cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into Catalytic and tRNA Recognition Mechanism of the Dual-Specific tRNA Methyltransferase from Thermococcus kodakarensis

The tRNA methyltransferase Trm10, conserved throughout Eukarya and Archaea, catalyzes N1-methylation of purine residues at position 9 using S-adenosyl methionine as the methyl donor. The Trm10 family exhibits diverse target nucleotide specificity, with some homologs that are obligate m¹G₉ or m¹A₉-specific enzymes, while others are bifunctional enzymes catalyzing both m¹G₉ and m¹A₉. This variability is particularly intriguing given different chemical properties of the target N1 atom of guanine and adenine. Here we performed an extensive kinetic and mutational analysis of the m¹G₉ and m¹A₉-catalyzing Trm10 from Thermococcus kodakarensis to gain insight into the active site that facilitates this unique bifunctionality. These results suggest that the rate-determining step for catalysis likely involves a conformational change to correctly position the substrate tRNA in the active site. In this model, kinetic preferences for certain tRNA can be explained by variations in the overall stability of the folded substrate tRNA, consistent with tRNA-specific differences in metal ion dependence. Together, these results provide new insight into the substrate recognition, active site and catalytic mechanism of m¹G/m¹A catalyzing bifunctional enzymes.
Influence of Green Leafy Vegetables in Diets with an Elevated ω-6:ω-3 Fatty Acid Ratio on Rat Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipids, Antioxidant Status and Markers of Inflammation

The typical Western dietary pattern has an elevated ω-6:ω-3 fatty acid ratio (FAR), which may exacerbate the risk of chronic disease. Conversely, the consumption of diets containing green leafy vegetables (GLVs) have been demonstrated to attenuate disease risk. This study investigated the effects of collard greens (CG), purslane (PL) and orange flesh sweetpotato greens (SPG) on measures of disease risk in rats fed diets with a 25:1 ω-6:ω-3 FAR. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were randomly assigned to four dietary groups (n = 10/group) with a 25:1 ω-6:ω-3 FAR. Experimental diets contained 4% (dried weight) CG, PL or SPG. Dietary intake, body weight, blood pressure, plasma adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity and lipid profile were determined using standardized procedures. Following a 6-week consumption period, systolic blood pressure, plasma adiponectin, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased following the consumption of diets containing GLVs. While hsCRP increased in SHRs fed diets containing CG and PL, plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with the consumption of diets containing the GLVs. These findings suggest that CG, PL and SPG have the potential to decrease risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with the consumption of diets with an elevated ω-6:ω-3 FAR.
Predictive Utility of Prior Negative Urine Cultures in Women with Suspected Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Purpose:Guidelines recommend treating women who have symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection with antimicrobials without performing a urine culture. However, 10% to 50% of women with u...
Collaborative Online Writing Assignments to Foster Active Learning

To help students master the content of a neurophysiology course, they were asked to participate in collaborative writing projects. In the first two years, students contributed to a class wiki by summarizing one lecture and editing summaries of several others. In the second two years, students worked in teams of three or four to write a series of illustrated chapters spanning the entire semester. The second assignment kept students more engaged than the wiki project, and although they found it a significant amount of work, they also believed that it helped them learn the subject matter. Working in teams, however, was not always a happy experience.
Practical method for in-place density measurement of cold in-place recycling mixtures

Abstract Cold in-place recycling (CIR) has been used for the past two decades as an effective rehabilitation technique for deteriorated asphalt concrete (AC) pavements. The CIR process consists of milling the top portion of the deteriorated AC layer, mix the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) with asphalt emulsion and additive such as lime or portland cement, and compact. The generated CIR layer serves as a good base under the new AC overlay. The most critical property of the CIR layer is its excellent resistance to reflective cracking which makes it a highly effective rehabilitation treatment for cracked AC pavements. Other rehabilitation alternatives such as straight AC overlay would suffer from reflective cracking at the rate of 25 mm per service year. There are five parts of the CIR process; 1) milling, 2) mixing, 3) laydown, 4) compaction, and 5) overlay. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been well established while part 4 is still requires major improvements. Up to this date, the measurement of the in-place density of the compacted CIR layer is un-achievable. In the case of the AC layer, the in-place density during compaction is measured through a nuclear density gauge that has been calibrated against cores cut from the compacted mat. The application of the same process for the CIR layer faces major limitations: a) in-ability of the nuclear gauge to measure density due to excess water and b) cores cannot be cut from the CIR mat until the 14 days curing has occurred. This paper describes a new method to measure the in-place density of the CIR layer during the compaction process. The new method uses the Sand Cone apparatus to measure the bulk density of the compacted CIR layer. The proposed method has been validated through laboratory testing and field evaluation.
Not All Nonverbal Tasks Are Equally Nonverbal: Comparing Two Tasks in Bilingual Kindergartners With and Without Developmental Language Disorder

