efficiency without compromising plan objectives.
ACTH4–10 produces a transient decrease in septal hyperemotionality

The administration of doses of ACTH 4–10 that have been shown to be effective in producing enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration did not produce the enhanced rate of decline in hyperemotionality produced by administration of the ACTH 4–9 variant Org 2766. Long-term changes in septal reactions in training situations were likewise not affected by ACTH 4–10 . These results indicate that, despite similar peripheral nerve growth effects, these two ACTH-related agents (ACTH 4–10 and Org 2766) produce quite different long- and short-term effects on rats with septal area damage.
Improvement in Prescribing Habits and Economic Outcomes Associated With the Introduction of a Standardized Approach for Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis

A quasi-experimental before-after study was conducted to determine the impact on prescribing habits and economic outcomes of an intervention that required use of an order form for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Implementation of this intervention improved compliance with guidelines for prevention of surgical site infections, particularly with respect to choice of antibiotic, duration of use, and dosage, and resulted in decreased cost of surgical prophylaxis.
Synthesis and Human Neurotensin Receptor Binding Activities of Neurotensin(8−13) Analogues Containing Position 8 α-Azido-N-alkylated Derivatives of Ornithine, Lysine, and Homolysine

A series of neurotensin(8−13) (NT) analogues were synthesized through intermediates in which the N-terminal Arg(8) was replaced by various ω-bromo-2(S)-azido residues spanning 3−5 methylene units in side-chain length. Subsequent nucleophilic substitution of the ω-bromo groups with ammonia, methylamine, dimethylamine, or trimethylamine provided peptides containing N-terminal 2(S)-azido residues containing primary through quaternary N-alkylated side chains corresponding in length to ornithine, Lys, and homolysine. The synthetic procedure appears applicable for incorporation of a wide variety of amine-containing nonnatural amino acids into peptides. The particular modifications were intended to enhance physiochemical properties of NT(8−13) responsible for human NT 1 receptor (hNTR) binding, overall lipophilicity, and stability that may influence the potency of the peptides in vivo. When the peptides were tested for hNTR binding, the affinities in each series followed the order primary > secondary > tertiary ...
AUTOMOTIVE FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENTS AND CONSUMERS' SURPLUS

Abstract The change in consumers' surplus resulting from the alteration of automobile characteristics to achieve greater fuel economy is estimated. Measures of surplus change based on random utility models of consumer choice are calculated using data on the characteristics of makes and models from 1978 to 1985. Random utility models with constant and random coefficients are used. Though highly dependent on assumed attribute values, the results suggest that consumer surplus gains have been roughly equal in magnitude to the increased retail price of more efficient cars.
The development of a closed-loop flight controller with panel method integration for gust alleviation using biomimetic feathers on aircraft wings

This paper presents the development of a biomimetic closed-loop flight controller that integrates gust alleviation and flight control into a single distributed system. Modern flight controllers predominantly rely on and respond to perturbations in the global states, resulting in rotation or displacement of the entire aircraft prior to the response. This bio-inspired gust alleviation system (GAS) employs active deflection of electromechanical feathers that react to changes in the airflow, i.e. the local states. The GAS design is a skeletal wing structure with a network of featherlike panels installed on the wing's surfaces, creating the airfoil profile and replacing the trailing-edge flaps. In this study, a dynamic model of the GAS-integrated wing is simulated to compute gust-induced disturbances. The system implements continuous adjustment to flap orientation to perform corrective responses to inbound gusts. MATLAB simulations, using a closed-loop LQR integrated with a 2D adaptive panel method, allow analysis of the morphing structure's aerodynamic data. Non-linear and linear dynamic models of the GAS are compared to a traditional single control surface baseline wing. The feedback loops synthesized rely on inertial changes in the global states; however, variations in number and location of feather actuation are compared. The bio-inspired system's distributed control effort allows the flight controller to interchange between the single and dual trailing edge flap profiles, thereby offering an improved efficiency to gust response in comparison to the traditional wing configuration. The introduction of aero-braking during continuous gusting flows offers a 25% reduction in x-velocity deviation; other flight parameters can be reduced in magnitude and deviation through control weighting optimization. Consequently, the GAS demonstrates enhancements to maneuverability and stability in turbulent intensive environments.
Expression, purification, and structural characterization of the bacteriorhodopsin-aspartyl transcarbamylase fusion protein.