Purpose This study investigates the interaction of language ability status, cultural experience, and nonverbal cognitive skill performance in Spanish–English bilinguals with typical development (TD...
Electronic speckle pattern interferometry: A powerful but underutilized experimental technique

Electronic speckle pattern interferometry is a cost effective technique for imaging the deflection shapes of harmonically vibrating objects. The images produced by the interferometer show the vibrating object superimposed with fringes representing contours of equal out of plane amplitude. These images can be used to determine deflection shapes, find and characterize resonances, and ensure the proper placement of sensors. Constructing the interferometer requires only minimal optical expertise, and with slight modifications the interferometer can be made to image static displacement, transient vibrations, fluid flow and thermal effects.Electronic speckle pattern interferometry is a cost effective technique for imaging the deflection shapes of harmonically vibrating objects. The images produced by the interferometer show the vibrating object superimposed with fringes representing contours of equal out of plane amplitude. These images can be used to determine deflection shapes, find and characterize resonances, and ensure the proper placement of sensors. Constructing the interferometer requires only minimal optical expertise, and with slight modifications the interferometer can be made to image static displacement, transient vibrations, fluid flow and thermal effects.
Feedback-controlled photolytic gas phase nitric oxide delivery from S-nitrosothiol-doped silicone rubber films.

Abstract Constant therapeutic gas phase nitric oxide (NO) delivery is achieved from S-nitrosothiol (RSNO) type NO donor doped silicone rubber films using feedback-controlled photolysis. For photo-release of the NO gas, the intensity of the LED light source is controlled via a PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller implemented on a microcontroller. The NO concentration within the emitted gas phase is monitored continuously with a commercial amperometric NO gas sensor. NO release was accurately adjustable up to 10 ppm across a broad range of setpoints with response times of roughly 1 min or less. When NO is generated into an air recipient stream, lower NO yields and a comparable level of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) formation is observed. However, NO gas generated into an N2 recipient gas stream can be blended into pure O2 with very low NO2 formation. Following scale-up, this technology could be used for point-of-care gas phase NO generation as an alternative for currently used gas cylinder technology for treatment of health conditions where inhaled NO is beneficial, such as pulmonary hypertension, hypoxemia, and cystic fibrosis.
Erste computergestützte juristische Lehrprogramme in Deutschland — Ansätze und Perspektiven

Das Interesse am computergestutzten juristischen Unterricht erwacht. Aus den USA und Grosbritannien ist manches bestechendes Programm bereits bekannt. Nun wird auch an deutschen Universitaten daran gedacht, den Computer fur die Lehre juristischer Dogmatik in traditionellen Rechtsgebieten einzusetzen.1 Die wichtigste Frage ist dabei, inwieweit und auf welchem Gebiet computergestutzte juristische Lehrprogramme herkommlichen Medien uberlegen sind (dazu 1)); ihre Beantwortung entscheidet uber den Sinn ihres Einsatzes in der Rechtslehre. Die m.E. wichtigste Chance und Starke computergestutzten juristischen Unterrichts mag dabei angesichts der Fertigstellung von einigen ersten Programmen fur die Ausbildung von Juristen im Bereich des Straf-und des Zivilrechts anhand von zwei Beispielen, die den m.E. didaktisch sinnvollsten Weg weisen, besonders unterstrichen werden: einem Programm zur Strukturierung von Fallen in der strafrechtlichen Klausur, einem anderen zum Fahrnissachenrecht (dazu 2).2
Viscostretch: A Novel Surgical Technique for Refractory Macular Holes:

Purpose:We present a novel technique of subretinal viscodissection for addressing refractory macular holes (MHs).Methods:A case report and surgical technique description are provided.Results:In thi...
Chapter 6 – Multiprocessor Software

This chapter covers software for multiprocessors. It considers scheduling algorithms for multiprocessors. It also covers middleware architectures for dynamic resource allocation in multiprocessors.
In Situ Formation of Polymeric Nanoassemblies Using an Efficient Reversible Click Reaction

Polymer-drug conjugates are promising as strategies for drug delivery, because of their high drug loading capacity and low premature release profile. However, the preparation of these conjugates is often tedious. In this paper, we report an efficient method for polymer-drug conjugates using an ultrafast and reversible click reaction in a post-polymerization functionalization strategy. The reaction is based on the rapid condensation of boronic acid functionalities with salicylhydroxamates. The polymer, bearing the latter functionality, has been designed such that the reaction with boronic acid bearing drugs induces an in situ self-assembly of the conjugates to form well-defined nanostructures. We show that this method is not only applicable for molecules with an intrinsic boronic acid group, but also for the other molecules that can be linked to aryl boronic acids through a self-immolative linker. The linker has been designed to cause traceless release of the attached drug molecules, the efficiency of which has been demonstrated through intracellular delivery.
"Bial’s Test, A Simple Method for Formaldehyde Detection"

Current high-fidelity formaldehyde detection in waterbased samples requires chemical derivatization followed by ion chromatography or liquid chromatography [1-3]. These methods are labor intensive and require expensive instrumentation. Here, we propose an additional method for detecting and quantifying aqueous formaldehyde that is based on Bial’s test and simple photometric equipment. Our approach also allows for a convenient qualitative color test that is applicable to samples with high formaldehyde concentrations. The foundation of our method was developed by Bial in the form of a colorimetric test for identifying pentose sugars in the urine of patients with pentosuria [4]. Bial’s solution consist of orcinol, hydrochloric acid, and iron (III) chloride [4]. The concentrations of the components vary from study to study and some authors have substituted hydrochloric acid with ethanol [5] When heated with pentose sugars, Bial’s solution reacts to form furfurals and changes color from a light pale yellow to blue or green [6].
Exceptionally High Gravimetric Methane Storage in Aerogel-Derived Carbons

Storage of natural gas in highly porous materials provides a safer and more energy-efficient solution to energy-intensive compression and liquefaction options for advancing natural gas vehicular sy...
Consistent community detection in multi-relational data through restricted multi-layer stochastic blockmodel

In recent years there has been an increased interest in statistical analysis of data with multiple types of relations among a set of entities. Such multi-relational data can be represented as multi-layer graphs where the set of vertices represents the entities and multiple types of edges represent the different relations among them. For community detection in multi-layer graphs, we consider two random graph models, the multi-layer stochastic blockmodel (MLSBM) and a model with a restricted parameter space, the restricted multi-layer stochastic blockmodel (RMLSBM). We derive consistency results for community assignments from the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) in both models where MLSBM is assumed to be the true model, and either the number of nodes or the number of types of edges or both grow. We compare MLEs in the two models with other baseline approaches, such as separate modeling of layers, aggregating the layers and majority voting. In simulations RMLSBM is shown to have advantage over MLSBM when either the growth rate of the number of communities is high or the growth rate of the average degree of the component graphs in the multi-graph is low. We also derive minimax rates of error and thresholds for achieving consistency of community detection in both models, which are then used to compare the multi-layer models with a baseline model, the aggregate stochastic block model. The simulation studies and real data applications confirm the superior performance of the multi-layer approaches in comparison to the baseline procedures.
Extracellular CIRP activates STING to exacerbate hemorrhagic shock

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) activates TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) to produce type I IFNs. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) is released from cells during hemorrhagic shock (HS). We hypothesized that eCIRP activates STING to induce inflammation and acute lung injury (ALI) after HS. WT and STING-/- mice underwent controlled hemorrhage by bleeding, followed by fluid resuscitation. Blood and lungs were collected at 4 hours after resuscitation. Serum ALT, AST, LDH, IL-6, and IFN-β were significantly decreased in STING-/- mice compared with WT mice after HS. In STING-/- mice, the levels of pTBK1 and pIRF3, and expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNAs and proteins in the lungs, were significantly decreased compared with WT HS mice. The 10-day mortality rate in STING-/- mice was significantly reduced. I.v. injection of recombinant mouse CIRP (rmCIRP) in STING-/- mice showed a significant decrease in pTBK1 and pIRF3 and in IFN-α and IFN-β mRNAs and proteins in the lungs compared with rmCIRP-treated WT mice. Treatment of TLR4-/-, MyD88-/-, and TRIF-/- macrophages with rmCIRP significantly decreased pTBK1 and pIRF3 levels and IFN-α and IFN-β mRNAs and proteins compared with WT macrophages. HS increases eCIRP levels, which activate STING through TLR4/MyD88/TRIF pathways to exacerbate inflammation.
Biological Basis and Proposed Mechanism of Action of CSL112 (Apolipoprotein A-I [Human]) for Prevention of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients post Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Despite current standard of care treatment, the period shortly after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with particularly high residual cardiovascular (CV) risk, with high rates of recurrent AMI and CV death in the first 90 days following the index event. This represents an area of high unmet need which may be potentially addressed by the recent shift in focus away from raising levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), to ones that optimize HDL function. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein constituent of HDL and a key mediator of cholesterol efflux from macrophages within atherosclerotic plaque, a property which may convey therapeutic efficacy during the high-risk period. CSL112 is a novel formulation of human plasma-derived apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), reconstituted with phosphatidylcholine and stabilized with sucrose that is currently being evaluated in a phase 3 clinical trial (AEGIS-II) for the reduction of major adverse CV events (MACE) in the period of high-risk post AMI. Patients with diabetes mellitus are especially at high risk of recurrent MI, and are an enriched patient population in the AEGIS-II study. In this presentation, we provide an overview of the biological properties of CSL112 that contribute to its proposed mechanism of action for reducing rates of MACE post AMI. These properties include rapid and robust promotion of cholesterol efflux from cells abundant in atherosclerotic plaque, in addition to anti-inflammatory effects, which together, may have a stabilizing effect on atherosclerotic plaque. We provide a detailed overview of these mechanisms, in addition to information on the composition of CSL112 and how it is manufactured.
Cnidarian Origins of the Myxozoa