Abstract We are testing a strategy for creating three-dimensional crystals of integral membrane proteins which involves the addition of a large soluble domain to the membrane protein to provide crystallization contacts. As a test of this strategy we designed a fusion between the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and the catalytic subunit of aspartyl transcarbamylase from Escherichia coli. The fusion protein (designated BRAT) was initially expressed in E. coli at 51 mg/liter of culture, to yield active aspartyl transcarbamylase and an unfolded bacterio-opsin (BO) component. In Halobacterium salinarum, BRAT was expressed at a yield of 7 mg/liter of culture and formed a high-density purple membrane. The visible absorption properties of BRAT were indistinguishable from those of BR, demonstrating that the fusion with aspartyl transcarbamylase had no effect on BR structure. Electron microscopy of BRAT membrane sheets showed that the fusion protein was trimeric and organized in a two-dimensional crystalline lattice similar to that in the BR purple membrane. Following solubilization and size-exclusion purification in sodium dodecyl sulfate, the BO portion of the fusion was quantitatively refolded in tetradecyl maltoside (TDM). Ultracentrifugation demonstrated that BR and BRAT–TDM mixed micelles had molecular masses of 138 and 162 kDa, respectively, with a stoichiometry of one protein per micelle. High TDM concentrations (>20 mM) were required to maintain BRAT solubility, hindering three-dimensional crystallization trials. We have demonstrated that BR can functionally accommodate massive C-terminal fusions and that these fusions may be expressed in quantities required for structural investigation in H. salinarum.
Molecular Simulation of Pulse Heating in Nano-Heater Array and the Effect on Meniscus Evaporation

Evaporation of a nanoscale meniscus on a nano-heater array surface via pulsed heating is simulated using molecular dynamics. The nano-heaters, each of width 2.56 nm, are evenly spaced on the 28.22 nm wide surface. The temperature of the nano-heaters is increased for a short time period in regular intervals to mimic pulse heating. The simulation results show that the non-evaporating film breaks during the early stages of evaporation due to the pulse heating (unlike a previous simulation performed in absence of pulse heating where non-evaporating film forms). Thus, heat transfer rates can be significantly increased during bubble nucleation and growth by using nano-heater arrays with pulsed heating as it breaks the formation of non-evaporating film allowing the surrounding cooler liquid to come in contact with the surface enhancing heat transfer.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Vertical integration and profitability in the oil industry

Abstract Several economists have argued that considerations of efficiency in production and transactions favor vertical integration in the oil industry. Others maintain the vertical integration enhances market power. To simultaneously test the implications of both arguments, data are assembled on the structure and performance of a sample of the large U.S. in companies over a twenty five year period. No support is found for the hypothesis that profit rates are increased by the degree of vertical integration between crude oil production and refining, but there is weak evidence that the variability of profits is reduced. The paper goes on to examine evolutionary evidence, concluding that the present pattern of vertical integration was largely shaped by adaptations to unique circumstances during historical periods when vertical integration was temporarily favored on efficiency grounds.
Implementing Official Dollarization

This paper identifies key aspects that countries willing to officially dollarize must necessarily address. Based on country experiences, it discusses the critical institutional bases that are necessary to unilaterally introduce a new legal tender, describes the relevant operational issues to smooth the transition toward the use of the new currency, and identifies key structural reforms that are necessary to favor the sustainability over time of this monetary regime. The paper is aimed at providing preliminary guidance to policy makers and practitioners adopting official dollarization. The paper does not take a position on how appropriate this monetary arrangement is. Experiences from adopting dollarization in Ecuador, El Salvador, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Timor-Leste are illustrated briefly.
Data/knowledge packets as a means of supporting semantic heterogeneity in multidatabase systems

Semantic heterogeneiry in heterogeneous autonomous databases poses problems in instance matches, units conversion (value interpretation), contextual and structural mismatches, etc. In this work we examine some of the research issues in semantic heterogeniety and propose a novel architecture for resolving such problems. The approach involves the use of Artifical Intelligence tools and techniques to construct “domain models,” that is data and knowledge representations of the constituent databases and an overall domain model of the semantic interactions among the databases. These domain models are represented as knowledge sources (KSs) in a blackboard architecture. This architecture lends itself to an opportunistic approach to query processing and goal-directed problem solving. We introduce the notion of Data/Knowledge Packets as a means of supporting both operational and structural semantic heterogeneity.
Prepops cruciferus (Heteroptera: Miridae): A Neotropical Plant Bug Newly Discovered in the United States: Taxonomic Notes, Host Plants, and Distribution