Now that we have strong evidence for the phylogenetic placement of Myxozoa within the Cnidaria it is of great interest to explore their evolutionary history. In particular, what cnidarian features may have facilitated the transition to an endoparasitic lifestyle and can we identify a potential cnidarian sister group? In this chapter we summarise evidence for characters linking myxozoans to cnidarians and identify cnidarian traits that may have promoted endoparasitism including: their diploblastic condition, their capacity for regeneration, transdifferentiation, and dormancy, the production of novel propagative stages, cell-within-cell development, and asexual reproduction. Equating the basic cnidarian life cycle (benthic polyps and planktonic medusae) with the complex myxozoan life cycle is problematic because of great plasticity in cnidarian development, which can entail the loss of stages and associated transfer of function. The sexual phase of myxozoans involves the production of isogametes but divergent views on their subsequent fusion lead to questions about whether sexual reproduction involves selfing or outcrossing and if it may result in the development of multicellular chimaeras. The apical structures of myxozoan polar capsules closely resemble those of medusozoan but not those of anthozoan nematocysts, thus supporting a medusozoan affinity for Myxozoa.
The USPTO Patent Assignment Dataset: Descriptions and Analysis

Recorded patent assignments have been maintained by the USPTO for over 40 years but have not been extensively utilized by scholars. One explanation is that they have not been in a form amenable for use in research. To help remedy this deficiency and foster research in the area of intellectual property, the Office of Chief Economist of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is releasing a series of datasets in formats convenient for researchers. This paper describes the USPTO Patent Assignment Dataset, a database of roughly 6 million assignments and other transactions recorded during the 1970-2014 period and affecting about 10 million patents or patent applications. Since these data have not been commonly used, we provide a comprehensive description and present stylized facts to facilitate understanding and to motivate future research. Despite some limitations inherent in the data, release of the Patent Assignment Dataset opens multiple avenues for original research, particularly in the areas of intellectual property collateralization and the markets for technology and innovation.
Efficient Logistic Regression Designs Under an Imperfect Population Identifier

Motivated by actual study designs, this article considers efficient logistic regression designs where the population is identified with a binary test that is subject to diagnostic error. We consider the case where the imperfect test is obtained on all participants, while the gold standard test is measured on a small chosen subsample. Under maximum-likelihood estimation, we evaluate the optimal design in terms of sample selection as well as verification. We show that there may be substantial efficiency gains by choosing a small percentage of individuals who test negative on the imperfect test for inclusion in the sample (e.g., verifying 90% test-positive cases). We also show that a two-stage design may be a good practical alternative to a fixed design in some situations. Under optimal and nearly optimal designs, we compare maximum-likelihood and semi-parametric efficient estimators under correct and misspecified models with simulations. The methodology is illustrated with an analysis from a diabetes behavioral intervention trial.
Bulk magnetic hardening in Cu-added (SmCo/sub 5/)/sub 1-x/(Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 17/)/sub x/ cast alloys

Establishing a possible link between magnetic hardening in Sm(Co,Cu)/sub 5/ magnets and in the commercial "2:17" magnets was attempted. A series of ternary Sm-Co-Cu alloys with composition between Sm(Co,Cu)/sub 5/ and Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 17/ which contain different ratios of 1:5 and 2:17 phases were investigated and their magnetic properties and microstructure were studied. Single phase ternary [Sm(Co/sub 0.6/Cu/sub 0.4/)/sub 5/]/sub 1-x/(Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 17/)/sub x/ alloys were successfully homogenized at temperatures varying from 1050/spl deg/C to 1240/spl deg/C. The saturation magnetization and Curie temperature of the resulting disordered hexagonal structure increases while the coercivity decreases from 6.8 kOe to 0.7 kOe, with increasing x.
General Welfare or Welfare for the Poor Only

There is a rough rule of thumb by which we can detect which projects are designed to help the poor and which are not designed to help them. This rule of thumb is that if there is a means test, i.e., if the aid is so arranged that it cuts off at a reasonably low level, then it is designed to help the poor. If there is no such test, then it is not designed to help the poor, although it may, in fact, do so to some extent. This rule of thumb is undeniably rough, but it seems to fit the world fairly well. I have found, however, that the matter seems to be highly controversial, so I will explain in some detail why the switch from a means-tested program to a general aid program would, in all probability, hurt the poor.
Buthionine sulfoximine pretreatment potentiates the effect of isolated lung perfusion with doxorubicin

Background. Although surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for metastatic pulmonary sarcoma, 5-year survival approaches only 25%. Chemotherapy has been limited by tumor resistance and systemic toxicity. We assessed the efficacy of l-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, as a sensitizer for isolated lung perfusion. Methods. In experiment 1, sarcoma-bearing rats (n = 20) received either buthionine sulfoximine via intraperitoneal injection or Hespan. After the last injection, tumor glutathione levels were measured. In experiment 2, rats (n = 60) were injected with sarcoma intravenously. On day 6, animals were pretreated with either buthionine sulfoximine or Hespan intraperitoneally. On day 7, rats underwent isolated lung perfusion (Hespan or doxorubicin) or intravenous therapy (Hespan or doxorubicin). On day 14, tumor nodules were counted. Results. Buthionine sulfoximine effectively depleted tumor glutathione. Animals treated with intravenous therapy had no response to therapy, whereas those animals treated with doxorubicin isolated lung perfusion alone had a limited response. Buthionine-sulfoximine pretreatment in combination with doxorubicin isolated lung perfusion led to a 13-fold reduction in tumor nodules and 5 complete responses. Conclusions. Buthionine-sulfoximine pretreatment in combination with doxorubicin isolated lung perfusion is superior to intravenous doxorubicin and doxorubicin isolated lung perfusion alone for the treatment of metastatic pulmonary sarcoma.
Seasonal differences of gene expression profiles in song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) hypothalamus in relation to territorial aggression.

Background: Male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) are territorial year-round; however, neuroendocrine responses to simulated territorial intrusion (STI) differ between breeding (spring) and non-breeding seasons (autumn). In spring, exposure to STI leads to increases in luteinizing hormone and testosterone, but not in autumn. These observations suggest that there are fundamental differences in the mechanisms driving neuroendocrine responses to STI between seasons. Microarrays, spotted with EST cDNA clones of zebra finch, were used to explore gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus after territorial aggression in two different seasons. Methodology/Principal Findings: Free-living territorial male song sparrows were exposed to either conspecific or heterospecific (control) males in an STI in spring and autumn. Behavioral data were recorded, whole hypothalami were collected, and microarray hybridizations were performed. Quantitative PCR was performed for validation. Our results show 262 cDNAs were differentially expressed between spring and autumn in the control birds. There were 173 cDNAs significantly affected by STI in autumn; however, only 67 were significantly affected by STI in spring. There were 88 cDNAs that showed significant interactions in both season and STI. Conclusions/Significance: Results suggest that STI drives differential genomic responses in the hypothalamus in the spring vs. autumn. The number of cDNAs differentially expressed in relation to season was greater than in relation to social interactions, suggesting major underlying seasonal effects in the hypothalamus which may determine the differential response upon social interaction. Functional pathway analyses implicated genes that regulate thyroid hormone action and neuroplasticity as targets of this neuroendocrine regulation.
Diagnosing Single Faults in Fanout-Free Combinational Circuits

We show how to construct, in a simple manner, a test set having n + 1 tests for a fanout-free combinational circuit with n primary inputs which distinguishes (diagnoses) nonequivalent single faults. This result is an improvement over the upper bound in [1, Theorem 3.9] of n + g (g is the number of primary input gates) and the upper bound in [3, Theorem 4], [5] of 2n for the least number of tests required to distinguish among nonequivalent single faults.
The Psychiatric Emergency Research Collaboration-01: methods and results.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Psychiatric Emergency Research Collaboration (PERC), the methods used to create a structured chart review tool and the results of our multicenter study. METHOD: Members of the PERC Steering Committee created a structured chart review tool designed to provide a comprehensive picture of the assessment and management of psychiatric emergency patients. Ten primary indicators were chosen based on the Steering Committee's professional experience, the published literature and existing consensus panel guidelines. Eight emergency departments completed data abstraction of 50 randomly selected emergency psychiatric patients, with seven providing data from two independent raters. Inter-rater reliability (Kappas) and descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: Four hundred patient charts were abstracted. Initial concordance between raters was variable, with some sites achieving high agreement and others not. Reconciliation of discordant ratings through re-review of the original source documentation was necessary for four of the sites. Two hundred eighty-five (71%) subjects had some form of laboratory test performed, including 212 (53%) who had urine toxicology screening and 163 (41%) who had blood alcohol levels drawn. Agitation was present in 220 (52%), with 98 (25%) receiving a medication to reduce agitation and 22 (6%) being physically restrained. Self-harm ideation was present in 226 (55%), while other-harm ideation was present in 82 (20%). One hundred seventy-nine (45%) were admitted to an inpatient or observation unit. CONCLUSION: Creating a common standard for documenting, abstracting and reporting on the nature and management of psychiatric emergencies is feasible across a wide range of health care institutions. Language: en
Private standards in the climate regime: The greenhouse gas protocol

This paper seeks to explain the success of two NGOs in creating standards for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the level of an entire company. These emissions accounting standards, called the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, have been widely adopted by multinational firms, emissions reporting registries, and even an emissions trading scheme. The paper traces the widespread adoption of the standards, and then offers an explanation for this successful instance of private regulation. It presents a supply and demand model of private entrepreneurial authority—where private actors project authority without delegation by states. The two NGOs were successful rule-makers because they were able meet a demand for three benefits to potential users of the standard: reduced transaction costs, first-mover advantage, and an opportunity to burnish their reputation as environmental leaders. The paper also explains the supply of private authority—that is, why we see entrepreneurial authority rather than delegation by states. The disagreement among developed countries on the appropriate role for emissions trading in the climate regime delayed action on developing firm-level accounting methodologies. Moreover, the relative weakness of the focal institution in the climate regime—the climate change Secretariat—meant that there was no obvious international organization to take up the task of creating new measurement tools.
Peer Influence and Drug Use among Adolescents in Rural Areas