The Neotropical plant bug, Prepops cruciferus (Berg), is reported for the first time in the United States, based on specimens collected in Florida. This species, originally described from Argentina, is known from eight South American countries and Grenada; new records include Ecuador, Panama, and the United States. Lopus militaris Uhler, described from Grenada, is considered a junior synonym. Host plants and distribution are discussed, a lectotype is designated for L. militaris , and diagnostic characters are provided to help distinguish this species from other mirids in the United States.
Ultrastructural Localization of in Vivo Bound Immunoglobulins in Bullous Pemphigoid—A Preliminary Report

The ultrastructural location of in vivo bound immunoglobulins in a case of bullous pemphigoid was determined by coupling peroxidase to antihuman gamma globulin. Immunoglobulin deposits were found exclusively in the space between the basal cells and the basal lamina. The location of the immunoglobulin in bullous pemphigoid thus differs from that in lupus erythematosus where immunoglobulins are found mainly below the basal lamina.
Interface states generated by the injection of electrons and holes into SiO2

Mechanisms by which electrons and holes injected into the SiO2 of metal-oxide-semiconductor structures produce defects at the SiSiO2 interface are discussed. Both carrier types cause damage, but holes are much more efficient in most oxides. The damage caused by electrons appears immediately, while that caused by holes may take hours or days to become apparent.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE HOME PLANET

. Earth is the home planet, right for life. But rights, a notable political category, is, unfortunately, a biologically awkward word. Humans, nonetheless, have rights to a natural environment with integrity. Humans have responsibilities to respect values in fauna and flora. Appropriate survival units include species populations and ecosystems. Increasingly the ultimate survival unit isglobal; and humans have a responsibility to the planet Earth. Human political systems are not well suited to protect life atglobal ranges. National boundaries ignore important ecologicalprocesses; national policies do not favor an equitable distribution of sustainable resources. But there are signs of hope.
Derivation of a size-independent variable for scaling of cardiac dimensions in a normal adult population.

Objective Most current methods for normalizing cardiac dimensions for differences in body size assume a linear isometric relationship between variables. This approach may be flawed. We therefore compared the isometric and allometric modeling approach to assess the optimal scaling method (using the left atrial dimension [LAD] as an example) in a large group of adults with normal echocardiograms. Methods We studied 15,667 consecutive echocardiographically normal adults. Their mean age was 40 ± 14 years; LAD was 32 ± 4 mm; body weight (BW) was 72 ± 17 kg; height (HT) was 1.7 ± 0.2 m; body surface area (BSA) was 1.8 ± 0.2 m 2 ; and body mass index was 25 ± 6 kg/m 2 . The LAD in the anterior–posterior dimension was indexed by each size variable using both isometric and allometric methods. Results LAD correlated with all size variables ( r = 0.20 to r = 0.45). Simple isometric indices (e.g., LAD/BSA), rather than removing, actually increased the correlation with all body size variables ( r = −0.27 to −0.80). Normalization by the optimal allometric exponent (BW = 0.262; HT=0.428; BSA=0.449; body mass index=0.266) eliminated the association of the indexed variable with body size. Indexation by BW best removed the influence of all measures of body size. The proportion of variance of LAD explained by BW was 21.4% compared with only 3.9% for HT. There were minor, but statistically significant, age-, gender-, and obesity-related differences in the indexed left atrial size (e.g., optimal allometric exponent for BW in male patients=0.257 vs. in female patients=0.253). Conclusion The standard isometric corrections for body size fail to adequately account for the associations between LAD and body size, and in fact increase the relationship of the indexed parameter to all body size measures. Normalization using the optimal allometric exponent removes the effect of that variable, with BW best removing the effect of body size.
Comment on Harvey Jacobs' “Social conflict over property rights: the end, a new beginning, or a continuing debate?”

Jacobs draws on history, law, politics, and policy to examine the development and response of the private property movement and the social conflict over property rights and public planning. This comment suggests that the debate be broadened beyond the advocates of property rights and planning to include the interests of other members of the community, including minority and low-income households who are often affected by the outcomes. Otherwise, property will continue to be used to exclude people from democracy, rather than include them.
Mapping Academic Library Contributions to Campus Internationalization.

This study surveyed academic libraries across the United States to establish baseline data on their contributions to campus internationalization. Supplementing data from the American Council on Education (ACE) on internationalization of higher education, this research measured the level of international activities taking place in academic libraries and their role in campus internationalization efforts. The results of this study indicated that responding libraries contribute broadly to campus internationalizing efforts yet trail campuses in strategic planning and organizational support. Based on analysis of the results in comparison with ACE data, the authors provide suggestions for further library initiatives and research that focuses on international and global learning activities.