A sample of 1,004 eighth and tenth grade students in twenty-three small Central/East Texas communities was assessed to determine 1) their perception of the number of their friends who use drugs, 2) the amount of information they received about drugs from their friends, and 3) the connection between those perceptions and drug use. A multiple regression model which included grade, gender, the degree to which friends are perceived to use drugs and the amount of information about drugs received from friends explained 39 percent of the variance in the degree to which rural adolescents were involved in drug use. An item specific analysis of the subcomponents of these composite variables explained 44 percent of the variance in the degree to which rural adolescents were involved in drug use. This same four-factor model accurately classified over 81 percent of non-drug-users and 67 percent of users using discriminant analysis. Students who perceived a higher degree of drug use among their friends and who received ...
The genetic basis for skeletal diseases

We walk, run, work and play, paying little attention to our bones, their joints and their muscle connections, because the system works. Evolution has refined robust genetic mechanisms for skeletal development and growth that are able to direct the formation of a complex, yet wonderfully adaptable organ system. How is it done? Recent studies of rare genetic diseases have identified many of the critical transcription factors and signalling pathways specifying the normal development of bones, confirming the wisdom of William Harvey when he said: "nature is nowhere accustomed more openly to display her secret mysteries than in cases where she shows traces of her workings apart from the beaten path".
Infrared metamaterial hologram

We designed, fabricated, and characterized an infrared metamaterial hologram. The hologram correctly reproduces the design image. This work demonstrates that metamaterials can be used to fabricate devices with arbitrary 2D refractive index profiles.
Near-infrared spectral reflectance of mineral mixtures - Systematic combinations of pyroxenes, olivine, and iron oxides

Near-infrared spectral reflectance data are presented for systematic variations in weight percent of two component mixtures of ferromagnesium and iron oxide minerals used to study the dark materials on Mars. Olivine spectral features are greatly reduced in contrast by admixture of other phases but remain distinctive even for low olivine contents. Clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene mixtures show resolved pyroxene absorptions near 2 microns. Limonite greatly modifies pyroxene and olivine reflectance, but does not fully eliminate distinctive spectral characteristics. Using only spectral data in the 1 micron region, it is difficult to differentiate orthopyroxene and limonite in a mixture. All composite mineral absorptions were either weaker than or intermediate in strength to the end-member absorptions and have bandwidths greater than or equal to those for the end members. In general, spectral properties in an intimate mixture combine in a complex, nonadditive manner, with features demonstrating a regular but usually nonlinear variation as a function of end-member phase proportions.
Inverted-Gate GaAs Mesfet Characteristics

A non-coplanar MESFET, in which the gate is located at the bottom of the active layer, is studied. Its characteristics are simulated using an accurate two dimensional computer model which takes into account the non-stationary conditons associated with submicron-gate GaAs MESFET's. The potentially interesting characteristics of this device are compared with those of a coplanar structure having the same parameters.
Erratum to “Predicting losses of residential structures in the state of Florida by the public hurricane loss evaluation model” [Stat. Methodol. 7 (2010) 552–573]

a Department of Finance, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA b Department of Statistics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA c NOAA Hurricane Research Division, Miami, FL, USA d CIMAS, Rosenstiel School/University of Miami, USA e Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA f Department of Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA g Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL 32611, USA h School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
Synthesis and X-ray single crystal structure analysis of an inorganic nucleoside analog

Abstract The inorganic nucleoside analog [Boc-aeg{Cu(pda)py-Ac}-OMe] (3) is prepared and fully characterized. The X-ray single crystal analysis reveals that 3 assembles by apical Cu–O bonds into a coordination polymer, with short Cu–Cu distances of 5.32 and 5.78 A. The solid state structure of 3 is in accordance with an isotactic structural model for charge neutral inorganic nucleic acids analogs. Aeg = (2-aminoethyl)glycine, py-Ac = 4-acetyl pyridine, pda = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid.
Black Families in Therapy: A Multisystems Approach

I. Black Afro-American Families: The Cultural Context. Black Afro-American Families in Therapy: An Overview. Racism, Racial Identification, and Skin Color Issues. Black Extended Family Patterns and Informal Adoptions. Role Flexibility and Boundary Confusion in Black Families. Religion, Spirituality, and Black Afro-American Families. II. Major Treatment Theories, Issues, and Interventions. Therapist's Use of Self and Value Conflicts with Black Families. Major Family Therapy Approaches and Their Relevance to the Treatment of Black Families. Application of the Multisystems Approach to the Treatment of Poor, Black Families. Case Example. III. Specific Familial Structures and Interventions. Single-Parent Black Families. Black Middle-Class Families in Therapy. Issues in the Treatment of Black Couples. IV. Implications for Training and Future Research.Implications for Training. Conclusion.
Weak P-subsets of Stone spaces

Abstract Let A , B be complete Boolean algebras of size c , and let st ( A ), st ( B ) be their Stone spaces. We describe conditions which imply that st ( A ) is homeomorphic to a weak P-subset of st ( B ) .
Design and technoeconomic performance analysis of a 1MW solid oxide fuel cell polygeneration system for combined production of heat, hydrogen, and power

Abstract This work focuses on the design and performance estimation of a methane-fueled, 1 MW SOFC combined heat, hydrogen, and power (CHHP) system operating at steady-state. Two methods of hydrogen purification and recovery from the SOFC tail-gas are analyzed: pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and electrochemical hydrogen separation (EHS). The SOFC electrical efficiency at rated power is estimated at 48.8% (LHV) and the overall CHHP efficiency is 85.2% (LHV) for the EHS design concept. The EHS energy requirement of 2.7 kWh kg−1 H2 is found to be about three times lower than PSA in this system. Operating the system to produce additional hydrogen by flowing excess methane into the SOFC subsystem results in increased efficiency for both of the hydrogen separation design concepts. An economic analysis indicates that the expected cost of SOFC-based distributed hydrogen production (4.4 $ kg−1) is on par with other distributed hydrogen production technologies, such as natural gas reforming, electrolysis, and molten carbonate fuel cell CHHP systems. The study illustrates that ‘spark spreads’ (cost of electricity in ¢ kWh−1 minus cost of natural gas in $ MMBtu−1) of five or more offer near-zero or negative hydrogen production costs for distributed SOFC CHHP plants with total installed capital costs near 3950 $ kW.
Logical Consistency of Personal Constructs and Choice Behavior

Personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955) suggests behavior is shaped by the constructs the person uses to interpret events. The choice of one. behavior over another depends on prediaions generated chrough these constructs. Warren (1964) suggested illogical constructs interrupt decision making by precipitating conflicting predictions. Chambers (1983)' showed a grid measure of logical consistency is sensitive to contradictions, conflicting personal constructs, and neurotic behavior. In the present study the same grid was used to study voting behavior. It was predicted that subjects who were undecided in their preference for Mondale vs Reagan would also be less logical in their views of presidential candidates. This prediction arises from the assumption that illogical consuucrs contribute to indecisiveness. Subjects were 93 undergraduates, 59 women and 34 men with an average age of 21.65 yr., as most were working their way through college. They were tested in the time ktween the first and third 1984 presidential debates. Subjects completed an 8 by 8 coordinate grid (Chambers, 1983) containing the following figures: Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Mondale, and the Ideal President. Subjects also indicated their preferred candidate or declared themselves undecided. Logic scores were derived by asking subjects to rank the figures to each other by similarity. Correlations derived from these ranks were, in turn, ranked by row. The original ranks were subtracted from these ranked correlations. Inconsistency equaled the sum of the absolute values of these differences. Mean inconsistency for the decided group was 37.55 (SD = 13.97, n = 77) and 50.87 (SD = 12.94, n = 16) for the undecided group. Means differed in the predicted direction significantly (tm = 3.47, p < ,001). Results suggest the undecided subjects were less logical in their constructions. This suggests consistency plays a part in decision making bur does not demonstrate inconsistency is necessary or sufficient for interruption of choice behavior. Considering Kelly's (1955) emphasis on choice behavior in shaping personality, this area warrants further research.
Analysis of styrene oxide-globin adducts based upon reaction with Raney nickel.

A new method has been developed for determination of styrene oxide-globin adducts. The technique takes advantage of the reaction between alkylated globin and Raney nickel, which cleaves the carbon-sulfur bond in the styrene oxide-cysteine adduct to form 1-phenylethanol (1-PE) and 2-phenylethanol (2-PE). These alcohols are then reacted with pentafluorobenzoyl chloride and analyzed by GC-ECD. The method appears useful for biological monitoring of individuals exposed to styrene and, potentially, to other chemicals or their electrophilic metabolites which can react with cysteine residues in available proteins. The detection limit of the method, which is 0.04 nmol adducts/sample, indicates that it should be possible to detect adducts in the blood of people who are occupationally exposed to at least 18 mg/m3 of styrene. Analysis of globin from human whole blood which had been modified with [14C]styrene oxide indicated that 6% of the total globin adducts were detected. The method was applied to human and rat blood which had been treated with styrene oxide in vitro and to blood from rats given a single i.p. dose of styrene in vivo. Results from these experiments indicate that 77 times more adducts were detected at a given dose from rat globin than from human globin and that only 0.015% of the styrene dose was bioavailable as styrene oxide in the blood of rats. The reaction with Raney nickel is conducted at 5 degrees C to minimize unfavorable side reactions, such as degradation of 1- and 2-PE and conversion of styrene glycol to 1- and 2-PE. The optimal amount of Raney nickel was found to be 5-6 g/g globin. Since the recovery of 1-PE was not reproducible, only 2-PE is used for quantitation.
Effect of Glenoid Implant Orientation and Depth on Potential Cement Failure in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using Finite Element Analysis

One of the most common complications of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is glenoid component loosening due to implant-cement fixation failure. High cement stresses resulting in fracture are believed to result from malpositioning the glenoid implant [1]. Ideal glenoid preparation and placement, however, are not always achievable due to significant anatomical alterations caused by arthritis resulting in posterior glenoid erosion and increased glenoid retroversion. To our knowledge, prior research has not compared the effects of insufficient reaming depth and incomplete version correction on the likelihood of cement mantle failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the degree of correction of the glenoid vault affects cement mantle stress and potential cement failure.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Effect of Sleep on Bioavailability of Tetracycline

The effect of sleep on the bioavailability of tetracycline was studied using 250-mg tetracycline hydrochloride capsules from two commercial sources. One capsule of each brand was given to each of 12 healthy volunteers on two separate occasions. On one occasion, the subject ingested the drug upon arising in the morning and remained ambulatory (ambulatory trial). On the other, the subject awakened during the night, ingested the capsule, and resumed sleep (sleep trial). Bioavailability was assessed from the cumulative amount of drug excreted in the urine during the 96 hr following drug intake. While there was no significant difference in the bioavailability of one brand between the ambulatory and sleep trials, the bioavailability of the other decreased an average 27% (p < 0.01) in the sleep trial. Also, the difference between the bioavailability of the two preparations was not discernible in ambulatory subjects, but it was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the sleep trial. The impaired bioavailability appears to result from decreased dissolution of one brand in the high gastric pH occurring at night. These findings raise questions as to the predictability of bioavailability studies in ambulatory subjects relative to the actual use of drug products, which are frequently administered during conditions of bed rest or sleep.
Smoothness of the costate and the target in the time and norm optimal problems

We show that, in the setting of general semigroups there is in general no relation between smoothness of the target and smoothness of the costate for time and norm optimal controls. However, there exist relations in particular cases, such as self adjoint and unitary semigroups. †Dedicated to Prof. N.U. Ahmed on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Nonlinear modeling of drop size distributions produced by pressure-swirl atomizers

Abstract An axisymmetric boundary element method (BEM) has been developed to simulate atomization processes in a pressure-swirl atomizer. Annular ligaments are pinched from the parent sheet and presumed to breakup via the linear stability model due to Ponstein. Corrections to Ponstein’s result are used to predict satellite droplet sizes formed during this process. The implementation provides a first-principles capability to simulate drop size distributions for low viscosity fluids. Results show reasonable agreement with measured droplet size distributions and the predicted SMD is 30–40% smaller than experiment. The model predicts a large number of very small droplets that cannot typically be resolved in an experimental observation of the spray. A quasi-3-D spray visualization is presented by tracking droplets in a Lagrangian fashion from their formation point within the ring-shaped ligaments. A complete simulation is provided for a case generating over 80,000 drops.
Structural and spectral studies of N-(2-pyridyl)-N′-(4-substituted phenyl)thioureas

Abstract The following molecules were found to have intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the N′H and the pyridine nitrogen and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the NH and a thione sulfur of a second molecule to form dimers: N-(2-pyridyl)-N′-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiourea, PyTu4OMe, triclinic, P-1, a=7.158(4), b=8.742(3), c=10.833(4) A , α=70.53(3), β=74.38(3), γ=73.97(4)°, V=635.5(5) A 3 and Z=2; N-(2-pyridyl)-N′-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea, PyTu4NO2, monoclinic, P21/c, a=11.670(1), b=5.9225(9), c=18.792(4) A , β=107.99(1)°, V=1244.8(7) A 3 and Z=4; N-(2-pyridyl)-N′-(4-chlorophenyl)thiourea, PyTu4Cl, triclinic, P-1, a=9.939(3), b=11.399(4), c=12.264(5) A , α=65.50(4), β=87.46(3), γ=76.63(3)°, V=1228.1(7) A 3 and Z=4 and N-(2-pyridyl)-N′-(4-bromophenyl)thiourea, PyTu4Br, triclinic, P-1, a=10.020(2), b=11.444(2), c=12.353(5) A , α=64.76(2), β=87.61(3), γ=77.88(2)°, V=1250.8(7) A 3 and Z=4. The methoxy and nitro moieties of PyTu4OMe and PyTu4NO2 also interact with N′H, and there is a weak intermolecular interaction between one of the pyridine hydrogen atoms and the thione sulfur in PyTu4Br. Solution 1H NMR spectral studies (DMSO-d6) show the N′H resonance considerably downfield for each thiourea and its chemical shift, as well as that of NH, is affected by substituents on the phenyl ring.